I am Northwest Arkansas Randy Wilburn

About the Show:"My goal is for Tula to be a destination restaurant in Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas."
Juan Bahena
About the Guest:Juan Bahena is the owner and visionary behind Tula, a destination Mexican restaurant located right on the square in Fayetteville, Arkansas. With roots originally from Chicago and family ties to Guerrero, Mexico, Juan brings a rich cultural and professional background to the culinary scene in the Ozarks. He is an alumnus of the University of Arkansas, having graduated from the Fay Jones School of Architecture. Although his academic background is in architecture and construction management, Juan has successfully channeled his passion for traditional Mexican cuisine and intimate knowledge of construction into creating a unique dining experience at Tula that reflects his heritage and innovative spirit.
Episode Summary:In another episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, host Randy Wilburn spotlights Juan Bahena, the enthusiastic owner of Tula Mexican restaurant. This show unravels how a passion for authentic Mexican cuisine and community can converge to create a culinary landmark. Listeners will savor the backstory of how an architect turned restaurateur delivers traditional Mexican dishes with contemporary flair in Northwest Arkansas.
Juan reveals the narrative behind Tula, starting from the integration of Mexican heritage and the local embrace that transformed it into a must-visit Fayetteville establishment. With insights into the thoughtful design, meticulous crafting of dishes, and entrepreneurial challenges during a global pandemic, this episode is peppered with valuable lessons on perseverance, cultural authenticity, and community engagement - essential ingredients for a thriving business. Discover how Tula stands out by serving celebratory recipes daily, bringing a slice of Mexican tradition to the table, and why it’s more than just the food that makes a restaurant a community cornerstone.
Key Takeaways:Tula's cuisine draws inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of Juan's family and their hometown, infusing each dish with traditional Mexican flavors and sentiments.Juan emphasizes the importance of creating a holistic dining experience, where the ambiance, service, and architecture complement the quality of the food served.Despite the challenges posed by the restaurant's opening during the pandemic, Tula has successfully established itself as a destination restaurant in Fayetteville and broader Northwest Arkansas, thanks to community support and word-of-mouth marketing.Juan shares his vision for Tula's future, outlining his desire not only to sustain a business but to give back to his staff and the community that has supported him.The value of perseverance and adaptability in the face of industry challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic is highlighted, with Juan's commitment to his vision and his team playing a critical role in Tula's continued success.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Juan Bahena
Website Tula
Tula on Instagram
a...

About the Show:"It's going to take effort on everybody's part, not one person or one group is going to bring the solution to the table." 
Daniel Parolek
About the Guest:Daniel Parolek is an innovative architect, urban designer, and author recognized for his work in sustainable urbanism and housing solutions. He is the co-founder of Opticos Design, a groundbreaking firm that focuses on crafting walkable urban environments and promoting 'Missing Middle Housing.' As a leading voice in the New Urbanism movement, Daniel advocates for creating diverse, affordable, and livable communities. His expertise and dedication to creating housing choices for all have made him a sought-after speaker and consultant across the United States.
Episode Summary:In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, host Randy Wilburn delves into the housing crisis and the quest for smarter development practices with guest Daniel Parolek. Daniel, an authority on Missing Middle Housing, shares his insights on housing diversity, affordability, and how well-planned urban development can shape the future of communities like Northwest Arkansas. The discussion covers how to build smartly and the importance of localism in developing housing solutions that cater to the region's unique needs.
Daniel offers a masterclass in understanding how different housing types can cater to various demographic needs, emphasizing the necessity for communities to be established on a framework of inclusivity and accessibility. With an innate ability to couple technical know-how with practical implementation, he makes a formidable case for the importance of thoughtful urbanism.
The conversation with Daniel expands upon the interplay between community building and housing. He underlines the significance of constituents being proactive in their approach to housing development, urging the audience to contribute to the localized efforts necessary for crafting a vibrant and sustainable Northwest Arkansas.
Key Takeaways:'Missing Middle Housing' refers to house-scale buildings with multiple units in walkable contexts, serving as a bridge between single-family homes and larger apartment buildings.Daniel Parolek emphasizes the importance of community involvement in local housing solutions, advocating for a shared vocabulary that all stakeholders can understand.A diverse range of housing choices is necessary to accommodate the different needs of a growing community and can lead to enhanced economic development and sustainability.The concept of Missing Middle Housing is crucial for creating flexible, affordable, and equitable living conditions that support multigenerational families and various lifestyles.Zoning reform plays a key role in enabling the development of Missing Middle Housing, Daniel Parolek's book, "Missing Middle Housing," explores housing solutions for today's growth and offers a strategy.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Daniel Parolek
Email Candace Holder
a href="https://missingmiddlehousing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

