Point of Information with Max Zepeda

After five incredible seasons, 63 episodes, and 81 different guests, Max's swan song has finally arrived, as he broadcasts the program's final broadcast on KASC Blaze Radio from the ASU Student Media Agency Studios in Tempe. His guests include his most frequent guest, Kylie Ashenfleter, as well as Blake Niemann, Adam Beadle, Dominic Pasella, and Joaquin Rodriguez.Produced by Alan JudsonEdited by Max ZepedaPEOPLE FEATURED IN PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Alicia Zepeda, Anastasia Zepeda, Henri Anslinger, Sarah Botti, Michael Scott, Cecily Carter, Ashley Weis, Tyler Gebhart, Luke Willson, Riley Swenson, Cavan Malayter, Tia Reid, Trey Jordan, NIck Borgia, Parker Porill, Reilly Marty, Ben Parris, Ethan Harrold, Andrew Dirst, Eric Matsuymoto, Jack McCarthy, Landin Jeffrey, Grace Johnson, Sydni Griffin, Bobby Blute, Gabby Chernoff, Marina WIlliams, Justin Lacertosa, Ronan Heykoop, Ryan Myers, George Lund, Devon Henderson, Lochlan McTeague, Cooper Hancock, Charley Vicario, Ryleigh Dorsha, Andres Armenta, Esai Romero, Crawford McInstry, Jaden Taylor, Sam Lanier, Lily Mae Landeros, Jake Sloan, Savannah Salter, Abigail Dedear, Kati Potts, Ashley Nakawatase, Justin Carter, Courtney Dwaileebe, Kat Michalak, Jackson Shaw, Nico Tata, Max Williams, Tyler Abrams, Evan Chell, Lauren Nunez, Sammi Maxwell, Claire Patena, Amaia Gavica, Emily Fox-Million, Chloe Gordon, Sean Brennan, Sammy Nute, Dylan Pescatore, Sedona Levy, Erik List, Brooklyn Cohen, Kolby Marting, Rayna Maggellet, Koby Braunstein, Jordan Talley, Selma Krantz, Ryan Sykora, Jake Seymour, Brendan Paul, Luc Carter, Oliver Fell, Sammy Miller, Luke Galindo,

Our time in Zippy's world on KASC Blaze Radio is nearing its end, and this week, Max welcomed to the show an old friend he began reconnecting with just now, as he soon departs: Cronkite senior and Lancaster, PA native Grace Monos. They share their favorite memories from freshman year, how they both overcame hardships far from home, and how she used her experiences away from Arizona to prepare for the real world. Max also gives his non-spoiler review for Wicked: For Good, and his general distaste for how harshly Grace's Philadelphia Eagles are being viewed by the national media.

In a record-breaking show on many fronts, Max welcomes nine members of Cronkite's Fresh Faces, all of them from different parts of the Western U.S. Max reveals fun facts about each of them, their collective stories from their first three months at school, and what they hope to achieve in their next four years. Max also quizzes them on early-2000s music, and they collectively give their thoughts on the recently released "Michael" trailer.

To kick off the final month of The World According to Zippy, Max welcomes one of the show's most anticipated and decorated guests to ever step into the Bill Austen Studio: SunDevilSource Owner/Publisher Chris Karpman. Alongside four of his current employees —Jakob Brooks, Jake Sloan, Luke Lendler, and Joaquin Rodriguez —they discuss how Source came to be, Chris's first experiences loving sports, and the turning point when he realized he had truly become ASU's #1 insider. Max also quizzes Chris on what moments in the SDS history have had the most views, and he gets Chris and his employees' thoughts on the start of the ASU Men's Basketball season.

As we commence the final six weeks of The World According to Zippy, the program reaches an unfortunate milestone: WCSN/PHNX reporter Rees Goodall becomes the show's only guest by accident! Regardless, Rees reveals the origins of his love for soccer, his many trips to the UK, and how a connection in high school gave him his first reporting job. They also play a game recognizing hip-hop artists, discuss Rees's hatred for movies involving fiction, and the current state of the Premier League.

