GoodTimes with Damon Epps

GoodTimes, sits down with Chef Matt Cooper—the visionary behind Bentonville’s 100% gluten-free restaurant Conifer and its newly opened, farm-driven tasting experience, RŶN. A second-time James Beard Award nominee, Matt isn’t just cooking great food—he’s rewriting what hospitality, leadership, and community nourishment look like in Northwest Arkansas.

Welcome to The GoodTimes Show! In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Louie Cortese, a professional bike rider known for his thrilling performances with Nitro Circus. Louie’s journey is not just about adrenaline and tricks; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, loss, and the transformative power of family. Louie’s story took a poignant turn with the loss of his father, a heartbreaking event that profoundly impacted his life. This loss fueled his determination and ignited his passion for riding, leading him to overcome a serious motorcycle accident that ultimately shifted his focus from motorcycles to BMX biking. This pivotal moment became a catalyst for his career, propelling him into the world of extreme sports and showcasing his incredible talent. Beyond the bike, Louie has embraced his role as a celebrity influencer in the fashion industry, offering clothing that resonates with his audience and reflects his unique style. He has built a trusted brand that connects with fans and followers who admire his authenticity and passion. As a father, Louie shares his heartfelt reflections on what it means to start a family and the values he hopes to instill in his children. His experiences have shaped his outlook on life, pushing him to be a role model and a source of inspiration for others navigating their own challenges. Join us for this candid conversation with Louie Cortese as we explore his journey, the lessons learned from personal trials, and how he continues to ride forward, inspiring others along the way. Tune in to discover what drives him, how he balances his career with family life, and the legacy he aims to create for future generations. Please Follow, Subscribe, Listen & Share The Goodtimes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/goodtimesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.PlanetGoodTimes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blake St. Presents

On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, we’re talking bikes, business, and big ideas with the founders of Lockstop: Michael Burton and Clayton Woodruff. Michael is a Marine Corps vet turned business strategist, bringing serious leadership chops from his time in human intelligence and omnichannel operations at Walmart. Clayton’s the tech and trail guy, with years of experience building world-class bike trails and developing apps that actually work in the real world. Together, they’ve teamed up to launch Lockstop, a company that’s rethinking security for bikers and outdoor lovers. Whether you’re shredding the trails or just out for a coffee ride, their gear is built to keep your stuff safe and your mind at ease. Damon digs into their story to see how they took the idea from sketch to shelf, what makes their partnership tick, and how Lockstop is helping solve real problems for the cycling community. It’s about more than locks and gadgets; it’s about trust, innovation, and showing up for your fellow riders. If you're into biking, building things from the ground up, or just love a good founder story, this one's a ride worth taking. Tune in on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your shows. Please Follow, Subscribe, Listen & Share The Goodtimes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodtimesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.PlanetGoodTimes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blake St. Presents

On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps sits down with the guy who’s been quietly changing the game in Northwest Arkansas, Gary Vernon. If you’ve ever hit the trails in Bentonville and thought, “Wait, why is this so nice?” you can probably thank Gary. Working with The Runway Group, Gary has been a driving force behind turning Tom and Stewart Walton’s big ideas into real-life outdoor magic. It all started with a five-mile bike trail that’s now known as Slaughter Pen. That little project? Yeah, it’s turned into one of the country’s most talked-about trail systems. Shoutout to Progressive Trail Design for making it happen on the ground, but it’s Gary who’s been the glue holding it all together — like the conductor of a symphony made of bikes, berms, and community energy. Damon and Gary talk about what it takes to turn vision into impact, how trails are way more than just dirt paths, and why outdoor recreation is fueling everything from economic growth to social connection in the Ozarks. Whether you’re a mountain biking diehard, a trail runner, or just someone who loves a good local success story, this one’s for you. Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please Follow, Subscribe, Listen & Share The Goodtimes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://linktr.ee/goodtimesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ www.PlanetGoodTimes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blake St. Presents

On this episode of The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps sits down with Griffin Loop, the artist turning steel and dreams into giant paper airplanes. Yes, really. Griffin’s work is big, bold, and all about making people stop, think, and maybe even look up. What started as a 1-foot steel sculpture turned into a 50-foot paper plane parked in the middle of Colorado. And no, it doesn't fly, but it will make you want to launch your next big idea. Raised by a dad who built ski lifts (casual), Griffin picked up more than a few tricks in engineering and design. Fast forward to today, and he’s creating massive, interactive sculptures that invite you to reflect, dream, and take action. His "Launch Intention Project" is exactly what it sounds like — helping people put their goals out into the world with style. After doing the LA thing, Griffin made his way to Bentonville, where the art scene is popping and the people are all in on public creativity. He’s already left his mark with installations at Osage Park and outside BlakeSt House, and he’s just getting started. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or need a reminder that your dreams are valid, this convo will hit in all the right ways. Art, ambition, and the magic of taking your shot, it’s all here. Tune in to The GoodTimes Show to hear how Griffin Loop is making waves in Bentonville and beyond, encouraging everyone to launch their intentions and watch where they land. It’s a conversation about art, aspirations, and the transformative power of creativity. Tune in now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Please Follow, Subscribe, Listen & Share The Goodtimes ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/goodtimesus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.PlanetGoodTimes.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blake St. Presents