I am Northwest Arkansas
436 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 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
Visit Bentonville!
November 16, 2020 22:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBAbout the Show: We recorded this episode back in February of 2020 before the pandemic hit us like a ton of bricks. We have weathered the storm a bit, have hunkered down in our homes, and masked up like never before. I think we are all longing for the day when we have a vaccine and can get out and resume everyday living. We sat down with Kalene Griffith, President, and CEO, who, along with her fantastic team run, Visit Bentonville. There is so much that goes into being an Ambassador fo...
93 - Am I My Brothers Keeper?
November 09, 2020 23:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBA brief summary of this episode
Am I My Brothers Keeper?
November 09, 2020 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBAbout the Show: I decided to make this episode a little different than normal. Similar to episode 92 where I talk about Getting out to vote. I just wanted to reflect on some thoughts that I have around the election - non-partisan style - and where we go from here. I hope you enjoy this episode and some of the stories that I share. I do monologues from time to time and this is a chance to hear what I am thinking out loud. We will be back to our normal programming next week. #MaskUpA...
92 - Get Out and Vote 2020
November 02, 2020 23:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBAbout the Show: This episode is a departure from regularly scheduled programming. On the eve of Election Day, November 3rd, 2020, I wanted to reflect a little on the pandemic and this election season and how we might want to view this unique time in our own personal history. I do monologues from time to time and this is a chance to hear what I am thinking out loud. We will be back to our normal programming next week. Get out and #vote if you haven’t already. And, #MaskUpArkansas I...
Get Out and Vote 2020
November 02, 2020 22:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBAbout the Show: This episode is a departure from regularly scheduled programming. On the eve of Election Day, November 3rd, 2020, I wanted to reflect a little on the pandemic and this election season and how we might want to view this unique time in our own personal history. I do monologues from time to time and this is a chance to hear what I am thinking out loud. We will be back to our normal programming next week. Get out and #vote if you haven’t already. And, #MaskUpArkansas Imp...
91 - Chef Erin Rowe knows the Ozark Culinary Scene Better Than Anyone Else
October 26, 2020 22:00 - 52 minutes - 35.8 MBAbout the Show: We recently sat down with Chef Erin Rowe, Author of the book An Ozark Culinary History, and Founder of The Ozark Culinary Tours. Based in Bella Vista, Chef Erin knows her way around the Northwest Arkansas culinary scene. It took Chef Erin a year and a half of painstaking research to compile over 400 Recipes that are included in the book. Along with those recipes are timeless stories that are right at home here in the Ozarks. For those of you that may have grown up in North...
Chef Erin Rowe knows the Ozark Culinary Scene Better Than Anyone Else
October 26, 2020 21:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MBAbout the Show: We recently sat down with Chef Erin Rowe, Author of the book An Ozark Culinary History, and Founder of The Ozark Culinary Tours. Based in Bella Vista, Chef Erin knows her way around the Northwest Arkansas culinary scene. It took Chef Erin a year and a half of painstaking research to compile over 400 Recipes that are included in the book. Along with those recipes are timeless stories that are right at home here in the Ozarks. For those of you that may have grown up in North...
90 - Colin Massey and the University of Arkansas Extension Serve The Local Community On So Many Levels
October 19, 2020 22:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBAbout the Show: Today's episode is all about The University of Arkansas Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Program. Colin Massey is our guest and is the Washington County Agriculture and Horticulture Agent. Colin shared some great stories and walked us through all that he does to promote native horticulture in Arkansas. He gives us a glimpse into all of the services offered in his department, and the cool thing is that most of them are free. We also talked about the Master Gardener pr...
Colin Massey and the University of Arkansas Extension Serve The Local Community On So Many Levels
October 19, 2020 21:00 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBAbout the Show: Today's episode is all about The University of Arkansas Extension Agriculture and Horticulture Program. Colin Massey is our guest and is the Washington County Agriculture and Horticulture Agent. Colin shared some great stories and walked us through all that he does to promote native horticulture in Arkansas. He gives us a glimpse into all of the services offered in his department, and the cool thing is that most of them are free. We also talked about the Master Gardener ...