The second half of Zippy's last ride begins with the welcoming of one of Max's longtime friends and the debut on the program of Castro Valley, California native Ethan Neal. He shares how he attended the same K-12 for nearly 13 years, his fandom for Stanford Athletics, and reveals the baseball coach who changed his life both on the field and in his faith. Ethan & Max also discuss how faith-based organizations influenced them, the upcoming films from Hollywood, and give their first takeaways from the NBA's opening week.

The second month of the program's final season rolls on, as Max welcomes Cronkite junior and Cronkite Sports Live producer, Ritisha Thakker. She reveals how her family migrated from India, what her childhood was like growing up in Fullerton, CA, and how she found solace in not being a sports fan while pursuing a career in sports. They also discuss their personal experiences following the death of Kobe Bryant, her family's fascination with Cricket, and her first thoughts following the release of Taylor Swift's 12th album, "The Life of a Showgirl."

For the second time in program history, Max is spreading the love in the Bill Austen radio studio, as he and his partner, Kylie Ashenfelter, return to welcome not one, but two couples to the show for the first time: Blaze Radio's Alan Judson and Sierra Watson, and the Walter Cronkite Sports Network's Jason Teater and Maya Diaz. Together, they discuss the similarities and differences between their relationship origins, the struggles of long-distance love, and how all three man found the guts to pop the question to each of their ladies. They also reveal their superstitions about watching sports and how their partners have become their "rocks" in life.

After nearly a month back on the air, Max finally welcomes the first woman of the season, ASU grad student journalist Alysa Horton. The Surprise, AZ native reveals how she and Max connected on Day 2 in August 2022, how she has found solace in single life, and where her love for political activism began. Her appearance also marks the third different Taylor Swift superfan to enter Zippy's world, joining Gabby Chernoff and Lauren Avenatti, as "The Life of a Showgirl" premieres worldwide Thursday night.

Since the program's inception, Max has rarely discussed his Mexican-American heritage... until today! As Blaze En Español director Joa'o Lara Jr. joins the show, he reveals his winding journey to ASU, what sparked his love for futbol, and why he hopes the department he created will live on longer than his tenure. They also discuss their passion for Latin Music (including a fun guessing game!), the phenomenon that is K-Pop Demon Hunters, and the push for the MLB Postseason.

As the final season rolls on, Max reaches another milestone as he welcomes the 60th guest to his world, Cronkite Senior and Photographer, Spencer Barnes. On the show, he delves into what life is like growing up in the small town of Gunnison, Colorado, how his love for basketball began, and how his passion for photography developed almost by accident. Together, they also discuss their paths crossing at the 2025 Peach Bowl in Atlanta, his current job working for the Phoenix Suns/Mercury, and Spencer's memories of covering USA Basketball in Paris.

The fifth and final season of The World According to Zippy has begun, as Max welcomes an affluent member of the Cronkite Class of 2028, Luke Lendler, to the program. On the show, he reveals to Max what his life was like growing up in City Centre Philadelphia, how his Mom's drive impacted him, and his high school basketball career. They also discuss their memories of being students at the "Play-by-Play Sports Broadcasting Camps," and give their thoughts on the political assassination of Charlie Kirk.

The Fourth Season of the dumbest show ever created has come and gone, and it was only fitting that the season ended by reflecting on Cronkite's outgoing class. From program veterans like Ben Parris, Blake Niemann, Devon Henderson, Ryan Sykora, and Cavan Malayter, to newcomers in Paisley Pool and Ethan Kaplan, they all sit down with Max to reflect on their favorite moments in the desert. In addition, they share what they hope to take away from their time in the Valley, and Max shares a special announcement involving the program's future.

After a week off, Zippy brings you back into The World to round out the month of April with another member of the Class of '28 and one of his few connections to the Midwest United States, in Detroit native Dominic Pasella. He reveals what it's like to have a Dad in the automotive business, debunks numerous Detroit myths, and explains how one high school teacher made him find Cronkite. They also discuss the NBA Postseason, the insane life of Doc Rivers, the underappreciation of Miguel Cabrera, and Dom's profound love for Taco Bell.

