

I Am Northwest Arkansas®
Randy Wilburn
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 53min
From Tricycles to Food Truck Parks: The Pedal Pops Story in Northwest Arkansas
Mike Thompson and Lynn Wong, co-founders of Pedal Pops and Pedal Park, share their inspiring journey from corporate careers to local entrepreneurship. They talk about their nostalgic vision that birthed guilt-free, all-natural fruit pops infused with creativity. The duo emphasizes the importance of fostering community connections through collaborative events like trivia and bingo at their food truck park. They also dive into unique flavors like honeydew peach and candied bacon, offering insights for aspiring food entrepreneurs on the value of authenticity and community engagement.

Aug 25, 2025 • 57min
Building Futures: How Hands-On Trades Are Shaping Northwest Arkansas Youth
About the Show:“This event is a bridge between what students think a job might be and an actual informed awareness about what these jobs look like.” – Joe Rollins, NWA CouncilIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn explores how the Build My Future NWA program is giving students a real taste of working in the skilled trades. Joining him are Joe Rollins, Workforce Development Director at the Northwest Arkansas Council, and Steve Turner, Business Development Manager at Multicraft Contractors. Together, they share how this powerful, hands-on event brings thousands of high school students right to the heart of construction, welding, heavy equipment operation, and much more—long before graduation.Randy, Joe, and Steve peel back the curtain on the incredible need for skilled tradespeople in Northwest Arkansas. They highlight how Build My Future goes beyond your average career fair by letting students operate equipment, try welding, talk directly with apprentices, and see for themselves the wide variety of careers available. They also tackle big questions—like how parents, educators, and the business community can get involved, and why it’s never too late for adults to enter the trades.If you care about education, workforce development, or the future of work in Northwest Arkansas, this episode is a can't-miss.Key Takeaways:Hands-On Is Key: Build My Future NWA stands out because students actually get to try out trade skills, not just hear about them.Addressing a Regional Need: Northwest Arkansas is growing fast and needs skilled workers for everything from construction and plumbing to digital design in building trades.Community Collaboration: Over 30 sponsors and 70+ contractors across trades come together to support this event, making it a true team effort.More Than Just Kids: It’s never too late to consider a trade career. Adult learners and those seeking a second career are finding opportunities, too.Trades Are Tech-Forward: Today’s skilled trades blend hands-on work with high-tech skills, making these careers smart and future-ready.Parents, Teachers, Businesses: Everyone has a role to play in encouraging students and supporting events like Build My Future. All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Build My Future NWA: www.buildmyfuture-nwa.comCareersNWA job board and resources: www.careersnwa.comApprentice Arkansas (nontraditional apprenticeship info): https://arkansasosd.com/apprenticeship/Multicraft Contractors (apprenticeship info): https://multi-craft.net/apprenticeship-reimbursement-program/ABC Arkansas (Associated Builders and Contractors): https://www.abcark.org/Fayetteville Public Library Center for Innovation: FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryNWA Council WebsiteNWA Council on InstagramNWA Council on FacebookNWA Council on LinkedInNWA Council on TwitterNWA Council Email 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: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 LinkedInThank 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.comLooking 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.comONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.

