Shows
Depths of MotherhoodNewborn Care with Melissa Boyles: Intuition, Connection, and Family Rhythms l Ep 113In this episode of Depths of Motherhood Podcast, we welcome Melissa Boyles, founder of Rise in Bloom, to explore the sacred, intuitive journey of caring for a newborn.Melissa shared her personal story of birthing at home in episode 60Her mission is to help women reconnect with their bodies, intuition, and the sacredness of birth and postpartum.Main Topics Covered:The mother’s and baby’s nervous system connectionHow birth stories shape healing and bondingUnderstanding and navigating newborn criesThe role of the fath...
2025-02-101h 10
The Pelvic Floor Project102. Bladder sling surgery for incontinence with Urogynecologist, Dr. Sarah BoylesIn this episode I discuss with Board Certified Urogynecologist, Dr. Sarah Boyles: Types of incontinenceTypical patient flow through medical system Impact of incontinence on quality of life Reasons why incontinence may developWhat you can expect at a urogynecology appointment Treatment options (pessary, physio, bulking agents, compression, surgery) Description of surgical optionsSurgical risks Post operative instructions How effective are bladder slings? Sarah Boyles is a board certified urogynecologist (FPMRS) with more than 15 years of clinical experience treating women with pelvic floor issues. She attended medical school at the University of Pittsburgh followed by residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at The Ohio...
2024-11-1853 min
Chemistry For Your LifeShould we take Vitamin C when we're sick?#190
In this episode of 'Chemistry for Your Life,' hosts Melissa and Jam delve into the role of vitamin C in the immune system and examine whether taking mega doses of the vitamin can help with common colds. Melissa, a seasoned chemist, explains the chemistry behind oxidation, reduction, and free radicals, and how vitamin C's properties make it crucial for immune function. The discussion also covers historical context, including Linus Pauling's theories, and recent scientific findings on vitamin C's effectiveness. Throughout the episode, Melissa and Jam use analogies and discuss various studies while also previewing future episodes...
2024-07-0445 min
Miles from Main Street - Your Far from Disney PodcastDisney World in a Festive Light: A Holiday GuideSend us a textAre you ready to sprinkle a little holiday magic on your Walt Disney World trip? We've got an enchanting episode lined up, featuring travel agent extraordinaire, Melissa Pilgrim, who’s ready to reveal her insider tips and tricks. We kick off this special journey with Halloween, revealing how to make the most of your time during the party, which characters are worth the wait, and the strategic planning needed to ensure you are refreshed and ready for the celebrations.We then transition to the Thanksgiving and Christmas festivities, providing guidance on ma...
2023-08-2254 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Katie Gentry, Regional Homelessness Program Manager for the Maricopa Association of GovernmentsIn this episode it was my privilege to talk to Katie Gentry. Katie is the Regional Homelessness Program Manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments. Her role within the Human Services Division of MAG is to work with communities and organizations across the Valley to understand how we address homelessness through existing programs and resources as well as new collaborations. Homelessness is a growing challenge for our communities and it’s one that knows no boundaries. Many who are homeless are employed full-time but cannot afford housing. The homeless include families, youth, veterans, elderly, and many others. Affordability of ho...
2023-05-2642 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Phil Gershkovich, Owner and President of Cooper Aerial SurveysIn this episode Phil Gershkovich, President and owner of Cooper Aerial Surveys, joins me to share his perspective on the geospatial industry, how he came to be the owner of Cooper Aerial, and his plans for the future. Cooper Aerial has been a part of the Arizona transportation industry since the sixties with Phil taking ownership in 2016. Since then, he’s grown the company in both range of services as well as geographic markets. He’s one of the few people I know who can pivot from technical, to personable, to big picture seamlessly. You’ll hear that in this i...
2023-05-2343 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jennifer Pyne, Austin Transit Partnership’s Executive Vice President of Planning & Risk ManagementIn this episode I caught up Jennifer Pyne. Jen spent twenty-five years in the Valley starting with the completion of her graduate program at Arizona State University and ending as part of the leadership team at Valley Metro. In 2021 she left Arizona to join the Austin Transit Partnership to help build a team and guide the delivery of their multi-billion Project Connect Program. Today she serves as Executive Vice President of Planning & Risk Management. While the two communities are very different, they also share some similarities. One being that Austin too is embarking on transformational change using an...
2023-05-1842 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Alexandra Albert, Assistant Vice President of Communication and Public Involvement at WSPIn this episode I’m excited to share that I have officially begun my new role as Chief of Staff at Valley Metro and I’m celebrating by interviewing someone I started my career with, Alexandra Albert. Alex and I worked together in the early days of light rail planning, design, and construction; she was in public involvement and I was in program management. Over the past twenty-plus years, our careers have taken very different paths. Alex focused on communication, taking on more and more challenging projects, took a hiatus to focus on her three children, and is now an A...
2023-05-0949 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with LaShondra Mercurius, President and Co-Founder of JLM Talent PartnersIn this episode, I got to interview kindred spirit, LaShondra Mercurius. LaShondra is the President and co-founder of JLM Talent Partners. Together with her partner and husband, Jayson, they identified a niche market in staffing solutions for the AEC industry. Leveraging the cyclical nature of large-scale infrastructure projects, LaShondra and her team employ a community-centric approach to creating prosperity from policy. Though the current Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act emphasizes equity, JLM has drawn from these principals from the inception of their business. Unlike many other staffing firms, LaShondra and Jayson have created a training and on-boarding process that...
