In this episode, we talk to Josh Coddington with the Arizona Office of Tourism to inspire you to travel Arizona this summer and fall. Josh tells us some of the most popular places to visit, some new places to explore and tells us of some hidden gems as well. Plus, FESTIVAL SEASON is coming up. He will fill your calendar with great events from wine tasting to pirate themed celebrations! https://tourism.az.gov/arizona-state-travel-guide-map/

In this episode, we talk to two beloved chef/restaurant owners in the Valley. Gio Osso of Virtu Scottsdale and Pizzeria Virtu and Dominic Ruggiero of Hush Public House and Fire at Will come to the table for some real talk about the restaurant industry in the Instagram world and staying true to their passion for real food for real people. The chefs are leaders in their field—both winning a very prestigious Arizona award—and want to remind people to support their local restaurants, especially during the summer months.

https://www.virtuscottsdale.com/
https://www.virtuscottsdale.com/pizzeria-virtu/
https://hushpublichouse.com/
https://eatfireatwill.com/

A Valley man is creating what he's called a lifestyle movement in Central Phoenix rooted in wellness and intention. Along Camelback and from 10th Street to Central, you will see three of his buildings. Inside them, Dean Waziry of Urban Fraiche is creating a lifestyle boutique, a Mediterranean restaurant, and a spa. In this episode, we learn after decades in the hospitality business, he knows how to make his customers feel welcome, and now he wants to teach them how to live a healthier life through food, movement, natural products and more.

Learn more: https://www.urbanfraiche.com/

In this episode, we meet two of the four sisters behind Aunt Chilada's at Dreamy Draw in Phoenix. Owned by a big family filled with big personalities, Michelle Woods and Tiffany Allison say Aunt Chilada's is a lady with a past, and it's up to them to ensure her future. The restaurant started as a general store, became a brothel and a steakhouse before it became the beloved Mexican restaurant it is today. Learn about the family business, the families' favorite places to visit in Arizona, and about their very own special blend of tequila.
https://www.auntchiladas.com/

We are sitting down with Arizona's Family's super reader. In this episode, we talk to our Whitney Clark, anchor/reporter and host of the Beyond the Next Chapter Podcast. We talk to her about her love of reading and how she gets it done so fast, every week. Whitney also tells us how she got into journalism, her favorite locally owned bookstores, plus she tells us why she loves Arizona and gives us some make-up tips too. https://www.azfamily.com/originals/podcasts/beyond-the-next-chapter/

It's doggone hot out there. In this episode, we brought in the Arizona Humane Society along with one of its longtime supporters. Uncle Bear's Grill and Tap is a family-owned and operated restaurant where your furry friends are welcome. The burgers are named after dogs, the walls are covered with pet photos, and yes, they have a dog menu too. We talk to father and daughter Todd and Lauren Carey about the family business, the sacrifices made, and the fulfillment as all Todd's children are now involved in the business. Uncle Bear's donates to the Arizona Humane Society through golf tournaments and fundraisers. We also talk to Arizona Humane Society about the 3 Ps of heat safety to protect your pets in the heat. https://www.unclebearsaz.com/
https://www.azhumane.org/

Two Valley natives meet and fall and love. One owns and runs his family's legacy flower business, the other created a public relations company for luxury hotels and travel. In this episode, we learn the back story on the Luomas. Eric Luoma is the President of Cactus Flower Florists, who are celebrating 50 years in the Valley. His wife, Tatum Luoma, promotes some of Arizona's iconic hotels. We learn how they met, how Eric used to dress up as the Easter bunny as a little boy to attract customers into the flower shop, and how Tatum discovered she could promote the beautiful places she loves to visit, as a business.
https://www.cactusflower.com/
https://www.tlcpublicrelations.com/

In this episode, we meet Paul Ford of Big Red's Hot Sauce and Ryan Alarie of RA Seasonings. The two flavor kings work out of the same Arizona commercial kitchen whipping up their creations. Ryan started creating healthy spices after donating his kidney to his cousin. Paul made his first hot sauce after seeing his neighbor's hot sauce collection. Hear how their passions were sparked and persistence paid off. https://raseasonings.com/ https://bigredshotsauce.com/