Amazing Arizonans

I was invited to visit the Resolution Copper Mine. I was excited to go that far underground. What I didn't expect was to meet such great people that are very proud of this project. My guest is the President of Resolution Copper Vicky Peacey. I learned a lot about the organization and their mission. They have such a love for the people of Superior Arizona and the surrounding towns. She taught me about mining in general and about what the resolution Copper project means to the entire country. I know you're going to learn a lot from this conversation. I know that I did.

This week's episode features a Phoenix entrepreneur who is opening doors to other Latina business owners in the valley. Her name is Stephanie Vasquez. She's the owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective, both in downtown Phoenix. 

There are a few events that I consider Arizona signature events.

The WM Phoenix Open is definitely on top of that list. The Thunderbirds host this amazing tournament each year.

I sit down with the head of the organization, Chance Cozby. We talk about the massive growth of the tournament and the money that is raised.

The Thunderbirds give millions of dollars to Arizona nonprofit organizations. Chance also has a huge social media following. He posts his recipes and cooking skills and has amassed about a million followers online. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 30, 2024. 

In Arizona, Tarbell's Restaurant is iconic and behind its success is a legend in the industry. Mark Tarbell sits down with Mike Broomhead on this episode of Amazing Arizonans to talk about his talent and passion for creating incredible food and more. 

I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr.

Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring announcer. He’s worked some of the biggest fights in the world on some of the biggest platforms. He is a humble and gracious man that gives back generously in his community. His positive energy is contagious. I hope you like the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 1, 2025.

I love talking with people that are elite at their job, and this guest on Amazing Arizonans certainly qualifies.

Tom Lehman is one of the greatest golfers of his generation. He was ranked No. 1 in the world and is a major champion. Plus, he continues to play competitive golf.

I’m always interested in how someone develops into an elite competitor.

In this episode, we talk about work ethics, confidence, family and faith. He is a very interesting man, and he lives here in Arizona. I hope you like the conversation. I know I sure did!

If you’re football fan, you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans: Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.

On this episode, McMahon and I talk about his time at Brigham Young University, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he decided to settle here in metro Phoenix.

My first NFL game was in the Orange Bowl for Monday Night Football when the Bears lost their only game of the season to the Dolphins, so this was a fun conversation for me. I hope you enjoy it. This episode was originally published on June 4th, 2025. 

I had the privilege of sitting down with Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson for this episode of Amazing Arizonans.

Randy is such an interesting person. He was a photographer in college at USC before his baseball career. It is his passion now. He describes how he has turned it into a career now.

We discuss his Hall of Fame baseball career, his time in Arizona and earning the World Series MVP. It’s definitely a great conversation with another amazing Arizonan. This episode was originally published on Jun 11, 2025. 

In this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Monica Villalobos. Monica is the President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but she does so much more in the community. We talk about lobbying for Hispanic owned business and their impact to the overall economy. She is a mentor to many, a person of influence, plus she's a well respected voice on the economy and business growth.

One of the most intriguing stories of my 30 years in Arizona is that of Governor Fife Symington III. A very successful businessman who like many before him decided to serve in our government. The most memorable of his time in office has to be the Phoenix Lights phenomenon. We spend a lot of time talking about him witnessing the event and the aftermath. After leaving office he went to culinary school and became a successful restaurateur. He also owns and operates a culinary school of his own. He has so many great stories and perspectives about Arizona. I hope you like the conversation.

I have had the privilege of talking with so many great people on Amazing Arizonans. But I have never had a bigger response to a guest than in this episode.

My guest is Frank Sloup. You know him as “Fridays with Frank” on social media.

Frank is arguably the most recognizable cop on social media. Almost a half dozen people in our building waited to meet him and get photos.

He is a deputy in Pinal County and is known for his interactions with people during traffic stops.

We talk about his rise in popularity and what it is like getting recognized everywhere he goes.

He has a long and very accomplished career in law enforcement. He is a fascinating person and a great storyteller. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on September 3, 2025. 

Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport.

We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting.

We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. But her attitude is remarkable. You’ll learn how she’s taken the accident and used it as an opportunity to influence a different group of people.

This episode was originally published on August 27, 2025.

There are so many great people in Arizona and my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans is certainly among the very best. His name is Steve Zabilski. I met Steve when he was the CEO of St. Vincent De Paul in Phoenix. He remains on their board, but he is now the CEO of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

 Steve has dedicated his life to philanthropy, with his success in the business world allowing him the ability to do this great work. Steve is truly one of the unsung heroes that works diligently to help people in need. He is truly an “Amazing Arizonan" and I hope you enjoy the conversation.

