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THE WACO EXPERIENCE

THE WACO EXPERIENCE

By: D. SCOTT SMITH MBA
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 An American Story – in Waco, Texas. The City of Waco is celebrating a significant anniversary – the 175th. Established in1849, Waco is a prospering community. This show is broadcast on KBBW from Waco in Central Texas and as a podcast. I’m D. Scott Smith, a new resident to Waco, inspired to create this radio program and podcast based on my many years of involvement with chambers of commerce. It’s been my experience that the local chamber is the one place in the universe where leaders from business, government, and non-profit organizations sit at the same table with the same goal: building nice communities. Each of these groups are necessary to reach that goal…and each has a different set of tools. Working together they provide jobs, products & services, and infrastructure for the citizens. In this program I interview leaders from businesses, our local governments, and non-profit organizations to gain insight, learn what is available, and…perhaps, get a little peek behind the scenes. You’ll get to know the people and their stories. Along the way, you may just learn more about yourself and your community. The Waco Experience is an American story. And though the individuals I speak with represent the Greater Waco area in Central Texas, this story is repeated in communities across America. Businesses, governments, and non-profit groups working together for a more perfect union; promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. Seventy-three years after the founding of the United States of America, and 175 years ago, Waco, Texas was founded. A growing community. Like all communities, people have endured hardships and celebrated abundance. Wherever you live, the story of Waco is your story. I look forward to bringing you conversations with leaders from businesses, local government, and our non-profit community. You’ll discover that the story of Waco, Texas is similar to your own community. Thank you for joining me on this journey. Waco’s story, much like the story of America herself, is one of growth, resilience, and collaboration. Through the voices of business, government, and non-profit leaders, we will continue to explore how these key players work together to make our communities better places to live and work. The conversations we have in this program serve as a reminder that while each community is unique, the challenges we face and the solutions we create are universal. Whether you live in Waco or beyond, I know these stories will resonate with you and perhaps even inspire you to become more involved in your own community. I look forward to bringing you insightful discussions in the episodes ahead. Don’t forget - you can catch The Waco Experience every Saturday morning at 8:30 AM on KBBW in Central Texas (and share this podcast with those you know.) The Waco Experience, An American Story.Copyright 2025 D. SCOTT SMITH, MBA Economics Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Hispanic Leaders Network

    Hispanic Leaders Network
    Oct 4 2025

    Visit our website: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/

    Host D. Scott Smith of "The WACO EXPERIENCE, An American Story" each week brings interviews with leaders in business, government, and non-profit organizations. They all have the same goal: making nice communities. Each of these groups provide jobs, products & services, and infrastructure for citizens.

    Visit our sponsors by clicking this link: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/sponsors

    🎙️ Hispanic Leaders Network (Oct 4, 2025)

    In this episode of The WACO Experience: An American Story, we highlight the Hispanic Leaders Network and its impact on building strong communities through leadership, collaboration, and cultural heritage. You will hear inspiring stories, lessons from local leaders, and the vision driving this network forward. We hear from board chair & co-founder, Elaine Botello, and board members Daniela Rodriguez and Dr. Mito Diaz-Espinoza.

    https://www.hln-waco.org/

    📌 Topics Covered

    • The mission and role of the Hispanic Leaders Network
    • How community leadership opens doors for future generations
    • Personal insights from leaders making a difference in Waco and beyond

    💡 Whether you’re a business owner, community organizer, or someone passionate about cultural leadership, this episode offers valuable perspectives on connection and empowerment.

    Runtime: 28 minutes, 30 seconds

    Originally aired on KBBW Radio at 8:30 AM, Saturday, October 4, 2025.

    🔗 Visit our sponsors: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/sponsors

    This episode is sponsored by:

    • Heart of Texas TV – Indoor Digital Billboards
    • Quality Cabinets - Affordable Luxury
    • White Bluffs Construction
    • Independent Planner – For Independent Thinkers
    • Bitty & Beau’s Coffee – WACO Location
    • 📚 Networking for Students – networkingforstudentsbook.com
    • Ray's Automotive Specialists

    📻 The WACO Experience: An American Story airs Saturdays at 8:30 AM on KBBW Radio – 105.9 FM in Waco, 101.3 FM in Killeen-Temple, 100.3 FM in Round Rock-Austin, and everywhere on the legendary 1010 AM.

