Amazing Arizonans

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have a great conversation with CEO of the Arizona Cardinals Michael Bidwill. Most people know him for his time with the Cardinals. What most people don’t know is that Michael was a federal prosecutor before taking over the team from his father. Hearing the story of what led him to a life in public service is fascinating. Of course, we talk Cardinals foo...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with the President and CEO of St. Vincent De Paul Shannon Clancy. I’ve had the privilege to know Shannon for over a decade. I not only love what they do at SVDP but I love the way they do it. Their mission is to feed, cloth, house and heal people in the community. It is a huge mission that requires focus and dedication of employees, donors and...

     When I came up with the concept for the Amazing Arizonans podcast it was to share stories like Ron Wolfley’s. Ron is truly one of my favorite people. Most people are aware of him being a former NFL star for the Arizona Cardinals and a former Pro Bowler. He is also the voice of the Arizona Cardinals & cohost of the Wolf and Luke Show on Arizona Sports. He has one...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Arizona icon Jan D’Atri. Jan has been a superstar on valley radio and television for decades. She is a very successful restauranteur and chef. Using her media notoriety and her expertise both in front of and behind the camera. She has carved out an amazing career. She is respected for her exceptional talent in media, in business and in the kit...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. His law enforcement career spanned over 30 years. He was a police officer in Phoenix for 21 years. For seven of those years, he headed up the “Silent Witness” program, which encouraged witness to submit tips anonymously and help solve crimes. In 2012, Penzone ran, but lost, to then Joe Arpaio...

On this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Rick Romley. He’s a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong public servant, and longtime Republican political figure in Arizona. I met Romley in 2003 while he was Maricopa County Attorney. Today, he continues to serve his fellow veterans as a judge in Veterans Court. You’ll hear Romley’s amazing story. He joined the Marine Corps and...

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with long time Valley radio host John Holmberg. He’s the morning drive host of “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness” on 97.9 KUPD.  John is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. He was raised here in the Valley. His local perspective and knowledge of current events is a big part of his success. His humor is raw...

My guest on Amazing Arizonans is Christine Jones. Christine has an incredible story. Taking a job as legal counsel for a small company called GoDaddy, never imagining that she’d be on the cutting edge of the future of the internet. Working on legislation that deals with privacy and protection. After her time at GoDaddy she ran for Governor of Arizona and she ran for a House seat as well. She...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with one of the most prolific names in Arizona, Jerry Colangelo. Talking about the history of the Phoenix Suns was incredible. His stories of how the Suns started were amazing. We talked about the biggest names in Suns history including the iconic voice of the Suns Al McCoy. The story of the Arizona Diamondbacks and winning the World Series in 2001 was...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Captain Coyote Shane Doan. In my humble opinion he is one of the greatest captains in professional sports. His loyalty and tenacity is unmatched. He is an amazing combination of humble and extremely confident. It was a pleasure to get his perspective on his amazing career as an NHL player and now as an executive. We talk about the highlights. We tal...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with 1992 World Champion Bull Rider Cody Custer. It was my dream to be a bull rider and to learn the rodeo business. I had no idea that our friendship would impact so much of my life. Cody’s family is not only a big part of rodeo history, it is also a big part of Arizona history. We talk about his rodeo career, his part in the creation of the Profe...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with David McIntyre the President and CEO of Triwest Healthcare Alliance. Years ago Triwest was the insurance provider of the military in the western United States called “Tricare”.      When it was discovered that the Veterans Administration was taking too long to provide care in a timely manner Senator McCain worked with...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans it is the second part of my conversation with Steve and Linda Hooper. They have over 50 years of experience with the FBI between them.   Linda describes excelling in a male dominated profession. How she was received by her colleagues and more of the cases she worked on.   Steve tells us about working on the Jared Loughner case in Tucson. Loughner plea...

This edition of Amazing Arizonans is a look back at 9/11. These are significant stories from people in Arizona who were connected directly to 9/11 and the days that followed. I hope that we never forget that day and how it changed our world. I hope these stories help keep that memory alive.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     In honor of 9/11 I talk with 2 men who were directly connected to Ground Zero in Manhattan. Mike Angelone was an FDNY firefighter. He retired in 1993 and moved to Arizona where he became a successful contractor. He tells us about the lifelong friends he lost that day and what happened when he traveled to Ground Zero to help with the search and rescue. Mike McAvoy is also from New York. His br...

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with CEO of the 100CLUB Angela Harrolle. We discuss the organization and what they do to support first responders and their families. She tells us about losing her husband in a line of duty accident and having to tell her young children. The fight that followed to make sure survivors stay insured. Angela is one the best people I know. Her life story is t...

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with a hero of mine, J. David Sloan plays a big role in my early days in Arizona. He was the owner of the iconic country bar in Phoenix Mr. Lucky’s. His band Western Bred has been a country music fixture for decades. We talk about how he came to own Mr. Lucky’s, his music career and the relationships he has built. This conversation is a great look at...

In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with FOX10 Anchor John Hook. He’s been in the Valley for over 20 years and remains one of the most popular and most recognizable faces in Valley media. His perspectives are thought provoking. His career is remarkable. I loved this conversation and I hope that you do too!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I sit down with the President of Arizona State University Dr. Michael Crow and we talk about the incredible transformation of ASU under his leadership. I loved this conversation. I learned a lot from Dr. Crow. I hope you enjoy it too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 On This edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez. I met Gonzo in 2004. But like most of Arizona, I was a fan years before that. Of course we talked about his amazing career, including getting the game winning hit to beat the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series for the Diamondbacks. There is so much more to learn about Gonzo, he's dedicated to his family...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Governor Brewer explains that it was an interest in running for a school board seat that motivated her to run for the state legislature and eventually the Secretary of State. We talk about her finding out that Governor Napolitano was taking a position in the Obama administration and she was going to be the Governo...

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Gordon James owner of Gordon C. James Public Relations. Gordon has had an amazing career. He has been providing public relations for the Bush family for decades. In this discussion we talk about his close relationship with President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush and the entire Bush family. He tells us of his meeting with the Queen of E...

     In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with “Hollywood” Don Yates. He uses the label of Rodeo Rock Star because in addition to being one of the best cowboy protectors in the sport of bull riding’s history, a WWE wrestler, American Gladiator, has his own line of whiskey and is now an accomplished country music performer. Don has one of the most interesting stories I have ever heard. His c...

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Steve and Linda Hooper. They've dedicated their lives to public service and safety. Both have worked on some of the most well known FBI cases such as the DC sniper and the mass shooting in Tucson. You’ll learn the behind the scenes things that helped solve cases. Other stories of bringing people to justice and what it’s like to work in such a high s...

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with President of the Arizona Diamondbacks Derrick Hall. How does a young guy who struggled to get a job in Major League Baseball become the president of a major league franchise?  I really enjoyed my time with Derrick and I hope you enjoy it too. You can find Amazing Arizonans at KTAR.com, the KTAR News App, or wherever you get your podcasts! See omnyst...