2023-05-0348 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Amy Ritz, Project Manager for ADOT's First Major Urban Freeway Reconstruction ProjectIn this episode I was joined by Amy Ritz, Project Manager for ADOT’s first major urban freeway reconstruction project, the I-10 Broadway Curve Improvements Project. Amy brings a unique background and perspective to managing an undertaking as significant as redesigning and rebuilding one of the Valley’s busiest freeway corridors. With Amy’s educational background in Political Science, extensive experience working with elected officials, and deep understanding of the utility relocation and project delivery process, ADOT definitely picked the right Project Manager.Learn how Amy made her way from working with the California State Legislature back home t...
2023-04-2640 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Catherine Alonzo, CEO and Founding Partner of JavelinaIn this episode I’m thrilled to interview Catherine Alonzo. Catherine is the CEO and one of the founding partners of Javelina. Javelina is a marketing, communications, and branding firm focused on advancing equality and human dignity through social, political, and economic change. They’re tagline is, “Bring your story to life. Change the world.” Catherine shares that a changemaker’s job is to tell the story of what’s possible, not what’s missing. She and her team help their clients tell the stories that create inspiration, vision, and hope for making a difference. Their efforts transected the...
2023-04-1944 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Quinn Quihui Castro, Transportation Engineer, Maricopa Association of GovernmentsIn this episode Quinn Quihui Castro, Transportation Engineer for the Maricopa Association of Governments, shares information about her background and how she got her start in transportation. With her passion for construction, where she feels you truly see the heart of transportation, one would have thought she would be working for a contractor or capitol programs division of an agency. But no, she’s a leader working with our local MPO and at MAG she applies that builder’s mindset to her role managing the planning and development of our freeway program. Another of her passi...
2023-04-1240 min
Moving ArizonaPart Two: Flipping the Script - Vinny Gallegos Interviews Host, Melissa BoylesIn this episode my good friend Vincent “Vinny” Gallegos flips the script, as a condition of me interviewing him, and interviews me. Vinny and I volunteer together on the Arizona Transit Association Board of Directors and he recently celebrated his two-year return to the Central Yavapai Planning Organization. I wanted to commemorate the occasion with an interview discussing the exciting work they’re doing, so to do that…. Here I am with Vinny in the driver’s seat. I’m often asked when I will let someone interview me. I like showcasing other people’s careers and accomplishments...
2023-04-0747 min
Moving ArizonaPart One: Interview with Vincent "Vinny" Gallego, Executive Director of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning OrganizationWelcome back to Moving Arizona. I'm so excited about the lineup of transportation rockstars I'm interviewing! Upcoming guests include thought-leaders implementing equity programs that could be game changers for our industry nationally, to champions for transportation in the southern part of our state, and incredible leaders here in the Valley.Up first, is my dear friend Vinny Gallegos, Executive Director for the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization. Vinny just celebrated the two year anniversary of his return to CYMPO from Lake Havasu where he was serving as their Executive Director. He brought some great lessons learned from...
2023-03-3149 min
Depths of MotherhoodFrom Traumatic Birth to Empowered Home Birth: Melissa's Journey of Healing and Intuition Ep60Welcome to this episode of the podcast, where we will be joined by Melissa, who will be sharing her powerful birth story with us. Melissa's story is one of resilience, courage, and deep inner wisdom that helped her navigate a traumatic birth experience. Her journey ultimately led her to a blissful home birth experience and the inspiration for her business, where she supports mothers and families through pregnancy and postpartum.
Melissa's experience is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and her story serves as an inspiration to all those who have faced...
2023-03-1758 min
On the Road with ASHEA 'Scenic' Update in Chattanooga! Rachel Gentry, Regional Director, Tennessee Valley SectionJoin us as we travel to Chattanooga, TN with Rachel Gentry, Civil Engineering Manager at Tennessee DOT, chartering President, and current Regional Director of the Tennessee Valley Section, newly chartered in 2020! Rachel wraps up our year with great advice on getting started with ASHE and the industry, her personal career journey, and what drew her to TDOT along with some creative solutions happening at the agency! Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-gentry-027761179/Tennessee Valley Section: http://tnvalley.ashe.pro/Become a member: http://www.ashe.pro
2023-01-0332 minOn the Road with ASHESunshine abound! Leigh Lilla, ASHE National PresidentWe travel to Florida (Tampa area) to interview Leigh Lilla, current President of ASHE National and Project Manager at David Nelson Construction Company. Leigh shares with us her background and perspectives on mentorship, leadership, and trends in the construction industry. A lot of great nuggets of information for all facets of the industry and future generations!Connect with Leigh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-lilla-27881b65/Join ASHE: http://www.ashe.proASHE National 2023 Conference in Georgia: https://2023conference.ashe.pro
2022-12-3027 minOn the Road with ASHELet's go BIG in Texas! Tara Alexander, Immediate Past President of Central Texas SectionTara Alexander, PE, CFM, Associate Vice President of JMT and Immediate Past President of one of ASHE's newest chartered Sections, Central Texas in Austin, TX shares with us her background and her journey with ASHE, and her perspective on being involved in a critical, yet different side of the industry and of course, upcoming trends.Connect with Tara - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-taylor-alexander-pe-cfm-9b2a4b38/Join ASHE: http://www.ashe.pro
2022-12-2932 minOn the Road with ASHEBorn to Run in New Jersey: Sam Mody, PE, ASHE National Past President & New Sections Co-ChairThis episode features an insightful interview with Sam Mody, PE, a past president of ASHE National, current new Sections co-chair and President of Keller Engineers of NJ, LLC. Listen in as Sam shares his background, journies with ASHE and starting his business, and his involvement in the community. Great takeaways for all backgrounds in this one! Enjoy!Contact Sam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samir-d-mody-pe-08b6a812/Become a member: http://www.ashe.pro
2022-11-2847 minMiles from Main Street - Your Far from Disney PodcastDisney Planning Tips with Melissa Pilgrim, answering your questionsSend us a textWe love hearing from our listeners and this week we bring in Melissa Pilgrim of Ears of Experience to help answer your questions. We cover staying on property, deluxe resorts, Rise of the Resistance, ane how to celebrate a special occasion. We also talk about mousekeeping, Genie+ and the best time to visit. This was a lot of fun to put together and we are so grateful for your questions! Be sure to reach out to Melissa at https://www.milesfrommainst.com
2022-11-2249 min
Moving ArizonaCommuter Rail Conversation Guest Hosting for the Interview with Sam Sargent, CaltrainIn this special collaboration, I had the great pleasure of guest hosting on the Commuter Rail Coalition's Commuter Rail Conversations for an interview with Sam Sargent, Caltrain’s Director of Strategy and Policy. We had an awesome conversation about taking leaps. First, Sam's big leap from Austin Texas to California’s Bay area and then Caltrain's leap into electrification of its commuter rail service. Sam brings Caltrain a fresh perspective from his many years working with the greater Austin community as CapMetro’s Director of Government Affairs. He recently joined Caltrain, just five months ago, and has hit the ground...
