I Am Northwest Arkansas®

Randy Wilburn
  • 4.8 (55)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. Jul 20 ·  Bonus

    Best of IANWA: Repair, Don't Replace: Upkept.io's Mission to Transform Fashion's Environmental Footprint

    We're taking a short summer break from new episodes, and while we're out we're bringing back some of the most downloaded conversations from the past year. This one's a favorite whether you caught it the first time or you're just finding it now. Robin Wallis Atkinson, founder and CEO of Upkept, talks with Randy about the decline of garment repair skills and how her platform is making clothing repair simple and climate-friendly. This episode was part of our Future is Local series with the Walton Family Foundation. Why fast fashion has made it harder to repair clothes, and how Upkept is bringing that skill backHow thinking in terms of cost-per-wear can change the way you value what's already in your closet Website: upkept.io Listen to the original episode: https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/335 Mentioned in this episode: Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" 2026 Best of IANWA Intro

    Best of IANWA: Repair, Don't Replace: Upkept.io's Mission to Transform Fashion's Environmental Footprint

  2. Jul 13 ·  Bonus

    Best of IANWA: It's Never Too Late to Do the Thing You Were Called to Do

    This one's personal for me. We're taking a short summer break, and while we're out I wanted to bring back some of our most downloaded episodes from the past year, including this one. Fresh off the TEDx Fayetteville stage, I shared the full talk and the stories behind it, including my grandfather Mal Goode's story of becoming ABC News's first Black correspondent at age 54. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something, this episode is for you. Why age can be an asset instead of a limitation, and how reinvention shows up throughout historyA simple three-step process I use to help you reflect, reframe, and reignite whatever you've been putting off Listen to the original episode: http://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/330 Mentioned in this episode: 2026 Best of IANWA Intro Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

    Best of IANWA: It's Never Too Late to Do the Thing You Were Called to Do

  3. Jul 6 ·  Bonus

    Best of IANWA: From Tricycles to Food Truck Parks: The Pedal Pops Story in Northwest Arkansas

    Summer's here and we're stepping away from the mic for a few weeks, so we're digging back into the archive to share some of our most downloaded conversations from the past year. This is one worth a second listen, or a first one if it's new to you. Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson turned a dream of an ice cream shop into Pedal Pops and Pedal Park, an all-natural fruit pop business that's grown into a real community hub in Farmington. This episode was part of our Future is Local series with the Walton Family Foundation. How a kitchen experiment turned into a beloved local brand built on customer feedback and creative flavorsWhy Pedal Park has become more than a food truck stop, hosting trivia nights, live music, and pop-up markets for the whole community Website: pedalpops.com Listen to the original episode: https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/326 Mentioned in this episode: Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" 2026 Best of IANWA Intro

    Best of IANWA: From Tricycles to Food Truck Parks: The Pedal Pops Story in Northwest Arkansas

  4. Jun 22

    Danielle Keller on Reviving Peekaboo Magazine and Building Community Connections in Northwest Arkansas

    About the Show:"I always want to have that posture of, like, what can I learn? How can I grow?" – Danielle Keller Danielle Keller didn't plan on becoming the steward of Northwest Arkansas's most beloved family magazine. She moved from California to Arkansas, built a life here as a mother and filmmaker, and somewhere along the way fell in love with the kind of community storytelling that big media rarely gets right. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Randy Wilburn sits down with Danielle to talk about her journey—from film and podcasting to relaunching Peekaboo Magazine in August 2025 with a bigger, higher-quality print edition that bets on something most people have written off. She makes the case for print in a digital world. Not as nostalgia. As intention. Personal essays from local parents, in-person community events, and real voices from across NWA — Peekaboo is proof that a magazine can still be a gathering place. This conversation is a reminder that the stories closest to home are often the ones worth telling most. Key Takeaways: Embrace Change and Growth: It's never too late to start something new or pivot your career—real growth often happens later in life.The Importance of Storytelling: Personal stories connect people and help communities feel seen, valued, and understood.Relationships Matter: Building relationships is key to both personal success and community building; everyone has something to offer.The Power of Local Media: Hyper-local publications like Peekaboo give a platform to everyday stories and voices that otherwise might not be heard.Print Isn’t Dead: There’s a renewed appreciation for tangible, high-quality media that people can hold, share, and keep on their coffee tables.Community Support: Sharing vulnerable stories can lead to compassion and real community action, supporting those who need it most.Be Inclusive: Not everyone is an extrovert—seek out and include those on the fringe, and help everyone feel welcome. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Peekaboo magazine websitePeekaboo magazine on Facebook:Peekaboo magazine on LinkedIn:Peekaboo magazine on Instagram: @peekaboomagazinenwaPeople of Northwest Arkansas PodcastFayetteville Public LibraryDogpatch USA (featured in Danielle Keller’s documentary work)John Brown University (JBU)Bentonville Film FestivalParkside Public (casual date night spot)Confident Coffee (favorite coffee shop) You can pick up a physical copy of Peekaboo magazine at local libraries, museums, and family-focused spots throughout Northwest Arkansas—from Fayetteville to Bella Vista and Siloam Springs. This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" *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 LinkedIn 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: FindItNWA.com Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport" FindItNWA.com Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

