Leading Scottsdale’s economic future

Teri Killgore holds one of Scottsdale’s most significant roles as the city’s economic development director, a position vital to shaping the city’s growth and prosperity. With a deep reservoir of municipal government experience, she brings a unique blend of strategic vision and practical expertise to her work, ensuring Scottsdale remains a destination of choice for residents, businesses and visitors. Her efforts focus on fostering innovation, enhancing infrastructure and creating a dynamic environment where commerce and community thrive in harmony.

Meet Pastor Jackie Parks, a community inspiration

There is no doubt that when you meet Pastor Jackie Parks you will be inspired and motivated by her passion and dedication to serving others – especially during this holiday season when we pause to reflect on our blessings. Jackie, lead pastor at South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, is founder and executive director of Community House, which serves homeless people through their day relief center, offering them not just resources but also dignity and hope. Learn more about what they do, and get to know Jackie, one of our community’s remarkable leaders.

Catching up with Scottsdale legend Don Carson

Don Carson, a Chicago native turned Scottsdale icon, left an indelible mark on the city, creating Don and Charlie’s restaurant, a dining experience that became a staple for locals and Cactus League fans alike. Don wove the game into the fabric of Scottsdale’s culture. Though Don and Charlie’s closed in 2019, its legacy endures, much like his ongoing contributions to the community. Listen in for a great conversation, a bit of a Scottsdale history lesson and an update on what he’s been doing these days.

Long-time public servant back home in Scottsdale 

Kira Peters has been serving Scottsdale residents for nearly three decades – minus one year. Last year she moved to Bozeman, Montana, where she worked as assistant city manager. But her heart remained in Scottsdale. She came back home this year to take on the role as director of Scottsdale Human Services. She knows the city perhaps as well as anyone thanks to her long and diverse career here. And she has big plans in her new role overseeing services for those most in need in our community.

Reflections on election, future with Tammy Caputi 

Scottsdale City Council member Tammy Caputi will be ending her 4-year term in a few weeks after she came up short in her re-election bid. Join us as she looks back at her accomplishments in office and talks about the key issues facing the city, both now and into the new year. You’ll discover that she has few regrets about the election results and soon will be exploring other opportunities to continue her leadership in ways that benefit our communities.

Wrapping up elections, Scottsdale and beyond

Election Day has arrived, finally! It’s been a long season, to say the least. Tune in as Kevin and Don review events on the road leading up to Election Day, from Scottsdale’s city council and school board races to the state and federal campaigns that dominated the media. We also discuss the work the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network and other groups are doing to help us navigate through the days ahead.

Artist shares whirlwind journey to Scottsdale

Scottsdale is known worldwide as one of the Southwest’s premier arts destinations. The brand is supported by a host of individual artists who collectively add to that reputation. Meet one of them, Kirk Russell, a mixed media artist. Kirk started his career as a photojournalist and now creates composite images with acrylic paint. Find out how a hurricane in the British West Indies blew him all the way across the U.S. to his home now in Scottsdale.

Familiar face takes on another key role in Scottsdale

For nearly 25 years, Rachel Smetana has been serving the city of Scottsdale in a variety of jobs. From human services to mayor’s chief of staff, with stints working at the library, in planning and economic development. Now her new job is director of the city’s tourism and events department, a key role overseeing an industry that has a $3.5 billion impact to the city. She’s a quick study and has big plans, as you’ll learn when you tune in.

Scottsdale mayoral race: Focus on Lisa Borowsky

Lisa Borowsky is running for election as Scottsdale’s mayor, challenging the incumbent, David Ortega. Tune in for a question-and-answer session with her to learn where she stands on the important issues of the day and her vision for the future of the city. Last week’s episode featured Mayor Ortega.

Scottsdale mayoral race: Focus on David Ortega

Mayor David Ortega is running to be re-elected for a second term in office. Tune in for a question-and-answer session with him and find out where he stands on the issues of the day and his vision for the future of the city. Next week’s episode will feature his opponent: Lisa Borowsky.

Spotlight on Scottsdale school issues, candidates

There are six candidates running for three seats on the Scottsdale Unified School District’s governing board in an important election this year. We had a chance to catch up with three of them: Donna Lewis, Matt Pittinsky and Mike Sharkey. Listen in as they discuss some of the critical issues facing the district and their ideas on how they would deal with them and build on SUSD's continued success as one of the state's outstanding districts.