2022-11-0330 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with John MacDonald, Founding Partner of Policy AZIn this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Founding Partner of Policy AZ John MacDonald. John has been part of the fabric of our industry for decades, working behind the scenes with stakeholders as they navigate Arizona’s political landscape. That has never more true than it is today as he and his partner Dana Pashcke assist organizations like MAG and AzTA as they attempt to advance transportation policy and funding. John and Dana have been front and center during this past legislative cycle which ended shockingly in a veto from Governor Ducey on enabling legislation to...
2022-09-0756 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Tracy McMillan, Associate Principal at Nelson NygaardIn this episode, I had the pleasure of finally connecting with Tracy McMillan for our interview. Tracy is an Associate Principal at Nelson Nygaard which is a transportation planning and policy development firm. She returned to the Valley in 2020 as a result of the Covid 19 pandemic. Over the past two years Tracy has stayed involved with national, regional, and local projects as well as engaged the Arizona transportation industry. Tracy shares perspective on active transportation, safety, and we discuss the then recent veto by Governor Ducey and potential impacts that decision may cause.
2022-08-2146 min
Chemistry For Your LifeWhat is sea level rise? (with Dr. Renee Collini)#025 Rebroadcast
This week, Melissa, Jam, and very special guest Renee Collini (Melissa's sister and climate scientist) delve into the important topic of sea-level rise. What causes it to rise? What affect will it have on the world? How should we feel about it? Is there anything us regular folk can do?
References from this episode
Thermal Expansion Model - Jet Propulsion Lab - California Institute of Technology
Climate Science Leader Expands Extension Role - Susan Collins-Smith, Red Hills News Mississippi
Chemistry, Edition 2 - Theopold, Langley, Flowers, and Robinson
Global and Regional Sea Level Rise...
2022-07-2137 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with District Six Phoenix City Council Candidate, Kevin RobinsonIn this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin Robinson. Kevin is running for Phoenix City Council to represent District 6 which encompasses my home area, Awhatukee, but also the Biltmore and Arcadia communities. His background includes serving as a City of Phoenix police officer for over thirty-six years. After retiring, Kevin has taught full time for the past five years and is now looking to expand his public service to the Phoenix City Council. He knows our communities, understands the challenges we face as such a rapidly growing metropolitan area, and he’s a consensus-builder. In other words, he...
2022-07-1643 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with April Trevett, Valley Metro Capital Programs Business ManagerIn this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing April Trevett, Capital Programs Business Manager for Valley Metro. April has been with Valley Metro for over twenty years and has seen a lot of changes, including the installation of the agency's first female CEO. That is particularly impactful to April as one of our local advocates for women in transportation and the President of the Metro Phoenix Chapter of WTS. We hear from April about balancing work, home, school, and leading a dynamic association chapter as well as her goals for both her career and her WTS Presidency.
2022-06-0135 min
Chemistry For Your LifeWhy do people hate organic chemistry?#135
Well guess what, Melissa is a PhD Doctor now! And you know what that means? She gets to tell us more details about the research she did to get her PhD. Listen to hear what Melissa found as she dove deep into the question "Why do people hate organic chemistry?" for the past few years.
How to start a podcast.
2022-05-1950 min
On the Road with ASHEYou've Got a Friend in the Northeast: Rob Prophet, PE, ASHE National NE Director & Membership ChairThis episode features Rob Prophet, PE, Traffic Planning & Design's VP of Highway and ASHE's Northeast Director and National Membership Chair. Listen in to gain great insight into nationwide and local trends, perspective on partnerships, ASHE's membership growth (including the Bring a Colleague, Make a Friend Campaign), and a true grassroots story!Connect with Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-prophet-05105915/Become a member: http://www.ashe.pro
2022-05-1422 min
Chemistry For Your LifeHow can sunlight turn into electricity?#021 Rebroadcast
This week, Melissa and Jam explore the chemistry of solar energy. How do we capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity? Is it as super insanely cool as it seems? Are we living in the future already?
How to start a podcast.
2022-05-1231 min
Moving ArizonaSuzanne Lansford, PE Shares Her Story from Nuclear Power Plants to Sea TurtlesSuzanne Lansford has had a fascinating professional journey. She started her career in Arizona, traveled the country working on nuclear facilities and somehow became an expert on the impacts of lighting on sea turtles. Along that journey she made her way back to Arizona, is now the First Vice President of the Sonoran Section of the American Society of Highway Engineers, and is serving as the Chair of the upcoming ASHE Southwest Summit. Suzanne makes a career in engineering sound like an adventure!
