Amazing Arizonans

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.

If you’re football fan you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans, Super Bowl winning quarterback from the Chicago Bears Jim McMahon. He talks about his time at BYU, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he decided to settle here in the Valley.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans, I talked with Brad Blakeman. Mr. Blakeman has led an incredibly interesting life. He’s worked for four presidents. He’s traveled and worked all over the world. At a time where we are so politically divided, it’s great to get a perspective from someone that has been a part of so much history. Being with the president on 9/11 and telling the story of such personal loss is captivating. He has been a part of so many historical events. He’s a great storyteller and has an amazing memory. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Start your engines, you won’t want this conversation to speed on by. A Phoenix native and longtime community development executive, Latasha Causey, is the first female African American track president in NASCAR history and the second woman to hold the position at Phoenix Raceway. It was a pleasure to get to know her, I know you’ll enjoy it too.