People of Northwest Arkansas

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We sit down with Dana and Amanda from the NWA Hard Knocks Podcast to talk about how hard seasons can spark service and why local nonprofits deserve a bigger spotlight. We laugh through friendship origin stories, get honest about heavy topics, and leave with a clearer picture of how giving someone a microphone can move a community. 

https://madebybestudios.com/

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We sit down with Jessica Uranga to talk about how thrifted fashion can build real confidence, create dignified community, and fund local nonprofit partners. We also unpack how Purpose Brands 414 scales mission-driven retail from women’s styling to family affordability and a new men’s thrift concept launching soon.

https://madebybestudios.com/

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We sit down with Rachel Stuckey Slaton of Two Friends Bookstore, Courtney Ulrich Smith of Underbrush Books and Dandy Roll, and Amelia Schembra, the new board president of Northwest Arkansas BookFest, to talk about how the book community continues to grow in Northwest Arkansas. 

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Northwest Arkansas is growing fast. In this episode, we talk with Robert Burns of the Walton Family Foundation about what it takes to keep the region vibrant, welcoming, and prepared for the future.

We explore the foundation’s Home Region strategy through 2030 and what rapid growth means for our communities—from infrastructure, housing, and entrepreneurship to career pathways and the opportunities ahead for Northwest Arkansas.

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We sit down with Enneagram coach, Alex Fittin, to talk about what the Enneagram actually measures and why a test result should never be the final word. We also get the real story of her path into coaching, her marriage and motherhood journey, and how Northwest Arkansas keeps changing for the better. 

@enneagramalex

@alexfittin

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We sit down with therapist Cody Bryan to name what imposter syndrome actually feels like and why it so often targets high achievers, creatives, and people pleasers. We also connect the dots between imposter thoughts, social comparison, and burnout. 

@codybryancreates

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We sit down with Erykah Groff from Stay Rad Tanning to talk about getting a natural glow without the damage. Along the way, we get real about body talk, building a business in Northwest Arkansas, and what it’s like being married to a stuntman while raising three boys. 

@stayradbeauty

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We sit down with Gary Vernon to explore how Oz Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista was intentionally designed for riders of every skill level, along with families and even hiking enthusiasts. We also dive into how Northwest Arkansas evolved into a global mountain biking destination and what it takes to keep trails safe, welcoming, and connected.

@garyk.vernon

@oztrailsbikepark

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We sit down with Tom Hoehn, a longtime digital marketing executive, community leader, patron of the arts, world-traveler and model, to talk about how curiosity can turn into a life of travel, art, and real community impact. We trace his path from early internet history to Northwest Arkansas civic work and why “say yes” can be a serious strategy for building a meaningful life. 

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For more information about today's guests and the show, please check the show notes. 

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We catch up on our favorite spots, then sit down with John Engleman from Flavors of Northwest Arkansas podcast to hear how he turns local dining into real storytelling. We talk about how NWA’s food scene changes fast, why service and passion matter, and what makes this region feel like it’s entering a new era. 

@flavorsofnorthwestarkansas

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