I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:In this Special Episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, we feature Larissa Ramey, a local artist and graduate student in the MFA program at the University of Arkansas.She is hosting an art workshop (STOOP TALK) on May 15, 2022, collaborating with Lakisha Harper Bradley at MYTBYDESIGN studio and other local artists.This event hopes to spread the word about Black creatives in Northwest Arkansas through community and creativity.Description of Workshop:STOOP TALK is a collaborative event for community members to have a fun-filled Sunday afternoon working with local artists and sharing their crafts. There will be ceramics, painting, photography, printmaking, and zine demos to learn about art in a safe space to talk creatively, eat, laugh, and be with one another! The event will be at MYTBYDESIGN studio in Fayetteville from 12:00-4:00 PM on Sunday, May 15th,2022.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: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.

About the Show:One of the first things I did when I visited Northwest Arkansas was to check out the trail system everyone spoke about.The Razorback Greenway, as it is affectionately known, winds its way through the four major cities in NWA, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, and several other smaller towns, including Bella Vista, which sits right on the border of the Southwest corner of Missouri.More than 150 miles of trail connect all of these great cities and towns and serves as an outlet for everyone that calls Northwest Arkansas home and those who come to visit to ride their road or mountain bike.There is so much to see and do in Northwest Arkansas, and the trail system here gives you the ability not to be so car dependent.We sat down with Matt Mihalevich, Trail Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, to learn more about how the trail system was created and the plans for the future.            All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Matt MihalevichWebsite for City of Fayetteville ArkansasCity of Fayetteville Arkansas on TwitterCity of Fayetteville Arkansas on InstagramCity of Fayetteville Arkansas Government on FacebookMatt Mihalevich on LinkedInMatt Mihalevich on YouTubeThis 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: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.

About the Show:Hayne Begley makes a lot of Biscuits. More than 400,000 and counting as of the recording of this podcast episode. He has an exciting story of taking one of the iconic food staples of the South, the southern biscuit and elevating them to another level by creating some tasty biscuit sandwich combinations on his food truck. Initially based in Central Arkansas, Hayne recently moved his primary food operations from Little Rock to Bentonville with one employee.  Like a lot of people that end up here in NWA Hayne has found his welcome to be warm and supportive. The local foodies are excited to try his biscuit creations and even food truck competitors have rolled out the red carpet and welcomed him.  The Delta Biscuit Company is poised for growth, and we expect to see those fantastic biscuits in a brick-and-mortar restaurant soon. If you love a fluffy, great-tasting biscuit, you need to check out the Delta Biscuit Company. Your taste buds and your stomach will thank you!All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Delta Biscuit CompanyWebsite for Hoff Sauce & PepperWebsite for Delta Biscuit CompanyDelta Biscuit Company on FacebookDelta Biscuit Company on InstagramThis 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: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.

About the Show:What do you do with 95,000 Acres and 135+ miles of a river? You create the Buffalo National River and Park. The first National River in the United States was established in 1972. You hear the expression, “Are you going to float the Buffalo?”. You may not fully understand that question for the uninitiated, but for many locals here in Northwest Arkansas, that question takes on a different meaning. Most of the Spring is the best time to float the Buffalo but just about any time of year is a great time to visit this majestic area that covers five rural counties and feeds the White River, which ends at the mighty Mississippi.  We sat down with Terrie Martindale, Board President of the Buffalo National River Partners, and Cassie Branstetter, a U. S. Park Ranger. We discussed the history of the Buffalo National River and the role that the Buffalo National River Partners play as a steward in making sure that the Buffalo National River Park is pristine for all to enjoy.  All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Cassie BranstetterEmail Terrie MartindaleWebsite for The Buffalo National River PartnersThe Buffalo National River Partners on InstagramThe Buffalo National River Partners on FacebookWebsite for The Buffalo National RiverThe Buffalo National River on FacebookThe Buffalo National River on InstagramThe Buffalo National River on TwitterInternational Dark Sky Association 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: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

About the Show:We recently sat down with Phil Shellhammer, the Director of the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) from the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Arkansas.Phil discussed in detail his new role and the mission of GORP. Northwest Arkansas is not just fertile ground for Fortune 50 Companies. It’s also one of the best outdoor recreation areas in the country, so it should come as no surprise that firms related to this industry find Northwest Arkansas to be a great place to start or expand their business.  Phil and his team hit the ground running and are not looking back.  Listen to the whole episode to learn more about their plans in this area. And, if you or someone you know loves the great outdoors and has a business idea that you would like to process, you need to reach out to Phil Shellhammer at GORP.  Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Phil ShellhammerWebsite for Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP)LIVSN Designs - Sustainable Outdoor Clothing and Apparel CompanyWebsite for 37 North Expeditions37 North Expeditions Podcast Episode 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: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!"

