Amazing Arizonans
Amazing Arizonans

Amazing Arizonans

KTAR News’ Mike Broomhead sits down and visits with incredible people from around the state for Amazing Arizonans. You can listen or watch the interviews each week with a new episode being released on Wednesdays.

Mike hosts The Mike Broomhead Show on KTAR News 92.3 from 8a-noon Monday-Friday.

Follow the podcast

RSS Feed

Episodes

Victoria Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper

Victoria Peacey, President and General Manager of Resolution Copper

I was invited to visit the Resolution Copper Mine. I was excited to go that far underground. What I didn't expect was to meet such great people that are very proud of this project. My guest is the President of Resolution Copper Vicky Peacey. I learned a lot about the organization and their mission. They have such a love for the people of Superior Arizona and the surrounding towns. She taught me about mining in general and about what the resolution Copper project means to the entire country. I know you're going to learn a lot from this conversation. I know that I did.

Stephanie Vasquez, owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective

Stephanie Vasquez, owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective

This week's episode features a Phoenix entrepreneur who is opening doors to other Latina business owners in the valley. Her name is Stephanie Vasquez. She's the owner of Fair Trade Cafe and CEO of Amor Collective, both in downtown Phoenix. 

Favorite Episode: Chance Cozby, Executive Director of the Thunderbirds

Favorite Episode: Chance Cozby, Executive Director of the Thunderbirds

There are a few events that I consider Arizona signature events.

The WM Phoenix Open is definitely on top of that list. The Thunderbirds host this amazing tournament each year.

I sit down with the head of the organization, Chance Cozby. We talk about the massive growth of the tournament and the money that is raised.

The Thunderbirds give millions of dollars to Arizona nonprofit organizations. Chance also has a huge social media following. He posts his recipes and cooking skills and has amassed about a million followers online. I hope you enjoy the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 30, 2024. 

Mark Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's Restaurant and Iron Chef winner

Mark Tarbell, owner of Tarbell's Restaurant and Iron Chef winner

In Arizona, Tarbell's Restaurant is iconic and behind its success is a legend in the industry. Mark Tarbell sits down with Mike Broomhead on this episode of Amazing Arizonans to talk about his talent and passion for creating incredible food and more. 

 

Favorite Episode: Ramblin' Ralph, Ring Announcer

Favorite Episode: Ramblin' Ralph, Ring Announcer

I love to hear when someone gets to live their dream. Our goal with Amazing Arizonans is to hear amazing stories from right here in the Grand Canyon state. This episode checks both boxes. I talk with Ralph Velez Jr.

Known internationally as Ramblin’ Ralph. He is a world-famous boxing ring announcer. He’s worked some of the biggest fights in the world on some of the biggest platforms. He is a humble and gracious man that gives back generously in his community. His positive energy is contagious. I hope you like the conversation. This episode was originally published on Oct 1, 2025.

Tom Lehman, professional golfer

Tom Lehman, professional golfer

I love talking with people that are elite at their job, and this guest on Amazing Arizonans certainly qualifies.

Tom Lehman is one of the greatest golfers of his generation. He was ranked No. 1 in the world and is a major champion. Plus, he continues to play competitive golf.

I’m always interested in how someone develops into an elite competitor.

In this episode, we talk about work ethics, confidence, family and faith. He is a very interesting man, and he lives here in Arizona. I hope you like the conversation. I know I sure did!

Favorite episode: Jim McMahon, former Chicago Bears quarterback

Favorite episode: Jim McMahon, former Chicago Bears quarterback

If you’re football fan, you’re going to recognize my guest this week on Amazing Arizonans: Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon.

On this episode, McMahon and I talk about his time at Brigham Young University, his time in the NFL, his battles with league officials and why he decided to settle here in metro Phoenix.

My first NFL game was in the Orange Bowl for Monday Night Football when the Bears lost their only game of the season to the Dolphins, so this was a fun conversation for me. I hope you enjoy it. This episode was originally published on June 4th, 2025. 

Favorite Episode: Randy Johnson

Favorite Episode: Randy Johnson

I had the privilege of sitting down with Diamondbacks legend Randy Johnson for this episode of Amazing Arizonans.

Randy is such an interesting person. He was a photographer in college at USC before his baseball career. It is his passion now. He describes how he has turned it into a career now.

We discuss his Hall of Fame baseball career, his time in Arizona and earning the World Series MVP. It’s definitely a great conversation with another amazing Arizonan. This episode was originally published on Jun 11, 2025. 

Monica Villalobos, President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Monica Villalobos, President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In this installment of Amazing Arizonans, I talk with Monica Villalobos. Monica is the President of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, but she does so much more in the community. We talk about lobbying for Hispanic owned business and their impact to the overall economy. She is a mentor to many, a person of influence, plus she's a well respected voice on the economy and business growth.

Fife Symington III, former Governor of Arizona

Fife Symington III, former Governor of Arizona

One of the most intriguing stories of my 30 years in Arizona is that of Governor Fife Symington III. A very successful businessman who like many before him decided to serve in our government. The most memorable of his time in office has to be the Phoenix Lights phenomenon. We spend a lot of time talking about him witnessing the event and the aftermath. After leaving office he went to culinary school and became a successful restaurateur. He also owns and operates a culinary school of his own. He has so many great stories and perspectives about Arizona. I hope you like the conversation.