Podcasts about Southern Arizona

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.  People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person. There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis. Show Guest: Peggy Johnson of the The Loft Theater in Tucson Arizona

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The David Samorano Show, broadcasting LIVE across the Live The Dream Media Streamverse Network. Today, we're peeling back the curtain on operations, tech, and the massive logistics required to pull off one of Southern Arizona's premier fall attractions. Joining us today is Maggie Kinney, the operator and general manager behind the iconic Marana Pumpkin Patch. Let's dive in.

Welcome to The Bob Elliott Show—where we educate, have fun, and spotlight the leaders and organizations shaping Tucson, Southern Arizona, the state, and beyond. No politics, no religion—just authentic conversations about the people who make a difference, why they do what they do, and how they impact our community. Remember: People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person.In today's episode, Bob sits down with Coach Brent Brennan, head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats football team! Coach Brennan shares his vision for Arizona football, what drives his leadership on and off the field, and we get to know him and hear his story!Plus, step behind the scenes with us as we take an exclusive mini-tour inside the iconic Arizona Stadium! From the sidelines to the inner halls of Wildcat athletics, get an inside look at the heart of game-day energy in Tucson.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it. People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person. There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis. Show Guest: Dr. Jason Jurgivich, UA Professor & Red Line researcher Guest background: Please welcome to the show Jason. Oral histories. It is an opportunity for people to give their story in their words without it being edited. I would like to start today with where you were born. Tell us about your upbringing. Any siblings? Your parents, etc.

Jet Sports Network's Daniel Schwarzbeck and Raul Soto-Romero and AllSportsTucson.com's Javier Morales discuss Week 2 games involving Southern Arizona schools.

Weirdos! For August's BONUS EPISODE we are focusing on an entity that has MANY faces and wears MANY hats: The bogeyman! For as long as people have been telling stories, these supernatural beings have been lurking in the woods, or in the dark alleys, or under the bed. They might look different depending on the culture they come from, or be called by another name, but their function in society is consistent: to invoke fear! References Briggs, Katharine. 1978. Encyclopedia of Fairies: Hobgoblins, Brownies, Bogies, & Other Supernatural Creatures. New York, NY: Pantheon. Carbonell, Ana Maria. 1999. "From Llorona to Gritona: Coatlicue in Feminist Tales by Viramontes and Cisneros." MELUS 53-74. Delsol, Christine. 2012. "Mexico's legend of La Llorona continues to terrify." SF Gate, October 9. Jones, Abigail. 2014. "The girls who tried to kill for Slender Man." Newsweek, August 22. Leddy, Betty. 1988. "La Llorona in Southern Arizona." Perspectives in Mexican American Studies 9-16. Newsroom. 2019. "Who was ‘Spring-heeled Jack' who scared the women of Scotland?" The Scotsman, April 29. Peck, Andrew. 2015. "Tall, Dark, and Loathsome: The Emergence of a Legend Cycle in the Digital Age." Journal of American Folklore 333-348. Polidoro, Massimo. 2002. "Return of Spring-Heeled Jack." Skeptical Inquirer 22-24. Simpson, Jacqueline, and Steve Roud. 2000. A Dictionary of English Folklore. Oxford, UK: Oxford UP. Strebel, Erika. 2015. "Judge says keeping Slender Man case in adult court will prevent repeat of crime." Wisconsin Law Journal, August 10. The Times. 1838. "Spring Heeled Jack - Outrage on a young lady." The Times, February 25: 7. Times, The. 1838. "The late outrage at Old Ford." The Times, March 2: 7. Vickery, Roy. 1983. "Lemna Minor and Jenny Greenteeth." Folklore 247-250. Warner, Marina. 1999. No Go, the Bogeyman: Scaring, Lulling, and Making Mock. London, UK: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Young, Simon. 2019. Folklore Pamphlet: The Sources for Jenny Greenteeth and Other English Freshwater Faries. Pamphlet, Simon Young. Cowritten by Alaina Urquhart, Ash Kelley & Dave White (Since 10/2022)Produced & Edited by Mikie Sirois (Since 2023)Research by Dave White (Since 10/2022), Alaina Urquhart & Ash KelleyListener Correspondence & Collaboration by Debra LallyListener Tale Video Edited by Aidan McElman (Since 6/2025) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person.There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit?That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis.Please welcome to the show: Dr. Brackette Williams, 1997 MacArthur Fellow (genius grant), retired UA Professor anthropology professor, author.Join us on Friday 9am, September 4th for the next Bob Elliott show. Our guest will be Dr. Jason Jurgivich, Tucson red line researcher.Positive well-wishes to everyone and stay safe!

