Amy Van Dyken is an Olympic record holder in swimming. She is still active as a commentator and ambassador for the sport.

We talk about her career in swimming and in broadcasting.

We also talk about the accident that changed her life. An ATV accident rendered her paralyzed from the waist down. But her attitude is remarkable. You’ll learn how she’s taken the accident and used it as an opportunity to influence a different group of people.

There are so many great people in Arizona and my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans is certainly among the very best. His name is Steve Zabilski. I met Steve when he was the CEO of St. Vincent De Paul in Phoenix. He remains on their board, but he is now the CEO of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.

Steve has dedicated his life to philanthropy, with his success in the business world allowing him the ability to do this great work. Steve is truly one of the unsung heroes that works diligently to help people in need. He is truly an “Amazing Arizonan" and I hope you enjoy the conversation.

General Mick McGuire speaks his mind, it’s why I love our conversations. He’s been a fighter pilot, the Adjutant General of the Arizona national Guard and a candidate for the U.S. Senate. We discuss leadership and one of the most controversial times in his tenure as the Adjutant General when he refused to send National Guard troops to Washington DC after January 6th 2021. He gives us a look behind the scenes in the days that followed. He is an interesting man with a great history, I hope you enjoy the conversation.

I met one of the most interesting and inspirational people for this episode of Amazing Arizonans. Her name is Barbara Barrett. She is an ASU graduate. She has been an ambassador, Secretary of the Air Force and started the U S Space Force. She’s worked for two U S Presidents and continues to impact American policy. She talks about being inspired by her friend Sandra Day O’Connor. Raised on a farm and rising to the high positions in American government. I think you’re going to be inspired by her.

I love Amazing Arizonans because we can take the time to learn more about the people that make our community better. Peoria mayor Jason Beck definitely qualifies. Jason is a very successful businessman. He has built a multimillion dollar company called TYR Tactical. Building body armor and armor plating for military and police departments all over the world. He brings his business mind to leading the city as well. His story is so inspirational when you hear of his humble beginning. I hope you enjoy the discussion.

What would you do if you found yourself in a life or death situation? My guest this week on Amazing Arizonans found himself in that situation. His name is Thomas Yoxall. Driving to California very early one morning he drove past an accident scene on the I10. He saw a suspect brutally beating a DPS Trooper. Thomas was forced to shoot the suspect to save the troopers life. He describes that day and how it changed his life. He is a humble man of deep faith. I hope you love this episode.

I love meeting people with amazing stories. It is why Amazing Arizonans is such a fun podcast to do. In this episode I talk with Bobb Cooper. Bobb spent 27 years as the Executive Director of the Valley Youth Theater. There have been many well know stars of stage and screen that had their careers launched at the Valley Youth Theater. Bobb talks about his love for the theater and his love for investing in the lives of young people. We had never met before. But by the end of the podcast, I felt like I was talking with an old friend. I hope you love this conversation.

I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr.

Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring announcer. He’s worked some of the biggest fights in the world on some of the biggest platforms. He is a humble and gracious man that gives back generously in his community. His positive energy is contagious. I hope you like the conversation.