

I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Randy Wilburn
The 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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 16, 2021 • 36min
How You Can Beat The Delta Variant Of COVID-19 Here In Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:We sit down with Dr. Marti Sharkey, Pediatrician and member of the City of Fayetteville Board of Health, and Dr. Gary Berner, Internist and Chief Medical Officer of the Community Clinic, to discuss the 4th wave of the pandemic and how the Delta Variant of COVID-19 is wreaking havoc here in Northwest Arkansas, Arkansas, and other parts of the country. The challenges are even greater in the parts of the country with the least vaccinated population. Doctors Sharkey and Berner address the popular misconceptions about the virus and what is needed for Northwest Arkansas to get ahead of this pandemic. The answer is simple. Get Vaccinated. Please take a moment to listen to this special episode and share it with a friend. If you are not vaccinated, this episode may be just what you need to hear to consider protecting yourself from these new COVID-19 variants that are stronger than the original one that started the pandemic more than 15 months ago. All of this and more 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 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

Jul 15, 2021 • 15min
Special Episode: The Critical Mass Summit is Coming to Northwest Arkansas!
Click Here For More Information (PDF)Hear our discussion with Bianca Montoya from BikeNWA discussing the Critical Mass Summit. The two-day summit takes place on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, 2021.Critical Mass Summit, supported by the Walton Family Foundation, is A two-day summit designed to empower and connect women and other underrepresented genders with the trails, cycling, and active transportation community. This includes cis women, trans women, women of color, the non-binary community, and those who are otherwise marginalized.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

Jul 12, 2021 • 48min
Origin Story, PR, and Marketing Conversation with Mary Mickel from Resplendent Hospitality
About the Show:Every business needs a little recognition and acknowledgment. We sit down with Mary Mickel, Co-Founder of Resplendent Hospitality - RH, on this podcast episode. With offices in Austin, Texas, and Fayetteville, RH specializes in hospitality, lifestyle, CPG, and Cannabis PR and Marketing. Mary has 15 years of experience in marketing and public relations and has been at the forefront of some signature campaigns, including the recent #MaskUpArkansas campaign developed at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. She has also been instrumental in helping members of the local Restaurant Association weather the effects of the pandemic. Now, Mary is focusing on expanding her firm’s offerings here in the Natural State, including figuring out ways to market medicinal marijuana in a state with new laws and restrictions on how cannabis can be marketed and sold. There is a learning curve for sure. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Mary MickelWebsite for Resplendent HospitalityResplendent Hospitality on InstagramResplendent Hospitality on FacebookResplendent Hospitality on LinkedInWebsite on MJ PizzeriaThis 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

Jul 9, 2021 • 28min
5 New Things We Are Excited About In Northwest Arkansas the week of July 9th, 2021
About the Show:On this IANWA Special Edition episode, we sit down with Jerra Nalley Toms to discuss some of the most incredible things opening here locally in Northwest Arkansas the week of July 9th, 2021. Whether it's a new restaurant, Food Truck, Store, or something else, we've got you covered. Don't be the last to hear about something new in your backyard. All this and more on this Special Episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Hype Coffee - BentonvilleHype Coffee on InstagramWebsite for Sunny's on Second - BentonvilleSunny's on Second on InstagramWebsite for RopeswingWebsite for Meaux Beignet - Bentonville Meaux Beignet on InstagramWebsite for Bentonville Brewing CompanyBentonville Brewing Company on FacebookBentonville Brewing Company on InstagramWebsite for Home Swede Home NWAHome Swede Home NWA on InstagramHome Swede Home NWA on FacebookWebsite for Slane Irish Whiskey - Eureka SpringsSlane Irish Whiskey on InstagramWebsite Cafe Rue' Orleans - FayettevilleThis 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

Jul 5, 2021 • 42min
Ben Clark and B-Unlimited Provide the Best Custom Apparel in Northwest Arkansas and Beyond
About the Show:Sometimes delays in life work out to your advantage. This episode is an example of that. We initially sat down with Ben Clark, Owner of Custom Apparel maker B-Unlimited last February 2020. And then the pandemic hit. We decided to hold off on releasing that episode. It was a good one, but Ben thought it would be better to discuss how they survived the pandemic and grew in the process by holding on to as many folks as they could. Ben encouraged his team to focus on getting one percent better every day, which became the company mantra.Ben discovered new ways to collaborate with other firms and organizations during the pandemic. Locally, B-Unlimited played a significant role in helping organizations raise money through T-Shirt sales in addition to timely donations to a lot of Service workers in the area. Ben also connected with some other apparel companies and decided that now was the best time to consider growing the organization despite the pandemic running full tilt. This foresight and willingness to try new things are paying off handsomely for Ben and the B-Unlimited team. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Ben ClarkWebsite for B-UnlimitedB-Unlimited on FacebookB-Unlimited on InstagramB-Unlimited on TwitterBen Clark on LinkedInBen Clark on InstagramBook: Halftime - Bob BufordThis 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

