Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Wright
Hi Debbie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started in September 2019, right after I graduated college, when I did what every “Insta girlie” was doing—posting my food, sharing cool spots I visited, and resharing upcoming events for my friends and me to check out. At the time, I was living in an RV and dreaming of traveling, so I figured, “why not start a travel blog?”
I pitched my idea for Know Waco to a local podcast competition, hoping to turn my passion into something bigger. But—life happened—I had to work that day and couldn’t even make it to the competition. The next day, I got a message from Rogue Media Network saying they loved my idea and wanted me to try out my podcast anyway.
And so, the story goes… I met a middle-aged man in a warehouse in the sketchy part of downtown Waco (a totally normal start, right?), and the rest is history!
Then, of course, 2020 happened—so instead of traveling, I focused on growing Know Waco into a space for connecting people with local events, businesses, and creatives. What started as a side project quickly turned into a full-blown passion.
Fast forward five years, 250+ podcast episodes, and 650+ posts later, and here we are—rebranding to Know Where and finally making my travel blog dreams a reality!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a podcast at the end of 2019/beginning of 2020 seemed like a great idea—until the world shut down. Know Waco was meant to be all about events, activities, and ways to get involved in the community… but how do you promote things to do when no one can go anywhere?
My first episode launched on February 28, 2020, and within weeks, everything changed. I put out a couple of episodes, then had to take a step back and reassess. That’s when I pivoted to ‘Stay Inside Waco’ episodes, humorously tweaking our tagline from “Now You Know, Go Waco” to “Now You Know, DON’T Go.”
I was still working a 9-to-5 job, trying to make the most of my time locked away in a parked RV, working from home, and figuring out how to keep the podcast alive. Eventually, I shifted my focus to interviewing local business owners, artists, and community organizations—the first few episodes were even recorded masked up in the studio! But through that change, something amazing happened: Know Waco became a space for real conversations, and I got to connect with so many incredible people—many of whom I now call friends.
By May 2021, I was finally able to quit my 9-to-5, start working for the media company full-time, and truly lean into my artistic side. My life completely changed for the better.
Of course, hosting a weekly podcast for four straight years was no small task—it was exhausting at times, but it also made time fly. Over the past year, I’ve had to take a step back, make some big changes, and really think about the future. That’s why I’ve been planning this Know Where rebrand for so long—figuring out how to evolve and implement everything has been a challenge, but also so much fun. Even with all the decisions and work that comes with it, I know this next chapter is exactly where I’m meant to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always been passionate about storytelling, creativity, and community building, which has led me to wear many hats. I’m a social media specialist, podcast host, artist, graphic designer, and blogger, and I love blending digital media with real-world connections.
I started Know Waco in 2019 as a way to share local events, businesses, and culture, and over the years, it evolved into something much bigger. Now, I’m rebranding to Know Where to expand beyond Waco and focus on travel while still supporting my hometown. Along the way, I also took over management and *then* ownership of Cultivate Waco, turning it into a community art initiative that hosts pop-ups, classes, and events.
I have a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in PR and a specialization in Digital Media, so I always knew I wanted to work in social media, blogging, and content creation. Through my work with Rogue Media, Act Locally Waco, Art Center Waco, and now the Wacoan Magazine, I’ve been able to help tell stories that matter and create opportunities for connection.
What sets me apart is my ability to bring creativity and strategy together, whether it’s through social media, podcasting, or event planning. My husband jokes that he doesn’t fully understand what I do, but he sees how much I love it and how it allows me to give back to the community. That’s what drives me—helping others, sharing meaningful stories, and building something that lasts.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is community, connections, and friendships. I’ve always believed that the relationships we build and the people we surround ourselves with shape our experiences and opportunities. Whether it’s through my podcast, social media work, or involvement in the local art scene, my goal has always been to bring people together, highlight important stories, and create spaces where creativity and collaboration can thrive.
Community is at the heart of everything I do. I love seeing people support each other, celebrate local talent, and find ways to make a difference. The connections I’ve made over the years—whether through Know Waco, Cultivate Waco, or my creative projects—have not only enriched my life but have also shown me the power of storytelling and shared experiences.
Friendships are just as important. Having a strong support system, both personally and professionally, keeps me grounded and motivated. I’ve been lucky to turn many of my professional relationships into lifelong friendships, and that’s something I never take for granted. At the end of the day, it’s not just about the work I do but the people I get to share it with that truly make it meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cultivate712.com/
- Instagram: @Knowwhere_tx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BqxuVY4Hz/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrah-wright-51a431146?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@knowwhere_tx?si=li7ZX-U94_R_-QNJ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/knowwaco
