A hundred episodes later, the energy feels different, in the best way. We unpack a year that stretched us and grounded us: restaurant openings that set a new bar for Bentonville, a brewery moving in next door to the new campus, and community events that turned goodwill into real impact. Along the way we laugh through the chaos, Bobby’s empty chair, a fire alarm mid-haircut, and a not-so-secret “VIP stash” moment; because the inside jokes only work when the community outside the studio is growing with us.

Food shaped the year’s rhythm. Compton delivered big-city polish with local soul, Mezzaluna continued to shine, and Great Harvest reminded us how far courage can go when first-time guests bring passion and pastry. We spotlight expansions at MJ’s and Peddler’s Pub, and look ahead with Flyway Brewery coming just a stone’s throw from our front door. It’s a sign of a city maturing: better rooms, deeper menus, and owners who treat hospitality like craft. We talk frankly about location challenges, closures that still sting, and the lessons they leave behind for builders and operators.

Bourbon kept the stories flowing. From special-pick Eagle Rare to a Weller full proof that sparked a legendary cabinet caper, we relive the sips that earned reverence and the blends that belong in the penalty box. Those pours became rituals: reasons to gather, reflect, and plan the next road trip to the bourbon trail. Gentsgiving hit a new peak, powered by generous people and tight logistics, and proved that humor, clarity, and heart can move a room to give more than they planned.

We also get personal. A Razorback-red watch gifted to a dad in a tough year, kids dropping by for ice cream and causes, and a cohost determined to show up for every recording in 2026. That’s the fuel for season three: add Jim to the regular lineup, film on-site at local institutions, and keep telling stories where Bentonville, bourbon, and business meet. If you’re new here, welcome to the table. If you’ve been with us from the start, you helped build it.

Enjoy the recap, then tell us what you want next: a guest to book, a bottle to try, or a place we should record. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves Northwest Arkansas, and leave a review so more people can find the B Team.

More About this Episode

From Bentonville to the Bourbon Trail: The Episodes That Stuck

Whether we were recapping Gentsgiving, tasting Eagle Rare, or trying to track down Bobby’s whereabouts, every episode this year had a little something special. Here are a few fan (and host) favorites:

Gentsgiving Goes Big

Our annual Gentsgiving tradition was bigger than ever. Lisa and Emily took the reins on planning, and it showed. The event was a major success, part charitable giving, part community celebration, and a whole lot of bourbon-fueled generosity. Shout out to Russ, Mike Hodges, and everyone else who helped make it memorable. It’s clear this tradition has become a staple of the B Team calendar.

Family Affairs: Daughters, Ice Cream, and Fan Favorites

2025 saw more family cameos on the podcast, from Josh’s daughter Gabby talking about her Gut BFF project to Mallory and Natalie joining in for a wholesome (and hilarious) episode that included ice cream and deep discussions on Bentonville’s best sweet spots.

These episodes proved something important: bringing the family into the fold adds another layer to what makes this podcast resonate. It’s not just about business and bourbon. It’s about community, legacy, and connection.

Restaurant Roundup: Eating Our Way Through Bentonville

This year, we spotlighted more local food and drink than ever. Between MJ’s expansion with Miles James, Mezzaluna’s upscale vibe, and Peddler’s Pub making its mark, we’ve officially become Bentonville’s unofficial culinary review board.

Special mention to Great Harvest for not only bringing killer bread, but also the nerves, their team had never been on a podcast before, and they crushed it. And shoutout to Compton, the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in Northwest Arkansas and feel like you’ve stepped into a high-end New York bistro.

And yes, we’ll continue to taste test hot chicken, pasta, and brisket if that’s what the listeners demand. We suffer for you.

Behind the Mic: Hosts, Guests, and Ghosts (Where’s Bobby?)

Let’s address the bourbon barrel in the room, where has Bobby been?