Jet Sports Network's Daniel Schwarzbeck and Raul Soto-Romero and AllSportsTucson.com's Javier Morales discuss Week 1 games involving Southern Arizona schools.

Wildcat Basketball, Football & Real Estate with Coach John Wilfert Hosts Ron Arenas and Will Peña kick off Episode 17 with a packed sports roundup featuring special guest Coach John Wilfert of Coach John Real Estate. On This Episode:Wildcat Breakdown: Deep dive into University of Arizona basketball and football updates. Sports & Local Insights: Coach John Wilfert joins the discussion on local athletics, coaching culture, and real estate across Southern Arizona.Subscribe on YouTube and follow on Spotify for weekly sports analysis, guest interviews, and local coverage!

Welcome to The Clint Peek Show, brought to you by the Live the Dream Media Network!In this episode, Clint sits down with his good friend and former NBA star, Bob Elliott, for an insightful, wide-ranging conversation. Go beyond the court as they discuss Bob's journey, his show—The Bob Elliott Show (a Live The Dream Production)—and his impactful work with the African-American Museum of Southern Arizona. Get to know the man behind the basketball career in an authentic, personal look at his life and legacy.Subscribe now and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode!

Big Tuesday show, join Ron Arenas and Ron Kirk as they sit down with Denisse Alvarez and Christian Preciado from the Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona. They'll talk about the importance of the BBB for the consumer and the businesses. Next, as everyone is preparing for week one of the high school football season, Coach Matt Johnson of Mountain View High School sits down to talk about his team, his culture and the upcoming season. You don't want to miss this episode !

Welcome to The Bob Elliott Show, your weekly destination for engaging, informative conversations highlighting the people and organizations driving impact across Tucson, Southern Arizona, and beyond. We steer clear of politics and religion to focus on what truly matters: community leadership, local service, and the individuals shaping our region. After all, people make the job—the job does not make the person.Each week, we shine a spotlight on local non-profits and community-driven initiatives, exploring their missions and sharing practical insights—including how their work qualifies for Arizona state tax credits.In This EpisodeWe welcome Tito Romero of Flowers & Bullets, a local non-profit dedicated to community empowerment, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Tito shares his journey through an unedited oral history, offering a candid look into his upbringing, roots, and personal path to community leadership.

Jet Sports Network's Daniel Schwarzbeck and Raul Soto-Romero and AllSportsTucson.com's Javier Morales discuss Week 0 games involving Southern Arizona schools.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.  People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person. There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis.

Send us a text and chime in!More than 100 AZ Blue Employees and Families Pack Backpacks for Arizona Students Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) employees and their families came together for a family-friendly volunteer event to help students start the school year prepared for success. In partnership with Valley of the Sun United Way and The Foster Alliance, more than 100 volunteers packed backpacks full of school supplies, created encouragement crafts to cheer on students and teachers, and assembled teacher appreciation gifts. A total of 1,300 backpacks were prepared and were delivered to students and families in Southern Arizona this Monday morning, including...   For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/az-blue-volunteers-pack-1300-backpacks-for-arizona-students/ Check out the CAST11.com Website at: https://CAST11.com Follow the CAST11 Podcast Network on Facebook at: https://Facebook.com/CAST11AZFollow Cast11 Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/cast11_podcast_network

