Skincare, Simplified: Dr. Hope on What Really Works
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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Lighting Up Longevity: Red Light Therapy Explained with Mito Red Light
ICONIC HOUR
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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Paris Through Our Eyes: A Candelaria Design Adventure
ICONIC HOUR
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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Transforming Scottsdale Into a Healthier, Happier Community — Inside the Blue Zones Project
ICONIC HOUR
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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The Art of Hospitality Part II
ICONIC HOUR
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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The Art of Hospitality
ICONIC HOUR
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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Legacy & Lifestyle: Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. on Fine Wine
ICONIC HOUR
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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From Vines to Vision: Jesse Katz on Crafting Next-Level Wine
ICONIC HOUR
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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Rooted in Impact: Change Agents of Arizona
ICONIC HOUR
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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Under One Healthy Roof
ICONIC HOUR
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 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: https://wrigleymansion.com/christophers
Instagram: christophersatwrigley
BACK STORY
The president and COO of Westroc Hospitality since its founding, William J. Nassikas boasts decades of successful national and international experience in the hospitality industry. Like CEO Scott Lyon, William gained early exposure to his career path as the son of hotelier James A. Nassikas, founder of the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco.
Prior to joining Westroc, William served as senior vice president of operations at Grand Bay Resorts, joining that organization as part of the merger-acquisition of Carefree Resorts. There, he was responsible for all accommodations, restaurant, spa, golf, and other guest service operations for properties including The Boulders Resort, The Buttes in Tempe, The Peaks at Telluride, Carmel Valley Ranch, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, The Grand Bay Miami, and the famed Golden Door Spa.
Among his many achievements, William was instrumental in the conception and development of Deer Valley Resort in Utah. He gained invaluable experience through executive management positions within Hyatt Hotels, as well as training throughout Europe, including the famed Restaurant Girardet in Switzerland.
A graduate of Cornell University’s Hotel School, William earned a Diplome Finale des Etudes from Ecole Hoteliere de la Societe Suisse des Hoteliers in Switzerland. His numerous honors include “Hotelier of the Year” by The Chaine des Rotisseurs, being inducted into The Arizona Republic’s Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award from Restaurant & Institutions magazine, the CSX Award of Excellence, nomination for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art’s Contemporary Catalyst Award, the 2006 Industry Leadership Award from Arizona Hospitality Industry Professionals, and AZLTA’s 2019 Hotelier of the Year award.
William fulfills a commitment to give back to the hospitality industry, helping train future professionals as a visiting lecturer to the Inaugural Master of Real Estate Development Class at Arizona State University, Cornell University’s Hotel School, and University of New Hampshire’s hospitality management program. He also serves on various boards, including the Royal St. Corporation, AZLTA and The Mission B1 Foundation.
Based in Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Gross is a James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef who has been recognized among the best in the United States.
Famed for its modern twists on classic French fare, Christopher’s at Wrigley Mansion earned a 2022 James Beard Outstanding Chef nomination. It was rated 18/20 by Gayot Guide which named it Best French Restaurant, Best 10 Restaurant Wine Lists, Best 10 Restaurants with a View, and Best Romantic Restaurants. In its five-star review, Arizona Republic called the restaurant “Phoenix’s most innovative, enticing dining experience for its exclusive tasting-menu experience where the chefs also serve each dish.”
Named to the Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame, Chef Christopher has also been honored by Food & Wine magazine’s “America’s 10 Best New Chefs,” was the first chef in Arizona to be honored with the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence and also created the nationwide "Flavors" fundraiser for the American Liver Association.
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