2022-05-0433 min
Moving ArizonaSpecial Edition: Intercity Rail with Chris BridgesIn this episode I welcome back AZTA President Chris Bridges to discuss our once in a lifetime opportunity to leverage the new infrastructure bill to advance intercity rail between Tucson and Phoenix. We hope to the end the AZTA Rail Conference with the beginnings of a coalition that can bring this opportunity to life. I hope you’ll join us next week in Tucson not only for this critical intercity rail conversation but to also learn about the vision of rail from our Mayoral panel including Phoenix, Tucson, Tempe, and Gilbert; rail policy considerations from City of Phoenix LRT Ad...
2022-04-0537 min
On the Road with ASHELions, Tigers & ASHE, Oh My! Emily Preston, PE owner/president of Compass Infrastructure Group and Central Ohio SectionJoin us as we talk with Emily Preston, owner, and president of Compass Infrastructure Group, about starting her firm at the beginning of a pandemic and what it looks like two years later (spoiler alert - she's doing great!), what she sees trending with Ohio infrastructure and her history with ASHE including her current accomplishment as co-chair for the upcoming ASHE national conference in Columbus, OH in May 2022!Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-preston-pe-88883350/Learn more about her company: https://compassinf.com/Join us in Ohio! http://2022conference.ashe.pro/
2022-03-2923 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Mike Washkowiak on Traffic Management for the Broadway CurveHave you ever wondered what the heck is happening on the Broadway Curve? Well, me too. So in this episode I spoke with MOT subject matter expert, Mike Washkowiak. Mike is an Associate Vice President for Iteris and professional engineer. He shares information about building a practice in Arizona for his company, the incredible work they're doing across the country, how his career started right here in Arizona, and the role he’s playing on this major reconstruction project. Mike explains the Broadway Curve team’s plan for completing this project. They'll be adding capacity while never reducing lanes and t...
2022-03-2034 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Kammy Horne: Senior Vice President with Via Metropolitan TransitIn this episode Kammy Horne, Senior Vice President for Via Metropolitan Transit in San Antonio Texas, talks about the intersection between reputation and brand. Kammy spent a critical chapter of her life and career right here in Arizona, and she shares her perspective on why it’s so important to be intentional about authenticity and ensuring that what you’re presenting to the world, professionally and personally, reflects who you really are. Kammy gets real about her career, decisions she made regarding work life balance and being home with her children, and how she handled some challenging feedback she rece...
2022-03-1136 min
On the Road with ASHEHeaded West: Southwest! James Barr, ASHE Southwest Region President & VP at T.Y. Lin International, Inc.It's an exciting time to be in the Southwest! James Barr is a Vice President with a transportation industry-leading consulting firm, T.Y. Lin International, and is the President of ASHE's newly formed Southwest Region!He shares with us his passion and background in the transportation industry, his journey with ASHE including kicking off our brand new Region and future plans, and what’s trending in the Southwest with transportation. Learn more about the Southwest RegionLearn more about T.Y. Lin International (TYLI)Connect with James! https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesbarr3/
2022-03-0233 min
On the Road with ASHEASHE went down to Georgia (DOT): ASHE National President, Tim Matthews, PEThis month we are on the road with ASHE National's President and Georgia DOT's State Express Lanes Administrator, Tim Matthews, PE! We learn about Tim's journey with ASHE, the status of implementing his goals as President, his perspective on the infrastructure bill, and what it means for those in the A/E/C industry - locally and nationally. To learn more about Georgia DOT: http://www.dot.ga.gov/
2022-01-3031 min
On the Road with ASHEPodcast Introduction with Amanda Schumacher and Melissa BoylesWelcome to our first episode of On the Road with ASHE, a podcast focused on bringing you interviews with transportation thought-leaders from across the United States! This episode introduces you to co-hosts Amanda Schumacher and Melissa Boyles and sets the stage with background on how ASHE got started, their mission and values, and how they grew to be one of the largest networking organizations in the transportation industry nationwide. We look forward to having you along for this journey!
2022-01-1510 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Sabrina Drago, Executive Director for the Sacramento Transportation AuthorityIn this episode Sabrina Drago, Executive Director of the Sacramento Regional Transportation Authority shares her experience in shifting from private to public sector and how following her personal priorities has shaped her career, which started in Arizona, and taken her to where she is today. We talk about evolving transportation policy, the challenges associated with gas tax dependency, social equity in infrastructure investment, and balancing work and home through COVID19. Sabrina's 90-degree turns professionally have resulted in an unanticipated career path which, while challenging, has resulted in a unique perspective from working for a small disadvantaged business, l...
2021-11-3047 min
Chemistry For Your LifeGreen Fire?!Rebroadcast #015
This week Melissa and Jam explore a Halloween-themed topic, perfectly-timed for the fact that our episode air date happened to land on Halloween exactly! Can you change the color of fire using only chemistry, safety, personal protection equipment, and no magic? Listen to find out. And check us out on any of our social media accounts to see the experiment take place!
How to start a podcast.
2021-10-3125 min
Chemistry For Your LifeFall Mini 03 - How chemistry revolutionized baking (For Melissa)#118
Are you an avid baker? Melissa's baking discovery may be as revolutionary for you as it was for her.
How to start a podcast.
2021-10-2113 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Audra Koester Thomas: Proposition 400EIn this week’s episode, Audra Koester Thomas, Transportation Planning Program Manager at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), shares insights of the challenges and progress of formulating the plan for Proposition 400E. Audra and her team have spent the last two years supporting the region’s mayors and member agencies in developing a plan that balances the need for specificity and flexibility with accommodating the rapid growth and emerging technology of transportation for the Valley. MAG is in the home stretch of gathering public input regarding that plan and will be carrying it forward, with final comments, later this...