Big Tuesday show ! Join Ron Arenas  and Ron Kirk as we welcome our first guest Emily Spivey of Old Pueblo Cellars. Old Pueblo Cellars is a family-owned winery in Pima County, Arizona, known for its small-batch, desert-grown wines. It features a Southwestern-chic tasting room with seated tastings by reservation, offering flights, glasses, and bottles, along with charcuterie boards and event hosting. The winery emphasizes a relaxed, intimate experience, celebrating Arizona's unique growing conditions with handcrafted wines. Our next guest is our friend MeMe Aguila, Executive Director of We Care Tucson. A local non-profit organization in Tucson, Arizona, focused on bridging the digital divide and promoting sustainability by refurbishing donated electronics for low-cost distribution, providing STEM education for youth, and offering durable medical equipment to those in need. They collect used technology, repair it, and provide it to underserved communities, while also running youth programs and recycling e-waste. The organization was formerly known as World Care and shifted its focus to local community needs in Southern Arizona.

In this episode, we sit down with legendary Arizona Chef Janos Wilder to explore a career that has helped shape Arizona's culinary identity for more than four decades. From cooking professionally as a teenager to earning the 2000 James Beard Award for Best Chef: Southwest, Janos shares the experiences, philosophies, and relationships that have guided his remarkable journey. We dive into the lessons he learned in France, why hospitality should always make people feel welcome instead of intimidated, and how his passion for local ingredients ultimately led him to become one of the pioneers of Arizona's regional cuisine. Janos also shares the story behind Tucson becoming the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States and why preserving the region's native ingredients is about much more than food. Today, Studio Janos is the culmination of everything he's learned throughout his career. With intimate multi-course dinners centered around Southern Arizona's history, agriculture, and culture, every meal becomes an immersive experience that connects guests to the flavors and stories of the Sonoran Desert in a way few chefs can. Whether you're passionate about food, fascinated by Arizona's culinary history, or simply appreciate hearing from someone who has dedicated a lifetime to mastering their craft, this conversation is filled with wisdom, perspective, and inspiration. It's a reminder that the greatest chefs don't just cook great meals. They help tell the story of a place, preserve its traditions, and inspire future generations to build upon them.

On this episode of Southwest Flavor, Janay Arenas is stepping into the host chair for Southwest Flavor, and I'm joined by two Tucson business icons:Jeff Saunders – Lady Baba Does Promo Javier Avalos – Spectrum Ina Road Auto CollisionWe'll be talking about business, community, customer service, and what it really takes to build a reputation that lasts. More importantly, we'll be sharing the stories behind the people who have dedicated decades to serving Southern Arizona.Now… whether Ron trusts me with the show is still up for debate.

Putty Putman continues our sermon series "I Wish Somebody Had Told Me."Putty was one of the pioneers of the School of Kingdom Ministry at the Vineyard Church in Urbana, Illinois, where he helped equip believers to hear God's voice, minister in the power of the Holy Spirit, and live naturally supernatural lives. More recently, he has served as a Vineyard church planter in Tempe and as an Area Leader for Vineyard churches in Southern Arizona.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.  People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person. There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis. Show Guest: Corey Williams, former UA basketball player, ESPN TV broadcaster, Crest insurance executive.  Guest background:  Please welcome to the show Corey Williams.    Oral histories. It is an opportunity for people to give their story in their words without it being edited. I would like to start today with where you were born. Tell us about your upbringing. Any siblings? Your parents, etc.

In this episode Randel and Owen continue their talk with Carina Cirrincione and Jim Dees of Southern Arizona Wing Chun and Raven Studios.From their website:Carina and Jim have been training in Wing Chun since 1993 and 1989 respectively.  Both are certified instructors under Sifu Augustine Fong.Contact:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube - Southern Arizona Wing Chun⁠⁠Insta - Southern Arizona Wing Chun⁠⁠Website - Southern Arizona Wing Chun⁠⁠Raven Studios - Wooden Martial Arts Weapons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need More From Kung Fu Conversations (KFC)?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Buy-Me-A-Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Kung Fu Training?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Xingyi and Bagua in Colorado - Boulder Internal Arts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wing Chun in Colorado - Red Forest Chinese Boxing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#kungfupanda #taichi #kungfu #kungfuconversations #meditation #qigong #wingchun #baguazhang

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.Please welcome to the Bird's Nest: Jenny Flynn, President CEO of Community Foundation of Southern Arizona

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person.There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit?That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis.Show Guest: Larry Starks-President CEO Juneteenth CommitteeGuest background:Please welcome to the show Larry StarksOral histories. It is an opportunity for people to give their story in their words without it being edited. I would like to start today with where you were born. Tell us about your upbringing. Any siblings? Your parents, etc.

