Randy Wilburn

Athletics is the main focus of this week’s “I Am Northwest Arkansas” podcast. Host Randy Wilburn talks with one-time professional football player turned youth coach Brooks Ellis.

Recent shifts in immigration policy are creating some concern for parents of adopted children. On today's show, Ozarks at Large’s Daniel Caruth talks with parents and an adoption attorney. Also, we learn the growing importance of outdoor recreation for Arkansas’ economy. Plus, a rare bird is generating excitement in Carroll County.

In this excerpt of the "I am Northwest Arkansas" podcast, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Brittany Johnson, the visionary behind Ambivert Books, an independent bookstore dedicated to Spanish language literature in Springdale.

A newly formed organization in northwest Arkansas wants to keep immigrants in the region informed. On today’s Ozarks at Large, Sophia Nourani talks with organizers of the Alliance for Immigrant Respect and Education. Also, the Black-Owned Northwest Arkansas Business Expo is back again and more extensive this time. Plus, a new book from the University of Arkansas Press explores Asian-American identity through recipes, essays and illustrations.

Resources for rural startups can be limited, but the Community and Rural Enterprise Development Clinic at the University of Arkansas Law School can help them. The clinic’s director, Peter Norman, is this week’s guest on Randy Wilburn’s “I Am Northwest Arkansas” podcast.

Fluoride has been in Arkansas’ drinking water for decades, but there is legislation in Little Rock that could change that. On today's show, our reporter, Jack Travis, considers the past and possible future of fluoride in Arkansas. We’ll also talk food with the creative culinary minds behind the Rabbit Hole restaurant popups. Plus, we learn more about a one-night tribute to one of pop music’s enduring duos.

This week’s episode of the podcast “I Am Northwest Arkansas” focuses on mental health. Specifically the mental health of young people. Host Randy Wilburn talks with Tammy Michelle Perry, a mental health professional with Arisa Health who works with students in Rogers Public Schools.

Observations for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday included song, prayer and reflection. On today's show, we listen back to this past weekend's celebration of Dr. King in northwest Arkansas. We’ll also hear Shannon Wurst and Ed Carr preview their concert in Rogers. Plus, Ozarks at Large’s Sophia Nourani takes the temperature of the regional music scene with music promoter and artist Joe Swink.

In this excerpt of the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, host Randy Wilburn brings back key figures from the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, Cory Mixdorf and Ben Harris, to explore the vibrancy and value of the local music scene.

Some scientific research and a hunch led to nearly $3 million from the National Institute of Health. On today's show, we’ll hear more about the work of examining a virus that will hopefully lead to a vaccine. Also, studying pathogens that can make the jump from animals to humans. Plus, the Wonders of Winter Wildlife at Hobbs State Park.