House Calls

Join Dr. Connie for a joyous kickoff to Season 10 of House Calls! In this milestone episode, she welcomes seasoned event planners Donna Allen and Nicole Lessard from Destination Managers for an enlightening discussion about the surprising wellness benefits of social gatherings. Discover how throwing and attending parties can boost your mental health, enhance your social connections, and improve your overall well-being.

Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making social gatherings work for your lifestyle. Start your year right with practical advice from industry veterans who understand the art of bringing people together.

Don't miss this uplifting conversation that perfectly blends health wisdom with party planning expertise. Tune in to learn why your social calendar might be just what the doctor ordered!

The Destination Manager is a women-owned and operated, full-service destination management company based in Scottsdale. For 25 years, The Destination Manager has created extraordinary moments + memories for clients throughout Arizona. From a secret event space for an intimate gathering to managing logistics for 3,000+ guests, they are your trusted go-to for any + all Arizona destination planning + event needs.

Donna Allen, DMCP – Donna is an Art Institute of Phoenix alum whose role at The Destination Manager (TDM, for short) incepted, initially, as a creative experiment to internalize the process of event design in an era of outsourcing. Donna parlayed her technical education in interior design into the realm of event design, successfully building a team of creatives to refine TDM's signature "organic design" approach. Now as the Creative Director and Co-President, Donna's legacy as a creative powerhouse has laid the foundation and built the systems for strategic, form and function design.

Nicole Lessard, DMCP – Originally from Massachusetts, Nicole was a meeting planner in Boston before moving to Scottsdale in search of sunshine and blue skies. She joined The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, where she continued to develop her interest for the hospitality industry, specifically in a high-end, luxury capacity. In December of 2009, Nicole joined The Destination Manager as an Operations Manager and subsequently, as the Director of Operations. Fifteen years later, she is the Managing Director and Co-President of the company.

(DMCP is Destination Management Certified Professional – a designation awarded by the Association of Destination Management Executives International to individuals who have demonstrated the highest knowledge of best practices. There are 11 DMCPs in all of Arizona – 8 of whom work at The Destination Manager.)

The most beautiful season of the year is here as we celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. In this heartwarming episode, Dr. Connie shares her happiest holiday moments with her son, Andrew, and her two eldest grandchildren, Addie and Alex. Join us for the final show of House Calls' ninth season as Dr. Connie, a devoted grandmother and mother, explores the wonder and wisdom of children in a delightful family dialogue.

Today, as we gather with loved ones to express gratitude, let's take a moment to recognize true heroes among us: firefighters, law enforcement, emergency response teams, and military veterans. Dr. Connie, a Navy veteran herself, shares a heartfelt conversation with former Air Force One pilot, Colonel Mark Tillman. With 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force, Colonel Tillman recounts his experience commanding Air Force One on September 11, 2001, ensuring the safety of the President and his staff during one of our nation's darkest days. Join us in listening to this extraordinary interview - a meeting of two who served at the highest levels of our country, the President's Doctor and the President's Pilot. Wishing you and your family a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

October is spooky for more than just Halloween. With the presidential election approaching in a deeply polarized country and a constant stream of bad news in the media, how can we stay sane? Dr. Connie has the prescription - a conversation with Heather Rausch, CEO of Foxfire Events and the Joyfully Centered Global Collective. Heather, a firm believer in the phrase, "magical things happen when we unite," will share her insights on the power of community, collaboration, and the energy of the collective. As an expert in creating impactful events, Heather offers wisdom to lift your spirits. Tune in to this inspiring episode for a much-needed dose of positivity and empowerment during these challenging times.

Presidential election! Taxes! Inflation! Covid again! Feeling a bit stressed lately? With the relentless flow of media and anxiety-provoking messages on social media, it's no wonder. So, how do we survive the constant barrage of bad news and stress? Can we even "thrive" in the face of anxiety? Take a deep cleansing breath, settle onto your couch, and tune in as Dr. Connie interviews psychiatrist Dr. John Prater. We're sure to get some valuable answers.

What's the secret to bouncing back from a serious injury or surgery? Physical therapists may hold the key. Join Dr. Connie as she interviews Dr. Amber Enright, one of America's 313,000 licensed physical therapists. Discover Amber's career journey and learn how she guides patients to recovery. This is sure to be an insightful look into the world of hands-on therapy and the professionals who specialize in getting you back on your feet.

In this special July episode, Dr. Connie dedicates the show to celebrating America's 248th birthday. She opens with a heartfelt and important monologue reflecting on her nine years of service as the White House Doctor, during which she served three American presidents. Dr. Connie shares her unique insights into the presidential campaign, presidential health, and the crucial role of the White House Physician, offering her personal thoughts on the current political climate. In the second half of the show, we welcome an in-studio guest, pyrotechnician Kendon Victor of Fireworks Productions of Arizona. Kendon sheds light on his fascinating profession, explaining why working with fireworks is truly "a blast." Tune in for this timely and illuminating show.

Dr. Connie celebrates the month of June by honoring grads and dads. She taps into a valuable family resource by asking her oldest son, Andrew Stevens, to join her in the studio to talk about his most important job: being the father to three children under the age of 9. How do contemporary fathers raise their children, with the help of their wives, in today's world? The modern dad often wears multiple hats and takes on responsibilities outside of their career. They lead in various capacities and see value in diversifying not only their financial portfolios but also family experiences. Join Dr. Connie and Andrew as they delve into the joys and struggles of fatherhood. They will discuss the evolving role of fathers, the balance between career and family, and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with being a dad today. Whether you're a father, a mother, or someone interested in the dynamics of modern parenting, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt conversations.

In honor of Mother's Day, join Dr. Connie as she explores the beautiful intersection of family and medicine. What is life like for a mother who is also a practicing physician? Dr. Connie, a dedicated mother and grandmother, engages in a meaningful and practical conversation about motherhood with Dr. Mona Amini. Dr. Amini is not only a board-certified psychiatrist and owner of a private concierge psychiatric practice in Scottsdale, but is also a mother of two sons. Together, they delve into the unique challenges and rewards of balancing the demands of family life with a medical career. This episode is full of inspiring stories, valuable insights, and a celebration of the incredible strength and love of physician mothers. Your mother would want you to listen to this podcast, and your doctor would definitely approve!

Let's address a topic that people are afraid to talk about. Taxes? Politics? No. In this episode, Dr. Connie confronts the conversation nobody wants to have: Dying. Are you prepared for your final chapter in this life? How do you envision your last days? What steps have you taken to ensure your care and comfort? Dr. Connie sits down with Bonnie Shimko, co-founder and CEO of Arizona Care Management Solutions, an esteemed authority in comprehensive elder care management. Together, they explore the importance of planning for the inevitable and the impact it can have on both you and your loved ones. Don't miss this important discussion that not only helps you prepare for the future but also provides solace to those left behind. Let's navigate the journey together and ease the burden of uncertainty.