Scottsdale, AZ August 2026

MTV to Motherhood

Lolo Wood on raising an MVP, Co-Parenting with OBJ, & What’s Next

VIEWS FROM THE TOP

An extraordinary expression of contemporary architecture, this newly completed residence commands one of Ancala's most coveted vantage points. Framed by sweeping panoramic views stretching from Camelback Mountain to the city skyline, every space reflects an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, proportion, and timeless design.

Expansive indoor-outdoor living, refined natural materials, and resort-inspired amenities create a residence that feels both architecturally significant and effortlessly livable, where every room was designed to celebrate its extraordinary surroundings.

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The Child Within

If you know me, you know my boys. They're my people, my pack, my entourage, my posse.

My boys have a way of keeping me grounded. While adults spend so much time worrying about what's next, kids are fully invested in what's right in front of them. A baseball game. A family trip. A new hobby. A dream. There's something refreshing about that.

Somewhere along the way, many of us lose a little of that.

That's what I kept coming back to while putting together our Kids & Pets Issue.

Our cover is someone I'm proud to call a friend: Arizona's own Lolo Wood. While many first met her on MTV, today Lolo is a fierce, fearless, and self-assured mother and entrepreneur. Between raising her son Zydn, co-parenting with Odell Beckham Jr., and building her own brand, she's learning to navigate life on her own terms, and doing so with remarkable grace and maturity.

We also catch up with Dance Moms fan favorite Kalani Hilliker, who transformed a childhood passion into a successful career. She is now bringing that passion full circle with the opening of her new Scottsdale studio.

Then there's Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love. While most people know him as one of football's brightest young stars, what struck me most was his honesty. Jeremiyah talks openly about being an introvert, keeping a small circle of friends, and often feeling like he didn't fit in growing up. Instead of changing who he was, he leaned into it. Today, the anime-loving comic book creator is living out his NFL dream and proving that you don't have to fit in to succeed.

In fact, what I love most about this issue is that none of these stories are really about fitting in. They're about people who pursued what interested them, trusted who they were, and found success by staying authentic.

You'll also find plenty for your four-legged family members because pets have a way of accepting us exactly as we are. Just loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love.

And in our City Scene, we're celebrating the incredible children who rocked the runway at the Childhelp Wings Fashion Show & Luncheon, reminding us all what courage and confidence look like.

As a new school year begins, I hope this issue serves as a reminder that some of the qualities we admire most in children are worth holding onto as adults.

NADINE BUBECK, PUBLISHER @SCOTTSDALECITYLIFESTYLE

August 2026

PUBLISHER

Nadine Bubeck | nadine.bubeck@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kennedy Rettew

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Jennifer Blalock

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

/franchise.

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2026

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: SCL Owner & event emcee Nadine Bubeck kicked off the evening with the Suns Gorilla 2: Childhelp Co-Founder Sara O’Meara, Founding Mother Carol Hebets, Jim Hebets, & friends- Childhelp Wings Fashion Show & Luncheon 3: Auctioneer Leticia Frye energizes the crowd during the live auction at Childhelp Wings- The Phoenician 4: Styled by The Garage Boutique & Concept Store, these adorable young models rock the Childhelp runway 5: Thank you to SCL partner Katie Wilson/The Garage Boutique & Concept Store for styling the fashion show looks 6: NBC 12’s Cam Cox joined SCL’s Nadine Bubeck to host the Childhelp Wings Fashion Show (cameo from Baxter) 7: Styled by The Garage Boutique & Concept Store, these adorable young models rock the Childhelp runway

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Lolo Wood on Raising an MVP, Co-Parenting with OBJ, and What’s Next...

FROM MTV TO MOTHERHOOD

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK | PHOTOGRAPHY

BY

KATIE LEVINE

PHOTOGRAPHY AT NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

It all started on MTV. From Wild ‘N Out to Ridiculousness , Lolo Wood is one of those faces you recognize instantly.  Now, however, her story looks a little different. On our Kids Issue cover, Lolo stands with her son, Zydn, a football in hand and a subtle nod to his dad, NFL star Odell Beckham Jr.. It’s playful, personal, and full circle all at once.

Because while the world first met her on screen, this chapter feels closer. Today, she calls the Valley home, building a life that looks far different from the one people first saw.

In this exclusive one-on-one, Lolo opens up about the version of her story that rarely makes headlines.

BEFORE MTV, WHAT DID LIFE LOOK LIKE?

I moved around a lot growing up. My dad was in the Air Force, and my parents split when I was five, so my mom mostly raised me and my sister. I was really shy. I was more of a tomboy. But I learned really early what it meant to work.

I got my first job at 15 at an ice cream shop - I had to obtain a workers permit, and after that I always had multiple jobs. If they were hiring, I’d apply! I worked at a pizza place, a smoothie place, clothing stores... I bought my own car with my savings from work, so I could get myself to work and school. I just remember hearing we can’t afford something and thinking, okay, how can we?

Sitting around contemplating how hard life is won’t make it easier,  You don’t have to accept fate if you can change it.

YOU JOINED THE MILITARY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL.

Yes, the day after I graduated. I didn’t take time off. I didn’t seek advice or input. My mind was made. So, I just went.

It was when I was sitting on that bus in Texas that a fleeting doubt passed my mind, not about my decision, but my fitness to serve, but I had already committed and I honor my commitments. There was no turning back.

I wanted structure. I wanted to serve. And I think growing up the way I did, that decision felt natural.  You move with life, apply yourself, and make the best of it.  And it was a nod to my dad, I think.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE MILITARY?

Everything.

Structure, discipline, responsibility, wanting to be a part of something bigger than oneself, to defend what you love, to serve your country. My service taught me the life skills I needed, even the way I communicate. I was an intelligence analyst, so I would brief in front of groups, pre-mission, post-mission. I had to be factual, concise, and strategic. You learn how to speak, how to carry yourself, how to figure things out even when you don’t feel ready and the criteria is always, “Is this the best you can do?”

CONTINUED >

“If someone tells me I can’t do something, I’m going to figure out how I can. You don’t have to accept fate if you can change it.”

AT THE SAME TIME, YOUR LIFE STARTS SHIFTING INTO ENTERTAINMENT.

It was Instagram.

I wasn’t even taking it seriously, but my photos started getting picked up. I started getting modeling opportunities, music videos, different projects like that. I ended up in a Justin Bieber video, playing his love interest.

That was actually the first time I experienced real hate online. People were so protective of Justin, even though I was just a fake love interest. I didn’t really understand the implications or the cost of fame and your personal life at the time, and still grapple with it to this day, but that was my official introduction to being in the public eye.

WHAT DID THAT TEACH YOU?

That people will create a version of you that isn’t real, to justify their narrative.

At first it bothered me. I cared about how I was perceived. I wanted to correct things, explain things. But you can’t do that forever. At some point you realize you just have to live your life and let people think what they want, and that does not define you. You can’t allow people’s perception to control your choices, or even worse, your actions.

YOU WERE BALANCING MILITARY LIFE AND THIS NEW WORLD AT THE SAME TIME.

I was working 12 to 13 hour days, and then on my days off I would drive to LA. I had an old, second hand Toyota Avalon.  I would drive, do a shoot or audition, drive right back to base. That was my normal. It wasn’t glamorous. I was tired, a lot of days felt like auto-pilot, but I powered through and put my uniform on like nothing happened.  I kept both my commitments separate, I showed up four both in equal measures so neither was affected.

HOW DID WILD ‘N OUT COME ABOUT?

MTV found me on Instagram and emailed me to audition, and I was selected to be on the show. I still had to get permission from my commander to accept the job and take leave to film.  Every opportunity had to be signed off. I am thankful for my leadership believing in me and granting me the opportunity. We would film an entire season in two weeks in New York, Atlanta, or Los Angels and then I would come right back in uniform ready to serve.

WHAT DO YOU SAVOR MOST FROM YOUR MTV DAYS?

How fast everything moved. In show business, everything is magnified out of proportion, reality is bigger, brighter, louder, and unforgiving.

Everyone has big personalities, everything and everyone is on, and stays on. You’re expected to just jump in. I was 19. A baby. I didn’t know what was going on. I was just figuring it out in real time. There are moments I look back on now that I didn’t fully appreciate at the time because I was just trying to keep up.

PEOPLE SAW CONFIDENCE.

I’m actually very shy by nature, and a bit of a loner and introvert. I can go a week without talking to anyone and be completely fine. That version people saw, that’s work. When the camera is on, something switches. You have to meet the demand of being a professional and show up.  You are not alone on stage, or in that line of business.  Many other people depend on your performance and delivery. Entertainment is like sports, its team work. I keep to myself in real life, but on stage, I’m a trooper!

AND YOU TRANSITIONED INTO MODELING. Probably when I first saw myself on billboards in LA.

