Amazing Arizonans

The goal of Amazing Arizonans is to let the audience see and hear amazing stories from legendary Arizonans. Pat McMahon certainly qualifies. Of course, we talk about the glory days of the Wallace and Ladmo show and his radio, television and music career. But we also learn about his early life. Born in Kansas. Going to college in Iowa. His time in the U.S. Army. How he ended up in Phoenix Arizona and what made him want to live here. Pat has played a part in many people’s childhoods. He’s also interviewed some of the biggest names in America and the world.

Pat is a great person and I know you’re going to love his story. 

The word legend is often overused. But when it comes to my guest on Amazing Arizonans it is definitely appropriate. I had the privilege of talking with former Suns broadcaster Al McCoy. Discussing his humble roots growing up on a farm in Iowa and his dream of being in radio.

He describes being told that he was never going to be a good broadcaster and how he never gave up on his dream. His memories of the Suns and the great names that have been a part of the franchise are captivating. Al has some peers in the business. But there is none better in the industry than him. But the best part of this podcast is that he is a better man than he is a broadcaster. He is kind, genuine, humble and good.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with this legend. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with Paula Pedene. If you’re a veteran, you are probably familiar with Mrs. Pedene. She is a Navy veteran and worked for the Phoenix VA for decades. She was a central part of two separate whistleblower cases at the VA. The best  known case was the falsification of patient care documents. The VA was reporting that patients were getting care much faster than they actually were.

Paula shares her story of being stripped of her job, office, cell phone and even her VA email address. She was eventually vindicated, and the leaders of the VA were held accountable. Her story is compelling. I hope you enjoy it.

In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have a conversation with Kirk Nurmi. Kirk is best known for being the attorney for convicted murderer Jodi Arias. But his life after defending Ms. Arias is truly remarkable.

I met Kirk because I (like many people) assumed that he came up with the defense strategy for Ms. Arias. After watching a documentary about the case, I realized that I was wrong and had Kirk as a guest on my show to apologize. His books “Trapped With Ms. Arias” tell a harrowing story. He believes that the stress of that trial caused him to develop cancer. His story of beating cancer and reclaiming his life is truly inspirational. I hope you enjoy the conversation. 

In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have the privilege of talking with the Adjutant of the Arizona National Guard General Kerry Muehlenbeck. The General commands both the Army National Guard and the Air Guard.

General Muehlenbeck was a great athlete. From high school, to college and eventually playing for the Army on the national softball team. She is a professor at heart and loves teaching. Her command skills were recognized by many.

She was asked to command the Arizona National Guard. We talk about her unlikely path to command and her love for the people she commands and serves with. She is down to earth, intelligent and a great leader. I think after this podcast you’ll admire her as much as I do. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have a great conversation with CEO of the Arizona Cardinals Michael Bidwill. Most people know him for his time with the Cardinals. What most people don’t know is that Michael was a federal prosecutor before taking over the team from his father. Hearing the story of what led him to a life in public service is fascinating.

Of course, we talk Cardinals football. The amazing players and the run to a Super Bowl and some of the great players like Larry Fitzgerald, Pat Tillman, Ron Wolfley and others. One of the most compelling moments was when we talked about Pat Tillman and the legacy he left in the organization. He told me an incredible story of service and that Pat wasn’t the first Cardinal to serve his country in combat. You’re gonna LOVE that story. Mr. Bidwill has so many interesting stories and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with the President and CEO of St. Vincent De Paul Shannon Clancy.

I’ve had the privilege to know Shannon for over a decade. I not only love what they do at SVDP but I love the way they do it. Their mission is to feed, cloth, house and heal people in the community. It is a huge mission that requires focus and dedication of employees, donors and volunteers. But it also requires great leadership. Shannon shares her heart to serve the community. What caused her to take on a life of service and why she is so proud of the work they do at SVDP.

We talk about some of the amazing things they do to rehouse people experiencing homelessness. How they try to keep people housed and addressing the medical and dental needs of the working class families in Arizona. The enormity of their reach is inspiring. I hope you enjoy learning more about them.