In an episode long overdue, Max's longtime partner brings on one of HER besties to the program for the first time, as Ava Adams-Hall, who has known Kylie nearly all her life, joins The World. Together, they share crazy childhood stories, their collective trip to the Arizona Renaissance Festival, and what Ava's life was like growing up in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They also discuss MLB's Jackie Robinson Day, the insane reactions from the Minecraft Movie, and why biopic films may need to take a break from Hollywood.

Two more California boys have made their way into The World, as San Jose natives Alex Martinex and Ethan Ignatovsky make their debuts on the program. Along with Max, they discuss the best ways to navigate the Bay Area and the coincidence of how they never previously knew each other. They also discuss Cinemacon 2025 and all of its breaking news, as well as their thoughts on the first week of the 2025 MLB regular season.

Can the sequel equal last year's classic? For the second year, Max and his friend get YOU ready for the upcoming MLB season, as he welcomes back numerous faces to the program, including his girlfriend Kylie Ashenfelther, Brooklyn Cohen, Cavan Malayter, Aidan O'Neill, Shay Moloney, and Jaden Taylor, live over the phone from Fort Wayne, IN. Brendan Paul also joins the program for the first time in a show where we discuss the MLB/ESPN relationship, the league's biggest storylines, and our 2025 predictions.

Zippy has returned from the Big Apple and is now 22, so it was only fitting he brings on two award winners from the trip to NYC on the program, Shay Moloney and Aidan O'Neill of "The Irish Hello" on Blaze Radio. Together, they reflect on their favorite moments of the week, the immense similarities Shay and Aidan have as friends, and why they're grateful for their long-distance relationships. They also break down the first day of the Men's NCAA Tournament and the Field of 68.

After two weeks off, your favorite show has returned, as Max tackles one of the most long-awaited topics in the history of the program: his struggle with Autism spectrum disorder. To mark this special occasion, Max welcomed fellow Cronkite journalist Rome Kadi and his friend Ellie Vossoughi. Ellie's father is the founder of a local foundation in the Phoenix area that aids parents with children under the spectrum, and together, they discuss the foundation's impact on both of their lives. They also discuss their craziest experiences with Autism, the upcoming Formula One season, and the 2025 Oscars.

For just the third time in program history, The World According to Zippy leaves the Bill Austin Radio Studio, as the show broadcasted live from New Orleans, LA, and Super Bowl LIX Radio Row at the Morial Convention Center. Joined alongside Ryan Sykora, Jake Seymour, Ronan Heykoop, and Ryan Myers, along with special appearances by Justin Lacertosa and George Lund, they discuss all the happenings in the Big Easy and why they are so lucky to be there! In addition, they give their first thoughts on Jimmy Butler's trade to Golden State, Kendrick Lamar's Pre-Super Bowl press conference, and share stories from the Super Bowl LIX Media Party.

No state has had more guests enter The World than California, and Max continues the trend with the incredible Luke Galindo of Sacramento! They discuss his upbringing, why he wanted to stay behind the camera, and his history with the Sacramento Kings. They also break down Super Bowl LIX and the upcoming Grammys awards!

The award-nominated, dumbest radio show on planet Earth returns for another season, beginning our fourth trip around the world alongside Max, is a Cal Poly graduate and former D1 student-athlete Nate Mills. Together, they discuss his long, winding journey to the Valley, how he nearly committed to a baseball career, and why San Luis Obispo is the most beautiful place on earth. They also break down the craziness of the Peach Bowl, the rapidly moving award season, and the one unifying part of Inauguration Day.

No.15 ASU Football and its incredible turnaround in 2024 has given Cronkite Students the astonishing opportunity to broadcast, write, and report on the best college football story. For the Season 3 Finale, Max is joined by Blaze Station Manager Ryan Sykora, Director of Broadcast Cavan Malayter, and Sports Director Jaden Taylor to discuss how ASU is in the position they are in, the impact of Kenny Dillingham, and the current CFP rankings. They also discuss how they view this as an opportunity to grow as journalists in their skill set and not as a job opportunity, and also how they believe CFB will never have a satisfying playoff format.

