ARKINSAW

About ARKINSAW

Welcome to ARKINSAW where Jess brings stories of Arkansas to life. From true crime stories, unsolved mysteries, unbelievable true events, folklore and hidden places, every episode explores a different piece of history hidden deep within the Natural State. Whether it's a story you've never heard or one you are already familiar with, you will love the smooth story telling from Jess, the podcast creator and host. Jess moved from California to Arkansas at the age of 8 and resides in Arkansas to this day. If you love history, mystery, and incredible true stories, welcome to ARKINSAW.

Publisher

Jess

Category

history

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jul 2026

Latest episode

28 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Aug 2026

   The Arkansas Dragon: Legend of the Gowrow | Video Edition

   The Arkansas Dragon: The Legend of the Gowrow What if Arkansas once had its own dragon? In 1897, one of Arkansas’ largest newspapers published a story so strange that people are still talking about it more than a century later. According to the report, hunters in the Ozark Mountains tracked down a terrifying creature known as the Gowrow—a massive dragon-like beast said to have emerged from a nearby lake before disappearing into a cave littered with animal bones. The newspaper claimed the creature measured nearly twenty feet long, had tusks, horns running down its back, powerful claws, and a tail unlike anything anyone had ever seen. After a fierce hunt through the mountains, the men reportedly killed the beast… and the story only got stranger from there. The article even claimed the body was shipped to the Smithsonian Institution. But was any of it true? In this episode of ARKINSAW, we’re diving deep into one of the strangest legends Arkansas has ever produced. We’ll separate documented history from folklore, explore the original newspaper account, and ask the question that has lingered for more than 125 years… Was the Gowrow simply an elaborate newspaper hoax… or was it inspired by an older Ozark legend that people had been whispering about for generations? Whether you love Arkansas history, cryptids, folklore, or just a good mystery, this is one story you won’t forget. If you’ve ever heard a strange Arkansas legend—or have your own story to tell—I want to hear it. Leave a voicemail on the ARKINSAW Hotline at (479) 384-5867 (tel:(479)%20384-5867). Your story could be featured in a future episode. Welcome to ARKINSAW. Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. #arkansas #legends #arkansasmyth #dragon #monster #podcast #lore

2. 

   28 Aug 2026

   The Arkansas Dragon: The Legend of the Gowrow.

   The Arkansas Dragon: The Legend of the Gowrow What if Arkansas once had its own dragon? In 1897, one of Arkansas’ largest newspapers published a story so strange that people are still talking about it more than a century later. According to the report, hunters in the Ozark Mountains tracked down a terrifying creature known as the Gowrow—a massive dragon-like beast said to have emerged from a nearby lake before disappearing into a cave littered with animal bones. The newspaper claimed the creature measured nearly twenty feet long, had tusks, horns running down its back, powerful claws, and a tail unlike anything anyone had ever seen. After a fierce hunt through the mountains, the men reportedly killed the beast… and the story only got stranger from there. The article even claimed the body was shipped to the Smithsonian Institution. But was any of it true? In this episode of ARKINSAW, we’re diving deep into one of the strangest legends Arkansas has ever produced. We’ll separate documented history from folklore, explore the original newspaper account, and ask the question that has lingered for more than 125 years… Was the Gowrow simply an elaborate newspaper hoax… or was it inspired by an older Ozark legend that people had been whispering about for generations? Whether you love Arkansas history, cryptids, folklore, or just a good mystery, this is one story you won’t forget. If you’ve ever heard a strange Arkansas legend—or have your own story to tell—I want to hear it. Leave a voicemail on the ARKINSAW Hotline at (479) 384-5867 (tel:(479)%20384-5867). Your story could be featured in a future episode. Welcome to ARKINSAW. Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots.

3. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Carlos Hathcock: A True American Sniper Hero. Video Edition