89 - Is Northwest Arkansas the Unicorn of Real Estate Investing? A conversation with Henry Washington
October 12, 2020 22:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBShow Notes and Transcript coming soon!
Is Northwest Arkansas the Unicorn of Real Estate Investing? A conversation with Henry Washington
October 12, 2020 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.3 MBAbout the Show: We recently sat down with Henry Washington from Independent Realty Group based in Springdale, Arkansas. Over the past few years, Henry has learned the ropes of real estate investing, had some significant investment wins, and is now teaching others to do the same. Hear Henry’s journey and if you have ever thought about investing in Real Estate and weren’t sure where to start this is the episode for you. You can also get access to Henry’s Real Estate Investing (Bank Financ...
IANWA - Bonus Episode: BIke.POC - If Not Me, Who? If Not Now, When?
October 09, 2020 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAbout the Show: This is a special episode to highlight the BIke.POC program to create awareness of biking for people of color. We had a chance to learn more about why this program started with the founders, Beatrice Apple and Kim Seay. In addition, this episode should be encouraging for anyone that wants to get on a bike and take advantage of all the trails that Northwest Arkansas has to offer. The next BIke.POC ride is scheduled for October 11, 2020, from 3 PM to 5 PM in Downtown Roger...
88 - Andrew Gibbs Dabney LIVSN Some of The Most Comfortable Pants in Northwest Arkansas
October 05, 2020 22:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MBA brief summary of this episode
Andrew Gibbs Dabney LIVSN Some of The Most Comfortable Pants in Northwest Arkansas
October 05, 2020 21:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBA brief summary of this episode Mentioned in this episode: ONBoardNWA.com Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today. IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH Signature Ban...
87 - Get Out And Vote 2020 With Engage Northwest Arkansas
September 28, 2020 17:34 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBAbout the Show: Today's episode is all about Voter participation. While we don't do Politics here at I am Northwest Arkansas, we talk about other ideas, and doing your civic duty to get out, and vote is one of them. We were recently asked by EngageNWA and the Northwest Arkansas Council to Moderate an event with local business leaders from Walmart, Tyson, and Kitestring, and the Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, to discuss the Voting process and answer questions about the upcoming e...
Get Out And Vote 2020 With Engage Northwest Arkansas
September 28, 2020 16:34 - 59 minutes - 40.8 MBAbout the Show: Today's episode is all about Voter participation. While we don't do Politics here at I am Northwest Arkansas, we talk about other ideas, and doing your civic duty to get out, and vote is one of them. We were recently asked by EngageNWA and the Northwest Arkansas Council to Moderate an event with local business leaders from Walmart, Tyson, and Kitestring, and the Arkansas Secretary of State, John Thurston, to discuss the Voting process and answer questions about the upcoming ...
86 - Dr. Joe Daniels is Building Community Through Love in Northwest Arkansas and Beyond
September 21, 2020 22:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBS About the Show: We sat down with Build Community Through Love founder Dr. Joseph Daniels to learn about his new podcast and the organization that shares the same name. Dr. Daniels is on a quest to create an authentic community with anyone that will listen. He is a Civil Engineer by trade and a Preacher's son by birth. Dr. Daniels has proven that he is good at multitasking as he practices engineering by day and works to make a difference in his local community here in Northwest Ark...
Dr. Joe Daniels is Building Community Through Love in Northwest Arkansas and Beyond
September 21, 2020 21:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBAbout the Show: We sat down with Build Community Through Love founder Dr. Joseph Daniels to learn about his new podcast and the organization that shares the same name. Dr. Daniels is on a quest to create an authentic community with anyone that will listen. He is a Civil Engineer by trade and a Preacher's son by birth. Dr. Daniels has proven that he is good at multitasking as he practices engineering by day and works to make a difference in his local community here in Northwest Arkansas...
