Shifting Ears

As we transition into a two-line system next year, Valley Metro is working to find the right signs to point our riders to their destination. Our hosts speak with Marketing Program Coordinator Alex Kinkopf about how he worked to test out future signage and what he learned from it.

In this episode of Shifting Ears hosts Juliana and Ricky are looking ahead to the future of Valley Metro. They speak with Chief Administrative Officer Jim Hillyard about our 5-year strategic plan and how everyone will have a role in it.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky learn all about the technical side of our light rail system from our experts, technical trainers Joe Scholz and Joe Hernandez. They explain all about the many systems they oversee and how they train our employees.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky are spotlighting the Customer Experience Coordinators' Hydration Station program. Learn how they find the best spots to bring heat relief to our riders and how they are able to have fun despite the triple-digit heat.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky take a deep dive into the Finance andProcurement division. They talk with Manager of Budget and Operations Financial Controls Tyler Olson and Director of Contracting and Procurement Jonathan Thatcher to discuss the budget creation process and the steps involved in purchasing a train.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricky showcase Valley Metro's newest program “VMAX.” Learn how it started from Manager of Learning and Organizational Development, Julie Landspurg and Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, Hillary Foose. Then hear from Valley Metro employees who were among the first participants.

Staying healthy while working! In this episode, hosts Juliana and Ricky talk with Tammie Whitfield and Linda Raben from Human Resources about the benefits of the agency's Health and Wellness program and how you can participate.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Juliana and Ricard chat with one of the newest members of the Operations team. Deputy Chief of Rail Operations Chris Ramirez talks about his plans to increase collaboration between Bus and Rail as well as how he's enjoying his time in Arizona so far.

This episode of Shifting Ears is fire!

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana do a deep dive into the once in adecade transition of bus contractors. First, they speak with Dave Todd of Keolis North America to learn more about the new operations contractor. Then, they sit down with Deputy Chief of Bus and Paratransit Operations Tom Young, who explains all the hard work that goes into this transition.

For the milestone 50th episode, hosts Brittany and Juliana are highlighting heroes from across Valley Metro. Learn about their quick thinking and how they jumped into action during emergency situations to keep our riders safe and even save lives.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana sit down with two of our newest executives, Chief Transportation Officer Michael Pal and Chief Maintenance Officer Darren Curry. Learn about their plans for Valley Metro and how they're enjoying their time in Arizona so far.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, hosts Brittany and Juliana sit down with CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller to talk about her work since joining Valley Metro more than a year ago. Learn more about how she's settling into the role and Arizona. Plus, what to look forward to in the future.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, we are introducing our new cohost Juliana Vasquez-Keating! Our hosts also sit down with the new Chief of Staff Melissa Boyles to learn why she decided to make a return trip to Valley Metro.

Safety first! In this installment of our Know Your Metro series, hosts Brittany and Ricardo talk with Kenneth Debow, Manager of Transit Safety, about the department's latest campaign. Learn how SSQA is promoting safety both at work and at home.

Check and update your health benefits by June 15! Learn more about the benefits process and what's changed as hosts Brittany and Peter speak with Manager of Human Resources Support Services Tammie Whitfield for this episode of Shifting Ears.

On the second installment of our Know Your Metro series, hosts Brittany and Alex sit down with Julie Landspurg, the Manager of Learning & Organizational Development, to learn about professional development opportunities through Valley Metro. With over 1500 amazing training courses, hear how they can help you in more ways than you think.

It's the episode everyone will be buzzing about! Shifting Ears is kicking off a new series, “Know Your Metro,” with a spotlight on the MOW. Hosts Brittany and Madeleine interview Maintenance of Way Manager Rick White and Facilities Maintenance Manager Derek Brodeur about the history of their departments and the challenges they face every day.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, host Brittany Hoffman and guest host Peter Corkery are celebrating Valley Metro's Super Bowl win! Our hosts speak with Community Relations Program Coordinator Shannon Benson about her role leading the volunteer effort. Then, they share some memorable moments from Super Bowl weekend from our volunteers.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, Brittany and Madeline are taking a trip through Valley Metro history! Our hosts learn about the start of the agency and other events through the eyes of four employees who recently received milestone awards.

We're one month away from Super Bowl LVII! Valley Metro is working hard to get everything ready for the big game. In this episode, Brittany and Maddie talk to Adrian Ruiz, Director of Safety and Security, about how we keep everyone safe during the big event. Then, they speak with Hillary Foose, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, about preparing the system for new riders and how you can help out during all the festivities.