In this episode Randel and Owen talk with Carina Cirrincione and Jim Dees of Southern Arizona Wing Chun and Raven Studios.From their website:Carina and Jim have been training in Wing Chun since 1993 and 1989 respectively.  Both are certified instructors under Sifu Augustine Fong.Contact:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube - Southern Arizona Wing ChunInsta - Southern Arizona Wing ChunWebsite - Southern Arizona Wing ChunRaven Studios - Wooden Martial Arts Weapons⁠⁠⁠Need More From Kung Fu Conversations (KFC)?⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Email⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Buy-Me-A-Coffee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KFC Merch⁠⁠⁠⁠Need Kung Fu Training?⁠⁠⁠⁠Xingyi and Bagua in Colorado - Boulder Internal Arts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wing Chun in Colorado - Red Forest Chinese Boxing⁠⁠⁠⁠#kungfupanda #taichi #kungfu #kungfuconversations #meditation #qigong #wingchun #baguazhang

Federal officials say areas of the west experienced an unprecedented snow drought this winter. What that could mean for the region's water supplies. Plus, why conservationists are excited about spotting a jaguar at a specific Southern Arizona site.

Host Ruben Navarrette has a timely and entertaining conversation with his friend and fellow Harvard graduate Marcela Davison Avilés. A Stanford-educated lawyer-turned-filmmaker Marcela grew up in Southern Arizona -- specifically Nogales and Tucson -- where her family has deep roots. She spent many years living in San Francisco and working in Hollywood as a writer and consultant to major film projects. She worked closely with storytellers of Latino/Latinx who were interested in exploring subject matter related to that community. Recently, she and her wife left California and moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin to be closer to family. As a managing partner in TomKat Media, Marcella remains connected to the film industry. The two friends talk about hometowns, storytelling, the film and entertainment industry, the Western spirit, the media, California, Arizona, politics from the center-left, immigration, Mexican culture and the healing power of mariachi music.

This week on Life Along the Streetcar, Tom Heath sits down with Matt August, the Kasser Family Artistic Director of Arizona Theatre Company — Arizona's official state theater. From Broadway and Madison Square Garden to Tucson's historic Temple of Music and Art, Matt shares the journey that brought him to Southern Arizona and how ATC continues to produce nationally recognized theater right here in downtown Tucson. The conversation explores ATC's current hit comedy Dracula, the unique two-city theater model connecting Tucson and Tempe, the challenges of modern theater production, and an exciting preview of the upcoming season featuring Proof, Little Shop of Horrors, The Play That Goes Wrong, and more. If you love theater, storytelling, Tucson culture, or the arts in Arizona, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region's most important cultural institutions. In this episode: Matt August's Broadway and national theater background Why Tucson remains the home of Arizona Theatre Company Behind the scenes of Dracula How productions are selected and cast Bringing Broadway-quality theater to Arizona The importance of arts education and student outreach Preview of the 2026 season lineup For tickets and information visit: Arizona Theatre Company Listen to Life Along the Streetcar every Sunday on Downtown Radio 99.1 FM and everywhere podcasts are available. #Tucson #ArizonaTheatreCompany #Broadway #Theater #LifeAlongTheStreetcar #DowntownTucson #ArtsAndCulture #MattAugust #Dracula #Podcast

Also on Arizona Spotlight: NPR's Scott Simon new book shows love for pets of all make and model; and an audio postcard from the Autism Society of Southern Arizona's largest annual event.

Sheriff Nanos keeps his job, for now; A new jaguar prowls the Southern Arizona mountains; We celebrate with the graduates of Upward Bound; and more...

