Local Legends with Jess: Arizona Edition

Jessica Benevento
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Local Legends: Arizona Edition is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals making waves across the Grand Canyon State. Hosted by a passionate local connector and community advocate, each episode features candid, heartfelt, and often humorous conversations with Arizona’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and community changemakers. From real estate rockstars to nonprofit heroes, magicians to mentors—we’re bringing you the stories that make Arizona legendary. Tune in to be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the power of local connection.

  1. The Original Legend Herself: Jess The Mortgage Matchmaker - Buying a Home is Easier Than You Think

    4D AGO

    The Original Legend Herself: Jess The Mortgage Matchmaker - Buying a Home is Easier Than You Think

    In this special episode of Local Legends with Jess, the spotlight turns to the original legend herself — Jess, the Mortgage Matchmaker. From start to finish, this conversation centers around one powerful message: buying a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming, confusing, or out of reach. Jess breaks down common misconceptions about the mortgage process — especially the belief that you need more money, perfect timing, or flawless circumstances before starting. She explains why waiting often creates more uncertainty than clarity and how getting informed is the real first step toward homeownership. With years of experience helping individuals and families navigate the lending world, Jess shares how strategy, preparation, and the right guidance can make all the difference. Behind every mortgage is a real story — a family, a fresh start, an investment in the future — and her mission is to make that process feel clear and achievable. If you’ve ever wondered whether now is the right time, this episode will challenge you to rethink the narrative. The path may be more accessible than you realize — and the first move might simply be starting the conversation. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    4 min
  2. From Service to Sold — Building a Real Estate Legacy Together

    FEB 19

    From Service to Sold — Building a Real Estate Legacy Together

    Ryan & Whitney Cole officially join the Local Legends lineup, and their story is one built on grit, heart, and lived experience. This husband-and-wife real estate team didn’t start in property — they started in people. Whitney’s background in social work and as a correctional officer gave her a front-row seat to the realities families face during their hardest seasons. Supporting others through instability and crisis shaped her compassion, resilience, and deep understanding of what “home” truly means. Once she became a mom, her priorities shifted — and real estate became the natural next chapter where she could continue serving families, just in a different way. Ryan’s journey began in the banking world, originally from Texas, bringing with him a strong work ethic and undeniable go-get-it attitude. Along the way, he experienced professional wins and hard lessons — including losses that tested him. But instead of backing down, Ryan leaned in. After experiencing burnout, he made a bold move: diving headfirst into a crash course in real estate. That decision changed everything — and he never looked back. At the foundation of Ryan & Whitney’s business is one core value: relationship first. They understand that buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction — it’s emotional, personal, and sometimes overwhelming. Because they’ve navigated challenges themselves, they lead with empathy, strategy, and calm confidence. They believe every situation has a solution, and they show up determined to make the process not only successful, but supportive. In this episode of Local Legends with Jess, get to know the real story behind this dynamic duo — the lessons that shaped them, the risks they took, and why their clients feel more like family. Ryan & Whiney don’t just sell homes. They build trust, create stability, and stand beside their clients every step of the way. This is what legendary looks like. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    21 min
  3. Flipping the Script: Jess is in the Hot Seat the OG Local Legend Mortgage Matchmaker and Husband Jason

    FEB 12

    Flipping the Script: Jess is in the Hot Seat the OG Local Legend Mortgage Matchmaker and Husband Jason

    In this episode of Local Legends with Jess, the roles reverse—and Jess takes the hot seat. Jason, a seasoned mortgage professional with over 25 years in the industry, steps in as interviewer to have a candid, thoughtful conversation with the original Local Legend herself. Known as a true connector and rainmaker, Jess opens up about what it really took to grow into the industry—admitting it took nearly two years to fully find her rhythm in a competitive space. Jason brings forward four powerful questions for Jess —from what you’re truly comfortable paying, to what it means to offer the best deal while staying dedicated to the client’s long-term best interest. Together, they unpack authenticity in business, client-first decision making, and why caring about the long-term investment matters more than chasing quick wins. This episode is honest, insightful, and refreshingly real—perfect for anyone navigating the mortgage world, considering homeownership, or wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how integrity and trust shape lasting success. Pull up a seat—this is one conversation worth listening to. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    23 min
  4. Jess and Jason Living the Dream While Showing Up for Family

    FEB 5

    Jess and Jason Living the Dream While Showing Up for Family

    In this special and personal episode, Jess sits down with her husband, Jason—her favorite human, the love of her life, and the one person she can love hard and challenge hard all within minutes. What starts as a conversation about dreams quickly unfolds into a real, unfiltered discussion about marriage, purpose, responsibility, and the unexpected turns life brings. Together, they explore what it really means to live the dream. Sharing your talents with the world matters—but so does providing for your family, staying grounded, and navigating the tension between passion and responsibility. This episode dives into that balance, offering honest insight, laughter, and perspective that many couples quietly wrestle with. If you’ve ever wondered how to pursue your calling without losing sight of the people who matter most, this conversation will resonate deeply. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Loving hard, challenging each other, and growing togetherTurning dreams into reality while staying responsibleWhy sharing your talents is essential—but not the whole pictureFinding balance between passion, purpose, and providingThe real conversations couples don’t always have out loudThis episode is a reminder that living the dream doesn’t have to be all or nothing—and the solution might be closer than you think. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    24 min
  5. Local Legends with Jessica Benevento Episode: Pop — AKA Truman, AKA Poppy Chuloo (Yes… THAT Pop)