Driving down Hollywood and seeing my face, or walking into a mall and seeing myself on storefronts for brands I grew up wearing. But even then, I didn’t really process it. I didn’t take pictures. I didn’t sit in it. It didn’t change me. Looking back now, I realize how big that was. But at the time, I just moved through it. My public persona did not absorb my personal identity.

YOU’VE SAID YOU FELT DISCONNECTED DURING THAT TIME.

It felt like I was in it, but not fully attached. I did not feel I belonged, more like, I dropped into a world that wasn’t really mine, just for a visit. Even when things were happening for me, I didn’t fully connect to it. I was observing it while living it.

THEN CAME LOVE AND FOOTBALL...

A whirlwind! Swept by a tornado. We were two clueless kids in love. Odell and I decided to move in together when his career took him to Ohio. It was the first time either of us had lived with someone.

Dating someone in the NFL is not what people think. It reminded me a lot of the military. Constant travel, constant movement, everything is unpredictable.

You’re supporting someone at a very high level. Their schedule, their recovery, their environment. People see the games, but they don’t see what it does to their body. It’s like a car accident every Sunday. I was trying to take care of my fellow soldier and get him ready physically and mentally for the front line again, it’s a gladiator sport!

HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE THE NOISE?

People will always have opinions despite reality... and they often choose emotion over fact.

And when it’s tied to someone high profile, it’s amplified. That was something I had to grow through. Not internalizing everything. Not letting it define how I see myself, but it’s a burden you need to accept. Fame comes at a heavy price.

CONTINUED >

AND THEN YOU BECOME A MOTHER.

Motherhood rewired my internal software completely. The way I think, the way I move, what matters, everything changed.

I don’t look at my son as just a baby. I look at him as a future man. That changes how you show up. What you role model, how you treat yourself and others, your mindset and priorities.

THAT SEASON CAME WITH A LOT AT ONCE.

It was a lot for both of us.

We separated when our son was about nine months old. I just had a baby, went through a breakup, moved to Arizona, and I didn’t really have a support system. He was recovering from yet another major injury, the emotional hit from that did not help. But we both agreed it was best for us, as our focal points and lengths clashed. I was focused on being a mother and Odell needed to focus on his recovery and future career.

I isolate when I go through things, so it was just me and my thoughts and my baby. I was in a dark place, but determined to do what’s best for my son.

WHY THE VALLEY?

I fell in love with it during the off-season.

The desert, the beauty, even how harsh it can be, severe yet serene. I connected to its message as a metaphor of my own state at the time. And I knew I needed somewhere I could reset. I could learn from it, and I like the nonchalant, unpretentious atmosphere here. People are laid back and focused on what matters over what shines.

ENTER MTV’S  RIDICULOUSNESS ...

A lifeline.

I was trying to figure out what was next, and that opportunity came. It reminded me how important relationships are. That connection from Wild ‘N Out led to it.

I was nervous, but it gave me confidence that I can do this, being a single, wooing mother.  I can provide, protect, and parent, and my son needs me in all these capacities.  I found the support I needed here in the Valley that made it possible. Arizona is finally where I feel at home.

YOU ALSO EXPERIENCED LOSS.

My best friend.

That brought me to rock bottom. It was after everything else, and it completely changed my perspective. It made me realize what actually matters. When you go through something like that, you either stay there or you grow from it. I chose to grow, but it really forced me to become clearheaded overnight. I implemented a lot of changes in my life after that.

YOU’VE SINCE MADE PERSONAL CHANGES.

I stopped drinking over two years ago now.

Alcohol wasn’t a problem, I was a social drinker, but I realized how it was affecting me, my mood, my choices, the company I kept and spaces I’d frequent, my energy, health, and even my ability to parent.

I stepped back and really looked at my environment, habits, and the people around me. It gave me a different level of awareness and the realization that you do not need alcohol to have fun or feel happy. If you do, you’re not in the right place or with the right people.

BUT YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN BECOMING A VICTIM OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.

We all go through things. But also, your circumstances are largely your choices, blaming it on all external factors is avoidance of personal accountability.

However, I don’t agree with letting that define your life. If you don’t live it, do better! I’ve always been the type, if someone tells me I can’t do something, I’m going to figure out how I can.

That mindset has carried me through everything.

WHAT ARE YOU BUILDING NOW?

I’m creating with intention.

I’m not focused on for but the function. Meaning over market. I’ve seen so many versions of my life online that just aren’t true. That also needs revision and correction. The industry will push you where you are seen, I want to focus on where I fit. I am working on defining my voice and presence and to advocate for issues that affect us all.  I want people to take something from it. Not just hear about me, but feel it and see themselves in it.

WHAT DO YOU WANT WOMEN TO TAKE FROM YOUR JOURNEY?

That softness is not a weakness.

There is real power in being feminine, in nurturing and nourishing the soul of humanity through our gifts. Women have long been wisdom keepers, guardians, and gatherers. Somewhere along the way, we’ve focused more on rights than responsibility and lost the balance both require. You cannot ask for more than you give. When that balance is lost, the system begins to break down. We must realign with humanity’s North Star: a thriving future for our children.

AND NOW?

I trust myself.

Listen to the full 1:1 with Lolo on the Now With Nadine podcast, streaming everywhere.

instagram.com/lolowood_

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ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT ARIZONA CARDINALS

LOVE Who YOU ARE

Cardinals Rookie Jeremiyah Love Shares Why Being Yourself is Your Greatest Superpower

The Arizona Cardinals didn’t just draft one of college football’s most dynamic players when they selected Jeremiyah Love with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

They drafted a comic book creator, an anime fan, a self-described introvert, and a young man who spent much of his childhood feeling like he didn’t quite fit in.

Today, the Cardinals rookie hopes young fans see something bigger than football when they hear his story.

Here’s our 1:1 with the Cardinals rookie on staying true to who you are.

YOU CREATED A COMIC BOOK CHARACTER. WHERE DID THAT IDEA COME FROM?

The idea originally came from my dad. It was my junior year of high school. He wanted to try to tell my story, and he wanted to do it in a unique way; in a way that I thought was cool. He knew that I liked anime, he knew I liked comics and manga.

So he thought of creating my own comic: Jeremonstar

Five years later, this past October, we came out with the first book. It did really well. So far, people love it.

It was a process. We had to find illustrators, marketing, and a publisher. My dad found a great team of people and got it done.

TELL US ABOUT JEREMONSTAR

Basically, it’s telling my life story, and sharing some of my struggles.

We wanted to tell it in a way that people understand you’re not always the main character in your life. Sometimes you’ve got to take the lesser role in order to achieve success. Things aren’t always peachy.

The heart behind it is giving back to the game. Football has given me so much. It’s gotten me this far... to the NFL... and changed my family’s life forever.

I want to inspire kids who face challenges or come from backgrounds similar to mine to become the best version of themselves while staying true to who they are.

WHO HAD THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOU AS A KID?

My mom and dad. They allowed me to just be myself.

My parents took me to the doctor when I was a kid. They were concerned I had tendencies of autism, OCD, and stuff like that. I never got diagnosed for any of it. My doctor was like:  Don’t try to change him, just let him be himself and let him go out there and change the world.

My parents took heed of that.

They let me be myself. They let me do the things I loved and never tried to change who I was. They simply supported me, and that made all the difference.

If my parents had tried to change me, I probably wouldn’t be who I am today. I probably wouldn’t have the same morals or the same work ethic. And I don’t think I’d know myself the way I do now.

Because if you try to change somebody and they don’t want to be changed, it will only cause conflict.

“I was never the type to have many friends. My parents allowed me to be myself. They’re the reason I am who I am today.”

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR JOURNEY?

Just always being on the outside of everything.

I was never the type to have many friends. I had two best friends growing up, Chandler and Dylan. Those were the two guys I hung with.

While other kids were out playing together, I mostly kept to myself. It was always football, anime, and video games. That was hard because I wanted to bond with other kids. I wanted to connect with people. It’s just that people didn’t really see me as that type of guy.

I never went to parties and wasn’t really invited to much outside of hanging out with my two friends.

Back then, pursuing making connections was hard. Now it’s different. People want to connect with me, so it’s a lot easier.

But it also made me who I am today. It gave me the work ethic and the focus I needed to make it to the NFL.

WHAT’S ONE LESSON FOOTBALL HAS TAUGHT YOU THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SPORTS?

Choose hard in everything you do.

Whatever’s easy probably isn’t good for you. If something’s hard, it’s probably worth doing.

I learned that from my head coach, Coach Freeman, at the University of Notre Dame. He would say choose hard every single day.

That stuck with me, and I live by that.

I try to choose the hardest thing instead of taking the easy way out. That’s what helps me get one percent better every day.

That’s something you can apply to everyday life, no matter what you do.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE YOUNG FANS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR STORY?

I hope they take away that they should just be themselves.

“You’re not always the main character in your life. Sometimes you’ve got to take the lesser role in order to achieve success.”