In a special edition of the program, Max welcomes back his longtime partner Kylie for the third consecutive season, and in addition brings another newly found couple into the B.A.S. in friend of the program Alyssa Warwick and current host of "DnA" on Blaze Radio, Dane Palmer. Together, they discuss the similarities and differences in the start of each other's relationships, react to Max's unforeseen physical weakness, and the hype surrounding #14 BYU vs #21 ASU This Saturday.

After a week's hiatus, Max returns to the B.A.S. by welcoming the first-ever Cronkite Class of 2028 member to the program, Adam Beadle, the award-winning high school sports host and analyst. Together, they discuss his deep connections to ASU as a child, his meteoric rise in his final two high school years, and why he hopes to cover H.S. sports for the long term. In addition, they talk about their deep connections with Faith, the "why?" behind the recent 2024 election results, and the path to a Big 12 championship for the Sun Devils.

To celebrate the end of Fall Break, Max welcomes to the program two ladies who have known him nearly from the moment he has stepped into The Valley: Boston native Rayna Maggalet and Cincinnati native Chloe Gordon. Together, they discuss how they discovered Cronkite, their ever-changing career goals, and why they believe it's important to have a balance of a work and social/party lifestyle in Tempe. In addition, they discuss the current MLB postseason and why the sport has a double standard occurring in its popularity.

For the second time in program history, Max assembles a sport's greatest panel of experts on the opening night of a sport. Those guests include WCSN Hockey Reporters Erik List and Marina Williams, who return to the show, as well as SunDevilSource.com's Gabby Chernoff. Other guests entering The World for the first time include WCSN Managing Editor Sean Brennan, Blaze Sports lead hockey broadcaster Dylan Pescatore, and former player and Inferno Intel hockey insider Lochlan Mcteague. Together, they discuss the opening night games and the season's biggest storylines, make their season predictions, and even try to lure Max to each of their fan bases.

Week 3 of Season 3 brings us Max's first guest to the program without a Sports Background in quite some time, as he welcomes longtime friend and ASU Hillel executive member Emily Fox-Million. Together, they discuss the Ted Talk she gave at 18, how they met and their freshman year experiences, and the troubles discussing faith in college. Also, they give their takes on the Vice Presidental debate, Joker 2, and the state of Denver Sports?

As Season 3 rolls on, Max welcomes to the program Phoenix native and DevilsDigest beat writer Jake Sloan. Together, they discuss his roots in both the Valley and even within Cronkite in his family and the current state of ASU athletics compared to its conclusion within the Pac-12. They also rank the entire Star Wars saga and vehemently destroy Oakland A's owner, John Fischer, and his weak move out of the city to Las Vegas.

After nearly 100 days off, the dumbest show on Blaze Radio is back. Max Zepeda's award-winning talk program returns for its third semester/season on the air. To begin the new season, Max welcomes NAHJ executive board member and sports journalist Andrea Armenta. They discuss his time growing up in Southern California, Bill Walton, and how his favorite sports teams are actually on the East Coast. Max also gives his opinions on the new state of the presidential election the release of Transformers One, and Station Manager Ryan Sykora hops on as a surprise caller!

For the Season 2 finale, Max's final guest to The World is one of his first mentors at Cronkite and is one of the school's most influential people: Assistant Dean Melanie Alvarez. She reveals how she was promoted into her current position, how the process of welcoming the class of 2028 has been, and her incredibly long career as a local television producer. Together, they discuss the current state of AI and its influence on journalism students, the Israel-Hamas situation, and the death of the Pac-12. They also reveal an incredibly hilarious story of how Max's autism fell through during his orientation.

The Penultimate Episode of Season 2 features two of Cronkite's rising stars, as Sacramento native and Phoenix Rising Lead Analyst Devon Henderson, along with the voice of the Kalamazoo Growlers and incoming Blaze Sports Director Jaden Taylor, join the program. Together, Max and them discuss their two very different routes to ASU, how Devon's parents influenced his love for sports, how Jaden's in-depth search for a school began as early as Fall 2021, and how Phoenix Rising Radio has become one of the first sports franchises to rely heavily on the talent of college students. They also have some fun and play a game blindly ranking the greatest PXP broadcasters ever.

