Shifting Ears

Shifting Ears

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Shifting Ears is a podcast about all things Valley Metro. From stories about the people who make the agency run, to major news from the transit industry, we’re taking you along for the ride. Join hosts Brittany Hoffman and Madeline Phipps as they share information about upcoming events, interviews with employees, updates on Maricopa County transportation and more.

Valley Metro


    • Oct 8, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 60 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Shifting Ears

    60. Pointing us in the right direction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 18:51


    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.

    59. Charting the course for Valley Metro

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 15:39


    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.

    58. Powering up our technicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2024 18:24


    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.

    57. Heat relief heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2024 15:49


    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.

    56. Know Your Metro: Finance & Procurement

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 23:16


    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.

    55. Collaboration to the VMAX!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2024 30:18


    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.

    54. Wellness at Work

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2024 18:52


    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.

    53. San Fran man with a plan

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 13:16


    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.

    52. Teaming up for a safer system

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2024 26:35


    This episode of Shifting Ears is fire!

    51. The race to a great transition

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 24:23


    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.

    50. Hidden Heroes

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2023 22:20


    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.

    49. A Dynamic Duo: getting to know the CTO and CMO

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 25:41


    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.

    48. Checking in with the CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2023 15:36


    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.

    47. Hail to the Chief of Staff

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2023 15:30


    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.

    46. Know Your Metro: Safety

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2023 19:19


    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.

    45. The Benefits of Benefits

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2023 14:42


    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.

    44. Know Your Metro: Training and Development

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2023 19:28


    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.

    43. Know Your Metro: The MOW

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2023 26:07


    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.

    42. Transportation touchdown: Valley Metro and the Big Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2023 13:23


    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.

    41. The Valley Metro time warp

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 25:22


    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.

    40. Our big plans for the big game

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2023 21:54


    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.

    39. What did we do in 2022?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2022 18:23


    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.

    38. We salute Valley Metro Vets

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2022 12:24


    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.

    37. The Future of Fare

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 17:33


    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.

    36. Interns: Valley Metro's rising stars

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 15:54


    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.

    35. Dig this! Learning about Arizona's past

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 22:37


    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.

    34. The coolest rides in town

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2022 25:46


    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.

    33. Quality of Life Study

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2022 25:57


    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.

    32. Meet the new CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2022 20:59


    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!

    31. Welcoming Riders Back

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2022 20:06


    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!

    30. Operating trains: Streetcar and Light Rail

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 19:57


    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!

    29. Small Business Outreach

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2022 20:00


    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!

    small business business outreach
    28. Shifting into our next gear: A discussion with Scott Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 25:19


    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!

    27. The 12 Accomplishments of Valley Metro

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 32:07


    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.

    26. Drone Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 30:09


    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!

    25. Share the Ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2021 35:35


    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!

    24. Planning the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2021 32:51


    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.

    director planning valley capital development
    23. Tempe Streetcar

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2021 21:33


    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!

    22. Valley Metro App

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 20:51 Transcription Available


    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!

    21. Family Ties

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2021 24:14


    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!

    20. Alert VM

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2021 15:09


    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

    19. A Journey of Sustainability

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 16:18


    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.

    18. Vaxx Happens

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2021 14:38


    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.

    17. Heather Freitas, Artsline Artist

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 17:03


    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

    16. Women's History Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2021 17:07


    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!

    15. OMC Expansion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 15:36


    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.

    14. Ride-Along

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 11:47


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

    13. One-Track Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 12:20


    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

    12. Mapping the Future

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2021 17:10


    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

    11. Shifting Years

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2020 14:14


    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.

    10. Payroll: The Chameleons of Valley Metro

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 13:12


    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.

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