Gratitude, Milestones & NWA Community

Hello, NW Arkansas friends!

As we embrace the warmth and togetherness this Thanksgiving season brings to our community, I wanted to share something a little different with you. This week's episode is a heartfelt solo reflection where I share gratitude, recent milestones, and thoughts on the people and places that make living and growing here so special.

Here's what's in this week's episode:

Grateful Beginnings
I reflect on childhood Thanksgivings in the Northeast—football games with friends, crisp air, and the joy of returning home. Those memories remind me of what Thanksgiving holds for each of us: a time to pause, cherish family, and celebrate community.

Podcast Milestones
Since launching in 2019, the show has grown to over 400 episodes! I share my initial vision of telling authentic stories that spotlight the vibrant people and places of Northwest Arkansas. With hundreds of guests and listeners tuning in regularly, I'm deeply grateful for everyone who's supported this journey.

Shoutouts to Local Legends
This episode is packed with gratitude for those who make Northwest Arkansas shine, including Daymara Baker (Arkansas Food Innovation Center), Nate Walls, Ben Clark, Mark Zweig (whose invitation brought me to the region), Canon McNair, Joshua Youngblood, Danielle Hoffman, Pastor Q, Pastor Jake, and the Life Church Rogers community.

I also give a special mention to Fayetteville Public Library, where I now serve as Director of Communications & Marketing, and express appreciation for our editors, studio partners at Go RogueX, PodcastVideos.com, my F3 workout crew, the Signature Bank family, NWA Council, Sona NWA, NWA Daily, Jaclyn Washington-House, and the many nonprofits and friends who give so much to our region.

Personal Growth & New Chapters
I share updates on delivering my TEDx Talk ("It's never too late to do the thing you're called to do") and teaching at the Sam Walton College of Business and the UofA's journalism department. I also talk about continuing podcast production from my home studio, trusting the process, and striving each day to be a better son, husband, dad, and friend.

Thank you, listeners!
Whether you're here for the first time or have tuned in since day one, thank you for making I Am Northwest Arkansas® part of your week. I encourage you to reach out to someone you're thankful for and take a moment to appreciate the present.

Listen to the full episode here for all the reflections, shoutouts, and reminders about the power of gratitude.

Wishing you and yours a warm, safe, and joy-filled Thanksgiving. Please forward this newsletter to someone you're thankful for, and let's keep celebrating the people and spirit that make Northwest Arkansas home.

With gratitude,

Randy Wilburn
I Am Northwest Arkansas® Podcast

P.S. Know someone who should be featured or have ideas for future episodes? Visit iamnorthwestarkansas.com and let us know!