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Scottsdale Vibes

Michelle Media
191 episodes   Last Updated: Nov 18, 24
Scottsdale Vibes, a podcast to discover more of your favorite community. From Troon North to South Scottsdale, I’ll introduce you to the people and places that make up The West Most Western Town. Each week I’ll spotlight a person, place or event here in Scottsdale. We’ll talk golfing, staycations, delicious restaurants and SO much more. I’m a southern girl in a western world, learning the ropes as I go.

Episodes

Nov 18, 2024
Chef Cory Oppold
An architect designs and builds. So does a Chef. Different materials, different outcome but same brain when it comes to Chef Cory Oppold of Course Restaurant. Chef Cory thought he was moving to AZ to be an architect. But, after a meal at Wrights at the Biltmore, he went from an farm boy in Illinois calling himself your typical “meat & potato guy” to a student at culinary school. Chef Cory never knew how food could enhance an experience and taste can change the course of your life. Now he’s an award winning chef, both nationally and locally, at Course Restaurant off Scottsdale & Shea. And if you haven’t been there yet, well, this episode might just be the last thing you need to get your reservations today. Calendar of Events Sunset Yoga at Desert Botanical Gardens Happening on Nov 21 from 6-7pm. Come and get your yoga on as the sunsets surrounded by our beautiful native plants and cacti. Members can reserve tickets for $20 and non-members are only $10 more.    King’s Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway Rodeo Get your tickets to the one and only all women’s breakaway rodeo at WestWorld next week, Nov 27-30. There is also a concert at Thursday-Saturday night after each day’s final event.   Christmas at the Princess The time has come, Christmas at the Princess officially starts this week, Nov 21- Jan 4th. Get your tickets early as some nights can quickly sell out. How they do it every year I’ll never know but it’s going to be bigger and better than last year.    SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.   
CarolAnn Tutera never imagined she would be in medical research & entrepreneur until she met her husband, Dr. Gino Tutera. Before his untimely passing, Dr. Tutera was a board certified OBGYN for over 40 years. During his time, he discovered that no one was focusing on Menopause, Andropause and how hormone imbalance affects all aspects of our well being from brain health, immune health, diseases and more. WIth his dedication to helping others and decades of research, we now have SottoPelle, pellet bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. Here to teach us more is Dr. Tutera’s wife and CEO of Tutera Medical, CarolAnne. https://tuteramedical.com/   Calendar of Events AZ Barres, Bottles & BrewsSaturday, November 16th is the annual AZ Barrels, Bottles & Brews event at Salt River Fields. Enjoy & celebrate craft beer, spirits, wine and hard seltzers from around Arizona with over 25 local breweries, distilleries and others from the Copper state!   Canal Convergence @ Scottsdale WaterfrontOccurring all week at the Scottsdale Waterfront, it always brings large crowds to experience the one-of-a-kind art that we bring in from around the world. This year’s theme is “Reflections”.    Scottsdale Fall LeaguePlayers consist of top prospects from each Major League Baseball team. Games are played in six MLB Spring Training ballparks, including Scottsdale Stadium. The roots of the Arizona Fall League go back three decades, when the Major Leagues wanted to create an easily accessed offseason league. The AFL is designed to serve as the ‘finishing school’ of the minor leagues for players, coaches, umpires and aspiring employees.   SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.  
Angie Rice in Scottsdale always appreciating how the community supports one another. After a stint working in corporate America, she chose to start Boutique Travel Advisors with the cavit of still giving back to the community. That’s where this year’s annual gala, Navigating for a Cause, came about. As a huge advocate for Mental Health, I’m really excited to talk about this event and bring awareness to help those in need. This year’s recipient is PTSD Now, Nevada-based non-profit on a mission to radically improve the veteran mental healthcare system and reduce suicide among U.S. Military personnel by advocating for better prevention, identification, and treatment of depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.   Calendar of Events Navigating for a CauseHappening Friday, November 15th at Volanti in Scottsdale Airport. Tickets are only $150 to support our amazing soldiers who fought for us and now are fighting for themselves.  Trips, amazing auction items and a heck of a good time. Can’t beat that view too!  Andaz Culinary ExperienceCome and enjoy a delicious 4-course meal with Frank Family winery. Tickets are $125 with everything included.  Hondo Rodeo FestivalGetting ready cowboys and cowgirls for a 3-day rodeo festival like none-other. Happening this week, Nov 7-9 @ Chase Field. Rodeo by day and some of your favorite country artist by night.    SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.  
Tammy 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/   SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.  