2021-09-2450 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Sam Sargent, Director of Strategy for Austin Transit PartnershipIn this week's episode Sam Sargent from beautiful Austin, Texas joins us to talk about Project Connect and the Austin Transit Partnership. Project Connect is a $7 billion transit program for the greater Austin area. This transformational program will connect communities, spur transit oriented development, and provide one of the country's largest equity investments to ensure access to affordable housing along its high capacity corridors. Austin Transit Partnership has followed the successes and challenges of implementing light rail transit for the metropolitan Phoenix area and is applying lessons learned from our system. They've been joined recently by local transit rock...
2021-08-2647 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Brad Hagen, Airport Manager at Phoenix Goodyear AirportThis week's guest was such a joy to interview. Brad Hagen, Airport Manager for Phoenix Goodyear Airport clearly loves aviation, his role with the City of Phoenix, and their team. Phoenix Goodyear Airport is a general aviation airport that houses flight schools, private aircraft, dormitories for those in training, and everything in between. From hosting Air Force One and a rally of over ten thousand people to ensuring everyday operability, they do it all! I hope you enjoy this episode and getting another glimpse into the awesome world of aviation.
2021-08-1934 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Ed Faron, Airport Manager for Phoenix Deer Valley AirportIn this episode, I'm joined by Ed Faron, Airport Manager for the Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. Ed shares what it's like to run one of the world's busiest airports with over 400,000 take offs and landings each year. He shares just what they're doing out at Deer Valley Airport to generate that kind of air traffic and how he and his team accommodate their customers. Ed also gives us some insight into his background, how he's part of an aviation legacy, and even provides some pointers for people interested in exploring a career in aviation.
2021-07-2332 minMoving ArizonaInterview with Kent Lane, City of Phoenix Economic Development Program ManagerIn this week's episode my good friend Kent Lane shares his perspective on being a public servant, the challenges related to transitioning from an active duty to civilian mindset, and why he's so passionate about working with our local small business community. Kent recently joined the City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department after serving many years at the Arizona Department of Transportation in their Business Engagement and Compliance Office.Kent explains the difference between the programs at the City versus what he and his team developed at ADOT. We also discuss ACDBE versus DBE versus SBE and S...
2021-07-0932 min
Charlottesville Community EngagementJune 16, 2021: City Manager Boyles talks infrastructure development with Fry's Spring residents; Update on Charlottesville parksIn today’s Patreon-fueled shout-out: As we head into summer and the weather heats up, your local energy nonprofit, LEAP, wants you and yours to keep cool. LEAP offers FREE home weatherization to income- and age-qualifying residents. If you’re age 60 or older, or have an annual household income of less than $75,100, you may qualify for a free energy assessment and home energy improvements such as insulation and air sealing. Sign up today to lower your energy bills, increase comfort, and reduce energy waste at home!On today’s show: * City Manager Chip Boyles and city st...
2021-06-1617 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Patrick Banger, City Manager for the Town of GilbertAt the Town of Gilbert employees are measured by their ability to be bold, kind, driven, and humble and no one embodies those characteristics more than their City Manager, Patrick Banger. For the past decade he has led his team, Council, and the community through tremendous population growth, financial crises, and a global pandemic. Patrick’s ability to focus on creating the best value for tax payers' dollars while keeping an eye toward the present, and evolving, needs of the community has resulted in the Town's national recognition as one of the best places to live, raise a family, an...
2021-06-1551 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Greg Byres, Director of ADOT's Multimodal Planning DivisionIn this episode Greg Byres explains all things MPD. The Arizona Department of Transportation's (ADOT) Multimodal Transportation Department is responsible for stewardship for everything from Federal Transit Administration grant oversight for hundreds of subrecipients to developing our long-range and five-year statewide transportation plans. Learn directly from Greg all that MPD is responsible for and how they managed to not only successfully transition to work-from-home but actually got more efficient and created new tools to streamline the development process.
2021-06-0848 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with The Geoholics Co-Hosts Kent Groh and Ryan KellyIn this week's episode, Kent Groh and Ryan Kelly join me to talk about The Geoholics. The Geoholics is the brain child of these two super innovative, though usually more behind-the-scenes guys, who wanted to showcase their industry and just make sure people were having fun along the way. They've grown their listener following, supporters, and now studio into quite the brand and are now embarking on the next "bigger and better" ideas for the show. The enthusiasm Kent and Ryan share, and authenticity toward engaging their audience, is hard to resist. Take a minute to check them out a...
2021-06-0345 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Felicia Guerrero Green Part II: Why do women stay in engineering?In this week's episode, I continue my conversation with Felicia Guerrero Green for a deeper dive into her research project focused on women in engineering. Felicia experienced her own career crisis and realized that her education and mentoring hadn't prepared her for the challenges of balancing being a wife and mother with a career in engineering. As a result, through her PhD program, she is studying why women stay in engineering. A great deal of research exists about why women leave but Felicia is looking at this challenge from a lens of resiliency and embarking on a process to...
2021-05-2135 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Julie Rodriguez, Deputy Aviation Director, Public Relations/Government RelationsIn this week's episode Julie Rodriguez, Deputy Aviation Director of Public Relations/Government Relations for the City of Phoenix Aviation Department joins us to share information about all the exciting things happening at America's friendliest airport. Julie provides a wealth of information about the City's response to COVID 19 and ensuring the safety of the traveling public, expansion projects, and the many programs available at Sky Harbor to ensure world class customer service. We also hear about Julie's journey from her years in the media to assuming the role of Deputy Aviation Director and all that she and her team...
2021-05-0542 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Felicia Guerrero Green: Co-Founder of Engineering Working MomsIn this episode Felicia Guerrero Green shares her story of entering into the field of engineering, becoming a mom, and how balancing the two came to be nearly overwhelming. Through a chance encounter at a conference, Felicia met a peer who shared the same struggles. They ended up forming an online forum for Engineering Working Moms. The forum now has thousands of followers and provides a space for women engineers to share, vent, and laugh about the challenges related to balancing these two demanding roles.In Part II of our interview, Felicia shares how she has taken h...
