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Amazing Arizonans

by KTAR News

KTAR News’ Mike Broomhead sits down and visits with incredible people from around the state for Amazing Arizonans. You can listen or watch the interviews each week with a new episode being released on Wednesdays. Mike hosts The Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR News 92.3 from 8a-noon Monday-Friday.

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Episodes

  1. Favorite Episode: Amy Van Dyken

    Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport. We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting. We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down.…

    more
  2. Ron Sites, Fighter Country Foundation

    Most people in the valley are aware of the existence of Luke Air Force Base. But very few are aware of what happens there or the global impact that it has. Ron Sites is with Fighter Country Foundation. A nonprofit organization that supports the troops and the mission at Luke. Justa few of the...

  3. Howie Fischer, Capital Media Services

    If there was an important political story in Arizona it’s been covered by Howie Fischer of Capitol Media Services. Known for his knowledge of Arizona political history and his snarky style. Howie has been a fixture in Arizona journalism for decades. Talking with him was like an Arizona history…

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  4. Danny Zelisko, event promoter

    Old school Arizonans definitely remember Evening Star Productions and its creator Danny Zelisko. Danny brought so many great shows to the valley going all the way back to the 1970’s. He is a walking history book of music and entertainment. Now he is making his over fifty years of memorabilia...

  5. Lisa Notaro, St. Mary's Foodbank

    There are so many great nonprofit organizations in Arizona. One of the best is St. Mary’s Foodbank. I call them the O.G. because they are the first foodbank in America. Lisa Notaro is the Chief Philanthropy, Development and Marketing Officer for St, Mary’s foodbank. We talked about her passion to...

  6. Favorite Episode: Mike D'Antoni, Hall of Famer and former Suns Coach

    It’s a privilege to have a conversation with a Hall of Famer in any field. It’s even more special when they are a local legend and a fantastic human being. That describes former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni talks about his career and some great memories he has of being the coach of...

  7. Paul Yaffe, Arizona businessman

    I’ve owned motorcycles most of my time in Arizona. It is a great place to ride. One of the industry leaders in custom bikes is Paul Yaffe. His “Bagger Nation” is iconic in the industry. I was so anxious to sit down with him and learn about his company. He is a fascinating person. He is an artist...

  8. Barry Goldwater Jr., former U.S. Representative

    If there is one name that is synonymous with Arizona, it is Goldwater. For this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I had the privilege of talking with Barry Goldwater Jr. From growing up as the son of who is considered the father of modern conservatism to serving in the United States Congress, my...

  9. Darcy Olsen, child advocate

    I love hearing from people who quietly do great things. Darcy Olsen has impacted on the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable children. She is a brilliant woman with a long history of policymaking and policy influence. But her work protecting the rights of abused children is remarkable. Darcy...

  10. Favorite Episode: Dan Quayle, former Vice President of the United States

    We started the Amazing Arizonans podcast hoping to give you a look at the remarkable people who make Arizona their home. I never imagined that we’d have such a huge response. This week I talk with former Vice President Dan Quayle. He served as vice president under President George H.W. Bush. He…

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  11. Mike D'Antoni, Hall of Famer and former Suns Coach

    It’s a privilege to have a conversation with a Hall of Famer in any field. It’s even more special when they are a local legend and a fantastic human being. That describes former Phoenix Suns coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni talks about his career and some great memories he has of being the coach of...

  12. Mark and Carrie Schnepf, owners of Schnepf Farms

    One of our goals with the Amazing Arizonans podcast is to learn the history of iconic people and businesses that have been in Arizona for generations. Schnepf Farms qualifies. I had the privilege of sitting down with Mark and Carrie Schnepf. Learning the family history of farming was an Arizona...

  13. Mark Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's Restaurant and Iron Chef winner

    I am fascinated by the restaurant industry. Having the creative mind to create amazing dishes that people are willing to pay for combined with the business mind to make it profitable seems impossible. So when I have a chance to sit down with someone who does it at the highest level, I jump at the...

  14. Jordan Rose, Attorney

    Learning how the most successful people in any industry reached their success is one of the best things about Amazing Arizonans. Jordan Rose is not only one of the most successful attorneys in Arizona, but she is also a trailblazer and mentor to many women. Our conversation about her confidence…

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  15. Chef Gio Osso

    I love meeting creative and determined people. My guest on this edition of Amazing Arizonans is definitely both. Chef Gio Osso is recognized as one of the most talented in the country. He's a James Beard Award semifinalist. He owns two very successful restaurants in Scottsdale, Virtue Honest…

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  16. Favorite Episode: Stephanie Vasquez, owner of Fair-Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective

    I love this podcast because it introduces me to the most inspirational people. Case in point: Stephanie Vasquez, my guest this week. If you’ve ever grabbed a sip at Fair Trade Café in Phoenix, you have Stephanie to thank. And that’s just one of her ventures. She’s also the force behind Amor...

