I am Northwest Arkansas – Details, episodes & analysis

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I am Northwest Arkansas

Randy Wilburn

Society & Culture

Education

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/6d. Total Eps: 300

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.

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Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Germany - placesAndTravel
06/03/2025
#98
🇬🇧 Great Britain - placesAndTravel
31/01/2025
#89

Spotify

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https://i-am-northwest-arkansas.captivate.fm/signaturebank
254 shares
https://i-am-northwest-arkansas.captivate.fm/nwacouncil
236 shares
https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/emaillist
161 shares

https://www.facebook.com/iamnorthwestarkansas
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https://www.facebook.com/groups/iamnorthwestarkansas
96 shares

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Score global : 53%

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From Tacos to Barbecue: Doug Riverman Allen's Next Chapter in Eureka Springs

Episode 302

Monday, January 27, 2025 • Duration 40:38

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 Bar and Grill to embarking on a new adventure with Bubba's Barbecue in Eureka Springs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the local restaurant scene, entrepreneurship, and the beauty of community engagement.

About the Guest:

Doug Riverman Allen is a dedicated restaurateur known for his passion for great food and community involvement. Owner of Jose's Bar and Grill in Taneytown and the newly acquired Bubba's Barbecue in Eureka Springs, Doug has built a reputation for resilience and creativity in the face of challenges. His love for storytelling and the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas is evident in his work and community initiatives.

Episode Summary:

Join Randy Wilburn as he sits down with Doug Riverman Allen to discuss his latest venture, Bubba's Barbecue, and the significance of Eureka Springs in his life. Doug reflects on the lessons learned during the pandemic, his commitment to community service, and his passion for preserving the natural beauty of the Kings River. The conversation explores the challenges and rewards of running two restaurants, the importance of building a strong team, and Doug's dedication to teaching young people about fishing through his Riverman School for Kids. Listeners will gain insights into the spirit of entrepreneurship and the value of giving back to the community.

Key Takeaways:

Resilience in Business: Doug's journey showcases the importance of perseverance and creativity in navigating the challenges of the restaurant industry.
Community Engagement: The significance of giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives is a central theme in Doug's work.
Passion for Nature: Doug emphasizes the importance of conserving natural resources and sharing that passion with the next generation through fishing programs.
Team Building: The success of a restaurant relies heavily on building a strong, dedicated team and fostering a positive work environment.
Local Flavor: Eureka Springs is highlighted as a vibrant community with unique dining experiences and a rich cultural heritage.

All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Doug Allen

Website Bubba’s Barbecue

Website Jose’s Bar and Grill

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Transforming Minds: Tammy Michelle Perry's Dedication to Support NWA's Mental Health Landscape

Episode 301

Monday, January 20, 2025 • Duration 56:16

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 advocacy shines through as she shares her experiences, insights, and the importance of addressing mental health issues among young people in Northwest Arkansas.

About the Guest:

Tammy Michelle Perry is a committed mental health professional with a rich history in education and counseling. Working with Arisa Health and Rogers Public Schools, Tammy has dedicated her career to supporting young people and their families in navigating the complexities of mental health. Her deep roots in Northwest Arkansas and personal journey bring a unique perspective to the challenges and triumphs of mental health advocacy in the region.

Episode Summary:

Join Randy Wilburn as he sits down with Tammy Michelle Perry to discuss the critical topic of mental health in the Northwest Arkansas community. Tammy shares her personal history, her family's legacy in the region, and her professional journey dedicated to mental health advocacy. The conversation touches on the historical and cultural shifts in Fayetteville, the importance of mental health awareness, and practical advice for parents and caregivers in supporting young people. Tammy's insights offer a powerful reminder of the need for community support and understanding in addressing mental health challenges.

Key Takeaways:

Mental Health Awareness: The importance of recognizing and addressing mental health issues among young people in the community.
Community and History: Tammy's deep connection to Northwest Arkansas and her family's legacy provides a rich historical context for understanding the region's cultural shifts.
Educational Impact: Tammy highlights the need for educational systems to evolve and better support students' mental and emotional well-being.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Building a Sustainable Future: Energy Efficiency with The Stitt Group

Thursday, November 21, 2024 • Duration 54:26

About the Show:

"The whole company was born out of a curiosity and a fascination with the sun and how much energy the sun... hits the face of the earth every day."

