Best of I Am Northwest Arkansas®

Shining a Light on Homelessness with 7hills Homeless Center

In this Best of episode, we revisit a powerful conversation from December 2024 with Becci Sisson, CEO of 7hills Homeless Center, and Will Roth, President of the Board. At a time when community support is more important than ever, this episode reminds us of the critical work 7hills is doing to provide hope, stability, and long-term solutions for those experiencing homelessness in Northwest Arkansas.

🎧 Originally aired December 2024. Listen to the full episode and see the original show notes here:

👉 Empowering Change: The Northwest Arkansas Blueprint for Eradicating Homelessness

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"If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

– Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, I'm reflecting on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision of the "beloved community"—inspired by this year's MLK Council event theme right here in Northwest Arkansas. I share words from Dr. King's powerful "mountaintop speech" and revisit stories from past guests who've shown what it looks like to choose service and love over self-interest.

You'll hear about lawyers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders across our region who saw a need and refused to look away—people helping immigrants and refugees find their footing, supporting small businesses, creating spaces for real conversation and care. The beloved community isn't just an ideal—it's being built right here, every day, by people who simply decided to act.

This episode is about hope, and it's an invitation: Who can you help today?

Key Takeaways:

1. The “beloved community” is more than a slogan—it's a call to action for everyone.
2. Dr. King's question, "What will happen to them if I do not stop to help?" inspires personal reflection and service.
3. Real stories from Northwest Arkansas show people making a difference through law, business, non-profit work, and relationships.
4. Small steps—from reaching out to a neighbor to supporting a local cause—can help build greater equity, belonging, and care.
5. The hope for a better community lives not just in speeches, but in the daily actions of ordinary people.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Martin Luther King, Jr. Council Annual Event
2. Nathan Bogart, Immigration Attorney (Episode 338)
3. Pedal Pops and Pedal Park: Mike Thompson & Lynn Wong (Episode 326)
4. Canopy NWA: Refugee Resettlement (Episode 319)
5. Peter Norman, CRED Legal Clinic (Episode 303)
6. Potter’s House: Shawn Schwartzman (Episode 297)
7. Canopy NWA Website
8. Potter's House Website
9. FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

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“I hope there’s silver buckshot… a lot of small action in a lot of areas is what will really help us get where we need to be.”

– Jessica Lewallen

This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® host Randy Wilburn and architect Jessica Lewallen discuss housing, growth, and what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas a place where people can actually afford to live.

Through her work with ULI's Faithful Foundations program, the Fayetteville Housing Crisis Task Force, and as founder of Gemstone Design Studio, Jessica's tackling one of our region's biggest challenges—making sure explosive growth doesn't price people out or erase what makes this place special.

You'll hear stories from Jessica's journey, practical ideas for housing solutions, and why fixing this requires everyone—homeowners, churches, policymakers, planners, and regular folks—to show up. Whether you're a longtime resident worried about preserving open spaces, a newcomer searching for affordable housing, or someone wondering how to get involved, this episode offers both wisdom and hope for building a Northwest Arkansas where the next generation can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shifting Household Needs: Nearly three-quarters of households in Northwest Arkansas are made up of two people or fewer, highlighting a need for smaller, more affordable homes, not just large family houses.
2. Smarter Land Use & Infill: Thoughtful infill development helps preserve access to parks, farmland, and green spaces, by building density where infrastructure already exists—instead of sprawling into new areas.
3. Transportation’s Hidden Costs: Affordable housing isn’t just about rent or mortgages—long commutes and car dependency mean Northwest Arkansans face combined housing and transportation costs rivaling larger metro areas.
4. Local Action, Local Solutions: Real change comes from community-led efforts—whether it’s homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), churches repurposing land, or neighbors engaging in city committees.
5. Education Fuels Empowerment: Programs like ULI’s READY and Groundwork’s Chats help citizens gain the knowledge to shape housing policy, dispelling myths and fostering supportive, effective advocacy.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Jessica Lewallen, Gemstone Design Studio
2. Email: [email protected]
3. LinkedIn: Gemstone Design Studio
4. Instagram: Gemstone Design Studio
5. Facebook: Gemstone Design Studio