  17. Becky Lynn, KTAR anchor and Arizona Media Association Hall of Fame recipient

    I love it when good things happen to great people. Recently our own Becky Lynn Ottiger was inducted into the Arizona Media Association Hall of Fame. I have been a fan of Becky Lynn since the early days of Tim and Willy. She has been in the valley anchoring news casts for over 36 years. and I was...

  18. Sine Kerr, former state director for the USDA Farm Services Bureau

    Two of Arizona’s five C’s are cattle and cotton. Farmers and ranchers are a huge part of our history. They are also a big part of our current economy. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sine Kerr. The former state lawmaker is the state director for the USDA Farm Services Bureau. Kerr and her...

  19. Jeff Mastro & Oliver Badgio, restauranters

    I fell in love with the restaurant industry when I was 12 years old. I was hired as a busboy in a Chinese restaurant. I have done every job in the front and back of the house except for being a bartender. I admire any restaurateur who has the artistic ability to create amazing meals and the...

  20. Kristy Hayden, Wildlife World Zoo president

    Arizona's Wildlife World Zoo president Kristy Hayden is the latest guest on Amazing Arizonans podcast. She talks about how the Zoo started and what is next for the park out in the West Valley.

  21. Brandon Tatum, media personality

    Social media and podcasting platforms have allowed people with great stories and points of view to become very popular. My guest on this episode of Amazing Arizonans definitely fits that description. Brandon Tatum (@theofficertatum) has such an interesting background and story. An All American...

  22. Dan Quayle, former Vice President of the United States

    We started the Amazing Arizonans podcast hoping to give you a look at the remarkable people who make Arizona their home. I never imagined that we’d have such a huge response. This week I talk with former Vice President Dan Quayle. He served as vice president under President George H.W. Bush. He…

    more
  23. Victoria Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper

    I was invited to visit the Resolution Copper Mine. I was excited to go that far underground. What I didn't expect was to meet such great people that are very proud of this project. My guest is the President of Resolution Copper Vicky Peacey. I learned a lot about the organization and their…

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  24. Stephanie Vasquez, owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective

    This week's episode features a Phoenix entrepreneur who is opening doors to other Latina business owners in the valley. Her name is Stephanie Vasquez. She's the owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective, both in downtown Phoenix.

  25. Favorite Episode: Chance Cozby, Executive Director of the Thunderbirds

    There are a few events that I consider Arizona signature events. The WM Phoenix Open is definitely on top of that list. The Thunderbirds host this amazing tournament each year. I sit down with the head of the organization, Chance Cozby. We talk about the massive growth of the tournament and the...

  26. Mark Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's Restaurant and Iron Chef winner

    In Arizona, Tarbell's Restaurant is iconic and behind its success is a legend in the industry. Mark Tarbell sits down with Mike Broomhead on this episode of Amazing Arizonans to talk about his talent and passion for creating incredible food and more.

  27. Favorite Episode: Ramblin' Ralph, Ring Announcer

    I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr. Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring...

  28. Tom Lehman, professional golfer

    I love talking with people that are elite at their job, and this guest on Amazing Arizonans certainly qualifies. Tom Lehman is one of the greatest golfers of his generation. He was ranked No. 1 in the world and is a major champion. Plus, he continues to play competitive golf. I’m always…

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  29. Favorite episode: Jim McMahon, former Chicago Bears quarterback

    If you’re football fan, you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans: Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon. On this episode, McMahon and I talk about his time at Brigham Young University, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he...

  30. Favorite Episode: Randy Johnson

    I had the privilege of sitting down with Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Randy is such an interesting person. He was a photographer in college at USC before his baseball career. It is his passion now. He describes how he has turned it into a career now. We...

  31. Monica Villalobos, President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

    In this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Monica Villalobos. Monica is the President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but she does so much more in the community. We talk about lobbying for Hispanic owned business and their impact to the overall economy. She is a mentor to...

  32. Fife Symington III, former Governor of Arizona

    One of the most intriguing stories of my 30 years in Arizona is that of Governor Fife Symington III. A very successful businessman who like many before him decided to serve in our government. The most memorable of his time in office has to be the Phoenix Lights phenomenon. We spend a lot of time...

  33. Favorite Episode: Frank Sloup, Pinal County Deputy and social media sensation

    I have had the privilege of talking with so many great people on Amazing Arizonans. But I have never had a bigger response to a guest than in this episode. My guest is Frank Sloup. You know him as “Fridays with Frank” on social media. Frank is arguably the most recognizable cop on social media....

  34. Favorite Episode: Amy Van Dyken

    Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport. We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting. We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down.…

    more
  35. Steve Zabilski, Charity leader and former CEO of St. Vincent de Paul

    There are so many great people in Arizona and my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans is certainly among the very best. His name is Steve Zabilski. I met Steve when he was the CEO of St. Vincent De Paul in Phoenix. He remains on their board, but he is now the CEO of the Virginia G. Piper…

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  36. General Mick McGuire

    General Mick McGuire speaks his mind, it’s why I love our conversations. He’s been a fighter pilot, the Adjutant General of the Arizona national Guard and a candidate for the U.S. Senate. We discuss leadership and one of the most controversial times in his tenure as the Adjutant General when he...