According to the cameras (and his Instagram), he’s been everywhere but the B Team studio. Bimini, Miami, Big Cedar...we’re still not sure. He’s the Carmen Sandiego of Northwest Arkansas. But we’re hopeful 2026 will bring more appearances from our most elusive co-host. We’ve even discussed offering a participation trophy and personalized thank-you note for his 10% attendance rate. Stay tuned.

Matt Morris: 85% Attendance and 100% Sass

Matt, on the other hand, has been holding down the fort, sometimes solo, sometimes alongside permanent guest Rob Nelson, and occasionally filling in for Josh’s intro when requested (with mixed results). Matt even promised more consistent attendance in 2026, which, considering the family schedule and bourbon commitments, is a big ask.

His highlights of the year included:

  • Getting banned from the bourbon selection after the infamous “Dry Fly” incident
  • Accidentally dipping a sweater in BBQ sauce at dinner
  • Gifting his father a legendary watch from Blakeman’s
  • Reminding us all what it means to show up, even when he’s not technically “required” to

We also can’t forget Matt’s accidental access to the VIP bourbon cabinet at Gents Place, courtesy of a well-meaning but now extremely cautious team member. That Fort Laser bottle may never be safe again.

The Bourbon Recap: Hits, Misses & Matt’s Mishaps

It wouldn’t be the B Team Podcast without bourbon, and this year we had some highs, some lows, and some stories to go with every pour.

  • Top Picks: Anything from Chris Brookhouser, especially the gift bottle that Josh and Rob nearly finished in one sitting. Special mentions to Eagle Rare special picks and the elusive Weller Full Proof.
  • Bottom Shelf: Rob’s infamous “Infinity Bottle” (banned from the studio) and Matt’s beloved Dry Fly, a bottle so controversial, it became an inside joke for the remainder of the season.
  • Gifts and Gimmicks: The bourbon tastings weren’t just about flavor. They were about relationships, surprise drops, and occasionally trying to hide evidence from each other.

Whether we were sipping, judging, or just looking for our glass mid-episode, bourbon brought us together more than once.

Business, Bentonville & The Community Connection

Beyond the fun and flavor, the B Team Podcast is about supporting the incredible businesses and people shaping Bentonville and NWA. We’re proud to have spotlighted entrepreneurs like Clint and his dual ventures in painting and retail, and to have highlighted the ongoing transformation of the new campus area with guests like Steve Wayne.

With the likes of Flyway Brewery opening up next door and Jordan Wright’s new venue making waves, the new campus is fast becoming a hub for community and collaboration, and the B Team is right in the middle of it all.

Our growing list of business guests continues to reflect Bentonville’s evolution. From up-and-coming restaurant owners to seasoned entrepreneurs, the stories shared on the podcast offer insight into what it really takes to grow a business in one of the most exciting regions in the country.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Season Three & What’s Next

So what’s next for the B Team Podcast?

  • More Guests, More Perspectives: We’ve floated the idea of bringing in a fourth regular guest. Jim has already proven himself as the permanent alternate, and the chemistry speaks for itself. A rotating crew might be the secret sauce for consistency and keeping things fresh.
  • On-Site Recordings: Whether it’s Blakeman’s private room or a rooftop at Compton, we’re planning to hit the road (or at least, the block) and record in more unique Bentonville locations in 2026.
  • More Audience Interaction: You’ve seen us at Mezzaluna. You’ve recognized us in line at Honeybean. Keep stopping us, tagging us, and telling your friends, because nothing makes us smile like hearing, “Hey, aren’t you those guys from the podcast?”
  • Events & Expansions: Expect more from Gents Place and more community events at places like Cherokee. We’re not just talking about Bentonville, we’re helping shape its culture.

A Final Toast to Season Two

To all our guests, our listeners, and even the ones who only tuned in for the bourbon recaps, thank you. This show wouldn’t exist without your support, your feedback, and your shared love of community, conversation, and a good pour.

Here’s to another year of laughs, lessons, and keeping Bobby accountable.

Cheers to 2026 and season three of the B Team Podcast, where we’ll keep talking all things Bentonville, Bourbon, and Business, one glass at a time.