Advertise on podcast: Phoenix Business Brief

Lauren Kristy, founder and artistic director of Sonoran Stars Community Theatre, joins Bryan Hyde to discuss how theater helps young people build confidence, form friendships, and discover their talents onstage and behind the scenes. She also previews the group's debut production, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a family-friendly comedy packed with slapstick humor and audience participation. Catch the show November 12–14, 2026, at Lincoln Heights Church, 2121 E. Lincoln Dr., Phoenix. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Come support local youth theater and enjoy a fresh, funny take on a classic adventure. Visit sonoranstars.com for more information.

Twenty-year-old serial entrepreneur Dylan Capshaw joins the Phoenix Business Brief podcast to share his journey from selling "squishies" in elementary school to building multiple successful ventures, including the unique coffee and flower shop Stemistry, the themed Wild West Party Bus, and the health tech app Peptify. Capshaw discusses his problem-solving mindset, the importance of customer feedback, and how he leverages technology, including AI, to innovate across diverse industries like hospitality, transportation, and health.

In this episode of the Powering America Podcast, host Brian Hyde speaks with Domenico Ferraro, a professor at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business and author of three reports for the Goldwater Institute. Ferraro discusses the economic implications of artificial intelligence and data centers, challenging doomsday predictions while acknowledging the valid concerns about cost and disruption. He also outlines the immense value AI brings to both the labor market and home production, comparing its transformative potential to past technological revolutions.  The conversation also delves into the significant energy demands of data centers, the necessity for large-scale investment in electricity generation, and the complex coordination required among stakeholders. Ferraro emphasizes the need for an appropriate pricing system that considers "willingness to pay" to avoid disproportionately burdening small energy consumers.

Javan Coughlin, founder of FloorJack Auto Repair, shares his journey from a childhood passion for cars to establishing a thriving auto repair business in North Phoenix. Joined by equity partner Brady Gibson, they discuss the challenges of transitioning from a home-based side hustle to a commercial space, including significant investments in specialized tools and commercial rent. The partners emphasize their commitment to honesty, transparency and customer care, striving for long-term relationships rather than quick profits. They highlight their personalized approach, offering detailed explanations and quick turnaround times, and reveal their convenient online and call-in booking options for customers.

In this episode of the Phoenix Business Brief, host Brian Hyde speaks with Sine Kerr, Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Arizona and running mate to U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs. Kerr, a long-time Buckeye resident and farmer, shares her unique journey into politics, driven by a passion for agriculture and a desire to advocate for her community.   She discusses her seven years in the State Senate, including her role as Chair of the Natural Resources, Energy, and Water Committee and Majority Whip, highlighting the impact of engaged citizens on policy-making. Kerr emphasizes the critical role of agriculture as a foundational industry in Arizona and details the ongoing efforts and historical foresight in managing the state's vital water resources, particularly in the face of extended drought conditions and recent Colorado River cuts.

This episode covers the journey of Alpine Electric, a Phoenix-based electrical services company founded by Isaac Williams and Lish Cook. They share their unique origin story, evolving from a chance encounter on a dating app to a close partnership. The duo emphasizes their commitment to residential customers, transparent pricing with "no-hassle quotes," and a community-minded approach, striving to provide personalized service in an industry increasingly dominated by large corporations.

Dr. Monzer Shakally, founder of Southern Smiles, shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. as a Syrian refugee to launching a startup dental practice in South Phoenix. He discusses the financial hurdles of capital-intensive medical businesses, the challenges of rising costs versus fixed insurance reimbursements, and why he prioritizes patient trust over corporate volume.

Michael and Nicole Wilworth, a husband-and-wife team, share their journey of leaving corporate careers to establish Floor Coverings International in Phoenix. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, highlighting the support of their chosen franchise. The Wilworths emphasize the unique benefits of their mobile showroom, bringing thousands of flooring samples directly to customers' homes for a personalized selection experience. They delve into current flooring trends in Arizona, discuss unusual material options, and detail their commitment to customer satisfaction before, during, and after installation, including financing options and a referral program that benefits a local animal shelter.

