Skip to content

Episode 18: Could NWA be a Blue Zone? A Conversation with Tony Buettner

About the Show:

On this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Tony Buettner.  He is the Co-Founder of Blue Zones LLC and the Director of Business Development and National Spokesperson.  Blue Zones are the places in the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest.  Those places include Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Ikaria, Greece, and Loma Linda, California.  

All of these locations share 9 distinct lifestyle habits.  Known as the “Power 9,” they are, move naturally, have a purpose, downshift, follow the 80% rule, primarily follow a plant-based diet, most drink wine, they belong to a faith-based organization, they put loved ones first, and pick the right tribe.  

You can learn more about the “Power 9” here.

You can take the Longevity test here.

Tony dropped a lot of knowledge about how Blue Zones got started. The articles and books educate people on this process and why he was in Northwest Arkansas a few months ago discussing Blue Zones and the possibility of seeing if NWA could qualify as a Blue Zone area. Over a period of time, Tony and his team will be meeting with local city leaders and others to discuss ways to position NWA to benefit from their research and jumpstart efforts for Blue Zone awareness.  

There is a lot of work involved to create the perfect storm of conditions for a Blue Zone. The question is are we up for the challenge here in Northwest Arkansas? Only time will tell.

Take some time to listen to this episode and unpack what Tony is talking about. If we can witness this in other places in the World can it be replicated here?  

We’d be curious to know how many of the “Power 9,” things can you say you adhere to or follow.  Please let us know in the comments or on Social Media. Use the hashtag #BlueZoneNWA.

We had a great conversation with Tony and we hope you enjoy it.  

You can also learn more about and pick up the Blue Zones books HERE:

Important Links and Mentions on the Show*

Website for Blue Zones

Blue Zones on Facebook

Blue Zones on Twitter

Blue Zones on LinkedIn

Blue Zones on Instagram

Contact Blue Zones LLC for more information

This episode is sponsored by*

Signature Bank of Arkansas “Community Banking at its Best!”

Try Canva For Free Today!

Northwest Arkansas Council – “Life Works Here!”

*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.

Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:

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:

Signature Bank Commercial 2023 – GH

Signature Bank of Arkansas “Community Banking at its Best!”

Spread the Ozark love