Amazing Arizonans

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!

Jimmy Walker is one of the most interesting, motivating, humble and faithful people I’ve ever met! Celebrity Fight Night is a star-studded charity event that has become internationally known and attended. It was started by Jimmy as a way for professional athletes and international stars to raise money for charity. He is truly what Amazing Arizonans is all about. I hope you love this conversation.

The goal of Amazing Arizonans is to let the audience see and hear amazing stories from legendary Arizonans. Frank Caliendo certainly qualifies.  Frank is not only the best in the business as an impersonator, he is also a brilliant joke writer. He makes both look very easy. I loved talking with him about the creative process. For someone that is so well known and talented, he is soft spoken and humble. Hearing him do such familiar voices is incredible. But sitting next to him and watching him become the person he is impersonating is where you get to see just how talented he is.

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.