The Tennessee meltdown has emboldened the right. The sights and sounds of insurrection from the left and the irony is that the liberals are trying to prevent a black Republican woman from being elected in a district being held by an old democrat white man. Governor Hobbs is slimming down and feeling confident, but should she feel that confident with elections coming up? Two people not slimming down are Adelita Grijalva and Regina Romero in Southern Arizona as they shout, they will not work with Tom Homan or anyone in the Trump administration. Plus, CNN criticizes Marco Rubio for using 90's rap lyrics in speeches, breaking news as the Virginia Supreme Court bats down the VA redistricting, tortas, cultural educations, clowns of the week, and we wrap it all up with our weekly prayer to our Heavenly Father.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.  People Make the Job; the Job does not make the person. There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis. Show Guest: Vanecia Kerr-President CEO United Way of Southern Arizona  Guest background:  Please welcome to the show Vanecia Kerr.    Oral histories. It is an opportunity for people to give their story in their words without it being edited. I would like to start today with where you were born. Tell us about your upbringing. Any siblings? Your parents, etc.   Accomplishments-see Chat GPT sheet     Rest of show-conversation with guest.Filler-Current events-last week, this week, next week. End of the show. Vanecia thanks so much for being our guest and joining me on the show.    Join us on Friday 9am, May 15th, for the next Bob Elliott show. Our guest will be Father John Paul Forte of the UA Newman Center, celebrating their 100th year. Positive well-wishes to everyone and stay safe!

On today's newscast: The Colorado State House officially passed a bill to fund and support wildlife crossings, which could mean good news for Roaring Fork Safe Passages; ticks are emerging early across Colorado after a mild winter; and new photos show major damage to an archeological site that is hundreds of years old in Southern Arizona. Tune in for these stories and more.

Welcome to the Bob Elliott show where we will educate and have fun regarding various Tucson, Southern Arizona, State of Arizona, and national events. We will not be about politics or religion. We will emphasize leaders in our community and what they do, why they do it and how they do it.  There are a lot of organizations in town, great organizations, that provide services for our community. Who are they? What do they do? Are they eligible to receive an Arizona state tax credit? That is who we are, and that is what we will do, on a weekly basis. Show Guest: Kristen Garcia Hernandez Guest background: President/CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. Please welcome to the Bird's Nest Kristen Garcia Hernandez. Oral histories. It is an opportunity for people to give their story in their words without it being edited. I would like to start today with where you were born. Tell us about your upbringing. Any siblings? Your parents, etc.   Accomplishments Follow up on the cookie sales. Kristen is the 1st Latina to be CEO. Native Tucsonan. Eller Graduate.90th year for the Girl Scouts. Been with Girl Scouts for over 10 years.

Big Tuesday show coming to you today! First, we'll be sitting down with Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield. Then, we'll spend time with Maja Serve and talk about her new book, " Southern Arizona 101".

Join us for The Bob Elliott Show, a weekly exploration of the people and organizations shaping Tucson, Southern Arizona, and beyond. We bypass politics and religion to focus on the "how" and "why" behind local leadership, highlighting the individuals who define their roles through service and character.This Week's Feature: Oral HistoriesWe are honored to welcome Ken Alexander, author of The Successful Man.In this segment, we delve into the power of the unedited narrative. Ken joins us to share his personal journey—from his upbringing and family roots to the milestones that defined his career. It is a rare, firsthand look at the life experiences that build a legacy.Community Spotlight: Tax Credits & Local ServicesSouthern Arizona is home to incredible organizations providing vital services. We bridge the gap between these groups and the community, discussing their missions and how your support may qualify for Arizona State Tax Credits.Coming Up NextTune in Friday, April 3rd at 9:00 AM for our conversation with Vanecia Kerr, CEO of United Way of Southern Arizona.Stay safe and stay inspired.

Get ready for an action-packed edition of the Wake Up Lineup, streaming exclusively on the Live the Dream Media Network! We're kicking things off with Mark Van Buren to talk all things cinema before the one and only CJ Hammmakes his big return. Together, we'll count down the top 2026 flavor trends and dive into the mailbag to answer your burning questions from the Tucson Foodies community.In our third hour, Julie from "Phones Down, Just Drive" joins us to discuss the vital mission of road safety. We also feature a hard-hitting report from Valerie Cavazos News regarding TUSD transparency—including a "money quote" you won't want to miss—and highlight why it's time to Vote Val Romero for Tucson. From food and film to the local stories that matter most, this is your definitive look at Southern Arizona!