Organizations & Programs:

1. Urban Land Institute (ULI NWA) — Including Faithful Foundations, READY Real Estate Diversity Initiative, PLACE Summit
2. Groundwork NWA — Public education and community building for housing solutions
3. Fayetteville Housing Crisis Task Force
4. Ozark Regional Transit
5. Confident Coffee (Fayetteville): Example of successful infill development

The Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of founders Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in the home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas–Mississippi Delta.

Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org

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"Every time I introduce someone and they find their tribe, that feeds my soul."

– Rebecca Luther aka Queenie Be

Rebecca Luther—who goes by Queenie Be—went from feeling isolated after a divorce to building some of the biggest community networks in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, she talks about how one Facebook post changed everything.

Rebecca founded The Hive Network, a support group for single moms, a thriving singles community, and now one of our region's largest business networking groups—all without any background in event planning or running nonprofits. She just saw people who needed connection and decided to do something about it.

We talk about loneliness, why being honest matters more than being perfect, and how showing up authentically can change your life. If you're a business owner looking for community, a single parent feeling stretched thin, new to Northwest Arkansas, or just feeling like you don't quite fit in—this conversation is for you.

Sometimes the best things we build come from our hardest seasons. Rebecca's story proves it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Turning Pain into Purpose: Rebecca’s story shows how personal struggles can ignite leadership and help others in similar situations.
2. Finding Your Community: The Hive Network, Singles Group, and Single Mom Sisterhood are places where everyone is welcome, connected, and supported.
3. Local Business Support: Virtual and in-person networking, like “Follow Me Fridays,” help small businesses grow their audiences and connect with new customers—for free!
4. Authenticity Matters: Vulnerability, transparency, and showing your real self are key to building lasting relationships.
5. Supporting Mental Health: Both men and women need connection—breaking the myth that only women need support and recognizing the importance of friendships for all.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

1. Instagram: Queenie B NWA - @queenieBnwa
2. Facebook: QueenieBNWA page and Hive Networking NWA Group
3. LinkedIn: Rebecca Luther (aka Queenie Be)
4. Website: HiveNetworkingNWA.com
5. Upcoming Events: Watch for announcements about Gownsational, Queenie Connects singles events, and Hive business networking gatherings at local venues like The Grove and George’s Majestic Lounge
6. Featured Nonprofit: Hearts of The Father
7. Special thanks to The Grove Nightclub, Bass Pro Shop, Dillard’s, and many other local sponsors supporting Gownsational and Hive events.
8. FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

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Mentioned in this episode:

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Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

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"It doesn't demand a new goal or resolution. It just invites you to think a little differently, to breathe a little deeper, and maybe even to imagine that, yeah, what if it all works out?"

       – Randy Wilburn

In this special solo episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn closes out 2025 by looking back at the wisdom and advice he's gathered from this year's guests—both national voices and local leaders. From finding balance to embracing change, Randy shares the lessons that stuck with him most, and he's not here to push big, grand resolutions. Instead, he reminds us that starting small can mean everything, and sometimes the little things really do matter most.