Don’t try to be like anybody else. If you have interests and other people don’t like your interests, that’s okay. Just do what you like to do.

In the long run, you’ll find people who enjoy the same things you do, and those can become some of the best relationships you’ll have for the rest of your life.

I hope that when you hear my story, you’re inspired to be the best version of yourself and to do the things you truly love.

IF A KID DREAMS OF PLAYING PRO ONE DAY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU SHARE?

If you’re in elementary school or middle school, have fun. Don’t make it serious.

When you get to high school and college, not everything is fun. That’s when discipline matters. You’ve got to be consistent. You’ve got to put in the work when nobody else is.

If you do the same things everybody else does, you’re not going to get ahead.

The way you get ahead is by working while everybody else is sleeping, getting in an extra workout, or finding a way to do something productive every single day.

But while you’re a kid, keep it fun.

WHAT WOULD SURPRISE PEOPLE MOST ABOUT YOU?

Sure, off the field I’m pretty chill, but there’s an outgoing side to me also. Now I like being around people and socializing, but my social battery gets drained very fast.

I’m actually a pretty outgoing person in the moment.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT JOINING THE CARDINALS AND BECOMING PART OF THE ARIZONA COMMUNITY?

Just being here. Being where my feet are. I get to be around great people every day. I get to be part of a great community.

Ever since I got to Arizona, I haven’t met or interacted with one mean or ill-intentioned person.

Around the Cardinals facility, everyone I’ve met has been excited to be here and fully present where their feet are.

They’re grateful for the opportunity to do what they love.

I’m excited to build relationships with people here and do what we all love together.

CONTINUED >

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WHAT’S BEEN THE BIGGEST ADJUSTMENT FROM COLLEGE FOOTBALL TO THE NFL SO FAR?

I would say the biggest adjustment when you first get into the league and go to the city that drafted you is the loneliness that comes with it.

You have to learn the area, learn the guys, and learn your coaches.

It takes time.

That feeling can linger a bit.

That’s probably been the biggest change.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR FIRST SEASON?

I’m just excited to get on the field and play ball.

To score some touchdowns, make spectacular plays, hurdle somebody, juke somebody, run through somebody.

Arizona is going to get a guy that just loves football.

I want to go out there and crash out on somebody.

I just want to yell at the top of my lungs and be excited to be out there.

You’re going to get a guy that has a lot of enthusiasm, who just loves the game, and is fun to watch.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Super speed and everything that comes with it.

I think that would be a pretty awesome superpower to have.

jeremonstarcomics.com instagram.com/jeremiyahlove

Back to School Cool First Day Favorites

Kalani’s Next Act

A Former Dance Moms Favorite is Choreographing a New Chapter for Young Dancers

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY

At 25, Kalani Hilliker is coming full circle.

The Arizona native first stepped into a dance studio at age two. Now, after years in the spotlight as a dancer, performer, and Dance Moms fan favorite, she’s preparing to open Khaos Dance Studio and inspire the next generation to find their rhythm.

“This honestly feels like the chapter I was always working toward,” Kalani says. “Dance shaped my entire life, and now I get to create a space that reflects everything I’ve learned.”

The debut Scottsdale studio will focus on both elite competition training and recreational dance education for ages 2–18, along with adult classes, blending high-level technique with a more modern, supportive approach to dance education.

“I want kids to walk in and feel inspired immediately,” she says. “Of course I care about technique and strong dancers, but I also care about confidence, mental health, kindness, and creating a really positive environment.”

For Kalani, the studio represents far more than choreography and competitions. It’s personal.

“I grew up in the intensity of the dance world,” she says. “There are amazing parts of it, but there are also hard parts. I want to create something that still pushes dancers to be great while making them feel supported and genuinely happy.”

“Dance shaped my entire life, and now I get to create a space that reflects everything I’ve learned.”

The opening also marks another major transition in her life. Now married and settled back in Arizona after years in Los Angeles, Kalani says this season feels calmer, more grounded, and more aligned than ever before.

“It’s pretty crazy when you think about it,” she says, reflecting on a career that began before she was even a teenager. “I’ve been doing this since I was about 10 years old. Cameras. Spotlight. Chaos. But I’m really grateful for everything it gave me and where it’s led me.”

If you were a dance kid in the 2010s, you knew Kalani. She was the poised lyrical standout with striking technique and calm composure amid the intensity of Dance Moms. But before television, auditions, and reality fame, she was simply a Valley girl whose mom signed her up for dance at age two.

“I did soccer and softball too, but nothing ever stuck like dance,” she says. “My teachers would tell my parents, ‘She was made for this.’”

That natural ability, paired with relentless discipline, quickly pushed Kalani into the competitive dance world.

“Dance was my entire childhood. It was expensive and intense, but my parents sacrificed so much to support me.”

By age 10, she was already landing major opportunities including Shake It Up, Bunheads, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and eventually Dance Moms, where she spent five years filming more than 100 episodes.

“We filmed eight hours a day, six days a week,” she recalls. “We were kids, but we weren’t oblivious. We knew what was happening around us.”

Still, amid the pressure and reality TV drama, Kalani credits her mother, Kira, for helping her stay grounded.

“My mom always let me shine,” she says. “She was there for me, not herself.”

Though millions watched her grow up on television, Kalani rarely revisits those years.

“It was my childhood,” she says. “I don’t really feel the need to relive all of it.”

What she does carry with her are the lessons.

“We all have a trauma bond from that experience,” she says of the cast. “But it also taught me how important relationships are and how hard work really matters.”

After moving to Los Angeles at 18, Kalani eventually returned to Arizona during COVID and found herself confronting something unfamiliar for the first time: stillness.

“Dance had always been my schedule, my identity, my routine,” she says. “When that stopped, I felt really lost.”

Kalani openly shares that she struggled with anxiety and depression during that season, eventually turning to therapy and prioritizing mental health in a way she never had before.

“I suppressed a lot growing up,” she says. “Therapy really helped me heal and understand myself better. It’s still ongoing.”

That honesty has become a major part of how she approaches social media today.

“I try to be real online,” she says. “People can feel lonely in what they’re going through, especially with anxiety or depression, and I want people to know they’re not alone.”

Now, instead of performing for cameras, Kalani is focused on building something lasting for the next generation of dancers.

“I’ve done the TV world. I’ve done the chaos,” she says. “Now I’m focused on creating something meaningful here at home.”

Listen to the full 1:1 with Kalani on the Now With Nadine podcast, streaming everywhere.

khaosdancestudio.com

COLIN

ARTICLE BY MOLLY STOCKLEY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN EGGLESFIELD & JESSICA WELLMAN

EGGLESFIELD

Cancer Free and Living With Purpose

Actor and television host Colin Egglesfield is best known for his roles in  All My Children ,  Melrose Place, and  Something Borrowed . Yet one of the most meaningful chapters of his life unfolded far from Hollywood, at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix in Goodyear, where resilience, hope, and world-class care helped shape a journey that would change him forever.

In January 2025, at age 52, Egglesfield was diagnosed with prostate cancer, marking the third cancer diagnosis of his life after battling testicular cancer twice.

Facing cancer yet again reshaped his perspective on health, purpose and advocacy. Throughout his treatment, Egglesfield was supported by a multidisciplinary team focused on personalized, innovative care.

“At City of Hope, we design treatment plans around the individual, not just the diagnosis,” says Paul Gellhaus, M.D., Urologic Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of the Genitourinary Program at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix.

That individualized approach proved critical in guiding Egglesfield through treatment with both confidence and compassion.

“Colin’s experience underscores the power of early detection and informed decision- making,” adds Alan Bryce, M.D., Chief Clinical Officer and Medical Oncologist at City of Hope Phoenix specializing in men’s cancers, and Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research at Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope. “Prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers when caught early, and his outcome reflects what is possible with timely, expert care.”

Today, Egglesfield is cancer free and feeling grateful for the road ahead.

“I’m grateful to be here,” he shares. “I’m just grateful that I’m on the other side of it and able to move forward with my life.”

He is now using his voice to advocate for prostate cancer awareness, encouraging men to prioritize screenings, start conversations and overcome the stigma that too often surrounds the disease.

City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer treatments, combined with compassionate, personalized care, played a pivotal role in his recovery. Egglesfield’s journey stands as a powerful testament to hope, innovation and the life-changing impact of patient-centered cancer care.

The accompanying photos offer a glimpse into the people and moments that became part of Colin Egglesfield’s experience at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix.

Featured throughout are members of the multidisciplinary team who guided his care, including Dr. Paul Gellhaus, Medical Director of the Genitourinary Program and Urologic Surgical Oncologist, and Dr. Alan H. Bryce, Chief Clinical Officer and Medical Oncologist specializing in genitourinary cancers. Their expertise, leadership, and commitment to personalized care played an important role in Colin’s journey.

Additional images capture Colin alongside members of his care team, reflecting the collaborative approach that defines City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix and the many individuals who supported him throughout treatment and recovery.

