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 as a philanthropist. Our conversation talks about his career, his love of music and his love for our community. He is a brilliant and humble man. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on January 26, 2026. 

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 many different industries is incredible. She is high energy, brilliant and shows no signs of slowing down. Definitely an Amazing Arizonan! I hope you enjoy the conversation.

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 speak. We talk with people that are at the top of their game and Chef Gio certainly qualifies. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

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 artists near First Avenue and Roosevelt Street. Stephanie is an entrepreneur, mentor and community leader. Her vision for Latina-owned businesses has driven her to build something remarkable in the Valley, and her mission to help other women succeed is genuinely inspiring. I was moved by her passion. I think you will be too. This episode was originally published on February 9th, 2026. 

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 she's truly a great person. It was fun to hear her story and I hope you enjoy it too.

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 industry has changed over the decades. Her insight into water issues is compelling. We talked about the environment and food security. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

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 Prime Steak Concepts. I had the privilege of sitting down with Jeff Mastro, chief executive officer, and Oliver Badgio, chief brand officer.

They both are brilliant and passionate about food and the complete dining experience. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

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 the most influential conservative voices in the country. I loved hearing more details about his life and experiences, I think you will too.

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 drug cartels is like the fight of the late 1980s and early 1990s. I hope you enjoy the conversation!