About the Show:We recently sat down with Chris Brosh and Tim Robinson, Phat Tire Bike Shop founders, and Tanner Bedwell, Board Member of Benton County Quail, to discuss the upcoming Double Barrel Gravel Ride on Saturday, May 14th, 2022. This FREE event is unique for many reasons, the least of which is that you get to ride your bike and shoot guns with friends. At the end of the ride, there will be live music and a Jambalaya and Crawfish Boil. Here is all of the Event Information taken directly from their site.Schedule:   6:30 am: Registration and Check-In   8:00 am:  71 Mile Riders Meeting and Start   1:00 pm:  31 Mile Riders’ Meeting and Start   1:00 pm:  15 Mile Riders’ Meeting and Start3:30 pm:  The Party Starts at 71 and the 31-mile course will not be marked.  The 15-mile course will be marked.  GPS course routes are indicated below.  Aid stations are provided.Start & Finish is at the Benton County Quail Barn.  The routes are chunky gravel roads.  The 71-mile option has approximately 5K in climbing.Double Barrel is a Poker Ride. Don’t forget to collect cards at the Aid Stations. You can earn bonus cards by blasting clay pigeons. The best poker hands win fabulous prizes.Join us for the party.  It all starts at 3:30 pm.  Things to bring:Bike, helmet, and cycling clothesChange of clothes for post-ride festivitiesAll the friends you can musterNo need to carry guns or ammo as those are providedBikes with 35mm or wider tires are recommendedIf you need to grab some tires or rent a bike, Phat Tire Bike Shop has you covered.GPS Course Route Links:  71-mile route:  https://ridewithgps.com/trips/3288595831-mile route:  https://ridewithgps.com/trips/3288622715-mile route:  https://ridewithgps.com/trips/32886258Click in the top right of the link on the ‘Export’ button to load to your GPS device of choice.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Chris BroshEmail Tim RobinsonEmail Tanner BedwellWebsite for Phat Tire Bike ShopPhat Tire Bike Shop on InstagramPhat Tire Bike Shop on FacebookThis 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: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.

About the Show:I cannot believe that it has been three years since we started the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast. I honestly had no hardcore plans for this podcast other than to sit down with some incredible people and organizations, learn about them, and share their stories with my brand new audience.As I’ve told anyone who will listen, the podcast I created was what I would have wanted to listen to when I was considering moving here, and then once I got here, I learned more about the people that make Northwest Arkansas such a great place to live.  This podcast has created numerous connections, relationships, new ideas, and tremendous inspiration. Every week I am blown away by the stories I get to tell and share.In this episode, I sit down and have the tables turned on me. Jaclyn House, Host of the Good Day NWA show on KNWA, actually interviews me to learn why I started the podcast and what are some of my favorite episodes. Hint, they are ALL my favorites. ;-)Enjoy this episode and if you are a regular listener of the podcast, please email us and let us know your favorite episode.  Also, if there is someone you would like to hear on the podcast, let us know.   Thanks for all of your support. Keep listening and sharing.Peace and Love,Randy WilburnHostAll this and more on this week's episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Jaclyn House on InstagramJaclyn House on TwitterGood Day NWAStoryisFuel.com Coming SoonI am Northwest Arkansas Podcast Episode PageKeith Kidd and KDK’s Chicken and WafflesOmar Kasim, Juice Queso, and a Bag of ChipsTyler Clark is Helping Single Parents in NWADr. Bowtie Todd and His Passion for PeopleThrough the Looking Glass with Charu Thomas and OxAmanda Childs and Community Service IncSkills Lab Training is Preparing NWA’s Next Generation for Employment Success 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: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.

About the Show:This podcast has created numerous connections, relationships, and new ideas. Every week I am blown away by the stories I get to tell and share.This week on the podcast, we sit down with Harry Hill, an avid cyclist/mountain biker and founder of the Minority Mountain Bikers group. Based in suburban Washington D.C., Harry’s Group loves to get out and rip up the trails. Last year he brought a small group of like-minded mountain bikers to Northwest Arkansas to see what the fuss was all about. Now he is hooked! This year, Harry has a larger group of Mountain Bikers descending on Northwest Arkansas to rip up the trails from Bentonville to Fayetteville and take in all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer, Arts, Food, Culture, and of course, People. We are excited to share the good news of Northwest Arkansas with people from all over the country and beyond. And, getting a chance to share Harry’s story and hang out with his group will be fantastic. Maybe some of these folks will enjoy themselves so much that they decide to stay permanently. I came here just for a visit in 2014 and loved here just two months later. Anything is possible, and we are always looking to add great people to our community. All this and more on this week's episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Harry HillWebsite for Minority Mountain BikersMinority Mountain Bikers on InstagramMinority Mountain Bikers on FacebookThis 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: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.