Gretchen Jacobs Gretchen Jacobs, Founder & President of Arizona of Governmental Affairs, works with the Governor's Office, Legislature & state agencies on issues of policies, appropriations & government marketing at the State Capital. Prior to starting her practice of governmental affairs, Gretchen represented corporate clients in civil court as an attorney and remains an active member of the Arizona & California State Bar Associations. Since entering the political arena in 1998, she has earned the reputation as one of the hardest working and “most effective” in Arizona.  Jacobs For SUSD Drew Hassler Drew Hassler is a lifelong resident of the Arcadia area. He is a SUSD graduate and his kids are currently attending SUSD schools as well. He’s a small business owner and believes in putting students first. Drew Hassler for SUSD Jeanne Beasley Jeanne Beasley and her husband raised their 3 kids in the Scottsdale School District. Jeanne was a volunteer during her kid’s time in the district and still works with the District’s Audit Committee and attends School Board meetings. Her skillset as a litigation paralegal can bring value to the SUSD board with her critical thinking skills, details to problem solving and her ability to work with others   Beasley For SUSD   Calendar of Events The Polo Party In its 13th year The Polo Party at WestWorld is sure to be a great day! Plenty of fun throughout the day so come out and enjoy with friends and family.   Desert Dog Police K9 TrialsHappening at WestWorld Oct 26-27. A fun opportunity to see these K9 dogs talents as they compete against fellow 4-legged officers. You can also get up close with some the squad cars and officers.   Black Lagoon Spooky Pop-Up Only a couple weeks left to check out this spooktacular pop up at the speakeasy Sunny’s Lounge. Phoenix is one of a dz or so locations throughout the U.S. hosting this event.    SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.   
Matt Pittinsky Education has always been at the center of Matt’s Pittinisky life with both parents worked in education. Matt earned his masters in education from Harvard followed by a PhD in Sociology of Education from Teachers College at Columbia University.  While working to found and develop several education technology startups, Matt has also taught and served as a tenure track professor at ASU where he remains as a visiting scholar. Matt and his wife, Julie, a Phoenix native, have three children. All went to SUSD schools, with two now in SUSD middle and high schools and one at Brophy.  Matt represents families who have made different choices for different children at different stages of their education, and is running to help improve SUSD for all families.  To learn more visit his website at Pittinsky 4 SUSD   Donna Lewis Donna Lewis is the proud mother of three sons who were educated in Arizona public schools.  After attending Northern Arizona University for her undergraduate degree, Donna obtained her masters at the University of Arizona followed by a Doctorate from George Washington University in Educational Leadership. Donna began her career in education as a classroom teacher and gifted specialist followed by years spent as a site administrator serving as principal for elementary, middle and high schools.  Donna’s leadership ability was sought by Cave Creek Unified School District and Creighton Unified School District, where she served as both Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. Donna was also named the 2021 Arizona’s National Superintendent of the Year. To learn more visit Lewis 4 SUSD   Mike Sharkey Mike Sharkey  earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Lafayette College, before obtaining a masters in business administration from the University of Arizona. He spent his career in higher education and technology.  As an entrepreneur, he founded a higher education predictive analytics company that he later sold to a large software company.  Mike is currently  full-time at Arizona State University as Executive Director of Data & Analysis for ASU Enterprise Technology. Mike and his wife Jessica raised their twin daughters in SUSD where both girls earned merit-driven scholarships. For 8 years Mike has taken pride in mentoring students on the Chaparral High School robotics team and developing their interest in STEM careers.  To learn more about Mike and his plan for SUSD, please  visit Sharkey 4 SUSD   Calendar of Events The Italian Festival @ Scottsdale WaterfrontIn it’s 9th year, this festival is Happening Oct 19 & 20th at the Scottsdale Waterfront. Come for delicious food from 11am to 5pm each day.    Taco Festival at Salt River FieldsTacos and tequilas are the name of the game and it’s happening from Saturday and Sunday from 11-7pm. Admission starts at $15. Be sure to rideshare so you can roll home full of good food.  The Polo Party In its 13th year The Polo Party at WestWorld is sure to be a great day! Plenty of fun throughout the day so come out and enjoy with friends and family.   SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.     
When we think of October many of us think fall, Halloween, maybe sweater weather if it ever decides to cool down! But to thousands of women, and men, out there, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. In 2024, over 300,000 women & men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Chances are, you know at least one person who has been personally affected by breast cancer. But there is hope. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Advances in early detection and treatment methods have significantly increased breast cancer survival rates in recent years, and there are currently over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. That’s why today I’m proud to talk about how TGen and City Of Hope have teamed up to help raise funds for cancer research for Women. We’re going to talk with Tgen Runway for Research Chairwomen Molly Stockley & Justine Hurry.   Calendar of Events TGEN Runway for Research Get your tickets now for the October 18th event at Neiman Marcus Fashion Square. It’s happening from 9-11am and is sure to be a great way to start your morning. If you haven’t already, you will know someone that is affected by cancer. So start making a difference now by donating and attending this event.    The Polo PartyIn its 13th year The Polo Party at WestWorld is sure to be a great day! If this episode didn’t convince you to go, I don’t know what will. Plenty of fun throughout the day so come out and enjoy with friends and family.   Barrett- Jackson Happening this week,  October 10-13. They are doing a fall show this year so get your tickets now. Three days of fun including cars, food competitions and a car collectors show. SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.   