  37. Barbara Barrett, Former Ambassador and Secretary of the Air Force

    I met one of the most interesting and inspirational people for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Her name is Barbara Barrett. She is an ASU graduate. She has been an ambassador, Secretary of the Air Force and started the U S Space Force. She’s worked for two U S Presidents and continues to…

    more
  38. Jason Beck, Peoria Mayor

    I love Amazing Arizonans because we can take the time to learn more about the people that make our community better. Peoria mayor Jason Beck definitely qualifies. Jason is a very successful businessman. He has built a multimillion dollar company called TYR Tactical. Building body armor and armor...

  39. Thomas Yoxall

    What would you do if you found yourself in a life or death situation? My guest this week on Amazing Arizonans found himself in that situation. His name is Thomas Yoxall. Driving to California very early one morning he drove past an accident scene on the I10. He saw a suspect brutally beating a…

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  40. Bobb Cooper, Former Valley Youth Theatre Executive Producer

    I love meeting people with amazing stories. It is why Amazing Arizonans is such a fun podcast to do. In this episode I talk with Bobb Cooper. Bobb spent 27 years as the Executive Director of the Valley Youth Theater. There have been many well know stars of stage and screen that had their careers...

  41. Ramblin' Ralph, Ring Announcer

    I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr. Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring...

  42. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, American religious and political commentator

    In this powerful episode of Amazing Arizonans, I sit down with Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a man whose life and work embody courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to both faith and country. Dr. Jasser is no stranger to the spotlight. A respected physician, U.S. Navy veteran and outspoken advocate...

  43. Steven Brophy, president and CEO of Aztec Land and Cattle Company

    Steven Brophy, the president and CEO of the Aztec Land and Cattle Company, joins Amazing Arizonans. It's one of our biggest private landowners. Amazing Arizonans is presented by Resolution Copper.

  44. Ted Geisler, President of APS

    This week I sit down with the head of Arizona Public Service, Ted Geisler. Ted is an Arizona native and grew up working for APS. We discuss the balance between the cost of building and maintaining a reliable power grid and the cost to APS customers. We talk about the different ways that…

    more
  45. Frank Sloup, Pinal County Deputy and social media sensation

    I have had the privilege of talking with so many great people on Amazing Arizonans. But I have never had a bigger response to a guest than in this episode. My guest is Frank Sloup. You know him as “Fridays with Frank” on social media. Frank is arguably the most recognizable cop on social media....

  46. Amy Van Dyken, former Olympic swimmer and gold medalists

    We kick off the new season of Amazing Arizonans with a legitimate superstar! Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport. We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting. We also talk about the accident that...

  47. Randy Johnson, World Series MVP

    I had the privilege of sitting down with Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Randy is such an interesting person, he was a photographer at USC before his baseball career and now it's his passion. We discuss his Hall of Fame baseball career, his time in Arizona...

  48. Jim McMahon, former Chicago Bears quarterback

    If you’re football fan you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans, Super Bowl winning quarterback from the Chicago Bears Jim McMahon. He talks about his time at BYU, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he decided to settle here in the Valley.

  49. Brad Blakeman, Former White House staffer

    On this edition of Amazing Arizonans, I talked with Brad Blakeman. Mr. Blakeman has led an incredibly interesting life. He’s worked for four presidents. He’s traveled and worked all over the world. At a time where we are so politically divided, it’s great to get a perspective from someone that…

    more
  50. Latasha Causey, President of Phoenix Raceway

    Start your engines, you won’t want this conversation to speed on by. A Phoenix native and longtime community development executive, Latasha Causey, is the first female African American track president in NASCAR history and the second woman to hold the position at Phoenix Raceway. It was a…

    more

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

KTAR News’ Mike Broomhead sits down and visits with incredible people from around the state for Amazing Arizonans. You can listen or watch the interviews each week with a new episode being released on Wednesdays.

Mike hosts The Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR News 92.3 from 8a-noon Monday-Friday.

HOSTED BY

KTAR News

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Amazing Arizonans have?

Amazing Arizonans currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Amazing Arizonans about?

KTAR News’ Mike Broomhead sits down and visits with incredible people from around the state for Amazing Arizonans. You can listen or watch the interviews each week with a new episode being released on Wednesdays. Mike hosts The Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR News 92.3 from 8a-noon Monday-Friday.

How often does Amazing Arizonans release new episodes?

Amazing Arizonans has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Amazing Arizonans?

You can listen to Amazing Arizonans on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Amazing Arizonans?

Amazing Arizonans is created and hosted by KTAR News.
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