Amazing Arizonans

Rachel Mitchell is a brilliant attorney that is known as an expert in prosecuting sexual assault case. She became a national figure when she was asked to investigate the sexual assault accusations against Brett Kavanaugh while he was being confirmed as a Supreme Court justice. During this conversation she discusses her approach to the investigation and how much pressure she felt from the national...

Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport. We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting. We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. But her attitude is remarkable. You’ll learn how she’s taken the accident and used it as an o...

Most people in the valley are aware of the existence of Luke Air Force Base. But very few are aware of what happens there or the global impact that it has. Ron Sites is with Fighter Country Foundation. A nonprofit organization that supports the troops and the mission at Luke. Justa few of the things they’ve done are building a much-needed facility for the Honor Guard to train, events to boos...

If there was an important political story in Arizona it’s been covered by Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services. Known for his knowledge of Arizona political history and his snarky style. Howie has been a fixture in Arizona journalism for decades. Talking with him was like an Arizona history and civics lesson. We talk about his approach to his job and highlights of his long career. I hope...

Old school Arizonans definitely remember Evening Star Productions and its creator Danny Zelisko. Danny brought so many great shows to the valley going all the way back to the 1970’s. He is a walking history book of music and entertainment. Now he is making his over fifty years of memorabilia available for auction with “Danny Zelisko’s Closet”. He is donating some of the pro...

There are so many great nonprofit organizations in Arizona. One of the best is St. Mary’s Foodbank. I call them the O.G. because they are the first foodbank in America. Lisa Notaro is the Chief Philanthropy, Development and Marketing Officer for St, Mary’s foodbank. We talked about her passion to serve others and how that has turned into a career. Lisa is one of the most respected peop...

It’s a privilege to have a conversation with a Hall of Famer in any field. It’s even more special when they are a local legend and a fantastic human being. That describes former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni talks about his career and some great memories he has of being the coach of the Suns. Not only the great players they were, but the great men of character...

I’ve owned motorcycles most of my time in Arizona. It is a great place to ride. One of the industry leaders in custom bikes is Paul Yaffe. His “Bagger Nation” is iconic in the industry. I was so anxious to sit down with him and learn about his company. He is a fascinating person. He is an artist and a shrewd businessman. Even if you don’t ride, you’re going to love th...

If there is one name that is synonymous with Arizona, it is Goldwater. For this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I had the privilege of talking with Barry Goldwater Jr. From growing up as the son of who is considered the father of modern conservatism to serving in the United States Congress, my conversation with Goldwater is a walking history book. He still sits on the board of  the Goldwater In...

I love hearing from people who quietly do great things. Darcy Olsen has impacted on the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable children. She is a brilliant woman with a long history of policymaking and policy influence. But her work protecting the rights of abused children is remarkable. Darcy has fostered 10 children and adopted 4. This journey led her to start "The Center for the Rights of Ab...

We started the Amazing Arizonans podcast hoping to give you a look at the remarkable people who make Arizona their home. I never imagined that we’d have such a huge response. This week I talk with former Vice President Dan Quayle. He served as vice president under President George H.W. Bush. He is a great storyteller with a sharp sense of humor. We talk about how the current fight against dr...

It’s a privilege to have a conversation with a Hall of Famer in any field. It’s even more special when they are a local legend and a fantastic human being. That describes former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni talks about his career and some great memories he has of being the coach of the Suns. Not only the great players they were, but the great men of character...

One of our goals with the Amazing Arizonans podcast is to learn the history of iconic people and businesses that have been in Arizona for generations. Schnepf Farms qualifies. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark and Carrie Schnepf. Learning the family history of farming was an Arizona history lesson. We talked about the challenges of farming in the 21st century, but what I loved most was...

I am fascinated by the restaurant industry. Having the creative mind to create amazing dishes that people are willing to pay for combined with the business mind to make it profitable seems impossible. So when I have a chance to sit down with someone who does it at the highest level, I jump at the chance. Mark Tarbell is nationally known as a successful restaurateur. He is also known in the Valley...

Learning how the most successful people in any industry reached their success is one of the best things about Amazing Arizonans. Jordan Rose is not only one of the most successful attorneys in Arizona, but she is also a trailblazer and mentor to many women. Our conversation about her confidence and tenacity is inspiring. How she went from graduating from law school to being a business leader in ma...

I love meeting creative and determined people. My guest on this edition of Amazing Arizonans is definitely both. Chef Gio Osso is recognized as one of the most talented in the country. He's a James Beard Award semifinalist. He owns two very successful restaurants in Scottsdale, Virtue Honest Craft and Pizzeria Virtue. His love of cooking and teaching are obvious from the minute he begins to s...

I love this podcast because it introduces me to the most inspirational people. Case in point: Stephanie Vasquez, my guest this week. If you’ve ever grabbed a sip at Fair Trade Café in Phoenix, you have Stephanie to thank. And that’s just one of her ventures. She’s also the force behind Amor Collective, an incubator space that supports 37 Latina-owned brands, bakers and art...

I love it when good things happen to great people. Recently our own Becky Lynn Ottiger was inducted into the Arizona Media Association Hall of Fame. I have been a fan of Becky Lynn since the early days of Tim and Willy. She has been in the valley anchoring news casts for over 36 years. and I was thrilled to talk with her about her life and her career. An icon on Valley Radio, but more importantly...

Two of Arizona’s five C’s are cattle and cotton. Farmers and ranchers are a huge part of our history. They are also a big part of our current economy. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sine Kerr. The former state lawmaker is the state director for the USDA Farm Services Bureau. Kerr and her husband have been farmers and ranchers since 1980. Our conversation was about how the indu...

I fell in love with the restaurant industry when I was 12 years old. I was hired as a busboy in a Chinese restaurant. I have done every job in the front and back of the house except for being a bartender. I admire any restaurateur who has the artistic ability to create amazing meals and the business sense to make it profitable. There is no better example of that in Arizona than the team behind Pri...

Arizona's Wildlife World Zoo president Kristy Hayden is the latest guest on Amazing Arizonans podcast. She talks about how the Zoo started and what is next for the park out in the West Valley.

Social media and podcasting platforms have allowed people with great stories and points of view to become very popular. My guest on this episode of Amazing Arizonans definitely fits that description. Brandon Tatum (@theofficertatum) has such an interesting background and story. An All American football player in high school. A star for the Arizona Wildcats, A police officer and now known as one of...

We started the Amazing Arizonans podcast hoping to give you a look at the remarkable people who make Arizona their home. I never imagined that we’d have such a huge response. This week I talk with former Vice President Dan Quayle. He served as vice president under President George H.W. Bush. He is a great storyteller with a sharp sense of humor. We talk about how the current fight against dr...

I was invited to visit the Resolution Copper Mine. I was excited to go that far underground. What I didn't expect was to meet such great people that are very proud of this project. My guest is the President of Resolution Copper Vicky Peacey. I learned a lot about the organization and their mission. They have such a love for the people of Superior Arizona and the surrounding towns. She taught...

This week's episode features a Phoenix entrepreneur who is opening doors to other Latina business owners in the valley. Her name is Stephanie Vasquez. She's the owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective, both in downtown Phoenix.