Ever wondered what happens when you mix high fashion, premium bourbon, and fighting cancer? The Suits and Sneakers charity event delivers a uniquely exhilarating experience that's changing the fundraising landscape in Northwest Arkansas.

This fifth annual celebration, scheduled for Friday, October 17th at the Fayetteville Town Center, brings together bourbon enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and philanthropists for an unforgettable night of giving. As Lisa Bores of Sazerac and Catherine Tapp from the American Cancer Society share with the B-Team crew, this year's theme, "Cheers to Five Years", promises a birthday party atmosphere on a grand scale, complete with new surprises that build on the event's stellar reputation.

Bourbon takes center stage thanks to Sazerac's exceptional offerings. This year's whiskey pool allows attendees to enjoy unlimited pours of allocated bourbon throughout the evening, take home a commemorative glass, and receive a surprise bottle, all for a $100 contribution. The signature auction will feature an exclusive Eagle Rare barrel experience, following last year's Buffalo Trace barrel that raised an impressive $30,000.

What truly sets Suits and Sneakers apart is its fashion component. "Sneaker police" roam the event, issuing "citations" to guests with exceptional footwear, directing them to a sneaker stage for recognition. Categories include most innovative, most spirited, and most sparkly, with winners receiving coveted prizes. The event has even spawned a thriving custom sneaker industry in Northwest Arkansas, with artists creating one-of-a-kind designs specifically for the occasion.

Beyond the bourbon and fashion, entertainment abounds with a human slot machine featuring Buzz Balls, a fashion show showcasing cancer survivors alongside athletes, and Buffalo Trace root beer floats during the dance party. All proceeds support the American Cancer Society's critical mission of funding cancer research and providing essential services like transportation and lodging for patients.

Don't miss your chance to participate in this extraordinary event where doing good feels this good. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at suitsandsneakersAR.com. Secure yours before they're gone!

A treasure hunt doesn't always require a map; sometimes, the greatest discoveries are hiding in plain sight on your local liquor store shelves. Alcoholic beverage expert Russ Kempton returns to the B-Team Podcast to guide Josh, Matt, and guest host Jim Corbett through a Bottled-in-Bond tasting that challenges perceptions and proves quality doesn't always correlate with price or scarcity.

The journey begins with a fascinating history lesson on the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a groundbreaking consumer protection measure championed by Colonel E.H. Taylor to combat dangerous distilling practices. This legislation established strict quality standards requiring to be the product of one distilling season, aged at least four years under government supervision, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and produced at a single distillery – creating what Russ calls "a brand of authenticity."

From the polarizing yet historically significant Mellow Corn ($15) to the surprisingly complex J.T.S. Brown ($20) and the leather-forward Old Grand Dad ($20), the team discovers remarkable quality in bottles many bourbon enthusiasts ignore while hunting allocated products. The tasting peaks with Old Pepper Bottled-in-Bond, drawing comparisons to much pricier options, and a rare Angel's Envy Bottled-in-Bond distillery exclusive that showcases rich wood tannins and exemplifies how distilleries test potential new expressions.

Throughout the discussion, Russ emphasizes the importance of evaluating spirits objectively: "You never taste with your heart." This reminder that perception often influences enjoyment more than actual quality resonates as the bourbon boom moderates and previously scarce bottles become more accessible. The episode offers a refreshing perspective for collectors and casual drinkers alike, while the thrill of finding rare bottles continues, some of the best bourbon experiences are waiting right on the regular shelf, no allocation required.

Take a break from the allocation chase and join us for a journey that might just change how you shop for whiskey. After all, as Russ pointedly asks about these overlooked gems: "What took you so long?"

When artistic talent meets entrepreneurial vision, magic happens. That's exactly the story behind Southern Trend, the beloved Arkansas apparel company founded by former baseball player turned full-time artist, Clint Brannon.

In this candid conversation, Clint takes us back to his unexpected journey from the baseball diamond to the art studio. With the crucial backing of former MLB All-Star catcher Tom Pagnozzi, who recognized Clint's artistic potential during his playing days, Southern Trend transformed from a simple poster design for Bikes, Blues and Barbecue into a thriving business. The growth was explosive – from selling 2,000 shirts to Walmart partnerships moving 20,000+ units within just a few years.