The collection also includes moments from City of Hope’s annual Walk for Hope annually at the Goodyear hospital campus; a community event that brings together patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and supporters in a shared celebration of hope and perseverance.

Rounding out the gallery is Colin’s appearance at Camelback Ranch during the City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix’s “Home Run For Life” annual event during a Los Angeles Dodgers spring training game, a meaningful milestone that honors resilience, gratitude, and the progress made along the way.

Keep in mind, many men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate screenings are individualized, please consult your physician for more details.

City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix is located in Goodyear, with locations in North Phoenix, North Scottsdale, Gilbert and a new location in Prescott.

For more information on prostate cancer treatment at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix, visit cityofhope.org/phoenix

Dr. Saran, one of the Valley’s Top Doctors, provides personalized endocrine and preventative care through direct memberships. She delivers long-term health solutions with her tailored approach and advanced diagnostic testing.

Scheduled Over The Summer (June -Aug)

7 EXCEPTIONAL HOME SITES

- COMING SOON -

SEVEN EXCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD THE CUSTOM HOME YOU’VE ALWAYS ENVISIONED. DISTINCT HOMES. PREMIER LOCATIONS. BUILT FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE.

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0.93 ACRE DC RANCH GOLF COURSE & MOUNTAIN VIEWS

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BUILDING FUTURES THROUGH OPPORTUNITY

At WISE (World. Impact. Scholarships & Education),

success is measured by far more than grades and test scores.

Founded by Arizona philanthropists Mike and Stacey Steele through The Steele Family Foundation, WISE was created to help young people realize their full potential through scholarships, mentorship, leadership development, volunteer service, career exploration, and life-changing experiences.

One recent project brought that mission to life. Working alongside e-NABLE and using 3D printers donated by Cox Communications, WISE scholars from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale designed and built a prosthetic arm for a pediatric nurse in San Diego. The experience challenged students to collaborate, problem-solve, and apply STEM skills in a meaningful way. More importantly, it showed them how their efforts could make a real difference in someone else’s life.

That lesson sits at the heart of the WISE program.

WISE Scholars participate in an “earn-to-learn” model that encourages academic achievement, leadership, volunteerism, and personal growth. Through the WISE digital portal, scholars track their progress in real time and complete psychometric profiling that helps identify strengths, learning styles, and career pathways. The platform remains available beyond graduation, giving alumni lifelong access to mentorship, tools, and opportunities.

For many students, the impact extends far beyond the classroom.

Through partnerships with organizations including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Grace Sober Living, and the Just Keep Livin Foundation, WISE scholars have completed extensive volunteer service, explored career pathways, participated in internships, and gained confidence in their ability to shape their own futures.

What began as a local investment in young people has grown into a global initiative serving students across the United States, Canada, Ghana, Turkey, Italy, and India. Earlier this year, the Steele Family Foundation was recognized with

Charity of the Year honors from the Canadian Choice Awards, reflecting the expanding reach of its work.

Yet the mission remains deeply personal.

The true impact of WISE is not measured by scholarships awarded or service hours completed. It is measured in the student who discovers a new passion, the young adult who overcomes obstacles, or the scholar who begins to see possibilities they never imagined for themselves.

While a scholarship can open a door, mentorship, opportunity, and belief can change the course of a life.

WISE is building that pathway every day by connecting highpotential students with the resources, experiences, and support systems they need to succeed.

You can be part of that impact. Help a WISE scholar earn their way to a life-changing opportunity, become a partner, or get involved at WiseScholarship.org.

Support a WISE Scholar Today! → WiseScholarship.org | V wisescholarshipprogram

www.linkedin.com/company/wise-scholarship

MYTH FACT vs.

THE APDO TEAM SETS THE DENTAL RECORD STRAIGHT

Most parents don’t have questions about their child’s teeth until something unexpected happens.

A second row of teeth appears.

An orthodontist recommends an evaluation at age seven.

Permanent teeth come in looking yellow. Or someone mentions fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or silver diamine fluoride, and suddenly a simple dental visit feels overwhelming.

After more than 30 years serving Valley families, Affiliated Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics has heard just about every question imaginable. Family founded and now one of Arizona’s most trusted pediatric dental and orthodontic practices, the APDO team believes informed parents make the best decisions for their children.

We asked Dr. Danielle Goldstein and the APDO dental team to separate fact from fiction and share what she wishes every family knew.

MYTH: BABY TEETH DON’T MATTER BECAUSE THEY’RE GOING TO FALL OUT ANYWAY.

FACT: Baby teeth help children chew, speak clearly, hold space for permanent teeth, support facial development, and build confidence. Most children don’t lose their last baby tooth until around age 12.

MYTH: MY CHILD DOESN’T NEED A DENTIST UNTIL PRESCHOOL.

FACT: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a first dental visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth erupting. That visit is less about cleaning teeth and more about educating parents on nutrition, home care, prevention, and healthy habits.

MYTH: EVERY CHILD SHOULD USE THE SAME TOOTHPASTE.

FACT: Pediatric dentistry is increasingly individualized. The APDO team evaluates cavity risk, nutrition, medical history, and family preferences before discussing options such as fluoride or fluoride alternatives like hydroxyapatite.

MYTH: HALLOWEEN CANDY CAUSES THE MOST CAVITIES.

FACT: Frequent snacking is often the bigger culprit. Goldfish crackers, chips, fruit snacks, crackers, and constant grazing expose teeth to sugars and starches throughout the day, creating an environment where cavities thrive.

Expert Medical Care For Pediatric And Adolescent Eating Disorders

At The Conrad Clinic, children and teens with eating disorders receive compassionate, individualized medical care in a warm and supportive setting. Dr. Conrad partners closely with families, therapists, and dietitians to provide outpatient medical monitoring and steady guidance. Whenever medically safe, care is designed to help children continue recovery at home with the support of their family and treatment team.

Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your child’s medical needs and next steps in care.

MYTH: MY CHILD CAN BRUSH ALONE ONCE THEY START SCHOOL.

FACT: Most children don’t develop the hand coordination to brush effectively until they’re around 8 to 10 years old. Parents should continue helping until brushing is consistently thorough.

MYTH: TWO ROWS OF TEETH MEAN SOMETHING IS WRONG.

FACT: Pediatric dentists call them “shark teeth,” and they’re one of the most common reasons parents call the office. Permanent teeth often erupt behind baby teeth before those baby teeth loosen enough to fall out. It’s usually a normal stage of development.

MYTH: YELLOW PERMANENT TEETH MEAN MY CHILD ISN’T BRUSHING WELL.

FACT: Adult teeth are naturally three to four shades darker than baby teeth. The color difference is completely normal and one of the biggest surprises for parents.

MYTH: AN ORTHODONTIC EVALUATION AT AGE SEVEN MEANS MY CHILD NEEDS BRACES.

FACT: An evaluation simply allows the APDO pediatric dentists and orthodontists to monitor jaw growth, bite development, and spacing. Some children benefit from early treatment. Many simply need observation.

MYTH: PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND ORTHODONTICS HASN’T CHANGED MUCH OVER THE YEARS.

FACT: Today’s focus is prevention. In addition to fluoride treatments, pediatric dentists now have options like hydroxyapatite for some families and silver diamine fluoride (SDF), which can slow early cavity progression and, in some cases, delay more invasive treatment.  In terms of orthodontic treatment, state-ofthe-art digital robotic technology allows for more efficient and streamlined orthodontic treatment.

MYTH: MOUTHGUARDS ARE ONLY FOR FOOTBALL PLAYERS.

FACT: Dental injuries happen in baseball, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, skateboarding, hockey, and countless other activities. A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect a child’s smile.

MYTH: A KNOCKED-OUT PERMANENT TOOTH CAN WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW.

FACT: It’s a dental emergency. Immediate care gives the tooth its best chance of being saved.

MYTH: BRUSHING IS ENOUGH.

FACT: Many cavities the APDO dental team sees begin between the teeth, where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Once teeth touch, flossing should become part of every child’s daily routine.

MYTH: EVERY CHILD’S SMILE SHOULD DEVELOP ON THE SAME TIMELINE.

FACT: Every child grows differently. Teeth erupt at different ages. Jaws develop at different rates. Orthodontic needs vary. As Dr. Goldstein reminds parents, “Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics are not one size fits all.”

smilesbyapdo.com

MAKING IT Raine

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RAINE MICHAELS

Raine Michaels is having a moment. Fresh off her Netflix debut on Calabasas Confidential , she’s introducing viewers to who she really is beyond the famous last name. But long before the cameras started rolling, she was growing up in Scottsdale, where she spent her days biking through DC Ranch, hunting for scorpions with a black light, and learning life’s biggest lessons from her parents.

As her dad, Bret Michaels, continues his legendary career, Raine is carving out one of her own, built on authenticity, kindness, and a passion for animal rescue. We caught up with the Arizona native to talk family, fame, and reality TV.

