I am Northwest Arkansas
436 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 52 ratingsThe I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast covers the intersection of Business, Culture, Entrepreneurship, and Life in Benton and Washington County Arkansas. If you are thinking about moving here or already live here, we've got great inspiring stories, ideas, things to do, places to see, people to meet, and food to eat. Learn why we are one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas of the US.
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Episodes
Spreading Love, One Meal at a Time: The Powerful Mission of For the Love Food Truck
September 04, 2023 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.3 MBAbout the Show: "When we can bust through the glass walls that society tells us to keep up, we can discover the sweetness and depth that comes from connecting with people who are different from us.” - Melinda Williams In today's episode, we talk to Melinda Williams, a remarkable woman who shifted from being a physical therapist to a stay-at-home mom navigating her way through an identity transition. This is a story about faith, friendship, and the compelling need to make a meaningful imp...
Relationships are the Foundation: Stuart Collier's Key to Success in the Real Estate Industry
August 28, 2023 14:00 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBAbout the Show: "Recognize good people that are going to do the right thing, give them what they need to do the right thing, and then provide some vision and direction.” - Stuart Collier Meet Stuart Collier, a man who saw untapped potential in the people around him. Fresh out of college with a real estate license Stuart was full of rebellious energy. But despite his initial enthusiasm, he couldn’t make a significant impact in the real estate industry. That's when life led him to a stead...
From Wings to Latin Delights and Everything in Between: Joseph Nguyen's Insider Tips for Foodies in Northwest Arkansas
August 21, 2023 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBAbout the Show: "Restaurants have a hard time telling their story, and I want to help them do that..” - Joseph Nguyen Joseph Nguyen, fondly known as the Hangry Pedaler NWA, traces his culinary journey back to his family roots. Born to first-generation immigrants who ran a nail salon, Joseph was exposed to a vibrant mix of cultures growing up. His wife Nina played a significant role in broadening his culinary horizons, introducing him to a world beyond the usual comfort foods. With her ...
Building Equitable Communities: Northwest Arkansas and the Future of Community Land Trusts
August 17, 2023 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBAbout the Show: Do you want to ensure that your community remains affordable and accessible for all residents? Our guest speakers will share the solution to preventing displacement and promoting equal opportunities so that you can achieve a more inclusive and equitable community. They are part of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Future is Now Speaker Series. "We need to be willing to remold our plans based on feedback and truly listen to the needs and desires of the community we're servi...
Driving Towards Success: Noah Washington's Exclusive Interviews with Northwest Arkansas Icons
August 14, 2023 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBAbout the Show: "I'm always saying about your generation, right? You're part of Gen Z and you can take direction, and you also are willing to ideate and try new things.” - Randy Wilburn In this episode, we chat with Noah Washington, a rising sophomore at the University of Arkansas with a passion that sets him apart. Noah's unique vision has led him to embark on a journey to tell the stories of his university's accomplished athletes through his YouTube show, 'The Ridin' Around Show.' By c...
Understanding the Needs of Northwest Arkansas' Black Community: The State of Black Census - Chris Seawood, Lindsey Leverett-Higgins
August 09, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBAbout the Show: "Encouraging participation in this census is crucial for creating awareness and understanding the needs of our diverse community. It's the only way we can work towards a more inclusive and thriving Northwest Arkansas.” - Lindsey Leverett-Higgins Introduction In this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, Randy Wilburn sits down with guests Chris Seawood and Lindsey Leverett-Higgins from the Northwest Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr Council. They discuss the State...
Creating Community through Art: Insights from Lakeisha Edwards of Art Ventures
August 07, 2023 14:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBAbout the Show: "Everyone deserves to take up space in the arts ecosystem, regardless of background or experience.” - Lakeisha Edwards On this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn talks to Lakeisha Edwards, the Executive Director of Art Ventures. Edwards emphasizes the importance of collaboration, support, and the welcoming spirit of the Northwest Arkansas community that has inspired her work at Art Ventures. She sheds light on the need for recognizing the b...
IANWA - From Local Farmers Markets to Popular Establishments: Natural State Beverage Company Takes Northwest Arkansas by Storm - Krista Cloud
July 31, 2023 14:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBAbout the Show: "It's far easier to walk into a room and admit that you know nothing than to pretend you know everything.” - Krista Cloud On the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn is joined by Krista Cloud, who co-founded the Natural State Beverage Company. The discussion revolves around their remarkable business journey and the choice of making Northwest Arkansas their base. Their narrative underscores the impact of community backing and the fulfillment that comes with ...
