Game 7. Millions watching. And Tyrese Halliburton's secret weapon wasn't his jumpshot. Before the biggest game of his career, the Indiana Pacers star made one crucial decision: he refused to listen to "poison narratives" from sports media. While everyone else was talking, he was present. And that presence powered his performance all the way to the NBA Finals - before tearing his achilles. Here's what hit me: if an elite athlete needs to master communication to perform under pressure, what about ...
Jun 26, 2025•8 min•Ep. 37
Where a conversation can lead you... Rep. Analise Ortiz canvasses one of the oldest neighborhoods in Phoenix, knocking on doors. She gets out here often enough to have a callous on her knuckle. Ortiz just finished her first term in the House and is now running for state Senate. You'll meet residents and learn what issues matter to them. You'll learn about school vouchers, affordable housing, and the criminal justice system in between knocks. We also learn what we have in common. Which gives us s...
Jul 22, 2024•48 min•Ep. 36
What happens when your identity gets wrapped up in work? For Erika Diaz it started with a dead squirrel at 14. The more accolades she received, the deeper her attachment to work. So much so she attended a partial hospitalization program to break the cycle. Erika takes the veil off mental health by being so personal about her journey. Especially since she's been thrown another curveball - learning her identity is being challenged in another way. Erika hosts Honestly, Mental the podcast. Listen he...
Jul 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 35
Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer has been threatened and scrutinized. All because of his role. If you want to learn more about HOW elections work, this episode is for you. You'll hear about the intricacies and controversies surrounding elections in Maricopa County involving: Voter registration Mail-in voting In-person voting (run by Board of Supervisors) Fraud protections How votes are counted Richer talks about fraudulent ballots and a federal law allowing those who 'swear' they are U.S....
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 34
Jeffrey Shaw is a business coach, mentor, author, and speaker. And a fantastic human. Jeffrey started selling eggs at the age of 14. That's where his self employment life began. A journey that hasn't ended yet. Along the way, he's built a very successful photography and coaching business. He'll also explain his marketing system. Jeffrey offers profound insights on empathy, authenticity, and breaking assumptions, encouraging listeners to expand their comfort zones and step into their true selves....
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 33
Meet Coach Mycal Anders. He's the founder of Next Level Performance Consulting in Scottsdale, Arizona. Coach Derz helps leaders who have given it all to their business and career reconnect with themselves. Hear about the transformative power of self-discovery, overcoming obstacles, and finding joy in life's journey. We go back in time to Mycal's years in the Marine Corp. How did that experience lay the foundation to commit to Progress Always. You'll learn about how to embrace introversion, throu...
May 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 32
The US Government borrowed $3 TRILLION in the past 365 days. This borrowing is taking place when interest rates are high. Which means $1.2 trillion is being spent on interest alone. Not educating kids. Not helping correct injustice. Nope. Congressman David Schweikert (R-AZ) joins the Equal Matters podcast to dig deeper into how this happens and why. The Arizona Republican will also explain why it is so difficult to slow the spending down. Because it's all about the money. Lobbying money. Politic...
May 22, 2024•43 min•Ep. 31
There are 5 benefits to getting out of your comfort zone. New experiences Broadens perspective Discovery Confidence Builder Compounds Rob Hunter explores these benefits after exiting his comfort zone during the country music festival Stagecoach. There he listened to music he never wanted to like, drove an RV he never wanted to drive, and cold plunged in water too cold to think about. Growth happens in moments when you challenge yourself. Growth is what leads to the most fulfilling rewards. Join ...
May 02, 2024•45 min•Ep. 30
Todd Anderson embodies a walk-on mentality. Meaning he believes in putting in the effort to earn your spot. On the Earn It All podcast, Todd talks about how he developed his mentality during high school football. Lessons he carried with him to earn a walk-on spot at Michigan State University. Then into the NFL. After leaving the NFL, Todd struggled to find purpose. Eventually finding it in helping others perform at their highest level. We also discuss what it was like watching his cousin pass aw...
Apr 15, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 29
Politics is an interesting business. One major challenge in Arizona is lack of affordable housing. In many ways, housing costs are amplified by government regulations. Something Arizona State Representative Analise Ortiz worked hard to remove with the Arizona Starter Homes Act. An act fellow Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed. Hobbs cited military and first responder criticism as the main reason. Rep. Ortiz explains why they were opposed as well as why some Arizona cities voiced their oppositi...