MOST PEOPLE KNOW BRET MICHAELS THE ROCK STAR. WHO IS BRET MICHAELS THE DAD?

He’s incredibly supportive, always picks up the phone when I call, and somehow always finds time for the people he loves. What surprises people most is how much he genuinely cares about others. Whether it’s family, friends, fans, or someone he’s never met before, he has a huge heart.

ARIZONA HAS LONG BEEN A SPECIAL PLACE FOR YOUR FAMILY.

Arizona will always feel like home to me. It’s where I spent some of the most formative years of my life, made lifelong friendships, and created so many memories with family and friends. Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up there before moving to Calabasas for high school. CONTINUED

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ARIZONA MEMORY GROWING UP?

Frying an egg on the sidewalk in the summer, going to the waterpark because it was too hot to be outside, having a 75-degree Christmas, watching haboobs roll in, and going scorpion hunting at night. We even had families of coyotes and javelinas living on our property. Looking back, it really was one of the coolest places to be a kid.

YOU SEEM REMARKABLY GROUNDED FOR SOMEONE WHO GREW UP AROUND FAME.

My parents always made sure my sister and I understood how fortunate we were, but also that nobody owes you anything. We were taught to work hard, be kind, and give back. A huge part of that also comes from volunteering and animal rescue.

WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE YOUR DAD GAVE YOU THAT DIDN’T MAKE SENSE AT THE TIME BUT DOES NOW?

from being kind to people and treating everyone with respect, regardless of who they are or what they do.

YOUR DAD IS OFTEN OPEN ABOUT HIS HEALTH BATTLES. WHAT DID THAT TEACH YOU ABOUT RESILIENCE?

We always joke that my dad is like a cat with nine lives, and somehow he’s still got a few left. He’s faced some pretty scary health challenges, but he’s never let them define him. Watching him continue to show up for his family, his work, and the people he loves has taught me a lot about resilience, perspective, and gratitude.

“A 75-degree Christmas, watching haboobs, going scorpion hunting... looking back, it really was one of the coolest places to be a kid.”

— Raine Michaels

My parents always taught me to treat people the way I wanted to be treated. It sounds simple, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how important that advice really is. Some of the most meaningful relationships and opportunities in my life have come

WHAT’S THE MOST “DAD” THING BRET MICHAELS DOES?

Trying to wake the entire family up at 6 a.m. to play pickleball. He’s convinced everyone should be awake and active before sunrise, and somehow always has way more energy than the rest of us. I blame the coffee.

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING BRET MICHAELS’ DAUGHTER?

Getting to learn from him. Obviously I’ve had opportunities because of who he is, and I’m grateful for that, but the greatest gift has been watching

how he treats people, how hard he works, and how much he loves his family.

WHAT MADE YOU SAY YES TO CALABASAS CONFIDENTIAL ?

I had already experienced reality television as a kid, but this felt like an opportunity to show who I am as an adult. People are always going to have assumptions, so I liked the idea of giving viewers the chance to get to know the real me.

YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS THE “VOICE OF REASON” ON THE SHOW.

That’s just who I am. I’ve always been the friend who tries to see both sides and help people work through things. But I wouldn’t take advice from me all the time. I was also the one making FeetFinder jokes and dancing with random people whenever the opportunity presented itself.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

The work I’ve done in animal rescue. Whether it’s fostering dogs, fundraising, networking animals into homes, or using my platform to raise awareness, that’s the work that means the most to me. Modeling and television have given me incredible opportunities, but being able to use those opportunities to help animals is what I’m most proud of.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I’d love to do more hosting and storytelling. I’ve always loved connecting with people and hearing their stories, whether that’s in sports, entertainment, or animal rescue. My dream would be to build something that combines all of those passions in a meaningful way.

instagram.com/rainee_m

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When unexplained allergies, odors, or air quality concerns arise, experience matters. So does knowing where to look.

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TOP DOGS

THREE SONS. FIVE DOGS. ONE UNFORGETTABLE MISSION.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER MONTASIR PHOTOGRAPHY

Johnjay Van Es may spend his mornings behind a mic, but his greatest passion begins when the show ends. Together with his wife, Blake, they’re raising three boys, loving five dogs, and helping more than 1,500 rescue dogs find loving homes through their #LovePup Foundation.

For our Kids & Pets Issue, we passed the mic to Blake for 10 things you might not know about their #LovePup Foundation.

1. LOVEPUP WASN’T PART OF THE PLAN.

It all started when a listener called Johnjay’s radio show asking for help with a teacup Chihuahua that wandered into her yard while she was loading a moving truck. Johnjay’s response? “Sure, my wife will be right over.” Then people just kept asking us to take their dogs.

2. ONE OF OUR FIRST RESCUES CHANGED EVERYTHING. Gabby, a pittie puppy, was found by construction workers after being injured and covered in ticks. We had to make the difficult decision to amputate her leg. She now lives with an amazing family in Flagstaff, and we still keep in touch.

3. RESCUE ISN’T JUST ABOUT SAVING DOGS. You must have compassion. Every dog is different and has different needs. It takes patience for those with behavior problems, faith for those with major medical issues, and love for those who are scared and wondering what is happening.

4. SOME RESCUES STAY WITH YOU FOREVER.

One case involved five mastiffs rescued from an older man living near a canal. It eventually led to nearly 40 mastiffs living in a fifth wheel in Yavapai County. We cared for the dogs, got them vetted, and eventually found homes for all but one after earning the owner’s trust.

5. OUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE ISN’T RESCUING DOGS... …it’s maintaining volunteers and raising money.

6. OUR BOYS GREW UP IN THE MIDDLE OF IT ALL. They’ve always had dogs sleeping in their beds and running through the house. They also helped care for them, which taught them compassion for those in need, including the four-legged ones.

7. PEOPLE PROBABLY THINK OUR HOUSE IS CHAOTIC. Bingo. But we’re also very protective of our family time. We sit down for meals together, take real vacations, and make sure we’re fully present with our kids.

8. OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE THE HEARTBEAT OF LOVEPUP.

Supporters see the happy adoption photos. What they don’t always see are the volunteers who spend countless hours walking dogs, cleaning kennels, comforting nervous pups, and making the shelter feel like home.

9. EVERY ADOPTION MAKES THE HARD DAYS WORTH IT. Seeing a family fall in love with their new #LovePup makes all the yucky stuff, mainly humans, not so bad.

10. WE’RE JUST GETTING STARTED. Since launching LovePup, we’ve helped rescue and place more than 1,500 dogs, average about 125 adoptions each year, are supported by more than 350 volunteers, and host four signature community events annually. But what we’re proudest of isn’t a number. We have a shelter that feels good to the humans, which in turn makes the dogs feel good.

Cars & Canines returns Saturday, October 17th at D Pet Hotels Scottsdale. Hosted by the #LovePup Foundation, the free, family-friendly event features adoptable dogs, luxury cars, local vendors, and opportunities to support Arizona rescue pups. Please bring donations of pet food, toys, collars, leashes, puppy pads, and other supplies to benefit dogs in the foundation’s care. lovepupfoundation.org/events/cars-canines-2026

Must Love Dogs

What Every Pet Owner Should Know Before Leaving Town

Karen Chavez was on vacation when she received a call no pet owner wants to get.

Back home, her 16-year-old dachshund, Rusty, had developed glaucoma.

To most people, his squinting might have looked like minor irritation or simple fatigue. Fortunately, Rusty wasn’t being cared for by most people. He was being cared for by a trained veterinary professional who immediately recognized something was wrong and acted quickly.

“His vision was saved. Had she not been there, his life and ours would have been dramatically changed,” Karen says.

For Karen, the experience reinforced something she had long believed: the true value of a caregiver isn’t measured when everything goes according to plan. It’s measured when something doesn’t.

“The biggest mistake pet owners make is assuming everyone who loves animals is equally qualified to care for them,” says Karen.

It’s one of the reasons Karen co-founded VetterCare.

After years in veterinary medicine, Karen recognized a growing gap in the pet care industry. Pets were living longer, requiring more medications, recovering from more advanced procedures, and being treated more like family than ever before. Yet when owners traveled, their options often remained limited to traditional pet sitters, boarding facilities, or asking friends and family for help.

Karen believed there was a better solution.

Today, VetterCare connects pet owners with trained veterinary professionals who provide in-home support for everything from healthy puppies and kittens to senior pets, diabetic animals, post-surgical patients, and pets with chronic medical conditions.

Drawing on that experience, Karen shares what every pet owner should know before leaving town.

NOT ALL PET CARE IS THE SAME

Traditional pet sitters provide companionship and basic care. Boarding facilities offer supervision and structure, often in an unfamiliar environment. Veterinary professionals bring an entirely different level of expertise. They understand animal behavior, recognize early signs of illness, administer medications properly, and know when veterinary intervention may be necessary.