Aug 18, 2025 • 46min
Understanding Menopause: Real Talk, Real Solutions for Women in Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:“Why did nobody tell me about this?”– Dr. Kristin MarkellIn this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Dr. Kristin Markell, an integrative medicine specialist helping women navigate the often-overlooked journey of perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Markell combines her experience as a traditional OB/GYN with holistic, whole-person strategies to provide personalized care for women in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.Together, Randy and Dr. Markell break down the basics of perimenopause and menopause—including what these terms really mean, when symptoms can start, and why every woman’s experience is unique. Dr. Markell shares her personal and professional journey, the frustration women feel about the lack of education on these topics, and how integrative medicine can help women feel their best through this stage of life.The episode also explores how families, employers, and the wider community can better support women during this transition, as well as the emerging innovations and digital tools empowering women to take charge of their health.If you’re a woman, love a woman, work with women, or are simply curious, this is an important conversation for you.Key Takeaways:Menopause is natural but often misunderstood: Most women aren’t taught about perimenopause and menopause early enough. Symptoms can start as early as a woman’s 30s—not just in the 50s or 60s—and everyone’s experience is different.Definitions matter: Menopause is officially when a woman hasn’t had a period for one year; perimenopause is the 7-10 years leading up to that.Symptoms are more than hot flashes: Every area of the body can be affected, from brain fog and anxiety to fatigue, aches, and sexual health changes.You don’t have to “just deal with it”: Dr. Markell urges women not to “white knuckle” through symptoms—there are treatments and support, including both hormonal and non-hormonal options.Integrative medicine offers personalized care: Dr. Markell’s approach looks at the whole person, from nutrition to stress to long-term wellness, not just the symptoms.Support is a team effort: Family, partners, co-workers, and employers all play a role in helping women thrive during this time.Resources are growing: New digital tools, wearables, and dedicated clinics (including right here in NWA!) are giving women greater access to care and information.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Dr. Kristin Markell’s Website: https://kristinmarkellmd.comThe Menopause Society: https://www.menopause.orgDr. Markell on Instagram: @kristenmarkellmdDr. Markell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmarkellmd/Contact Dr. Markell’s Office: 479-222-0966You can listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast weekly on KUAF 91.3 FM’s Ozarks at Large(Other resources and episodes mentioned: Mel Robbins, “The Diary of a CEO” with Steven Bartlett, Dr. Peter Attia & Dr. Rachel Rubin Podcast, Midi Health, Electra Health)FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" 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 LinkedInThank 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.comLooking 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.FindItNWA.comLooking 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.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
Ian McCready on Digital Detox, Parenting, and Building SelfCtrl in Northwest Arkansas
About the Show:“Everyone with access to a smartphone and technology today has access to the global library of entertainment twenty-four seven—and we all have to build self-control around it, or we’re going to develop bad habits.”Ian McCreadyIn this powerful episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Ian McCready, founder of SelfCtrl, to tackle a challenge nearly everyone faces today: technology addiction. From video games to cell phones, Ian shares his personal story of how digital devices took over his own life and what he did to change for the better. Now, he’s helping others across Northwest Arkansas and beyond find hope, healthy routines, and true connection outside of screens.Randy and Ian break down why technology is so addictive, how it affects both kids and adults, and what practical steps families, schools, and individuals can take to reclaim their attention and mental well-being. Ian gives honest advice about meaningful digital detoxes, setting boundaries, and building healthier habits at any age. Whether you’re a parent struggling to limit screen time or an adult hoping to break free from scrolling, this episode is full of tips and encouragement for you.Key Takeaways:Awareness is the First Step: Admitting technology has become a problem is key. You don’t have to call it an “addiction”—just a habit that isn’t helping you.Dopamine Demand: Games and apps are designed to keep you coming back. As tolerance builds, it takes more and more time on screens to feel the same excitement.Detox is Possible: Even short breaks from digital devices—like a 30- or 60-day digital detox—can help your brain reset and bring back lost joy and motivation.It’s Not Just for Kids: Adults of all ages, not just teens, are struggling with technology overuse and its impact on work, relationships, and happiness.Replace, Don’t Just Remove: Find healthy activities to fill the time you get back—walks, conversations, reading, or family games—to make new habits stick.Support Matters: Be open with friends and family about your goals for change, and ask for their support. Accountability makes a huge difference.Self-Control is Learnable: These changes are challenging but possible, and Northwest Arkansas can be a model for positive change around healthy screen use.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*SelfCtrl—Website, resources, and upcoming courses: selfctrl.comDr. Jonathan Haidt’s Book: “The Anxious Generation”SelfControl on Instagram & Facebook: @buildselfctrlRecommended Reading: “Atomic Habits” by James ClearFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryPodcastVideos.com – Rogers, AR – Podcast video production partnersTune 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*FindItNWA.com 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 LinkedInThank 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.comLooking 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.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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

