Dateline: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 (and an epilogue from yesterday) Let’s take a walk. We’ll make it quick ’cause it’s 28 degrees. A big front blew in Sunday night, January 5, 2025. The high temperature dropped from around 60 to about 20 degrees. Today’s high is supposed to be 37. Welcome, Winter! Below is the forecast for the next number of days. For over 35 years I’ve lived exclusively in Dallas/Ft. Worth. North central Texas is different. In more ways than I can count, but especially weather-...
Jan 10, 2025•17 min
Today I reflect on recent events and the perspectives that aging can give… and take. Wondering if we are able/capable and ready to fill the shoes of the greatest generation as they pass. Dennis Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Sponsors (click on the images below to visit the...
Jan 07, 2025•25 min
We were all outsiders except for the children born or those who grew up here. Today, I visited my neighbors. They’ve been here for 15 years, and some other neighbors have been here for about 8 years. A bit further down the street, a couple has been here for less than a year. We were complete strangers when Rhonda and I first visited Hot Springs Village in September 2018. We had only been to Arkansas a few times before. It’s a familiar story here. People arrive from all over the world. Some, for ...
Jan 03, 2025•16 min
Happy New Year, 2025! People enjoy waxing philosophical this time of year, but instead, I’m gonna take a walk. Come on, you can tag along. We’re going to the Cedar Creek Trail on this overcast, foggy morning. I started Hot Springs Village Inside Out months before publishing our first episode. The work began at least three months earlier, and the idea emerged even earlier. We went live online with show number one 1,309 days ago. While that seems like a long time, it was just over three and a half...
Dec 31, 2024•33 min
He’s Greg “Cowboy” Casteel . I met Greg earlier this year and instantly knew there was more to the story of a cowboy opening a unique barber shop just outside the East Gate of Hot Springs Village. At the beginning of HSV Inside Out , we recorded conversations with people involved in building Hot Springs Village. Capturing their stories was important to record the history of HSV and their history related to this place we love. Hot Springs Village is full of characters with unique experiences. I’v...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 9 min
Today and tomorrow may be socially challenging for you and those around you. Be kind and gracious (even when they are not), and shower them with love, thanks, and appreciation. Encourage them, and “if you think receiving feels good, you ought to try giving.” Merry Christmas to all! Dennis Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group •...
Dec 24, 2024•15 min
I’m Good is the story of how a 12-year-old boy on a hayride and a serious illness can make you grateful and good. If you think receiving it feels good, you should try giving it on Christmas Eve. I’ll discuss how to make the most of the holidays with love, grace, kindness, and giving. Dennis Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group...
Dec 20, 2024•14 min
Today’s “porch talk” is about realizing it was time to declutter. The question became, “How high is the utility of this item for me?” It may be time to consider decluttering your life from unnecessary (or unused) possessions. Some organizational experts urge us to declutter based on the joy a possession gives us. That didn’t work for me, so I pursued utility. High utility. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Su...
Dec 17, 2024•27 min
In October 2020, we booked our 4th trip to Hot Springs Village. We decided on a more secluded place than another place we had stayed. Thankfully, we used Waze to find the place. Once we turned off what seemed a main road, we went down an asphalt street with no houses. This is another terrific benefit of coming to Hot Springs Village – hidden gems are everywhere! During our stay, we ventured out on the street to walk. We returned to our Airbnb three miles later, seeing no other houses or people. ...
Dec 13, 2024•19 min
By the age of 60, you ought to be smart enough to understand these things. Time means more than money. And money is very meaningful. The people who matter most are few, but they matter a lot. Nobody else gets a vote on how you earn, spend or invest your money. It doesn’t matter if they approve or disapprove. Unless they’re paying! The cavalry isn’t coming to save you from your past idiocy. Or your current idiocy. You have to figure it out for yourself. You matter – we all matter – but life isn’t...
