Finding Arizona Podcast

Nathan Kropp — better known as Mr. AZ Sports — brings his trademark energy and local pride in this episode of Finding Arizona. He takes us through his wild journey from sports super-fan to viral content creator, from starting Twitter Spaces after Diamondbacks games to sharing wings with players in candid interviews. Nathan opens up about overcoming personal challenges like learning disabilities an...

Before diving into this episode, take a trip down memory lane and revisit our first conversation with Marty at Saw & Steel. See how his journey has evolved from episode 12 to episode 461 by listening to our original conversation here: Finding Arizona Podcast - Saw & Steel In this special Rediscovering Arizona episode, host Jose Acevedo catches up with Marty Oelrich, owner of Saw & Stee...

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of mental health challenges and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 , or visit 988lifeline.org . In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast Maria Ingalla, CEO and founder of Paper Flower Psychiatry shares h...

Meet Triggafish Crossman, a seasoned comedian hailing from New York. We explore his journey from military life to the comedy stage in Arizona. Triggafish shares the story behind his unique stage name, the cultural shifts he's experienced moving from the East Coast to the Southwest, and how fatherhood influences his comedic perspective. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Follow Triggafish...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, we sit down with David DeLorenzo—known to many as "DeLo"—to explore his unconventional journey from the glitz of the music industry to becoming a cornerstone in Arizona's hospitality insurance scene. David shares how his passion for essentialism, focus on the "3 Fs" (food, fitness, and focus), and deep love for the Arizona community have shaped his a...

Welcome to the Finding Arizona Podcast! In this episode, host Jose Acevedo sits down with Tom Konkowski, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Conquer Padel, to discuss the exciting arrival of padel—a sport that's rapidly gaining popularity worldwide—to Arizona. Conquer Padel is set to open its flagship U.S. location in Tempe in summer 2025, featuring five state-of-the-art indoor courts an...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo welcomes Brian Ruffner, founder and CEO of NoLIMIT Performance , a Chandler-based consulting and coaching firm. With over 35 years of experience in business leadership, Brian shares his journey from leading high-performing sales teams to launching his own firm that empowers individuals and organizations through performance psycholog...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo sits down with the dedicated team from AILS Law Group, a Phoenix-based firm committed to guiding individuals and businesses through the complexities of immigration law. With a focus on visas, green cards, citizenship, and compliance, AILS Law Group stands out for its personalized approach and unwavering support for clients. Join us...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo sits down with Alicia Barker, President of Organizers Direct Industries (ODI), to explore her remarkable journey from a childhood immersed in architectural blueprints to leading one of the nation's premier home organization companies. Alicia shares how her unique blend of technical expertise and passion for design has propelled ODI...

In this episode we sit down with Tempe-based comedian and disability coach, Phillip Bramwell. With a sharp wit and unstoppable spirit, Phillip shares how he’s using comedy and lived experience with cerebral palsy to change the way pediatric medical professionals approach patient care. From the stage to the classroom, Phillip is not only making people laugh—he’s teaching valuable lessons on empathy...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast we sit down with Phoenix native and founder of Affinity Collaborations , Kelly Bernardi , to explore how a remote role after becoming a mom led her to carve out a niche in the real estate world. With a background in hospitality and a natural talent for problem-solving, Kelly discovered a passion for supporting real estate agents through marketing and...

Greg Forzani, international business coach and speaker, joins the Finding Arizona Podcast to share his journey from growing up in a pro sports family to building a successful career in business coaching. With experience in a family-owned sporting goods business, Greg discusses the transition to coaching, the biggest challenges small businesses face today, and why financial management is key to lon...

Kelsey Cook, a former teacher turned entrepreneur, saw a need for hands-on, engaging educational materials for preschoolers. During the pandemic, she turned her passion into Learning with Kelsey, an educational subscription box service that has since grown from a home-based venture into a thriving business. In this episode, Kelsey shares how she transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship, bala...

On this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, Dr. John A. Robinson and Dr. Cristina Romero-Bosch, known as @TheSexDocs, dive into their expertise in holistic wellness, longevity medicine, and naturopathic care in Arizona. Their partnership at The Hormone Zone reflects a shared commitment to patient-centered care, blending cutting-edge medical practices with a personal touch.  The Key Moments in...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, we explore how Savannah Pagnozzi turned her passion for making people laugh into a thriving comedy career. From overcoming stage fright to producing sold-out shows and taking her act on the road, she shares the lessons learned and dreams realized along the way. Whether she’s tightening up her act or finding her comedic voice, Savannah’s story proves...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, we dive into the world of futures and commodities trading through the inspiring stories of Delvin Wright, Melba Bonelli-Henderson, and Barbara Warren. Melba’s journey stands out as she transitioned from a career in dentistry to the intricate world of financial markets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leap of faith and passion for learning led her to...

Before diving into this episode, take a trip down memory lane and revisit our first conversation with Mane Attraction Salon. See how their journey has evolved by listening to our original episode here: Finding Arizona Podcast - Mane Attraction Salon .Our producer got the full high-touch experience at Mane Attraction Salon, walking in with grown-out, sun-fried strands and walking out with a transfo...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, we sit down with Oscar Granados, owner of Scottsdale Collision Center, to discuss his journey from watching his father work in a body shop to building a thriving business of his own. Raised with a strong work ethic, Oscar shares how the values of perseverance and dedication shaped his path as an entrepreneur. He reflects on the challenges of business...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo talks with identical twins Stephanie and April Schaffroth, who each run their own Farmers Insurance agency. They share how they transitioned from different industries—April with a mortgage background and Stephanie with little insurance experience—to building successful businesses. The conversation explores insurance industry shifts,...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo sits down with Beth McRae, the founder of McRae Agency and owner of High Society Resale Boutique. Beth shares her inspiring journey from working in PR with global brands like Tiffany & Co. to launching her own agency and stepping into the world of consignment fashion. She discusses the power of social media, the importance of su...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, Jesse Fisher and Philip Gleason share their inspiring journey toward creating sustainable, off-grid communities. Jesse recounts a life-changing night when a power outage in their RV spurred his commitment to self-reliance, ultimately leading to the founding of the OSR Initiative. Together, Jesse and Philip discuss the principles of cooperative land o...

In this episode of the Finding Arizona Podcast, host Jose Acevedo interviews John Wake, CEO of Axiom Care, a leading provider of substance use treatment services and prison reentry programs in the Phoenix metro area. John shares his personal journey from HR Director to CEO, openly discussing his own struggles with addiction and the pivotal role of empathy and personalized care in the treatment ind...

In this year-end review, Jose and Brittany Acevedo reflect on the moments and guests that made this year’s Finding Arizona Podcast truly unforgettable. From celebrating inspiring nonprofits to featuring unique experiences and vibrant personalities, they highlight the episodes that left a lasting impression. Jose’s heartfelt enthusiasm is balanced by Brittany’s witty roasts, keeping things equal pa...

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Kristina Swift, co founder of the matchmaking community Like Love, as she shares her journey from corporate sales executive to entrepreneur. After navigating her own post-divorce dating challenges, Kristina identified the need for a more personalized and authentic approach to dating. Like Love was born from her vision to create curated events, m...

On the Finding Arizona Podcast, Tracy Baynes shares how the STEP Program is transforming college access for low-income students. With a background in oceanography and experiential education, Tracy created a program that combines leadership expeditions and workshops to guide families through the college process. Her approach emphasizes early intervention and the power of hands-on learning to close...