About the Show:"God will always place what you need and who you need when you need them."
 - Jeff Flanigan
About the Guest:Dr. Jeff Flanigan is the principal of George Junior High School in Springdale. With a history deeply rooted in Arkansas, Dr. Flanigan's journey from student-athlete to educator is marked by a series of steadfast commitments. Beginning his post-secondary education with a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas, he ventured into coaching basketball at Southern Arkansas University and UALR before transitioning into academia. He holds a distinctive record of engaging with diverse student populations and focuses on enabling them to surpass societal and self-imposed limitations. In addition to his educational career, Dr. Flanigan is also actively involved in music and pastoral work, showcasing a multifaceted talent portfolio that transcends the educational sector.
Episode Summary:In this inspiring installment of "I am Northwest Arkansas," host Randy Wilburn delves into the intersection of business, culture, and life with Dr. Jeff Flanigan, a trailblazer in education and community leadership. This episode takes listeners on a journey through Dr. Flanigan's return to a transformed Northwest Arkansas, emphasizing the region's cultural and demographic evolution.
Dr. Flanigan's story is one marked by perseverance and determination. Facing constant goalpost shifts early in his academic career, Dr. Flanigan navigated through challenges to seize an opportunity at the University of Arkansas. He would later become a beacon in academia and athletics, driven by a passion for grooming future generations. Highlighting his tenure as a college basketball coach and his influence on young minds across various Arkansas regions, this episode illuminates the impactful work of educators in Northwest Arkansas.
Key Takeaways:Dr. Jeff Flanigan shares his transformative journey from student to principal in Northwest Arkansas.He discusses his experience of overcoming goalpost shifts and his commitment to educational growth and transcending barriers.The episode shines a light on the historical context of Springdale and its evolution as a diverse and inclusive community.Dr. Flanigan is deeply invested in mentoring and making a tangible difference in the lives of students, particularly those from minority backgrounds.The episode underscores the importance of role models in education and the powerful message of achieving dreams despite societal challenges.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Jeff Flanigan
Jeff Flanigan 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...

About the Show:"We want to build the kinds of communities where our kids will want to raise their kids."
Dexter Caffey
About the Guest:Dexter Caffey is the innovative CEO of Smart Eye Technology, where he leads the way in revolutionizing data protection through continuous facial recognition technology. Based in Northwest Arkansas, Dexter focuses on creating a secure digital environment for both businesses and consumers. He's an alumnus of Youngstown State University and has a background in commodities trading, further showcasing his diverse professional expertise. Dexter's recent move to Northwest Arkansas was initiated by an invitation from the nonprofit organization Startup Junkie, aiming to nurture his groundbreaking company within the region's thriving technology ecosystem.
Episode Summary:In this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Dexter Caffey, CEO of Smart Eye Technology, to discuss the synergies of business, culture, and entrepreneurship in the Ozarks. Dexter shares his journey from Atlanta to the vibrant technology scene of Northwest Arkansas and the factors that influenced his relocation.
Dexter narrates his experience with the startup accelerator program fueled by Startup Junkie, detailing his initial hesitations and the subsequent success that propelled him to make Northwest Arkansas the new home for Smart Eye Technology. He delves into the company's mission to combat data breaches with innovative facial recognition software. Listening to Dexter's stories and aspirations unravels how community spirit and a strong startup ecosystem are shaping the business landscape in Northwest Arkansas.
Key Takeaways:Dexter Caffey was recruited by Startup Junkie to bring Smart Eye Technology to Northwest Arkansas, emphasizing the region's dedication to fostering technology startups.Smart Eye Technology specializes in continuous facial recognition for securing data, with upcoming plans to launch a Chrome browser extension for consumers and businesses alike.Dexter shares insights on how the friendly and supportive business environment in Northwest Arkansas was a significant factor in his decision to relocate.He highlights the rampant issue of data breaches and fraud, demonstrating the critical need for advanced security measures like those provided by Smart Eye Technology.The episode sheds light on the beauty of Northwest Arkansas's nature, which Dexter appreciates alongside the thriving business and tech community.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Get Smart Eye
Website Smart Eye Technology
Smart Eye Technology on Facebook
Smart Eye Technology on YouTube
Smart Eye Technology on LinkedIn
Smart Eye Technology on Instagram
Tune in to a...

