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I am Northwest Arkansas

I am Northwest Arkansas

Randy Wilburn

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1 Creator

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1 Creator

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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Top 10 I am Northwest Arkansas Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best I am Northwest Arkansas episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to I am Northwest Arkansas for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite I am Northwest Arkansas episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

About the Show:

"Walmart's probably one of the greatest incubators for businesses.”

- Jasmine Hudson

In this episode of "I am Northwest Arkansas," we spotlight the innovative trio behind Black Paper Party: Jasmine Hudson, J'Aaron Merchant, and Madia Willis. While Madia couldn't join us, her role is pivotal in their venture, which is revolutionizing holiday celebrations with a focus on cultural representation.

Jasmine and J'Aaron, who are here to share their journey, have masterfully blended artistic vision with business savvy. They've filled a significant gap in the market, creating products that celebrate the Black community. Their line, featuring black Santas, angels, and black children, brings joy and a sense of belonging to African-American families during the holidays.

Their dedication to elevating Black culture has led to impressive partnerships with major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Macy's. But the most exciting development for Black Paper Party is their recent feature on the 15th season of Shark Tank. There, they struck a deal with Shark Barbara Corcoran, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

This episode delves into how Jasmine, J'Aaron, and Madia's collaborative spirit and diverse talents have built a business that not only meets a unique market need but also inspires diversity and representation in commerce. With their Shark Tank success, the future looks incredibly bright for Black Paper Party.

What you will learn in this episode:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the importance of representation in products and how it impacts diverse audiences.
  • Discover the powerful impact of Black Paper Party's designs on both individuals and communities.
  • Explore the benefits of autonomy and independence in your work, and how it can lead to greater creativity and success.
  • Learn the value of community engagement and local partnerships in driving the growth and impact of your product design business.
  • Uncover the motivation behind Black Paper Party's mission and how it can inspire and inform your own entrepreneurial journey.

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

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Black Paper Party Website

Black Paper Party on Instagram

Black Paper Party on LinkedIn

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large.

This episode is sponsored by*

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

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*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:

I am Northwest Arkansas - Omar Kasim - Juice, Queso, and a Bag of Chips
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04/01/19 • 40 min

About the Show:

On this podcast episode, we sit down with Entrepreneur and U of A Graduate Omar Kasim. Omar is the owner of both JuicePalm and Con Quesos. With locations in both Fayetteville and Bentonville, Omar is trying to take NWA by storm with some of the best food offerings in the State.

Omar helped us understand the importance of Queso coming from Arkansas rather than Texas. JuicePalm is also the first certified organic restaurant in Arkansas. Here Omar discusses his entrepreneurial roots in Tulsa and his excitement about the 8th Street Market in Bentonville.

Finally, when Omar is not working and eating at his own establishments, he loves to visit 28 Springs in Siloam Springs for a good meal.

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:


Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

ONBoardNWA.com

Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

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

Groundwork NWA

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

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I am Northwest Arkansas - Joel Gordon is the Master Tinkerer at The Scott Family Amazeum
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02/25/20 • 51 min

About the Show:

We recently sat down with Joel Gordon, Chief Maker, and Tinkerer at the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville. Originally from Central Arkansas, Joel has had a lifetime of experience creatively using his mind and his hands to build and create great things. After learning he had dyslexia, Joel leveraged several opportunities that took him from learning the in’s and out’s of the theatre while in high school, then moving on to the Airforce after high school, and then the University of Alaska in Anchorage where he got back involved in Theatre. After Graduation, Joel spent time in the film industry in LA and NY before ending up back in Arkansas.

This return to Arkansas brought Joel one step closer to the profession he loves so much. Joel’s father and grandfather were both great carpenters who were highly skilled with their hands. He got his “Making and Tinkering,” talent honestly and eventually parlayed it into a role in the redesign of the Children’s area of the Museum of Discovery in Central Arkansas. That project led to a managing role at the museum and a relationship with Sam Dean that eventually led to Joel making his way to Northwest Arkansas to lend his considerable talents to the Amazeum.

Joel has the enviable job of creating something from nothing and getting into the minds of young people that come from all over the Ozark region and beyond to dream, imagine, create, and learn what’s possible in life through the many exhibits and programs at the Scott Family Amazeum.

You have to hear Joel’s whole story to appreciate where he’s been and where he is going.

Listen to this podcast and read the transcript to learn more about Joel, the Scott Family Amazeum, and why he thinks Northwest Arkansas is such a great place to be.

If this podcast episode resonates with you please let us know by commenting below or by dropping us an email. We appreciate each and every listener of this podcast. All of this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Joel Gordon

Website for Scott Family Amazeum

Scott Family Amazeum on Facebook

Scott Family Amazeum on Instagram

Scott Family Amazeum on YouTube

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:


Thank 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:

...

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About the Show:

We recently had a chance to sit down with Kinya Christian, CEO, Artist, and Designer with 4209 Creative. Originally from Independence, MO, Kinya has been in Northwest Arkansas for the past two decades. She considers herself a Jack of All Trades but, according to her website, she is working on mastering at least one!

