I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:We recently sat down with Amanda Childs of Community Service Inc. (CSI), a 501(c)3 youth and family services organization serving youth 18 and younger. They were founded in 1958 by Conway County Circuit Judge Audrey Strait, CSI, to “combat juvenile delinquency” directly and to minimize the rate of delinquency through “serving other segments of the population who were in need.”Some of CSI’s services include prevention and education, therapeutic foster care, day treatment, substance abuse services, mental health services, and juvenile justice.Listen in as Amanda shares how her challenging upbringing inspired her to become an advocate for youth in need.After graduating with a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice, Amanda was initially at a loss about what she wanted to do out of school. Through the encouragement of one of her professors, she went down the path that eventually led her to CSI.Amanda explains her role at CSI and how the non-profit has evolved to address the needs of children and teenagers in today’s world, such as taking into account the risks of social media to their mental, emotional, and social development.All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.[02:43] Amanda’s superhero origin story and how she came to work for CSI[18:30] What led CSI to expand to Northwest Arkansas[22:29] How social media has exacerbated mental health challenges among the youth[25:47] CSI’s most-needed services by location[31:27] The power of allowing yourself to be fallible[40:24] Embracing authenticity as the key to growthImportant Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Community Service, Inc.Website for Community Service, Inc.Community Service, Inc on FacebookContact CSI at 479-418-3404This 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. 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:We recently sat down with EasyBins Founder James Farmer. Known as the Instacart of Northwest Arkansas, EasyBins takes inspiration from the familiar concept of “connecting the store to your door” and offers a unique service, “connecting the market to your door.”Unlike other grocery delivery apps, EasyBins removes the physical store from the equation and allows users to create a basket to fill with products from various stores and have those products delivered right to their doorstep within 12 hours.Before starting EasyBins, James served as the President of The Harvest Group, which in the mid-2010s was growing at such a fast rate that James and his partners “could feel that we were capping the business out.” He began to explore his options. James loved retail and knew he wanted to get physically closer to the product and the customer.James sold his stake in The Harvest Group. He proceeded to move into a new venture, called NiteOwl. After being mistaken for an adult entertainment store several times, James and his team promptly renamed their startup to EasyBins.Listen in as James goes on to share how the pandemic saved EasyBins thousands of dollars in marketing spending and shortened their plans for the company down from five years to less than one. James firmly believes that, for entrepreneurs everywhere, now is the time to embrace the “pandemic pivot” and seek out and seize opportunities.All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Easy BinsWebsite for Harvest GroupThis 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:We recently sat down with Stacey Mason and had a full-ranging conversation on Leadership Coaching through Improvisation and everything in between. Stacey dropped so many nuggets of wisdom including the smart decision to locate her improv studio, The Improv Lab, in Downtown Bentonville. Stacey shared her perspective on the difference between counseling and coaching. “Counseling is Archaeology, and Coaching is Architecture!” Stacey MasonLearn why you should consider adding applied improvisation to your tool belt of abilities. All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Stacey MasonWebsite for Improv LabImprov Lab on YouTubeImprov Lab on InstagramWebsite for Mason on LeadershipThis 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. 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.