2021-04-1637 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with David Schwartz, Co-Founder and Partner at Goodman-Schwartz Public AffairsIn this episode we hear from Co-Founder and Partner of Goodman-Schwartz Public Affairs, David Schwartz. David is the mastermind behind Friends of Transit and the Support Sky Harbor Coalition. He's passionate about rallying support for transit and aviation and has been serving our transportation community for over twenty years. In addition to leading these two critical organizations, David engages in public affairs on behalf of clients throughout the state of Arizona. His partner Stuart Goodwin, described by David as one of the hardest working people he's ever known, is more of a behind-the-scenes professional but has been k...
2021-03-2548 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Eric Anderson, Executive Director of the Maricopa County Association of GovermentsIn this episode the Executive Director of the Maricopa County Association of Governments (MAG), Eric Anderson, shares his expertise on the evolution of transportation investment in the Valley. From the first freeway bill, Proposition 300, to our current funding bill Proposition 400, and looking forward to what's next with Proposition 400E, our infrastructure has been evolving along with the needs of our community. That community continues to grow, with no slowing in sight, and the investment necessary to ensure mobility also has to grow. This presents a number of challenges as the needs and wants of MAG member agencies...
2021-03-1144 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Reece Green with Pulice ConstructionIn this episode Reece Green shares his perspective on the evolution and application of accelerated bridge construction, how serving in the military has benefitted his career as a builder, and how our industry can step up to help veterans. Arizona is known for innovation, our transportation industry particularly is not shy about pushing the boundaries of the accepted to explore the possible. Partnering with the Arizona Department of Transportation and FHWA, Reece and the Pulice team were able to deliver a bridge basically over a weekend. Reece provides insight into the planning and execution of that project as...
2021-03-0446 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Markus Coleman, Light Rail Administrator for the City of PhoenixIn this episode Markus Coleman shares his perspective on what it means to be a public servant. At the City of Phoenix everyone is expected to have a mindset of serving their community. We get a peak inside the nation's fifth largest city and the measures they take to ensure job security for their employees as well as how a fortuitous shift for Markus, due to the 2009 economic crisis, set him on a path toward his role today. We also learn what's ahead for light rail in the Valley and what may be ahead for Markus. Being s...
2021-02-1745 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Karla Petty, Arizona Division Administrator, FHWAIn this episode Karla Petty, Arizona Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration, shares information about the Every Day Counts (EDC) initiative. EDC has led to the formation of the Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation (ACTI) and this month ACTI is hosting a series of innovation exchanges. The exchanges will take place throughout February and they'll be recorded and posted online on the ADOT website. Arizona takes a unique approach to its innovation council and ACTI was recently recognized, nationally, by FHWA with an excellence award for emphasizing collaboration and education. I hope you enjoy learning more ab...
2021-02-1639 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Aida Berduo Berry Senior Manager in LA Metro's Office of Civil RightsIn this week's episode Aida Berduo Berry shares her perspective on striving for equity, celebrating diversity, and ensuring inclusion. As a nationally recognized Title VI subject matter expert, she explains the importance and purpose of Title VI, how it differs from Environmental Justice, and her personal story of inspiration.As one of the early supporters of Latinos In Transit, Aida also shares their story of building a coalition of professionals seeking to broaden the voice of Latinos in leadership roles within the industry. Throughout her life and career Aida has always overcome challenges with humor, determination, and a...
2021-02-0553 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Anita Richardson-Frijia: A Discussion of Mentorship in Celebration of Mentorship MonthIn this episode Anita Richardson-Frijia, President of WTS Metro Phoenix, shares her experiences and observations on mentorship. January is Mentorship Month and the heart of WTS is mentorship. From formal programs, to building networks, and providing access to inspirational leaders, WTS invests in the careers of women and men in the transportation industry. Anita has had the benefit of being mentored by some of the most accomplished women in Arizona's transportation industry; Jennifer Toth, Audra Koester Thomas, and Jenny Bixby to name just a few. She shares how formal programs, informal interactions, and observing the careers of t...
2021-01-2732 min
Moving ArizonaPete Buttigieg: A Special Joint Interview with the Commuter Rail CoalitionIn this special edition of Moving Arizona, I joined Commuter Rail Coalition Executive Director KellyAnne Gallagher in an interview with Coalition Vice Chair Mike Noland. Mike is the GM/CEO of NICTD and the South Shore Line Commuter Rail Road. He shares his personal experience working with President Elect Biden's nominee for Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg. Scrutiny of "Mayor Pete's" non-transportation-centric background has some wondering about what he will bring to the role of Secretary of Transportation. We learn in this interview that he brings a u...
2021-01-1237 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Karim Dada: From Public to Private Sector and Investing in the Industry all the Way!In this week's episode Karim Dada shares a little bit about his journey from public to private sector, what it's like to see a project through from concept to reality, and how he and his team are growing AZTEC's reach across transportation. As Senior Vice President at AZTEC Engineering, Karim leads business development efforts regionally and nationally.Watching the growth realized in the Valley during the course of his career has motivated him to seek out new opportunities and he's not shy about committing to the causes that will keep that growth moving. Now exploring renewable energy...
2021-01-0645 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jennifer Toth: Managing 9,000 Square Miles of Unincorporated Maricopa County Transportation InfrastructureIn this week's episode Jennifer Toth, Director of the Maricopa County Department of Transportation and County Engineer, shares her professional journey and why she chose to tackle shifting the culture of MCDOT. MCDOT is responsible for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of 9,000 square miles of unincorporated Maricopa County transportation infrastructure. With stakeholders ranging from tribal communities, farmers, and rural neighborhoods to densely populated urban communities, MCDOT is committed to its core purpose of providing connections that improve people’s lives with a team of service-minded, team builders who get it done with a smile.Jennifer talks about the...
