When Jim Ford retired as Scottsdale deputy fire chief, it ended a remarkable 47-year career of fighting fires and saving lives in the city. Most important, he was the man behind the city adopting an automatic sprinkler ordinance that has been a model for cities across the world. Jim may have retired from the Scottsdale department but he’s not done serving his community. Find what he’s doing to help Cave Creek establish its fire department and be treated to some fascinating stories that have marked his career.

Through 100-plus podcasts, we have featured people and organizations that contribute to making Scottsdale’s quality of life the best in Arizona. This week, we flip the mic to focus on our own podcast partner, Kevin Maxwell. In a few days Kevin will be honored with the Hodges Award from Scottsdale Leadership, and joins a list of some of the city’s most influential leaders, past and present. Tune in and discover a few things you might not know about Kevin … and find out why he’s so deserving of this award.

Go backstage with Arizona Musicfest CEO Allan Naplan and you will be amazed at the growth, the variety and scope of programing and the impact the organization has on Scottsdale. Allan, a former opera singer, has led the organization through a remarkable period of growth since his arrival in 2013. In addition to top-flight diverse concerts, from the Festival Orchestra to entertainers of all sorts, the organization has a full lineup of music education, youth performance and community engagement programs that benefit the city.

Sarah Kearney is leading the Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale, which has a goal to make the city a healthier and happier place for current and future generations. Early next year, she and her team will be unveiling plans to invite everyone in the city to play a part. Listen in for a preview for what that’s all about and to check on the progress the group already has made along the way.

signature events, growing every year in attendance and programming. It takes a full-time, year-round effort to pull it all off. Meet Brian Passey, communications manager for Scottsdale Arts, which organizes the event. Learn how his group has achieved its success, highlights of this year’s event and aspirations for how this could grow even bigger in the years to come.

Caring for loved ones who need assistance can be a challenge. Bina Colman of Scottsdale discovered that when caring for her dad while working full time while being a mother and a wife. That sparked an idea and she created a business, Compassionate Callers. Her company provides services – from daily phone check-ins to virtual programs – that let families know their loved ones have a friendly voice to ensure they are getting the attention and care they need.

Shannon Easton did something no other woman had ever done before: become an official in the National Football League. Listen in to follow along her amazing journey, breaking through barriers in a male-dominated sport and setting a path for other women to follow. Shannon, now a director of officials for the Canyon Athletic Association, wrote a book sharing the struggles and victories she had along the way to the NFL. Shannon’s story is an inspiration for both men and women alike.

Hosts: Don H. & Raul Z.

In November, Scottsdale voters will be asked to approve a Maintenance and Operations override measure for the Scottsdale Unified School District. Listen in as Libby Hart-Wells, governing board member, and Patty Beckman, co-chair of the Yes to Children’s Campaign, explain why it’s needed and how it will work. The measure supports the people and programs that have continued to make the district one of the best in Arizona.

Today & Tomorrow in Scottsdale has reached its 100th episode milestone. Over the past 2.5 years, we’ve interviewed 100 people and organizations that contribute to the unique fabric of our city. We invited a special group of them to join us in our centennial episode – a community stars’ reunion – as dozens more of our past guests watched in an event to celebrate all of their accomplishments. Our mission now carries forward as we look ahead to feature countless others in the coming year.

Few people have had a greater impact on our community than Sam Campana. From her role in helping to create Scottsdale Leadership to her stint on the city council and term as mayor to her support of the arts and our environment. Pick an important topic that’s been a boost for our community and it’s likely that Sam’s fingerprints are all over it! Listen in and learn a few new things about Sam, including what she is most proud of on her long list of achievements.