IANWA - Unleashing Creativity: NaTosha Devon and the Thriving Arts Scene in Northwest Arkansas
July 28, 2023 13:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBAbout this Bonus Episode: "There are no overnight sensations. Success comes from putting in years of time and effort..” - Natosha Devon NaTosha Devon is a prominent figure in Northwest Arkansas' art scene. As a gifted thespian, she has graced the stage in countless productions at Theater Squared, earning acclaim for her compelling performances. Not one to shy away from creative challenges, she has penned her own play entitled “Ain't I a Woman,” which is making its debut August 10-12, 202...
From Vision to Reality: Nelson Peacock on the Power of Collaboration and Infrastructure Development in Northwest Arkansas
July 24, 2023 14:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBAbout the Show: "I feel like you can make a difference here. It's not so large, it's not established that the die is already cast. Each one of us can make a difference in this place.” - Nelson Peacock Born and raised in Arkansas, Nelson Peacock always had a sense of belonging to the Natural state. After a stint in Washington DC, and California, where he pursued his career in public policy, the opportunity to head the Northwest Arkansas Council lured him back home. Nelson's return was pro...
Best of IANWA - How To Be Uniquely You and An Entrepreneur with Brant Barnes
July 17, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBAbout the Show: Join us for a heartfelt "Best of" episode as we re-introduce the inaugural entry into the I Am Northwest Arkansas Podcast Hall of Fame. While we are excited to honor exceptional episodes, we are deeply saddened by the circumstances surrounding this first entry. Two years ago, Mark Zweig introduced us to the remarkable entrepreneur Brant Barnes. In an unforgettable conversation at his Shelter Insurance office in Fayetteville, Brant shared captivating stories that spanned his...
Best of IANWA - Bringing the Best Teas From Africa To Northwest Arkansas with ASAMI Teas
July 10, 2023 14:00 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MBAbout the Show: Indulge in a delightful blend of teas as we present a special "Best of" episode on the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Join us as we revisit an enlightening conversation with Ola Atilola, a tea expert from ASAMI Teas, a local tea company specializing in exquisite teas sourced from the African continent. Ola's passion lies in providing healthy teas to a wide audience. Discover the centuries-old tea-drinking cultures of Africa and the revitalizing impact they can have on you...
Best of IANWA - Doug Allen Brings The Kings River To Life In His New Book
July 03, 2023 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBAbout the Show: As we take some much-needed time off to rest and recharge, we present to you a special "Best of" episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Join us as we revisit one of our most listened-to episodes featuring Doug Riverman Allen, the owner of Joses Bar & Grill in Tontitown, known for serving one of the best brunches in Northwest Arkansas. This encore presentation delves into Doug's inspiring story of perseverance during the early stages of the pandemic. Plus, we catch...
Sourcing Locally: How Emily Lawson's Commitment to Fresh Ingredients Built Pink House Alchemy right here in Northwest Arkansas
June 26, 2023 14:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBAbout the Show: "The money speaks volumes. And we think about that a lot in Pink House. We want to be disruptive and competitive and make money and grow in that way and use and spend our dollars the way that we think is effective and can be helpful for the community.” - Emily Lawson In today's episode, we have the pleasure of introducing Emily Lawson, a dynamic entrepreneur and staunch advocate for community collaboration in the food and beverage sector. The heartbeat of Pink House Alche...
IANWA - Goldman Sachs is Looking for 10,000 Small Businesses In Rural America
June 22, 2023 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBAbout the Show: "Most small business owners struggle with the whole concept of growing their business because they work in their business, not on it...the importance of working on your business, not just in it.” - Randy Wilburn In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, we explore the expansion of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program into rural America. Join host Randy Wilburn and guest Nicaela Chinnaswamy as they discuss the importance of supporting small businesses in und...
Dr. John L. Colbert's 47 Year Legacy in the Fayetteville Public School System
June 19, 2023 14:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MBAbout the Show: "Always remember, someone's always watching.” - Dr. John L. Colbert Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where today we are thrilled to feature Dr. John L. Colbert. With an illustrious career in education spanning over forty years, Dr. Colbert has dedicated his life to the Fayetteville Public Schools in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Starting his journey as a special education teacher, his relentless passion and commitment elevated him to the prestigious role of superinten...