2020-12-2352 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Dallas Hammit: Leading Innovation at the Arizona Department of TransportationIn this week's episode Dallas Hammit shares how the Arizona Department of Transportation responded to COVID 19, is prepared for safely moving forward, and is still delivering for Arizona’s residents. ADOT has been able to maintain operations and project development and delivery through the pandemic while maintaining its vision of moving Arizona to become the most reliable transportation system in the nation and mission of, "Connecting Arizona. Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day."It was exciting to learn how ADOT is employing alternative delivery, technology, and practical solutions to make the most of our transportation investment. We also talked ab...
2020-12-1148 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with John Bullen: Navigating COVID 19 While Delivering Prop 400 and Developing Prop 400EIn this episode, John Bullen, MAG’s Transportation Economic & Financial Program Manager shares information about how the Maricopa Association of Governments has approached navigating COVID 19, initiating its first major freeway reconstruction project, and innovations being piloted to ensure Maricopa County taxpayers are getting the best value for their transportation investment. It was such a pleasure to speak with John and to learn more about what’s on the horizon for formulating the plan for Proposition 400 E and how MAG and its member cities are working together to deliver the Proposition 400 program. John has been a voice and prese...
2020-12-0347 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Wulf Grote: Valley Metro's Director of Capital & Service DevelopmentIn this episode, Wulf Grote, Valley Metro's Director of Capital Service & Development, share his insights from thirty-five year's of service to the transportation industry. As Wulf looks toward retirement at the end of this year, he leaves behind a legacy of a multimodalism in the Valley that would not be where it is today without him. He's shaped thousands of careers by introducing light rail transit, and now modern street car, to the Valley and has impacted millions of residents in the metro Phoenix area. During Wulf’s tenure first with the City of Phoenix then with Val...
2020-11-2549 minMoving ArizonaInterview with Rebekah Morris: Exploring the Power in the PivotIn this episode, I interviewed Rebekah Morris, the founder of the Arizona Builder's Exchange. Rebekah proves that great ideas are of born of necessity. She moved to Arizona ten years ago and was looking for a resource that would identify trends and activity in the construction industry. Finding none, she decided to develop a digital magazine that has since grown to a distribution of over 4,000 people. AZBEX is now also providing additional resources in the form of their database, conferences, and weekly discussions with industry to help people stay connected and informed. Rebekah shares how her success has hinged...
2020-11-1259 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Audra Koester Thomas: Planning the Future of Transportation for the Valley of the SunIn this episode I interviewed Audra Koester Thomas. Audra is the Transportation Planning Program Manager for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). She and her team are currently developing the next Regional Transportation Plan that will serve as the basis for the extension of Proposition 400. Proposition 400, Maricopa County's current dedicated transportation sales tax, sunsets in 2025 and Our Momentum Plan will shape the future transportation investment for the next twenty years and beyond. The community engagement process is on-going with the intent of having a draft plan mid-year 2021. To learn more about the progress to date and how to contribute...
2020-10-3051 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Serena Unrein: The Intersection of Transportation & HealthIn this episode, Serena Unrein talks about the intersection of access to quality transportation options and healthy communities. As the Director of the Arizona Partnership for Healthy Communities, Serena serves as a voice and advocate for communities throughout Arizona that are encountering a wide array of health-related challenges. In her role, she’s responsible for identifying and engaging subject matter experts to address issues ranging from affordable housing, availability of nutritious food, access to transportation, and countless others. We also talk about her path as a professional and how she joined Arizona Healthy Communities and has been dedicated to gr...
2020-10-2155 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Heather Dalmolin: Providing Northern Arizona’s Transit Service through COVID19In this episode I interviewed Mountain Line's new CEO and General Manager, Heather Dalmolin. She shares with me her professional journey from working part time "counting money" to serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Flagstaff's transit system. Hear her story of growing a career through dedication to community and under the leadership and mentorship of the former CEO. Just as Heather was appointed as the interim CEO and GM, everyone's world was turned upside down by a global pandemic. She and her team, working together, have seen how truly resilient they are and have become even stronger as...
2020-10-1446 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Becky Miller: Serving Vulnerable Communities & Transit Service Providers Throughout ArizonaIn this episode I interviewed Becky Miller, the Executive Director of the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA). Becky’s been with AzTA for over sixteen years, the first ten in the administrative arm, and the last six as its Executive Director. Becky speaks with passion about how AzTA serves the most vulnerable in our communities throughout Arizona by supporting transit service providers and mobility managers. This important work has only become more critical in the midst of COVID and AzTA has had to get creative about how to provide vital resources. Join us to learn about what AzTA does, is do...
2020-10-0756 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Erik Yingling: Leadership, Mentorship, and Introducing Rail to the Valley of the SunIn this episode I got to interview Erik Yingling, Vice President and Area Manager for the Metro Phoenix area (and more) for my new company, Stacy and Witbeck, Inc. Erik came to the Valley fifteen years ago to chase light rail work. Since then, Erik has delivered projects, grown his career, and managed to keep a sense of adventure and humor throughout. He believes in mentorship and not just in a professional development capacity. He regularly engages younger team members at Stacy and Witbeck to help them navigate making the most of their benefits, considering major financial decisions, and...
2020-09-1745 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jason Stephens: Active Transportation - Our Next Evolution in Multi-ModalismIn this episode of Moving Arizona we learn about all things Active Transportation and the Maricopa Association of Government’s (MAG) efforts to explore our next evolution in multi-modalism. Jason Stephens, Planner III and Active Transportation lead for MAG, talks about finding inspiration in Vancouver, BC while at a conference with the MAG Active Transportation Committee Chair and the activities that followed resulting in the foundational principles and goals of our current plan. Not only are we striving to develop a regional system that accommodates all abilities “from eight to eighty” but one that also provides comfort, safety, and helps i...
2020-09-0851 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Rob Sty: Connecting Technology & TransportationIn this episode we hear from Rob Sty, Global Director of the Technology Studio for HDR, Inc. In his role for HDR, Rob focuses on data centers and mission critical facilities. Rob shares with us his insights on technology and the evolution of transportation as well as the implications of data on decision-making. From designing facilities and systems that ensure continuity of vital services, and security, to leading efforts to evolve our industry, Rob is a leader not only for Arizona but also nationally. Considered a subject matter expert in his field, he has written articles for publications such a...
2020-08-3142 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jesse Gutierrez: MCDOT Deputy DirectorAfter taking a break last week to manage some work-life transitions, I’m back in an interview with one of my favorite Arizona leaders. In this episode Jesse Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Maricopa County Department of Transportation, shares his background spanning over 30 years in the transportation and construction industries. He's served as a District Engineer, Deputy State Engineer, at the Arizona Department of Transportation and is now working with Jennifer Toth at MCDOT as her Deputy. Jesse brings lifelong experience working with trades, construction, and engineering. Jesse spent his youth working at his family's development company, managed street ca...
2020-08-2442 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Andrew Haines: WTS Metro Phoenix Man of the YearIn this episode of Moving Arizona we get real about the impacts and challenges of an extended work-from-home environment, what it means to be named Man of the Year, and learn some lessons about work-life balance. Andrew Haines is a Jacobs' Manager of Projects, the Project Manager for Valley Metro's Northwest Phase II Light Rail Transit Extension, and the Arizona ACEC Immediate Past Chair. He shares insights about leading during a pandemic, going off-grid with a group of teenagers, and some of the incredible women who have shaped his life. Andrew is open, honest, and one of the most...
2020-08-1052 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jesus Sapien: City of Phoenix Public Transit - Growing, Adapting, & Committed to Delivering ServiceIn this episode Jesus Sapien, Director of the City of Phoenix Public Transit Department, gives us a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to grow a career in America’s fifth largest city. He discusses the logistics of navigating City and regional public transportation solutions and how he and his team are committed to providing essential service to our traveling public. COVID 19 has taken its toll on ridership but the City of Phoenix is dedicated to protecting drivers, passengers, and delivering the quality service our communities have come to depend on. Jesus’s passion for public transit stems from h...
2020-08-031h 01
Moving ArizonaInterview with Jessica Fly: Career Canyoneering - Create Your Own Map, Get Comfortable in the Grey, & Always Keep LearningIn this episode I had the opportunity to interview Jessica Fly. Jessica is a Professional Engineer and Project Manager with WSP. She is indeed one of the famous "Fly" engineers at WSP but it's not just because she's super smart, an incredible team player, and generally awesome to be around... it also happens to be her name. We talk about what it's like on the "seller" side of the doer-seller model with regard to the array of project delivery approaches and how she spends her down time stepping backward off cliffs as she canyoneers with her husband and their "...
2020-07-2859 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Dawn Hood: Research and the Evolution of TransportationIn this episode we talk about everything from bugs, to grasses, self-driving snowplows, and transforming an organization based on the work of a shame researcher. Dawn Hood is an Associate Director at the Center for Transportation Studies at the University of Minnesota. While her focus area is Development and Finance, her background is in structural engineering. Her path has taken a very different turn than she originally planned while earning her engineering degree and becoming a professional engineer. Dawn and I met nearly twenty years ago as part of the second cohort of women to go through the national W...
2020-07-2051 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Chris Bridges: Serving Greater Arizona by Championing TransitIn this episode of Moving Arizona, Chris Bridges, Administrator of the Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) and Chair of the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA), talks about leveraging CARES Act funding to launch a transit service for the Prescott area. He also shares insights regarding the diversity of the CYMPO region, the needs of our Northern Arizona veteran community, and how AzTA is rallying to serve as a resource for rural Arizona transit service providers. Chris leads at local and statewide levels and still finds time to help his neighbors, make people laugh, and produce a “zoom-cast” Who’s Zoomin...
2020-07-1349 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Tony Santana: Leading with Passion & Serving Our CommunityIn this week’s interview, I spoke with Tony Santana. Tony is the Project Manager for Valley Metro’s Northwest Extension Phase II light rail transit project. He’s someone who grew up in the inner city, went to ASU, saw first-hand how transportation can change communities, and decided to embark on a career of giving back. Tony is an inspirational emerging leader who gives me hope for the future as I listened to his passion and commitment to serve. He encourages young people in our industry to find their “why” and seek a career that they feel inspired by while n...
2020-07-0652 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with Steve Boschen: Raising the Bar and Delivering a World Class Transportation System for ArizonaThis week, I spoke with Steve Boschen. Steve is the Infrastructure Delivery & Operations Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation. His approach to delivering a world class transportation system is grounded in pragmatism, optimism, a commitment to partnering with industry, and being brave enough to challenge the status quo. He encourages young people to get involved, see things from a different perspective, and learn about what’s happening in the transportation industry. He’s an inspirational leader with a style that is equal parts challenging the norms and pushing the possible.
2020-06-2952 min
Moving ArizonaInterview with James Barr: Growing a Practice - Delivering the Work - Giving BackIn this episode we talk to James Barr, P.E., Vice President and Unit Manager at T. Y. Lin International. James is a native Arizonan from Tucson where he attended U of A “Go Cats - Bear Down!” James has been in the transportation industry for over nineteen years - he shares how his own career evolved as well as his views on what to invest in learning to develop your own career. James is a leader at T. Y. Lin but also in his volunteer activities with the American Society of Highway Engineers for the Phoenix Sonoran Section as w...
2020-06-2258 min