Dec 10, 2024•19 min
Rhonda and I first entered Hot Springs Village in September 2018. Months earlier, we booked a place on Lake DeSoto. We only knew the place was gated and had big trees, hills, and plenty of trails. Having never been before, we had no idea about the place. For us, it was a surrogate for some of our favorite Ozark locations, but the drive was a couple of hours shorter from Dallas/Ft. Worth. That was the primary reason for our first trip. We had no designs on owning property here, much less moving h...
Dec 06, 2024•22 min
Brian Kulis joins us today to discuss his Medicare Funcast , a combination of Medicare information and some music industry history. Brian discusses what life was like in southern California then with his friends tied to The Wrecking Crew. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Spo...
Dec 03, 2024•20 min
Dennis and I sat inside Melinda’s Café & Coffee to discover his top 5 holiday suggestions. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Sponsors (click on the images below to visit their websites) __________________________________________...
Nov 29, 2024•21 min
With the single-lane bridge just outside the GlazyPeau gate closing for repair and reconstruction, we encourage everyone to support our local businesses. Many Villagers are accustomed to going to WalMart or the Vintage Pearl via that gate. Why not visit these local businesses the next time you head to Walmart or any other businesses along Highway 7? Take a look at these delicious items from Melinda’s. Be sure to check with each one regarding Holiday Hours. The Vintage Pearl Market and Boutique 3...
Nov 26, 2024•13 min
Dodie Kenny, founder and owner of Teapots n’ Treasures, joins us today along with her Right-hand Gal, Lou Davidson. They’ll discuss why you may need an estate sale company. Contact them HERE. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Sponsors (click on the images below to visit their...
Nov 22, 2024•52 min
Dennis discusses some updates and upcoming changes for Hot Springs Village Inside Out . As we approach 400 episodes it becomes clear that what got us here may not take us where we want to go. Zoom has been the mainstay of our program since its inception but on-site interviews with local companies and personalities are where we’re headed for a better listener and viewer experience. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You W...
Nov 19, 2024•21 min
Brian Kulis with Affordable Health and Life comes by to discuss the changes in the donut hole, deductions for 2025, and how, with a simple cup of coffee, Brian can help you navigate the Medicare landscape. Contact Brian today at (501) 922-7449 . Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support ...
Nov 15, 2024•15 min
Kevin Meacham, General Manager of the Hot Springs Village Townhome Owners Association, and Dennis Simpson, board chair, discuss the current budget vote for 2025 through 2028. The vote will continue through November 22nd at noon and will require a 50% plus one vote for approval. If you live in a townhome, please check your email or call (501) 922-1375 for your vote. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe ...
Nov 12, 2024•24 min
Among the many factors influencing which house to buy or where to build is the question, “What’s my view?” Consider your lifestyle, and not just how you’re living now. Consider how you’ll choose to live once you move to Hot Springs Village. Join me on the back porch as we consider how you’ll determine the importance of the view from your home inside Hot Springs Village. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subsc...
Nov 08, 2024•14 min
Walking is part of life inside Hot Springs Village. It’s not mandatory, but it’s commonplace. Neighborhood walking. Hiking trails. You’ll be tempted to invest in a good pair of walking or hiking shoes. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Sponsors (click on the images below to v...
Nov 05, 2024•12 min
Keith Keck , Air Force Veteran and former POA Board Chair joins us today to remind us of the Annual Veterans’ Day Ceremony . When: Monday, November 11, 2024 – 10:00 AM Where: Woodlands Auditorium, Hot Springs Village The Veterans Memorial Foundation invites all Hot Springs Village residents to the 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony. This year’s theme is Military Veteran Service Organizations, featuring the American Legion, Military Officer’s Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Guest Speaker: Mari...
Nov 01, 2024•15 min
Episode 11 Fall 2024 I’m fanatical about customer service and experience. In any place with a decent population of people, there are scoundrels, crooks, and people who do poor work. But… some terrific people do a good job and care about making their customers happy. Today, I’ll share just three examples of people who have served me with exceptional service. Jay Gouy with Hot Springs Shad & Screen Solutions – hsscreens.com – (501) 300-9942 Dr. Kristi Golden, DDS – Plaza Carmona Dental Associa...