David Stitt

About the Guest:

David Stitt is the second-generation leader of The Stitt Group, a pioneering company in sustainable and energy-efficient home design based in Northwest Arkansas. Founded over 40 years ago by his parents, Orlo and Mary Stitt, the company has consistently strived to innovate in the field of passive solar design. David Stitt, with his background ingrained in ecological balance and energy efficiency from an early age, carries forward the family legacy. He is passionate about creating affordable, energy-efficient homes and actively contributes to educating the next generation about sustainable building practices.

Episode Summary:

Get ready to explore the revolution of building energy-efficient homes in this engaging episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Host Randy Wilburn sits down with David Stitt, from The Stitt Group, a cornerstone company in the sustainable home design field in Northwest Arkansas. David shares how their journey began over four decades ago with a focus on reducing energy consumption and how they achieve this today with innovations like net zero homes. In this episode, listeners will take a deep dive into practical solutions for harnessing solar energy, transforming energy consumption paradigms, and understanding how these energy-efficient practices can fit any home style.

Delve into the evolving challenges and opportunities in energy-efficient home building as David Stitt discusses interesting real-world scenarios and solutions. He highlights the significance of initiatives like the greening of the MLS, which allows transparency in eco-friendly home features and value. The dialogue stresses the importance of early education in sustainability, where The Stitt Group actively participates, and its broader program to ignite community awareness towards a sustainable future. Listeners will find valuable insights into how the combination of technology, policy advancements, and consumer education can significantly reduce dependencies on traditional energy grids and foster local energy production, contributing to a cleaner economy.

Key Takeaways:Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Dr. John L. Colbert's 47 Year Legacy in the Fayetteville Public School System

Episode 225

Monday, June 19, 2023 • Duration 45:50

About the Show:

"Always remember, someone's always watching.”

- Dr. John L. Colbert

Welcome to another episode of our podcast, where today we are thrilled to feature Dr. John L. Colbert. With an illustrious career in education spanning over forty years, Dr. Colbert has dedicated his life to the Fayetteville Public Schools in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Starting his journey as a special education teacher, his relentless passion and commitment elevated him to the prestigious role of superintendent, leaving a lasting impression on the community.

Championing the cause of inclusion, Dr. Colbert has been an instrumental figure in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Council. His tireless efforts toward fostering diversity and equality within the realm of education are truly commendable. When he's not advocating for educational change, he's a devoted family man with a keen interest in travel. As he embarks on his next life chapter, he's eager to create memories with his granddaughters and satiate his wanderlust by exploring the globe.

Dr. Colbert's career trajectory is marked by unwavering dedication and resilience. Early in his career, he maintained a perfect attendance record for three years, despite a grueling commute, reflecting his immense commitment to his role. As he navigated his way up the professional ladder, his primary goal was to leave a positive imprint on his students' lives. Assuming diverse leadership roles over the years, his crowning achievement was his appointment as superintendent of Fayetteville Public Schools.

Dr. Colbert's inspiring journey underscores the profound impact of steadfast commitment, passion, and the understanding that one's actions are always under observation, paving the way for opportunities for those who consistently strive for excellence. Join us to delve deeper into the enriching narrative of Dr. Colbert's life and career.

What you will learn in this episode:

Examine the driving force behind ' adaptive and innovative pandemic response in maintaining learning continuity.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Bridging the Gap with Music and Fashion in Northwest Arkansas: Celebrating Juneteenth with Anthony Ball and Rochelle Bailey

Episode 224

Monday, June 12, 2023 • Duration 42:25

About the Show:

"Music is a unifying force.

- Anthony Ball

On this episode, we hear from two of Northwest Arkansas’ black culture influencers, Anthony Ball and Rochelle Bailey, and their collaboration to celebrate Juneteenth through the Freedom Festival in Springdale, Arkansas, this June, promoting diverse representation in music and fashion.

Through their respective organizations, Music Moves and Interform, they strive to create a more inclusive environment where people from all walks of life can come together and learn about the richness of black history, culture, music, and fashion.

