Scottsdale Vibes

On this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, we're sitting down with Scottsdale's Interim Senior Director of Water Resources, Thyra Ryden-Diaz, to break down where our water comes from, how secure our supply really is, and what Scottsdale is doing to protect its water future. Water is something most of us probably don't think about very often. We turn on the faucet, water our yards, take a shower, and exp...

Scottsdale Fashion Week is back October 4th–11th, bringing a week of runway shows, designers, models, style and plenty of glamour to the city. We’re going behind the scenes with Jamie LeVine and Sheree Hartwell to talk about what’s new this year, how Fashion Week has evolved, and why Scottsdale has become such a destination for fashion and luxury. What started as a showcase of fashion has grown in...

This week on Scottsdale Vibes, we’re talking with Akshay Nanavati, a Marine veteran, polar explorer, mental performance coach and author of Fearvana, about turning adversity into growth, pushing past our mental limits, and finding more peace and purpose along the way. He has built his life around understanding what happens when we push ourselves far beyond what we think is possible. Akshay Nanavat...

Parks and Rec Announces Fun Fall Events Line-up Scottsdale knows how to throw a party, and the City's Special Events team is taking that to a whole new level with three events celebrating music, nostalgia, community, and fall fun. Today, we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at what's coming up, from a trip through Scottsdale's history to a pop-punk throwback and a bigger-than-ever Fall Festival....

WestWorld is one of Scottsdale’s biggest event destinations, hosting everything from Barrett-Jackson and equestrian competitions to major entertainment and community events. On this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, Alicia Haygood sits down with Cassie Johnson, Interim General Manager of WestWorld, to talk about the facility’s history, its role in Scottsdale, and what’s ahead as the city continues to i...

This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we chat with Scottsdale restaurant legend George Frasher, the founder of Frasher’s Tavern, as he takes us behind the scenes of Scottsdale’s evolving restaurant scene and shares the stories behind nearly three decades in the business. George has been part of Scottsdale’s restaurant community since 1999, giving him a unique perspective on how the city’s din...

The conversation continues as Alicia Haygood sits down with Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel for Part 2 of their conversation about the future of SUSD. In this episode, Alicia and Dr. Menzel continue their discussion about what comes next following the district's school closure discussions. Dr. Menzel explains what Phase Three could look like, the district's plans...

Welcome to a special Small Business Saturday episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast! Scottsdale has become a destination for health, wellness, innovation, and aesthetics, and in this episode, we're talking with one of the experts helping shape that reputation. Host Alicia Haygood sits down with Dr. Paul Holden of Scottsdale Plastic Surgeons, a double board certified facial plastic surgeon who spe...

As another school year begins, Scottsdale Vibes sits down with Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel for the first of a special two-part conversation about the future of education in Scottsdale. In Part 1, host Alicia Haygood and Dr. Menzel discuss what families can expect this school year, including school safety, academic achievement, district priorities, enrollment,...

Youth sports can build confidence, teamwork, and lifelong memories, but they can also come with a hefty price tag. What if there was a way to help offset those costs while teaching young athletes valuable life skills at the same time? In this episode of Scottsdale Vibes, we sit down with Scottsdale native Mandy Holmes, founder of Sponsor My Athlete, to discuss how families can turn their athlete's...

Music has the power to bring people together, but what happens after the final encore? In this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, Alicia Haygood sits down with Maria Brunner, Arizona Chapter Director for Musically Fed, to discuss how the nonprofit rescues surplus food from concerts, sporting events, and entertainment venues to feed local families experiencing food insecurity. One of the most...

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale's future. In this fourth episode, Alicia sits down with candidate Solange Whitehead. The conversation covers the issues Scottsdale residents...

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale's future. In this third episode, Alicia sits down with candidates Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Crystal Carroll. The conversations cover the issue...

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale's future. In this second episode, Alicia speaks with City Council candidates Raoul Zubia and Bob Littlefield. The conversations cover the iss...

The Scottsdale City Council election is approaching, and Scottsdale Vibes is helping voters get to know the candidates before ballots arrive. In this special election series, host Alicia Haygood sits down with the individuals seeking to help shape Scottsdale’s future. In this first episode, Alicia speaks with City Council candidate Ethan Knowlden and current Councilmember Barry Graham, who is seek...

What if your pet sitter had real veterinary training and could recognize health concerns before they became emergencies? Today on Scottsdale Vibes, we’re talking with the founders of VetterCare about how they’re changing pet care by bringing trusted veterinary professionals directly into your home. If you’re a pet owner, you know how stressful it can be to leave your furry family members in someon...

What if living a longer, healthier, happier life wasn't just about willpower, but about the community around you? This week on Scottsdale Vibes, host Alicia Haygood sits down with Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, to talk about the simple lifestyle changes helping Scottsdale residents connect more, stress less, and thrive. Blue Zones are regions around the world w...

What if your doctor actually had time for you? This week we’re talking about concierge medicine, personalized healthcare, and why more people are looking for a deeper relationship with their physician. This week, we’re diving into a topic that so many people are curious about right now and that is concierge medicine. If you’ve ever felt rushed through a doctor’s appointment, waited weeks to get in...

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter lately? You are definitely not alone. On this episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we sat down with Angie Ahlstedt of Bee Organized Scottsdale to talk about how organizing your home can actually help create more calm, clarity, and connection in your everyday life. From emotional attachments to keepsakes to downsizing, move management, and practical organization t...

What if healing didn't start with words, but with connection? Today, we're exploring how Hunkapi Programs are helping first responders, military members, and veterans regulate stress and reconnect through powerful, equine-assisted experiences. Today's conversation is one that really speaks to the power of connection, healing, and community. First responders, active military, and veterans carry an...

If you’ve spent any time in Old Town, you know that Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is one of those places that truly captures the heart of who we are. It tells the story of the American West in a way that feels both rooted in history and incredibly relevant today. Recently, the museum stepped into a whole new era with a $12 million expansion that is elevating the entire experience...

Today’s conversation dives into something that touches every single one of us in some way. Mental health, crisis support, and the power of human connection are not just important topics, they are essential to the well being of our communities. Here in Arizona, one organization is doing critical work to make sure help is always within reach. Solari Crisis and Human Services plays a vital role in co...

Today we’re diving into a conversation that feels especially relevant right now. Scottsdale is having a major moment. It was recently named the best city in America to find a job, and we’re seeing that play out in real time. From semiconductor expansion in the Airpark to new luxury housing developments proposed in North Scottsdale and even proposed changes around the Westin Kierland area there’s a...

Today's episode is an important one because we're diving into public safety, innovation, and what it takes to serve a growing and dynamic city like Scottsdale. I'm honored to be joined by Scottsdale Police Chief Joe LeDuc. As our city continues to expand and host world-class events The Scottsdale Police Department is continually evolving — investing in new technology like license plate readers and...

This week, we’re talking about youth sports, parenting, and how to support young athletes without burning them out. From elite competition to healthy balance, Sara Slattery shares expert insight on raising confident, resilient athletes in today’s high-pressure sports world. Today’s episode is one that many parents in our community can relate to. Youth sports have become more competitive than ever,...