“I hope there’s silver buckshot… a lot of small action in a lot of areas is what will really help us get where we need to be.”

– Jessica Lewallen

This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas® host Randy Wilburn and architect Jessica Lewallen discuss housing, growth, and what it takes to keep Northwest Arkansas a place where people can actually afford to live.

Through her work with ULI's Faithful Foundations program, the Fayetteville Housing Crisis Task Force, and as founder of Gemstone Design Studio, Jessica's tackling one of our region's biggest challenges—making sure explosive growth doesn't price people out or erase what makes this place special.

You'll hear stories from Jessica's journey, practical ideas for housing solutions, and why fixing this requires everyone—homeowners, churches, policymakers, planners, and regular folks—to show up. Whether you're a longtime resident worried about preserving open spaces, a newcomer searching for affordable housing, or someone wondering how to get involved, this episode offers both wisdom and hope for building a Northwest Arkansas where the next generation can thrive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Shifting Household Needs: Nearly three-quarters of households in Northwest Arkansas are made up of two people or fewer, highlighting a need for smaller, more affordable homes, not just large family houses.
2. Smarter Land Use & Infill: Thoughtful infill development helps preserve access to parks, farmland, and green spaces, by building density where infrastructure already exists—instead of sprawling into new areas.
3. Transportation’s Hidden Costs: Affordable housing isn’t just about rent or mortgages—long commutes and car dependency mean Northwest Arkansans face combined housing and transportation costs rivaling larger metro areas.
4. Local Action, Local Solutions: Real change comes from community-led efforts—whether it’s homeowners building accessory dwelling units (ADUs), churches repurposing land, or neighbors engaging in city committees.
5. Education Fuels Empowerment: Programs like ULI’s READY and Groundwork’s Chats help citizens gain the knowledge to shape housing policy, dispelling myths and fostering supportive, effective advocacy.

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

1. Jessica Lewallen, Gemstone Design Studio
2. Email: jessica@gemstonedesignstudio.com

"Every time I introduce someone and they find their tribe, that feeds my soul."

– Rebecca Luther aka Queenie Be

Rebecca Luther—who goes by Queenie Be—went from feeling isolated after a divorce to building some of the biggest community networks in Northwest Arkansas. In this episode, she talks about how one Facebook post changed everything.

Rebecca founded The Hive Network, a support group for single moms, a thriving singles community, and now one of our region's largest business networking groups—all without any background in event planning or running nonprofits. She just saw people who needed connection and decided to do something about it.

We talk about loneliness, why being honest matters more than being perfect, and how showing up authentically can change your life. If you're a business owner looking for community, a single parent feeling stretched thin, new to Northwest Arkansas, or just feeling like you don't quite fit in—this conversation is for you.

Sometimes the best things we build come from our hardest seasons. Rebecca's story proves it.

Key Takeaways:

1. Turning Pain into Purpose: Rebecca’s story shows how personal struggles can ignite leadership and help others in similar situations.
2. Finding Your Community: The Hive Network, Singles Group, and Single Mom Sisterhood are places where everyone is welcome, connected, and supported.
3. Local Business Support: Virtual and in-person networking, like “Follow Me Fridays,” help small businesses grow their audiences and connect with new customers—for free!
4. Authenticity Matters: Vulnerability, transparency, and showing your real self are key to building lasting relationships.
5. Supporting Mental Health: Both men and women need connection—breaking the myth that only women need support and recognizing the importance of friendships for all.

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

1. Instagram: Queenie B NWA - @queenieBnwa
2. Facebook: QueenieBNWA page and Hive Networking NWA Group
3. LinkedIn: Rebecca Luther (aka Queenie Be)
4. Website: HiveNetworkingNWA.com
5. Upcoming Events: Watch for announcements about Gownsational, Queenie Connects singles events, and Hive business networking gatherings at local venues like The...

"It doesn't demand a new goal or resolution. It just invites you to think a little differently, to breathe a little deeper, and maybe even to imagine that, yeah, what if it all works out?"

– Randy Wilburn

In this special solo episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn closes out 2025 by looking back at the wisdom and advice he's gathered from this year's guests—both national voices and local leaders. From finding balance to embracing change, Randy shares the lessons that stuck with him most, and he's not here to push big, grand resolutions. Instead, he reminds us that starting small can mean everything, and sometimes the little things really do matter most.

You'll hear memorable advice like "move the horizon closer" alongside local gems about living authentically and taking chances. Randy pulls from powerful moments in past episodes and his own experiences to give you something to think about as you head into 2026. Whether you're considering a new challenge, stepping into a second act, or simply want to appreciate those quiet walks with your dog, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Be Present: Put your phone down more often and savor the moment.
• Start Small: Focus on making one change at a time—big things happen step by step.
• Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes: Intentions are good, but actions create lasting results.
• Authenticity Wins: Be your true self and let people see your real story, struggles and all.
• Embrace Failure and Risk: Don’t be afraid to start again or make mistakes, especially if you’re chasing your calling or beginning a new chapter.
• Reset When Needed: Every step, even the failures, builds on your foundation for growth.
• Celebrate Small Victories: Smile, take walks, and enjoy the simple wins.
• Don’t Rush: Let yourself grow and take your time with change—it doesn’t all have to be hard.

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

• Email Us Your One Piece of Advice from 2025.
• New York Times Article by Melissa Kirsch (“Best Advice from Readers in 2025”) – referenced by Randy Wilburn
• Episode 330: Second Acts and TEDx Fayetteville Reflections
• Episode 333: Authenticity with Randy Pulayya (WIPS West Indies Peppa Sauce)
• Episode 326: Community and Risk with Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson (Pedal Park & Pedal Pops)
• Go fail some! Episode 329 with Matt Buell
• Episode 336: Reset and Resilience with Kristin Phillips (AFIC at MCO)
• Episode 334 Advice from Francisco Valencia (“Smile is the entrance fee to doing a lot of things and getting through doors”)
• FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business...