Amazing Arizonans

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. 

This edition of Amazing Arizonans is a look back at 9/11. These are significant stories from people in Arizona who were connected directly to 9/11 and the days that followed. I hope that we never forget that day and how it changed our world. I hope these stories help keep that memory alive. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     In honor of 9/11 I talk with 2 men who were directly connected to Ground Zero in Manhattan. Mike Angelone was an FDNY firefighter. He retired in 1993 and moved to Arizona where he became a successful contractor. He tells us about the lifelong friends he lost that day and what happened when he traveled to Ground Zero to help with the search and rescue. Mike McAvoy is also from New York. His brother John was a firefighter who bravely ran into the World Trade Center that morning and gave his life serving his community. Mike’s best friend Jimmy was working in the Trade Center that day and also perished. Mike shares his memories of his brother and his best friend. Both of these men endured incredible loss that day. This podcast is a tribute to all of the survivors. I hope America never forgets the tragedy of that day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with CEO of the 100CLUB Angela Harrolle. We discuss the organization and what they do to support first responders and their families. She tells us about losing her husband in a line of duty accident and having to tell her young children. The fight that followed to make sure survivors stay insured. Angela is one the best people I know. Her life story is truly inspiring. I hope you enjoy this conversation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with a hero of mine, J. David Sloan plays a big role in my early days in Arizona. He was the owner of the iconic country bar in Phoenix Mr. Lucky’s. His band Western Bred has been a country music fixture for decades. We talk about how he came to own Mr. Lucky’s, his music career and the relationships he has built. This conversation is a great look at some Arizona music history. I hope you like it as much as I did.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with FOX10 Anchor John Hook. He’s been in the Valley for over 20 years and remains one of the most popular and most recognizable faces in Valley media. His perspectives are thought provoking. His career is remarkable. I loved this conversation and I hope that you do too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging conversation, Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, shares his vision for transforming education. He discusses the challenges of innovation in higher ed, emphasizing a culture of openness and community. The significance of the Cronkite School's role in journalism is highlighted, as well as the current media landscape's complexities. Additionally, Crow reflects on the importance of educational equity and ASU's transition in college athletics, focusing on the balance between sports and academics.

 On This edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez. I met Gonzo in 2004. But like most of Arizona, I was a fan years before that. Of course we talked about his amazing career, including getting the game winning hit to beat the New York Yankees in the 2001 World Series for the Diamondbacks. There is so much more to learn about Gonzo, he's dedicated to his family and his community. We talk about public service and how much he embraces being a mentor to this young Diamondbacks team.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with former Arizona Governor Jan Brewer. Governor Brewer explains that it was an interest in running for a school board seat that motivated her to run for the state legislature and eventually the Secretary of State. We talk about her finding out that Governor Napolitano was taking a position in the Obama administration and she was going to be the Governor. She doesn’t hold back with any of her opinions. I love this conversation and I hope you do too. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.