A brief summary of this episodeMentioned 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.comSignature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

About the Show:We recently sat down with Kathryn Tucker, Executive Director, and Kody Ford, Director of Statewide Outreach and Education, from the Arkansas Cinema Society, based in Little Rock, Arkansas, to discuss all things related to films and filmmaking in the Natural State.Kathryn and Kody broke down the impact that films and filmmaking have on Arkansas and what has happened to make Northwest Arkansas a great place to make a movie.  There are so many jobs supplied by film production, from actors to extras to production assistants and electricians. While we are not Hollywood, we have many examples of other states like Texas and Georgia that have taken the time to cultivate the film and filmmaking culture. The sky is the limit for Arkansas. We have a wide variety of diverse locations that can create a backdrop for a variety of movies. The Arkansas Cinema Society is taking the time to educate and create more films in the future.  If you are interested in the industry or just want to learn more about what is happening right in your backyard, you need to listen to this episode. All of this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Kathryn Tucker BioKody Ford BioEmail Arkansas Cinema SocietyWebsite for Join the Arkansas Cinema SocietyArkansas Cinema Society on FacebookArkansas Cinema Society on TwitterArkansas Cinema Society on InstagramArkansas Cinema Society 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: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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Fayetteville’s newest City Councilor, D’Andre Jones. D’Andre, a Ward 1 Representative, is the second African-American to hold the position. D’Andre originally ran back in 2014 and didn’t win.  He continued to labor and serve in the community, and then the Spring and Summer of 2020 happened. D’Andre became one of several spokespeople in the Northwest Arkansas community to address Black Lives Matter and other social issues that have become a flashpoint in our country.  He led several peaceful events in both Benton and Washington Counties in the Summer of 2020.  All of this activism and a desire to see diversity, equity, and inclusion flourish in Northwest Arkansas compelled D’Andre to throw his hat in the ring this past November to represent Fayetteville’s Ward 1, a place he calls home. D’Andre previously worked on the Civil Review Board in Fayetteville and has had a strong working relationship with Police Chief Mike Reynolds and the rest of the Fayetteville police department. The Fayetteville Fraternal Order of Police endorsed D’Andre this past election. All this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email D'Andre JonesD'Andre Jones on FacebookWebsite for City of FayettevilleWebsite for Fayetteville Police DepartmentWebsite for Lake FayettevilleWebsite for Fayetteville Public LibaryWebsite for Razorback Football TeamFayetteville City Councilor D’Andre Jones113 W. Mountain St, Fayetteville, AR 72701479-283-1358This 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Chef Neal Gray from The Preacher's Son in Bentonville, AR. This episode is our second podcast with this signature restaurant from the Ropeswing Hospitality Group Family.  We initially met with Chef Matt Cooper more than a year and a half ago.  Since Chef Matt left in December of 2020, the restaurant has been in the more than capable hands of Chef Gray.  With a career encapsulating both fine dining and approachable, everyday cuisine, Chef Grayl has extensive experience working at world-class restaurants, including The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia, the highly prestigious French Laundry in Northern California, and Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York.The Malvern native is doing quick work to redefine the menu at The Preacher’s Son while honoring its gluten-free roots by consistently offering various GF options on each menu. Overall, guests can expect a showcase of seasonal ingredients that allow the food to shine without feeling manipulated or overworked. When we published these show notes, The Preacher's Son was still observing all Pandemic protocols for dining. We ate there and enjoyed our meal, the wine pairings, and the overall atmosphere in the award-winning restaurant.   All of this and more on this episode of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Chef Neal Gray's BioWebsite for The Preacher's Son Website for The Preacher's Son MenuThe Peacher's Son on FacebookThe Preacher's Son on InstagramWebsite for Ropeswing Hospitality GroupThe Preacher's Son201 NW A St.Bentonville, AR 72712(479) 445-6065This 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Emmy award-winning Filmmaker and Video Journalist MarioTroncoso and Lisa Marie Evans Filmmakers from OZCast to discuss the origins of the online variety show and how they are slowly putting a diverse group of underrepresented artists from Northwest Arkansas and beyond on the map with their programming.  Whether you are into dance, culinary, textile, music, social practice, video, spoken word, graphic novels, or sculpture OZCast has stories and inspiration for you.  All this and more on this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email Lisa Marie EvansEmail Mario TroncosoWebsite for OZCastOZCast on InstagramOZCast 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: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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We sat down with Beth Pittman and Christie Martin the Founders of Skills Lab Training in Bentonville to discuss how they are preparing the next generation for jobs and general employment readiness.All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Beth PittmanEmail Christie MartinWebsite for Skills Lab TrainingSkills Lab Training on FacebookSkills Lab Training on InstagramSkills Lab Training on LinkedInSkills Lab Training 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: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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Frank Johnson, former Police Chief of Fayetteville. Chief Johnson has been in Northwest Arkansas for more than four decades now and is a well-known figure in the community. Frank was also the first African American Police Chief in Northwest Arkansas and maybe one of the first in the State of Arkansas* (although we could not verify that at the time of publication.)We had a far-ranging conversation from what Community policing should be to the killing of George Floyd.  Chief Johnson also shared with us what it was like being one of the only minority patrolmen on the police force back in the early ’80s.He served in the Fayetteville Police Department alongside the current Washington County Sherrif, Tim Helder.  In addition, Chief Johnson also taught classes at the University of Arkansas where one of his students was current Fayetteville Police Chief, Mike Reynolds. Chief Johnson shared his thoughts on what makes Northwest Arkansas a special place and was candid about the diversity in the area. All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show* Email Frank JohnsonWebsite for Fayetteville Police DepartmentWebsite for Hugo'sThis 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.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com