I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:Everyone is talking about Cryptocurrency and the Blockchain, and there are more questions than answers when it comes to an understanding of the asset and technology and how it works. We are taking our time to learn as much as we can about Crypto and Blockchain, how it has already impacted our lives, and what the future looks like. We connected with the folks at Mycelium Networks who are building a robust decentralized network on top of the Helium platform. Anyone can use this decentralized network for various reasons and purposes to communicate and transfer information from one individual or organization to another.  We sit down with Rishi Mittal, the founder of Mycelium Networks, to learn why they put their company stake in the ground here in Northwest Arkansas and what he hopes to accomplish with his company in our region and beyond. Learn more about IoT networks and how all of us can play a part in expanding this decentralized network, and how it might benefit us in the future. We discuss NFTs as well, although we are planning a future episode to discuss the growth of Non-Fungible Tokens and why you should care about them.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Richi MittalEmail Liam La FargueWebsite for Mycelium NetworksMycelium Networks on InstagramMycelium Networks on TwitterMycelium Networks on FacebookMycelium Networks on LinkedInThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Since starting this podcast back in February of 2019 I have had one great guest after another to feature.We are blessed beyond measure with this podcast. We've made new friends, uncovered great places to hang out, found some fantastic places to eat, and learned what makes Northwest Arkansas tick.Need a hint?Easy, it is the people that make Northwest Arkansas a great place to live.Crystal Bridges, Devils Den, Beaver Lake, the Museum of Native American History, Theatre Squared, Single Parent Scholarship Fund, The Jones Center, Slaughter Pen, the University of Arkansas, Walmart, and B-Unlimited, are all great!These are all FEATURESThe BENEFITS are the people. And, our goal is to continue telling their stories as long you will listen.Enjoy this reflective episode, and please let us know what you think.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Episode 127 with Ben Clark from B-UnlimitedEpisode 128 with Mary Mickel from Resplendent HospitalityEpisode 129 with Matthew Micksin from Common and Blue CraneEpisode 130 with Jill Dabbs from Downtown SpringdaleEpisode 131 with Tom Gordon from Slim ChickensEpisode 132 with Daniel Quin from Look What I Did PodcastEpisode 133 with Paul Gatlin from Northwest Arkansas Business JournalEpisode 134 with Brandi Harris, Marriage and Family TherapistEpisode 135 with Keaton Smith from Partners for Better HousingEpisode 136 with Anthony Sumlin, Relationships are EverythingEpisode 137 with Meredith Lowry, Women-Run ProgramEpisode 138 with Edwin Ortiz from RejoicyEpisode 139 with Daymara Baker from Rockin' BakerEpisode 140 with Michael LaSalata from Hellion BikesEpisode 141 with Alex English from Fly XNAThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Our second episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast featured one of our community’s most culturally significant anchors here in the Ozarks, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Sitting on more than 120 beautiful acres in Bentonville, Crystal Bridges has had millions of visitors over the last ten years descend on Bentonville to see a prized art collection that continues to grow and expand. The brainchild of Sam Walton’s daughter Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges has been an oasis of art, culture, and education in the heart of America. November 11, 2021, will be the tenth anniversary, and we are honored to welcome them back for an update on some of the new things we can expect in the coming years with the significant expansion planned. You don’t want to miss this episode.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.  Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Crystal Bridges Museum of American ArtCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on InstagramCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on TwitterCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on FacebookCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on LinkedInCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on YouTubeCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art on PinterestThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email The Witching HourThe Witching Hour on FacebookThe Witching Hour on InstagramEmail Oz Bagel on Wheels, FayettevilleWebsite for Oz Bagel on Wheels, FayettevilleOz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville on InstagramOz Bagel on Wheels, Fayetteville on FacebookEmail The Chef’s Garage, Pea RidgeWebsite for The Chef’s Garage, Pea RidgeThe Chef’s Garage, Pea Ridge on InstagramThe Chef’s Garage, Pea Ridge on FacebookEmail The Noodle Man, BentonvilleThe Noodle Man, Bentonville on FacebookThe Noodle Man, Bentonville on InstagramWebsite for Pinoylicious, RogersPinoylicious, Rogers on FacebookPinoylicious, Rogers on YouTubeContact Information for Jerry Nalley Toms:Jerry Nalley Toms InstagramJerry Nalley Toms LinkedIn 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:The pandemic has been delayed or postponed a lot over the last 20 months and today’s episode is no exception.We originally sat down with Alex Holder English, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist with XNA Northwest Arkansas National Airport, in February 2020. Rob Smith from the NWA Council joined us as well. We had a great conversation about the growth and trajectory of the airport and the region as a whole. We planned to release that episode but then air travel around the nation ground to a halt so we decided to delay the release of this episode. Fast forward 20 months and we found time to sit down with Alex and discuss some of the changes to air travel and updates that have been made at the airport including the upcoming airport expansion and a facelift that will make it easier to enter the terminal from the parking lot and parking garage. If you’ve ever had a question about the airport or what airlines will be coming our way - We’re looking at you Southwest - this is the podcast episode to listen to. Alex doesn’t disappoint. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Alex EnglishEmail Rob SmithWebsite for Fly XNAFly XNA on FacebookFly XNA on TwitterFly XNA on InstagramFly XNA on LinkedInThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:On this episode of Randy Wilburn, we are joined by Michael La Salada, owner and Founder of Helion Bikes. Michael shares his experience growing up in the Pacific Northwest and his passion for BMX and cycling. He talks about his business, which creates a unique crossover between BMX and mountain bikes and shares the details about his signature front suspension fork that helps riders go from entry-level to a pro-level in jumping. Michael shares his plans to take Northwest Arkansas by storm with his new company and his style. Additionally, we learn about Joe Prizel, the Founder of Helion Bikes, and Mike Laird of Laird Customs, who helped build the first several Helium kid DJs. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Michael LaSalataWebsite for Hellion BikesHellion Bikes on InstagramHellion Bikes on TwitterHellion Bikes on Facebook 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Taqueria GuanajuatoWebsite for Taqueria GuanajuatoTaqueria Don Guero, Springdale on FacebookEmail Taqueria Don Guero, SpringdaleTaqueria Don Guero, Springdale on InstagramWebsite for Cacahuzintle Un Pedacito de Mexico aka Rolling Taco, BentonvilleCacahuzintle Un Pedacito de Mexico aka Rolling Taco, Bentonville on FacebookCacahuzintle Un Pedacito de Mexico aka Rolling Taco, Bentonville on InstagramTaqueria Leo’s, Fayetteville on FacebookWebsite for Charly’s Taqueria, SpringdaleCharly’s Taqueria, Springdale on Facebook Contact Information for Jerry Nalley Toms:Jerry Nalley Toms InstagramJerry Nalley Toms LinkedInThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Daymara Baker of Rockin Baker to learn more about her transition from Corporate America to starting an Artisan Bakery in Fayetteville.   Daymara decided that she wouldn’t play around, and she attended the San Francisco Baking Institute to learn how to bake artisan bread.  And, if that wasn’t enough, Daymara apprenticed in a Cincinnati bakery to learn what it was like to work in and run a commercial bakery. Her passion and desire to be successful ran so deep that even the person running the Baking Institute in SF took her under his wing to help guide her as she got Rockin Baker off the ground. In addition to many experts in the baking field, Daymara connected with local entrepreneurs Hannah Withers and her husband Ben Gitchel, former owners of the Little Bread Company and current owners of Leverett Lounge and Maxine’s Tap Room, to get some advice for starting Rockin Baker based on her dream to create a positive work environment and create an opportunity for young people to work in the bakery and learn how to move forward in their careers and in life.  Daymara is on to something and has figured out a way to make great bread and build a Social Enterprise in the process.  The sourdough bread and the Jalapeño Bread are worth the price of admission. They even have a Bread Club at Rockin Baker, where you can order a couple of fresh loaves every week.       Please consider visiting Daymara and her team and tell them that the good folks at I am Northwest Arkansas sent you!All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Daymara BakerEmail Rockin' BakerWebsite for Rockin' BakerRockin' Baker on FacebookRockin' Baker on InstagramRockin' Baker on TwitterRockin' Baker on TwitterRockin' Baker on LinkedInThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We sat down recently to speak with Susan Koehler and Jackie Griffin from the Benton County Fair to discuss this year’s event. The Benton County Fair takes place in Bentonville, AR, and runs from September 28th to October 2nd.  This year they are back to mostly normal operations, with measures to ensure COVID-19 safety protocols throughout the event.  There is something for everyone at the Fair, and these guys know what they are doing.  The Benton County Fair has been going strong since 1904 in various Benton County locations. Since 2007 they have been settled in their primary 60-acre site right next to Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport. According to Susan and Jackie, there will be something for everyone with Rides, Games, Livestock, an Exhibit Hall with Arts & Crafts, Homesteading, Food Presentations, and a Pageant. You can register to exhibit HERE.Evening entrance fees are $10 Tuesday through Thursday and $15 on the weekend. Make plans to bring the whole family.  You won’t regret it!Benton County Fair,7640 SW Regional Airport Blvd, Bentonville, AR 72712Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Susan Koehler, Manager, Benton County Fair EmailEmail Jackie Griffin, Show Works ManagerWebsite for Benton County Fair WebsiteBenton County Fair on FacebookBenton County Fair on InstagramBenton County Fair on TwitterThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Edwin Ortiz, one of the founders of Rejoicy.com. Rejoicy creates digital storefronts and websites for small businesses while providing an online marketplace for the community to shop locally online. Rejoicy was born after the pandemic because another business Edwin was part of, Luncher, had to be shelved due to people working from home instead of office buildings. Edwin talks about his arrival in NWA at the age of 15 and how working with Fortune 500 firms had prepared him to venture out on his own to start a business. He is not alone and has an outstanding team of folks helping him position Rejoicy as an efficient e-commerce platform for local companies. With Rejoicy, the barrier to entry for setting up an e-commerce page or website is as easy as texting some information to the platform. There is no excuse to make your products available online or make sure you have a web presence. Hear the whole story in this episode. Edwin provides a lot of good insight and advice. You may want to take some notes.                All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Edwin OrtizWebsite for RejoicyRejoicy on InstagramRejoicy on FacebookRejoicy on LinkedInThis 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@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com