Bridging the Gap with Music and Fashion in Northwest Arkansas: Celebrating Juneteenth with Anthony Ball and Rochelle Bailey
June 12, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBAbout the Show: "Music is a unifying force. - Anthony Ball On this episode, we hear from two of Northwest Arkansas’ black culture influencers, Anthony Ball and Rochelle Bailey, and their collaboration to celebrate Juneteenth through the Freedom Festival in Springdale, Arkansas, this June, promoting diverse representation in music and fashion. Through their respective organizations, Music Moves and Interform, they strive to create a more inclusive environment where people from all walks ...
Innovative Approaches to Affordable Housing in Northwest Arkansas: A Chat with Experts
June 05, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBAbout the Show: "The most successful cities of the future are going to be those that are the most adaptable to change.” - Emily Hamilton In the second installment of the Future is Now Speaker Series, Randy Wilburn talks to Duke McLarty, Matthew Petty, and Emily Hamilton about affordable housing in the region. The guests highlight the importance of addressing the shortage of affordable housing in growing urban areas, including Northwest Arkansas. Hamilton suggests thinking beyond increa...
Creative Exchange Fund: Empowering NWA Artists
May 29, 2023 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBAbout the Show: "Northwest Arkansas is such a unique place because it's small enough that you can still make an impact, but it's big enough that you can have access to things that you need.” - Amber Perrodin Amber Perrodin, a dedicated artist and community manager at The Medium, was accompanied on the podcast by the talented Breaking Habits crew, including Andy Nguyen, Logan Campbell, Van Deng, and Chung Nguyen, discussing the impact of the Creative Exchange Fund in Northwest Arkansas. ...
Breaking New Ground in Northwest Arkansas: Diversifying Real Estate Development with ULI's REDI Program
May 26, 2023 17:00 - 16 minutes - 11.3 MBIn this bonus episode of "I am Northwest Arkansas", host Randy Wilburn brings us an enlightening conversation with Megan Brown from the Urban Land Institute of Northwest Arkansas (ULINWA). Megan and Randy discuss the upcoming Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) Program by ULINWA, designed to increase the diversity of leadership in the built environment. They highlight the REDI program's importance in addressing affordable housing and development issues in Northwest Arkansas. Megan provi...
The only way to Experience Fayetteville like a local in Northwest Arkansas with Sarah King and Chloe Bell
May 22, 2023 13:22 - 55 minutes - 38.3 MBAbout the Show: "We want to make Fayetteville the best place it can be, especially from the vantage point of creating awareness for visitors.” - Sarah King Experience Fayetteville is an organization that promotes the city as a destination for tourists, conventions, and sporting events. Sarah King, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at Experience Fayetteville, moved to the city with her wife, unaware of the treasures that awaited them. As they explored their new home, they dis...
Pit Mistress Dana Neely: Perfecting the Craft of Delta Style BBQ in Northwest Arkansas
May 15, 2023 15:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBAbout the Show: "I always tell people that we are the sum total of our experiences.” - Dana Neely Dana Neely's passion for barbecue brought her back to her home state of Arkansas after years spent in Seattle. She had been perfecting her unique barbecue recipes on the West Coast, but it was the sense of collaboration within the Northwest Arkansas culinary scene that attracted her to establish her own barbecue joint, Girls Gone Barbecue. Through connections like Chef Matt Cooper and Nate W...
From Employee to Owner: Justin Macedo's Journey with Uncle Sam's Safari Outfitters
May 08, 2023 13:00 - 43 minutes - 30.1 MBAbout the Show: "I think there's a lot of opportunities here in Northwest Arkansas for businesses, especially outdoor businesses, to collaborate and grow.” - Justin Macedo Have you heard the myths about buying an existing business versus starting from scratch? That it’s too expensive, that you’ll be inheriting too many problems, or that it’s simply not a viable option? Don’t worry, Justin Macedo is here to dispel the myths and reveal the truth about the pros and cons of buying an existin...
From Dream to Reality: Bill Fox and Forge on Turning Ideas into Profitable Ventures
May 01, 2023 12:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBAbout the Show: "Owning a business and doing something you love and getting up every day to do that is not working, it's doing something you love." Bill Fox, Forge Meet Bill Fox, a small business champion with a proven track record in Northwest Arkansas. As the Director of Technical Assistance at Forge, Bill has made it his mission to help entrepreneurs access the credit and resources they need to succeed. With an impressive resume that includes stints at the Small Business Development Ce...
