Our Story

My name is Ariana Proehl, and I created the online talk show Know This! because I was fed up with the lack of empowering images in our mainstream media. We are way more interesting and diverse than the tons of housewives shows we see, and all the debauchery on Jersey Shore. I wanted to create a platform to highlight all the next generation voices out there doing amazing work with real passion and purpose, and who make knowing yourself and knowing your world look cool and sexy.

I didn't create this show because I want to be on TV--I've actually been confronting a lot of self-esteem issues with being on camera and putting my voice out there to the public. I created it for the message to remind viewers that stories that educate and empower can be entertaining, too. So I thought, what better way to show and prove that than to take this show on the road! And because I'm ambitious (and sure, a little crazy :), I put together a 16-city U.S. tour to capture the essence of what amazing work is being done by youth, 20- and early 30-somethings around the country.

Here's where we're going:

New York City (done!) Philadelphia (done!) Pittsburgh Detroit Ann Arbor - Chicago Milwaukee San Francisco/Bay Area Los Angeles Austin - Houston New Orleans Atlanta Raleigh-Durham Richmond Washington, D.C.

The Impact

I can say from the experience of our first two tour stops, that our tour is inspiring people to reflect on their true passions and find the confidence to go after their dreams. Every person we've reached out to about being on the show has been excited to be a part and let us in on the work their doing, as well as give personal insights as to how they made it to where they are today. We're also having great discussions about politics and social change, and showcasing younger voices that we don't typically see on CNN or other news shows.

Now more than ever, when our nation is lacking jobs, confidence and a lot of other things, we need a next generation that feels empowered, inspired and prepared to be their best selves and be actively engaged with their communities. Do we really want a next generation of leadership that has grown up on Snooki? And cat fights? Media is a reflection of our values and our aspirations--advertisers feed us what we're willing to buy and pay attention to. There's always room for some mindless fun and a good laugh at those reality shows, but it's also time for us to reflect not just the lowest denominator, but what the best of who we are and what we can be. Enough with the sex tapes and newsflashes of "nip-slips." I believe in you and believe that your Knowledge of Self is Sexy. The question is, do you?

What We Need & What You Get

All funds go toward our travel budget that includes rental car, airfare and food. We have some initial funding that has launched the tour, and we're looking for those who watch and believe in the mission of the show to help keep us on the road for all 16 cities in our tour plan!

Other Ways You Can Help

If you have any contacts to local media (radio, TV, print) in any of the cities we listed, please let us know! We'd love to share our message wherever we can! Please contact tour@knowthis.tv with that info.

Also, if you have any discounts on hotels, or an apartment you're not using in any of our stops that you wouldn't mind letting us know about, that is also greatly appreciated. Please contact tour@knowthis.tv as well.

Last but not least, if you know of colleges or organizations that would want to host a talk about what we're doing with the show, or one of the talks I give with my speaking services, please reach out to bookings@knowthis.tv