Danielle Keller on Reviving Peekaboo Magazine and Building Community Connections in Northwest Arkansas

About the Show:"I always want to have that posture of, like, what can I learn? How can I grow?" – Danielle KellerDanielle Keller didn't plan on becoming the steward of Northwest Arkansas's most beloved family magazine. She moved from California to Arkansas, built a life here as a mother and filmmaker, and somewhere along the way fell in love with the kind of community storytelling that big media rarely gets right.In this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, Randy Wilburn sits down with Danielle to talk about her journey—from film and podcasting to relaunching Peekaboo Magazine in August 2025 with a bigger, higher-quality print edition that bets on something most people have written off.She makes the case for print in a digital world. Not as nostalgia. As intention.Personal essays from local parents, in-person community events, and real voices from across NWA — Peekaboo is proof that a magazine can still be a gathering place. This conversation is a reminder that the stories closest to home are often the ones worth telling most.Key Takeaways:Embrace Change and Growth: It's never too late to start something new or pivot your career—real growth often happens later in life.The Importance of Storytelling: Personal stories connect people and help communities feel seen, valued, and understood.Relationships Matter: Building relationships is key to both personal success and community building; everyone has something to offer.The Power of Local Media: Hyper-local publications like Peekaboo give a platform to everyday stories and voices that otherwise might not be heard.Print Isn’t Dead: There’s a renewed appreciation for tangible, high-quality media that people can hold, share, and keep on their coffee tables.Community Support: Sharing vulnerable stories can lead to compassion and real community action, supporting those who need it most.Be Inclusive: Not everyone is an extrovert—seek out and include those on the fringe, and help everyone feel welcome.All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Peekaboo magazine websitePeekaboo magazine on Facebook:Peekaboo magazine on LinkedIn:Peekaboo magazine on Instagram: @peekaboomagazinenwaPeople of Northwest Arkansas PodcastFayetteville Public LibraryDogpatch USA (featured in Danielle Keller’s documentary work)John Brown University (JBU)Bentonville Film FestivalParkside Public (casual date night spot)Confident Coffee (favorite coffee shop)You can pick up a physical copy of Peekaboo magazine at local libraries, museums, and family-focused spots throughout Northwest Arkansas—from Fayetteville to Bella Vista and Siloam Springs.This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!"*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.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at [email protected] With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest ArkansasMentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.comLooking to discover the best local businesses in Northwest Arkansas? 🌟 From cozy cafes to essential services, FindItNWA.com has got you covered. Connect with your local community with just one click and explore something great. Visit finditnwa.com today! #LocalBusiness #CommunitySupport"FindItNWA.comWinetopia 2026Winetopia 2026 Date: Friday, October 16th Time: 7-10pm Place: Stonebreaker Hotel on Markham hill Winetopia is Restore Humanity’s biggest annual fundraiser and brings together the very best of Northwest Arkansas (restaurants, artisans, small businesses, and (community members) to support our work. While the event raises essential funds for children in Kenya, its heartbeat is entirely local. There are over 100 local businesses who contribute auction items, regional chefs and beverage makers who showcase their craft, and the hundreds of residents gathering to celebrate community generosity. Winetopia strengthens local partnerships, elevates homegrown talent, and reinforces Northwest Arkansas's identity as a place where global compassion is fueled by local collaboration. Winetopia is a beautiful demonstration of how a united local community can create life-changing impact for children and families worldwide. Winetopia 2026