Amazing Arizonans

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.