Mike Broomhead interviews Amazing Arizonans.
Jimmy Walker is one of the most interesting, motivating, humble and faithful people I’ve ever met! Celebrity Fight Night is a star-studded charity event that has become internationally known and attended. It was started by Jimmy as a way for professional athletes and international stars to raise money for charity. He is truly what Amazing Arizonans is all about. I hope you love this conversation.
The goal of Amazing Arizonans is to let the audience see and hear amazing stories from legendary Arizonans. Frank Caliendo certainly qualifies. Frank is not only the best in the business as an impersonator, he is also a brilliant joke writer. He makes both look very easy. I loved talking with him about the creative process. For someone that is so well known and talented, he is soft spoken and humble. Hearing him do such familiar voices is incredible. But sitting next to him and watching him beco...
The goal of Amazing Arizonans is to let the audience see and hear amazing stories from legendary Arizonans. Pat McMahon certainly qualifies. Of course, we talk about the glory days of the Wallace and Ladmo show and his radio, television and music career. But we also learn about his early life. Born in Kansas. Going to college in Iowa. His time in the U.S. Army. How he ended up in Phoenix Arizona and what made him want to live here. Pat has played a part in many people’s childhoods. He’s also int...
The word legend is often overused. But when it comes to my guest on Amazing Arizonans it is definitely appropriate. I had the privilege of talking with former Suns broadcaster Al McCoy. Discussing his humble roots growing up on a farm in Iowa and his dream of being in radio. He describes being told that he was never going to be a good broadcaster and how he never gave up on his dream. His memories of the Suns and the great names that have been a part of the franchise are captivating. Al has some...
On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with Paula Pedene. If you’re a veteran, you are probably familiar with Mrs. Pedene. She is a Navy veteran and worked for the Phoenix VA for decades. She was a central part of two separate whistleblower cases at the VA. The best known case was the falsification of patient care documents. The VA was reporting that patients were getting care much faster than they actually were. Paula shares her story of being stripped of her job, office, cell phone an...
In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have a conversation with Kirk Nurmi. Kirk is best known for being the attorney for convicted murderer Jodi Arias. But his life after defending Ms. Arias is truly remarkable. I met Kirk because I (like many people) assumed that he came up with the defense strategy for Ms. Arias. After watching a documentary about the case, I realized that I was wrong and had Kirk as a guest on my show to apologize. His books “Trapped With Ms. Arias” tell a harrowing story. H...
In this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have the privilege of talking with the Adjutant of the Arizona National Guard General Kerry Muehlenbeck. The General commands both the Army National Guard and the Air Guard. General Muehlenbeck was a great athlete. From high school, to college and eventually playing for the Army on the national softball team. She is a professor at heart and loves teaching. Her command skills were recognized by many. She was asked to command the Arizona National Guard. We ta...
On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I have a great conversation with CEO of the Arizona Cardinals Michael Bidwill. Most people know him for his time with the Cardinals. What most people don’t know is that Michael was a federal prosecutor before taking over the team from his father. Hearing the story of what led him to a life in public service is fascinating. Of course, we talk Cardinals football. The amazing players and the run to a Super Bowl and some of the great players like Larry Fitzgerald...
On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I sit down with the President and CEO of St. Vincent De Paul Shannon Clancy. I’ve had the privilege to know Shannon for over a decade. I not only love what they do at SVDP but I love the way they do it. Their mission is to feed, cloth, house and heal people in the community. It is a huge mission that requires focus and dedication of employees, donors and volunteers. But it also requires great leadership. Shannon shares her heart to serve the community. What c...
When I came up with the concept for the Amazing Arizonans podcast it was to share stories like Ron Wolfley’s. Ron is truly one of my favorite people. Most people are aware of him being a former NFL star for the Arizona Cardinals and a former Pro Bowler. He is also the voice of the Arizona Cardinals & cohost of the Wolf and Luke Show on Arizona Sports. He has one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. But Ron is one of the kindest and humble people I know. For someone who is so acco...
On this episode of Amazing Arizonans I talk with Arizona icon Jan D’Atri. Jan has been a superstar on valley radio and television for decades. She is a very successful restauranteur and chef. Using her media notoriety and her expertise both in front of and behind the camera. She has carved out an amazing career. She is respected for her exceptional talent in media, in business and in the kitchen. She has taken all those skills and become one of the most recognized names in Arizona. I met Jan ear...
On this episode of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with former Maricopa County Sheriff Paul Penzone. His law enforcement career spanned over 30 years. He was a police officer in Phoenix for 21 years. For seven of those years, he headed up the “Silent Witness” program, which encouraged witness to submit tips anonymously and help solve crimes. In 2012, Penzone ran, but lost, to then Joe Arpaio for sheriff of Maricopa County. In 2016 he was elected to the first of two terms as Sheriff. He stepped down fr...
On this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Rick Romley. He’s a Marine Corps veteran and lifelong public servant, and longtime Republican political figure in Arizona. I met Romley in 2003 while he was Maricopa County Attorney. Today, he continues to serve his fellow veterans as a judge in Veterans Court. You’ll hear Romley’s amazing story. He joined the Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam in 1968. He was seriously injured in combat and a few months later he lost his best friend during...
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 ...
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...
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 B...
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 mu...
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 a...
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 t...
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 hero...
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 s...
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 informat...
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 pr...
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.
I sit down with the President of Arizona State University Dr. Michael Crow and we talk about the incredible transformation of ASU under his leadership. I loved this conversation. I learned a lot from Dr. Crow. I hope you enjoy it too! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 youn...
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. S...
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 beh...
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/list...
