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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Mark Freeman, a seasoned public servant and candidate for mayor of Mesa. With over 31 years of experience as the captain of paramedics for Mesa Fire and Medical, as well as serving as a city council member and local farmer, Mark brings deep insights into the community. During the discussion, he shares his vision for Mesa’s future, focusing on balancing rapid growth with preserving the city's unique neighborhoods, while emphasizing his dedication to public safety.

Mark talks about the decline of agriculture in Mesa, the pressing concerns surrounding water sustainability, and his innovative ideas to address the city’s housing crisis. The conversation also highlights his commitment to school safety and crime prevention, with details about the initiatives he has helped implement, such as the real-time crime center and measures to reduce teen violence. Lastly, Mark outlines his plan to ensure Mesa's fiscal health, promoting responsible growth and neighborhood revitalization. This episode provides a valuable perspective on urban development and public policy for Mesa residents and beyond.

Timeline Summary:

[1:00] - Mark Freeman’s 31-year career with Mesa Fire and Medical and his decision to run for mayor.
[4:10] - Mesa’s rapid growth, the decline of agriculture, and the importance of water conservation.
[7:30] - Addressing Mesa’s housing crisis and encouraging diverse development.
[10:15] - School safety initiatives, the real-time crime center, and reducing teen violence.
[15:45] - Public safety challenges and measures taken to reduce crime rates in Mesa.
[18:30] - Mesa’s water sustainability and infrastructure development plan.

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Mark Freeman’s campaign for mayor here.
• Explore Mesa’s climate action and water conservation plan at MesaAZ.gov.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review the podcast. Don’t forget to share it with friends and stay tuned for more engaging discussions about the future of Arizona!

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, attorney Billie Tarascio sits down with Kayleigh Kozak, the driving force behind Kayleigh's Law, to discuss the pressing issue of sentencing for sex trafficking of minors in Arizona. Kayleigh shares her personal journey as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and her fight to enact stronger protections for victims. Our conversation focuses on her namesake legislation, Kayleigh's Law, which grants lifetime protection for victims of specific sex crimes. But that's not all—Kayleigh is also advocating for a groundbreaking ballot measure, Proposition 313, which could impose a life sentence on adults convicted of sexually trafficking minors.

This ballot measure aims to bring significant change to Arizona’s legal framework, ensuring that those who buy or sell minors for sex will face life in prison. We unpack why this measure is crucial, how sex trafficking is a multi-billion dollar industry that’s shockingly prevalent in Arizona, and why some organizations have opposed the initiative. Kayleigh breaks down the misconceptions surrounding sex trafficking and explains why this law will make Arizona a safer place for children.

Timeline Summary:

[2:00] - Kayleigh's experience with childhood sexual abuse and her journey to creating Kayleigh's Law.
[5:30] - The importance of natural life injunctions and lifetime protection for victims.
[8:15] - Introducing Proposition 313: life sentences for adults convicted of child sex trafficking.
[9:50] - Addressing the opposition to Prop 313 and clarifying misconceptions about minors being prosecuted under the measure.
[12:30] - The scope of sex trafficking in Arizona and why life sentences are necessary to protect children.
[16:15] - Discussing the leniency in the justice system and why harsher penalties are essential.

Links & Resources:

• Kayleigh’s Law Overview.
• Information on Proposition 313.
• Learn more about sex trafficking prevention at EndSexTrafficking.org.

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Ever wonder why some serious crimes, especially those involving teens, seem to result in light sentences like probation or misdemeanors? In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio talks with Tamika Wooten, a longtime prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge who’s now running for Maricopa County Attorney. Tamika pulls back the curtain on how criminal cases are really handled, diving into everything from teen violence cases to the frustrating gaps in the justice system. If you’ve been confused or outraged by what you’ve seen in local headlines, this conversation will help you understand why things play out the way they do.