    Danielle Keller on Reviving Peekaboo Magazine and Building Community Connections in Northwest Arkansas

  5. Jun 8

    Black Paper Party’s Journey and the Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Experience

    About the Show:"Black Paper Party doesn't exist if it's not for the authentic representation of the Black diaspora and our products." – Jasmine Hudson What does it really take to build a business rooted in culture, stay true to your mission, and scale to 20,000 points of distribution—all from Northwest Arkansas? Jasmine Hudson, co-founder of Black Paper Party, is living proof that it's possible. In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn welcomes Jasmine back for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about entrepreneurship, representation, and what growth really looks like when you refuse to compromise your values. From packing orders in her garage during the early days to landing shelf space with major retailers, Jasmine pulls back the curtain on the journey—including what really happened after the Shark Tank cameras stopped rolling. Jasmine also shares how Black Paper Party is using AI and technology to operate smarter, what it means to be selected for the prestigious Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator, and why staying connected to the mission of celebrating Black joy and culture has been their greatest competitive advantage. Whether you're a founder grinding through the early stages, an entrepreneur looking to scale without losing your soul, or someone who simply believes that representation matters—this episode is for you. Pull up a chair and get ready to be inspired. Key Takeaways: Authenticity Matters: Staying true to your mission and serving your community is at the heart of lasting growth and brand loyalty.Growth Is a Journey: Black Paper Party went from the garage to major retailers by focusing on both process and relationships.Technology as a Tool: Leveraging AI can help small teams do more, from managing e-commerce to automating business tasks—but it should never replace original thinking.Retail Wisdom: Walmart can be a powerful incubator for brands, especially for those who understand their customer and the importance of scalability.Community and Networking: Programs like Endeavor Heartland Scale Up provide important mentorship and support, but you have to put in the work to benefit.Resilience in Business: Setbacks, like shipping disasters or lost deals, are part of the journey—true grit keeps you moving forward. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website: Black Paper PartyBlack Paper Party on InstagramBlack Paper Party on FacebookBlack Paper Party on LinkedInEndeavor Heartland Scale Up Accelerator: endeavor.org (Check show notes for direct links.)Canem Arkan Endeavor Heartland EmailShawn Morris Endeavor Heartland EmailJasmine Hudson on LinkedInFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" *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 LinkedIn 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: FindItNWA.com Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport" FindItNWA.com Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

    Black Paper Party’s Journey and the Endeavor Heartland Scale Up Experience

  6. May 25 ·  Bonus

    The Power of Relationships in NWA: A StartUp Junkie Podcast Replay with I Am Northwest Arkansas®

    About the Show:"There's something here for everybody in Northwest Arkansas, and it's the kind of place that, you know, you really can make your dreams come true in a space like this. It's not gonna be easy, but because, you know, people are really open to building relationships and really connecting with you, I mean, I can't think of more fertile territory for you to start something." — Randy Wilburn On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, recorded in partnership with the Startup Junkies Podcast, Daniel Koontz and Ty Steele welcome Randy Wilburn, founder and host of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, to share his journey from Boston to Fayetteville and the power of community, storytelling, and entrepreneurship in the region. Randy talks about building the podcast he wished existed when he moved here, the growth and unique character of Northwest Arkansas, and how relationships are the secret ingredient for business success. Randy shares why he believes the region is fertile ground for founders, thanks to its welcoming ecosystem, mentorship opportunities, and teams willing to support even newcomers. Whether you’re inspired by the stories of Walmart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt or you want tips for discovering your "why" and connecting with your audience, this episode gives you the tools to dream big—and start small. Relationships Matter: Success in Northwest Arkansas starts with building authentic connections. Taking time to network and ask for help—from mentors or other founders—can open the right doors 08:32.It’s a Fertile Land for Founders: The region’s collaborative spirit, from the legacy of local giants like Walmart and Tyson to today’s startups, makes Northwest Arkansas a unique place to launch and grow a business 10:16.Embrace Change and Be Ready to Pivot: The market speaks loudly. Randy shares the lesson that knowing when to change course is critical for lasting success 13:32.Storytelling is Timeless: Every founder needs to be able to clearly articulate their story and their why. Start with knowing who you are and what makes your business stand out 18:44.Incremental Growth Wins: Focus on getting just 1% better every day, and over time you’ll see huge results, both for yourself and your business 25:33.Take Advantage of Local Resources: From free tech tools to the Fayetteville Public Library and organizations like Startup Junkie, Northwest Arkansas has what founders need to test ideas and get started without huge upfront costs 37:40.Listen to the Market: Seeking honest feedback—beyond friends and family—is the fastest way to know if your idea has potential. Don’t ignore what real customers want 14:32. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*I Am Northwest Arkansas® Podcast WebsiteFayetteville Public LibraryStartup JunkieOnyx CoffeeZweig GroupSam Walton’s AutobiographyAtomic Habits by James ClearNorthwest Arkansas CouncilJB HuntTyson Foods This episode is sponsored by: FindItNWA.com - Find It Fast. Find It Local. Signature Bank of Arkansas ONBoardNWA.com HyperLocal Jobs in NWA This episode is sponsored by*FindItNWA.com - Find It Fast. Find It Local. Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" 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: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 LinkedIn 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: FindItNWA.com Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport" FindItNWA.com Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