Anthony and Rochelle peel back the layers of a vital moment in American history: Juneteenth. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. They talk about the decision to create the Freedom Festival and why the third year of the event will be bigger and better than ever.

What you will learn in this episode:

Discover the celebration of Black culture and history through the influential roles of music and fashion.
Uncover the crucial significance of Juneteenth in preserving and promoting Black history and culture.
Explore the immense potential of collaboration and community engagement for driving social change.
Learn how the music and fashion industries have adapted and evolved amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
Delve into the establishment of safe spaces that enable learning and facilitate open dialogues on difficult topics.

All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email rochelle@interform.art

Email anthony@musicmovesar.com

Website for

Innovative Approaches to Affordable Housing in Northwest Arkansas: A Chat with Experts

Episode 223

Monday, June 5, 2023 • Duration 59:44

About the Show:

"The most successful cities of the future are going to be those that are the most adaptable to change.”

- Emily Hamilton

In the second installment of the Future is Now Speaker Series, Randy Wilburn talks to Duke McLarty, Matthew Petty, and Emily Hamilton about affordable housing in the region. The guests highlight the importance of addressing the shortage of affordable housing in growing urban areas, including Northwest Arkansas.

Hamilton suggests thinking beyond increasing the supply of homes to focus on building housing in high-opportunity areas. Petty introduces the concept of pattern zones, which pre-approve buildings for construction, as a new approach to tackle the issue of slow permitting. The speakers discuss the success of small lot single-family developments in Houston and multifamily housing in high-density areas like Palisades Park, New Jersey. Hamilton talks about the importance of legalizing small lot single-family development and multifamily housing in commercial spaces to build housing in areas with existing infrastructure in place.

All of the guests emphasized the importance of building trust with communities by showing clear renderings and visual models to execute successful housing projects. This event took place at the Northwest Arkansas Board of Realtors in Lowell, AR.

"We have a responsibility to create places where everybody can live, work, learn, and play.”

- Matthew Petty

What you will learn in this episode:

Delve into the effects of zoning regulations on residential construction.
Understand the importance of fostering relationships between government and community entities.
Discover groundbreaking ways to address housing affordability, featuring ADUs and housing finance innovations.
Realize the essentiality of tailoring strategies to complement unique local needs and conditions.
Learn the benefits of educating involved parties and seeking guidance from external sources.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Creative Exchange Fund: Empowering NWA Artists

Episode 222

Monday, May 29, 2023 • Duration 40:38

About the Show:

"Northwest Arkansas is such a unique place because it's small enough that you can still make an impact, but it's big enough that you can have access to things that you need.”

- Amber Perrodin

Amber Perrodin, a dedicated artist and community manager at The Medium, was accompanied on the podcast by the talented Breaking Habits crew, including Andy Nguyen, Logan Campbell, Van Deng, and Chung Nguyen, discussing the impact of the Creative Exchange Fund in Northwest Arkansas.

The Breaking Habits crew founded in 2005 has been immersed in the hip-hop and break-dancing scene in Northwest Arkansas, inspiring others to discover their own creative potential. Each member brings their unique story and experience to the table, showcasing the transformative power of art and its ability to shape individual lives.

What you will learn in this episode:

Gain insights into the impact of the Creative Exchange Fund on empowering artists in Northwest Arkansas.
Learn from the captivating story of the Breaking Habits Crew, encouraging others to tap into their inner superpowers.
Realize the essential connection between strong communities and the success of artists in Northwest Arkansas.
Examine the function of The Medium as a haven for artists to express their creativity.
Discover the role of collaborative partnerships in fostering a flourishing artistic community in Northwest Arkansas.

All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Amber Perrodin

Website for Creative Exchange Fund

on Instagram

This episode is sponsored by*

Breaking New Ground in Northwest Arkansas: Diversifying Real Estate Development with ULI's REDI Program

Friday, May 26, 2023 • Duration 16:01

In this bonus episode of "I am Northwest Arkansas", host Randy Wilburn brings us an enlightening conversation with Megan Brown from the Urban Land Institute of Northwest Arkansas (ULINWA). Megan and Randy discuss the upcoming Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDI) Program by ULINWA, designed to increase the diversity of leadership in the built environment. They highlight the REDI program's importance in addressing affordable housing and development issues in Northwest Arkansas.

