Arkansas 1st Reports
Who We Are Arkansas 1st is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals to create meaningful change in their communities. Rooted in American exceptionalism, we inspire civic and cultural engagement through education, timeless values, and purposeful action. By fostering knowledge, skills, and shared ideals, we champion the restoration of patriotism, respect for life, liberty, family, and fiscal responsibility. Together, we’re shaping a brighter future built on unity, tradition, and the belief in the power of every individual to make a difference. What We Do Arkansas 1st is dedicated to building the most organized & impactful conservative grassroots movement in our state. We’re focused solely on championing Arkansas’s interests, ensuring the voices of everyday Arkansans rise above those of lobbyists and special interests. It’s time to mobilize, reclaim our power, and shape a stronger future for Arkansas.
Episodes
7 days ago
7 days ago
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox is joined by Retired Army Colonel Conrad Reynolds, a 29-year veteran and Military Intelligence Officer, to discuss the critical issue of election integrity in Arkansas. As CEO of the Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative, Colonel Reynolds is leading the charge for hand-marked, hand-counted paper ballots across the state.
Together, they unpack the national call from President Trump to return to paper ballots, what Arkansas counties are doing at the JP level, and whether Governor Sarah Sanders is truly working on election reform as she claims. They also expose the behind-the-scenes pressure from the State Board of Election Commissioners and share what YOU can do to protect your vote and restore trust in our elections.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation with a decorated military leader turned election reform warrior.
Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with 1SG Bryan Norris (Ret.), a decorated combat veteran turned election integrity warrior. From leading combat missions overseas to launching the first successful countywide petition for paper ballot voting in Arkansas, Bryan has never backed down from a fight. Hear how his citizen-led effort in Independence County made national history, how he stood firm through legal challenges all the way to the state’s Supreme Court, and what’s next as citizen-led ballot initiatives come under attack from legislation like the “Hammer Bills.” This is a must-hear episode for every patriot concerned about election integrity, voter transparency, and the right of We the People to control how our votes are cast and counted.
Monday May 05, 2025
Reclaiming America’s Roads: The Fight to Save the Trucking Industry
Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox is joined by Shannon Everett, co-founder of American Truckers United. Together, they tackle the growing crisis within the American trucking industry—highlighting how unvetted drivers, open border policies, and corrupt brokerage practices are putting lives at risk and crushing wages. Shannon shares how American Truckers United is fighting back with advocacy, reform efforts, and grassroots mobilization. They also break down HB1569, the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025, and discuss how his efforts have made an impact all the way to the Federal level with President Trump’s executive order requiring English proficiency for all U.S. commercial truck drivers. If you care about safety, sovereignty, and standing up for hard working Americans, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
Saturday Apr 26, 2025
Saturday Apr 26, 2025
In this episode, host Kandi Cox sits down with Myka Sample, Saline County Circuit Clerk, to unpack Act 752 (formerly SB406)—a new Arkansas law requiring photo identification when recording real estate deeds. Then they discuss the REAL IDs that time is pressing for you to obtain for travel and access into Federal Buildings.
Together, they explore:
Why this law was introduced and whether deed fraud is a growing concern
The real-world impact on local clerk offices and private property owners
Broad exemptions for attorneys, realtors, financial institutions, and government officials
Privacy concerns around filing personal IDs under seal
Whether the law strikes a proper balance between fraud prevention and individual liberty—or crosses into government overreach
Questions around the REAL IDs vs Passport IDs From courthouse logistics to conservative concerns, this episode gives you everything you need to know about how Act 752 affects property rights in Arkansas, how to obtain a REAl ID or is a Passport ID your better fitted for your needs
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Randy Sams — President and CEO of SMMG Financial, LLC, Senior Markets Management Group, LLC, host of Your American Retirement radio show, and Chair of the Arkansas 1st Committee — for an in-depth look at the recent Arkansas legislative session. Kandi and Randy break down key highlights, discussing whether the session leaned more red or purple, and identifying which pieces of legislation upheld strong conservative principles and which ones reflected government overreach. They also share insights into what these developments mean for Arkansas moving forward and how conservatives can stay engaged and prepared for the battles ahead. Packed with real talk, expert analysis, and a look toward the future, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about protecting Arkansas values.