Oct 29, 2024•27 min
Episode 10 Fall 2024 Breeze blowing through the trees. That’s the background sound you’ll hear in today’s video. Along with a few birds every now and again. Just another positive reason to consider Hot Springs Village as your new home. Today, I will review our monthly cost of living inside Hot Springs Village. Our house, built in 2022, is 2200 square feet with 10-foot ceilings. Your mileage may vary. Our goal is to help you figure out if Hot Springs Village, Arkansas might be the ideal retiremen...
Oct 25, 2024•21 min
Episode 9 Fall 2024 Fat Possum Farms is owned and operated by Joe Taravella and his wife, Dana. Joe shares the story behind a Civil War-era log cabin on his property. You’ll be shocked at how recently a family lived in the cabin. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our Facebook Group • Tell Your Friends About Our Show • Support Our Sponsors (cl...
Oct 22, 2024•7 min
Episode 8 Fall 2024 Lake Ouachita State Park is like a small town occupied on any given day by visitors from all over the world. The park includes fire, security, water sanitation, and other infrastructure items of a town. James Wilborn is the chief steward – unofficial mayor – of this magnificent park. He’s also a pretty terrific guide. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel (clic...
Oct 18, 2024•24 min
Episode 7 Fall 2024 Sitting on the back upper deck of 15 Torre Del Mar inside Hot Springs Village, Arkansas …it’s easy to see why this is a place where you can sigh a sigh of relief, take a breath, and exhale. Hot Springs Village, Arkansas has 26,000 acres of beauty, nature, trees, wildlife, safety, security, and serenity. And much more! We hope you’ll come to visit. Warning: you may be tempted to make Hot Springs Village your new home. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free...
Oct 15, 2024•41 min
Episode 6 Fall 2024 Are you interested in buying a house inside Hot Springs Village? Do you want to build a house in the Village? Do you need to sell a house inside Hot Springs Village? Joining us today are Pat Bollier with Re/Max of Hot Springs Village and Brandon Tedder of Renaissance Homes , a home builder inside Hot Springs Village. The discussion? Real estate, including home building, inside Hot Springs Village for early Fall 2024. Pat is a premier/top-producing realtor who was voted Realto...
Oct 11, 2024•30 min
Episode 5 Fall 2024 The Lake Ouachita State Park Superintendant James Wilburn joins us to explain the Lake Ouachita State Park Bald Eagle Tour. The tour informs visitors of why bald eagles prosper in the area, how you can see them, and their role in nature. The park also provides opportunities for visitors to have a boat picnic while you enjoy the spectacular views. Thanks to our exclusive media partner, KVRE • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe To The Podcast Anyway You Want • Subscribe...
Oct 08, 2024•23 min
Episode 4 Fall 2024 It’s officially Fall inside Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. The nights and mornings are gloriously cool. All the little critters are lively. Skies are deep blue and often cloudless. Dennis and I are grateful. We’re thankful for YOU, our audience. We’re thankful for our awesome sponsors, Re/Max of Hot Springs Village and Clara Nicolosi. And Ike Eisenhauer State Farm and Ike and Sonya Eisenhauer. Our show depends on these fine folks! Besides, they’re wonderful ambassadors for Ho...
Oct 04, 2024•30 min
Episode 3 Fall 2024 Greg Castel, aka “Cowboy,” runs a barber shop 2 weeks out of the month, rides the Bronco bull rodeo circuit, works on his cabin in the woods, and builds Conestoga wagons in his spare time. His barber shop is a private club outside the East Gate on Main Street – Cowboy’s Country Club (Private Barber Club) . Cowboy and his cousin, Jim Bailey , join us to discuss how they came to Hot Springs Village and how they bring more than 50 years of barber experience and expertise to the ...
Oct 01, 2024•25 min