    #theWACOexperience #HispanicLeadersNetwork #radioshow #KBBW #motivationalListener #DScottSmith #TodaysOffice #TalkShow #1000thanks #Waco #WacoTexas
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Spark Change (a new company in Waco, Texas)

    Spark Change (a new company in Waco, Texas)
    Sep 29 2025

    Visit our website: 🔗 https://www.thewacoexperience.com/

    About the Show: Host D. Scott Smith brings weekly interviews with leaders in business, government, and nonprofit organizations—all working toward the same goal: building strong, thriving communities. These groups provide jobs, services, and infrastructure that shape the everyday lives of Wacoans and beyond.

    🎧 This Week’s Episode: "Spark Change"

    Guests: Grace Casper and Dr. MacKenzie Zacharias of Spark Change

    In this episode, we explore how empathy, dignity, and inclusion are at the heart of real transformation. Grace and MacKenzie share what it means to Spark Change with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Spark Change works with both employers and people with IDD to make an inclusive community.

    Runtime: 28 minutes, 30 seconds

    Aired on KBBW Radio at 8:30 AM, Saturday, September 27, 2025.

    🔗 Visit our sponsors: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/sponsors

    This episode is sponsored by:

    • Heart of Texas TV – Indoor Digital Billboards
    • ChordBuddy – Guitar Learning System
    • White Bluffs Construction
    • Independent Planner – For Independent Thinkers
    • The Cactus Rose Ranch – Riding Lessons & Ranch Parties
    • Bitty & Beau’s Coffee – WACO Location
    • 📚 Networking for Students – networkingforstudentsbook.com

    📻 The WACO Experience: An American Story airs Saturdays at 8:30 AM on KBBW Radio – 1010 AM | 105.7 FM

    #theWACOexperience #SparkChange #radioshow #KBBW #motivationalListener #DScottSmith #TodaysOffice #TalkShow #1000thanks #Waco #WacoTexas
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Brad Strickland of Patchmasters

    Brad Strickland of Patchmasters
    Sep 22 2025

    Visit our website: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/

    Host D. Scott Smith of "The WACO EXPERIENCE, An American Story" each week brings interviews with leaders in business, government, and non-profit organizations. They all have the same goal: making nice communities. Each of these groups provide jobs, products & services, and infrastructure for citizens.

    Visit our sponsors by clicking this link: https://www.thewacoexperience.com/sponsors

    This week: Brad Strickland of Patchmasters

    https://patchmaster.com/waco-temple/

    🛠️ Episode 51: Brad Strickland – Patching More Than Drywall

    “Sometimes the smallest repairs can have the biggest impact.”

    In this episode, host D. Scott Smith welcomes Brad Strickland, the face of Patchmasters of Waco. But this conversation goes well beyond drywall. Brad shares how his franchise isn’t just fixing holes in walls—it’s creating jobs, building trust, and helping people feel proud of their homes again.

    🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

    • The story behind Brad’s leap into entrepreneurship—and why he chose Patchmasters
    • How service businesses like his quietly shape the character of a city
    • The challenge (and reward) of scaling a business with heart
    • Why fixing drywall might just be a form of ministry

    If you’ve ever thought about home repairs, hiring local, or starting something of your own, Brad’s grounded wisdom and work ethic will inspire you.

    Sponsored by:

    • Heart of Texas TV - Indoor Digital Billboards: hotdigitaltv.com/
    • ChordBuddy guitar learning system: ChordBuddy.com
    • White Bluffs Construction: WhiteBluffsConstruction.com
    • Independent Planner (notebook style planner to supplement the digital calendar of independent thinkers and entrepreneurs) Independent-Planner.com
    • TheCactusRoseRanch.com Riding Lessons and Ranch Parties
    • Bitty& Beau's Coffee - WACO: bittyandbeauscoffee.com/location/waco/
    • The Book, "Networking for Students" https://networkingforstudentsbook.com

    #theWACOexperience #radioshow #KBBW #motivationallistener #dscottscottsmith #todaysoffice #talkshow #1000thanks #WACO #WacoTexas
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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