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.

Episodes

  1. Jess and Jason Living the Dream While Showing Up for Family

    2D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 04/28/2025

    Training Legends: Mike Santini's Formula for Mental and Physical Domination

    Mike Santini (Personal and athletic trainer here is Scottsdale AZ) joins Local Legends to share how his “machine mentality” transforms athletes into unstoppable forces and how setting positive intentions fuels success in sports, business, and life. We also hear real testimonials from some of Mike’s current and past clients who share how his training changed their performance and mindset.  @locallegendsaz @mentalityperformance.com These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    1h 2m

  7. SEASON 1, EPISODE 2 TRAILER

    No Puffery: Just Pure Gonzo

    Join us for a sneak‑peek with Luis Gonzalez, he went from dreaming in the stands to stepping onto an MLB diamond. Hear how he turned what millions imagine into his everyday reality, and discover the grit, belief, and unexpected moments that made it possible. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    1 min

  8. 04/22/2025

    Turning Trauma into Triumph: Brandi Powell's Vision for VOTV

    Welcome to the debut episode of our podcast! In this short video, we’re excited to introduce our very first guest, