"I am amazed at the depth, the generosity, and the creativity that this region affords me."

– Randy Wilburn

For this Thanksgiving 2025 episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Randy Wilburn takes a different approach—no guest interview this time, just a solo conversation about gratitude, reflection, and what this year has meant.

After nearly 400 episodes of telling Northwest Arkansas stories, Randy shares some of his own—moments from his childhood that shaped how he thinks about Thanksgiving, why this region feels so special to him, and the people who've made this podcast journey possible. From the listeners and collaborators who've been there from the beginning to the community leaders and organizations that continue to inspire new episodes, this is a chance to say thank you.

Randy also reflects on his recent transition to the Fayetteville Public Library, where he now serves as Director of Communications and Marketing. It's been about a month in this new role, and he's grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an institution that's been central to his connection to Northwest Arkansas—and to this podcast, which has recorded over 125 episodes at the library itself.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reach out to the people who matter in your life, and remember that it's never too late to lean into the thing you were called to do.

Key Takeaways:

• Gratitude Matters: Taking time to appreciate the people, connections, and resources in your life can make every day richer and more meaningful.
• Northwest Arkansas Shines: The region is full of generous, creative, and inspiring people, organizations, and resources, including public libraries, local nonprofits, and businesses.
• Support and Community: The podcast thrives because of you—the engaged audience and countless guests who share their stories and energy.
• It’s Never Too Late: Whether starting something new, reconnecting with old friends, or following a dream,Randy Wilburn shows it’s always possible to take that next step.
• Reach Out: This Thanksgiving, share your gratitude with someone important—one simple message or call can make a difference.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• I Am Northwest Arkansas® Official Website: iamnorthwestarkansas.com (Suggest a guest or learn more!)
• Fayetteville Public Library
• Arkansas Food Innovation Center (AFIC at MCO)
• Signature Bank of Arkansas
• NWA Council
• Ozarks Natural Foods
• F3 Northwest Arkansas (Free men’s fitness community)
• Life Church Rogers and the Bible App
• NWA Daily newsletter
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory

"I swear every time I walk in and out of this building, I leave with more hope and more encouragement."

– Kristen Phillips, Grazing Robin Road

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Kristen Phillips, founder of Grazing Robin Road, and Daymara Baker, business development manager at the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO), to explore what it really takes to launch a food business in Northwest Arkansas.

Kristen shares how she transformed an unexpected job loss into a thriving grazing box business, with crucial support from AFIC's commercial kitchen facility and Daymara's expert guidance. Daymara reveals how AFIC@MCO empowers entrepreneurs and local farmers with commercial kitchen space, technical training, and the connections needed to turn food dreams into reality.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or simply love stories about community and creativity colliding in Northwest Arkansas, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways:

• Local Support Is Everything: AFIC@MCO gives food entrepreneurs access to affordable kitchen space, technical guidance, and mentorship, no matter what stage they’re in.
• Community and Collaboration: AFIC@MCO actively connects entrepreneurs with local producers, markets, events, and training resources—making success more accessible.
• Fast-Track to Launch: With the right support, determined entrepreneurs like
• Kristen Phillips can start a thriving business in just a few short months.
• Education and Events: Both formal (like financial literacy and serve safe training) and informal (dinner series, pop-ups) programs empower business owners.
• Overcoming Challenges: Mindset and self-doubt are big hurdles, but strong resources and encouragement from the AFIC@MCO community help entrepreneurs push through.
• Giving Back: New entrepreneurs are eager to help others by sharing their lessons and tips for starting a business.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• AFIC@MCO - Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks Website
• Grazing Robin Road Email: GrazingRobinRoad@gmail.com
• Phone: 479-310-0421
• Instagram: @GrazingRobinRoad
• Facebook: Grazing Robin Road
• Fayetteville Public Library – Serve Safe and more
• Startup Junkie – Small business resources and training

Special Event Mentioned:

• Savor the Ozarks Dinner Series at AFIC@MCO (Upcoming event celebrating local ingredients, food heritage, and entrepreneur support. Reach out to
• Daymara Baker at daymarab@uada.edu for details and tickets.)

Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"

"The most sustainable garment is the one that's already in your closet, right?"

– Robin Wallis Atkinson

This episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through its Home Region Program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping the future of Northwest Arkansas — from housing and entrepreneurship to transportation, sustainability, and leadership.

In this episode, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Robin Wallis Atkinson, artist, entrepreneur, and founder & CEO of Upkept.io. Together, they dive into the growing challenges of fast fashion, the decline of garment repair skills, and how Upkept is using technology and creativity to make clothing repair simple, accessible, and climate-friendly for everyone.

Robin shares her journey from painter and curator to revitalizing Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week — always searching for what’s missing in the local creative ecosystem. That journey led her to realize how few opportunities exist for people to engage with sustainable fashion or find skilled repair services. With Upkept, she’s changing that — building a future where people can keep their favorite clothes longer, save money, and reduce textile waste.

Perfect for anyone passionate about sustainability, innovation, and creative problem-solving — especially those who love seeing new ideas take root right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Key Takeaways:

• Repair Revolution: Fast fashion has made it harder to repair clothes, but Upkept aims to make fixing garments as simple as buying new ones.
• Value What You Own: Repairing clothes you love saves money and the planet—think cost-per-wear and sentimental value!
• Skilled Trades Matter: The tailoring industry is shrinking, with few young people learning sewing skills. Upkept focuses on training and upholding high-quality standards for repairs.
• Technology Meets Tradition: Upkept’s platform uses images and (soon) AI to make repairs easy and transparent, letting customers know costs up front.
• Community and Creativity: Northwest Arkansas’s creative network, entrepreneurial spirit, and focus on supply chain logistics have helped shape Upkept’s growth.
• Wider Impact: Better repair services can help slow down the fast fashion cycle and dramatically cut the amount of clothing going to landfills.

All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.

• Website: Upkept
• Upkept on LinkedIn
• Upkept on Instagram
• Upkept on Facebook
• Connect with Robin Wallis Atkinson on, LinkedIn
• Walton Family Foundation’s Home Region Program – Episode Sponsor

Sponsors: This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton...