I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:We recently sat down with Fayetteville’s newest City Councilor, D’Andre Jones. D’Andre, a Ward 1 Representative, is the second African-American to hold the position. D’Andre originally ran back in 2014 and didn’t win.  He continued to labor and serve in the community, and then the Spring and Summer of 2020 happened. D’Andre became one of several spokespeople in the Northwest Arkansas community to address Black Lives Matter and other social issues that have become a flashpoint in our country.  He led several peaceful events in both Benton and Washington Counties in the Summer of 2020.  All of this activism and a desire to see diversity, equity, and inclusion flourish in Northwest Arkansas compelled D’Andre to throw his hat in the ring this past November to represent Fayetteville’s Ward 1, a place he calls home. D’Andre previously worked on the Civil Review Board in Fayetteville and has had a strong working relationship with Police Chief Mike Reynolds and the rest of the Fayetteville police department. The Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police endorsed D’Andre this past election. All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email D'Andre JonesD'Andre Jones on FacebookWebsite for City of FayettevilleWebsite for Fayetteville Police DepartmentWebsite for Lake FayettevilleWebsite for Fayetteville Public LibaryWebsite for Razorback Football TeamFayetteville City Councilor D’Andre Jones113 W. Mountain St, Fayetteville, AR 72701479-283-1358This 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 Chef Neal Gray from The Preacher's Son in Bentonville, AR. This episode is our second podcast with this signature restaurant from the Ropeswing Hospitality Group Family.  We initially met with Chef Matt Cooper more than a year and a half ago.  Since Chef Matt left in December of 2020, the restaurant has been in the more than capable hands of Chef Gray.  With a career encapsulating both fine dining and approachable, everyday cuisine, Chef Grayl has extensive experience working at world-class restaurants, including The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, the highly prestigious French Laundry in Northern California, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York.The Malvern native is doing quick work to redefine the menu at The Preacher’s Son while honoring its gluten-free roots by consistently offering various GF options on each menu. Overall, guests can expect a showcase of seasonal ingredients that allow the food to shine without feeling manipulated or overworked. When we published these show notes, The Preacher's Son was still observing all Pandemic protocols for dining. We ate there and enjoyed our meal, the wine pairings, and the overall atmosphere in the award-winning restaurant.   All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Chef Neal Gray's BioWebsite for The Preacher's Son Website for The Preacher's Son MenuThe Peacher's Son on FacebookThe Preacher's Son on InstagramWebsite for Ropeswing Hospitality GroupThe Preacher's Son201 NW A St.Bentonville, AR 72712(479) 445-6065This 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 Emmy award-winning Filmmaker and Video Journalist MarioTroncoso and Lisa Marie Evans Filmmakers from OZCast to discuss the origins of the online variety show and how they are slowly putting a diverse group of underrepresented artists from Northwest Arkansas and beyond on the map with their programming.  Whether you are into dance, culinary, textile, music, social practice, video, spoken word, graphic novels, or sculpture OZCast has stories and inspiration for you.  All this and more on this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email Lisa Marie EvansEmail Mario TroncosoWebsite for OZCastOZCast on InstagramOZCast on FacebookThis 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 with Beth Pittman and Christie Martin the Founders of Skills Lab Training in Bentonville to discuss how they are preparing the next generation for jobs and general employment readiness.All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Beth PittmanEmail Christie MartinWebsite for Skills Lab TrainingSkills Lab Training on FacebookSkills Lab Training on InstagramSkills Lab Training on LinkedInSkills Lab Training 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

About the Show:We recently sat down with Frank Johnson, former Police Chief of Fayetteville. Chief Johnson has been in Northwest Arkansas for more than four decades now and is a well-known figure in the community. Frank was also the first African American Police Chief in Northwest Arkansas and maybe one of the first in the State of Arkansas* (although we could not verify that at the time of publication.)We had a far-ranging conversation from what Community policing should be to the killing of George Floyd.  Chief Johnson also shared with us what it was like being one of the only minority patrolmen on the police force back in the early ’80s.He served in the Fayetteville Police Department alongside the current Washington County Sherrif, Tim Helder.  In addition, Chief Johnson also taught classes at the University of Arkansas where one of his students was current Fayetteville Police Chief, Mike Reynolds. Chief Johnson shared his thoughts on what makes Northwest Arkansas a special place and was candid about the diversity in the area. All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email Frank JohnsonWebsite for Fayetteville Police DepartmentWebsite for Hugo'sThis 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 General Manager Noel Sosa from KissNWA 105.3 FM.  