"The journey of growth is often paved with challenges, but it's through these experiences that we truly learn."

- Brooks Ellis

In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn talks with Brooks Ellis, a former professional football player turned youth coach. Brooks shares his journey from growing up in Fayetteville to playing in the NFL and now coaching young athletes. He discusses the importance of mindset, hard work, and lessons learned from both victories and setbacks.

Brooks reflects on his time with the New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighting how those experiences shaped his views on recovery, perseverance, and growth. He emphasizes the value of failure as part of success and encourages young athletes to focus on the process, not just the results.

Tune in as Brooks shares his approach to coaching, developing a love for the game, and building leadership skills in young athletes. This episode is for parents, coaches, and anyone interested in youth sports and personal growth.

• Value of the Process: Success is not just about winning; it’s about the growth experienced along the way.
• Mindset Matters: Developing a strong mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges and achieving personal bests.
• Embrace Failure: Learning to fail is an essential part of the journey that leads to greater success.
• Community Impact: Coaching is about more than just sports; it’s about shaping the character of young individuals.
• Leadership Development: Encouraging young athletes to be leaders both on and off the field is a key focus of Brooks’ coaching philosophy.

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

Email Brooks Ellis

Website Brooks Ellis Coaching

Brooks Ellis Coaching on Instagram

Brooks Ellis Coaching on LinkedIn

Brooks Ellis Coaching on Facebook

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

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"Don't be afraid to make a mistake. Nine times out of ten, people will help you along and give you a lot of grace."

• Brittany Johnson

In this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with Brittany Johnson, the visionary behind Ambivert Books, an independent bookstore dedicated to Spanish language literature in Springdale. Brittany shares her inspiring journey of launching this unique venture, the challenges of operating in a digital age dominated by major retailers, and her passion for promoting literature originally written in Spanish.

As a native Houstonian who has made Northwest Arkansas her home for nearly a decade, Brittany reflects on her experiences and how they shaped her desire to create a space that celebrates diverse voices and stories. The conversation delves into the importance of community, the joy of discovering literature, and how Ambivert Books aims to fill a significant gap in the local market.

Join us as we explore Brittany’s insights on the ambivert concept and how it relates to her bookstore’s mission, as well as the excitement surrounding the upcoming grand opening of Casa Magnolia, where her bookstore will reside. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the power of literature.

• Unique Niche: Ambivert Books focuses on Spanish language literature, providing access to works often overlooked in mainstream bookstores.
• Community Collaboration: The partnership with Casa Magnolia showcases the spirit of cooperation among local businesses to enhance cultural offerings in Springdale.
• Language and Connection: Brittany emphasizes the importance of reading in one's native language and how it fosters deeper connections to culture and identity.
• Encouragement for Language Learners: Brittany shares her journey in language acquisition and offers valuable tips for those looking to learn Spanish.
• Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for exciting programming, including bilingual book clubs and community events at Ambivert Books.

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

Email Brittany Johnson

Website Ambivert Books

Ambivert Books on Instagram

To celebrate the grand opening of Casa Mongolia join us for a Storytime on

February 22, 2025

10 am

Casa Magnolia

414 Holcomb St., Springdale

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

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Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works...

As we celebrate Black History Month, we take this opportunity to revisit the inspiring legacy of Mal Goode—the first Black network newscaster in the United States. Originally released in October 2024, this episode highlights his groundbreaking career, resilience in the face of adversity, and the profound impact he had on journalism and beyond.

Mal Goode’s journey from humble beginnings to breaking barriers at ABC News is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of representation in media. His work paved the way for generations of Black journalists and broadcasters who continue to shape the industry today.

Throughout February, several events across the country are honoring Mal Goode’s life and contributions, and we are proud to do our part by resharing this conversation. His story remains as relevant as ever, reminding us of the courage and determination required to create lasting change.

Tune in to hear reflections on his remarkable career, the lessons he imparted, and the legacy he left behind.

• First Black Network Newscaster in the U.S. – Mal Goode broke racial barriers in journalism when he joined ABC News in 1962.
• Pioneer for Black Journalists – His presence on national television paved the way for greater representation in media.
• Reporter of Historic Moments: Covered the funerals of Malcolm X, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King as well as the Poor People’s March from Mississippi to Washington DC.
• United Nations Correspondent – Covered global affairs, setting a precedent for Black journalists in international reporting.

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

Mal Goode’s Book: Mal Goode Reporting: The Life and Work of a Black Broadcast Trailblazer

Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.

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

Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!"

Try ONBoardNWA.com Today!

*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.

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