Rebecca Moltz-Sandhu and Lucky Sandhu, co-founders of Vouched, discuss their platform's innovative approach to job searching, moving beyond traditional resumes to offer comprehensive profiles and peer endorsements. They highlight Vouched's benefits for both job seekers and employers, especially small businesses, by providing tools for efficient candidate matching, anti-discrimination features, and transparent pricing. The Sandhus also explain how Vouched addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in the job market, offering upskilling content for job seekers and educational resources for businesses. The episode emphasizes Vouched's mission to rebuild trust and transparency in the hiring process.

In this episode of the Phoenix Business Brief podcast, Bryan Hyde speaks with Travis Driggs, the top insurance agent in Arizona for Globe Life, Family Heritage Division. Travis specializes in supplemental insurance, covering major life events such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes, accidents, and injuries. He shares personal anecdotes, including his experience caring for his father after a fall and his mother's recovery from fractured vertebrae, highlighting the critical role supplemental insurance plays in mitigating financial burdens. Travis emphasizes the importance of education, helping individuals understand their risks and tailor coverage to their specific needs, often for a surprisingly low monthly cost. He also discusses the unique 100% return of premium feature offered by Family Heritage and stresses that preparing for unexpected health crises is not about fear but about securing peace of mind. He shares powerful client success stories, illustrating how proactive planning can avert financial disaster and provide crucial support during challenging times.

Joe Pici, owner of Pici and Pici Inc. and ranked the number one sales trainer in the world by Global Gurus, shares his expertise on effective sales strategies. Drawing from his background as a football coach, Pici emphasizes breaking down sales into repeatable processes and skills, rather than relying on charisma.  He details the importance of live outbound call training, strategic scripting, and the "8 non-negotiables" for sales professionals, including clarity, ambition, self-discipline, and master communication. Pici also addresses the impact of AI on sales, advocating for the "human advantage" in building trust and emotional connections that technology cannot replicate. He outlines his comprehensive sales process, from lead generation to continuous follow-up, and offers insights on navigating gatekeepers and handling objections. Pici highlights the critical role sales skills play for entrepreneurs and executives, underscoring that a robust sales process is foundational to a company's success, and announces upcoming sales and speaker boot camps.

Christopher Gonzalez, founder of the Junk Food App, joins the Phoenix Business Brief podcast to discuss his innovative solution for healthier eating. Gonzalez, a fitness trainer with a background in medical research, explains how the app tackles the often-overlooked challenge of nutrition through personalized guidance and a unique accountability system. He shares how the app helps users make informed, guilt-free food choices and fosters a positive relationship with food, ultimately boosting confidence and promoting long-term well-being.

Phoenix marketing expert Arina Tannenbaum breaks down the "propaganda" of personal branding and why typical agency fluff fails small businesses. She explains how to navigate the shift from traditional search engines to AI-driven answers and shares why high-ROI platforms like Reddit are currently overlooked.

In this episode of the Phoenix Business Brief Podcast, host Bryan Hyde interviews Ali Fakih, founder and CEO of Sustainability Engineering Group (SEG) and AI AEC. Fakih, a civil engineer with 20 years of experience, discusses his journey from traditional engineering to embracing AI for greater efficiency in the development process. He highlights how AI can streamline due diligence, permitting, and overall project management, reducing timelines from months to minutes while maintaining accuracy. Fakih also redefines sustainability beyond just environmental initiatives to encompass the long-term success and viability of projects. He shares his vision for the future, where AI augments human critical thinking and creativity, revolutionizing the development industry and making it more efficient and transparent.

Oscar Cruz, founder of a specialized Phoenix martial arts studio, joins the show to share his journey from a hot-headed youth to a master instructor. He breaks down the distinct philosophies behind styles like American Kenpo, Tai Chi, and Jeet Kune Do, explaining how intentionality and repetition build both physical skill and mental discipline. Oscar also discusses the "entrepreneurial belt" of opening a studio and the importance of teaching students how to de-escalate conflict before a single strike is thrown.