Who are the people shaping Tucson and Southern Arizona? Bob Elliott welcomes Nicole Sevinsky from the Special Olympics to share her personal story and the mission behind this vital organization. This episode offers a unique look at local leadership through an unedited oral history, focusing on the "how" and "why" of community service without the noise of politics or religion. Stick around until the end for a preview of our next show on March 27th with University of Arizona Head Football Coach, Brent Brennan.

This week, Brittni Gutman joins Ron Arenas as co-host for a special look at the organizations making an impact in Southern Arizona. They'll be joined by Irene Coppola and Denisse Alvarez from the Southern Arizona Better Business Bureau, followed by a segment with Dana Cooper from the Gospel Rescue Mission.

Welcome to The Bird's Nest! Join Bob Elliott every week for an inside look at the leaders, organizations, and visionaries shaping Tucson, Southern Arizona, and beyond. We skip the politics and religion to focus on the people behind the positions—who they are, why they serve, and how they're making an impact.In the Bird's Nest Today: Lea Marquez PetersonBob sits down with Arizona Corporation Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson. In this unedited oral history, Lea shares her story in her own words—from her upbringing and family roots to the personal journey that led to her career in public service.Plus: * A look at local organizations providing vital services to our community.Understanding the Arizona State Tax Credit and how you can get involved.A breakdown of the week's top local events.Next Week's Guest:

What if the next step in your career was simply saying "yes" to yourself? For many clinicians, the idea of starting a private practice feels like a "someday" dream. But for today's guest, "someday" arrived a lot sooner than she expected — and it completely changed her career.I'm thrilled to introduce you to Kara Nelson, a pediatric speech-language pathologist, mom, and the founder of Sahuarita Speech Spot, a private practice serving families in a rural-suburban community in Southern Arizona, just 20 miles north of the Mexico border.Kara specializes in gestalt language processing and neurodiversity-affirming therapy, supporting children from first words through early literacy. She has grown her practice beyond traditional speech therapy by adding reading tutoring, school contracts, and community partnerships, all while raising her family and figuring out how to scale a business without losing the heart of the work. She is a shining example of what happens when you combine clinical expertise with a leap of faith—and she's been a joy to watch grow from the very first steps of her journey all the way to where she is now.From working as a speech tech in the schools to building a thriving practice with a brick-and-mortar location and a growing team, Kara's story proves that private practice isn't just for the "type A" planners—it's for anyone willing to go all in.In this episode, Kara shares how she moved from feeling stuck in the school system to creating a practice that fits her life, her family, and her community.Kara Nelson has been working in the schools since 2007, starting as a speech language technician before earning her master's degree from Northern Arizona University. She spent over 15 years in educational settings before realizing she was ready for something different.A self-described "all or nothing" person, Kara didn't waffle when the idea of private practice took hold. She started small—mobile and part-time—while continuing to work in early intervention and the schools. But it wasn't long before her caseload grew, and so did her vision.Today, Kara runs a busy practice that offers both speech therapy and literacy support out of a permanent location. She's learned to leverage technology, streamline her systems, and even bring on a team member. And through it all, she's stayed grounded in her mission: helping kids communicate and connect.In Today's Episode, We Discuss:How Kara transitioned from school-based work to private practice—and why she knew it was timeThe value of starting mobile to build momentum without the overheadThe unexpected doors that opened—like renting space in a churchHer advice for clinicians who are nervous about taking the leapKara's journey is a powerful reminder that you don't have to have every detail figured out before you start. You just have to begin. Whether it's gaining confidence to have parents in the room, posting on Facebook to find clients, or deciding to build walls in a leased space—each step builds on the last.Her story does not have to be the exception. You, too, can create a practice that grows with you—if you're willing to take the first step.Want to build a private practice that fits your life—whether you're type A, type B, or somewhere in between? The Start Your Private Practice Program can give you...

