I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show: "We work towards integration, not assimilation. Both the newcomer and the existing community come together, braiding the strengths of one another—it makes a stronger community overall." – Joanna Krause On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with leaders and team members from Canopy NWA—a powerful local nonprofit that has welcomed over 900+ refugee...

About the Show: "Food and giving people food is my love language." – Chef Tyler Rogers On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Chef Tyler Rogers at the beautiful Stonebreaker Restaurant on Markham Hill in Fayetteville. Chef Rogers is an Arkansas native whose culinary journey has taken him from humble beginnings in Magnolia to the legendary French Laundry in N...

About the Show: "Once I learned that they'd give me trophies and awards and scholarships for saying words, I thought, that's in my wheelhouse." Aaron Mankin In this powerful episode of I am Northwest Arkansas™ , we revisit the story of Aaron Mankin, a U.S. Marine who survived a devastating IED explosion in Iraq. Aaron shares his journey of recovery—from the battlefield to burn treatment to becomin...

About the Show: The Struggle of Balancing Motherhood and Ambition: "And I said, okay, I'm going to say yes to every single thing that I possibly can. Even if that means that I'm not home for dinner, that I might not see Lucy as much as I want to."        – Mallory Files In this inspiring episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Mallo...

About the Show: “I consider us the Department of Fun. We are in charge of the golf courses, lakes, fitness facilities... our effort is to put smiles on people’s faces.”        – Tom Judson In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn chats with Tom Judson, CEO of the Bella Vista Property Owners Association (POA), to explore the transformation...

About the Show: "I used to teach film students, lecture a lot, and I usually would say, 'Who's going to make it here?' And it's going to be the one who doesn't give up. Not the most talented. So... everything else, you can solve. But if you give up, that's it".        – Mario Troncoso, Filmmaker This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® welcomes back Mario Troncos...

About the Show: “We're building the 2060, 2070, & 2080 versions of Northwest Arkansas right now. These structures are going to determine how our kids—maybe even our grandkids—live day-to-day. Now is the time to get this right.”        – Duke McLarty, Groundwork This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® dives straight into one of our region’s most urgent challe...

About the Show: "We're a reflection of those who came before us and those yet to be. So honor everyone, and we all learn, evolve, and grow together. We can't do it without each other."        – Chef Matt Cooper In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Chef Matt Cooper—owner of Conifer in Downtown Bentonville—and his partner P...

About the Show: "Libraries are not just about books; they are about community, connection, and creativity." - Hadi Dudley In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn visits the Bentonville Public Library, where he engages with Library Director Hadi Dudley and Marketing Communications Head Tara Clark. This conversation dives deep into the library's recent $16 million renovation...

About the Show: "Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our workforce."          - Paul Gatling In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn reconnects with Paul Gatling from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) to discuss the pivotal role higher education plays in workforce development and regional economic growth. P...

"KUAF is doing as well as you're doing. If you're engaged in the community, then we're going to be engaged and earning your support." -Clint Schaff About the Show: In this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast, host Randy Wilburn chats with Clint Schaff, the General Manager of KUAF, about the vibrant landscape of public radio and how it uniquely connects communities in Northwest Arkansa...

About the Show: "The oldest and strongest form of human connection happens around a table."              - Shanda Sloan In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn sits down with Shanda Sloan, the founder of Ozark Mahjong , to explore the fascinating world of mahjong and its power to connect people. Mahjong has b...

About the Show: "There's value in knowing how to work hard and lead by example."              - Shelby Lewis In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn engages with Shelby and Taylor Lewis, two brothers from the renowned Lewis Automotive Group . Following up on a previous conversation with their brother Matt, th...

About the Show: "We want to provide resources and point folks in the right direction so that they can spend more energy on their work."              - Brittany Johnson In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn dives deep into the vibrant world of creativity in Northwest Arkansas with Kelsey Howard, Executive Di...

About the Show: In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn welcomes Rick Spicer, the owner of Pack Rat Outdoor Center , to discuss the joys and challenges of outdoor adventures in the Ozarks. From his humble beginnings in East Arkansas to becoming an outdoor educator and business owner, Rick shares his passion for connecting people with nature and the skills necessary for saf...

About the Show: "We are building a place that makes people's lives appreciably better." - Alli Quinlan In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn takes us on a journey through the transformative power of placemaking at the 2024 ULI NWA Place Summit. With a focus on creating vibrant, sustainable communities, Randy engages with thought leaders, community members, and experts wh...

About the Show: "The journey of growth is often paved with challenges, but it's through these experiences that we truly learn." - Brooks Ellis In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® , host Randy Wilburn talks with Brooks Ellis, a former professional football player turned youth coach. Brooks shares his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to playing in the NFL and now coaching young athlet...

About the Show: "Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Nine times out of ten, people will help you along and give you a lot of grace." Brittany Johnson In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas ®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Brittany Johnson, the visionary behind Ambivert Books, an independent bookstore dedicated to Spanish language literature in Springdale. Brittany shares her inspiring journ...

About the Show: As we celebrate Black History Month, we take this opportunity to revisit the inspiring legacy of Mal Goode—the first Black network newscaster in the United States. Originally released in October 2024, this episode highlights his groundbreaking career, resilience in the face of adversity, and the profound impact he had on journalism and beyond. Mal Goode’s journey from humble beginn...

About the Show: "Navigating the complexities of law and entrepreneurship is crucial for fostering innovation and community development." Peter Norman In this enlightening episode of I am Northwest Arkansas ®, host Randy Wilburn engages with Peter Norman, an associate assistant professor of law at the University of Arkansas and the Director of the Community and Rural Enterprise Development (CRED) C...

About the Show: "The opportunity to take your passion for food and community and turn it into a thriving business is a journey filled with challenges and rewards." Doug Riverman Allen In this exciting episode of I am Northwest Arkansas ®, host Randy Wilburn welcomes back Doug Riverman Allen, a beloved entrepreneur and storyteller from Northwest Arkansas. Doug shares his journey from running Jose's...

About the Show: "Having a baby doesn't make you a good parent.  Be present, first of all, and listen to them." Tammy Michelle Perry In this heartfelt episode of I am Northwest Arkansas ®, host Randy Wilburn engages in a profound conversation with Tammy Michelle Perry, a dedicated mental health professional working with Rogers Public Schools and Orissa Health. Tammy's passion for mental health...

About the Show: "We're a traditional symphony orchestra, usually around between 60 and 70 musicians on stage playing classic repertoire like your Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, that type of thing, as well as a lot of music by composers that have been sort of historically overlooked."  Ben Harris About the Guest(s): Cory Mixdorf is the Principal Trombonist for the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (S...

About the Show: "The opportunity to not only help women feel better during that moment in time but to make them laugh and appreciate and feel loved and feel seen and heard is priceless." - Elizabeth Prenger In this inspiring episode of I am Northwest Arkansas ®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Elizabeth Prenger, a remarkable entrepreneur making waves in the women's health space. Elizabeth shares...

About the Show: This week, we revisit a powerful episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® featuring Becci Sisson, CEO of 7hills Homeless Center , and Will Roth, President of the Center's Board. Together, they explore the growing issue of homelessness in Northwest Arkansas and share inspiring stories of hope, transformation, and the impact of community collaboration. Becci brings years of nonprofit lead...