Amazing Arizonans

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 opportunity to influence a different group of people.

This episode was originally published on August 27, 2025.

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 boost morale during the holidays and providing support for the family members when troops are deployed. Ron’s passion is obvious. I hope enjoy learning about them.

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 you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.

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 proceeds to The Joybus Diner nonprofit. He is a great storyteller. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

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 people in her industry. Her passion to serve is obvious in our conversation. I hope you enjoy it.

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 they were as well. He is such a humble man that he spent so much of our time together talking about other people and not himself. He is a man of faith who loves his family and is very grateful for his career. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on May 18, 2026. 

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 this discussion.

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 Institute. He has an exceptional background and story. I hope that you enjoy it.

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 Abused Children". In our conversation you can hear her passion and her strength. This is one of the most significant installments of Amazing Arizonans. I hope you enjoy it.

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 Abused Children". In our conversation you can hear her passion and her strength. This is one of the most significant installments of Amazing Arizonans. I hope you enjoy it.