I Am Northwest Arkansas® Food Influencer Samantha Gregory Shares Her Passion for Exploring and Promoting the Culinary Scene in Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:
"Everything I post has weight to it, whatever it is. And I think everyone can learn that as well."
- Samantha Gregory
About the Guest:
Samantha Gregory recognized primarily through her moniker Munchin with Mantha, is a food influencer based in Northwest Arkansas. She began her journey while attending the University of Arkansas and has since captivated a substantial following with her passion for local cuisines and beyond. Samantha's specialty lies in reviewing and recommending restaurants, documenting her gastronomic experiences, and helping people discover exceptional eating establishments, particularly in the Ozarks region.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of I am Northwest Arkansas, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Samantha Gregory, the food enthusiast behind Munchin with Mantha. The podcast provides listeners with valuable insights into Northwest Arkansas' diverse food landscape and Samantha's journey from a college student seeking new dining experiences to becoming a key food influencer.
The conversation navigates through Samantha's food exploration within the region, emphasizing an array of culinary delights that the Ozarks have to offer. Whether listeners are local residents or those considering moving to the area, Randy and Samantha shed light on the gastronomic prowess that Northwest Arkansas holds. They delve into Samantha's approach to creating content, highlighting her passion for sharing experiences without critiquing, encapsulating the essence of her dining adventures.
Key Takeaways:
- Samantha Gregory's Origin Story: Discovering how Samantha started her food influencer journey in Northwest Arkansas while attending university and how it has led her to highlight the rich culinary scene in the region.
- A Masterclass on Food Influencing: Understanding the subtleties of transforming a passion for food into a thriving platform that shares unique dining experiences with a growing follower base.
- Essential Eats in Northwest Arkansas: Samantha provides a curated list of must-visit restaurants across different cities within the Ozarks, perfect for both residents and visitors.
- Content Creation and Responsibility: Insight into the importance of authenticity in sharing food experiences online and recognizing the impact social media comments can have on businesses.
- Expanding Beyond Northwest Arkansas: Samantha discusses widening her palate and sharing food experiences from travels outside the region, inviting her audience to follow her culinary adventures across different cities.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
Munchin with Mantra on Instagram
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!"
*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.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
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"