Tamika shares her perspective on the issues voters are concerned about, and high-profile cases, including the Gilbert Goons, where teens were involved in group assaults and still walked away with minimal consequences. She explains the challenges of prosecutorial discretion and how it impacts everything from sentencing to public safety. This episode doesn’t just stop at the problems—it’s also about solutions. Tamika talks about how the system can be improved, especially when it comes to dealing with mental health, addiction, and making sure justice is actually served.

Whether you’re a voter trying to make sense of the justice system or a concerned community member who wants to know why violent offenders sometimes get off easy, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tamika’s experience from all sides of the courtroom gives her a unique perspective on what’s broken and how it can be fixed.

If you want to learn more about Tamika Wooten and her campaign for Maricopa County Attorney, visit her website at tamika-wooten.com.

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with attorney Lauren McAlpin to discuss her journey in family law and the unique challenges she faces as both a military spouse and lawyer. Lauren shares her experiences navigating the legal world, from her early days working in Georgia’s family law courts to her current practice in Arizona, where she focuses on custody cases, dependency issues, and the intersection of military law with family matters.

The conversation delves into the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in cases involving child custody disputes and allegations of abuse or neglect. Lauren provides valuable insights into how military families can navigate divorce and custody battles, touching on federal protections and strategic decisions that can significantly impact a case’s outcome. She also reflects on the personal challenges of being a military spouse, moving frequently, and managing her legal career across multiple states.

This episode is packed with practical advice for both military and non-military families facing legal issues. Lauren’s passion for problem-solving and her compassionate approach to helping clients through difficult times are truly inspiring. Whether listeners are navigating divorce, handling child custody issues, or simply curious about the life of a family law attorney, this episode offers valuable insights.

The discussion also covers creative solutions for co-parenting, the importance of keeping cases out of juvenile court when possible, and the surprising intersection of entertainment law and family law in Lauren’s earlier career.

Episode Highlights:

• [2:00] Lauren’s path to becoming a family law attorney and her background in dependency cases.
• [5:12] How being a military spouse has shaped her career and the legal protections available for military families.
• [9:30] Navigating child custody disputes and when it’s beneficial to involve CPS.
• [12:45] Creative solutions for co-parenting and why it's crucial to retain control over your case.
• [15:22] The legal and cultural differences Lauren has observed in family law across various states.
• [21:10] The intersection of military law and family law, and why location matters when filing for divorce.

Links & Resources:

• Visit Modern Law: mymodernlaw.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share the podcast with your friends. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations with experts in Arizona law!

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When you’re at a crossroads in life—whether due to a major transition like divorce, widowhood, or simply planning for retirement— knowing how to secure your financial future can give you the confidence you need to get through a rough patch. In this insightful episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with financial expert Jennifer Lee, who has made it her mission to guide people through these crucial life moments. Jennifer’s approach to financial planning is practical yet empowering, helping individuals not only protect their wealth but also grow it in ways that align with their personal goals and values.

As inflation and rising costs challenge everyday Americans, Jennifer breaks down why financial education is so important. She explains the key “laws of money” and how understanding these principles—such as paying yourself first and making your money work for you—can help anyone get ahead financially, even when faced with economic uncertainty. Jennifer shares her real-world wisdom on how simple yet strategic decisions can create lasting financial security, whether you're starting out or in the final stretch toward retirement.

The conversation also touches on emotional money decisions, particularly in the context of divorce. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of balancing emotional desires, like keeping a family home, with financial realities. She helps clients make informed choices that protect their long-term financial health, using thoughtful questions and number-crunching to empower them to move forward with confidence. Jennifer also shares how she supports business owners in navigating their final working years, helping them shelter their income from taxes and build a solid exit strategy.

Whether you're navigating a personal financial transition or planning for the future, this episode provides invaluable advice on how to master your finances. Jennifer's compassionate yet no-nonsense approach will inspire you to take control of your financial destiny, no matter where you are on your journey.

To learn more and find Jennifer online, go to Modern-Wealth.com.

