ICONIC HOUR
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Hope Ijaola, founder of Dr. Hopiola Skincare, for an in-depth conversation about the inspiration, research, and clinical expertise behind the brand—and how to build a skincare routine that actually works. Website: drhopiola.com Instagram: drhopiola BACK STORY As a physician, I noticed that many of my patients, and even I myself, struggled to tolerate certain prescription-grade skincare products, despite their proven benefits. Side effects like burning, stinging, and peeling often made it challenging to use them consistently. This inspired me to explore...
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In this episode, we sit down with Scott, the founder of Mito Red Light, to explore the science, innovation, and vision behind one of the leading brands in red light therapy. Scott shares his journey from curiosity to creation, breaking down how red light therapy supports mitochondrial health, recovery, performance, and overall wellness. Website: mitoredlight.com Instagram: mitoredlightofficial BACK STORY Scott Chaverri, founder of Mito Red Light. Scott’s mission is all about empowering people to optimize their health-spans through clinically validated, at-home red light therapy...
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Janice Rantanen, Director of Lasting Impressions at Candelaria Design Associates and the visionary planner behind the firm’s ICONIC first Candelaria Design Tour France. Janice takes us inside their most recent adventure to Paris, France, sharing insider experiences, cultural highlights, and all the must-dos for anyone planning to travel abroad. Website: candelariadesign.com Instagram: candelariadesign BACK STORY Janice has lived in the Valley since 1982 and joined Candelaria Design as Director of Lasting Impressions early 2019. She ensures the comfort...
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth, to explore how Scottsdale is taking bold steps toward becoming a longer-living, more connected, and more vibrant community. Website: Instagram: bzpscottsdale BACK STORY With more than 35 years of diverse healthcare experience, Todd LaPorte leads an integrated health system with nine acute-care hospitals, numerous outpatient facilities, a research institute, and various community services impacting social determinants of health and...
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On today’s episode, we sit down for Part II of our conversation with legendary Chef Christopher Gross and hospitality visionary Bill Nassikas as they explore the intersection of cuisine, creativity, and guest experience. From Michelin-level kitchens to world-class resorts, they share stories from decades at the top of the culinary and hospitality industries—along with candid conversations with chefs, winemakers, and entrepreneurs redefining what it means to serve. Insight, humor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom—straight from two masters of their craft. Website: Instagram:...
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On today’s episode, we sit down with legendary Chef Christopher Gross and hospitality visionary Bill Nassikas as they explore the intersection of cuisine, creativity, and guest experience. From Michelin-level kitchens to world-class resorts, they share stories from decades at the top of the culinary and hospitality industries—along with candid conversations with chefs, winemakers, and entrepreneurs redefining what it means to serve. Insight, humor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom—straight from two masters of their craft. Website: Instagram: christophersatwrigley BACK STORY...
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. — entrepreneur, hospitality visionary, and member of one of the most ICONIC fashion families in the world — for a rich conversation that blends heritage, hospitality, and the evolving landscape of luxury living. Website: Instagram: salvatore_ferragamo_jr ilborro BACK STORY The Italian Association of Arizona is thrilled to announce its 10th annual Italian Festival at Old Town Scottsdale Waterfront, where attendees can experience Italy in the Valley on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 26...
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On today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Katz, the visionary founder and winemaker behind Aperture Cellars—a label that's redefining the future of fine wine through precision, storytelling, and stunning design. From collaborating with A-list celebrities to building one of the most architecturally striking wineries in California, Jesse shares his journey of blending innovation with tradition in an industry steeped in legacy. Website: aperture-cellars.com Instagram: aperturecellars BACK STORY EARLY ADVENTURES to legendary vineyards and wineries around the world with his father,...
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On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with Tim McBride, founder of Change Agents of Arizona, to discuss the inspiration behind the movement and the second annual Change Agents of Arizona event celebrating this year’s honorees. This event is an invite-only gathering that recognizes a small, carefully selected class of real estate professionals who lead with generosity, integrity, and purpose. These agents aren’t just successful in business—they use their platform to lift others, lead boldly in their communities, and inspire change far beyond the closing table. ...
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On today’s episode of the podcast, we sit down with Brian Johnson, founder of Senergy360, and Nate Gossage, founder of Living Stone Builders, to explore how design, construction, and wellness intersect in the creation of healthy homes. Website: senergy360.com buildlivingstone.com Instagram: livingstonebuilders senergy360 BACK STORY Brian Johnson, founder of Senergy360, is a leader at the intersection of high performance, environmental wellness, and innovative home construction. With over 22 years in the building industry and a personal background as an elite athlete, Brian...
info_outlineOn today’s episode, we sit down with Jesse Katz, the visionary founder and winemaker behind Aperture Cellars—a label that's redefining the future of fine wine through precision, storytelling, and stunning design. From collaborating with A-list celebrities to building one of the most architecturally striking wineries in California, Jesse shares his journey of blending innovation with tradition in an industry steeped in legacy.
Website: aperture-cellars.com
Instagram: aperturecellars
BACK STORY EARLY ADVENTURES to legendary vineyards and wineries around the world with his father, photographer Andy Katz, gave Colorado-native Jesse Katz a profound respect for the creative art of winemaking. Jesse creates distinct, nuanced wines for his brands Aperture Cellars and Devil Proof Vineyards; while serving as a consulting winemaker for some of the world’s most prestigious wines. Inspired from an early age, Jesse dived into the wine industry and has since became one of the most exciting — and accomplished — winemakers in the world.
Jesse’s diverse experience spanning 25 harvests at wineries, along with his desire to travel, fed his aspiration to learn from the best in the industry, including Pétrus in Bordeaux, as well as time on the winemaking teams at Screaming Eagle Winery and Robert Foley Winery in Napa Valley, and Viña Cobos and Bodega Noemia in Argentina.
In 2010, Jesse was the youngest-hired head winemaker in the U.S. at Lancaster Estate where, during his five-year tenure, he orchestrated the building of the new Roth winery, production facility, and tasting room, and received 90+ scores on every wine scored by the Wine Advocate, and garnered Lancaster Estate’s inclusion on the list of Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines. In 2013, Wine Enthusiast named Jesse one of its 40 Under 40 Tastemakers and he was also the first winemaker on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2014. As a consulting winemaker for some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Von Miller, Tony Hawk and Justin Timberlake, in 2017, Jesse’s wine collaboration with Shep Gordon, The Setting, earned acclaim as the most expensive wine in the world.
Jesse enjoys putting his craft to work raising funds for good causes, non-profits, and charity events. All large format bottles of Devil Proof and Aperture are donated to charitable auctions along with numerous cases of wine and custom winery experiences each year.
Through travels with his photographer father, winemaker Jesse Katz developed a profound passion for wine and winemaking that has shaped his career. As a child and young adult, it was through his father’s work that Jesse was first introduced to the art of winemaking, where he quickly recognized the importance of terroir and balance of the winemaker’s influence, landing him on a path he has followed ever since.
Jesse’s winemaking philosophy is a combination of diverse hands-on experience and knowledge passed on to him from some of the greatest winemaking legends while working at some of the most renowned wineries around the world. One core ethos has always prevailed though: evolution. Jesse is always learning, always evolving and constantly trying new things to achieve greater excellence. When it comes to the production methods, Jesse and his team are constantly modifying their fermentation applications based on different vineyards and fruit quality year to year. Each vintage calls for a tailored barrel fermentation approach on both Aperture reds and whites. Early extraction brings fleshy, ripe characteristics; while extended maturation ensures structure and length from each grape variety. A combination of warm and cool fermentation is completed on all varieties.
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