Apr 02, 2024•28 min•Ep. 28
New York City. A magical place. In this episode, join host Rob Hunter and his friend Rob Coppola (retired NYPD) on a journey through America's most populated city. You'll meet Peanut and Josh. Two New Yorkers who explain what life is really like there. You'll also hear from Dan. He's a tour guide that offers an inside view of the mafia in Little Italy. You'll hear a protest, learn about New York City's food, and how Times Square has changed over the years. A word of caution: this episode does co...
Mar 30, 2024•50 min•Ep. 27
What is a community? Today, on Equal Matters we explore the term. In this case, Equal Matters visits a political election rally. Arizona Rep. Analise Ortiz and Arizona State Senator Anna Hernandez represent one of the lowest income areas of the state. It's a community not often visited by media. We wanted to discuss the issues most impactful for them and learn more about the community. You'll hear about those issues and what those that live in the community of Glendale and Maryvale (in Phoenix) ...
Mar 13, 2024•48 min•Ep. 26
Independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema will not seek re-election. This throws the entire Senate into play. Sinema not only was a centrist, but prevented Democrats from removing the Senate filibuster. In her announcement, Sinema warns politics is becoming more extreme. On Equal Matters, we discuss what this means and what we can do if we are dissatisfied with our current political system. Join in. Rate, review, and subscribe to help rational discussion grow. Cheers....
Mar 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 25
Recorded live at DisneyLand California. Here's what you'll get in this episode: Amy Yackowski aka Mrs. Hunter (on how to build effective teams) How to change your mind & the benefits of doing so How Disney’s teams work well together in big pressure situations 6-year old Connor’s review of his favorite ride A live review of Disney’s boldest ride: Rise of the Resistance A changing of the mind What it is possible to achieve My brother Chris (in a couple small doses) While waiting in line at Dis...
Dec 16, 2023•47 min•Ep. 24
This is not a review of Andre 3000's new album, New Blue Sun. This is a review of Andre 3000's journey through life. And what his journey teaches us about trying something new. Trying something new causes change. Change is hard. Change rubs people the wrong way. But, change broadens your perspective. Andre 3000 has undergone many changes. He is one of rap's greats. Yet, his latest project is a flute album with no words. He explains that life is a rollercoaster and he's learning to ride it with h...
Nov 22, 2023•44 min•Ep. 23
Pay attention to social media and you'll hear influencers define success one way. Money. No doubt, earning money is wonderful. Money affords you not just security, but freedom as well. But, it's not the only way to be successful. My wife, Mrs. Hunter, joins us today to discuss how our definitions of success have evolved over the years. Success, ultimately, is an individual pursuit and therefore should only be defined by you. Join us and share your definition of success....
Nov 14, 2023•55 min•Ep. 22
I'm fortunate to have chased my dreams. The pursuit isn't all sunshine and roses. Oh no, there's clouds and thorns. Because the chase comes many lesson to learn. Today, six major mistakes I've made. Personal ones. Ones that impacted how I viewed myself, my relationships with loved ones, and just flat out dumb decisions. I share them in hopes you can learn from them. A career spent chasing the dream is amazing, but it also teaches you about yourself and how your decisions impact others. Join in. ...
Nov 01, 2023•43 min•Ep. 21
Hi, I'm Rob Hunter. For 23-years I pursued the dream of becoming a radio talk show host. I achieved that dream. And have just changed careers at the age of 45. Today, lessons in what I've learned. Going for it comes with sacrifice, but brings rewards. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. However, when you look back you can appreciate doing whatever it took. Here are 8 I have learned along the way. If you are going for it, here's what to be prepared for. If you want to go for it, here's what to ex...
Oct 25, 2023•43 min•Ep. 20
For 23 years I've pursued a career as a radio talk show host. It was my dream. A dream that I have now fulfilled. For the past three and a half years, my big brother Mike Russell and I took Russell & Hunter to #1 in the ratings. I'm ready to have a different conversation. Still about freedom. Now, personal freedom. My journey has been filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. All taught me important lessons about myself, which helped guide this decision. Today on Equal Matters, why I'm ch...
Oct 18, 2023•39 min•Ep. 19
If you've ever wondered what it was like to be in a touring band, you're about to find out. Before and after a live performance in Mesa, Arizona, The Color 8 let's us into their world. You'll learn about how they operate as a band. You will also hear clips from this performance. The Color 8 is unlike any other band you've heard. They shred, rap, sing, groove, and sax. Jerm, Wisco 3, Kal the Guitar Hero, & Ashton Vaughn Charles know their different musical backgrounds are their collective str...