Jul 2, 2021 • 41min
Five New Things We Are Excited About In Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:On this inaugural IANWA Special Edition episode, we sit down with Jerra Nalley Toms to discuss some of the most incredible things opening here locally in Northwest Arkansas. Whether it's a new restaurant, Food Truck, Store, or something else, we've got you covered. Don't be the last to hear about something new in your backyard. All this and more on this Special Episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for The Groovy Smoothie - FayettevilleThe Groovy Smoothie on InstagramYacht Club in Fayetteville on Instagram ** We were notified after we recorded this podcast that the owner of The Groovy Smoothie has to delay their opening for a short period. We will let everyone know when their new launch date is in a future episode. Sorry, to get your hopes dashed so quickly. Website for Moosejaw - BentonvilleMoosejaw on InstagramMoosejaw on TwitterMoosejaw on FacebookWebsite for Sacred Hollow Farm - LowellSacred Hollow Farm on FacebookSacred Hollow Farm on InstagramShameless Food NWA on Instagram - DTAWebsite for The Spring on MainThis 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

Jun 28, 2021 • 50min
When Life Happens Hark NWA Provides Help
About the Show:We sat down with Jeff Webster, President, and CEO of Hark Excellerate to learn all about the organization and how they are making a difference in the lives of everyday people here in Northwest Arkansas. Learn more about Jeff’s path to Hark and how his previous jobs and roles have set him up for success with the organization. There is even a very cool story of how Jeff, an avid cyclist, worked with Lance Armstrong at the Tour De France. Learn more about Hark NWA, how they got started, and the solid foundation of care they have provided and continue to do so with new programs in various areas like housing, cost of living assistance, and financial fitness to name a few. In addition to their mission hear from Jeff about all of the ways [31:10] that Hark can help out people in Northwest Arkansas.Housing is just the beginning. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Hark NWAHark NWA on FacebookHark NWA on InstagramHark NWA on LinkedInHark NWA on YouTubeThis 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

Jun 21, 2021 • 51min
Building a Business In Northwest Arkansas with Duncan & Stone
About the Show:We sat down with Sarah Autry and Stephanie Peters, two of the Founders at Duncan & Stone based in Fayetteville, to discuss what it was like to start a business during the pandemic and watch it grow. All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Sarah AutryEmail Stephanie PetersWebsite for Duncan & StoneDuncan & Stone on FacebookDuncan & Stone on InstagramThis 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

Jun 14, 2021 • 35min
Stacy Harper is the Connector of Needs in Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:Stacy Harper is the Founder of Lighthouse Solutions, an organization that helps people in need. Harper talks about her success story and how she is working with organizations to bridge the gap between resources and the community. The primary focus is on teenagers, and the strategy is to use art and life skills mapped together to assist them in opening up. She also talks about two sisters partnering with Trails of Love since 2012 to bless families through back-to-school events and Christmas giveaways. Their efforts are directed at helping those in need without judgment and providing sustainable emotional well-being. All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Lighthouse SolutionsWebsite for Lighthouse SolutionsLighthouse Solutions on FacebookLighthouse Solutions on InstagramThis 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

Jun 7, 2021 • 40min
Hobbs State Park is the Crown Jewel of Northwest Arkansas Parks
About the Show:Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area has it all, Hunting, Shooting Range, and some of the best Mountain Bike Trails in Northwest Arkansas are under one roof.According to Park Superintendent Mark Clippinger, located on the East side of Rogers, Hobbs State Park has something for everyone who loves the great outdoors.All this and more on this I am Northwest Arkansas episode.Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Website for Hobbs State ParkWebsite for Friends of Hobbs State ParkFriends of Hobbs State Park on FacebookFriends of Hobbs State Park on InstagramWebsite for Arkansas State ParksHobbs State Park-Conservation Area20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756479-789-5000This 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


