Traded the radio mic for a bit of Mesa magic! Once an Arizona gal chasing radio dreams, I’ve found my spotlight behind the podcast mic as the host of Visit Mesa’s City Limitless® Podcast. Each episode lets me celebrate the people, stories, and spirit that make our city shine. From airwaves to soundwaves, I’ve learned that the best storytelling happens when you bring heart, humor, and hometown pride to the mic!
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What excited you about judging for the Telly Awards?
I’m thrilled to join the Telly Awards Judging Committee — a vibrant, creative community that celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms. This opportunity allows me to help honor the brilliant minds behind inspiring work, share in their passion, and uplift the stories that move audiences around the world. Being part of such a talented collective feels like the perfect next chapter in my storytelling journey, where creativity meets purpose and innovation shines.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
Radio was where I learned the ins and outs of backend production and promotions. This is where I discovered that strategy and creativity don’t have to compete; they can work hand in hand to make real magic happen.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
I was lucky enough to land a coveted interview with Jesse Cole, the brilliant mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas. From the moment he walked in, his passion for blending entertainment with purpose was contagious. He’s not just redefining how we experience the game, he’s creating a movement that brings joy, creativity, and advocacy to audiences everywhere. I will cherish this opportunity for years to come.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
Making sure that every story gets told. No story or person is ever too small and everyone has something unique and meaningful to share. It’s about finding those gems, giving every guest a voice, and creating space for stories that might otherwise go unheard. Balancing that responsibility with creativity and authenticity is what keeps me inspired and always striving to do better with every episode.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
For me, excellence in a video comes down to the content that’s shared and how effectively it tells the story. Those 30-second clips we see on social media should capture the essence of a full 30-minute—or even hour-long—podcast interview. If the content stays engaging from start to finish and the short-form storytelling draws viewers into the bigger picture, then you’ve nailed the perfect recipe for success.
What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?
I handle all things podcast — from brainstorming ideas and recording conversations to editing and post-show production. Every episode is a new opportunity to create something meaningful from start to finish. What I love most about my job is bringing our guests’ stories to life — sharing the incredible people, places, and experiences that make Mesa so special, and helping our audience discover something new about the city we all love.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
Being the driving force behind the City Limitless® Podcast, every guest, every interview, and every post-show production session brings new opportunities to grow our audience and share the incredible stories coming out of Mesa. What excites me most is how our podcast connects to every part of our organization, amplifying voices, inspiring listeners, and helping us tell Mesa’s story in the most authentic and engaging way possible
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to spark creativity?
Some of my best ideas happen during shower brainstorming sessions, there’s just something about hot water and good thinking! I always keep my phone close by to jot down ideas before they slip away, then turn those sparks into action. When I’m not brainstorming, I’m tuned in to a variety of podcasts across every topic imaginable, all while keeping a close eye on the tourism industry to make sure our content stays fresh, creative, and relevant.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
Alex Cooper with Call Her Daddy — I’ve been a listener since day one. What first drew me in was her bold, unfiltered content, but over time, I’ve grown to truly admire her evolution as a host, interviewer, and businesswoman. She’s mastered the formula: no matter who her guest is, her audience tunes in because they want more of Alex. The incredible guests are just the bonus.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
Algorithms — I don’t think anyone will ever truly figure them out! But I’ve learned to embrace the ride, stay positive, and keep creating with consistency and heart. It’s all about playing the long game and enjoying the journey along the way.
