Scottsdale Vibes
What if healing didn’t start with words, but with connection? Today, we’re exploring how Hunkapi Programs are helping first responders, military members, and veterans regulate stress and reconnect through powerful, equine-assisted experiences. Today’s conversation is one that really speaks to the power of connection, healing, and community. First responders, active military, and veterans carry an incredible weight through their service, and often, the impact of that stress goes far beyond what we can see. That’s where today’s guest comes in. I’m joined by Terra Schaad,...
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If you’ve spent any time in Old Town, you know that Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is one of those places that truly captures the heart of who we are. It tells the story of the American West in a way that feels both rooted in history and incredibly relevant today. And recently, the museum stepped into a whole new era with a 12 million dollar expansion that is elevating the entire experience. The new Louis Sands the IV Center adds significant space, new exhibitions, and a deeper, more immersive way to connect with Western and Indigenous art and storytelling....
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Today’s conversation dives into something that touches every single one of us in some way. Mental health, crisis support, and the power of human connection are not just important topics, they are essential to the well being of our communities. Here in Arizona, one organization is doing critical work to make sure help is always within reach. Solari Crisis and Human Services plays a vital role in connecting people to care during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. I’m joined by Justin Chase, CEO of Solari. Justin is a nationally recognized leader in behavioral health, crisis...
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Today we’re diving into a conversation that feels especially relevant right now. Scottsdale is having a major moment. It was recently named the best city in America to find a job, and we’re seeing that play out in real time. From semiconductor expansion in the Airpark to new luxury housing developments proposed in North Scottsdale and even proposed changes around the Westin Kierland area there’s a lot happening. And while it’s exciting, it’s also raising some real questions. What does this growth mean for our day-to-day lives? For affordability? For the lifestyle that’s made...
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Today’s episode is an important one because we’re diving into public safety, innovation, and what it takes to serve a growing and dynamic city like Scottsdale. I’m honored to be joined by Scottsdale Police Chief Joe Le Duc. As our city continues to expand and host world-class events The Scottsdale Police Department is continually evolving — investing in new technology like license plate readers and speed enforcement cameras, strengthening partnerships, and refining strategies to keep residents and visitors safe. Today, we’ll talk about how technology is being used responsibly...
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This week , we’re talking about youth sports, parenting, and how to support young athletes without burning them out. From elite competition to healthy balance, Sara Slattery shares expert insight on raising confident, resilient athletes in today’s high-pressure sports world. Today’s episode is one so many parents in our community can relate to. Youth sports have become more competitive than ever, and navigating that world — from training schedules and burnout to college recruiting and NIL opportunities — can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Joining me today is Sara...
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Today’s episode is all about one of Scottsdale’s most treasured assets: the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the people working every day to protect it for future generations. I’m excited to welcome Angy Shearer, the new CEO of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Angy is originally from South Bend, Indiana, but has called the Sonoran Desert home for nearly 20 years, with a career deeply rooted in the nonprofit world and philanthropy. After two decades of helping organizations grow through fundraising and community support, she stepped into this role last December — bringing her passion for...
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Welcome to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, I’m Alicia Haygood. This week we’re talking about an exciting cultural event returning to our city this week. Scottsdale Art Week is bringing galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world to WestWorld, and today we’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this international art fair so special. Scottsdale has long been known as one of the Southwest’s premier arts destinations, from our galleries in Old Town to world-class museums and public art throughout the city. And this week, that reputation takes center stage once...
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This episode is a great example of how Scottsdale continues to be a home for creative, unexpected, and exciting events. I’m joined by Logan Rose from Big League Wiffle Ball, also known as BLW — America’s first professional wiffle ball league. What started as a backyard league during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a national phenomenon with city-based franchises, major tournaments, and even a World Series played at AT&T Stadium. The 2025–2026 season features 10 teams competing across the country, and some of BLW’s biggest moments are happening right here in Scottsdale. This...
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This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we’re talking baseball, community, and what makes Scottsdale spring training season so special. I’m joined by Jeff Meyer, a longtime community leader and President of the Cactus League Baseball Association, to pull back the curtain on one of Scottsdale’s most iconic traditions. Today’s episode is one I’ve been really looking forward to because it highlights something that truly puts Scottsdale on the national map every single spring: the Cactus League. I’m excited to be joined by Jeff Meyer, a prominent Arizona business leader, longtime...
info_outlineTammy Caputi
Tammy began her first term on the Scottsdale City Council in January 2021 and is currently seeking a second term. She has lived and worked in Scottsdale for almost 25 years, and is the president and owner of Yale Electric West, Inc, a Scottsdale company. Married for over 21 years with 3 daughters who all attend our local schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA and a Master’s in Business Administration from Simmons University in Boston, MA. Tammy is passionate about keeping Scottsdale the Gold Standard of the Valley, and is always running!
Tammy Caputi website
Tom Durham
Tom grew up in a small town in Iowa and attended Cornell College where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa and magna cum laude in 1977 with majors in Philosophy and History. Some of my earliest memories are of visiting my grandfather in Mesa where he had a pasture behind his house and rode horses. After graduating from Cornell, he attended NYU Law School in New York City, graduating in 1980. After graduating from NYU, Tom joined the Mayer Brown law firm in Chicago, an international law firm that specialized in tax controversy. He argued several appeals in the Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, which is generally regarded as the second most important court in the United States.Tom’s ability to analyze complex legal and factual situations and to "cut through" to the heart of the matter are essential to the City Council. During his time at Mayer Brown, I was recognized by Chambers USA as one of the top 25 tax controversy lawyers in the US. Tom retired from Mayer Brown in April 2015. Tom Durham 2024 website
MaryAnne McAllen
Maryann McAllen is a 59 year resident of Scottsdale, she is a small business owner, a community leader and activist. Maryann met her husband Sam while being a summer recreation leader for the City of Scottsdale, they have four young adult children and a fun fact about Maryann she is an avid Antique Button Collector.
MaryAnn McAllen website
Adam Kwasman
Born and raised in Tucson, Arizona, Adam Kwasman developed a deep appreciation for community values and civic responsibility from an early age. His formative years instilled in him a commitment to service and a passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Adam earned his B.A. from Tulane University, his M.A. in economics from George Mason University, and his J.D. from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. His academic journey not only equipped him with a strong foundation of knowledge but also fueled his desire to contribute meaningfully to society. He is a husband and father of 4 too.
Adam Kwasman website
Lisa Borowsky
Scottsdale native Lisa Borowsky is a lawyer, mother and community advocate. She previously served on the Scottsdale City Council from 2008 to 2012. She led the charge pushing for meaningful structural changes to the budget process, including a City Charter amendment, which moved the City Treasurer to the position of Charter Officer, reporting directly to the Council and the citizens. Lisa served on numerous boards & committees including Experience Scottsdale Board of Directors, the City’s Audit Committee, the Water Subcommittee, Scottsdale Westworld Subcommittee, Charros Foundation Board and many more. As mayor of Scottsdale, Lisa will leverage her experience as an attorney, councilwoman, and volunteer to protect Scottsdale’s future, bring transparency to city government, and improve the lives of Scottsdale residents.
https://lisaformayor.com/
Dave Ortega
Mayor Dave Ortega is running for re-election as Scottsdale Mayor. A resident of Scottsdale for over 40 years, he owns an architecture firm in Old Town. During his current term of Mayor, Dave Ortega supports public safety, protecting family-friendly neighborhoods, defending Scottsdale Water from dry-lot 'wildcat" houses in the county, reinvesting in our vibrant Western legacy in Old Town, and promoting citywide economic vitality. https://www.electdaveortegamayor.com/
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