Discover the Future of Northwest Arkansas with Talent Acquisition Experts Aron Shelton and Justin Stewart
April 24, 2023 14:00 - 49 minutes - 34.1 MBAbout the Show: "We want people to come, but we want them to stay." Aron Shelton, Northwest Arkansas Council Aron Shelton and Justin Stewart were drawn to the unique challenges and opportunities of attracting and retaining a skilled workforce in Northwest Arkansas. As the director of Finding NWA, Aron applies his passion for the region to help others discover and appreciate the rich blend of culture, business, and outdoor recreation that the area offers. Justin is the Talent Ambassador wi...
Discovering the Magic of Ballet in Northwest Arkansas with David Sanders
April 17, 2023 14:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBAbout the Show: “I think that when we take any kind of classical art form and make it more difficult to get involved with, we take so much of the creativity out of it.” - David Sanders, Ozark Ballet Theater David Sanders, a skilled ballet dancer, found his passion for the art form at the age of 16, after discovering a nonprofit ballet school in his hometown. He later embarked on a journey with his wife, Katie Stasse, seeking to open their own ballet school in order to make ballet educati...
From Hobbyist to Entrepreneur: Bo Dutton & Shelley Mouber on Nurturing Creatives in Northwest Arkansas
April 10, 2023 15:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBAbout the Show: "We really wanted the community to appeal not just to painters or woodworkers or potters, but also musicians or writers or anybody who just feels like they're creative." Bo Dutton/Shelley Mouber Bo Dutton and Shelley Mouber never imagined the impact their small idea would have on the creative communities in Northwest Arkansas. Through the NWA Makers Club, they have built a thriving network of talented creators, connecting them in ways they could never have imagined. But w...
Irvin Camacho and the District 3 Podcast are empowering Latin American voices in Northwest Arkansas and beyond
April 03, 2023 14:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBAbout the Show: Irvin Camacho is a passionate community leader, organizer, and founder of the highly acclaimed District 3 Podcast. Since 2009, Irvin has dedicated his life to advocating for immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness within the Latin American community. Through his podcast, Irvin has successfully created a bilingual platform that discusses critical issues within the community and highlights the incredible work of individuals who often go unrecognized. Wit...
Victor Dover and NWA Council Speaker Series
March 27, 2023 15:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBAbout the Show: Victor Dover returns to Northwest Arkansas to find a new great American small town emerging but must question whether the old values of placemaking can be maintained in order to sustain its prosperity. He is part of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Future is Now Speaker Series. "If you're trying to figure out, and you're scratching your heads trying to figure out where there's room to build to solve the housing problem, the answer is some of this land that's thought of as...
Solving the Workforce Housing Problem with Victor Dover's Design-Centric Approach to Place
March 27, 2023 14:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBAbout the Show: Victor Dover returns to Northwest Arkansas to find a new great American small town emerging but must question whether the old values of placemaking can be maintained in order to sustain its prosperity. He is part of the Northwest Arkansas Council’s Future is Now Speaker Series. "If you're trying to figure out, and you're scratching your heads trying to figure out where there's room to build to solve the housing problem, the answer is some of this land that's thought of as...
Women's Health: April Roy's Journey to Take the 'Oops' Out of Unexpected Periods with femPAQ here in Northwest Arkansas and beyond
March 20, 2023 14:00 - 1 hour - 41.3 MBAbout the Show: Take the "Oops!" Out of Unexpected Periods with femPAQ, and Let Women everywhere Feel Empowered and Comfortable in Every Space. A conversation with Founder April Roy. "I always told people I would rather read a book any day than have to push out five garments by the end of the week. It was brutal. It was so brutal that when I graduated, I was like, I don't want to see another sewing machine. I don't want to see another piece of fabric ever again." April Roy, femPAQ Founder...
Expedition Ozark: Danny Collins and the World of Adventure Racing here in Northwest Arkansas
March 13, 2023 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.5 MBAbout the Show: In this podcast episode, we sit down with Danny Collins as he leads an international roster of adventure racers through the breathtaking Ozarks to compete in the Adventure Race World Series and discover the hidden beauty of his backyard. "The outdoors is what we have here, and so what better way to connect with it, even for your corporate groups. We see the value in the outdoors as being that environment to build, those team bonding, those leadership skills, and especially ...
Uniting to Advance Women: Lela Davidson & Kimberly McGee of NextUp Northwest Arkansas
March 06, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBAbout the Show: Be part of the band and join NextUp to advance women in business and the workplace through the power of community. "It's important to see people that not only look like you but have had some of the same shared experiences, as it helps validate the path you're on and strengthens your voice." - Kimberly McGee Lela Davidson is a 19-year Northwest Arkansas resident and co-chair of NextUP, an organization dedicated to advancing women, growing businesses, and transforming the ...
