IANWA Media Kit : I am Northwest Arkansas

Randy Wilburn’s Bio:

Randy Wilburn is a podcast communication strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of Encourage Build Grow, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations develop, launch, and grow engaging podcasts. With over 2,000 podcast episodes produced since 2009, Randy brings deep experience and creativity to every stage of the podcasting journey—from content strategy and audience development to technical production and brand amplification.

Randy has worked across multiple verticals, including design firms, engineers, architects, environmental consultants, planners, landscape architects, and construction managers. Under his guidance, these clients have successfully launched internal podcasts for culture-building and external, brand-forward shows that connect with customers and communities.

He is the creator and host of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast, a long-running show focused on the intersection of business, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. With a guest list that includes cultural institutions like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SONA), and the Pryor Center—as well as entrepreneurs like Chef Matt Cooper, Gary Head of Signature Bank, and Omar Kasim—the podcast has become a key storytelling platform in the region.

In addition to podcasting, Randy is deeply committed to community development. He launched ONBoardNWA.com, a hyper-local job board that connects employers and job seekers in Northwest Arkansas, and FindItNWA.com, a business directory built to promote local businesses and organizations in the region, including those featured on his podcast.

Randy has taught business communication and branding classes at the Sam Walton College of Business, including sessions for 1st- and 2nd-year MBA students. He has also served as a guest lecturer in the School of Broadcast Journalism at the University of Arkansas. His signature talks—The Role of Routine, Communicate like Churchill, and How Podcasting Builds Your Brand—have inspired students, creatives, and professionals alike.

A natural-born communicator and self-described ambivert, Randy has trained more than 10,000 professionals in leadership development and communication strategy. With over a decade of Talent Acquisition consulting experience, he has placed more than 100 candidates in roles across the U.S., many of them in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

His diverse career includes roles as a teacher, real estate entrepreneur, travel business owner, and production assistant at ABC News Network. A proud graduate of Howard University, Randy blends journalistic integrity with entrepreneurial energy in all that he does.

Born in Virginia and raised in Northern New Jersey, Randy credits his grandparents for instilling in him self-confidence, determination, and a strong moral compass. He lives by the golden rule and believes it costs nothing to be kind.

Above all, Randy is proud to be a loving husband to Nicola and a father to three boys. In his spare time, you’ll find him journaling, cycling, playing basketball, or cheering on any Pittsburgh sports team, especially the Steelers.

Short Version (I am Northwest Arkansas):

Randy founded and created the I am Northwest Arkansas Podcast, which focuses on the intersection of business, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. He has interviewed many people and organizations, from Crystal Bridges, the Symphony of NWA (SONA), and the Pryor Center to Chef Matt Cooper, Gary Head of Signature Bank, and Serial Entrepreneur Omar Kasim.

Randy’s podcast is also featured on local and national NPR affiliates and NPR ONE.

Recently, he launched ONBoardNWA.com, a job board aimed at strengthening the Northwest Arkansas community. With over a decade in Talent Acquisition, Randy has placed more than 100 candidates in roles across the U.S. He has produced over 1,900 podcast episodes and trained 10,000+ professionals in leadership development and communication.

He is a graduate of Howard University. Randy sits on the board of Ozark Natural Foods.

He lives in Fayetteville, AR, with his wife, Nicola, and three teenage boys.

Podcast Guest Pitch Bio

Randy Wilburn founded Encourage Build Grow and is the host of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, a podcast celebrating the people and stories shaping life in the Ozarks. With over 2,000 episodes produced and decades of experience in talent acquisition and media, Randy assists organizations, ranging from engineering and architecture firms to local nonprofits, in creating branded podcasts that effectively engage listeners. He’s also a frequent speaker on topics like storytelling, personal branding, and podcast strategy, with guest lectures at the University of Arkansas and the Sam Walton College of Business. Randy brings warmth, wit, and profound insights into how to connect with any audience.

Speaker Bio

Randy Wilburn is a podcast communication strategist, educator, and founder of Encourage Build Grow, a firm that helps organizations create and amplify impactful podcasts. He is the creator of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, a hyper-local podcast exploring business, culture, and life in the Ozarks, with over 2,000 episodes produced to date. Randy has taught classes at the Sam Walton College of Business and guest lectured in the School of Broadcast Journalism at the University of Arkansas. His signature talks—The Role of Routine, Communicate Like Churchill, and Building Your Brand with Podcasting—have resonated with audiences ranging from MBA students to creative professionals. A former ABC News production assistant and longtime talent acquisition consultant, Randy brings a diverse background to every stage and microphone. He lives in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with his wife and three sons.

I Am Northwest Arkansas

12 W. Dickson St, #3563

Fayetteville, AR 72701

479-358-7581

Email: hello@Iamnorthwestarkansas.com

Instagram: @IAmNorthwestArkansas

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randywilburn/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iamnorthwestarkansas/