85 - Kurt Berman and The Ropeswing Hospitality Group are Keeping Northwest Arkansas Fed, Happy, and Safe
September 14, 2020 22:00 - 38 minutes - 30.5 MBAbout the Show: We sit down with Ropeswing Hospitality Group CEO Kurt Berman to learn how the Restaurant Group has managed to maintain their wits during this pandemic. According to Kurt, it's all about managing expectations and figuring out ways to remain relevant in a difficult time. With so many great restaurants in their group - Pressroom, The Preacher's Son, Undercroft, RECORD, The Holler, LOUISE, and BlakeSt., they have figured out different ways to keep their restaurants open and p...
Kurt Berman and The Ropeswing Hospitality Group are Keeping Northwest Arkansas Fed, Happy, and Safe
September 14, 2020 21:00 - 39 minutes - 32 MBAbout the Show: We sit down with Ropeswing Hospitality Group CEO Kurt Berman to learn how the Restaurant Group has managed to maintain its wits during this pandemic. According to Kurt, it's all about managing expectations and figuring out ways to remain relevant in a difficult time. With so many great restaurants in their group - Pressroom, The Preacher's Son, Undercroft, RECORD, The Holler, LOUISE, and BlakeSt., they have figured out different ways to keep their restaurants open and patr...
84 - Helping Service Workers Stay Employed and Get Shift Done in NWA
September 07, 2020 21:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBAbout the Show: Get Shift Done, founded by Patrick Brandt and Anurag Jain, is an organization that has created a concept to employ displaced workers within the hospitality industry due to the pandemic with the assistance of local nonprofits and food banks. The mission quickly expanded and is now in 11 cities including Northwest Arkansas to help activate and stabilize local communities and economies. Hear all about Patrick and Anurag’s mission to give aid to basic income and hunger relief ...
Helping Service Workers Stay Employed and Get Shift Done in NWA
September 07, 2020 20:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAbout the Show: Get Shift Done, founded by Patrick Brandt and Anurag Jain is an organization that has created a concept to employ displaced workers within the hospitality industry due to the pandemic with the assistance of local non-profits and food banks. The mission quickly expanded and is now in 11 cities including Northwest Arkansas to help activate and stabilize local communities and economies. Hear all about Patrick and Anurag’s mission to give aid to basic income and hunger relief ...
83 - It's Rabbit Season according to Brian Bonk CEO of Pel Freez
August 31, 2020 22:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBBrian Bonk is new to Northwest Arkansas but the company he runs, Pel Freez, has more than a 100-Year track record as the largest provider of Rabbits in the United States for both Food and Scientific Purposes. Hear how Brian ended up here in Northwest Arkansas and learn more about why Rabbit's serve an important role in the finest restaurants and science labs. You will never look at Rabbit Stew the same way again. All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcas...
It's Rabbit Season according to Brian Bonk CEO of Pel Freez
August 31, 2020 21:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MBAbout the Show: Brian Bonk is new to Northwest Arkansas but the company he runs, Pel Freez, based in Rogers, has more than a 100-Year track record as the largest supplier of Rabbits in the United States for both Food and Scientific Purposes. Hear how Brian ended up here in Northwest Arkansas and learn more about why Rabbits serve an important role in some of the finest restaurants in the world as well as some of the most successful research science labs. You will never look at Rabbit Stew ...
82 - Geovanny Sarmiento is Working Behind the Scenes to Make Rogers and Northwest Arkansas a Great Place To Live For ALL
August 24, 2020 22:00 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBA brief summary of this episode
Geovanny Sarmiento is Working Behind the Scenes to Make Rogers and Northwest Arkansas a Great Place To Live For ALL
August 24, 2020 21:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBAbout the Show: Geovanny Sarmiento is the Vice President & Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer for the Rogers Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Geovanny’s journey to Northwest Arkansas became a blessing because of his wife’s employment at Walmart. Hear all about Geovanny’s fascinating journey on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* This episode is sponsored by* Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva Fo...
