Today we're diving into a conversation that feels especially relevant right now.

Scottsdale is having a major moment. It was recently named the best city in America to find a job, and we're seeing that play out in real time.

From semiconductor expansion in the Airpark to new luxury housing developments proposed in North Scottsdale and even proposed changes around the Westin Kierland area there's a lot happening.

And while it's exciting, it's also raising some real questions. What does this growth mean for our day-to-day lives? For affordability? For the lifestyle that's made Scottsdale… Scottsdale?

So today, we're breaking this conversation into two parts. First, we're talking insurance and what homeowners need to know right now, with Jeremy Mueller of Jeremy Mueller State Farm Insurnace. Then, we'll shift into real estate and take a closer look at the market with everything that's changing with Realtor Shawn Shackelton.

Today's episode is an important one because we're diving into public safety, innovation, and what it takes to serve a growing and dynamic city like Scottsdale.

I'm honored to be joined by Scottsdale Police Chief Joe Le Duc.

As our city continues to expand and host world-class events The Scottsdale Police Department is continually evolving — investing in new technology like license plate readers and speed enforcement cameras, strengthening partnerships, and refining strategies to keep residents and visitors safe.

Today, we'll talk about how technology is being used responsibly and effectively, how the department managed enforcement during some of the largest events of the year, and what priorities Chief LeDuc and his team are focusing on as we head into 2026.

This week , we're talking about youth sports, parenting, and how to support young athletes without burning them out. From elite competition to healthy balance, Sara Slattery shares expert insight on raising confident, resilient athletes in today's high-pressure sports world.

Today's episode is one so many parents in our community can relate to. Youth sports have become more competitive than ever, and navigating that world — from training schedules and burnout to college recruiting and NIL opportunities — can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents.

Joining me today is Sara Slattery, an incredibly accomplished athlete and coach with a wealth of experience on every side of the sport.

Sara is a 10-time Arizona State Champion, 2-time NCAA Champion, and former professional distance runner, and she's also one of the few women to have led both men's and women's Division I cross country and track programs as a head coach at Grand Canyon University.

She's also a published author, co-writing How She Did It with Olympian Molly Huddle — a powerful collection of stories and advice from elite female runners — and is currently working on her next book focused on pregnancy and running.

Today, she continues to mentor young athletes as a middle school coach and through her Nike Camp Elevate in Prescott, helping runners from across Arizona and beyond develop not just performance, but confidence, balance, and a lifelong love of the sport.

Not to mention she's the parent of two children who are very active in athletics.

Today, we're diving into what it really means to support young athletes — and how to create a positive, healthy experience for both kids and parents along the way.

Bunnanza

April 4th 9am -noon

Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza

This free event features egg hunts, food trucks, vendors, hands-on activities, crafts, and live music. The city's largest egg hunt kicks off promptly at 9 a.m., with over 10,000 eggs for kids to collect. New this year help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Scottsdale with a special hunt for 75 golden eggs, each filled with prizes hidden throughout the event.

https://calendar.oldtownscottsdaleaz.com/scottsdaleaz_oldtown/212162?utm_source=bewith&utm_medium=calendar

Arizona Bike Week

April 8th - 12

Westworld of Scottsdale

One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Phoenix area, and the 2026 event is expected to be even bigger and better than previous years.

The rally will feature a variety of activities, including motorcycle shows, charity rides, and live music performances, making it a must-attend for motorcycle enthusiasts.

More info at https://azbikeweek.com/

Junk In The Trunk Vintage Market

April 24th - 26th at Westworld of Scottsdale

with more than 160 curated vendors from across the country. The three-day event features vintage home décor, antique furniture, handmade goods, fashion, architectural salvage, live music, and local food trucks—all under one roof.

https://junkinthetrunkvintagemarket.com/

Today's episode is all about one of Scottsdale's most treasured assets: the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the people working every day to protect it for future generations.

I'm excited to welcome Angy Shearer, the new CEO of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Angy is originally from South Bend, Indiana, but has called the Sonoran Desert home for nearly 20 years, with a career deeply rooted in the nonprofit world and philanthropy. After two decades of helping organizations grow through fundraising and community support, she stepped into this role last December — bringing her passion for people, preservation, and purpose together in a way that feels like a perfect fit.

Working alongside the City of Scottsdale, the Conservancy helps steward more than 30,500 acres of preserved land — nearly one-third of the entire city — and maintains over 225 miles of trails used by hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors each year.

Today, we're talking about how the Conservancy began, why science and stewardship matter, and how every one of us can play a role in protecting the desert we love.

Tour de Scottsdale

March 28th
Westworld of Scottsdale

The Start and Finish line, Expo and the Post-Ride Celebration will be held at WestWorld- The HonorHealth Tour de Scottsdale offers challenging and scenic courses that will undoubtedly push the limits of cyclists with 2 distances.

https://www.tourdescottsdale.org/

Weekly Events Happening in Scottsdale

Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.

Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.

You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.

https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/

Welcome to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, I'm Alicia Haygood.

This week we're talking about an exciting cultural event returning to our city this week. Scottsdale Art Week is bringing galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world to WestWorld, and today we're getting a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this international art fair so special.

Scottsdale has long been known as one of the Southwest's premier arts destinations, from our galleries in Old Town to world-class museums and public art throughout the city.

And this week, that reputation takes center stage once again with the return of Scottsdale Art Week, a four-day international art fair happening March 19th through the 22nd at WestWorld of Scottsdale.

The event brings together 120 galleries from 15 countries, along with artists, collectors, and art lovers from across the globe.

But what makes Scottsdale Art Week unique is its emphasis on the Southwest — highlighting Indigenous expression, regional influences, and the cultural stories that shape this place we call home.