You'll hear memorable advice like "move the horizon closer" alongside local gems about living authentically and taking chances. Randy pulls from powerful moments in past episodes and his own experiences to give you something to think about as you head into 2026. Whether you're considering a new challenge, stepping into a second act, or simply want to appreciate those quiet walks with your dog, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Be Present: Put your phone down more often and savor the moment.
• Start Small: Focus on making one change at a time—big things happen step by step.
• Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes: Intentions are good, but actions create lasting results.
• Authenticity Wins: Be your true self and let people see your real story, struggles and all.
• Embrace Failure and Risk: Don’t be afraid to start again or make mistakes, especially if you’re chasing your calling or beginning a new chapter.
• Reset When Needed: Every step, even the failures, builds on your foundation for growth.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Smile, take walks, and enjoy the simple wins.
• Don’t Rush: Let yourself grow and take your time with change—it doesn’t all have to be hard.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Email Us Your One Piece of Advice from 2025.
• New York Times Article by Melissa Kirsch (“Best Advice from Readers in 2025”) – referenced by Randy Wilburn
• Episode 330: Second Acts and TEDx Fayetteville Reflections
• Episode 333: Authenticity with Randy Pulayya (WIPS West Indies Peppa Sauce)
• Episode 326: Community and Risk with Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson (Pedal Park & Pedal Pops)
• Go fail some! Episode 329 with Matt Buell
• Episode 336: Reset and Resilience with Kristin Phillips (AFIC at MCO)
• Episode 334 Advice from Francisco Valencia (“Smile is the entrance fee to doing a lot of things and getting through doors”)
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

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Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

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"The lives that were lost were beautiful lives. Yeah, I think it's easy to just think of them as a statistic. And I want to honor the beauty that we lost. For sure, we can do that through the beauty of art."

       – Monica Moore

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with artist Monica Moore to talk about the COVID Hearts Project—a powerful public memorial honoring the over 13,000 Arkansans lost to COVID-19. What started as Monica processing her own grief by cutting paper hearts has grown into something much bigger: a community-wide project that brings people together to remember, heal, and create.

Monica walks us through her artistic journey and how she channeled her creative energy into making thousands of paper hearts from recycled materials like fashion magazines and old sheets. The project has become an open invitation for volunteers and communities across Northwest Arkansas and beyond to participate—turning collective loss into beauty and connection. Through partnerships with local schools, organizations, and nonprofits, the memorial keeps growing and giving people a space to reflect and share stories.

Key Takeaways:

The Project

• Art as Healing: Creative projects like the COVID Hearts Project help communities process grief and remember lives lost

The Process

• Everyday Materials: Monica uses recycled paper, magazines, and vintage sheets to create art that finds beauty in overlooked things

The People

• Honoring Healthcare Workers: The memorial includes frames dedicated to frontline medical professionals and their stories
• Community Involvement: Volunteers from across the region have helped make the memorial a grassroots movement

The Impact

• Resilience Through Connection: Art serves as a bridge for healing, encouraging people to face memories, share stories, and build hope for the future
• Building Together: Trusting your imagination, asking for help, and working with the community are essential for making a cultural impact

Tune in to hear how art can help us process loss, why community matters when you're trying to make a difference, and how imagination can be a powerful tool for healing.

• Website: The Hearts Project – www.theheartsproject.com 
• Instagram: CovidHeartsProject
• LinkedIn: CovidHeartsProject
• Exhibit Locations: Northwest Arkansas Community College (Shoemaker Center)
• Likewise Community & Coworking Space
• Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
• The Medium in Springdale 
• Special Thanks To: Lifestyles Inc., Moxy 

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

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Mentioned in this episode:

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Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

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"It's a connector, but it's also kind of a mixer in that, you know, it stirs the pot a little bit and gets people… out of their daily routine and... build[s] social capital, which is often lacking in this day and age."

       – Regina Buono

Finding your people in a new place isn't always easy. Even if you've lived somewhere for years, making real connections as an adult can feel like a challenge. That's why Creative Mornings Fayetteville matters.

In this episode, I sit down with Regina Buono, the organizer behind Creative Mornings Fayetteville, to talk about what it really takes to build community in Northwest Arkansas. Regina shares her journey from growing up here, moving to Austin, and eventually coming back—only to realize that the connections she was craving didn't exist yet. So she created them.

We talk about how Creative Mornings, a global gathering for creatives and curious minds, found its home in Fayetteville and why it's become a monthly ritual for entrepreneurs, artists, newcomers, and longtime residents alike. These Friday morning meetups are where friendships start, collaborations happen, and people find their place in this region.

Whether you're new to the Ozarks and looking to meet people, or you've been here your whole life and want to connect more with your community, this episode has real stories about what makes Northwest Arkansas the kind of place where people want to stay.

