Sedona's Backstage Pass

Chef Lisa Dahl and Brandon McNeal-Strabala

Get ready for today’s inspiring episode of Sedona's Backstage Pass! First up, culinary icon Chef Lisa Dahl shares the inside scoop on the two forces who work extensively with her behind the scenes to help make the magic happen. She also tells us about the massive, long-awaited Dahl & Deluca kitchen renovation and her beautiful documentary, Blessed By Grace, now in national distribution this September. My 2nd guest is the multifaceted artist, Ecstatic Dance producer, and writer Brandon McNeal-Strabala for a deeply intimate conversation regarding his late wife Danielle Elise Claire, who is the inspiration for his book, Dancing Beyond Cancer, and the heaven-sent synchronicity that brought him to his current wife, dancer-choreographer Danielle. Be sure to tune in!

Debbie Johnson and Randy Rieger

Get ready for an episode packed with fun, WiLD travel tales, and community spirit! First, Debbie Johnson, owner of Cleaner Quicker Car Wash, spills the beans on her recent getaway to France, the real-talk challenges of stepping away as an entrepreneur, and what it is like returning to the daily grind. Then, we pull back the curtain to meet Randy Rieger, VP and Marketer at Red Rock TV Channel 16. Randy shares not only how they keep visitors and locals connected to the best of Sedona, but also a fun look at his own story off-camera. Tune in for a fantastic conversation to enjoy today!

David Dimler and Glenn Scarpelli: Behind the Scenes and In the Spotlight

Join me for an electrifying episode where the worlds of fine dining and classic Hollywood collide! First, I explore the life of David Dimler, the powerhouse Wine Director and CFO of the Dahl Restaurant Group, who serves as a master implementer, working his magic behind the scenes for Chef Lisa Dahl. This is a rare look into his personal journey, from his roots in London to his pivotal role in managing a culinary empire—be sure to tune in for these illuminating insights. Then, the energy shifts as I welcome stage and screen icon Glenn Scarpelli for an intimate, heart-to-heart conversation. I am taking a nostalgic and insightful deep dive into the high-stakes world of child stardom, spanning his early days on Broadway to his unforgettable, fan-favorite tenure on the hit sitcom One Day at a Time. It’s a masterclass in versatility, resilience, and the stories that shaped two incredible careers—be sure to catch this episode!

Nate Meyers & Larry Rosenberg - Saddle Up & Speak Out:

This week on Sedona’s Backstage Pass, I’m diving into the heart and soul of our town! First, I’m joined by Nate Meyers, the Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum. He takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming National Day of the Cowboy and shares the fascinating, rugged history of filmmaking right here in our community. Then, I switch gears for an intimate and deeply moving conversation with the effervescent poet, entertainer, and coach, Larry Rosenberg. I’m pulling back the curtain on his incredible journey, exploring the experiences that shaped his path and led him to become the inspiring person he is today. Be sure to join me for this mix of Sedona legends and soulful storytelling!

Luke Sefton and Kara Barnes

Celebrate this July 4th with a special look at service, wilderness, and creative entrepreneurship! First, I sit down with Luke Sefton, owner of Sefton Engineering, to discuss his personal experiences in the National Guard and his reflections on American history. Then, we are joined by Kara Barnes, Events and Programs Manager at the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, who shares her fascinating journey as a wilderness guide, wedding coordinator, and the inspiration behind the exciting new business she’s currently building.

Leading with Purpose & Life’s Journeys: Scott Yates and Rev. Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson. Join me on Sedona’s Backstage Pass for an inspiring conversation featuring creative IT wizard and culinary leader Scott Yates of the Dahl Restaurant Group, and the thoughtful, engaging Reverend Anthony Mtuaswa Johnson of the Sedona Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. We go behind the scenes with Scott to uncover the deep-rooted "why" behind his creative approach to managing the technology and operations across all six of Chef Lisa Dahl's celebrated restaurants. Then, I sit down for an intimate look at the life and journey of Rev. Johnson, tracing his path from his formative childhood values to a fascinating career in radio and television. It’s a heartfelt episode that captures the stories of the people who make our community unique—please tune in for this must-hear discussion.

Episode 60: Luke Sefton and Terrie Frankel: Two stories, one milestone.

Join me for Episode 60 of Sedona’s Backstage Pass for two deeply intimate, soul-stirring conversations. First, I sit down with Luke Sefton of Sefton Engineering, who shares his "Why" in an incredibly raw and vulnerable conversation; his passion for the Community Land Trust and his crusade to ensure every family has the dignity and security of owning their own home is deeply moving, reflecting a level of commitment that truly speaks to the heart of his mission. Then, I talk with Terrie Frankel as we reflect on her 1968 USO tour in Vietnam, where she and her late identical twin sister, Jennie—famously known as the "Doublemint Twins"—performed for the troops; Terrie shares heart-wrenching memories of the soldiers they performed for, and a legendary night where she and Jennie crashed a party. Find out which music mega-star Terrie had an undeniable connection with that could have led to a private evening—had they not been escorted out of the shindig! Listen now to an episode that touches the heart.

Nate Meyers & A.G. Billig—USA History, Personal Roots, and the Power of Story

Join me for a conversation that spans from our local history to the power of your own personal story! First, I’m sitting down with Nate Meyers, the Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, to dive into the upcoming America’s Semiquincentennial and uncover some truly fascinating, little-known facts about our great USA. Then, I’m shifting gears to the world of writing with A.G. Billig, a brilliant publishing strategist and author coach. We touch on her incredible personal journey living in Romania as a child, and she shares the secret sauce on how experts turn their knowledge into books that attract clients. Whether you’re a history buff or an aspiring author, you'll want to tune it to this episode!

Scott Yates (Dahl Restaurant Group) & Artist Brenda Man Fletcher

Get ready for a powerhouse double-feature in Part 2 of our backstage hang! First, we’re plugging back in with the brilliant Scott Yates of the Dahl Restaurant Group to uncover the high-tech magic, tech wizardry, and IT genius that keeps Sedona’s most legendary dining experiences running flawlessly behind the scenes. Scott also pulls back the curtain on what it’s really like to pull off high-stakes food events across the country, dishing on the intense tension, split-second demands, and behind-the-scenes chaos of executing legendary culinary spectacles like the Devour Food Festival. Then, the incredibly talented artist Brenda Man Fletcher joins the studio for a vibrant, soul-stirring chat exploring the boundless world of art, followed by an intimate, deeply moving conversation sharing her unique personal experiences as an Asian woman navigating the world during the height of COVID in 2020 and the years that followed. It’s a beautiful mix of tech, triumphs, and profound personal stories you absolutely want to tune in for!

Unveiling the Talents of Scott Yates & Lisa Schatz Glinsky! Get ready for an episode packed with untold stories! This week, I’m starting behind the scenes with Scott Yates—the creative IT Wizard and photographer pulling the strings for the famous Dahl Restaurant Group. Get to know his fascinating roots and how he masterfully blends art and technology. Then, I’m sitting down with my fabulous Dead Quilters castmate, Lisa Schatz Glinsky. She’s pulling back the curtain on some highly surprising, jaw-dropping stories from her roots as a professional singer and actor! I’m digging deep into their backgrounds to find out what truly makes these local powerhouses tick. You won't want to miss this one!