Oct 11, 2023•59 min•Ep. 18
Change happens. One of the best tools to manage change is called the dichotomy of control. Here's how I learned this lesson the hard way. 2007 was a pivotal year for me. A year of massive change. I moved to Phoenix and adapted to working on the Darrell Ankarlo Show. Darrell was an incredible radio host. For me, this was taking a professional step backwards that really was a big step forward both personally and professionally. I changed a lot. 2007 also happened to be an emotionally crushing foot...
Oct 04, 2023•51 min•Ep. 17
Traveling is one of life's most rewarding experiences. Traveling together is even better. Charlie Crull is the Vice President of Group Operations with Cruise & Tour. They put together unique tours that you can't get anywhere else. With Charlie we talk about some travel adventures we've had. I've been to 14 countries. He's been to all 7 continents. And he's put together a tour of Ireland for us next summer. You'll also get some insight into what we will see & experience together. Click he...
Sep 29, 2023•55 min•Ep. 16
Equal Matters explores realism, depth, & knowledge. Decisions create patterns. Decisions lead to results. Looking at those results truthfully is what allows you to change for the better. Almost all Americans agree, we'd like to change for the better. But, how? Change requires honesty, effort, and tools. Today, we discuss how to change. Specifically, which tools I used to overcome depression (without drugs). These are tools you can use and these are tools we can use in our country. We decide ...
Sep 27, 2023•55 min•Ep. 15
Decisions determine direction. Prior to 9/11/01 there were key decisions made by US Presidents. To fund the Afghan resistance against a Russian invasion, to launch a war against Iraq in '91, to not kill Osama bin Laden in 1998. All tough decisions. Decisions that continue to ripple through time with consequences. Decisions worth examining. On Equal Matters, host Rob Hunter, takes a view from above at the consequential decisions related to the September 11 attacks. Not to blame. To think differen...
Sep 20, 2023•49 min•Ep. 14
Sleep is critically important. For most of my life, I didn't think this was true. So I always overextended myself. Until a schedule change brought a blessing of more sleep. Not just more sleep, better sleep. Dr. Steve Hruby focuses on overall health which ties into sleep. Today, he shares what your body and mind do when you sleep, why focusing on sleep gives you an advantage , and how to start sleeping better. Dr. Steve is a chiropractor based in Scottsdale, Arizona. His practice is called KaiZe...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 13
Congressman David Schweikert knows the math always wins. Trillions of dollars are spent every year on health care. 70% is paid for by you, as a taxpayer. The math says this isn't sustainable. Congressman Schweikert will present what challenges the math presents. And what can be done about it to crash the price of healthcare. The Congressman will also talk about the barriers to innovation (like laws). Most media outlets or politicians don't want to talk about the complexities of healthcare spendi...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 12
Hurricane Katrina happened 18-years ago. I was there in New Orleans. Working for a radio station my team (and our partners) stayed behind to work. The hurricane eventually crippled our ability to broadcast, leaving us in silence. Life changed quickly for us after that storm. Three lessons I've learned. 1)No one is coming to save you 2)Be Adaptable 3)Make The Most Of It Join in for some lessons and a few stories from covering Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans....
Sep 01, 2023•27 min
A career in radio broadcast isn't a normal journey. Often you have to move a lot, survive on little sleep, and get paid like dirt. Mark Devine lived the radio life to the fullest. He worked his way to Phoenix, Arizona and found success. First, as Tim and Mark, on KDKB. Then, as Mark and Neanderpaul on KSLX. Both shows hit #1, which is incredibly hard to do. Mark Devine is a stand-up guy with a great work ethic and tremendous discipline. He joins us on Equal Matters to give you a behind-the-scene...
Aug 30, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 11
Kal The Guitar Hero joins Equal Matters today. He's an incredibly talented guitarist with the Color 8 Band . He just got back from a nationwide tour with an artist named Anees. You'll hear some of Kal's experiences on the road (it isn't all one big party). You'll also hear how he got into guitar and how he's nurtured his talents. Kal is a dope human being . Join us....
Aug 23, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 10
Earn It All CEO Justin Cross has lived an interesting life. At 20 he sailed around the world in the US Navy on an aircraft carrier. He says carriers are like living in a 'kind of in a prison' with 6,000 people. Justin's job on USS Carl Vinson was on the flight deck. Today, you'll hear from a man who had a first-hand view of America's best fighter jets as they launched combat missions. He takes you on his journey through boot camp, working on fighter jets, to swimming in the Persian Gulf. If you'...
Aug 16, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 9