   Carlos Hathcock: A True American Sniper Hero (Video Edition) Before he became known around the world as White Feather, Carlos Hathcock was just a young Arkansas boy carrying a single-shot .22 rifle through the woods with one dream—to become a United States Marine. In this special Video Edition of ARKINSAW, you’ll experience the story with carefully selected photographs, historical images, and visuals that bring Carlos Hathcock’s incredible life to the screen. Follow his journey from rural Arkansas to the battlefields of Vietnam, where his unmatched patience, discipline, and determination made him one of the most respected Marine snipers in history. This episode features two of Hathcock’s most remarkable missions, including his unbelievable multi-day crawl through enemy territory to eliminate a North Vietnamese general and the legendary long-distance .50-caliber shot that became one of the most famous sniper shots of the Vietnam War. More than a story about war, this is the story of an Arkansas kid whose legacy continues to influence generations of military marksmen around the world. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to follow ARKINSAW, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who loves Arkansas history, military history, or unforgettable true stories. Have an Arkansas story you’d like to share? 📞 ARKINSAW Hotline: (479) 384-5867 Leave me a voicemail—your story could be featured in a future episode. ARKINSAW Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. #CarlosHathcock #WhiteFeather #AmericanSniper #MarineCorps #USMC #VietnamWar #MilitaryHistory #Arkansas #ArkansasHistory #ARKINSAW #HistoryPodcast #VideoPodcast #TrueStory #Storytelling #Veterans

4. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Carlos Hathcock: The True Story of an American Marine Scout Sniper "White Feather"

   Carlos Hathcock: The True Story of an American Sniper Before he became known around the world as White Feather, Carlos Hathcock was just a young Arkansas boy with a single-shot .22 rifle and a dream of becoming a United States Marine. In this episode of ARKINSAW, we trace the incredible life of one of the most respected snipers in military history—from hunting squirrels in the Arkansas woods to the battlefields of Vietnam, where his patience, skill, and courage became legendary. You’ll hear the stories behind his most famous missions, including the unbelievable crawl across an open field to eliminate a North Vietnamese general, the longest sniper kill shot, a life saving fire rescue and the battlefield moments that forever changed Marine Corps sniper training. But this episode isn’t just about incredible shots. It’s about discipline, perseverance, humility, and an Arkansas kid who quietly became one of the most influential marksmen of the modern era. Whether you’ve heard the name Carlos Hathcock before or this is your first introduction, this is a story you won’t soon forget. If you enjoy the episode, please follow ARKINSAW, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who loves Arkansas history, military history, or unforgettable true stories. Have an Arkansas story you’d like to share? 📞 ARKINSAW Hotline: (479) 384-5867 Leave me a voicemail—your story could be featured in a future episode. ARKINSAW Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. #CarlosHathcock #WhiteFeather #AmericanSniper #MarineCorps #MarineScoutSniper #VietnamWar #MilitaryHistory #Arkansas #ArkansasHistory #ARKINSAW #HistoryPodcast #TrueStory #Storytelling #Veterans #USMC

5. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Johnny Cash: Before "The Man in Black" | A True Arkansas Legend

   This is the illustrated video version of the ARKINSAW podcast, featuring cinematic visuals to bring Johnny Cash’s incredible story to life while you listen. Before the world knew him as “The Man in Black,” Johnny Cash was a young Arkansas boy growing up in the small farming community of Dyess, Arkansas during the Great Depression. Long before the sold-out concerts, the prison performances, and the legendary career, he was picking cotton alongside his family, singing gospel hymns in a tiny country church, and dreaming of something bigger. In this episode, we go back to the beginning. Follow Johnny’s journey from the cotton fields of eastern Arkansas to the United States Air Force, where he spent his days listening to Russian radio transmissions during the Cold War. Then travel with him to Memphis, Tennessee, as a young husband carrying a guitar and a dream walks through the doors of Sun Records—never knowing he was about to change American music forever. This is the true story of the years that shaped one of the greatest musicians of all time. In this episode you’ll discover: • Johnny Cash’s childhood in Dyess, Arkansas • Life during the Great Depression • Working the Arkansas cotton fields • The heartbreaking loss of his brother Jack • The church hymns that influenced his voice • His military service in the U.S. Air Force • Monitoring Russian broadcasts during the Cold War • Moving to Memphis with a dream • Walking into Sun Records • The birth of Johnny Cash’s legendary career About ARKINSAW ARKINSAW is dedicated to telling the stories that make Arkansas unlike anywhere else. From true crime and legends to famous Arkansans, forgotten history, mysteries, folklore, military heroes, and outdoor adventures, every episode explores the people and places that helped shape The Natural State. Have an Arkansas story to share? Call the ARKINSAW Hotline and leave us a voicemail. Whether it’s a family legend, hometown mystery, ghost story, historical event, or an idea for a future episode, we’d love to hear it. ARKINSAW Hotline: (479) 384-5867 (tel:(479)%20384-5867) Be sure to follow ARKINSAW for more Arkansas stories, and if you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and share it with someone who loves Arkansas history. #JohnnyCash #JohnnyCashPodcast #TheManInBlack #DyessArkansas #SunRecords #CountryMusic #CountryMusicHistory #Arkansas #ArkansasHistory #ArkansasPodcast #HistoryPodcast #AmericanHistory #Rockabilly #ARKINSAW #Legends #TrueStory #FamousArkansans #Memphis #GreatDepression #ColdWar

6. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Johnny Cash: Before The Man in Black | How an Arkansas Farm Boy Became a Music Legend

   Before the world knew him as The Man in Black, he was just a young boy growing up in the Arkansas Delta. Long before the sold-out concerts, the prison performances, and the legendary career that would change country music forever, Johnny Cash was picking cotton alongside his family in Dyess, Arkansas during the Great Depression. Those early years—filled with hardship, faith, loss, and determination—would shape the voice, the songs, and the man the world would eventually come to know. In this episode of ARKINSAW, we trace Johnny Cash’s journey from the fields of eastern Arkansas to the doorstep of Sun Records, where one chance meeting with Sam Phillips would change music history forever. Along the way, you’ll hear about the New Deal community that gave his family a fresh start, the heartbreaking tragedy that left a permanent mark on his life, his service in the U.S. Air Force, and the songs he was writing long before fame ever found him. This isn’t just the story of a music legend. It’s the story of an Arkansas boy who refused to give up on a dream. In this episode: • Johnny Cash’s childhood in Dyess, Arkansas • Life during the Great Depression • The Dyess Colony and Roosevelt’s New Deal program • The tragic death of Johnny’s brother, Jack • The music and gospel influences that shaped his sound • Johnny’s years in the U.S. Air Force • His earliest songwriting and musical ambitions • The road that led him to Sun Records and Sam Phillips If you enjoy Arkansas history, true stories, forgotten legends, Southern culture, and the people who shaped the Natural State, be sure to Follow ARKINSAW so you never miss a new episode. Have an Arkansas story to share? The ARKINSAW Hotline is your chance to be part of the show. If you know a local legend, a ghost story, an unsolved mystery, a strange encounter, a piece of forgotten Arkansas history, or just have an incredible story from your hometown, I’d love to hear it. Your voicemail could be featured in a future episode. 📞 ARKINSAW Hotline: (479) 384-5867 If you’re enjoying the podcast, leaving a 5-star rating and review is one of the best ways to help ARKINSAW grow. Every follow, review, and share helps bring Arkansas stories to more people. Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you next time… Right here on ARKINSAW. Arkansas Guy. Telling Arkansas Stories. #JohnnyCash #Arkansas #DyessArkansas #TheManInBlack #CountryMusic #MusicHistory #SunRecords #ArkansasHistory #ARKINSAW #TrueStories #Podcast

7. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Tony Alamo: Inside Arkansas' Most Infamous Cult: Part 2

   Long before Tony Alamo’s empire collapsed, federal investigators had already begun uncovering a pattern of abuse, manipulation, and control that stretched back for decades. What once appeared to be a powerful religious ministry would ultimately become one of the most shocking criminal cases in Arkansas history. In Part 2, we follow the investigations that finally brought Tony Alamo to justice. We examine the allegations from former members, the FBI investigation, the federal trial, his conviction, and the lasting impact his organization left on survivors and communities across Arkansas. This is the story of how one of the state's most infamous cult leaders was finally held accountable. If you enjoy Arkansas history, true crime, legends, mysteries, and the people who shaped the Natural State, be sure to follow ARKINSAW so you never miss an episode. Have a memory, story, or local Arkansas legend you'd like to share? Leave a message on the ARKINSAW Listener Hotline: (479) 384-5867 Your story may be featured in a future episode of ARKINSAW.

8. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Tony Alamo: Inside Arkansas' Most Infamous Cult. The Rise and fall of a Predator disguised as a Savior.

   Long before Tony Alamo became one of America’s most notorious cult leaders, he was a traveling evangelist with a growing following. What began as a small religious movement would eventually evolve into one of the most infamous cults in Arkansas history. In Part 1, we explore Tony Alamo’s early life, the creation of the Alamo Christian Foundation, how he built his influence, and the methods he used to gain complete control over his followers. This is the story of how faith, manipulation, fear, and absolute authority transformed a ministry into something far more dangerous. Part 2 picks up where this episode ends, following the investigations, criminal allegations, federal prosecution, and the events that ultimately brought Tony Alamo to justice. If you enjoy Arkansas history, true crime, legends, mysteries, and the people who shaped the Natural State, be sure to follow ARKINSAW so you never miss an episode. Have a memory, story, or local Arkansas legend you’d like to share? Leave a message on the ARKINSAW Listener Hotline (479) 384-5867—you may hear your story featured in a future episode. C

9. 