81 - Keith Kidd on why Razorbacks, Vikings, and Chicken and Waffles make a great combination.
August 17, 2020 22:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBA brief summary of this episode
Keith Kidd on why Razorbacks, Vikings, and Chicken and Waffles make a great combination.
August 17, 2020 21:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBAbout the Show: In this episode, we sit down with Keith Kidd, Founder of KDK Chicken & Waffles. Keith has been around Northwest Arkansas for more than 40 years. He originally came up here to play football for the Razorbacks back in 1980, made it to the NFL as a ninth-round draft pick with the Minnesota Vikings, and then found his way back to the Ozarks at the end of his pro football career. Keith’s entrepreneurial journey started with his janitorial business which he has run for many ye...
80 - Observations of The Pandemic Here in The Ozarks
August 10, 2020 22:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBIn this episode of the podcast, I sit down to talk about the pandemic and how we are dealing with it here in Northwest Arkansas. Here are the six things that I discuss. There is nothing to compare this pandemic to. We have to continue moving the needle forward. Stop keeping score. If there was ever a time to start a business now is the time! Just Be Nice! If you know of someone in need and you are in a position to help them - "Just Do It!" Additional Show Notes and Transcript...
Observations of The Pandemic Here in The Ozarks
August 10, 2020 21:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBAbout the Show: In this episode of the podcast, I sit down to talk about the pandemic and how we are dealing with it here in Northwest Arkansas. Here are the six things that I discuss: 1. There is nothing to compare this pandemic to. 2. We have to continue moving the needle forward. 3. Stop keeping score. 4. If there was ever a time to start a business now is the time! 5. Just be Nice! 6. If you know of someone in need and you are in a position to ...
79 - Mervin Jebaraj is Economically In Tune with Northwest Arkansas
August 03, 2020 22:00 - 44 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas we sit down with local Economist and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, Mervin Jebaraj, to discuss the local and national economy and how Covid-19 has affected things and when we can expect to bounce back from this pandemic. Additional Show Notes and Transcript coming soon...
Mervin Jebaraj is Economically In Tune with Northwest Arkansas
August 03, 2020 21:00 - 45 minutes - 42.1 MBAbout the Show: In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, we sit down with local Economist and Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Arkansas, Mervin Jebaraj, to discuss the local and national economy and how Covid-19 has affected things and when we can expect to bounce back from this pandemic. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* This episode is sponsored by* Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Fre...
78 - Wise Beyond His Years A Conversation with NWA Entrepreneur Tanner Green
July 27, 2020 22:00 - 41 minutes - 38 MBIn this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Entrepreneur Tanner Green from Oculogx. He is one of the youngest people that has been on the podcast. Tanner is full of energy, ideas, and creativity, and he learned at an early age how to leverage those abilities into new opportunities, especially his latest project as the COO of Oculogx. You may be familiar with this company as we sat down a few episodes ago (episode 75) with Charu Thomas, the Founder and CEO of the company. ...
Wise Beyond His Years A Conversation with NWA Entrepreneur Tanner Green
July 27, 2020 21:00 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBAbout the Show: In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Entrepreneur Tanner Green from Oculogx. He is one of the youngest people that has been on the podcast. Tanner is full of energy, ideas, and creativity, and he learned at an early age how to leverage those abilities into new opportunities, especially his latest project as the COO of Oculogx. You may be familiar with this company as we sat down a few episodes ago (episode 75) with Charu Thomas, the Founder and CEO of the ...
77 - Flipping NWA with Jennifer McMurray
July 20, 2020 22:00 - 50 minutes - 34.8 MBOur Guest on the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, Jennifer McMurray, is living proof that you don't have to let Student Loan Debt get you down. Learn how she figured out a way to pay off $72K in Student Loan debt by Flipping Houses right here in Northwest Arkansas. Jennifer's story may sound amazing. It is, but when you actually hear her tell how she problem solved her student loan debt and in the process built a profitable business you may think it's time for you to get off the couch and...
