1. What was your “aha” moment when you realized you were meant to be a performer?   I was 7 years old and given a solo in the kids’ church choir. I had to stand up, turn around, face the congregation and sing the solo. I remember the butterflies in my stomach before I sang […]

Phoenix Mercury guard  You’re from Columbia, Mo. How different is it living in the Valley?  I never knew I would miss the color green so much! But there’s a huge Missouri crowd out here and a lot of people from Mizzou (the University of Missouri). The people here are awesome, and our fan base is […]

Rock star and philanthropist You’re 74 and still rocking strong. Any tips to share? I got sober 40 years ago, and I never smoked cigarettes. That has a lot to do with longevity. Plus, if you love what you do, it’s not really a job.  When you started out, did you think your career would […]

Describe the journey from being a contestant on a reality cooking show to becoming a culinary media star. When I was on “Top Chef,” I did it as a personal challenge. It had nothing to do with television. Almost 15 years later, it is my job to be on television. I lived the journey and […]

Tell us about your show coming to Arizona Musicfest in January. This is the same show I often do with symphony orchestras —a celebration of theater, music and life stories. But the music is scaled down and intimate and makes for a fun, funny and engaging night with the audience. Songs you know, lots of […]

You’ve had an incredible career, but to many people, you’re still John-Boy Walton. Does that get old? Well, it is old. In fact, it’s 50 years, but I love it. I love the association and am proud of that show and that character. I always take such delight when people remember it and talk about […]

Philanthropist and community champion Your family is well known for giving. Why is giving back so important to you?We have been very blessed and feel that “to whom much is given, much should be required.” Do you have a favorite memory of family philanthropy?The year I agreed to chair the Heart Ball, I asked my daughters […]

Principal of Carstens Family Funds Where did you move to Arizona from, and when?I came here in 1999 from Telluride, Colorado. What was the first organization you supported in the Valley?Arizona Foundation for Women, which is still one of my favorites. Your affiliations and community involvement are impressive. Why do you choose to be involved […]

CEO of the American Nonprofit Academy, co-host of ‘The Nonprofit Show’ and founder and original publisher of Frontdoors Congratulations on Frontdoors turning 20! What does this milestone mean to you? My first thought is, “Wait. Twenty years? Where did the time go? Am I really 20 years older? Why did you start Frontdoors? I felt […]

Celebrated entertainer and four-time Emmy winner  It’s a new year! What’s on your wish list for 2022? I’m excited to start a brand-new year. This past year has been one of the busiest of my life, and I’ve enjoyed it so much. I have a new film that I’ve been working on for several years […]