General Mick McGuire speaks his mind, it’s why I love our conversations. He’s been a fighter pilot, the Adjutant General of the Arizona national Guard and a candidate for the U.S. Senate. We discuss leadership and one of the most controversial times in his tenure as the Adjutant General when he refused to send National Guard troops to Washington DC after January 6th 2021. He gives us a look behind the scenes in the days that followed. He is an interesting man with a great history, I hope you enjoy the conversation.

I met one of the most interesting and inspirational people for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Her name is Barbara Barrett. She is an ASU graduate. She has been an ambassador, Secretary of the Air Force and started the U S Space Force. She’s worked for two U S Presidents and continues to impact American policy. She talks about being inspired by her friend Sandra Day O’Connor. Raised on a farm and rising to the high positions in American government. I think you’re going to be inspired by her.   

I love Amazing Arizonans because we can take the time to learn more about the people that make our community better. Peoria mayor Jason Beck definitely qualifies. Jason is a very successful businessman. He has built a multimillion dollar company called TYR Tactical. Building body armor and armor plating for military and police departments all over the world. He brings his business mind to leading the city as well. His story is so inspirational when you hear of his humble beginning. I hope you enjoy the discussion.

What would you do if you found yourself in a life or death situation? My guest this week on Amazing Arizonans found himself in that situation. His name is Thomas Yoxall. Driving to California very early one morning he drove past an accident scene on the I10. He saw a suspect brutally beating a DPS Trooper. Thomas was forced to shoot the suspect to save the troopers life. He describes that day and how it changed his life. He is a humble man of deep faith. I hope you love this episode.

I love meeting people with amazing stories. It is why Amazing Arizonans is such a fun podcast to do. In this episode I talk with Bobb Cooper. Bobb spent 27 years as the Executive Director of the Valley Youth Theater. There have been many well know stars of stage and screen that had their careers launched at the Valley Youth Theater. Bobb talks about his love for the theater and his love for investing in the lives of young people. We had never met before. But by the end of the podcast, I felt like I was talking with an old friend. I hope you love this conversation.

I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr.

Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring announcer. He’s worked some of the biggest fights in the world on some of the biggest platforms. He is a humble and gracious man that gives back generously in his community. His positive energy is contagious. I hope you like the conversation.

In this powerful episode of Amazing Arizonans, I sit down with Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a man whose life and work embody courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to both faith and country.

Dr. Jasser is no stranger to the spotlight. A respected physician, U.S. Navy veteran and outspoken advocate for reform within the Muslim faith, he has spent the past two decades challenging extremism. Since the attacks of 9/11, Dr. Jasser has been a leading voice against radical ideologies.

Steven Brophy, the president and CEO of the Aztec Land and Cattle Company, joins Amazing Arizonans. It's one of our biggest private landowners.

Amazing Arizonans is presented by Resolution Copper.

This week I sit down with the head of Arizona Public Service, Ted Geisler. Ted is an Arizona native and grew up working for APS. We discuss the balance between the cost of building and maintaining a reliable power grid and the cost to APS customers. We talk about the different ways that electricity is made and delivered in Arizona. From traditional power generation, to solar, wind, hydro electric and the Palo Verde Nuclear power plant in the west valley. Ted is a very interesting person. It is obvious from our conversation that he has a deep love for Ariona and great pride in the people at APS. I hope that you enjoy the conversation.

I have had the privilege of talking with so many great people on Amazing Arizonans. But I have never had a bigger response to a guest than in this episode.

My guest is Frank Sloup. You know him as “Fridays with Frank” on social media.

Frank is arguably the most recognizable cop on social media. Almost a half dozen people in our building waited to meet him and get photos.

He's a deputy in Pinal County and is known for his interactions with people during traffic stops. We talk about his rise in popularity and what it is like getting recognized everywhere he goes.

He has a long and very accomplished career in law enforcement. He is a fascinating person and a great storyteller. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

We kick off the new season of Amazing Arizonans with a legitimate superstar! Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport. We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting. We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. But her attitude is remarkable. You’ll learn how she’s taken the accident and used it as an opportunity to influence a different group of people. I think this is the perfect way to start the new season. 

I had the privilege of sitting down with Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Randy is such an interesting person, he was a photographer at USC before his baseball career and now it's his passion. We discuss his Hall of Fame baseball career, his time in Arizona and earning the World Series MVP. Definitely a great conversation with another Amazing Arizonan.