Why are wild peyote populations shrinking, and what can be done about it? In this episode, we explore the sacred medicine of peyote and efforts to conserve it with Leonardo Mercado. We discuss restrictive U.S. laws, unregulated harvesting, ongoing debates, conservation work led by some Native communities, wild vs. greenhouse cultivation and more.For 40 years, Leo has been dedicated to preserving peyote and its seed sources to create a sustainable future for the medicine. He's now Cultivation Director at Seedling Sanctuary in Tucson – a proof of concept program demonstrating an efficient model for the ethical stewardship of peyote. It operates under the Morning Star Conservancy (MSC), a non-profit organization founded by members of the Native American Church (NAC). So what's working, what needs improvement and what support is needed? Take a listen!If you'd like to support the nonprofit Modern Spirit and our podcast, you can make a donation HERE.For more information about Leo and Morning Star Conservancy, and to support conservation efforts: MSC's Website Leo's Instagram They are looking for a permanent home base for the seedlings (preferably in Southern Arizona) - if you have any connections who could help with this, please get in touch with MSC or Leo. Timestamps: (00:00) Opening and Welcome(02:50) Growing Up Around Reservations & Introduction to Cacti(03:47) The Accidental ‘Death/Rebirth'(05:23) Finding an Elder and Vision Quest (07:22) Philosophical Conflict and Protecting Sacred Tradition(09:19) Why Peyote Is Scarcer Than Ever: Supply, Ethics, and Habitat Loss(15:21) Learning with the Wixárika in Mexico(18:04) From Picket Line Roots to Conservation(22:30) Peyote Paradox: Legal Abroad, Restricted Where Needed(27:17) Morning Star in Arizona: Seed Bank, Germination, Proof of Concept(32:13) Seed-to-Ceremony: Donations and Scaling Up(40:31) Natural Culture & How to Help: Land, Funding, and the Future 

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Thursday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan unpacks a mysterious 10-day airspace shutdown over El Paso that officials blame on cartel drone activity, though conflicting reports suggest something far more serious may have been unfolding along America's southern border. He then shares troubling developments from Tucson following the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, raising broader concerns about cartel presence and sanctuary city policies in Southern Arizona. Bryan also covers a deadly school shooting in Canada tied to gender dysphoria and media language battles, escalating felony charges against anti-ICE agitators, a major court fight over detaining illegal migrants without bond, and renewed global pressure on Iran as President Trump considers military and economic escalation. The episode closes with updates from Syria, Nigeria, and Central America, where U.S. pressure campaigns are reshaping alliances and squeezing hostile regimes from Havana to Managua.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: February 12 2026 Wright Report, El Paso airspace shutdown cartel drone mystery, Ft Bliss directed energy test, Tucson kidnapping Nancy Guthrie, sanctuary city cartel presence Arizona, Canada trans school shooting media language debate, Title 18 Section 111 ICE felony charges, Fifth Circuit detention without bond asylum ruling, Iran nuclear escalation USS George H.W. Bush carrier group, ghost fleet tanker seizure plan, Syria al-Tanf base withdrawal, Nigeria ISIS U.S. trainers, Guatemala expels Cuban doctors, Nicaragua Ortega migrant flights crackdown

Tucson Foodie is a community-driven platform shaping how Southern Arizona experiences and supports its local food scene. In this episode, we sit down with Shane Reiser, owner and leader of Tucson Foodie, to talk about his unconventional path from nonprofit work and the University of Arizona to running one of Tucson's most influential culinary brands. Shane shares how he went from being a fan and subscriber to leading the platform. With no formal background in food or media, he breaks down how growing 5 businesses now benefits the growth of Tucson Foodie. This story-telling, experience-driven engine supports local chefs through events, member dinners, restaurant takeovers, and monthly mixers- proving that when you eat local and support local, the impact goes far beyond the plate. subscribe to our magazine: https://www.atasteofaz.com/subscribe a taste of az instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATasteOfAZ/ a taste of az tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atasteofaz  

On this special edition of The Clint Peek Show, we welcome guest host Ted Maxwell, President and CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council. Ted is joined by Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy for a deep dive into the future of regional infrastructure. They discuss the latest developments with RTA Next, what's on the horizon for Southern Arizona transportation, and key updates impacting the Tucson community.