The Land of Opportunity: Taryn Mead & Matthew A. Myers on Northwest Arkansas' Outdoor Entrepreneurial Culture
February 27, 2023 15:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBAbout the Show: Taryn Mead is an assistant teaching professor for the Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation (SEVI) Program at the University of Arkansas. Matthew A. Myers is the program manager for the Masters of Science in Product Innovation program. Two inspiring individuals, Taryn Mead, and Matthew A. Myers had a chance to share their story of how they are enabling a burgeoning entrepreneurial culture in Northwest Arkansas through the University of Arkansas' Strategy, Entre...
Transforming Lives: Carol Silva Moralez and Upskill NWA's Mission to Provide Access to Healthcare Jobs here in Northwest Arkansas
February 20, 2023 13:30 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBAbout the Show: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” Maimonides Carol Silva Moralez is the president and CEO of Upskill NWA, a workforce development program that provides low-income wage earners with access to education and high-wage, high-demand jobs in healthcare. She has 25 years of experience in Walmart, including 18 years as an operator and 7 years at the Walmart home office. Carol Silva Moralez has had an incredible ...
Confessions of an Entrepreneur in Northwest Arkansas with University of Arkansas Professor Mark Zweig
February 13, 2023 13:30 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBAbout the Show: Are you an entrepreneur looking to start, build, and run a business? Are you sick of hearing generic advice and tips that don't work? If your answer is yes, then this podcast episode is for you! Mark Zweig, Founder of Inc 500/5000 companies and a business savant is here to share his knowledge and experience discussing his book, Confessions of an Entrepreneur: Simple Wisdom for Starting, Building, and Running a Business. Bob Lutz, a former vice chairman of General Motors,...
The Genesis of Neil Greenhaw's Haxton Road Studios: From Small Town Arkansas to Worldwide Collaborator
February 06, 2023 14:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBAbout the Show: Newly married Neil Greenhaw embarks on an inspiring journey from small-town Arkansas to the global stage, only to return home to find his true calling in cultivating a vibrant music and entrepreneurial culture in Northwest Arkansas with collaboration, passion, and purpose. "Always be in the room with people that are better than you because it'll make you better." - Neil Greenhaw. Neil Greenhaw is the principal owner of HAXTON Road Studios and a former touring musician. He ...
Chris Thompson found Northwest Arkansas Fertile ground to develop his App Sober Sidekick
January 30, 2023 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBAbout the Show: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein When Chris Thompson hit rock bottom on Thanksgiving Day 2018, he realized that alcohol was his only solution and that his best thinking had gotten him there. Faced with overcoming his ego, Chris took a leap of faith and launched a sobriety support app to help others, transforming his suffering and shame into purpose. "Recovery isn't about overcoming alcohol or drugs; it's o...
IANWA HOF Podcast Episode - Making Every Day Count A Tribute To NWA Entrepreneur Brant Barnes
January 23, 2023 15:00 - 1 hour - 44.1 MBAbout the Show: We have been toying with the idea of creating an episode Hall of Fame for the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast. We figured we would start keeping track of the most downloaded episodes we’ve shared and the episodes that impact the host and listeners most. While we are excited to share the first entry into our podcasting hall of fame, we are equally saddened by the reason that we have to do this now. Two years ago, Mark Zweig, who many of you have heard us mention on the po...
Chef Russell Ingram: Southern Fried & Sustainable Zero Waste Dining with Dot's Nashville Hot Chicken Food Truck
January 16, 2023 13:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBAbout the Show: "I didn't want to do business unless I did it right. And I love nature. It's a big part of my life. I grew up in it, and I just strayed away from it for all those years that I was in the city. And now that we moved out here, we're in the mountains. Fayetteville is huge on sustainability and the environment. I really loved that. And I thought it was a great opportunity for me to implement these business ideas." - Russell Ingram Chef Russell Ingram is a self-taught culinary ...
Lindsey Leverett-Higgins is Building Upon A Dream with The Northwest Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Council
January 09, 2023 13:15 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBAbout the Show: Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame but greatness because greatness is determined by service. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This episode featured Lindsey Leverett Higgins, the President of the Northwest Arkansas Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Council. Lindsey shared how the Council was established in 1996 by the late Reverend J. Aaron Hawkins to bring a large celebration to Northwest Arkansas in honor of Dr. King and raise money for scholarships. The Council ha...