     When I came up with the concept for the Amazing Arizonans podcast it was to share stories like Ron Wolfley’s.

Ron is truly one of my favorite people. Most people are aware of him being a former NFL star for the Arizona Cardinals and a former Pro Bowler. He is also the voice of the Arizona Cardinals & cohost of the Wolf and Luke Show on Arizona Sports. He has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. But Ron is one of the kindest and humble people I know. For someone who is so accomplished in multiple industries, he is selfless.

We talk about things he is passionate about faith, family and football. Ron has a way of getting everyone around him fired up. I think you’re going to love this podcast. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Arizona icon Jan D’Atri. Jan has been a superstar on valley radio and television for decades. She is a very successful restauranteur and chef.

Using her media notoriety and her expertise both in front of and behind the camera. She has carved out an amazing career. She is respected for her exceptional talent in media, in business and in the kitchen. She has taken all those skills and become one of the most recognized names in Arizona. I met Jan early in my radio career and loved her enthusiasm and professionalism.

We share a love for serving the community and of cooking. Her cook books are considered a must have for many amateur cooks (like me) and professional chefs. She has taken her love for cooking and for teaching and teaches sold out cooking classes in north Scottsdale. Jan is a wonderful and inspiring person. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with long time Valley radio host John Holmberg. He’s the morning drive host of “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness” on 97.9 KUPD. 

John is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. He was raised here in the Valley. His local perspective and knowledge of current events is a big part of his success. His humor is raw and cutting. He does voices as well as many of the celebrities you see on TV and in movies.

I’ve been a fan for a very long time. He is one of the funniest and most intelligent people I’ve met. I think you’re going to like this conversation as much as I did. 

My guest on Amazing Arizonans is Christine Jones.

Christine has an incredible story. Taking a job as legal counsel for a small company called GoDaddy, never imagining that she’d be on the cutting edge of the future of the internet.

Working on legislation that deals with privacy and protection. After her time at GoDaddy she ran for Governor of Arizona and she ran for a House seat as well.

She has a number of thriving businesses. She’s a philanthropist. Giving back to a multitude of causes. You’re going to lover her story. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Captain Coyote Shane Doan. In my humble opinion he is one of the greatest captains in professional sports.

His loyalty and tenacity is unmatched. He is an amazing combination of humble and extremely confident.

It was a pleasure to get his perspective on his amazing career as an NHL player and now as an executive. We talk about the highlights. We talk about his faith. We talk about his family. Shane is truly a class act. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with 1992 World Champion Bull Rider Cody Custer.

It was my dream to be a bull rider and to learn the rodeo business. I had no idea that our friendship would impact so much of my life. Cody’s family is not only a big part of rodeo history, it is also a big part of Arizona history.

We talk about his rodeo career, his part in the creation of the Professional Bull Riders and his efforts to train the next generation of bull riders. He is a lifelong friend and someone I admire very much. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with David McIntyre the President and CEO of Triwest Healthcare Alliance. Years ago Triwest was the insurance provider of the military in the western United States called “Tricare”.

     When it was discovered that the Veterans Administration was taking too long to provide care in a timely manner Senator McCain worked with Senator Sanders to get what became known as the “choice card” for veterans. Triwest was chosen to stand that program up.

Dave tells us the history of the program. Also, where it stands now and what the future holds. It is an interesting look at health care and the role Arizona plays in the veteran community.  

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans it is the second part of my conversation with Steve and Linda Hooper. They have over 50 years of experience with the FBI between them.

Linda describes excelling in a male dominated profession. How she was received by her colleagues and more of the cases she worked on.

Steve tells us about working on the Jared Loughner case in Tucson. Loughner pleaded guilty to 19 crimes in the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords and others. 

Steve and Linda Hooper are true heroes in my opinion. Both dedicated their careers to arrest and help convict some of the worst criminals in America. I hope you enjoy the conclusion of this 2 part conversation.