In this episode of Local Legends with Jess, the roles reverse—and Jess takes the hot seat.

Jason, a seasoned mortgage professional with over 25 years in the industry, steps in as interviewer to have a candid, thoughtful conversation with the original Local Legend herself. Known as a true connector and rainmaker, Jess opens up about what it really took to grow into the industry—admitting it took nearly two years to fully find her rhythm in a competitive space.

Jason brings forward four powerful questions for Jess —from what you’re truly comfortable paying, to what it means to offer the best deal while staying dedicated to the client’s long-term best interest. Together, they unpack authenticity in business, client-first decision making, and why caring about the long-term investment matters more than chasing quick wins.

This episode is honest, insightful, and refreshingly real—perfect for anyone navigating the mortgage world, considering homeownership, or wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how integrity and trust shape lasting success.

Pull up a seat—this is one conversation worth listening to.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

In this special and personal episode, Jess sits down with her husband, Jason—her favorite human, the love of her life, and the one person she can love hard and challenge hard all within minutes. What starts as a conversation about dreams quickly unfolds into a real, unfiltered discussion about marriage, purpose, responsibility, and the unexpected turns life brings.

Together, they explore what it really means to live the dream. Sharing your talents with the world matters—but so does providing for your family, staying grounded, and navigating the tension between passion and responsibility. This episode dives into that balance, offering honest insight, laughter, and perspective that many couples quietly wrestle with.

If you’ve ever wondered how to pursue your calling without losing sight of the people who matter most, this conversation will resonate deeply.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Loving hard, challenging each other, and growing together
• Turning dreams into reality while staying responsible
• Why sharing your talents is essential—but not the whole picture
• Finding balance between passion, purpose, and providing
• The real conversations couples don’t always have out loud

This episode is a reminder that living the dream doesn’t have to be all or nothing—and the solution might be closer than you think.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

Meet Pop, also known as Truman and lovingly referred to as Poppy Chuloo—a retired college football coach, self-proclaimed True National Legend, and full-time Arizona snowbird who has officially mastered the art of saying whatever he wants… because he can.

Pop lives by one very simple rule:
 👉 If you’re a 7 or lower, you’re not worth his time.
Dead serious. Zero apologies.

In this episode, Jessica Benevento (Arizona’s Mortgage Matchmaker) sits down with Pop for a conversation that’s equal parts legendary, unfiltered, and laugh-out-loud entertaining. From old-school coaching wisdom to life lessons only earned through decades of wins, losses, and locker room talks—Pop brings stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

And just when you think it can’t get better…
 Pop shows up to the studio convinced he’s being arrested—only to realize he’s actually there to record a podcast. Classic Pop.

This episode is packed with:
 🏈 Coaching stories from a true football lifer
 😂 Unfiltered opinions you may or may not agree with
 🌵 Snowbird life in Arizona
 🔥 Legendary confidence (borderline unbelievable)
 🎧 A guest you’ll never forget

Whether you love him, question him, or laugh the entire way through—Pop is a Local Legend in every sense of the word.

👉 Hit play and decide for yourself…
 Are you a 7 or higher?

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

Sophia: my favorite daughter. A real old soul 
9yrs old and legit gets me through life everyday with wisdom and calmness. 
Doesn’t take shit. 

Episode: Sophia — My Favorite Daughter (Yeah that’s right)
Meet Sophia—my favorite daughter (yes, we said it), a 9-year-old old soul, and quite possibly the calmest, wisest human in the room… even when surrounded by adults who should know better.
Sophia is the kind of kid who gets you through life one grounded sentence at a time. She brings wisdom beyond her years, a peaceful presence you can’t teach, and a confidence that says “I know who I am, and I’m not here for nonsense.”Translation? She doesn’t take shit—and we fully support it.

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Jessica Benevento sits down with Sophia to uncover:
✨ Where her calm confidence comes from
✨ How a 9-year-old sees the world (and adults)
✨ Why wisdom has nothing to do with age
✨ Life advice you didn’t know you needed—from someone who means it

Sophia proves that legends aren’t always the loudest, the oldest, or the most decorated. Sometimes, they’re the quiet strength, the steady voice, and the reminder that boundaries and kindness can exist at the same time.
This episode will make you laugh, pause, and maybe rethink who the real grown-ups are.

👉 Press play and meet a Local Legend in the making.
Age: 9.
Soul: Timeless.
Tolerance for nonsense: Zero.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

In this extra special episode of Local Legends, Jess sits down with the youngest (and cutest) guest yet, her daughter, Sophia Cocuzza, and the real star of the show: her pet hedgehog, Boba T. 🦔💬Get ready for giggles, animal facts, and heartwarming moments as Sophia shares what it’s like to care for a hedgehog, why she named him Boba T, and what being a kid in a creative, entrepreneurial family is all about. From snack time to snuggle time, this episode is a reminder that legends come in all sizes...spikes and all.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

In this episode of Local Legends: Arizona Edition, I sit down with my Jersey girl turned Arizona queen, Alex “Rock” Murphy, aka Blondie. We laugh, reflect, and get real about everything from her booming hair business to getting married, raising kids, and navigating the raw, unfiltered reality of postpartum life. It’s heart, hustle, and a whole lot of laughs. Don’t miss it!

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

Mike Santini (Personal and athletic trainer here is Scottsdale AZ) joins Local Legends to share how his “machine mentality” transforms athletes into unstoppable forces and how setting positive intentions fuels success in sports, business, and life. We also hear real testimonials from some of Mike’s current and past clients who share how his training changed their performance and mindset.  @locallegendsaz @mentalityperformance.com

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

Join us for a sneak‑peek with Luis Gonzalez, he went from dreaming in the stands to stepping onto an MLB diamond. Hear how he turned what millions imagine into his everyday reality, and discover the grit, belief, and unexpected moments that made it possible.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

Welcome to the debut episode of our podcast! In this short video, we’re excited to introduce our very first guest, Brandi Powell, the heart and soul behind Village of the Valley. Brandi shares her powerful journey, the vision that led to the creation of her nonprofit, and how she’s dedicated to empowering abused women and transforming lives. Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation about healing, hope, and community support. Subscribe now and be part of a movement that turns trauma into triumph @villageofthevalley8374 ​

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

In this episode of Local Legends: Arizona Series, we sit down with Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, not just to talk baseball, but to explore the heart behind the hero. From his unforgettable game-winning hit in the 2001 World Series to his ongoing commitment to the Arizona community, Gonzo opens up about what it truly means to give back, stay grounded, and lead with purpose.

We dive into the power of showing up, the role of family, and how he’s using his platform to make a lasting impact in the Valley. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love stories of real leadership and heart, this conversation will leave you inspired.

These are the local legends shaping our communities.
Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations.
Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.