  7. May 11

    From Delta Blues to Diplomacy Jamie Atkinson’s Journey on I Am Northwest Arkansas

    About the Show:"My sense of identity as an American never was as pronounced as it was when I was overseas." – Jamie Atkinson Some people find Northwest Arkansas. Jamie Atkinson chose it after seeing most of the world first. Before planting roots in the region, Jamie Atkinson spent years as a U.S. Foreign Service officer, living and working across more than 55 countries—Argentina, Nicaragua, Bulgaria, Bolivia, the Czech Republic, and beyond. Along the way, he discovered that Delta blues music wasn't just something he loved — it was a universal language that opened doors, built trust, and connected him to people across cultures and continents. Now back in the U.S. and deeply invested in Northwest Arkansas, Jamie joins me on the podcast to talk about what it means to carry your roots with you around the world, why this corner of the Ozarks convinced his family to stay, and how a lifetime of service is shaping what comes next. Key Takeaways: Music is a Bridge: Delta blues connected people in Argentina, Bolivia, and the American South—showing that music can bring cultures together.Importance of Perspective: Living overseas gave Jamie Atkinson a deeper appreciation for being American and for appreciating other cultures.Building Community: Investing in Northwest Arkansas is about more than property—it’s about relationships, teamwork, and belonging.Local Roots with Global Experience: Jamie Atkinson’s experience in the Foreign Service taught him to listen, compromise, and find common ground—skills he brings to community leadership.Giving Back: Returning home, Jamie Atkinson seeks to serve his adopted community through both local business and public service. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website: Jamie for ArkansasReach Jamie Atkinson on social: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedInMusic Education Initiative (Orson Weems)Fayetteville Public LibraryPryor Center Juke JointFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory This episode is sponsored by* Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" *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 LinkedIn 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: Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" FindItNWA.com Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport" FindItNWA.com

    From Delta Blues to Diplomacy Jamie Atkinson’s Journey on I Am Northwest Arkansas

  8. Apr 27

    Rice Krispie Dreams: Sugar Apple Co’s Expansion from Northwest Arkansas to the Nation

    About the Show:"I've never pivoted so much. Not even when I play post on pickup basketball do I pivot this much and this hard." – Blanca Maldonado Blanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds are back. If you caught their first appearance on I Am Northwest Arkansas® back in 2022, you already know these two are something special. A lot has changed since then — and in the best possible way. In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with the duo behind Sugar Apple Co. for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow a small food business in Northwest Arkansas. We're talking Rice Krispie Treats — handmade, delicious, and now the centerpiece of a brand that's been tested, pivoted, and built with intention. Blanca and Danielle open up about customer feedback that changed their direction, creative marketing on a budget, the honest truth about shipping experiments, and what resilience really looks like when you're building something from scratch. From pop-up events to a direct-to-consumer website, Sugar Apple Co. is proof that staying nimble and knowing your customer can take you further than any business plan. If you love entrepreneurship, food, and stories of people betting on themselves — this one's for you. Pull up your favorite podcast app and give this episode a listen today. Key Takeaways: Pivot Often and Stay Open: Blanca Maldonado and Danielle Reynolds show how adapting to customer needs and market feedback led to Rice Krispie treats becoming their signature and most successful product.Community Matters: Support from local mentors, colleagues, and places like Hill City Popcorn, Pearl’s Books, local commercial kitchens, and the Fayetteville Public Library made a big difference in their journey.Know Your Strengths: The Sugar Apple Co partnership works because each person stays in their own lane—Danielle focuses on food science and numbers, and Blanca takes on marketing and outreach.Test and Learn: Market research doesn’t have to cost thousands. The team used social media and QR codes to get quick, valuable data straight from real customers.Dream Big, Start Small: Sugar Apple Co is aiming for national distribution, but they’re building a solid foundation with direct-to-consumer sales, niche markets like runners and bikers, and steady local support first.Insider Tips: Hear shipping hacks, why quality and shelf-stable products are important for scaling, and how even a failed business attempt can spark a future win. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Sugar Apple Treats – Shop online (Use code IAMNWA for a special discount!)Sugar Apple Treats on InstagramSugar Apple Treats on LinkedInPearl’s Books – Fayetteville, AR bookstoreFossil Cove Brewing Co – Fayetteville, ARTwo Friends Bookstore – Bentonville, ARHill City Popcorn – Fayetteville, ARThe Momentary – Bentonville, ARSpring Kitchen – Commercial kitchen in Springdale, ARFayetteville Public Library – Studio and kitchen resourcesFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" *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 LinkedIn 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: Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" FindItNWA.com Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport" FindItNWA.com

    Rice Krispie Dreams: Sugar Apple Co’s Expansion from Northwest Arkansas to the Nation
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4.8
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Randy Wilburn
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    300
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    I Am Northwest Arkansas®