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I was a little late to the podcast party. I wanted to love them, but every time I tried listening, my mind wandered and I’d realize I had no idea what the last 10 minutes were about. I just couldn’t find a show that held my attention. That changed when I stumbled across Unexplained America The Podcast, back when it was still called Unexplained Arkansas. The show was covering mysteries I’d actually heard of. These were stories tied to places I knew, things that had happened in my own backyard. One episode in and I was hooked, and I happily stayed along for the ride as the podcast grew beyond Arkansas to explore unexplained stories from across the country.
Once it clicked, podcasts became one of my favorite ways to take in new information. They’re easy to listen to while commuting to work, folding laundry, working out or winding down at night. It feels good to learn something new without endlessly scrolling a screen. Arkansas-based podcasters are telling all kinds of stories, from true crime and unexplained mysteries to sports, history and business advice. If you’ve never quite found your podcast groove, this list is a great place to start.
Ozarks at Large
Listen: https://www.kuaf.com/podcast/ozarks-at-large
This long-running public radio show out of Northwest Arkansas does a great job telling the stories of the region. Episodes cover news, arts, culture, and the people shaping life in the Ozarks. It’s thoughtful, well-produced, and feels very Arkansas in the best way.
The Hog Pod
Listen: https://arkansasrazorbacks.com/thehogpod/
If you love Razorback sports, this one is essential listening. Hosted by Bo Mattingly, The Hog Pod features in-depth conversations with players, coaches, and legends connected to Arkansas athletics. It’s polished, engaging, and full of stories Hog fans genuinely care about.
I Am Northwest Arkansas
Listen: https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com
This show shines a spotlight on the people and stories that make Northwest Arkansas special. From artists and entrepreneurs to community leaders, the conversations feel personal and uplifting, with a strong sense of pride in place.
United States of Murder
Listen: https://www.unitedstatesofmurder.com
Hosted out of Little Rock, this show covers lesser-known murder cases from across the country. While the stories go nationwide, the Arkansas connection remains strong, and the conversational style makes tough topics feel approachable without being sensational.
Arts & Letters
Listen: https://www.npr.org/podcasts/476298445/arts-letters
This Little Rock–based podcast focuses on writers, musicians, artists and thinkers, often with Southern or Arkansas ties. The interviews are thoughtful and slower paced, perfect for listeners who enjoy deep conversations about creativity and culture.
District 3 Podcast
Listen: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/district-3-podcast/
Arkansas’s first bilingual podcast, District 3 highlights voices and stories that don’t always get the spotlight. Episodes focus on community issues, social impact and local leaders.
Startup Junkies Podcast
Listen: https://startupjunkie.org/podcast
Based in Fayetteville, this podcast dives into startups, innovation, and small business growth in Arkansas and beyond. It’s a solid listen for entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone curious about the business side of the state’s growth.
Unexplained America The Podcast
Listen: https://www.arkansaspodcasters.org/podcast-directory-1/unexplained-arkansas
This show began as Unexplained Arkansas, focusing on eerie legends and mysterious stories from around the state. Hosted by Lisa Ponson, it grew quickly and expanded nationwide, becoming Unexplained America while still holding onto its Arkansas roots. If you enjoy true crime, folklore and unexplained history, this one is an easy binge.
1836 Roots and Branches
Listen: https://linkbio.co/1836pod
If you love Arkansas history, this podcast is a real gem. 1836 Roots and Branches explores the people, places, and events that shaped the Natural State, with a focus on deep research and storytelling rather than dry dates and timelines. Episodes often connect the past to the present, helping listeners better understand how Arkansas became what it is today. It’s thoughtful, well-done, and especially appealing to anyone who enjoys local history, genealogy, or stories that go a little deeper than what you learned in school.
The Ozark Podcast
Listen: https://www.theozarkpodcast.com
The Ozark Podcast dives into the culture, history and people of the Ozarks. Episodes cover topics from folk traditions and regional music to forgotten history and modern-day Ozark life. It’s a great listen if you enjoy long-form conversations and want to better understand the heritage and identity of the Ozarks.
The ARKAST Podcast Festival
The ARKAST Podcast Festival brings together podcasters from all over the state, along with the people who love listening to them, for a day that’s part hangout, part learning experience and part celebration. You’ll find live shows, casual conversations and plenty of chances to meet the voices you usually only hear through your headphones.
The annual ARKAST Podcast Awards is a weekend-long festival dedicated to highlighting great Arkansas-made podcasts. What I love most about the festival is how welcoming it is. Big shows and small, independent creators are all in the same space, swapping stories and cheering each other on. It’s a great reminder that Arkansas has a strong and growing podcast scene, and there’s a lot of creativity happening right here at home.
Do you have a favorite Arkansas-based podcast that we missed? Tell us about it in the comments so we can add it to our playlist.
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