“It’s the combination of compassion and medical knowledge that sets them apart,” says Karen.

CONTINUED >

Dr. Christina Rahm

SCIENTIST. MOTHER. SURVIVOR.

After battling cancer and Lyme disease, Dr. Christina Rahm began asking a different question: not how to manage symptoms, but why they happen in the first place.

That question became her life's work.

Today, as Chief Scientist of The ROOT Brands and CEO of DRC Ventures, Dr. Rahm leads the development of science-backed innovations designed to help people address the root causes of health challenges rather than simply masking them.

Her philosophy, Cure the Causes ® , has inspired a global movement serving people in more than 180 countries . Every formulation, innovation, and product begins with the same standard:

Would I give it to my own family?

The ROOT Brands | DRC Ventures THEROOTBRANDS.COM

For healthy pets, that distinction may never become important. But for senior pets, diabetic pets, animals recovering from surgery, or pets with ongoing medical needs, it can make all the difference.

SUBTLE SIGNS THAT MATTER

Animals are remarkably good at hiding discomfort.

Subtle changes in appetite, water intake, breathing, posture, activity level, or behavior are often the first clues that something isn’t right. Increased respiratory effort, dehydration, pacing, hiding, unusual fatigue, or signs of discomfort may seem insignificant to an untrained observer but can signal a developing medical concern.

Recognizing those changes early often allows intervention before a situation becomes more serious.

WHEN ROUTINE CHANGES

Senior pets, anxious pets, newly adopted pets, and animals with chronic medical conditions often have the hardest time when routines change.

Many owners are surprised to learn how emotionally affected pets can become when their families leave town. Some become clingy. Others withdraw. Some lose their appetite or develop digestive upset.

Even confident pets can struggle with disruption to their routine.

COMFORT IN CONSISTENCY

Many people assume the answer is exercise. Others believe it’s companionship.

While both matter, Karen says routine and security are often the most important.

Pets thrive on familiarity. Remaining in their own environment with someone who understands their habits, routines, and individual needs can significantly reduce stress and help them feel more comfortable while their owners are away.

QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING

Before handing over the leash, Karen recommends asking three simple questions:

What qualifications and experience do you have?

What happens if my pet becomes ill or has an emergency?

How will you communicate with me while I’m away?

The answers often reveal far more than a list of services.

They reveal whether your pet is simply being watched or truly being cared for.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE TOWN

Before traveling, Karen recommends creating an emergency directive that includes your veterinarian’s contact information, preferred emergency hospital, medication instructions, an emergency decision-maker, and guidance regarding emergency treatment.

“The best emergency plan is the one you never need but are grateful to have.”

Ultimately, Karen believes the conversation comes down to one question:

If my pet has a problem while I’m away, who do I want by their side?

Peace of mind doesn’t come from knowing someone is checking on your pet. It comes from knowing someone can recognize when something isn’t right, advocate for your pet when you can’t, and respond confidently when the unexpected happens.

“Don’t just ask who is available. Ask who is qualified.”

vettercare.com

Savor Gratefulist

Growing up in my big, lively Irish-Italian family, I found a love for spirits during our gatherings filled with laughter and shared moments. Even though I initially pursued a different career path, a chance meeting reignited my passion, leading to the creation of Gratefulist. Inspired by the joy and support found in those gatherings, Gratefulist aims to bring people together, share stories, and uplift one another. It’s more than just a brand; it’s a celebration of life’s connections and the beauty of shared experiences. Join us at our table, where we embrace gratitude and lift each other up on life’s journey!

-Dani Engelking Founder and Chairwoman

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EDDIE JOHNSON CELEBRITY EVENTS

Benefiting Single Mom Families

This October, join Eddie, NFL HALL OF FAMER LARRY FITZGERALD, and a star‑studded cast to raise funds to assist hardworking, low income single mom college student families.

Celebrity Golf Tournament: Thursday, October 1

Talking Stick Golf Club

Celebrity Poker Tournament: Friday, October 2

Talking Stick Casino

Celebrity Dinner: Saturday, October 3

Talking Stick Resort, Salt River Ballroom TO REGISTER: HelpingHandsForSingleMoms.org

We assist low‑income single mom families while the mother attains a postsecondary education, financial independence and a positive family legacy. In 2025 we proudly celebrated our 500th college grad!

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED/ SCOTTSDALE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

The Next Pitch

For former MLB player Dave Huff and wife Lisa, the next big idea came between games.

By the time Dave Huff retired from professional baseball, he had pitched for five Major League organizations, played internationally in Korea, Japan, Mexico, Australia, and Dubai, and spent more than two decades chasing a dream that began before he was old enough to tie his shoes.

Literally.

One of his earliest memories involves standing in a diaper on a baseball field, watching his older brother throw bullpen sessions with their father.

When his brother finished, Dave wanted a turn.

His father raised the glove. Dave fired.

The ball hit the target.

His father moved the glove.

Dave hit it again.

And again. And again.

A lightbulb went off.

“We’ve got something here,” his father thought.

What followed was a baseball journey that carried the Huntington Beach native from youth fields to the bright lights of Major League Baseball. Over the course of his career, Dave pitched for Cleveland, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, and Anaheim, while building a reputation as a reliable left handed pitcher who simply refused to stop competing.

His goal was always the same: pitch until 40.

He missed it by three days.

Today, the competition looks different.

Instead of navigating Major League lineups, Dave spends his days coaching young athletes, helping them navigate pressure, failure, confidence, and the mental side of sports.

Because if there is one lesson baseball taught him, it is that talent alone is never enough.

“Everybody is physically good enough,” Huff says. “The difference is mental. The mindset is what separates people.”

It is a lesson he learned firsthand.

In 2010, after years of focusing on statistics, results, and outcomes, Huff found himself at a crossroads.

“I focused too much on the negative,” he says. “It almost cost me my career.”

A shift in perspective changed everything.

DO IT RIGHT

He began focusing on growth rather than outcomes, process rather than perfection.

Years later, those same lessons would become foundational in a completely different venture.

One created not on a baseball field, but around one.

The idea came from his wife, Lisa.

Like many sports parents, she found herself standing on the sidelines with a simple question: What exactly are we giving our kids?

As she assembled snack bags for youth sports teams, she found herself frustrated by the choices available. The products either tasted good and contained ingredients she did not love, or contained better ingredients and were rejected by kids.

There seemed to be no middle ground.

“I thought there has to be a better option,” she says.

Most people would stop there… but not Lisa.

What started as a conversation with another sports mom became a four year journey involving formulators, physicians, trademark challenges, investor conversations, product pivots, manufacturing hurdles, and more than a few tears.

“There were days I wanted to quit,” Lisa admits. “I’d call my dad and tell him I was done.”

His response never changed.

“Pilgrims don’t quit.”

Pilgrim is Lisa’s maiden name.

The phrase became her mantra, and the result is now LIIKE, a hydration brand designed specifically for active kids.

The name comes from the Finnish word for movement, a fitting choice for a family whose life has revolved around athletics, travel, resilience, and constant motion.

The electrolyte ratios were developed with children in mind. The ingredients were carefully selected. The formulas were tested repeatedly by the people who mattered most: their sons.

“We wanted something parents could feel good about and kids would actually want to drink,” Lisa says.

For Dave, watching his wife build the company has been every bit as impressive as anything he experienced in professional sports.

“She’s an absolute wonder woman,” he says. “The things she’s learned, the obstacles she’s worked through, the way she’s kept going. It’s incredible.”

The business may be new, but the mission feels familiar.

Both Dave and Lisa believe success is built the same way.

One day at a time, one challenge at a time, and one small win at a time.

It is the same philosophy Dave teaches the athletes he coaches today: focus on effort, growth, and the next pitch.

The same mindset that carried him from a Little League field to the Major Leagues is now helping shape the next chapter of their family’s story.

Because LIIKE is not really about hydration; it is about movement… moving through setbacks, uncertainty and toward something bigger.

And if the Huff family has learned anything through baseball, business, marriage, and parenthood, it is this:

The people who succeed are rarely the ones who avoid obstacles.

They are the ones who keep moving through them.

Ready to move? Follow Liike for launch dates, product updates, and availability: @drinkliike

“Like many sports parents, she found herself standing on the sidelines with a simple question: What exactly are we giving our kids?”

“Everybody is physically good enough,” Huff says. “The difference is mental.

The mindset is what separates people.”

FROM THE MOUND TO THE DUGOUT

Today, Coach Huff spends much of his time coaching young athletes, including his two boys, Ethan and Dylan. While his playing career took him around the world, he now finds purpose in helping the next generation navigate competition, adversity, and the mental side of sports.

Here are Coach Huff’s two cents for sideline parents.

Let Kids Own the Dream

Parents can provide opportunities, encouragement, and support, but the desire to play has to come from the child.

“The athletes who last the longest are the ones who genuinely love what they’re doing.”

Focus on the Little Wins

Winning is great. Development is better.