Aug 4, 2025 • 55min
Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas®: Championing Public Broadcasting in Northwest Arkansas – With Clint Schaff, General Manager of KUAF
In our final “Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas” episode for the summer, we spotlight the vital role public radio plays in our region by sitting down with Clint Schaff, the General Manager of KUAF, Northwest Arkansas’ NPR affiliate. Clint shares his unique journey into public media, the history and impact of KUAF, and his vision for connecting our ever-growing and diverse community through storytelling and local programming.Together with host Randy Wilburn, Clint discusses the evolving media landscape, how public radio remains an antidote to loneliness and misinformation, and the pressing challenges that stations like KUAF face—from budget shortfalls to threats to public funding. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that public media is truly a community effort, reliant on listeners’ engagement, contributions, and advocacy.From anecdotes about hip hop in rural North Dakota to collaborating with local volunteers and interns, Clint’s passion for inclusive, community-driven radio shines through. He invites listeners to get involved with KUAF (not just as donors but as active participants and ambassadors), and both he and Randy highlight the ripple effect that supporting public media has on the local arts, culture, and information landscape of Northwest Arkansas.Topics Covered:Clint’s “superhero origin story” and what drew him to public radio How KUAF serves as a connective tissue for Northwest Arkansas, reaching deep into rural communities and neighboring states The critical difference between national NPR programming and the local mission of KUAF Increasing threats to public broadcasting and the crucial nature of listener support (both financial and through volunteerism) Enhancing community participation: building a volunteer network, collecting listener feedback, and featuring more local voices on air The power of public media to combat misinformation, foster belonging, and tell stories that matter The importance of youth involvement and media literacy initiatives through partnerships with the University of Arkansas Creative ways to give back, including time, talent, and spreading the word Celebrating milestones: 40 years as an NPR affiliate for KUAF and 35 years of Ozarks at Large Why Support Public Broadcasting?Public radio is facing real, existential challenges nationwide—ongoing funding threats, the transition to new media, and the increasing costs of operation. Here in Northwest Arkansas, KUAF serves over a dozen counties and offers unbiased news, local arts, robust emergency alerts, and a platform for diverse community voices. Without consistent listener support (donations, volunteer efforts, and advocacy), programs that connect, inform, and uplift our region are at risk.Supporting stations like KUAF isn’t just about the news or the music—it’s about investing in a trusted resource that strengthens democracy, culture, and local identity. As Clint and Randy remind us, if we value these stories and services, it’s up to all of us to ensure they remain available for generations to come.How You Can Help:Become a sustaining member or make a one-time donation: supportkuaf.comGet involved as a volunteer, ambassador, or by sharing feedback Spread the word: share KUAF and I Am Northwest Arkansas episodes with friends and family Advocate for public media: learn more at Protect My Public Media Reach out to Clint Schaff: schaff@uark.edu or visit KUAF ContactLinks & Resources Mentioned:KUAFOzarks at LargeI Am Northwest Arkansas NewsletterSupport KUAFProtect My Public MediaFinal Thoughts:As we close out this “Best Of” summer season, we urge you to reflect on what public radio means to you and your community. Your involvement, support, and voice make all the difference. Thank you for being a part of the I Am Northwest Arkansas family, and for everything you do to champion public programming in our region.Subscribe, Rate & Review:Catch new episodes every Monday. Don’t forget to subscribe to I Am Northwest Arkansas and leave us a review on your favorite app!Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.comLooking 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.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.

Jul 28, 2025 • 49min
Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas®: Exploring NWA Daily’s Impact and Growth
Revisit the story of NWA Daily’s evolution from casual conversation to a vital newsletter with over 35,000 subscribers—powered by community-driven journalism and unwavering local spirit.👉 https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/exploring-nwa-dailys-impact-and-growth-in-northwest-arkansas/Why it matters:We’re hitting pause this July to rest and refresh, but we didn’t want to miss sharing some of our all-time favorite stories with our listeners. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’ll be back in August with fresh episodes and new voices from around the region. Until then, enjoy these community-inspired throwbacks!Try NWA Daily Today! 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 LinkedInMentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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

Jul 21, 2025 • 43min
Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas®: From Tacos to Barbecue – Doug Riverman Allen’s Next Chapter
Enjoy an engaging conversation with Doug Riverman Allen as he navigates restaurant life—from Jose’s Bar & Grill to launching Bubba’s Barbecue in Eureka Springs—and his commitment to community and mentorship.👉 https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/301Why it matters:We’re hitting pause this July to rest and refresh, but we didn’t want to miss sharing some of our all-time favorite stories with our listeners. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’ll be back in August with fresh episodes and new voices from around the region. Until then, enjoy these community-inspired throwbacks!Mentioned in this episode:ONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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