As 2022 comes to a close, hosts Brittany and Maddie highlight the major milestones Valley Metro reached throughout the year. Plus, CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller has a special message for employees about what to look forward to in the new year.

For this Veterans Day episode, Brittany and Maddie talk with LRV Maintenance Tech Paul Santana about how his work in the military helps him in his day-to-day job. Then, our hosts give a special shout out to our veterans who work across Valley Metro.

Mobile fare is coming soon! In this episode, Brittany and Madeline talk with Marketing Program Coordinator Dane Ryals about the future of the Valley Metro App and how you can help test the new fare system.

Our internship program helps foster a greater appreciation of public transportation in students while creating the next generation of Valley Metro employees. In this episode, Madeline and Brittany talk with five interns about their experiences in the program and what advice they'd give to new interns.

There are a lot of major archeological sites in the Valley, but what does archeology have to do with Valley Metro? Grab your Indiana Jones hat and dig in as Brittany and Madeline talk with Valley Metro Deputy Director of Capital Planning Robert Forrest about how Valley Metro projects reveal a lot about Arizona's past. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize!If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

Temperatures can reach triple-digits during Arizona summers, but not in Valley Metro vehicles. That's because we believe air conditioning is a necessity, not a privilege. Listen in as Brittany and Madeline sit with Valley Metro's Bus Operations Manager Joey Templeton and Maintenance Supervisor Timothy Valenzuela to find out how we keep our vehicles cool and comfortable. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize!If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

You don't have to be a transit rider to experience all the benefits of public transportation. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Valley Metro transportation planners Marty Ziech and Peter Valenzuela about the Quality of Life study and get a snapshot of how Valley Metro impacts lives in Maricopa County. Visit valleymetro.life to see the results of the Quality of Life study.Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize!If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro's new CEO, sits down with Brittany and Madeline to outline her vision for the future, what drew her to the Valley of the Sun, and how she approaches managing one of the largest transit systems in the nation.Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize!If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Gas prices are rising and so are the number of public transit users. Did you know that a 1-day pass is currently cheaper than a gallon of gas? Join Brittany and Madeline as they chat with Aaron Xavier, Senior Service Planner for Valley Metro, about all the trends impacting our ridership numbers. And stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize!If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Operating a light rail or streetcar vehicle is much different than driving a car and takes a lot of training. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with James Mullins, a Rail Operations Instructor for Alternate Concepts, Inc. (ACI), about what goes into training new operators. And stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Part of the success of building light rail is getting to know your community. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Gary Flunoy, Small Business Outreach Administrator, about how he connects with the community and helps Valley Metro connect small and large businesses during light rail construction. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

At Valley Metro, we always think about the future and what's ahead. Start the new year off right by listening to Brittany and Madeline sit down with Chief Executive Officer Scott Smith to discuss all the exciting projects in store for Valley Metro in 2022. Plus, Scott discusses his soon-to-be retirement. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

As the year comes to a close Brittany and Peter countdown the top 12 accomplishments of Valley Metro in 2021. Plus we honor our fellow employees for their years of service.

This week Brittany and guest host Peter Valenzuela speak with Chief Information Officer Phil ‘Oz' Ozlin about Valley Metro's Drone program. Find out how we're using drones to take the agency to new heights and learn how a farm boy from Virginia became the head of the IT department.If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Join Brittany and special guest-host Peter Valenzuela as they connect with Commute Solution's Program Supervisor, Lillian Duarte, to discuss RideShare month. Find out how you can sign up and win prizes while helping the environment, saving time and money, and building new relationships.For more information on RideShare Month, visit https://www.valleymetro.org/commute-solutions/rideshare-month.If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Listen as Brittany sits down with special guest-host, Peter Valenzuela, and Valley Metro's new Director of Capital Development, Henry Ikwut-Ukwa. Henry brings decades of experience and a fresh perspective to both our agency and the community it serves. We couldn't be more excited for the future of transit and what that means for the Valley we call home.

Tempe Streetcar is the first modern streetcar line in the Valley. This week, Brittany and Madeline sit down with Safety Certification Manager, Mark Germanowski, for an inside look at the Tempe Streetcar and all the tests performed before it's cleared for service.For more information on the Tempe Streetcar, visit https://www.valleymetro.org/project/tempe-streetcarIf you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

At Valley Metro, we value our ridership and want customers to have a great experience riding with us. That's why we have a new app available. This app will allow riders to view their bus or rail in real-time in addition to other valuable features. Listen as Brittany and Madeline chat with Customer Service Manager, Diana Kebbekus, and Enterprise Systems Engineer, TJ Thornal, as they discuss the app's development and how it will help customer service.Download the new app at the App Store or Google Play. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.Thanks for riding with us!