Coach Huff encourages parents to celebrate the moments that often go unnoticed: a quality at bat, a smart defensive play, moving a runner over, or bouncing back after a mistake.

“We can lose a game 16-0 and still have wins.”

The Car Ride Home Matters

Young athletes usually know when they did not play their best. Instead of turning the drive home into another practice or postgame breakdown, Coach Huff believes it should be a safe place where kids feel supported regardless of the outcome.

Mindset is the Difference Maker

Physical talent can only take an athlete so far.

According to Coach Huff, confidence, resilience, and the ability to move forward after failure are what separate good players from great ones.

“The game is probably 80-90% mental.”

Find Coaches Who Build Character

The coaches who had the biggest impact on Huff’s career did far more than teach mechanics.

They taught discipline, accountability, grit, and how to handle adversity.

Those lessons lasted far longer than any stat line.

Failure is Part of the Process

Baseball is built on failure. Even Hall of Fame players get out far more often than they get hits.

Coach Huff reminds players and parents alike that mistakes are not setbacks. They are opportunities to learn.

One Voice in the Dugout

Parents naturally want to help, but Coach Huff encourages families to trust the coaching process during games.

Save the instruction for before or after. During competition, consistency matters.

“When the umpire says, ‘Play ball,’ let the coaches coach.”

Remember Why They Started

Before rankings, travel teams, and tournament schedules, there was simply a kid who loved the game. Protect that joy.

Because long after the trophies are forgotten, the memories and life lessons remain.

instagram.com/dave.huff45

Behind the MVP

Randi Mahomes on raising Patrick, navigating youth sports, and helping parents support the next generation of athletes.

You might be wondering why we’re featuring Randi Mahomes in an Arizona publication.

The answer is simple: she’s a sports mom, just like so many of us.

Long before the stadium lights, Super Bowls, and national attention, Randi was driving to practices, cheering from the sidelines, navigating setbacks, and celebrating victories. She lived the youth sports journey through every stage of childhood.

The difference? Her son made it.

Today, Patrick Mahomes is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. But this story isn’t really about Patrick. It’s about the parents behind the athletes.

Through Sports Parent Academy, Randi is now helping families navigate the highs, lows, pressures, and realities of youth sports with the perspective only experience can provide.

Here is our exclusive conversation with the candid, down-to-earth Randi Mahomes.

BEFORE ANYONE KNEW THE NAME MAHOMES, WHO WERE YOU?

I was known as a baseball wife, then an ex-wife, and most importantly, as Patrick, Jackson, and Mia’s mom. The early years of motherhood shaped me.

WHAT PART OF YOUR UPBRINGING SHAPED THE WAY YOU’VE CHOSEN TO PARENT?

My parents were very strict, and as a kid, I swore I’d be the “cool mom.” But here I am... definitely stricter than I expected. And honestly, I can see how that structure helped shape Patrick and my other kids in the best ways.

SINGLE PARENTING IS OFTEN ROMANTICIZED WHEN SUCCESS FOLLOWS.

People don’t see the constant balancing act. You have to be the nurturer and the disciplinarian, the provider and the protector. You carry it all, and some days, that’s heavier than anyone realizes.

I missed a lot... school events, social outings, holidays. I worked long hours to make sure they had what they needed. That was the trade-off, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY RANDI MAHOMES

THERE’S A LOT OF TALK ABOUT PARENTS “NOT DOING TOO MUCH” IN YOUTH SPORTS. DID YOU EVER QUESTION WHETHER YOU WERE DOING ENOUGH?

Absolutely. Especially in high school, I remember wondering if I had given him enough support or access. Coming from a small town, we didn’t have many resources.

TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY WITH PATRICK.

When scouts started showing upespecially during his junior and senior years- it became overwhelming. I wanted Patrick to enjoy being a teenager, but suddenly we were making life-changing decisions. That pressure weighs heavy on a parent’s heart.

I always knew he had something special, but when major league baseball scouts started showing up at his games, I realized this wasn’t just a phase.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH SPORTS PARENT ACADEMY?

I created Sports Parent Academy because I’ve lived this journey... confused, overwhelmed, and without a roadmap like a deer in headlights. I was a young mom navigating uncharted territory. This platform is everything I wish I had, created to guide parents through the ups and downs of raising an athlete. We need more structure and guidance for parents.

We’ve brought together Stanford doctors, elite agents, and even Shaq’s psychologist.

HOW DO YOU HELP PARENTS SUPPORT WITHOUT SMOTHERING?

Encourage teamwork, positivity, and balance. Teach them that practice and preparation matter just as much as the game, but also remind them that it’s supposed to be fun.

WHAT ROLE DOES MENTAL HEALTH PLAY IN RAISING ATHLETES?

Emotional wellbeing is everything. Wins and losses come fast, and competition is fierce. Kids need to know how to lose well, process emotions, and stay grounded. Sports is as much a mental game as it is physical.

YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE, EACH WITH THEIR OWN PERSONALITY. WHAT HAS THAT TAUGHT YOU ABOUT MEETING YOUR KIDS WHERE THEY ARE?

I had to release my expectations. Their dreams might not match the ones I had for them, and that’s okay. Whether it’s sports, college, or something totally unexpected, I’ve learned to support them for who they are, not who I thought they’d be.

WHAT DOES PARENTING LOOK LIKE TODAY?

I’m still parenting, but it’s different now. With Mia still at home, I get to be more present, more relaxed. I’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the little moments.

WHEN PATRICK BECAME A HOUSEHOLD NAME, HOW DID YOUR FAMILY DYNAMIC SHIFT?

It was a huge adjustment. Fame changes everything... how people see you, how you move through the world. We had to prioritize privacy, protect our peace, and stay grounded despite the noise.

WHEN ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF PATRICK?

When he’s with his kids. That’s the greatest pride of all.

PATRICK OFTEN CREDITS YOU. DO MOTHERS OF ELITE ATHLETES GET ENOUGH CREDIT?

Absolutely not, LOL! We are the ones who held it all together. We’re the ones who built that foundation.

YOU’VE BECOME A STAPLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS BOTH A PROUD MOM AND YOUR OWN VOICE.

It can be overwhelming, but I know I’m being called to something bigger. Whenever I post something that speaks directly to other parents, I’m always surprised (and touched) by how many reach out with gratitude and questions to learn more.

WHAT DOES LEGACY MEAN TO YOU?

Especially after losing my parents, I understand the power of what we leave behind and how it can shape the next generation.

WHAT DO YOU TELL PARENTS WHOSE KIDS DON’T GO PRO?

It’s OK. There’s still purpose and beauty in the journey.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON PATRICK’S CHILDHOOD, WHAT’S A SPECIFIC MOMENT THAT STILL GETS YOU TEARY?

His first t-ball game. They were short a player, and he jumped in. He took over the game on the same field where I played as a kid. Full-circle moment.

WHAT’S ONE MEMORY YOU WISH YOU COULD REVISIT?

Our drive to Lubbock when he was deciding on college. Just the two of us, talking for hours. That, and our weekend together before the draft.

WAS THERE EVER A MOMENT WHEN IT ALL FELT LIKE TOO MUCH?

When he made it to the NFL, I was overwhelmed. The fame, the lifestyle, the people... it was a lot.

IF YOU HAD WRITTEN DOWN A JOURNAL ENTRY THE DAY PATRICK WAS DRAFTED, WHAT WOULD IT HAVE SAID?

I knew this day would come. I didn’t know it would be football, but I always knew something big was coming.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Trust your gut and surrender. And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.

IF YOUR KIDS WERE TO COMMENT, WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY’D SAY ABOUT YOU?

They’d say I’m always there... maybe a little crazy sometimes, but always in their corner.

THE JEWEL OF THE COAST

Just steps from La Jolla Shores, Elements redefines the modern family getaway.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY OCEAN SANDS VACATION RENTALS

For Arizona families, San Diego has long been the unofficial beach town of choice.

It's close enough for a long weekend, easy enough for a spontaneous escape, and offers something for every generation. But according to Penny Campbell, founder of Ocean Sands Vacation Rentals, a boutique vacation rental company specializing in La Jolla and San Diego's coastal communities, the way affluent travelers experience San Diego is changing.

After more than a decade in the vacation rental industry and now managing more than 30 homes throughout the region, Penny has watched travelers become increasingly selective about where they stay and what they expect from a vacation.

"People are taking more trips, but they're often staying for shorter periods of time," she says. "When they travel, they want the experience to be exceptional."

That shift is reshaping luxury travel.

One of the fastest-growing trends is multi-generational travel, with grandparents, parents, and children increasingly vacationing together. Rather than booking multiple hotel rooms, many families are seeking homes that allow everyone to gather under one roof while still enjoying privacy and personal space.

Properties like Elements perfectly illustrate why.

