Amazing Arizonans - podcast cover

Amazing Arizonans

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Mike Broomhead interviews Amazing Arizonans.

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Episodes

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 and earning the World Series MVP. Definitely a great conversation with another Amazing Arizonan.

Jun 11, 202550 min

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.

Jun 04, 202541 min

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 has been a part of so much history. Being with the president on 9/11 and telling the story of such personal loss is captivating. He has been a part of so many historical events. He’s a great storyteller an...

May 28, 202553 min

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 pleasure to get to know her, I know you’ll enjoy it too.

May 21, 202553 min

Rick Smith, CEO of Axon

I love talking with successful people. Rick Smith, the CEO of Axon, is definitely one of my favorite conversations. You may know his company as Taser. Our conversation is about his road to success, from starting his company in a garage in Tucson to growing it into a $40,000,000,000 multinational company. He discusses his successes and failures. He talks about the lessons learned and the fight to keep his world headquarters in Scottsdale.

May 14, 202553 min

David Kimmerle, President of Sanderson Ford

The latest episode of Amazing Arizonans stars David Kimmerle, the president of Sanderson Ford , a car dealership that has served the Valley for decades. I met David almost 20 years ago when we were looking for a location to start a Memorial Day ride. Sanderson Ford was a quick yes to our request. Getting to know David over the years has been a privilege. He has such a great story.

May 07, 202554 min

Arizona Sports Host Dan Bickley

If you’re a sports fan in Arizona you know the name Dan Bickley. No one knows more about Arizona sports than Dan. His dedication to the truth and the written word has made him an Arizona Icon. He’s an accomplished author and broadcaster as well. On the episode of Amazing Arizonans you’ll learn about his early days as a reporter. Who his mentors were and how he developed his unique style. Dan has a gift for capturing the emotion of the moment and make us feel like we are right there with him. Dan...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 17 min

Country singer/songwriter and guitarist Ray Herndon

I love country music. I moved to Arizona in early 1995. At that time their were three iconic country bands in Arizona. One of those bands is The Herndon Brothers. On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit with Ray Herndon. He shares stories of writing hit songs for some of the biggest stars in Country Music. We talk about his hits with McBride and the Ride. The legendary country bar Handlebar J’s that he still owns and operates. So if you love Arizona and are a country music fan, you’re going t...

Apr 23, 20251 hr

Jody Jackson, Valley sports reporter and host

On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, Mike Broomhead sits down with Jody Jackson. She is one Arizona’s most recognizable sports figures. She has reported on some of the greatest and most memorable moments in Arizona. She pulls the curtain back on the most important people and moments in Arizona sports.

Apr 16, 202559 min

Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick

Most people can’t say that they know a Supreme Court justice. Mike has had the privilege of knowing Justice Clint Bolick for a long time before he reached the Arizona Supreme Court. They sat down for a chat about his incredible career.

Apr 09, 20251 hr 19 min

Mountainside Fitness CEO Tom Hatten

Mountainside Fitness CEO Tom Hatten has an incredible story. Having a vision to open a gym in the Valley to building an empire that is synonymous with fitness in Arizona. But the story of how difficult it was getting started and how close he was to closing first location is a story of determination and grit. Mike Broomhead sits down with Hatten in this episode of Amazing Arizonans.

Apr 02, 202559 min

Supermodel Kim Alexis

Our guest this week on Amazing Arizonans is a Superstar from the 80's. Supermodel Kim Alexis. Featured on over 500 magazine covers, including being featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition six times. She had a huge career in broadcasting and she continues to be an influencer and advocate for healthy living. Our conversation about faith is truly inspirational. She has an amazing life, I hope you love the conversation as much as we did.

Mar 26, 202558 min

Former Maricopa County Supervisor Clint Hickman

The last name Hickman runs deep in the Valley. The legacy of Buckeye-based Hickman’s Family Farms , is a farm that's been helping Arizonans make omelets since 1944. We were excited to sit down with Clint Hickman and dive deeper into the history of his families success on this episode of Amazing Arizonans.