   12 Aug 2026

   The Crescent Hotel: America's Most Haunted Hotel & The Dark Story Behind It

   High above Eureka Springs, Arkansas, stands one of the most famous—and supposedly most haunted—hotels in America. The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa has become legendary for its ghost stories, paranormal activity, haunted rooms, and reports of unexplained encounters. But the real history behind the Crescent Hotel may be even stranger than the legends. In this episode of ARKINSAW, we go back to the beginning. Built in 1886 during the boom years of Eureka Springs, the Crescent began as a luxury resort overlooking the Ozark Mountains. Over the decades, the building would serve different purposes—but one chapter would forever change its reputation. In the 1930s, controversial entrepreneur Norman Baker transformed the Crescent into the Baker Cancer Clinic, claiming he could treat cancer despite having no medical training. Patients traveled to Eureka Springs searching for hope while Baker promoted his treatments through radio broadcasts, advertising, and his own publications. Decades later, an extraordinary discovery on the Crescent Hotel property brought that dark chapter of its history back to the surface. Workers uncovered hundreds of old bottles and medical artifacts buried behind the hotel—items connected to the years when Baker operated his hospital inside the Crescent. Today, the Crescent Hotel is known around the world as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.” Guests and employees have reported apparitions, strange lights, unexplained sounds, mysterious figures, and other paranormal experiences throughout the historic building. The hotel has appeared in paranormal investigations and has become one of the most famous haunted destinations in Arkansas. But where does documented history end…and the legend begin? This episode explores the history of the Crescent Hotel, Norman Baker and the Baker Cancer Clinic, the buried bottles discovered at the Crescent Hotel, and the ghost stories and paranormal legends that continue to surround this landmark in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. 👻 HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED SOMETHING AT THE CRESCENT HOTEL? ARKINSAW has opened a special Crescent Hotel Story Line for listeners. If you’ve stayed at the Crescent Hotel, worked there, visited the property, or experienced something you simply couldn’t explain, I want to hear your story. 📞 Call the ARKINSAW Crescent Hotel Story Line: 479-384-5867 Leave your name, where you’re from, and tell me exactly what happened. Your story could be included in a future ARKINSAW episode. By leaving a voicemail, you give ARKINSAW permission to use all or part of your recording in future podcast or related ARKINSAW content. ARKINSAW — Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. Follow or subscribe to ARKINSAW for more true stories from Arkansas, including Arkansas history, true crime, mysteries, legends, folklore, unexplained events, famous Arkansans, and stories from across the Natural State. Topics: Crescent Hotel, Crescent Hotel Eureka Springs, Crescent Hotel Arkansas, haunted Crescent Hotel, America’s Most Haunted Hotel, Eureka Springs Arkansas, haunted hotels, Arkansas ghost stories, Arkansas paranormal, Norman Baker, Baker Cancer Clinic, Crescent Hotel history, Arkansas history, Arkansas mysteries, Arkansas legends, Ozark history, paranormal stories, haunted Arkansas, true Arkansas stories, ARKINSAW Podcast.

10. 

    9 Aug 2026

    Cherokee Bill: The Teenage Outlaw Who Terrorized Indian Territory.

    Cherokee Bill was one of the most feared young outlaws of the American frontier. And his violent story would eventually lead him straight to Fort Smith, Arkansas, and the courtroom of the legendary Hanging Judge, Isaac Parker. Born Crawford Goldsby, Cherokee Bill was still a teenager when his name became associated with robberies, gunfights, murder, and a massive manhunt across Indian Territory. In just a few short years, he built a reputation that made him one of the most infamous outlaws of the Old West. But who was Cherokee Bill? How did a young man become one of the most feared fugitives in Indian Territory? And how did his bloody run finally come to an end at the federal courthouse in Fort Smith? In this episode of ARKINSAW, we follow the life of Cherokee Bill—from his troubled early years and outlaw days to his capture, trial before Judge Isaac Parker, and final days on the Fort Smith gallows. It’s a story of crime, violence, frontier justice, and one of the most notorious young outlaws connected to Arkansas history. ARKINSAW — Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. If you enjoy Arkansas history, true crime, mysteries, legends, and forgotten stories from the Natural State, follow ARKINSAW so you don’t miss the next episode.

11. 