Here at Valley Metro, we're all about community, which is just one of the reasons we see many team members at the agency who share familial ties. Join Brittany and Madeline as they connect with Business Assistance experts, Bree and Debra Boelke, and Marketing Manager, Moriah Bedient with Commute Solutions Program Coordinator, Suzanne Day, to learn what it's like working alongside someone you know so well on and off the job.If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.orgThanks for riding with us!

At Valley Metro, safety and security are at the top of our list when it comes to creating a great experience for riders. That's why we've created Alert Valley Metro, an app that allows riders to quickly and discreetly report incidents. Listen as Brittany and Madeline chat with Taylor Dunn and Denni Metzger from OCS about what's it like to work on the communications side of Alert VM.–––Learn more about Alert VM

As Phoenicians, we're well-acquainted with the heat/ So, obviously, climate change is something we're thinking about in everything we do. To celebrate Earth Day, we're chatting with Sustainability Coordinator, Mackenzie McGuffie, about Valley Metro's journey toward being a perfect partner in the plan to save our planet.Learn more about the Statewide Sustainability Roadmap. Learn more about Valley Metro's commitments to sustainability.

It's the hottest ticket in town! Listen as Brittany and Madeline sit down with First Transit General Manager, Lynn McLean, for an inside look at Valley Metro's employee vaccination event.Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and find a location near you.

We're continuing our Women's History Month celebration with the talented Heather Freitas, whose colorful artwork for Valley Metro's Spring Artsline Spotlight highlights women trailblazers throughout history. There are 19 women featured across several art pieces on light rail and the large-scale mural wall at the Roosevelt/Central Ave light rail station. This display of influential women aligns with Women's History Month and International Women's Day. “Women are so powerful and I really want to uplift their voices. There's Rosa Parks, Judy Garland…all of them offer something unique because we're all unique individuals,” Freitas said about the inspiration behind her work. Learn more about the women featured in Freitas' artwork.Connect with @heather_freitas on Instagram.—————To learn more about Hatchback Fashions and how you can give back, check out episode 4 of Shifting Ears.If you have an idea that you want to hear on the podcast, send it to podcast@valleymetro.org

Whether in transportation, aviation, or leadership in the courts, there are so many women who have worked hard to set the stage for all we do today. This week, Brittany and Madeline sit down with Debby Thacker and Michele Wallick, two trailblazing women at Valley Metro, as they share their experience and lessons learned from many years on the job. We'll be back in two weeks with another Women's History Month episode all about our new Artsline Artist, so stick around!

This week, Brittany and Madeline sit down with Senior Transit Planner, Joshua Matthews, to get the lowdown on all the exciting changes happening over at the Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC) Expansion Project and discuss where we go from here.

Take a ride with Brittany and Madeline as they experience the brand-new MCI buses.

You might not have noticed, but... downtown is kinda one big construction zone at the moment. Trust us, we know how annoying that can be which is why we're here to remind you that all this chaos leads to some big improvements, just down the line. Listen as Brittany and Madeline connect with Luis Mota for an inside look at what goes into a huge project like South Central Extension/Downtown Hub and discuss some important changes you need to be aware of with the adjustment to single-tracking.For information on how these changes might affect you, visit valleymetro.org/pop

It may be a new year at Valley Metro but great teams coming up with great ideas is clearly a pastime of our agency. Listen as Brittany and Madeline sit down with GIS Coordinator, Jeff Wilkerson, and CSD Planner, Peter Valenzuela to learn how they took a simple tool we've been using for years and pushed it to new levels.Check out the Go Getty with Artsline contest and share it with someone you know!Explore Valley Metro GISReach Jeff: jwilkerson@valleymetro.orgReach Peter: pvalenzuela@valleymetro.org

Well, we've done it. We made it through a year unlike any other and, wow, do we have some stories to tell. But those stories will have to wait because this episode is all about you! Join Brittany and Madeline as they touch on a few of Valley Metro's biggest achievements in 2020 and wrap things up by celebrating this year's milestone employees. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done and a very special thanks from the Shifting Ears team for continuing to support the show. We'll meet you at the next stop.

This week, we're diving into the mysterious and magical world of payroll. Communications Intern, Kiarra Spottsville, sat down with Payroll Supervisor, Becky Green, to crunch the numbers on what really goes on in the finance department at Valley Metro. Spoiler: the magic is actually a lot of hard work.