From the Heart to the Hill: May Reflections + What’s New in NWA

Hey Folks,

I can’t believe it’s May already. Here we are, nearly halfway through spring and charging fast toward summer. It’s graduation season across the country—and right here in NWA—as thousands of students at the University of Arkansas prepare to say goodbye to their time on the Hill and hello to the big world waiting for them.

May always brings a special kind of reflection. It’s a time to honor the people who brought us into this world or nurtured us along the way. It’s a moment to acknowledge transitions—from student to graduate, from one chapter to the next. And it’s also a time to remember those who gave everything so that we can live the way we do today. For me personally, it’s even more meaningful—this month marks 24 years since my wife, Nicola, and I said “I do” on May 26th.

I know there’s a lot going on in the world right now. Most of us are doing everything we can just to keep our heads above water and fight the “good fight.” I just want to say this: you are not alone. My encouragement to you is simple—keep the faith, and treat others the way you’d want to be treated. It may sound basic, but it’s a practice that can change everything.

Now, I know you came here to find out what’s happening in Northwest Arkansas—or more specifically, what’s new on the podcast. So let’s get into it.

🎧 This Week’s Episode: Reimagining Farm to Table in Northwest Arkansas: The Story Behind RYN and Sun Painted Farm 

🎙️ This week on the pod, we’re spotlighting two powerful conversations that reflect where Northwest Arkansas is right now—from what we’re eating….

In our latest episode, we go behind the scenes at RYN, the new farm-to-table restaurant in Bentonville. I spoke with Chef Matt Cooper and developer Paul Esterer about how this concept came to life—from the Sun Painted Farm to the sourcing, design, and storytelling that make RYN more than just a restaurant. If you’re passionate about food, local entrepreneurship, or the future of dining in NWA, this one’s for you.

👉 Listen now → Episode 314

to where we’re living.

In a bonus episode, Duke McLarty of Groundwork and the NWA Council joins me to talk about one of the most urgent challenges facing our region: housing affordability. Duke breaks it down clearly—what’s happening, why it matters, and what we can do about it. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a community leader, or just curious about how smart growth can shape a more inclusive Northwest Arkansas, don’t miss this conversation.

We will be making an announcement soon about a get-together that we are doing in collaboration with Groundwork to talk about how we can ALL have a say in future housing initiatives and efforts here in NWA. Be the change you seek.

👉 Listen now → Bonus Episode GroundworkNWA

🎧 Both episodes are available now on all major podcast platforms—or you can listen at iamnorthwestarkansas.com.

Thanks, as always, for being part of this community. Let’s keep growing together.

🧭 FindItNWA.com Is Live 🎉

We officially launched FindItNWA.com—our hyper-local business directory with nearly 2,000 listings and more being added daily. If you own or love a local business, this is where you want to be.

➡️ List your business or explore local gems → FindItNWA.com

🗣️ Tell Us What You Want to Hear

To celebrate our 6th year and keep improving, we’re asking you to help shape the future of the show.

It only takes a few minutes, and your input will help us craft the kind of stories you want more of.

📝 Take the Listener Survey → Click HERE

Thanks again for being part of the journey. Here’s to sharing more positive stories—one voice at a time.

Talk soon,

Randy Wilburn

Host of I Am Northwest Arkansas®

iamnorthwestarkansas.com

ONBoardNWA.com | FindItNWA.com