About the Show:If you own a dog, there is nothing like being greeted when you come home by the sound of a happy bark and being licked to death.  Northwest Arkansas is home to many pet owners, and we decided to sit down with local dog trainer Denise Holmes from Love Trust Teach and Travel Tails. Denise is an expert in communicating and training our four-legged canine friends.  You can learn how she became a dog trainer and why she is excited about the strong pet culture here in Northwest Arkansas. Learn about all the best dog parks at every local pet event where pampering your dog is the primary focus; Denise shares it all. So, if you are like Denise and you like to take your dog everywhere with you or even travel with your furry friend, this episode will reveal all of the dog-friendly establishments in Northwest Arkansas, and we learned that there are a lot of them.  All this and more on this week's episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Love Trust TeachWebsite for Love Trust TeachWebsite for Travel TailsTravel Tails on InstagramLove Trust Teach on FacebookWebsite for Three Dog BakeryThree Dog Bakery on FacebookWebsite for Dog-Friendly FayettevilleDog-Friendly Fayetteville Bring FidoDog Events in 2022 - Many of these are annual events.Best Friends Animal Society Monthly Group Hike- First Saturday of every month beginning Saturday, March 5th at 10:00 a.m. See website for location.Pack Rat Outdoor Center Pint Night- Monthly event beginning Wednesday, March 23rd at 5:30 p.m.The University of Arkansas Bark in the Park- Sunday, April 10th time TBD Arkansas Razorback Softball vs AUThe University of Arkansas Bark in the Park- Tuesday, April 19th at 6:30 p.m. Arkansas Razorback Baseball vs AR StateThe University of Arkansas Bark in the Park- Wednesday, April 20th at 4:00 p.m. Arkansas Razorback Baseball vs AR StateDickson Street Pup Crawl- Saturday, April 30th Downtown Rogers Celebrates National Pet Week & Small Business Week by highlighting dog-friendly businesses- May 1-7thNWA Naturals Bark in the Ballpark- Sunday, May 1st first pitch at 2:05 p.m.Downtown Rogers Art on the Bricks Dog Theme- Thursday, May 12th from 4:30- 7:30 p.m. (AOTB is held the 2nd Thursday of every month and is always a dog and family-friendly event)NWA Naturals Bark in the Ballpark- Thursday, June 23rd first pitch at 7:05 p.m., also Thirsty Thursday featuring $2 draftsNWA Naturals Bark in the Ballpark- Sunday, August 21st first pitch 2:05 p.m.Posts of interest from Travel Tails:How to Socialize Your Dog During a PandemicPatios, Parks, and Trails You Should Hit With Your Dog in NWA 5 Waterfall Hikes To Do With Your Dog in NWA 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: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.

About the Show:The biggest surprise was how vibrant the art community was. When my family moved to Northwest Arkansas, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew Crystal Bridges, but that was a museum. What I wasn’t sure about was the local art scene. Or if creators were toiling in relative obscurity. What was it like for them?! Once I got here, I met several local artists and realized that the local art/creator scene was very vibrant and well-supported.  We have had a few of these artists and creators on the show, like Shelley Mouber, Kinya Christian, and Jake Lewis, just to name a few. These guys and so many others are working hard to establish the creative hub that Northwest Arkansas has become. Kody Ford, Founder of The Idle Class Magazine, is helping to shepherd this process by covering the art/creator scene with a magazine platform.  He and his team have been working hard since 2011 to create this forum.  One of his creations is the Black Apple Awards celebration. This event is a celebration to acknowledge all of the creatives in the area and highlight many making a difference with their bold ideas and art.  This will be the first year that they have been back since the start of the pandemic, and they have two years of pent-up creativity to acknowledge.  You can celebrate The Black Apple Awards with Kody and the rest of Northwest Arkansas on March 25th at 6 PM.  Click here to get tickets.The Idle Class Magazine celebrates the creative life in Arkansas. Established in 2011, the organization bridges the creative bubbles across the state by providing a media platform for artists through print, online, and podcast mediums.All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email The Idle Class MagazineWebsite for The Idle Class MagazineThe Idle Class Magazine on InstagramThe Idle Class Magazine on FacebookI am Northwest Arkansas article in The Idle Class 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: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.