    JAN 29

    Local Legends with Jessica Benevento Episode: Pop — AKA Truman, AKA Poppy Chuloo (Yes… THAT Pop)

    Meet Pop, also known as Truman and lovingly referred to as Poppy Chuloo—a retired college football coach, self-proclaimed True National Legend, and full-time Arizona snowbird who has officially mastered the art of saying whatever he wants… because he can. Pop lives by one very simple rule:  👉 If you’re a 7 or lower, you’re not worth his time. Dead serious. Zero apologies. In this episode, Jessica Benevento (Arizona’s Mortgage Matchmaker) sits down with Pop for a conversation that’s equal parts legendary, unfiltered, and laugh-out-loud entertaining. From old-school coaching wisdom to life lessons only earned through decades of wins, losses, and locker room talks—Pop brings stories you won’t hear anywhere else. And just when you think it can’t get better…  Pop shows up to the studio convinced he’s being arrested—only to realize he’s actually there to record a podcast. Classic Pop. This episode is packed with:  🏈 Coaching stories from a true football lifer  😂 Unfiltered opinions you may or may not agree with  🌵 Snowbird life in Arizona  🔥 Legendary confidence (borderline unbelievable)  🎧 A guest you’ll never forget Whether you love him, question him, or laugh the entire way through—Pop is a Local Legend in every sense of the word. 👉 Hit play and decide for yourself…  Are you a 7 or higher? These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    25 min
  6. Jess & Sophia — My Favorite Daughter (Yeah that’s right)

    JAN 22

    Jess & Sophia — My Favorite Daughter (Yeah that’s right)

    Sophia: my favorite daughter. A real old soul  9yrs old and legit gets me through life everyday with wisdom and calmness.  Doesn’t take shit.  Episode: Sophia — My Favorite Daughter (Yeah that’s right) Meet Sophia—my favorite daughter (yes, we said it), a 9-year-old old soul, and quite possibly the calmest, wisest human in the room… even when surrounded by adults who should know better. Sophia is the kind of kid who gets you through life one grounded sentence at a time. She brings wisdom beyond her years, a peaceful presence you can’t teach, and a confidence that says “I know who I am, and I’m not here for nonsense.”Translation? She doesn’t take shit—and we fully support it. In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, Jessica Benevento sits down with Sophia to uncover: ✨ Where her calm confidence comes from ✨ How a 9-year-old sees the world (and adults) ✨ Why wisdom has nothing to do with age ✨ Life advice you didn’t know you needed—from someone who means it Sophia proves that legends aren’t always the loudest, the oldest, or the most decorated. Sometimes, they’re the quiet strength, the steady voice, and the reminder that boundaries and kindness can exist at the same time. This episode will make you laugh, pause, and maybe rethink who the real grown-ups are. 👉 Press play and meet a Local Legend in the making. Age: 9. Soul: Timeless. Tolerance for nonsense: Zero. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    22 min

  7. 06/17/2025

    The Hedgehog Diaries: Sophia & Boba T Take the Mic

    In this extra special episode of Local Legends, Jess sits down with the youngest (and cutest) guest yet, her daughter, Sophia Cocuzza, and the real star of the show: her pet hedgehog, Boba T. 🦔💬Get ready for giggles, animal facts, and heartwarming moments as Sophia shares what it’s like to care for a hedgehog, why she named him Boba T, and what being a kid in a creative, entrepreneurial family is all about. From snack time to snuggle time, this episode is a reminder that legends come in all sizes...spikes and all. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    33 min

  8. 06/09/2025

    Episode 4: Big Hair, Bigger Stories: Blondie Gets Real

    In this episode of Local Legends: Arizona Edition, I sit down with my Jersey girl turned Arizona queen, Alex “Rock” Murphy, aka Blondie. We laugh, reflect, and get real about everything from her booming hair business to getting married, raising kids, and navigating the raw, unfiltered reality of postpartum life. It’s heart, hustle, and a whole lot of laughs. Don’t miss it! These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    40 min
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Local Legends: Arizona Edition is a podcast that shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals making waves across the Grand Canyon State. Hosted by a passionate local connector and community advocate, each episode features candid, heartfelt, and often humorous conversations with Arizona’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and community changemakers. From real estate rockstars to nonprofit heroes, magicians to mentors—we’re bringing you the stories that make Arizona legendary. Tune in to be inspired, entertained, and reminded of the power of local connection.

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