Noel has been in the Radio game, working for Perry Broadcasting of Oklahoma City for almost two decades now. A couple of years ago, Perry Broadcasting allowed Noel to come to Northwest Arkansas and start an R&B format radio station.  KissNWA 105.3 FM was born!Everything that Noel touches in the Radio business turns to gold, and this latest expansion of the Perry Broadcasting empire is no different. Noel has helped establish KissNWA’s place in the community quickly, and you can see that they are active because you can see their KissNWA at most big events around Northwest Arkansas.  Listen to Noel’s story and how Kiss NWA 105.3 FM has built a loyal following right here in Northwest Arkansas. All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Noel SosaWebsite for Kiss 105.3Kiss 105.3 on FacebookKiss 105.3 on InstagramKiss 105.3 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:We sat down with the Food Truck owner and Restaurateur Brent Hale to learn how he transitioned from selling Insurance full time to filling Northwest Arkansas stomachs with great food.  Ben has food trucks throughout Northwest Arkansas and he has built a unique restaurant concept right in Downtown Springdale with Big Sexy Food and Sammich Love. In addition to Brent’s story, hear how he has helped other local Food Entrepreneurs like Nate Walls build their culinary business. Listen to his story and how Big Sexy Food is becoming a household name here in Northwest Arkansas. All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Big Sexy FoodBig Sexy Food on FacebookBig Sexy Food on InstagramChef Brent Hale InstagramChef Brent Hale FacebookNate Walls and Second Helping NWAThis 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:This episode provides a ton of information for small businesses and independent contractors throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Mary Beth Brooks provides 30+ years of qualified banking and small business development experience and knowledge.If you ever wondered if you were eligible for the PPP or EIDL money that Congress made available this is the episode to listen to.All of this and more on this podcast episode. Arkansas Small Business Development & Technology Center240 N. Block Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701479-575-5148Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Mary Beth BrooksMary Beth Brooks on LinkedInSchedule an appointment with Mary Beth Brooks and her team at ASBTDCWebsite for ASBDTCASBTDC on FacebookASBTDC on InstagramASBTDC on TwitterASBTDC 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

About the Show:Tri Cycle,Farms, Inc.1705 N.Garland Avenue, Fayetteville, AR 72703479-935-9357Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Tri Cycle FarmsTri Cycle Farms on FacebookTri Cycle Farms on TwitterTri Cycle Farms on InstagramTri Cycle on YouTubeEmail Charity JonesPartner or Support Tri Cycle FarmsLearn more about Tri Cycle's Founder Don BennettThis 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:Hope is invented every day. ~ James BaldwinOver this past year, I have developed a greater appreciation for James Baldwin's writings. I have read many of his books and essays which seem like they could have been written yesterday. Most recently, I came across this quote: "Hope is invented every day," in Princeton Professor Eddie Glaude's recent book, "Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own." This statement is profound on its own, but I think it takes on a deeper meaning when considering the context in which it was uttered. It's akin to the impact of understanding King's context for his 1963 Letter From The Birmingham Jail, from which comes the oft-quoted "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and "justice too long delayed is justice denied." King penned this lofty resolute open letter on peace, justice, and love from a narrow southern jail cell, in which King was placed following a peaceful march for civil rights on Good Friday 1963.Baldwin survived three of his personal friends, who were tragically murdered for their work towards civil rights in just five years: Medgar Evers (1963), Malcolm X (1965), and Martin Luther King, Jr. (1968). As recounted in Glaude's book, Baldwin had a tough time dealing with the loss of King, who he called "America's Apostle of Love." Baldwin went into a deep depression and even attempted suicide after this traumatic event. In this context, Baldwin summoned his strength and courageously stated that "Hope is invented every day."Context is critical, and the echo of this 1968 quote reverberates today. Then, we were deeply involved in the Vietnam War, losing many soldiers in the Tet Offensive. We tragically lost King to an assassination in April and Bobby Kennedy in June. We experienced riots in every major city from coast to coast. Now, we have seemingly insurmountable political and social divides, a global pandemic, a struggling economy, and extremist enemies of the State, both foreign and domestic. While acknowledging the hurts of the past and the troubles at hand, this quote recognizes that it takes a willful determination to be hopeful. We all must manufacture it, cultivate it and nurture it. Further, the nature of hope is fragile, and inventing it is a daily process. Last week's hope won't cut it. It may grow stale or perhaps even be erased by intervening bad news. This weekend we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. and his enduring legacy, despite the swirling winds of division that would seek to blow out the flame of hope. I encourage each of us to heed his friend James Baldwin's words and summon the strength to invent hope every day.By, Damon HartImportant 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