Key Takeaways:

• Creative Mornings Fayetteville is a free monthly gathering designed to spark connection, collaboration, and creativity—everyone is welcome, no matter their background or field.
• Each event features a short talk, local music, and “espresso shot” community announcements that help people share opportunities or ask for help.
• The team works hard to make sure events are accessible, inclusive, and always have great food and coffee thanks to sponsors and supporters.
• Many people have found collaboration partners, close friends, and even the courage to try new things—like stand-up comedy—thanks to the welcoming environment.
• Anyone can get involved by attending, sharing their ideas, or even speaking at a future event tied to a global monthly theme.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Creative Mornings (Global): https://www.creativemornings.com
• Creative Mornings Fayetteville: Search “Fayetteville” on the Creative Mornings website to find details and register for the newsletter and events.
• Connect with Regina Buono on LinkedIn
• Confident Coffee Roasters (Sponsor and Supporter)
• United Bank (Support and Team)
• Music Education Initiative (Music Partner)
• Pedal Park NWA
• The Momentary (Bentonville venue partner)
• Shiloh Museum (Springdale venue partner)
• K. Angel Horn and Swan Dive Inc.
• Jessica Whalen Films
• TheaterSquared
• Hot Vine Wine (partner for upcoming outing)
• Illinois River Watershed (nature walk outing)
• Learn more about Creative Mornings' global monthly themes here.

Sign Up for Creative Mornings Fayetteville:

• Register for events and the newsletter to stay in the loop: https://www.creativemornings.com/cities/fay

(Sponsored by)

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas

Mentioned in this episode:

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Looking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"

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"We are wired for storytelling. It's why we love movies and books and YouTube and all these kinds of things, because we all love stories, and we connect to them in some way."

       – Angie Albright

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Angie Albright, director of the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale.

Angie's path from an Iowa farm to leading one of Northwest Arkansas's oldest museums tells its own story about what draws people to this region. Under her leadership, the Shiloh Museum has become more than a repository of artifacts—it's a living community space where the past meets the present, and where everyone's story matters.

The museum brings Ozark history to life through school field trips, heritage preservation projects, and welcoming spaces like "The Front Porch" that invite people in. Angie talks about how they decide what stories to tell, why collecting diverse voices is essential, and how they're evolving to serve Northwest Arkansas's changing population.

Whether you've lived here for generations or just arrived, the Shiloh Museum offers a way to understand the threads that connect us all—and why this place feels like home to so many.

Key Takeaways:

• The Shiloh Museum is a living, evolving community space, not just a place for “old things.”
• Connecting with history helps both kids and adults see how the region—and their own families—fits into the bigger story of the Ozarks.
• The museum covers six Arkansas counties and partners with schools to open history’s doors to over 20,000 students each year.
• They are working to include the stories of all communities, including Spanish-speaking, Marshallese, and African American residents, through events and collecting oral histories, photos, and artifacts.
• Preservation and innovation go hand-in-hand—from saving old log cabins to making exhibits accessible in many languages.
• Most museums only display a fraction of their collection; digitization gives the public more access to stories and artifacts than ever before.
• You are welcome at the Shiloh Museum—there’s always something new to learn, and it’s always free to visit!
• The upcoming U.S. 250th anniversary (in 2026) will be a time for the whole community to reflect on our shared journey and future.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Shiloh Museum of Ozark History – Website: shilohmuseum.org
• Visit in person! 118 W. Johnson Ave, Springdale, AR 72764 (Open Monday–Saturday, 10am–5pm, always free!)
• Shiloh Museum on Instagram
• Shiloh Museum on Facebook
• Shiloh Museum Online Collections Database: Collections Portal
• Front Porch Project: community-built outdoor gathering space at the museum
• Ozark Voices Project: collecting and sharing diverse community stories
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
• Fayetteville Public Library’s genealogy collection
• Brene Brown & Joseph Campbell (mentioned during the discussion on storytelling)
• Project for Public Spaces & Walton Family Foundation (supported museum grounds project)
• Preserve Arkansas (awarded museum for preservation education)

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

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"When people get here, as flawed as we are, they can find some degree of stability and hope for their future that they just don’t have at home."