What truly distinguishes Southern Trend in the crowded apparel space is their access to the University of Arkansas "Vintage Vault" logos. The slobbering hog and other nostalgic designs resonate deeply with Razorback Nation, creating an instant connection with customers across the state. This authenticity, combined with their in-house screen printing capabilities, has enabled them to supply hundreds of boutiques while maintaining family-friendly pricing.

Beyond Razorback gear, Clint shares fascinating insights into their custom design process, minimum orders of just 50 items (making quality apparel accessible to smaller groups), and creative partnerships with brands like John Rich's Redneck Riviera. Throughout it all, his artistic integrity and community-centered approach shine through.

Whether you're a Razorback die-hard, small business owner, or aspiring artist, there's something inspiring in Clint's story of finding success by staying true to his creative passions.

Discovering a hidden gem in Bentonville's flourishing culinary scene, we sit down with Rebecca Davitt, founder and head brewer of Stoic Brews, the only dedicated gluten-free brewery in Arkansas and one of just 27 nationwide. From the moment we take our first sip, preconceptions about gluten-free beer are shattered as we sample exceptional craft brews made from millet, buckwheat, and other alternative grains.

Rebecca's journey into brewing began with her own health challenges. After being diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder that required eliminating gluten, she found herself unable to enjoy craft beer for nearly a decade. What started as a joke with her husband ("I'll only be interested in brewing if we can make it gluten-free") evolved into a passionate mission to create a space where everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, could experience the joy of craft beer and good food without worry.

The impact of Stoic Brews extends far beyond brewing great beer. Rebecca shares moving stories of customers brought to tears by their first beer in decades and the profound sense of normalcy her establishment provides to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Located in downtown Bentonville's former Pedaler's Pub space, Stoic offers eight taps, a full gluten-free food menu (including incredible pizza we sampled on-air), and weekly events like bingo and trivia nights.

What stands out most is the intersection of craft, care, and community that Rebecca has created. With both indoor seating and patios, sports viewing, and a family-friendly atmosphere that includes mocktails for non-drinkers, Stoic Brews is pioneering what an inclusive dining experience can be. Whether you're gluten-sensitive or simply a craft beer enthusiast, this alternative brewery deserves a spot on your Bentonville must-visit list. Follow them on social media @stoicbrews or visit stoicbrews.com to learn more about this revolutionary approach to brewing.

In this special follow-up to last week's episode, we dive deeper with Mike Shelton into the heart and soul of Marriage Out Loud, the candid, heartfelt podcast he hosts alongside his wife. This bonus part 2 peels back the curtain on the couple’s mission to strengthen marriages with a mix of humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom. As Mike shares, their goal is to offer couples real substance in bite-sized 30-minute episodes, aiming to lower the divorce rate one honest conversation at a time.

Mike reflects on nearly two decades of marriage, emphasizing the importance of recognizing love languages, staying present amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship, and embracing intentional communication. The crew explores the balance between business and family, the tension of always being “on the clock,” and the value of showing love through actions, not just words. The conversation shifts from playful to profound as Mike opens up about his own journey as a father and husband, what he’s learned about partnership, and how he’s trying to be the role model he never had growing up.

There’s also plenty of classic B-Team humor, but what lingers is the authenticity and insight Mike brings as someone striving to love better and live purposefully. Whether you’re married, dating, or simply curious about how to build stronger relationships, this bonus episode offers something to reflect on.

And if you haven’t checked it out yet, Marriage Out Loud is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Give it a listen and maybe hit pause mid-episode to ask your spouse one of the thought-provoking questions Mike and his wife suggest. You just might start a new kind of conversation.

From touring rapper to barbershop owner, Mike Shelton's journey exemplifies the unpredictable path of entrepreneurship and the power of following your calling. When life threw him a curveball at age 34, learning that new cars wouldn't even have CD players for his music, he found himself at a crossroads. A moment of clarity on Highway 485 in Charlotte pointed him toward barber school, despite having a wife, young son, and mortgage to support.

What unfolds is a remarkable story of faith and determination. Mike shares how he went from being the only white student at the all-Black owned No Grease Barber School to opening Uptown Barber Lounge in Bentonville. Starting in the back of a house and eventually growing to an 11-chair operation, his business philosophy challenges conventional thinking about competition.