By the looks of her website, she is doing a great job as an artist. Kinya is inspired by a lot of things and The 1619 Project serves as her latest inspiration. The 1619 Project is a collection of essays from the New York Times on the significance of Africans' first arrival here in America as slaves and what the past 400 years have represented to the evolution of African Americans.

Kinya has taken a very heavy topic and assembled a collection of local black and white artists in Northwest Arkansas who have provided their interpretation of the 1619 Project the only way they know how - through art.

Kinya will share her reflections on this project in a show in Rogers, AR, Reflections of the Black Experience, at the Rogers Experimental House from February 13-29, 2020. The collection will then move to the Rogers Historical Society until March 29, 2020.

This episode is a great chance to learn about the diverse art scene in Northwest Arkansas and how even difficult subjects like The 1619 Project can be represented, interpreted, and discussed through the lens of Art.

We also want to acknowledge the efforts and support of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce helping to get this event off the ground.

Listen to this podcast and read the transcript to learn more about Kinya and The 1619 Project.

If this podcast episode resonates with you please let us know by commenting below or by dropping us an email. We appreciate each and every listener of this podcast.

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

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Website for 1619 Project Podcast

Email Kinya Christian

Website for Kinya Christian

Website for 4209 Creative Website

Website for Art on the Bricks, Rogers, Arkansas

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:


Thank 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:

NWA Council Commercia...

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About the Show:

We recently had a chance to sit down with Laura Kellams, Northwest Arkansas Director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families (AACF). AACF is a public policy organization that has been around since 1977. AACF works to change public policy in a way that will allow children and families to thrive.

Laura started out as a journalist covering politics and other news in Arkansas. She eventually became the first Northwest Arkansas Director of AACF. She started as a team of one locally and has grown AACF in Northwest Arkansas over the past 10 years.

In addition to all of the work that Laura and her team do here and across the state, they also host a pretty cool annual fundraising event, The Northwest Arkansas Annual Soup Sunday Event.

On January 26th the Annual Soup Sunday event will be held at the John Q Hammons Convention Center in Rogers from 4 PM to 6:30 PM. There will be over 40 local restaurants represented, like Hugo’s, The Holler, and The Preachers Son, and more than 1200 + people in attendance.

This is the primary fundraising event for AACF. They are also having a Silent Auction with some incredible items. You don't want to miss this.

Big "Shout Out!" to the Endeavour Foundation the primary sponsor of AACF's NWA Soup Sunday

Please come out and join us. As of the date of this podcast, tickets are only available at the door.

If you like soup you don’t want to miss this event and because it’s for a great cause it’s easy to say “Yes!” to AACF.

If this podcast episode resonates with you please let us know by commenting below or by dropping us an email. We appreciate each and every listener of this podcast.

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

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Laura Kellams

Website for Arkansas Advocates

Bio for Laura Kellams

Arkansas Advocates on Facebook

Arkansas Advocates on Twitter

Arkansas Advocates on YouTube

Arkansas Advocates on Instagram

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:


Thank 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...

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I am Northwest Arkansas - For Rachel Fox and NWA Girl Gang Timing is Everything
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10/21/19 • 59 min

About the Show:

One of the things that I enjoy about doing the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast is all of the really cool people that I get to meet here in NWA and beyond.

In this episode, we sit down with NWA Girl Gang founder Rachel Fox to discuss her time here in Northwest Arkansas and why a little serendipity never hurts when it comes to building relationships and being intentional about getting out, meeting new people and making friends.

Rachel is great at doing all of those things and in less than 12 months she has quietly made a name for herself and more importantly the NWA Girl Gang movement. NWA Girl Gang promotes empowerment, awareness, and diversity for women. She has teamed up with a lot of other local organizations and influencers to spread the word.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

NWA Girl Gang on Instagram

Website for NWA Fashion Week

Website for Walton Family Foundation

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:


Thank 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:

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

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

NWA Daily Version 2

Try NWA Daily Today!

NWA Council Commercials Skills Training (revised)

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

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I am Northwest Arkansas - A Howling Good Time with Jonna Summers from Banshee Manor
play

09/30/19 • 41 min

About the Show:

This is the first of an annual podcast episode that we will do highlighting all of the Ghoulish and Frightening things to do in Northwest Arkansas in the month of October. I remember growing up and being exposed to Michael Myers of the Halloween movie series and most of Stephen King's early scary thrillers like Christine, Cujo, and The Shining.

I can remember waking up extra early on Halloween so excited to go Trick or Treating. I think I was mostly obsessed with candy, like most children. I also remember visiting the occasional Haunted House. Nowadays, Haunted Houses and Scary attractions are the norms around the country. It’s a $10 Billion dollar industry and there are multi-million dollar operations that pop up in late September and run through early November trying to scare any and everyone that dare to enter.