Welcome to the Bird's Nest for a new episode of The Bob Elliott Show, where we highlight the leaders and organizations shaping Southern Arizona. This week, Bob sits down with Lynn Davis, Project Director at the Tucson Jewish Museum & Holocaust Center. Through our signature "Oral History" segment, Lynn shares her unedited personal story, offering an inside look at her upbringing and her dedicated work within the community.Tune in to learn more about the Center's mission and how local organizations qualify for the Arizona state tax credit. We wrap up with a look at local current events and a preview of our January 30th episode with Adelita Grijalva.Join us for a conversation focused on people, service, and legacy—no politics, just the stories that matter.

A Journey in Holistic WellnessIn This Podcast: Clinical herbalist Kimberly Kling returns to discuss regenerative health in a highly toxic modern world. Drawing from personal experience, clinical practice, and ecological awareness, she explains how petrochemicals, industrial agriculture, and environmental toxins disrupt human health—especially the gut microbiome, mitochondria, and detox pathways. The conversation moves from root causes to practical, accessible steps people can take, including food choices, herbs, lifestyle shifts, and community action. Throughout, the focus remains on empowerment, resilience, and reconnecting with plant wisdom rather than fear.Our Guest: Kimberly is a clinical herbalist and the guiding force behind joyful roots in Southern Arizona where she helps her community locally and beyond cultivate inner wellness through earth centered herbal care, rooted in a deep reverence for the healing power of plants. Kimberly's journey began in childhood, crafting magical plant stews and foraging connections with Michigan's native flora. Her background in landscape architecture and engineering provided a foundation for understanding the intricate relationships between plants, people, and the land. However, it was motherhood and a personal health crisis that led to her clinical herbalism deepening her passion for holistic wellness. Now, Kimberly integrates traditional wisdom with modern herbal practices, empowering others to reconnect with plant wisdom for vibrant health and wellbeing.Medical Disclaimer: In today's episode we are talking about our health. The information provided in this podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. We are not medical doctors and no medical doctor/patient relationship is formed. Always seek advice from your qualified medical doctor regarding questions you may have about your medical condition.Key Topics & EntitiesKimberly KlingJoyful RootsClinical herbalismEnvironmental toxinsPetrochemicalsHaber-Bosch ProcessGlyphosate, Diquat, ParaquatGut microbiomeMitochondrial healthAutoimmune illness (lupus)AntioxidantsLiver detoxificationRegenerative agricultureFood forestsKey Questions AnsweredWhy are modern humans experiencing chronic illness earlier than previous generations?Because exposure to synthetic chemicals, petrochemicals, pesticides, plastics, and food additives has rapidly increased over the last ~150 years, overwhelming biological systems that evolved alongside natural substances.How do pesticides and herbicides affect the body if they're “safe for humans”?They often harm microbial...

Welcome to the Bird's Nest! This week, Bob sits down with a true community trailblazer: Kristin Garcia-Hernandez, the first Latina CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. As a native Tucsonan and UA Eller graduate, Kristin shares her "Oral History"—offering an unedited look at her upbringing and her decade-long journey leading this iconic organization.Highlights of this episode:90 Years of Impact: Celebrating nearly a century of the Girl Scouts in our community.The Big Launch: It's officially Girl Scout Cookie Drop Day!Community Leadership: We discuss the vital services the Girl Scouts provide and how you can support local organizations through the Arizona state tax credit.Join us for a conversation focused on leadership and legacy—no politics, no religion, just the stories that shape Southern Arizona.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The Aviation Pioneer behind Ryan Field; Invisible Theater's follows love across the universe and beyond; and storyteller Beth Colburn Orozco shares a story about love overcoming remorse.

We explore two pillars of the Southern Arizona community: our global tourism and our local non-profits.We begin with Michal Mael, an industry icon known as the "Queen of Rocks," to discuss the economic and cultural impact of the upcoming Gem Show. Whether you're a serious collector or a casual attendee, Michal breaks down the "can't-miss" events of the season.We close the show with Scott Tilley of TRAK. Scott joins us to discuss the transition to their new facility and what this milestone means for the children and animals served by their therapeutic programs.