For the first time since being awarded Blaze's Best Specialty Show for 2023-24, Max returns to the BAS for another week in The World, as he welcomes Class of 2027 member, Florida Native, and longtime feature reporter Leilani Feiertag. She reveals how she fell in love with journalism, how she became a leader early in life, and why she will be brutally honest with her opinions for the good of the truth. Together, they also discuss their love for Disney, recap the craziness of Coachella, and rant over why Florida does not deserve an MLB franchise.

As season 2 nears its end, Max makes a massive leap as he welcomes his first Non-Cronkite guest of the season to The World this week in photography major and Chicago native Sedona Levy. She reveals to Max her long history with anxiety and depression, what moving to Arizona was like, and how she became passionate about the career she wanted. They also discuss why mental health in college may not be talked about enough and the news coming out of CinemaCon and the first two weeks of the MLB season. Max also discusses his first-ever time at the Final Four and National Championship.

For the first show of April, Max welcomes to the world longtime ASU Sports Writer and Baseball/College Hoops expert Scott Sandulli. He reveals to Max how his love of sports originated, what it's like to live 5 min away from ESPN HQ, and how he found his voice once he arrived at Cronkite. They also discuss the upcoming Men's Final Four, the chances Scott's team, UConn will repeat as National Champs, and how his New York Mets went from powerhouse to laughing stock in just a year and a half.

After 148 days, baseball is finally back, and with it comes the most significant episode of The World According to Zippy to date. Grace Johnson, Sydni Griffin, Kolby Marting, and Landin Jeffrey return to the program, while Lauren Nunez, Evan Chell, and Brooklyn Cohen all appear on the show for the first time to talk ball for 90 minutes straight. Together, they cover everything from the Ohtani gambling scandal, the problem with promoting "small-market" teams, who will surprise them in 2024, and they all give their predictions for the new year.

In a special prerecorded rendition of the dumbest show on Blaze Radio, Max welcomes to the program former longtime swimmer and now converted reporter, Casey Mcnulty. She reveals the true story behind her long and adventurous career, how she originally committed to life in Florida, and why ASU and journalism became her current path. They also discuss the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, Casey's love for TV comedies, and give their feelings before the start of March Madness.

The dumbest show ever returns to Blaze Radio and the Bill Austen Studio for the first time in three weeks. Max welcomes Blaze Radio Program Director and proud Philadelphian Grace Del Pizzo. She reveals how her love for sports started, how her passion ended her aspirations at Broadway, and what she hopes to get out of her Cronkite experience through her opportunities in Phoenix and at home. Together, they unveil their Top 5 musicals of all time, break down the 2024 Oscars, and discuss the current state of the Phillies and Eagles.

One of the most talented freshmen in Cronkite today becomes the newest guest in Zippy's world as he welcomes WCSN assistant social media director and longtime sports photographer Marina Williams. She discusses what it was like to grow up in rural St. Louis, MO, how she found her love for providing images to sports, and how music has defined each era of her life. Together, they also discuss Beyonce's attempt at Country success, their love of biopic movies, and which NHL contenders stand out with a little less than two months in the regular season.

Max returns to the Bill Austen studio for a special edition of the program made for a day of love as he welcomes back his girlfriend, Kylie Ashenfelter, for the second time. Together, they discuss some serious topics, like the mass shooting in Kansas City, while also giving their post-Super Bowl thoughts. In addition, Kylie shares her feelings about the Grammys, the upcoming summer movie calendar, and what the holiday of Valentine's has meant to her in the past.

Max returns to the studio for the second show in one week and, in doing so, welcomes Cronkite student and Hockey lover Erik List on a very special day. To begin, Zippy recaps arguably one of the greatest days of his life, in which he had interactions with everyone from Nick Saban and Glen Powell, former MLB stars David Wright & Cole Hamels, to even an interview with Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo. In addition, Max and Erik discuss the great priveleges of going to Cronkite and its experiences, Erik's childhood in the Pacific Northwest, and discuss the latest news surrounding the NHL.