Scottsdale Saguaros chief shares vision for growth

Tune in for the inside story of the Scottsdale Saguaros with its new president Braydon Dennis. Since its founding in 1987, the Saguaros, a philanthropic and social club, has raised millions of dollars for local non-profit organizations, with a focus on supporting children’s charities. Find out what’s ahead for the group as it continues to evolve and grow, all while benefiting great causes across the Valley. And check out how they manage to have a lot of fun along the way.

Drawing inspiration from Scottsdale’s Poet Laureate

Meet Lois Roma-Deeley, Scottsdale’s Poet Laureate. Listen in as we dive into her creative process and explore her role as Poet Laureate. With decades of experience, numerous awards, critically acclaimed poetry collections and years of teaching, Lois continues to inspire and captivate audiences with her powerful words. With funding from the Academy of American Poets, she’ll be hosting a “PoetryFest” at Scottsdale Community College on Oct. 19, open to anyone who wants to explore and connect with the world of poetry

Scottsdale woman’s journey to blend wine, charity 

Kristen Shroyer, co-founder of OneHope Wine, is a trailblazer in the world of socially conscious entrepreneurship. Blending her passion for wine with a mission to create positive change, the Scottsdale woman has helped create a business that has raised over $10 million for 40,000 charities. OneHope is a direct-to-consumer winery that empowers its customers to enjoy wine and give hope to the causes that matter most to them. With every bottle purchased, 10 percent is donated to a charity of their choice. Kristen’s story is one that can inspire us all.

What’s behind Waymo’s expansion in Scottsdale

If you think you are seeing a lot more Waymo autonomous vehicles in Scottsdale these days, you’re right. Waymo has expanded its coverage area into northern Scottsdale and beyond and now covers 315 square miles in the Valley. Meet one of the key people behind it all: Amanda Ventura, public affairs manager. She’s in “the driver’s seat” as Waymo continues to grow its footprint here and she gives us the inside story of why the Valley is Waymo’s No. 1 service area in the U.S. and previews how its advanced technology is fueling its success.

Scottsdale film school one of nation’s best

Scottsdale Community College’s School of Film and Theatre is consistently rated as one of the best film schools in the country by magazines like MovieMaker and Variety. Meet Amanda Embry, chair of the department and the woman directing that success. As Arizona’s film industry expands, Amanda’s students are filling a much-needed pipeline of jobs for the future. Her work is helping SCC, whose alumni include actor Bill Hader, boost the state’s reputation as a premier movie-making destination.

Meet the woman behind Scottsdale’s Riot

Lissa Druss, who leads communications and government relations efforts for the Riot Hospitality Group, brings an amazing career record to her work in Scottsdale. She has nine Emmy Awards for her three decades of work as a broadcast journalist. She then founded a national crisis communications firm and now leads Riot’s lineup of high-level nightlife and restaurant venues in Scottsdale and four other cities. Tune in and find out why she also won The Order of the Star of Italy.

Jason Richardson is the founder of Bad Birdie Golf, a company known for its vibrant and unique golf apparel. The path that led him there started when he was 12 and introduced to golf as a caddy at Forest Highlands. Along the way, he came up with the idea of building a business around golf apparel, which lead to an appearance on Shark Tank and now has resulted in a solid business based in his hometown of Scottsdale. Whether you’re are skilled player or not, Jason has found a way to make everyone look good on the golf course.

Diana and David Vowels have launched Pet Ortho Braces, a Scottsdale company that provides compassionate care for pets. Specializing in custom orthotic braces, they offer non-surgical treatment options for dogs suffering from torn canine cruciate ligament injuries. They also produce a range of other braces, prosthetics, and wheelchairs for various pets, including horses. Their innovative solutions help pets regain their mobility and lead healthier lives and bring comfort and peace of mind to their owners.

Nathan Slater, the district athletic director for the Scottsdale Unified School District, is nearing the end of a 30-year career in the school system. His roots go deep. He is an SUSD graduate who returned to spend a remarkable career in a number of positions with the district, with the last overseeing athletics for all the district’s schools. He has always made core values and academic standards the priority for his student athletes and those values no doubt will continue long after his retirement.