Flipping NWA with Jennifer McMurray
July 20, 2020 21:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBAbout the Show: Our Guest on the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, Jennifer McMurray, is living proof that you don't have to let Student Loan Debt get you down. Learn how she figured out a way to pay off $72K in Student Loan debt by Flipping Houses right here in Northwest Arkansas. Jennifer's story may sound amazing. It is, but when you actually hear her tell how she problem solved her student loan debt and in the process built a profitable business you may think it's time for you to get o...
76 - Mastering Science, Yoga and Social Media with Dr. Nicole Calhoun
July 13, 2020 22:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBShow Notes Coming Soon
Mastering Science, Yoga and Social Media with Dr. Nicole Calhoun
July 13, 2020 21:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBShow Notes Coming Soon Mentioned in this episode: ONBoardNWA.com Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today. Groundwork NWA Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works H...
75 - Through the Looking Glass with Oculogx Founder Charu Thomas
July 06, 2020 23:30 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBShow Notes Coming Soon!
Through the Looking Glass with Oculogx Founder Charu Thomas
July 06, 2020 22:30 - 43 minutes - 39.9 MBShow Notes Coming Soon! Mentioned in this episode: ONBoardNWA.com Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today. IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH Signature Bank of Ark...
74 - Making it to the Finish Line with The Power Gym and its Founder Coach Mike Trexler
June 29, 2020 22:05 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBA brief summary of this episode
Making it to the Finish Line with The Power Gym and its Founder Coach Mike Trexler
June 29, 2020 21:05 - 36 minutes - 33.7 MBA brief summary of this episode Mentioned in this episode: IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Groundwork NWA Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" ONBoardNWA.com Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop ...
73 - Is Northwest Arkansas The Next Silicon Valley?
June 22, 2020 23:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBComplete Shownotes coming soon
Is Northwest Arkansas The Next Silicon Valley?
June 22, 2020 22:00 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MBAbout the Show: In this episode, we sit down with Bjorn “BK” Simmons, Managing Partner with Venture Noire to discuss the local Startup scene in Northwest Arkansas. Bjorn is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and after raising $2M in capital he wasted no time getting his startup, Wyzerr Inc., off the ground. We connected with Bjorn after learning about the Big Pitch competition he recently did with the Walton Family Foundation. They pulled together $30,000 for the Virtual Pitch Comp...
72 - Ezekiel Kindle is raising the heat in NWA
June 15, 2020 22:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBA brief summary of this episode
Ezekiel Kindle is raising the heat in NWA
June 15, 2020 21:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBAbout the Show: “This place has the ability to provide anything you want to do.” Ezekiel Kindle In this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Ezekiel Kindle, founder of Kindle Spices. Together, they delve into Ezekiel's thrilling journey of creating his very own hot sauce brand. Ezekiel isn't just a business owner; he's a spicy food aficionado and a gardening enthusiast. Hear how these personal interests provided the perfect soil for planting ...
71 - Game On! A Conversation with Board Game Knights Founder Jesse Arburn
June 08, 2020 21:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBShow Notes to follow soon
Game On! A Conversation with Board Game Knights Founder Jesse Arburn
June 08, 2020 20:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBAbout the Show: TBA Important Links and Mentions on the Show* This episode is sponsored by* Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase. Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas: Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthw...
70 - Time for a Change
June 01, 2020 20:14 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThis is not a normal episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. I struggled all week with the events happening in our country. With the Pandemic Death Toll topping 100,000 people in just 120 days and the senseless murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, I had to stop for a second and process what was actually going on. This episode is definitely a departure from what you find on the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast but I realized that I have to be true to myself and my...
Time for a Change
June 01, 2020 19:14 - 30 minutes - 21 MBAbout the Show: This is not a normal episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. I struggled all week with the events happening in our country. With the Pandemic Death Toll topping 100,000 people in just 120 days and the senseless murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day, I had to stop for a second and process what was actually going on. This episode is definitely a departure from what you find on the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast but I realized that I have to be true to myself an...