       – Nathan Bogart, Attorney

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Nathan Bogart, a local immigration attorney at Bogart, Small + Duell. From serving a Mormon mission in Spain to building his own law practice in Northwest Arkansas, Nathan shares the deeply personal stories and challenges faced by immigrants pursuing the American dream.

Discover how immigrant communities shape the culture and growth of our region while navigating a legal system that's often misunderstood. Nathan and Randy discuss asylum, deportation defense, and immigration's local impact on businesses and society—revealing the real struggles behind the headlines. Whether you're curious about the process or want to understand what's at stake for these families, this episode offers timely insight and compassion about immigration law in the Ozarks.

Key Takeaways:

• Immigration Stories Matter: Every immigrant’s journey is unique. The decisions and outcomes can impact generations.
• The Reality of Asylum: Contrary to common myths, the process is tough and most applicants do not win, even with strong cases.
• Northwest Arkansas’s Role: Growing communities like ours depend on immigrant labor for industries like agriculture, construction, and retail.
• Misconceptions Debunked: There isn’t always a “line” for immigrants to get in. Policies are outdated and pathways can be nearly impossible.
• Economic Power: Immigrants contribute as workers and customers—and often become entrepreneurs, starting businesses at high rates.
• Patience and Education: Changing perspectives starts with listening, understanding family immigration stories, and challenging myths with facts. 

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Bogart Small and Dual Law Firm Website: defendingarkansas.com
• Phone: 479-957-9819
• Connect with Bogart Small + Duell on Facebook
• Connect with Bogart Small + Duell on Instagram
• Connect with Attorney Nathan Bogart on LinkedIn
• Canopy NWA (Local Refugee Support Organization)

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Looking 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.

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"I am amazed at the depth, the generosity, and the creativity that this region affords me."

       – Randy Wilburn

For this Thanksgiving 2025 episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Randy Wilburn takes a different approach—no guest interview this time, just a solo conversation about gratitude, reflection, and what this year has meant.

After nearly 400 episodes of telling Northwest Arkansas stories, Randy shares some of his own—moments from his childhood that shaped how he thinks about Thanksgiving, why this region feels so special to him, and the people who've made this podcast journey possible. From the listeners and collaborators who've been there from the beginning to the community leaders and organizations that continue to inspire new episodes, this is a chance to say thank you.

Randy also reflects on his recent transition to the Fayetteville Public Library, where he now serves as Director of Communications and Marketing. It's been about a month in this new role, and he's grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that's been central to his connection to Northwest Arkansas—and to this podcast, which has recorded over 125 episodes at the library itself.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reach out to the people who matter in your life, and remember that it's never too late to lean into the thing you were called to do.

Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude Matters: Taking time to appreciate the people, connections, and resources in your life can make every day richer and more meaningful.
• Northwest Arkansas Shines: The region is full of generous, creative, and inspiring people, organizations, and resources, including public libraries, local nonprofits, and businesses.
• Support and Community: The podcast thrives because of you—the engaged audience and countless guests who share their stories and energy.
• It’s Never Too Late: Whether starting something new, reconnecting with old friends, or following a dream,Randy Wilburn shows it’s always possible to take that next step.
• Reach Out: This Thanksgiving, share your gratitude with someone important—one simple message or call can make a difference.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• I Am Northwest Arkansas® Official Website: iamnorthwestarkansas.com (Suggest a guest or learn more!)
• Fayetteville Public Library 
• Arkansas Food Innovation Center (AFIC at MCO) 
• Signature Bank of Arkansas
• NWA Council
• Ozarks Natural Foods
• F3 Northwest Arkansas (Free men’s fitness community)
• Life Church Rogers and the Bible App
• NWA Daily newsletter
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

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.

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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. 

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