    4 Aug 2026

    The Lost Gold of Arkansas | Hidden Treasure, Legends & Lost Fortunes

    Could millions of dollars in lost treasure still be hidden somewhere in Arkansas? In this episode of ARKINSAW, we uncover three of the Natural State’s greatest lost treasure legends. From Civil War-era gold buried to keep it out of enemy hands to mysterious fortunes that vanished without a trace, these stories have fueled treasure hunters and historians for generations. Were these treasures ever recovered? Or are they still waiting beneath Arkansas soil? Join me as we separate history from legend and explore some of the state’s most enduring mysteries. Featured Stories: • The Hermann Family Gold of Dutch Mills • The Gold Beneath Natural Steps • The Lost Confederate Gold If you love Arkansas history, true crime, mysteries, legends, outlaws and lore, you’re in the right place. Follow ARKINSAW for new episodes featuring the people, places, crimes, and legends that helped shape Arkansas. Arkansas Stories. Arkansas Roots. #Arkansas #ARKINSAW #ArkansasHistory #LostGold #HiddenTreasure #TrueCrime #History #Mystery #Legends #Lore #TreasureHunter #CivilWar

12. 

    31 Jul 2026

    Arkansas Titan II Missile Explosion

    On September 18, 1980, a routine maintenance job inside a Titan II nuclear missile silo near Damascus, Arkansas turned into one of the most terrifying accidents of the Cold War. A simple 8-pound socket slipped from a technician’s wrench, fell nearly 80 feet, and punctured the missile’s fuel tank. What happened over the next several hours nearly changed American history forever. In this episode of ARKINSAW, we take you inside the underground missile complex and tell the incredible true story of the Arkansas Titan II Missile Disaster. You’ll hear how a tiny mistake led to a massive fuel leak, the tense race to prevent catastrophe, the explosion that ripped apart the silo, and the heroic actions of the men who risked their lives to protect millions of Americans. This is more than a story about a missile. It’s a story about courage, split-second decisions, human error, and one of the closest calls the United States ever experienced during the nuclear age. In this episode: • The history of the Titan II missile program • Why Damascus, Arkansas was chosen for a missile silo • The maintenance accident that started it all • The desperate attempts to stop disaster • The massive explosion that destroyed the silo • The heroic sacrifice of Senior Airman David Livingston • What happened to the nuclear warhead • How the accident changed nuclear safety forever If you enjoy true crime, Arkansas history, forgotten disasters, mysteries, legends, and stories that deserve to be remembered, ARKINSAW is for you. Subscribe to ARKINSAW on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and review—it really helps more people discover the show. Share this episode with a friend, and follow along as we continue uncovering the true stories, legends, mysteries, and history that make Arkansas unlike anywhere else. I’m Jess… and this is ARKINSAW.

13. 

    20 Jul 2026

    Ronald Gene Simmons: Arkansas's Christmas Massacre

    Ronald Gene Simmons: The Arkansas Christmas Massacre (1987) Just days before Christmas in 1987, the state of Arkansas became the scene of one of the most horrifying murder sprees in American history. What began on a secluded property known as Mockingbird Hill near Dover, Arkansas, quickly escalated into a tragedy that claimed the lives of sixteen innocent people and forever changed families, communities, and the Natural State. In this premiere episode of ARKINSAW, Jess tells the complete story of Ronald Gene Simmons—from his early life and military career to the warning signs that preceded the murders, the chilling events of Christmas week, the deadly shooting spree in Russellville, the investigation that followed, his trial in Ozark, Arkansas, and his eventual execution. This episode is told with respect for the victims and their families. Rather than sensationalizing the violence, ARKINSAW focuses on the history, the timeline, and the lasting impact one man’s actions had on Arkansas and the people who lived through one of the darkest chapters in the state’s history. This episode is dedicated to the sixteen innocent people who lost their lives during the Ronald Gene Simmons murders. Their memory deserves to be honored, and their stories should never be forgotten. Sources Research for this episode was compiled from multiple historical sources, including: Encyclopedia of Arkansas Arkansas Democrat-Gazette archives Associated Press archives Contemporary newspaper coverage from December 1987 and the years that followed Court records and publicly available historical records documenting the Ronald Gene Simmons case About ARKINSAW ARKINSAW is a documentary-style storytelling podcast exploring the true stories that shaped the Natural State. From notorious crimes and legendary outlaws to forgotten history, military disasters, hauntings, mysteries, and remarkable people, every episode uncovers another chapter of Arkansas’s past. If you enjoy Arkansas history, true crime, mysteries, legends and compelling storytelling, be sure to follow ARKINSAW so you never miss a new episode. And if you know an Arkansas story that deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you.

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

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