Northwest Arkansas has its fair share of Haunted Attractions and we sat down with the Queen of the Haunt, Jonna Summers, of Banshee Manor and NWA Haunt Tours. If you are new to the area and wondered if they have scary Halloween attractions look no further. Jonna not only knows all of the top attractions around NWA but Banshee Manor was also listed as one of the Top Ten Haunted sites in ALL of the Natural State. If that’s not enough to frighten you Jonna has also created a very good podcast audio drama called Buying Ghosts which can be found HERE.

Jonna was also kind enough to share a list of the best Haunted Attractions in Northwest Arkansas.

Carpenters Mortuary Spook House, Gentry, AR

Nightmares Haunted House, Bentonville, AR -

All proceeds go to charity

Eureka Springs Zombie Crawl - Eureka Springs,

AR - Entry to the event is a donation of 2 cans of food

The Expelled, Eureka Springs, AR

The #1 Haunt in the State of Arkansas

Riverside Entertainment Haunted

Attraction - Siloam Springs, AR

Annual Zombie Lazer Tag - Modern Mission

La Media Luna -

Authentic Mexican Restaurant

Wrights BBQ - Johnson, AR

Fosters Pint and Plate - Bentonville, AR

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Email Banshee Manor

Website for Banshee Manor

Banshee Manor on Facebook

Banshee Manor on Instagram

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.

Con...

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About the Show:

“It’s the librarian's job to listen and reflect and give you something back that you need.”

David Johnson, Fayetteville Public Library

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with David Johnson, the Executive Director of the Fayetteville Public Library. Since 2012 David and his team have run one of the finest public libraries in the country. The library in Fayetteville has had many homes but none are as nice as the current location. Hear David talk about outgrowing what is already a fantastic building and the need for expansion and his desire to house a growing collection of books and serve as many people as he can in the Northwest Arkansas community. The Fayetteville Public Library currently serves 185 visitors per hour (600K a year) and with the overall population growth in this area, that number will only get bigger. Learn more about the man and the library and why he considers it to be one of the Crown Jewels of NWA. To learn more about the expansion efforts already underway or to find out how you can help out please contact Sarah Du Preez at the number below.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Website https://www.faylib.org/

Fayetteville Public Library on Facebook

Fayetteville Public Library on Instagram

Fayetteville Public Library on Twitter

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:


Thank 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:

ONBoardNWA.com

Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

Groundwork NWA

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

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

bookmark
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share episode

About the Show:

We recently sat down with Brandi K. Harris, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving Northwest Arkansas. A Tulsa native, Brandi is a great therapist and counselor, and she is also an accomplished author with two books born out of her counseling practice: Love Well and Grace for Parents.

In our conversation, Brandi breaks down the importance of seeking counseling help even before you think you need it. She takes time to break down the process, and no matter what type of health insurance you have, there is an option available for you here in Northwest Arkansas.

This episode is an insightful and encouraging conversation, and Brandi provides so many nuggets of wisdom.

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

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Brandi K. Harris on Instagram

Brandi’s Blog - It Takes A Breath

Oaks Counseling Website

Oaks Counseling Staff

Mockingbird Kitchen in Fayetteville

MJ’s Pizzeria in Springdale

Love Well by Brandi K. Harris

Grace For Parents by Brandi K. Harris

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:


Thank 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:

NWA Council Commercials Skills Training (revised)

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

NWA Daily Version 2

Try NWA Daily Today!

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

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

bookmark
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I am Northwest Arkansas - We Asked Chelsea Ware What’s Up In Fayetteville?
play

04/08/19 • 29 min

About the Show:

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Chelsea Ware, the founder of the What’s Up Fayetteville and Ask Fayetteville pages on Facebook. Chelsea also runs The Syc House a popular live music and events venue in Fayetteville. What’s Up Fayetteville is a great page to learn about events happening in and around Fayetteville on that particular day. Chelsea explained to us that based on the popularity of What’s Up Fayetteville she had to create Ask Fayetteville to answer all or most of the questions that she was fielding on her original page.

Chelsea is a go-getter with a ton of ideas and inspiration. Listen to this episode to learn what drives her and what she hopes to do next with both of these indispensable community pages. The future looks bright.

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

What’s Up Fayetteville on Facebook

Ask Fayetteville on Facebook

The Syc House on Facebook

What’s Up Fayetteville on Instagram

What’s Up Fayetteville on Twitter

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:


Thank 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:

ONBoardNWA.com

Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.

Groundwork NWA

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

IANWA Signature Bank Commercial GH

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

bookmark
plus icon
share episode

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FAQ

How many episodes does I am Northwest Arkansas have?

I am Northwest Arkansas currently has 330 episodes available.

What topics does I am Northwest Arkansas cover?

The podcast is about Places & Travel, Society & Culture, Podcasts and Education.

What is the most popular episode on I am Northwest Arkansas?

The episode title 'J D Gass is a Purveyor of the Finest Antiques in the South' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on I am Northwest Arkansas?

The average episode length on I am Northwest Arkansas is 41 minutes.

How often are episodes of I am Northwest Arkansas released?

Episodes of I am Northwest Arkansas are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of I am Northwest Arkansas?

The first episode of I am Northwest Arkansas was released on Mar 22, 2019.

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