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Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a complex murder investigation, where every detail matters, and the stakes couldn't be higher. That’s the world private investigator Justin Yentes steps into every day. In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Justin to explore the complications and realities of Arizona's criminal justice system. From high-profile murder cases to the deeply personal stories of those caught in the system, Justin reveals what it’s like to work on the front lines of justice, where every decision can mean the difference between freedom and a life behind bars.

Justin shares his experiences working on the tragic and still unresolved Rachel Hansen case—a case that has left a family and a community searching for answers. Despite the lack of information and the challenges of investigating what has become a cold case, Justin remains committed to finding the truth. He also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the murder case of another teen, 16-year-old Preston Lord , where the stakes are just as high, and the legal battles are far from over.

The episode takes a deeper turn as Justin reflects on the broader issues within the criminal justice system. He opens up about the heartbreaking stories of his clients, many of whom are facing the death penalty. These are individuals whose lives have been shaped by systemic failures, childhood trauma, and a lack of opportunities—factors that often lead to tragic outcomes. Through these stories, Justin challenges listeners to consider the ethical implications of capital punishment and whether our justice system truly serves its purpose.

This episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast is more than just a conversation—it’s an eye-opening journey into the heart of the criminal justice system. Justin Yentes’ candid insights and experiences offer a powerful reminder of the human lives behind the headlines and the critical importance of compassion in the pursuit of justice.

You can find Justin online at AZPrivateInvestigator.com.

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In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio sits down with Deborah Donenfeld, a coach specializing in midlife transitions. Deborah shares her unique approach to helping individuals in their 40s, 50s, and beyond harness their inner light and navigate significant life changes, whether it’s dealing with unexpected events like divorce or actively seeking new directions. Drawing from her own personal experiences of upheaval, Deborah explains how she empowers her clients to embrace change as an opportunity for growth rather than a setback.

Deborah and Billie dive into the concept of the "midlife dip," discussing how this period of life often brings a sense of uncertainty and the desire for reinvention. Deborah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intuition in making meaningful decisions during these transitions. She shares practical tools, such as somatic practices, journaling, and meditation, to help listeners tap into their inner strength and move forward with confidence. Her coaching is about more than just making changes—it's about finding a new sense of purpose and clarity.

Listeners will also hear about Deborah's journey from photography to coaching, sparked by her own life challenges, and how she now guides others through similar paths. With her compassionate approach, Deborah offers valuable insights into how to tackle the challenges of midlife and beyond. Whether you’re facing a significant life change or simply feeling stuck, this episode provides inspiration and practical advice to help you navigate the complexities of midlife with grace and resilience.

You can find Deborah online at PhotosynthesisCoaching.com where you can schedule a free consult.

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What is the real cost of bullying, and what can parents do about it? In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio explores the real fallout of bullying with guest Jordan Harstad, a father who tragically lost his son Andrew to suicide following relentless bullying. Jordan shares the devastating journey of his son’s downward spiral, beginning with his freshman year at Hamilton High School, where bullying escalated despite numerous attempts to seek help from the school and law enforcement.

Jordan provides an unflinching account of the failures he encountered while trying to protect his son, from the school’s inadequate responses to the legal system’s inability to enforce protection. He also discusses his ongoing efforts to change school policies and bring attention to the mental health struggles that often go hand-in-hand with bullying. This episode delves into the often unseen, long-term impacts of bullying and what happens when a system fails a vulnerable child.

Billie and Jordan’s conversation is not just a story of loss; it’s a powerful call to action for parents, educators, and community members. They discuss practical steps parents can and should take to protect their children, the importance of documentation and advocacy, and the need for systemic change in how bullying is addressed in schools. This episode urges listeners to consider the real cost of bullying and to take proactive steps to ensure that no other family has to suffer the same tragic outcome.

By sharing Andrew’s story, Jordan hopes to prevent future tragedies and spark meaningful change. This episode is essential listening for anyone committed to safeguarding the well-being of children and understanding the true impact of bullying.