Amazing Arizonans

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. 

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.