Megan provides an in-depth overview of the REDI program, its goals, and how it could benefit anyone with an interest in the built environment, from developers, lawyers, and bankers to students and engaged citizens. She also shares insights on the structure of the REDI program, including hands-on experiences with a plot of land, lessons on building performance, regulations, and creating marketing plans, along with networking opportunities with local and regional leaders.

Beyond the REDI program, they discuss the growth of Northwest Arkansas, the opportunities it presents, and the importance of place-making. If you're interested in contributing to the proper development of Northwest Arkansas and creating spaces for everyone, this episode is a must-listen!

If you want to see the video CLICK HERE!

Mentioned in this episode:

NWA Daily Version 2

Try NWA Daily Today!

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

NWA Council Commercials Skills Training (revised)

The only way to Experience Fayetteville like a local in Northwest Arkansas with Sarah King and Chloe Bell

Episode 221

Monday, May 22, 2023 • Duration 55:21

About the Show:

"We want to make Fayetteville the best place it can be, especially from the vantage point of creating awareness for visitors.”

- Sarah King

Experience Fayetteville is an organization that promotes the city as a destination for tourists, conventions, and sporting events.

Sarah King, Vice President of Marketing and Communication at Experience Fayetteville, moved to the city with her wife, unaware of the treasures that awaited them. As they explored their new home, they discovered a vibrant community filled with passionate people and exciting adventures. Sarah quickly grew to love Fayetteville's unique culture, leading her to join Experience Fayetteville and dedicate her efforts to promoting the city's charm and attractions. She now works tirelessly to help residents and tourists alike feel the same excitement and sense of belonging that first drew her to the area.

Sarah’s colleague, Chloe Bell is the Community Engagement Coordinator for Experience Fayetteville, focusing on event planning and fostering relationships within the local community. Their combined expertise has helped countless people discover the hidden gems around Fayetteville and create unforgettable experiences.

What you will learn in this episode:

Uncover the fascinating history and behind-the-scenes insights of the Lights of the Ozarks event.
Utilize Experience Fayetteville as an invaluable resource for both tourists and locals.
Discover the excitement of various Fayetteville events, including First Thursdays, Dog Pageant, and Summer Series.
Learn how local businesses distinguish Fayetteville from other travel destinations.
Delve into unique cultural offerings and favorite local attractions in the city of Fayetteville, AR.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Pit Mistress Dana Neely: Perfecting the Craft of Delta Style BBQ in Northwest Arkansas

Episode 220

Monday, May 15, 2023 • Duration 38:57

About the Show:

"I always tell people that we are the sum total of our experiences.”

- Dana Neely

Dana Neely's passion for barbecue brought her back to her home state of Arkansas after years spent in Seattle. She had been perfecting her unique barbecue recipes on the West Coast, but it was the sense of collaboration within the Northwest Arkansas culinary scene that attracted her to establish her own barbecue joint, Girls Gone Barbecue. Through connections like Chef Matt Cooper and Nate Walls, Dana found herself immersed in a community of talented chefs eager to support one another in their collective pursuit of culinary excellence. Her restaurant offers an array of delicious options catering to diverse dietary preferences, showcasing her commitment to innovation and inclusivity.

What you will learn in this episode:

Delve into the inspiring journey of Dana Neely's evolution from capturing moments as a photographer to creating mouthwatering barbecue.
Unravel the magic of Neely's exclusive Arkansas-style barbecue sauce and dry rub recipes.
Broaden your horizons with palate-pleasing unique dishes, featuring vegan options and distinct Delta-style barbecue techniques.
Gain insight into the collaborative spirit of northwest Arkansas' culinary scene and how it fosters growth and innovation.
Consider the expansion possibilities for Girls Gone Barbecue through franchising and catering opportunities.

All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Dana Neely

Website for Girls Gone Barbeque

Girls Gone Barbeque on Instagram

Girls Gone Barbeque on

This episode is sponsored by*Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:

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I am Northwest Arkansas – Details, episodes & analysis

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