Jaime's Local Love Podcast

In this episode, owner, Denise McCreery, talks about community, candy, and Arizona wine. She opens up about building D’Vine Gourmet in downtown Chandler, a shop that showcases more than 100 Arizona makers. From in-store candy-making to wine jellies and an upcoming Arizona Wine Tasting Experience, Denise shares how collaboration keeps local business thriving.  MORE INFO: https://stores.dvinegourmet.com/

Anime is huge in Arizona. On this episode, we talk to our Arizona's Family anime expert/3 p.m. producer Jonathan Fisher about the rise in popularity of Dungeons and Dragons, anime camps, and conventions in town. Fisher tells us a personal story about how a local shop called Gamers Guild created an instant community when he was new in town. We'll also tell you what events are coming up this spring and summer and list off Fisher's favorite local anime stores in the Valley. 

In this episode, we talk to owner and jewelry designer Taylor Rae Archer. She was an early entrepreneur, selling lemonade at five years old, she owned a boutique while attending ASU, and then had her own digital marketing company for a decade before creating her jewelry line. Rad + Rae is now in 250 stores across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Archer studied metalsmithing at ASU and keeps her pieces around the $30 mark so more people can enjoy them. She also dishes on a major shift in jewelry trends she predicts in 2026. https://radandrae.com/

The WMPO is here! At Arizona's Family, many of us regard it as one of our favorite weeks of the year. Meteorologist/"Mayor of the Open" Ian Schwartz and Arizona's Family Sports' Nick King give us some pro tips to the tournament. Nick break down which golfers to watch, where to watch and what is the best day if you really want to watch the golf. Ian tells us how to beat the crowds at the entrance to the Open, how to get a quick ride out, and where his new favorite new suite is to experience the Phoenix Open. It's news you can use if you're headed to TPC! https://wmphoenixopen.com/  https://www.azfamily.com/sports/phoenix-open/

Audra Waddle went from designing pools to re-homing feral bees. Now her business, AZ Queen Bee, has a full line of food products and healing salves, all made from local Arizona honey. She says she loves the community bees create and how they take care of each other. Waddle tells us about the special scent the Queen Bee emits to promote peace and tranquility that's unique to her hive. We also learn about the healing properties of honey and about a lecture series with author/alternative health advocate Barbara O'Neill February 24-28, 2026 and how you can attend. https://azqueenbee.com/

Jason Asher is a big name in the Phoenix cocktail world. He's one of the masterminds of Counter Intuitive, which first put Arizona on the cocktail map, and a creator of Century Grand. Now he is doing something new. As the president of Juniper & Jigger Hospitality, he's developing cocktail programs for national brands and helping others to bring their ideas to fruition. On this episode, he tells us how he hopes to inspire up-and-coming mixologists through travel and exposure. Learn more about how the Valley native started his first company with a couple of friends and what he calls a pocket full of change that started a cocktail movement in the Valley! And the new project he's working on right now. 

The Hotel Valley Ho is a favorite for many Valley locals because of its mid-century modern design, food and wine events and pool parties. And you'll dine well too when you're there at the hotel restaurant Zuzu. In this episode, we meet Chef Russell LaCasce and his wife, and Valley native, Simona. Hear how the two met in culinary school, the history behind the name Zuzu, and how family milestones make their mark on the menu.  

Chef Rochelle Daniel of Atria in Flagstaff named her restaurant Atria because she says food is at the heart of life. In this episode, we learn how the Valley native was lured up to the high country to open her restaurant, how the acclaimed chef found love with a top Arizona mixologist, and how eggs should be the foundation of every chef's repertoire. Chef Rochelle zooms with us from her wine cellar and spills the tea on some major expansions and tells us what she loves to learn from her fellow chefs.

A purse maker and glass blower find love! In Jaime's Local Love the podcast, we talk with Madalyn Nault of Madalyn Nault Accessories and her husband Daniel Shircliff of Primitive Glass. Both artists create functional art like wallets, bags, glasses and lamps. They tell us about the unique struggle and great understanding that comes with both of them being creative business owners. Hear how Madalyn can personalize items using material you supply, like maybe a piece of wedding dress or old shirt, about Daniel's surprise driveway pop ups, plus how they keep going by letting each other "spin out" from time to time. https://www.madalynnaultaccessories.com/https://www.primitiveglass.com/

Chef Joey Maggiore is known for his flashy restaurants, good food and great mood. When you dine at The Italiano, The Mexicano, The Sicilian Butcher, Hash Kitchen, or The Delicatessen, it is an immersive experience made to create memories. In this episode, we learn that Chef Joey handles the menu, and Cristina handles the design. The Maggiore Group has five concepts, with 24 locations across four states.  We discuss the Maggiore's love of serving, Joey's gold chains, and what Joey wanted to do differently than his father. Plus, the Maggiores drop some hints on a new concept they're working on right now.  https://www.maggioregroup.com/