Tucked into the heart of La Jolla Shores, the custom contemporary residence feels less like a vacation rental and more like a private coastal retreat. Just a short walk from one of Southern California's most family-friendly beaches, the home was designed around seamless indoor-outdoor living and the way families actually vacation today.

Large disappearing doors connect the chef's kitchen, dining spaces, and living areas to a lush backyard designed for gathering. A private hot tub, sauna, outdoor shower, barbecue, and multiple entertaining areas encourage guests to slow down and settle in rather than rush from activity to activity.

The detached casita has become one of the home's most sought-after features, providing privacy for grandparents, guests, or older children while allowing everyone to remain together under one roof.

Above it all, a rooftop deck delivers sweeping Pacific views that remind guests exactly why they came to La Jolla in the first place.

The amenities continue well beyond the walls of the home. Surfboards, kayaks, bicycles, ping pong, cornhole, and beach gear make it easy to embrace the coastal lifestyle from the moment you arrive.

E. Roberts, APRN, ACNP-BC Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

It's a far cry from the beach rentals of a decade ago, and exactly what today's traveler expects.

According to Penny, guests are increasingly looking for homes that function like private resorts. Ocean views remain the most requested luxury feature, followed closely by outdoor living spaces, private spas, highly upgraded kitchens, and accommodations that allow families to gather without sacrificing personal space.

They're also looking for service.

Unlike booking a random property through a large online platform, Ocean Sands takes a decidedly boutique approach. Penny personally oversees the guest experience, often coordinating activities, arranging local recommendations, and welcoming guests at many of the company's luxury properties.

"People want local expertise. They want to know where to kayak, where to surf, where to take their kids, and how to make the most of their time."

That local knowledge becomes especially valuable in La Jolla, where each neighborhood offers its own personality and pace.

For Valley families, the appeal is easy to understand. Instead of booking adjoining hotel rooms, they can gather around one dining table, one backyard, and one unforgettable view.

And while luxury travel continues to evolve, Penny says one thing hasn't changed.

"The biggest wow factor is still the ocean."

Walk through the front door of Elements, make your way to the rooftop deck, and you'll understand exactly what she means.

oceansandsvacationrental.com/rentals/elements

Live music, specialty cocktails, a signature mezcal moonrise ceremony, wood-fired pizza, and a 365-day patio made for lingering

Malibu’s BestKept Neighbor

The Perfect Blend of Coastal Access, Family-Friendly Amenities, and Four Seasons Luxury

Not every great California getaway needs to be directly on the beach. If you’re willing to drive a little, Four Seasons Westlake Village rewards you in a big way. Conveniently positioned between Malibu, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and many of Southern California’s most popular attractions, the resort serves as a luxurious home base for travelers who want to explore by day and unwind by night. Here are 10 reasons it’s worth the pit stop.

1. MALIBU IS JUST 20 MINUTES AWAY.

While many Southern California visitors fight traffic and crowds to stay near the beach, Four Seasons Westlake Village offers a smarter alternative. Zuma Beach, Point Dume, Paradise Cove, Malibu Farm, Malibu Pier, and the Getty Villa are all within a short drive, allowing guests to enjoy the coast by day and retreat to luxury by night.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY FOUR SEASONS WESTLAKE VILLAGE

2. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS ARE WITHIN REACH.

The resort’s location directly off the 101 Freeway makes it an ideal jumping-off point. Spend the morning at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library (20 minutes), enjoy a day at Universal Studios Hollywood (30–45 minutes), stroll the shops of Beverly Hills (45 minutes), explore the waterfront in Santa Monica (45 minutes), savor Santa Barbara (60–75 minutes), or make a full-day adventure out of Disneyland Resort (about 90 minutes).

3. THREE POOLS, THREE EXPERIENCES.

The newly remodeled Cove serves as the resort’s family hub, complete with cabanas, poolside food and beverage service, and seasonal surprises for kids (snow cones for the win). Adults can retreat to the tranquility pool, while fitness-minded travelers appreciate the indoor lap pool.

4. THE LARGEST FOUR SEASONS SPA IN AMERICA.

At 40,000 square feet, the spa is the largest in the Four Seasons portfolio. Featuring 28 treatment rooms, private spa suites with plunge pools, wellness therapies, and luxurious relaxation spaces, it’s a destination unto itself.

5. WELLNESS ISN’T AN AMENITY.

The property is home to an entire Center for Health & Wellbeing. Guests can participate in guided meditation, sound baths, fitness consultations, nutrition experiences, wellness classes, body composition assessments, equine meditation, and guided hikes.

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6. SPEAKING OF HIKES...

The Santa Monica Mountains provide easy access to some of Southern California’s most beautiful trails. Nearby favorites include Wildwood Regional Park, known for waterfalls and family-friendly hiking; Charmlee Wilderness Park, offering sweeping ocean views; Sycamore Canyon Trail; and the challenging Boney Mountain Trail for experienced hikers. It’s a side of Southern California many visitors never see.

7. THE RESTAURANTS PUNCH ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT.

Coin & Candor serves elevated farm-to-table California cuisine, ONYX delivers exceptional sushi and modern Japanese fare, Stir offers coffee and casual bites throughout the day, and there’s even a hidden speakeasy. Prosperous Penny provides the perfect adults-only escape after the kids head to bed.

8. KIDS GET THEIR OWN RESORT ADVENTURE.

Upon arrival, children receive a Four Seasons passport and scavenger hunt that encourages them to explore the property. It’s

one of those thoughtful touches that immediately makes younger guests feel like the resort was designed with them in mind.

9. THE ARCADE IS LEGIT.

The complimentary arcade packs in modern video games, classic favorites, air hockey, pool, and interactive games, making it a favorite post-pool hangout for kids, tweens, teens, and competitive parents alike.

10. THE WESTLAKE CORNER SUITE IS WORTH THE UPGRADE.

If you’re traveling with kids, spring for the suite. Separate living and sleeping areas, oversized bathrooms, and plenty of room to spread out make it feel more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room. After a long day of beach hopping, theme parks, or sightseeing, the extra space is worth every penny.

fourseasons.com/westlakevillage

Elevated Classics

Hi, I’m Shannon, and I’ve been specializing in chocolate chip cookies for over 25 years, baking custom cookies for every occasion.

I’m

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

Grab your mini Swiftie. This one is for Taylor fans.

Scottsdale City Lifestyle caught up with Bryan West, the former KPNX Phoenix 12News reporter turned dedicated Swift journalist.

“I was mid-workout when I got a text saying, ‘Your dream job just became available.’ I pulled up the application and immediately started envisioning how I could differentiate myself as the posting went viral,” Bryan recalls.

The job? Taylor Swift Reporter for Gannett | USA TODAY Network.

“I rushed home and recorded 13 reasons why Gannett should pick me. After two months of interviews, they narrowed the field and I got the job.”

In November 2023, Bryan officially became Gannett’s Taylor Swift Reporter. The role was a natural fit for the Emmy Award-winning journalist, whose background in television news prepared him for the demands of reporting, shooting, editing, producing, and storytelling.

It didn’t hurt that he was already a devoted Swiftie.

“My introduction to Taylor was the summer after high school when she released ‘Tim McGraw.’ I was hooked from the first line. I was drawn to her ability to move between genres, write relatable

In HIS Era

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRYAN WEST

lyrics, and make power moves as a singer, artist, and businesswoman.”

Bryan’s beat spans far more than entertainment. Covering Taylor Swift means covering business, economics, culture, education, law, politics, sports, technology, travel, and breaking news.

“Taylor is all the above,” he says.

Bryan traveled the world covering Taylor’s Eras Tour, which became a cultural and economic phenomenon, broke records, and united fans across continents.

“My favorite Swift song to hear live is ‘Long Live’ from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).”

Among his favorite assignments was interviewing one of the coveted “22 Hat” recipients in Australia.

“In the past, during concerts, one lucky fan would receive the iconic fedora during ‘22.’ The handmade hat was designed by Los Angeles milliner Gladys Tamez. It was surreal holding the Holy Grail of Swift fan fashion.”

Of course, Bryan also covers one of the world’s most talked-about relationships.

“I was at a concert where Travis Kelce showed up, night one in Sydney, and the crowd absolutely lost it when he walked across the floor to the VIP tent.”

We all know what unfolded after that.

The job has taken him around the globe, but one of his most memorable moments happened right here in Arizona. During the Reputation Stadium Tour in Glendale in 2018, Bryan had the opportunity to meet Taylor, chat with her, and snap a few photos.

“What’s refreshing about my job is no matter who you talk to from any point in Taylor’s career, they all say the same thing: she is genuine, kind, and caring.”

While the assignment may sound like a dream, it’s also a nonstop grind.

“Big announcement days are incredibly busy. I’m shooting and editing content, lining up interviews, creating graphics, writing multiple stories, and doing national media appearances. And when Taylor takes a break, I’m working on long-lead stories and research projects.”

We’re sure Bryan joins us in wishing Taylor’s love story a happily ever after.