Scott Keppel of Scott's Training Systems is celebrating 20 years of guiding healthy transformations in people's lives. The personal trainer and nutrition coach aims to simplify your approach to food and exercise. Scott's trusted reputation in the Valley has earned him the ability to train many Arizona pageant girls and women as they prepare for their competitions. Hear how it was a twist of fate and his own kindness that won him that role. Plus, he helps us make some new food and exercise goals for ourselves and tells us how to prepare mentally so we can stick to our plan and get back on track when we don't.

Mixela is a small plates and wine restaurant in Phoenix with an international flair. The chef, Gian Franco, is from Venezuela and his wife Valentina is from Mexico. We learn how the two met in Monaco years ago. Now the couple's created a neighborhood bar and restaurant for people to come and hang and share small bites. On the menu, you’ll find sushi, meatballs, empanadas, cheeseboards, and much more. Hear how the Gian Franco and Valentina have navigated the ever changing restaurant business, from food trucks, to pasta making, to fresh fish flown in from Japan.   

Chef Stephen Jones of The Larder & the Delta is moving Southern cuisine into the fine dining space in a multi-course fancy and fun culinary experience. Jones has been a prominent name in the Phoenix food scene for more than a decade, creating friendships and mentoring young chefs but he almost left Arizona after his first summer here. Learn how a meeting with Chef Mark Tarbell of Tarbell's changed his future and how you can attend his multi-course dinner, brunch, family style dinners, or hang in the bar for drinks and snacks. 

A former bank president decided to change her career by filling a void. Susie Timm says she saw a hole in the industry for food and beverage experts who do PR and marketing in Phoenix and nationwide. She took what she knew about helping small businesses with finances from the bank and combined it with her husband Eric's M.B.A. in marketing and created Knife and Fork Media Group. They represent local businesses like Macayo's, LDV Winery, the City of Scottsdale and events like Scottsdazzle. Susie says she's learned how to close a sale, handle last minute media requests and she calls business ownership a daily adventure that's not for the feint of heart.

A makeup artist from Maine moved from New York City to Phoenix and found a new calling. She wanted to create a space for working artists to both work and sell their wares. Tennille Neilsen’s vision for the Hive on 16th was a collection of affordable studios for artists with open doors for the customers to watch them work. The Hive on 16th brings 13 businesses under one roof: from coffee and flowers to alterations and vintage, a refillery, ceramics, paintings and leather studding work too!! Plus, two curated boutiques filled with stunning vintages to wear or to enjoy. Hear Tennille’s story from becoming a landlord to sticking to her guts and curating beautiful things for all sizes. https://www.hiveon16th.com/

A Valley couple always loved visiting Verde Valley. On one such trip, they had a hankering for a margarita to enjoy with the view.  That craving changed their lives and would made a big economic impact on Arizona small towns.  Thirty years later, Michelle and Eric Jurisin of the Haunted Group own 9 concepts from restaurants to hotels in Jerome and Cottonwood including: The Clinkscale, The Tavern Hotel, The Haunted Hamburger, The Haunted Pizano, Nic’s Italian Steak & Crab House, Pizzeria Bocce, STRADA @ Bocce, Crema Craft Kitchen & Bar, and The Tavern Grille.  Learn how the Jurisins first met, how they created their business on real estate and what they plan to do next.  

At just 29 years old, Karla Meza opened her first store front offering furniture and home goods at affordable prices. She created Casa Lola at 5th Street and Camelback to give everyone an opportunity to furnish their home with fashion. The design lover started sourcing great products at huge markdowns then filling her store. She loves seeing people smile when they look at the price tags and realize they can afford to have luxurious couches, rugs, fluffy chairs, etc. in their homes. Hear the design tips to add finishing touches to your home and what Karla hopes to do next. https://www.instagram.com/casalolaphx/?hl=en

In this episode, we meet Lisa Banish, Executive Director of Community Food Connections, dba Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market.  The market started 19 years ago to connect the community to clean, healthy, locally grown food. They have 100 + local vendors, around 80% food and 20% artisan. The Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market is part of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program, providing extra SNAP/EBT benefits to customers through the Double Up Program and WIC. They have small businesses and micro businesses specializing in fresh farmed food, meat, plant starts, skin care, herbal tea and so much more!

Their holiday fundraiser for CFC, Phoestivus, is in its 15th year on December 12th, 13th, and 14th.

Visit our website Phoestius.com for more information.

The market is open every Saturday rain or shine (or extra shine) 8 am – 1 pm located at 5th Street and McKinley. 

DowntownPhoenixFarmersMarket.org

If you're looking for something to do with the family, this is it. We meet Monica and Kirk Nicodemus of JoyridesAZ. They love Scottsdale so much, they created a luxury golf cart experience to show off their hometown. They are always learning, reading and exploring on their own, so they are chock full of Scottsdale knowledge for your tour. They promise you will learn something new about the architecture, public art, or Scottsdale history—even if you're a local. JoyridesAZ has tours for everything- wine tasting, native culture and art, Instagram murals, margaritas and tacos and a holiday lights tour. Or you can customize your tour to get a little taste of everything!  https://joyridesaz.com/