About the Show:"Cities are the vanguard of problem-solving in the modern world."
Bruce Katz
About the Guest:Bruce Katz, a renowned urban policy expert and the founding director of the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University, joins us to share his deep insights on the transformative power of cities. With a rich background that includes advising urban leaders globally and authoring the pivotal book "The New Localism," Bruce brings a wealth of knowledge on how cities can flourish amidst the challenges of our time.
Episode Summary:In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Bruce Katz at Gorog X Studio in Bentonville, Arkansas, to explore the concept of "new localism" and how cities are becoming the epicenter of innovation and growth. They delve into the pressing issue of affordable housing, the reshoring of American manufacturing, and the unique opportunities that Northwest Arkansas presents as a rapidly growing region.
Bruce shares his experiences working with urban leaders, the lessons learned from cities like Pittsburgh and Copenhagen, and the importance of local collaboration in addressing housing, transportation, and economic development. He emphasizes the need for cities to act as economies, leveraging their unique assets to create inclusive and sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:Bruce Katz illuminates the role of cities as engines of problem-solving and innovation, particularly in times of national discord.The discussion sheds light on the critical nature of affordable housing and the potential of initiatives like groundwork to address this challenge in Northwest Arkansas.Bruce's expertise underscores the significance of local governments, businesses, and citizens understanding and embracing the long game for sustainable development.The conversation highlights the power of collaborative ecosystems in driving progress and the transformative impact of universities and industry leaders working in tandem.Listeners are encouraged to rethink the role of federal and state governments, viewing them as supporters of local economies rather than top-down decision-makers.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Bruce Katz
Website Drexel University
Drexel University on Facebook
Sign up for The New Localism Newsletter here.
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well. 
This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"
Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"
Try ONBoardNWA.com...

About the Show:"Northwest Arkansas is part of Arkansas. You're going to find a lot of different areas, and, no matter what you're into, you're going to find your people."
Brittany Swiderski
About the Guests:This podcast episode offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Brittany and Amin, a young couple who uprooted from New York to Northwest Arkansas just before the pandemic turned the world upside down. With Amin's new job as their compass, they took a leap of faith into the unknown. Little did they realize how much their big move would pay off.
Hailing from disparate parts of North America initially, neither Brittany nor Amin knew much about Arkansas before landing there. In fact, the only news they ever heard about the state involved some sort of tragedy. To counter the bad press, the duo started documenting their experience through an Instagram account called "NWA Transplants." They hoped to showcase the many positives of living in Northwest Arkansas that aren't visible from afar.
Over time, Brittany and Amin have evolved their social media style and built connections by highlighting local events, the arts, music, small businesses, and more hidden gems. As Brittany notes, they wanted to share "what this area is really like when you're living there." From finding community during the first wave of COVID-19 to discovering common interests through happenstance meetings, the couple has embraced the opportunities around them to build a life—and make an impact.
Episode Summary:The conversation covers their initial reservations about moving, the surprising discoveries upon arrival, and the evolving landscape of NWA. They share insights into the importance of dental health, the joy of finding community, and the unexpected encounters that have enriched their lives. Randy and his guests also discuss the challenges of housing, the power of social media storytelling, and the future aspirations for their platform.
Key Takeaways:Brittany and Amin's story is a compelling narrative of finding one's place in an unexpected corner of the world.Their Instagram account @nwatransplants serves as a beacon for others contemplating a move to Northwest Arkansas and for locals discovering the hidden gems in their backyard.The episode explores the couple's commitment to community engagement, the celebration of NWA's growth, and the genuine desire to contribute positively to the region.Through humor, authenticity, and relatable content, they've managed to build a platform that resonates with a diverse audience.The discussion highlights the importance of being proactive in one's community, the power of storytelling, and the role each resident plays in shaping the future of Northwest Arkansas.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email NWA Transplants
NWA Transplants on Instagram
NWA Transplants on Facebook
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their a...