Amazing Arizonans

If you’re a sports fan in Arizona you know the name Dan Bickley. No one knows more about Arizona sports than Dan. His dedication to the truth and the written word has made him an Arizona Icon. He’s an accomplished author and broadcaster as well. On the episode of Amazing Arizonans you’ll learn about his early days as a reporter. Who his mentors were and how he developed his unique style. Dan has a gift for capturing the emotion of the moment and make us feel like we are right there with him. Dan is one of my favorite people. I think you’re going to love this conversation.

I love country music. I moved to Arizona in early 1995. At that time their were three iconic country bands in Arizona. One of those bands is The Herndon Brothers. On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit with Ray Herndon. He shares stories of writing hit songs for some of the biggest stars in Country Music. We talk about his hits with McBride and the Ride. The legendary country bar Handlebar J’s that he still owns and operates. So if you love Arizona and are a country music fan, you’re going to love this conversation.

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, Mike Broomhead sits down with Jody Jackson. She is one Arizona’s most recognizable sports figures. She has reported on some of the greatest and most memorable moments in Arizona. She pulls the curtain back on the most important people and moments in Arizona sports.

Most people can’t say that they know a Supreme Court justice. Mike has had the privilege of knowing Justice Clint Bolick for a long time before he reached the Arizona Supreme Court. They sat down for a chat about his incredible career.

Mountainside Fitness CEO Tom Hatten has an incredible story. Having a vision to open a gym in the Valley to building an empire that is synonymous with fitness in Arizona. But the story of how difficult it was getting started and how close he was to closing first location is a story of determination and grit. Mike Broomhead sits down with Hatten in this episode of Amazing Arizonans. 

Our guest this week on Amazing Arizonans is a Superstar from the 80's. Supermodel Kim Alexis. Featured on over 500 magazine covers, including being featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition six times. She had a huge career in broadcasting and she continues to be an influencer and advocate for healthy living. Our conversation about faith is truly inspirational. She has an amazing life, I hope you love the conversation as much as we did.

This week's episode features an amazing musician, Shem von Schroeck. A Valley resident who has played with some of the greatest names in music. The singer, songwriter and composer has performed on the opera stage as well as with legendary acts like Toto, the Eagles, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia, Air Supply and many more.

This episode of Amazing Arizonans was so much fun for me. I met Randall Hedden at a charity function where he was performing and I was the emcee. He is an artist and is internationally know for his speed painting. His work is very popular and he’s raised over five million dollars for charity with his work. We talk about how he became a speed painter. His love of art and his love of giving to the community. I hope you enjoy the conversation and his work.

Marvin Young better known as Young MC is a valley resident known for some classic songs and is still making great music! On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with him about his career. Growing up in Queens New York and the beginning of hip hop, winning a Grammy for his mega hit "Bust A Move" and co-writing hits like "Funky Cold Medina" and "Wild Thing". He has a career that spans more than 4 decades. We talk about his new music and navigating the music industry. I hope you enjoy it.

For this installment of Amazing Arizonans, Mike sits down with Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Danny’s background and experience makes him very interesting. He’s helped shape public policy in many different ways, being a staffer for elected officials, including former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

President of Grand Canyon University, Brian Mueller is this week's guest on Amazing Arizonans. We talked about how the school came to be and what's to come in it's big future. 

I had the pleasure of talking with former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl for the episode of Amazing Arizonans. I met the Senator over twenty years ago. He is known as an expert on the U.S. Constitution and sat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also is an expert in water legislation and as a key figure in the Central Arizona Project. Ensuring water security throughout the western states. We get a behind the curtain look at some of the decisions that molded our state and our country. I hope you enjoy it.

This week on Amazing Arizonans we talk with Arizona’s Morning News co-anchor Jayme West and her amazing career in news.

Our guest for Amazing Arizonans this week is Jim Cross. Jim is a member of the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame and has spent 25 reporting for KTAR news. 

In the latest Amazing Arizonans podcast, former Congressman John Shadegg discusses growing up with a father who helped shape Maricopa County politics.

The American dream is alive and well. A perfect example of that story is this week's guest, Michael Zistatsis. Michael came to America and started working at Christo's as a busboy, eventually working his way up to manager and then a partner. His story truly exemplifies the American dream. I hope you enjoy it!

Chance Cozby is the Executive Director of the Thunderbirds, the organization that hosts the WM Phoenix Open. We talked about the massive growth of the tournament and the money that is raised. Cozby also posts his recipes and cooking skills and has amassed about a million followers online. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Bill Shover is one of the founding members of the Fiesta Bowl. The game has an economic and cultural impact on Arizona. Bill Shover had the idea of a bowl game in the desert to highlight the talent of the football teams from Arizona’s universities. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Karrin Taylor Robson is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. She was a member of the Arizona Board of Regents and a candidate for governor. Mrs. Robson's perspective on public service and giving to the community is inspirational. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

W. Steven Martin is a a country music DJ Hall of Famer. He has met the biggest names in country music. W. has raised awareness for the most worthwhile causes in the Valley. He’s done it all selflessly and humbly. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Jay Dobyns tells us the dangers he faced, the fallout that followed and his road back to civilian life. He’s written two books about his experiences, "No Angel" and "Catching Hell." His story is very compelling. I hope you enjoy it.

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has over 20 years in law enforcement and was a candidate for the United States Senate in 2024. But he has had such an interesting life. He’s lived all over the world. He served as a missionary in Argentina and volunteers all over Arizona. He tells us of a deeply moving experience he had while serving as a missionary and how it affected how he treats people. I hope you enjoy this conversation!