Jul 14, 2025 • 53min
Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas®: More Than a Game – How Mahjong Is Building Community and Healing Hearts
A summertime return to one of our most talked-about conversations. We dive into how the ancient game of mahjong is creating meaningful bonds, combatting loneliness, and fostering mental resilience across Northwest Arkansas.👉 https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/310Why it matters:We’re hitting pause this July to rest and refresh, but we didn’t want to miss sharing some of our all-time favorite stories with our listeners. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’ll be back in August with fresh episodes and new voices from around the region. Until then, enjoy these community-inspired throwbacks!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 LinkedInMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.comLooking 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.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.

Jul 7, 2025 • 49min
Best Of I Am Northwest Arkansas®: Exploring 100 Must‑Do Activities in Bentonville and Rogers
Take a tour of the top local experiences that brought listeners joy and inspiration. From public art to hidden parks, this episode maps out the essence of Bentonville and Rogers.👉 https://iamnorthwestarkansas.com/295Why it matters:We’re hitting pause this July to rest and refresh, but we didn’t want to miss sharing some of our all-time favorite stories with our listeners. Thank you for being part of our journey—we’ll be back in August with fresh episodes and new voices from around the region. Until then, enjoy these community-inspired throwbacks!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 LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"FindItNWA.comLooking 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.comONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 55min
Tom Hapgood Discusses Lost Letters, Design Education, and Life in the Ozarks
About the Show:"I think everyone should write—even just for themselves." – Tom HapgoodOn this inspiring episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Tom Hapgood, longtime professor and cornerstone of the University of Arkansas's graphic design program. Together, they explore how formative experiences—especially those that cross cultures—ignite the creative spark and fundamentally shape who we become.Tom's compelling journey begins in New England but truly takes flight in Cold War-era Germany, where he lived as a "third culture kid" and witnessed history unfolding firsthand. Those transformative years abroad didn't just shape his identity—they continue to fuel his academic work, drive his creative innovation, and recently inspired his authorship of "Lost Letters," a novel that memorializes the military brat experience during one of history's most pivotal eras.Throughout their conversation, Tom reflects on how travel, storytelling, and design work together to broaden perspectives and strengthen communities. He opens up about the expanding creative opportunities in Northwest Arkansas, the evolution of the U of A's graphic design program, and both the joy and challenge of telling your own authentic story in an AI-driven world.Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or someone simply curious about life in the Ozarks, this episode delivers wisdom for living both purposefully and creatively in our vibrant region.Key Takeaways:Third Culture Kids & Cultural Growth: Tom explains how growing up as an "army brat" in Germany fostered a unique perspective and a deep appreciation for both local and global cultures—lessons he still passes on to his students.The Power of Story: Everyone has a book inside them, and writing—longhand or typed—offers a chance to process experience, build bridges, and leave lasting breadcrumbs for others navigating similar journeys.Innovation & Design in NWA: The University of Arkansas’s graphic design program has grown into a top-tier, competitive platform, fueling opportunities for creative careers right here in Northwest Arkansas.Navigating Change & Community: Tom and Randy discuss the region’s rapid growth, the blending of lifelong locals and transplants, and the evolving identity of NWA as a thriving, inclusive creative hub.Embracing and Evaluating AI: AI’s role in creativity and education is complex—Tom offers candid reflections on its place in creative fields, underscoring the enduring value of hands-on skill and authentic storytelling.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Instagram: @tomhap88LinkedIn: Tom HapgoodBook: Lost Letters on Amazon University of Arkansas Graphic Design ProgramSchool of Art – U of ALocal Bookstores MentionedPearl’s Books – Fayetteville, ARTwo Friends Bookstore – Bentonville, ARUnderbrush Books – Rogers, ARFindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business DirectoryThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" HootOwl Legal Ver 2 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 LinkedInThank 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.comLooking 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.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"ONBoardNWA.comLooking 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.


