Amazing Arizonans

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!

I was invited to visit the Resolution Copper Mine. I was excited to go that far underground. What I didn't expect was to meet such great people that are very proud of this project. My guest is the President of Resolution Copper Vicky Peacey. I learned a lot about the organization and their mission. They have such a love for the people of Superior Arizona and the surrounding towns. She taught me about mining in general and about what the resolution Copper project means to the entire country. I know you're going to learn a lot from this conversation. I know that I did.

This week's episode features a Phoenix entrepreneur who is opening doors to other Latina business owners in the valley. Her name is Stephanie Vasquez. She's the owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective, both in downtown Phoenix. 

There are a few events that I consider Arizona signature events.

The WM Phoenix Open is definitely on top of that list. The Thunderbirds host this amazing tournament each year.

I sit down with the head of the organization, Chance Cozby. We talk about the massive growth of the tournament and the money that is raised.

The Thunderbirds give millions of dollars to Arizona nonprofit organizations. Chance also has a huge social media following. He posts his recipes and cooking skills and has amassed about a million followers online. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 30, 2024. 

In Arizona, Tarbell's Restaurant is iconic and behind its success is a legend in the industry. Mark Tarbell sits down with Mike Broomhead on this episode of Amazing Arizonans to talk about his talent and passion for creating incredible food and more. 

I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr.

Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring announcer. He’s worked some of the biggest fights in the world on some of the biggest platforms. He is a humble and gracious man that gives back generously in his community. His positive energy is contagious. I hope you like the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 1, 2025.

I love talking with people that are elite at their job, and this guest on Amazing Arizonans certainly qualifies.

Tom Lehman is one of the greatest golfers of his generation. He was ranked No. 1 in the world and is a major champion. Plus, he continues to play competitive golf.

I’m always interested in how someone develops into an elite competitor.

In this episode, we talk about work ethics, confidence, family and faith. He is a very interesting man, and he lives here in Arizona. I hope you like the conversation. I know I sure did!

If you’re football fan, you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans: Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.

On this episode, McMahon and I talk about his time at Brigham Young University, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he decided to settle here in metro Phoenix.

My first NFL game was in the Orange Bowl for Monday Night Football when the Bears lost their only game of the season to the Dolphins, so this was a fun conversation for me. I hope you enjoy it. This episode was originally published on June 4th, 2025.