For the first time in show history, Max takes the program outside downtown Phoenix and to the TPC Scottsdale, the 2024 WM Phoenix Open site. Together alongside three guests, returner Ben Parris, and newcomers Ethan Schwager & Bobby Blute, Zippy, and his crew discuss what it is like to be on-site at one of the biggest sporting events in America, as well as give their thoughts on everything from Taylor Swift's legacy post-Grammys, the state of Soccer, and what the future of Golf competition may look like.

For Week 2 of Season 2, The World According to Zippy welcomes someone who has seen and experienced nearly everything at Cronkite in Chicago native and Junior, Cavan Malayter. Together, they discuss how he founded his high school's first broadcasting club, what it's like to grow up in one of the nation's biggest cities, and his advice for those entering a competitive job market. In addition, Zippy and Cavan discuss the recent Oscar nominations and the NFL's Final Four.

HE'S BACK!!! After a month and a half break, The World According to Zippy is back on the airwaves of KASC Blaze Radio, as the show returns triumphantly! To begin the new season, Alabama native, CFB expert, and soon-to-be fellow Blaze Host Parker Porrill joins the program. Together, they discuss the correct and incorrect stereotypes around Alabama, what Parker loves about sports history, and what he reveals. He is not true, as shown in the controversial Max documentary "BAMA RUSH." In addition, Zippy asks Parker his thoughts on the future of Alabama Football following Nick Saban's retirement and the recent hiring of Washington HC Kaleb Debour.

Season 1 of The World According to Zippy comes to an end with the biggest episode yet, as web director Ben Parris, social media director Grace Johnson, and sports director Ryan Sykora join the program ALL AT ONCE!! They all discuss how they discovered their love for sports, Ben and Max break down their top 5 AJR songs of all time, Grace discusses what it's like loving the Giants in Southern California, and Ryan leads the roundtable on what the top 4 are in the College Football Playoff just before conference championship weekend.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, Max welcomes his best friend and anchor of his life, Kylie Ashenfelter, to the show. They discuss how they met, their similar life stories, and how they fell in love over a band and baseball. Max and Kylie also discuss the Billboard Music Awards, the hostages being released in Israel, and how unique the Territorial Cup rivalry truly is.

This week, Max welcomes a man who considers himself to be "the hardest working student at Cronkite," Blake Niemann, as they discuss where his undying work ethic originates, his inspiring childhood story, how he found journalism because of COVID, and where he hopes to be following his time in school. They also discuss Blake's love for Gospel music, the future of the Pac-12, and Max discusses how hot Houston sports are right now.

Even with the downtown studios supposedly "closed," ZIPPY ROLLS ON as Week 10 welcomes the first member of the Class of 2027, Colorado native Gabriella Chernoff. In this 90-minute special, they react IN REAL TIME to the Grammy Nominations and discuss the current state of the NHL. In addition, Max interviews Gabby about her long relationship with theatre, how her opportunities made her love of hockey grow in high school, and whether Taylor Swift is the GOAT.

As November begins, Max welcomes a fellow Houstonian to the program for the first time in Blaze Sports assistant director Tia Reid. Together, they discuss how, while her HS years came in Grand Rapids, MI, she has always called Houston home, what made her fall in love with women's basketball, and her deep admiration for Hip-Hop. In addition, Max and Tia discuss the upcoming Grammy nominations and whether Victor Wembanyama will live up to the hype in the NBA.

For Week 8, Max welcomes the first lifelong Texan to the show, as Zippy welcomes former HS football player and Amarillo native Kolby Marting. They discuss how they both grew similar in their faith and how TX football is different, and Kolby even gives ZIppy some much-needed relationship advice. They also discuss the release of 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the recent shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and preview the 2023 World Series between Kolby's Texas Rangers and the underdog Arizona Diamondbacks.