After two decades producing some of television’s biggest reality hits — America’s Got Talent, Jersey Shore, Joe Millionaire, Chrisley Knows Best — I learned something simple but profound: the best stories aren’t about fame, they’re about why. Why people dream. Why they fall. Why they get back up. That’s where the real story lives.
When the world shut down and Hollywood began to unravel, I followed love and landed in Bentonville, Arkansas — a small town that changed everything I thought I knew about community. What I found here was a place built on connection, creativity, and purpose. From the world-class art of Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, to mountain bike trails that wind through the Ozarks, to neighbors who still wave from their porches — Bentonville has become my favorite place in America.
Now, GoodTimes is where I chase that same why through the voices of the people building this new frontier — chefs, founders, artists, and dreamers who remind us that success isn’t about spotlight, it’s about story.
Because when you understand why people do what they do, you don’t just tell a story — you feel it.
All content for GoodTimes with Damon Epps is the property of Planet GoodTimes, Damon Epps and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
After two decades producing some of television’s biggest reality hits — America’s Got Talent, Jersey Shore, Joe Millionaire, Chrisley Knows Best — I learned something simple but profound: the best stories aren’t about fame, they’re about why. Why people dream. Why they fall. Why they get back up. That’s where the real story lives.
When the world shut down and Hollywood began to unravel, I followed love and landed in Bentonville, Arkansas — a small town that changed everything I thought I knew about community. What I found here was a place built on connection, creativity, and purpose. From the world-class art of Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, to mountain bike trails that wind through the Ozarks, to neighbors who still wave from their porches — Bentonville has become my favorite place in America.
Now, GoodTimes is where I chase that same why through the voices of the people building this new frontier — chefs, founders, artists, and dreamers who remind us that success isn’t about spotlight, it’s about story.
Because when you understand why people do what they do, you don’t just tell a story — you feel it.
Rod Bigelow | Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
GoodTimes with Damon Epps
1 hour 8 minutes 9 seconds
2 years ago
Rod Bigelow | Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
This week on The GoodTimes Show, Damon Epps is joined by Rod Bigelow, the Executive Director and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and let’s just say, this one’s a must-listen.
We’re diving into the story of Crystal Bridges: the museum that’s turning heads, challenging critics, and completely shifting how we think about American art. Born from Alice Walton’s bold vision, this isn’t your average quiet museum in the woods. It’s a stunning architectural landmark in Bentonville, Arkansas, with free admission, world-class collections, and a mission that’s all about inclusion, representation, and rethinking the rules.
Rod shares how the museum went from “a vanity project in the middle of nowhere” (yep, people really said that) to a cultural powerhouse with over 5.6 million visitors. From million-dollar acquisitions and East Coast drama to what it truly means to create space for everyone this episode goes there.
We talk about what it takes to push back against the gatekeepers of the art world and why making space for new voices is more urgent than ever. Plus, Rod gives a glimpse into what’s next for Crystal Bridges and how they’re planning to keep breaking the mold.
Recorded live from the Sound Lounge at Blake Street House, this is an inside look at one of the most talked-about museums in the country, and the man helping lead it into the future.
The GoodTimes Show with Damon Epps is now streaming on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all major platforms. You don’t want to miss it.
Please Follow, Subscribe, Listen & Share The Goodtimes
https://linktr.ee/goodtimesus
www.PlanetGoodTimes.com
Blake St. Presents
GoodTimes with Damon Epps
After two decades producing some of television’s biggest reality hits — America’s Got Talent, Jersey Shore, Joe Millionaire, Chrisley Knows Best — I learned something simple but profound: the best stories aren’t about fame, they’re about why. Why people dream. Why they fall. Why they get back up. That’s where the real story lives.
When the world shut down and Hollywood began to unravel, I followed love and landed in Bentonville, Arkansas — a small town that changed everything I thought I knew about community. What I found here was a place built on connection, creativity, and purpose. From the world-class art of Crystal Bridges and The Momentary, to mountain bike trails that wind through the Ozarks, to neighbors who still wave from their porches — Bentonville has become my favorite place in America.
Now, GoodTimes is where I chase that same why through the voices of the people building this new frontier — chefs, founders, artists, and dreamers who remind us that success isn’t about spotlight, it’s about story.
Because when you understand why people do what they do, you don’t just tell a story — you feel it.