Scottsdale’s biggest Polo match of the year is right around the corner. Over 12,000 are expected to attend the event in it’s 13th year at WestWorld. Gates open at 10am with 5 action packed matches throughout the day ending with the night match 6pm with Sonoma County Polo Team taking on El Paso team. New this year is the Casa Amigos Day Club party tent presented by Relentless Beats and Nutrl. There will be music and fun throughout the night with the last artist taking the stage at 10pm. Fashion, cars, pet shows, polo and music. A day of fun for everyone!  The Polo Party This week we are going to speak with Polo player Natalie Camacho, Pet Fashionista Ivan Lugari of Lugari Pet Salon and Relentless Beats. Ivan Lugari of Lugari Pet Salon is a Scottsdale’s Pet Fashionista. He’s been the hosting the Paw-Ty Fashion show for Scottsdale Polo Match for years now. The host with the 4 paws most, this is the time to show off those amazing pets of ours in their best outfits and grooms. And I have no doubt he’s this year’s show it be the best of the best. Jason Euler is an Arizona native with extensive experience in the electronic dance music industry, from artist management to event planning and experience creation. After attending Global Dance Music Festival in 2016 sparked his desire to be in the music industry, he founded his own entertainment company, OCTIV Entertainment, throwing hundreds of events before joining the same company that led him to the business - Relentless Beats. Jason Euler -- Sr Director of Partnerships & Sales for Relentless Beats.   Calendar of Events The Polo PartyIn it’s 13th year The Polo Party at WestWorld is sure to be a great day! If this episode didn’t convince you to go, I don’t know what will. Plenty of fun throughout the day so come out and enjoy with friends and family.   Scottsdale Quarter Concert Series Scottsdale Quarter's annual Fall Concert Series is back! As the evenings cool down, join us for an unforgettable season of live music under the palm trees. This year's lineup showcases an array of talented local bands spanning various genres. Gather your friends and family, grab your blankets and chairs, and get ready to dance the night away.   Barrett- Jackson Coming up next weekend for October 10-13. They are doing a fall show this year so get your tickets now. Three days of fun including cars, food competitions and a car collectors show. SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.  
It’s 2001 and Chris Coffman was tasked from his ministry to drive around to look for a community's needs. While driving around a low income community and praying for guidance, Chris saw a little boy walking on the sidewalk alone. He pulled over and asked the boy where he lived in which Chris proceeded to take the boy home safely. When they got to the house, the big sister, no older than about 10, opened the door and confirmed that it was indeed her little brother and she was responsible for watching him. After leaving, Chris thought about what had just happened and realized he found his project to give back, Helping Hands for Single Moms. Helping Hands for Single Moms provides scholarships and services to low-income single moms and their families so they can get their education and succeed. When former NBA player and current Suns play-by-play announcer Eddie Johnson heard what Chris was doing, he quickly got on board thinking of how this could have helped his mom growing up as she raised 7 kids on her own. Today I have Chris Coffman and Eddie Johnson here to talk about this organization and this year’s big gala and roast of Suns player Shawn Marion.   Calendar of Events Helping Hands for Single Moms Weekend Fundraiser Starting with a poker tournament on Oct 17 @ Talking Stick Resort. Followed by a gold tournament on Friday, Oct 18th @ Talking Stick Golf Resort and of course the fundraising gala on Saturday, Oct 19th @ Talking Stick Resort Ballroom. You will see celebs, like minded community leaders and more through the weekend events.    Arizona Restaurant WeekFrom Sept 20-29 some of our favorite restaurants are giving us an opportunity to try some of their most popular or brand new plates this season. Be sure to click on the link for a list of the participating restaurants and menus.    Home and Garden Show @ WestWorldThe largest show of its kind at WestWorld Sept 27-29 from 10-5 each day. There are vendors, events, pet adoptions and workshops.    SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.  
You’ve probably hiked in it, ran the trails, been to events or even mountain biked through it. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is the largest urban preserve in the nation sitting at over 30,000 acres. We are so lucky to have this right here in our backyard. From volunteering, educational programs, thousands of miles of trails and more. And with the ever expanding Scottsdale and its growth, this is one place that we won’t be growing into. McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, CEO, Amanda Hofmann-Handy joined the team earlier this year. Tyler Chandler, development manager with the conservancy is also with us today teaching us about the importance of the conservancy, why it won’t be doing anywhere anytime soon and upcoming events for all of us to attend. https://www.mcdowellsonoran.org/   Calendar of Events Scottsdale Fashion WeekEnjoy all 4 nights starting Sept 26-29 as each night is different and unique. For date night, ladies night or just a night out on your own. You don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind event.    Bret Micahel is coming to Talking Stick CasinoSeptember 21 @ 8pm. Tickets are still available and it’s so close to us too!    The Ultimate Elvis ConcertAll you Elvis fans are in for a special treat come September 20th  as they are taking over the Embassy Suites  @ Hilton Scottsdale Resort from 730-930pm.   SUBSCRIBE on your Favorite podcast listening app. Find us on IG & FB at Scottsdale Vibes Podcast or check us out on scottsdale vibes dot media. And don’t forget that we are now the proud owners of Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine where you can read about even more of your favorite community.