Lightning in a Bottle: Alex Howland on Women's Mental Health, Legacy & Generational Wealth Here in Northwest Arkansas
January 02, 2023 14:15 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBAbout the Show: “Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained.” – Marie Curie Alex Howland is a passionate advocate for women's empowerment, having worked with women for the past ten years. She is the founder of Dovetail, an event in January 2023 that seeks to provide an open forum for women to discuss topics like legacy, generational weal...
Northwest Arkansas Has Acres of Diamonds - Our 200th Episode Celebration
December 26, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBAbout the Show: Northwest Arkansas Has Acres of Diamonds… “Your diamonds are not in far distant mountains or in yonder seas; they are in your own backyard if you but dig for them.” Russell B. Conwell We can’t believe that this is episode 200 of the podcast. Who would have thought that going around the Northwest Arkansas community with a digital recorder and a microphone to interview people and organizations to learn more about them would become a thing? Podcasting has been the perfect ...
Uncovering the My-T-By-Design of Lakisha Harper Bradley: Using Art for Creative Expression and Inspiration Here in Northwest Arkansas
December 19, 2022 13:15 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBAbout the Show: “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice your gift.” - Steve Prefontaine When Lakisha Harper Bradley, a former Walmart employee, is propelled by a spiritual download to leave her comfort zone and start her own business, 'My-T-By-Design,' she embarks on an inspiring journey to use art as a therapeutic tool to empower others to embrace their inner Picasso and uncover their unique gifts. "We all have unique gifts, but it starts with us believing in ourselves in ...
A Conversation on Cryptocurrency with University of Arkansas Law Professor Carol Goforth
December 12, 2022 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBAbout the Show: What is a cryptocurrency, and why is it gaining popularity? "Blockchain is the tech. Bitcoin is merely the first mainstream manifestation of its potential." Marc Kenigsberg Carol Goforth is a law professor at the University of Arkansas and a cryptocurrency expert. She has written over a dozen law review articles and two books and is a regular speaker on the topic. In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, host Randy Wilburn interviews Carol Goforth, a professor of law...
Chef Elliot Hunt's Epic Journey: Tales of Travel and Inspiration at Atlas the Restaurant in Northwest Arkansas
December 05, 2022 13:00 - 40 minutes - 36.9 MBAbout the Show: “The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Thomas Alva Edison Elliot Hunt is the chef of Atlas The Restaurant, a French revivalist-style restaurant in Northwest Arkansas. His love of cooking was ignited at age nine when he went on a trip to France with his parents, and he has since traveled the world, taking inspiration from global cuisine to create unique dishes for the restaurant. This is Elliot Hunt's story... Chef Elliot Hunt, ...
How to Harness The Power of A Neurodiverse Workforce in Northwest Arkansas
November 28, 2022 13:00 - 48 minutes - 33.2 MBAbout the Show: "We must not only learn to tolerate our differences. We must welcome them as the richness and diversity which can lead to true intelligence." ~ Albert Einstein Depending on who you listen to here in Northwest Arkansas, we have more than 10,000 open positions that need to be filled. Most of the significant regional companies - Walmart, JB Hunt, Tyson, Simmons, and the University of Arkansas, are all hiring. It is a numbers game. The more firms recruit and interview, the mor...
What We Are Thankful For in 2022
November 21, 2022 17:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBAbout the Show: "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." -Oprah Winfrey Now and then, I like doing a monologue episode, and since we are celebrating Thanksgiving this week in the United States, it would be worth sharing some of the things I am thankful for. I don’t know about you, but holidays have always been a time of reflection for us here at I Am Northwest Arkansas, and we decided to “let ...
This Episode Is Not Sponsored By T-Mobile
November 14, 2022 17:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBAbout the Show: “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Dale Carnegie I ran into Carlos Rosas earlier this Spring when I needed a portable 5G tower/hot spot for my office. I couldn’t get the broadband speeds I needed, so I reached out to Carlos and the folks at T-Mobile for help. Carlos met me with the device in the parking lot of a Starbucks in Rogers. We ended up doing t...
Adventure Subaru is Raising The Bar When It Comes to Selling Cars and Giving Back to The Community Here in Northwest Arkansas
November 07, 2022 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBAbout the Show: We spoke with the folks at Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville. Danielle Dotson, Marketing Manager, Kelley Carey, HR Manager, Brent Baker, GM, and Managing Partner. They gave us an inside view of the super successful dealership that has tapped into the outdoor enthusiast here in Northwest Arkansas. Adventure Subaru was the last piece of an automotive dealership collection owned by Don Nelms. Don is a bit of a legend in Northwest Arkansas, establishing the “Service in the Nelm...