Mar 19, 202556 min

Musician Shem von Schroeck

This week's episode features an amazing musician, Shem von Schroeck. A Valley resident who has played with some of the greatest names in music. The singer, songwriter and composer has performed on the opera stage as well as with legendary acts like Toto, the Eagles, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia, Air Supply and many more.

Mar 12, 20251 hr 15 min

Artist Randall Hedden

This episode of Amazing Arizonans was so much fun for me. I met Randall Hedden at a charity function where he was performing and I was the emcee. He is an artist and is internationally know for his speed painting. His work is very popular and he’s raised over five million dollars for charity with his work. We talk about how he became a speed painter. His love of art and his love of giving to the community. I hope you enjoy the conversation and his work.

Mar 05, 20251 hr 16 min

Young MC, Marvin Young Hip-Hop Artist

Marvin Young better known as Young MC is a valley resident known for some classic songs and is still making great music! On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with him about his career. Growing up in Queens New York and the beginning of hip hop, winning a Grammy for his mega hit "Bust A Move" and co-writing hits like "Funky Cold Medina" and "Wild Thing". He has a career that spans more than 4 decades. We talk about his new music and navigating the music industry. I hope you enjoy it....

Feb 26, 202556 min

Danny Seiden, President and CEO at Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry

For this installment of Amazing Arizonans, Mike sits down with Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Danny’s background and experience makes him very interesting. He’s helped shape public policy in many different ways, being a staffer for elected officials, including former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey.

Jan 29, 20251 hr 11 min

Brian Mueller, Grand Canyon University President

President of Grand Canyon University, Brian Mueller is this week's guest on Amazing Arizonans. We talked about how the school came to be and what's to come in it's big future.

Jan 21, 202544 min

Jon Kyl, Former Arizona U.S. Senator

I had the pleasure of talking with former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl for the episode of Amazing Arizonans. I met the Senator over twenty years ago. He is known as an expert on the U.S. Constitution and sat on the Senate Judiciary Committee. He also is an expert in water legislation and as a key figure in the Central Arizona Project. Ensuring water security throughout the western states. We get a behind the curtain look at some of the decisions that molded our state and our country. I hope you enjoy...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 13 min

Amazing Arizonans - Michael Zistatsis

The American dream is alive and well. A perfect example of that story is this week's guest, Michael Zistatsis. Michael came to America and started working at Christo's as a busboy, eventually working his way up to manager and then a partner. His story truly exemplifies the American dream. I hope you enjoy it!

Nov 13, 202435 min

Amazing Arizonans - Chance Cozby

Chance Cozby is the Executive Director of the Thunderbirds, the organization that hosts the WM Phoenix Open. We talked about the massive growth of the tournament and the money that is raised. Cozby also posts his recipes and cooking skills and has amassed about a million followers online. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Oct 31, 202454 min

Amazing Arizonans - Bill Shover

Bill Shover is one of the founding members of the Fiesta Bowl. The game has an economic and cultural impact on Arizona. Bill Shover had the idea of a bowl game in the desert to highlight the talent of the football teams from Arizona’s universities. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Oct 23, 202431 min

Amazing Arizonans - Karrin Taylor Robson

Karrin Taylor Robson is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. She was a member of the Arizona Board of Regents and a candidate for governor. Mrs. Robson's perspective on public service and giving to the community is inspirational. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Oct 16, 202452 min

Amazing Arizonans - W. Steven Martin

W. Steven Martin is a a country music DJ Hall of Famer. He has met the biggest names in country music. W. has raised awareness for the most worthwhile causes in the Valley. He’s done it all selflessly and humbly. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Oct 10, 202457 min

Amazing Arizonans - Jay Dobyns

Jay Dobyns tells us the dangers he faced, the fallout that followed and his road back to civilian life. He’s written two books about his experiences, "No Angel" and "Catching Hell." His story is very compelling. I hope you enjoy it.

Oct 02, 202439 min

Amazing Arizonans - Mark Lamb

Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb has over 20 years in law enforcement and was a candidate for the United States Senate in 2024. But he has had such an interesting life. He’s lived all over the world. He served as a missionary in Argentina and volunteers all over Arizona. He tells us of a deeply moving experience he had while serving as a missionary and how it affected how he treats people. I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Sep 18, 202456 min
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