Amazing Arizonans

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.

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Gordon James owner of Gordon C. James Public Relations. Gordon has had an amazing career. He has been providing public relations for the Bush family for decades. In this discussion we talk about his close relationship with President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush and the entire Bush family. He tells us of his meeting with the Queen of England & his mistake during her visit to the White House that got worldwide attention. These behind the scenes stories are so compelling. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

     In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with “Hollywood” Don Yates. He uses the label of Rodeo Rock Star because in addition to being one of the best cowboy protectors in the sport of bull riding’s history, a WWE wrestler, American Gladiator, has his own line of whiskey and is now an accomplished country music performer.Don has one of the most interesting stories I have ever heard. His courage and talent is matched by his self confidence and determination to succeed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Steve and Linda Hooper. They've dedicated their lives to public service and safety. Both have worked on some of the most well known FBI cases such as the DC sniper and the mass shooting in Tucson. You’ll learn the behind the scenes things that helped solve cases. Other stories of bringing people to justice and what it’s like to work in such a high stress and dangerous job as husband and wife. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Amazing Arizonans I talk with President of the Arizona Diamondbacks Derrick Hall. How does a young guy who struggled to get a job in Major League Baseball become the president of a major league franchise?  I really enjoyed my time with Derrick and I hope you enjoy it too. You can find Amazing Arizonans at KTAR.com, the KTAR News App, or wherever you get your podcasts!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike's joined by former Phoenix Police officer Jason Schechterle and they discuss a few things people don't know about Jason and how he developed his positive attitude. Then they get into the horrific accident Jason survived which made him so well known and what his early days on the Phoenix Police force were like including some of the lessons he learned. They wrap up discussing what Jason said to the firefighters who helped him get out of his patrol car and what his recovery was like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.