"There's more people to cut than we can handle," Mike explains, rejecting the scarcity mindset that often pits similar businesses against each other. Instead, he embraces collaboration and community-building, recognizing that when an industry thrives, everyone within it benefits. This refreshing perspective resonates throughout the conversation as he describes the barbershop as much more than a place for haircuts. It's a sanctuary where authentic connections happen.

The emotional depth of Mike's experience shines through as he recounts praying with clients, crying with grown men, and building relationships across social divides. "A barbershop will give you the pulse of what a community is like," he observes, highlighting how these spaces create neutral ground where CEOs and hourly workers become equals for 40 minutes in the chair.

Whether you're contemplating a career change, running a small business, or simply appreciate authentic storytelling, Mike's journey offers wisdom about following your passion and serving others along the way. His story reminds us that sometimes the most fulfilling path emerges when you're willing to listen to that surprising inner voice telling you to try something completely new.

Visit Uptown Barber Lounge at 502 Southwest 12th Street in Bentonville or check out uptownbarberlounge.com to experience this unique community hub for yourself.

Clay Stark is revolutionizing backyards across Northwest Arkansas with customized, bulletproof outdoor kitchens that transform ordinary patios into resort-like culinary spaces. As founder of Kitchen Outdoors, Clay brings commercial-grade craftsmanship to residential settings, creating gathering places where families connect over food and conversation.

The magic begins with GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)—a material with triple the strength of traditional concrete at 12,000 PSI. These kitchens feature stunning natural finishes like hand-hewn Canadian pine (complete with authentic axe marks) or Italian slate. What truly sets Kitchen Outdoors apart is their gold-standard lifetime warranty on all stainless steel equipment. As Clay puts it, "I want to sell you ONE grill, not one every few years."

Unlike typical construction projects that require multiple contractors and headaches, Kitchen Outdoors handles everything from design to installation. Clay's team pre-assembles each kitchen in their shop, ensuring perfect fit before installing on-site in just six hours. Most surprisingly, these outdoor kitchens require minimal infrastructure—just space and a foundation, with no need for water or electricity connections.

The podcast reveals how these spaces transform lifestyle patterns. Rob, a custom homebuilder and satisfied customer, confessed he hasn't cooked indoors since installing his Kitchen Outdoors space. "We don't even go out to eat as much anymore because we'd rather just throw something on the grill and have people over," he shared.

Clay offers options for every budget and space constraint. From simple five-foot units to elaborate L-shaped designs with islands, each kitchen is fully customizable while maintaining the same bulletproof durability.

Ready to transform your outdoor space into a culinary gathering place? Visit kitchen-outdoors.com or find them on Facebook. Mention the B-Team Podcast for a special discount on your dream outdoor kitchen that will change how you entertain and bring your family together.

A surprise lineup of teenage taste-testers takes over the B-Team Podcast as Josh welcomes Hunter Gowen, founder of Honeybean Ice Cream, for a delicious exploration of entrepreneurship and artisanal ice cream in Bentonville.

The episode transforms into an educational ice cream flight as Hunter shares his remarkable journey from mechanical engineer to ice cream innovator. With candid humor, he reveals how a simple text message to his accounting-minded wife evolved into a thriving business, highlighting the challenges of marital entrepreneurship and the creative problem-solving required to launch a food truck enterprise.

What separates Honeybean from ordinary ice cream becomes deliciously apparent as Hunter breaks down the science behind super-premium ice cream (14% milk fat) and his decision to incorporate Arkansas honey into every flavor. Our teenage panel, comprised of Matt and I's daughters, provides authentic, enthusiastic reviews as they sample unique creations like "30,000 Feet" (Biscoff cookie with cookie butter), "Grandy's Medicine" (chocolate named for his grandfather), and "Wild Sweet Williams" (Earl Grey tea with blackberry and dark chocolate).

Beyond flavors, Hunter demonstrates the strategic thinking that's propelled Honeybean's growth – from private events to restaurant partnerships to their physical location on 5th Street. His business philosophy of "say yes and figure it out" embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, while his three-day production process reveals the craftsmanship behind each scoop. The conversation illuminates both the technical aspects of premium ice cream production and the heartfelt storytelling that makes each flavor memorable.

Ready to experience Bentonville's sweetest success story? Visit Honeybean at 5th and J Street, Thursday through Sunday, and discover why these handcrafted flavors are becoming a Northwest Arkansas favorite. Follow @honeybeanicc on Instagram to track their journey from food truck dream to dessert destination.