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
🎙️ Podcast Episode Summary Title: From the Sidelines to the Front Lines: First-Year Grassroots Advocates at the Arkansas Capitol Host: Kandi Cox | Arkansas 1st Reports In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, we sit down with two everyday Arkansans who stepped out of the stands and into the fight—getting hands-on with the legislative process for the very first time. Mike Rasmussen, a Certified Public Accountant and tech innovator, shares his experience championing HB1569—a grassroots election integrity bill—while facing intense pushback from powerful corporate interests. His AI-driven platform is changing the game for how everyday citizens track and understand legislation. Aaron Hansen, a seasoned autobody technician and former Washington State campaign manager, opens up about his journey from political advocacy in the Pacific Northwest to finding his voice at the Arkansas Capitol. After fleeing the mandates and overreach of his home state, Aaron is determined to help keep Arkansas free—and is surprised by what he's found behind the scenes in a "Red state." This episode is a rallying cry for all who care about truth, transparency, and taking action. If you've ever wondered how to get involved or whether your voice really matters—this one’s for you. 🔊 Tune in for real talk, hard truths, and inspiring stories of two first-time advocates standing up for Arkansas values
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Backroom Deals vs. Public Trust – Arkansas’ FOIA Fight
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Host: Kandi Cox Guest: Joey McCutchen, Attorney & FOIA Advocate Podcast: Arkansas 1st Reports In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reviews, host Kandi Cox sits down with Joey McCutchen, a longtime attorney and advocate for government transparency, to discuss two major bills that could redefine Arkansas’ Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Good Bill – SB227 SB227 is a strong, well-crafted bill that protects and clarifies FOIA by: ✔ Clearly defining public meetings to prevent secret deliberations. ✔ Ensuring government decisions happen in public, not behind closed doors. ✔ Strengthening notice requirements so citizens are informed. ✔ Gaining support from transparency advocates, journalists, and local government organizations. The Bad Bill – SB376 SB376 threatens FOIA protections by creating a loophole that allows: ❌ “Daisy-chain” meetings, where officials meet in small groups to avoid public scrutiny. ❌ Secret backroom deals that undermine transparency. ❌ Politicians to dodge accountability by sidestepping public meetings. Why It Matters If SB376 passes, it will gut FOIA protections and make it easier for government officials to operate in secret, without taxpayer oversight. Meanwhile, SB227 provides clear definitions and safeguards to protect the public’s right to know.
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Government Overreach & the ‘Anti-Clint Lancaster Bills’
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reviews, host Kandi Cox sits down with Clint Lancaster—Marine veteran, constitutional attorney, and fearless advocate for election integrity—to discuss two controversial bills making waves in Arkansas politics: House Bill 1574 and House Bill 1713. Dubbed the "Anti-Clint Lancaster Bills", these measures claim to enhance transparency and election security, but many conservatives see them as nothing more than government overreach designed to restrict grassroots activism and silence citizen-led ballot initiatives. Clint breaks down: ✅ The difference between domicile and residency—and why lawmakers are ignoring it. ✅ How HB1574 could disqualify legitimate canvassers and limit conservative movements. ✅ The hidden dangers of HB1713’s ballot readability mandate—a possible Trojan horse for political suppression. ✅ What these bills mean for election integrity, citizen petitions, and conservative activism in Arkansas. ✅ The potential legal battles ahead if these measures become law. This is a must-listen for anyone who cares about protecting citizen rights, fighting big government, and standing up for conservative values in Arkansas. 🔊 Tune in now and get the real story behind the legislation that could change Arkansas politics forever!
Monday Apr 21, 2025
America’s Truckers Under Fire: The Fight for Safe Roads & Fair Policies
Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Harvey Beech, owner of Everyone on Time Safely and a leader with American Truckers United, to discuss the pressing issues facing America’s truckers. They dive into the growing challenges in the trucking industry, including government overreach, increased regulations, rising fuel costs, and safety concerns that threaten our highways. Harvey shares firsthand insights on how these challenges impact truck drivers, businesses, and consumers, as well as what can be done to push back against policies that threaten the livelihood of America’s trucking workforce. A key focus of the conversation is House Bill 1569 – The Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025. Kandi and Harvey break down the bill’s implications, both the potential benefits and the concerns raised by truckers nationwide. They discuss how this legislation could reshape the industry, impact supply chains, and what action truckers and citizens can take to ensure fair and effective policies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who relies on trucking—whether you're a driver, a business owner, or an everyday American who depends on a functioning supply chain. Tune in to hear real talk, strong opinions, and a call to action for those who support the backbone of our nation—our truckers.
Friday Feb 28, 2025
Friday Feb 28, 2025
In this episode of Arkansas 1st Reports, host Kandi Cox sits down with Logan DuVall, founder of Sowing Prosperity and partner at Me & McGee Market, to discuss key legislative issues impacting Arkansas' food and health freedoms. Logan shares his journey in advocating for local food systems and the challenges he has faced in pushing for food sovereignty.
The conversation highlights three major bills currently being debated:
House Bill 1048: Expanding the legal sale of raw milk beyond farm sales to include farmer’s markets and direct delivery, addressing government overreach and consumer rights.
Senate Bill 189: Making ivermectin available over-the-counter without a prescription, with discussions on medical freedom, misinformation, and healthcare autonomy.
Senate Bill 117: Establishing licensure for naturopathic physicians in Arkansas, balancing regulation with access to alternative healthcare options.
Logan provides candid insights into the fight for food and medical freedom, emphasizing the importance of informed choice, self-sufficiency, and pushing back against corporate and government control.
Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on how to get involved in advocating for these legislative efforts and supporting local food initiatives.
You can connect with Logan DuVall at:
sowingprosperity.com
meandmcgeemarket.com
Tune in for a compelling discussion on freedom, policy, and the future of Arkansas’ food and health industries.