Amazing Arizonans

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Arizona icon Jan D’Atri. Jan has been a superstar on valley radio and television for decades. She is a very successful restauranteur and chef. Using her media notoriety and her expertise both in front of and behind the camera. She has carved out an amazing career. She is respected for her exceptional talent in media, in business and in the kitchen. She has taken all those skills and become one of the most recognized names in Arizona. I met Jan early in my radio career and loved her enthusiasm and professionalism. We share a love for serving the community and of cooking. Her cook books are considered a must have for many amateur cooks (like me) and professional chefs. She has taken her love for cooking and for teaching and teaches sold out cooking classes in north Scottsdale. Jan is a wonderful and inspiring person. I hope you enjoy our conversation.

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. His law enforcement career spanned over 30 years. He was a police officer in Phoenix for 21 years. For seven of those years, he headed up the “Silent Witness” program, which encouraged witness to submit tips anonymously and help solve crimes. In 2012, Penzone ran, but lost, to then Joe Arpaio for sheriff of Maricopa County. In 2016 he was elected to the first of two terms as Sheriff. He stepped down from the office in January of this year.    In this episode, we talk about Penzone’s career in law enforcement. He shared with me his successes and what he will miss about the job. But in this discussion, I learned a lot about the other aspects of his life. He talks about his faith and how it motivates him to serve the community in other ways and how it makes him strive to be a better person. We discuss the diverse ways he has served and the unique way he is serving now in his new position at Blue Cross Blue Shield. It is always interesting to learn more about someone you know. I thought I knew Paul well. But I loved getting to learn about the civilian servant that he is now. Paul Penzone is a remarkably interesting man who has accomplished a lot in his life, and he’s not done yet. Amazing Arizonans is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts. The podcast, which debuted in June 2023, has had more than 20 episodes spotlighting some of the best and brightest to come out of the Grand Canyon State. Previous guests on the podcast include Jerry Colangelo, Michael Crow, Jan Brewer and Doug Ducey.  

On this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Rick Romley. He’s a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong public servant, and longtime Republican political figure in Arizona. I met Romley in 2003 while he was Maricopa County Attorney. Today, he continues to serve his fellow veterans as a judge in Veterans Court. You’ll hear Romley’s amazing story. He joined the Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam in 1968. He was seriously injured in combat and a few months later he lost his best friend during the war. That deep loss motivated him to serve the veteran community for decades. He talked about the creation of the Veterans Court and shared some examples of lives that were changed through this process. He shares how it is helping veterans stay out of the traditional courtrooms with early intervention and assistance from the VA. Among many other awards, he was named the Outstanding Disabled American Veteran of the year in 2001. Romley served as Maricopa County Attorney for nearly two decades. He was first elected in 1988 and served through 2004. Then again served as interim for a few months in 2010. He believed victims’ rights should be protected and so he made that a priority in seeking and maintaining the office. Rick is a good man who has served Arizona for a long time. I hope you enjoy the conversation. Amazing Arizonans is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts. The podcast, which debuted in June 2023, has had more than 20 episodes spotlighting some of the best and brightest to come out of the Grand Canyon State. Previous guests on the podcast include Jerry Colangelo, Michael Crow, Jan Brewer and Doug Ducey.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with long time Valley radio host John Holmberg. He’s the morning drive host of “Holmberg’s Morning Sickness” on 97.9 KUPD.  John is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. He was raised here in the Valley. His local perspective and knowledge of current events is a big part of his success. His humor is raw and cutting. He does voices as well as many of the celebrities you see on TV and in movies. I’ve been a fan for a very long time. He is one of the funniest and most intelligent people I’ve met. I think you’re going to like this conversation as much as I did. 

My guest on Amazing Arizonans is Christine Jones. Christine has an incredible story. Taking a job as legal counsel for a small company called GoDaddy, never imagining that she’d be on the cutting edge of the future of the internet. Working on legislation that deals with privacy and protection. After her time at GoDaddy she ran for Governor of Arizona and she ran for a House seat as well. She has a number of thriving businesses. She’s a philanthropist. Giving back to a multitude of causes. You’re going to lover her story. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with one of the most prolific names in Arizona, Jerry Colangelo. Talking about the history of the Phoenix Suns was incredible. His stories of how the Suns started were amazing. We talked about the biggest names in Suns history including the iconic voice of the Suns Al McCoy. The story of the Arizona Diamondbacks and winning the World Series in 2001 was awesome. But how that team was built was such a great look behind the curtain. We talked about USA Basketball and what it was like to return Team USA to international domination. He also tells us the role he played in naming another NBA franchise. I hope you love this conversation. Amazing Arizonans is available at KTAR.com, the KTAR News app and everywhere you get your podcasts.

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Captain Coyote Shane Doan. In my humble opinion he is one of the greatest captains in professional sports. His loyalty and tenacity is unmatched. He is an amazing combination of humble and extremely confident. It was a pleasure to get his perspective on his amazing career as an NHL player and now as an executive. We talk about the highlights. We talk about his faith. We talk about his family. Shane is truly a class act. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did. 

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with 1992 World Champion Bull Rider Cody Custer. It was my dream to be a bull rider and to learn the rodeo business. I had no idea that our friendship would impact so much of my life. Cody’s family is not only a big part of rodeo history, it is also a big part of Arizona history. We talk about his rodeo career, his part in the creation of the Professional Bull Riders and his efforts to train the next generation of bull riders. He is a lifelong friend and someone I admire very much. 

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.