Joining me today are Trey Brennan and Amy Gause from Scottsdale Art Week. Amy serves as the Fair Director and has been instrumental in shaping the vision of this event, while Trey plays a key role in helping bring the experience to life.

Let's chat about what visitors can expect this year, the inspiration behind the fair, and why Scottsdale is the perfect place for an international art event like this.

Scottsdale Art Week runs March 19th through March 22nd at WestWorld, and it's shaping up to be an incredible celebration of art, culture, and creativity right here in our city.

For tickets and the full event schedule, you can visit scottsdaleartweek.com.

The event, featuring a home run derby and All-Star game, raises funds for the Miracle League, which provides inclusive baseball experiences.

Get all the info and tickets on their website. https://blwwiffleball.com/

Tour De Scottsdale

March 28th

Westworld of Scottsdale

The Start and Finish line, Expo and the Post-Ride Celebration will be held at WestWorld- The HonorHealth Tour de Scottsdale offers challenging and scenic courses that will undoubtedly push the limits of cyclists with 2 distances:

More info at https://www.tourdescottsdale.org/

Arizona Bike Week

April 8th - 12

Westworld of Scottsdale

Arizona Bike Week is known as one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Phoenix area, and the 2026 event is expected to be even bigger and better than previous years.

The rally will feature a variety of activities, including motorcycle shows, charity rides, and live music performances, making it a must-attend for motorcycle enthusiasts.

More info at https://azbikeweek.com/

This episode is a great example of how Scottsdale continues to be a home for creative, unexpected, and exciting events.

I'm joined by Logan Rose from Big League Wiffle Ball, also known as BLW — America's first professional wiffle ball league. What started as a backyard league during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a national phenomenon with city-based franchises, major tournaments, and even a World Series played at AT&T Stadium. The 2025–2026 season features 10 teams competing across the country, and some of BLW's biggest moments are happening right here in Scottsdale.

This March, BLW will host postseason events, an All-Star Day, and a Home Run Derby at the Miracle League of Arizona — all while raising money to support athletes with special needs. Today we're talking about how BLW got started, why Scottsdale plays such a key role in its story, and what fans can expect when wiffle ball goes pro.

The event, featuring a home run derby and All-Star game, raises funds for the Miracle League, which provides inclusive baseball experiences.

https://blwwiffleball.com/

Tuesday, March 24th: BLW World Series at Salt River Fields – Following Conclusion of Tigers-Rockies Spring Training Game (4:30pm)

2026 Cactus League Spring Training

Games are being played now thru March 24th

Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com.

https://cactusleague.com/

Tour De Scottsdale

March 28th

Westworld of Scottsdale

The Start and Finish line, Expo and the Post-Ride Celebration will be held at WestWorld- The HonorHealth Tour de Scottsdale offers challenging and scenic courses that will undoubtedly push the limits of cyclists with 2 distances:

More info at https://www.tourdescottsdale.org/

This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we're talking baseball, community, and what makes Scottsdale spring training season so special. I'm joined by Jeff Meyer, a longtime community leader and President of the Cactus League Baseball Association, to pull back the curtain on one of Scottsdale's most iconic traditions.

Today's episode is one I've been really looking forward to because it highlights something that truly puts Scottsdale on the national map every single spring: the Cactus League.

I'm excited to be joined by Jeff Meyer, a prominent Arizona business leader, longtime Scottsdale Charros member, and President of the Cactus League Baseball Association.

Jeff served as president during a pivotal time for the league, helping oversee the organization that brings 15 Major League Baseball teams and fans from all over the country right here to the Valley each year. Beyond baseball, Jeff has been deeply involved in Scottsdale's civic and nonprofit community, making him the perfect person to talk about not just spring training, but what it means to steward traditions that define Scottsdale's identity.

We're diving into how the Cactus League works, why Scottsdale plays such a key role, and what fans can look forward to as we head into another exciting season.

2026 Cactus League Spring Training

Games are being played now thru March 24th

Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com.

https://cactusleague.com/

Arizona Sun Circuit Quarter Horse Show

Friday Feb 27th Westworld of Scottsdale

It's the largest AQHA circuit in the world yet there is a class for every exhibitor at every level.

Enjoy the great atmosphere and weather while you show at the world class equestrian facilities.

https://westworldaz.com/upcoming-events/#all-events

Spring Training Movie Night: A League of Their Own

February 28th 7pm - Scottsdale Civic Center Plaza

Grab a blanket, friends and family, and enjoy a showing under the stars of the movie, A League of Their Own. Get there early and grab a sweet treat and cozy drink before the show. Attendance is free with pre-registration requested.

What does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we're talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way.

Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you're involved in the community, you've felt its impact in one way or another.

From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people better understand the city they live and work in and how they can play a role in shaping its future.

Today, I'm joined by Lee Ann Witt, the Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership.

I'm especially excited for this conversation because I'm a graduate of Class 39 and currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Class 39 representative — so this program is very close to my heart.

Lee Ann and I are going to talk about what Scottsdale Leadership really is, how it benefits the city, and why it continues to be such a transformational experience for so many people.

For more on Scottsdale Leadership

https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/

Scottsdale Events!

Founder's Day Celebration

February 26th at 9:00am

Little Red School House in Scottsdale

This free event recognizes Scottsdale's founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott, and his wife Helen as champions of education. This is the 116th anniversary of the opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse.

https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/

2026 Cactus League Spring Training

Players have already reported to their respective training facilities throughout the valley:

Games start Friday February 19th

Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com.

https://cactusleague.com/

Weekly Events

Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.

Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.

You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.

https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/