Arizona's Happy Place

What happens when we make space for creativity? 🌵🎨

In this episode of Arizona’s Happy Place, we’re exploring the arts in Arizona—from live music and theater to visual art and the Phoenix Symphony.

As a former theater kid, I’m reflecting on why art has a way of making us slow down, feel something, and reconnect with the world around us. I’m also joined by Steve Hanusofsky, Associate Principal Clarinetist with the Phoenix Symphony, to talk about live performance, the importance of the arts in our communities, and how Arizona’s unique landscape inspires creativity.

Because Arizona isn’t just a desert—it’s a canvas. And the people who live here get to add to it.

🎭 In this episode: Arizona arts & culture, Phoenix Symphony, theater, live music, visual art, creativity, community, and finding beauty in the desert.

Go find something beautiful. And let it make you feel something. 🌵🎨

When you think of a fitness journey, you probably think of going to the gym every day and eating healthy all the time - it feels like a lifestyle change. What if starting your fitness journey didn't mean restrictive diets, becoming a gym rat and not feeling free? In today's episode, I am joined by Coach JJ of Elite Performance Nutrition, where we dive into what a realistic and achievable fitness journey looks like and how it can be fun. Trust us, it isn't rocket science.

What if the greatest thing you discover on a backpacking trip isn't a breathtaking view—but yourself?

In this episode of Arizona's Happy Place, we're exploring the surprising psychology and philosophy of backpacking. Beyond the miles, sore feet, and sleeping under the stars, backpacking has a way of quieting the noise of everyday life and helping us reconnect with our bodies, our minds, and the natural world.

I'm joined by Christian, founder of Backpack Arizona, who shares how backpacking transformed his life during a difficult season and why carrying everything you need on your back can change your perspective on what truly matters. We talk about discomfort, mental clarity, listening to your body, simplifying life, and why time spent in the wilderness often helps us hear ourselves more clearly.

Whether you're an experienced backpacker or have never stepped foot on a trail, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, embrace stillness, and rediscover the parts of yourself that modern life often drowns out.

Because sometimes the most important journey isn't the one through the forest—it's the one within.

In this episode of Arizona’s Happy Place, we’re talking about what it really means to take up space, especially when you feel like you’re "different."

From growing up trying to fit in, to learning how to fully show up as myself, this conversation is all about identity, confidence and allowing yourself to be 100% unapoligetically you!

I’m joined by Camilla Saavedra Estrella de Zaidi, also known as the “Indigenous Barbie on set,” who shares what it’s been like navigating identity, community, and confidence while standing boldly in who she is across Arizona’s film, modeling, and business spaces.

We’re getting into:
✨ Why fitting in is overrated
✨ The indigenous culture here in Arizona
✨ How to stay confident when you stand out
✨ And why the desert energy is all about being unapologetically you

If you’ve ever felt like you had to tone yourself down to belong… this one’s your reminder: you don’t.

In this episode of Arizona’s Happy Place, we explore the magic of Arizona’s hidden hiking trails—the quiet, lesser-known paths that feel like your own secret escape. From peaceful desert landscapes to breathtaking views you won’t find on crowded routes, we talk about why these hidden gems are more than just beautiful—they’re therapeutic.

Hiking isn’t just exercise; it’s a reset for the mind. We dive into how getting out on these trails can reduce stress, boost your mood, and reconnect you with yourself in a way that feels grounding and real.

I’m joined by special guest Kristen Keogh, host of AZ PDS Trail Mixed, who shares her insights, favorite off-the-beaten-path hikes, and what makes Arizona’s trail scene so unique.

Plus, we have some fun with a game where we match different hikes to different emotions—whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, adventurous, or just need a moment of peace, we’ve got a trail for you.

If you’ve ever needed an excuse to get outside, this is it. 🌵

Tune in, take a deep breath, and find your happy place.

Have you ever wanted to establish a habit, yet felt overwhelmed by how daunting the habit was and how difficult it may be? In today's episode, we break down the secret sauce to creating bulletproof habits with the help of James Clear's book Atomic Habits.

We dive deep into his habit-building framework:

Make it Obvious

Make it Attractive

Make it Easy

Make it Satisfying

Listen in and learn how you too can be a habit-making expert!

Just like some plants can get too much heat in the summer, they die. When we push ourselves too hard without establishing any boundaries, we can end up discouraged, lost and in the end...give up. This week's episode we chat with solo esthetician and entrepreneur Maite Garcia about finding her purpose and what boundaries she sets as an entrepreneur.

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or mentally drained?

In today’s episode of Arizona’s Happy Place, we’re talking about the healing power of nature—and how simply being outside can improve your mood, focus, and overall well-being.

From navigating mental health struggles during COVID to discovering hiking as a form of therapy, I share my personal journey and the science behind why nature works. You’ll learn three simple ways the outdoors supports your mind and body—no mountains required.

This episode is your gentle reminder that peace might be closer than you think… maybe just right outside your door.

We’ve all been there, that unsettling feeling that you’re behind, not doing enough, or somehow falling short of where you think you should be. It can feel like you’re wandering the desert without a map, watching others speed past while you’re stuck in the heat of self-doubt.

First, let me say this: you are not alone.

In this episode of Arizona’s Happy Place, we talk about comparison and how it sneaks in, drains our joy, and how we can learn to quiet it. Just like the desert teaches us patience, resilience, and beauty in unexpected places, this conversation is about finding contentment right where you are, even when the road feels long.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• 🌵 The importance of gratitude

• 🌄 Why celebrating small wins matters

• ☀️ The good and the bad of comparison

If you’ve been measuring your life against someone else’s highlight reel, this episode is your reminder to slow down, look around, and trust that your path is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to.

Navigating the job market can be very discouraging, but it is an opportunity to grow. I am joined by Marc LeFevre (CEO and co-founder of Kalibrate.ai) as we discuss the difficulties in finding a career and how your mindset is critical when searching for a job. Rejection from a job doesn't mean you're not worthy, it is just direction and can be used to your advantage.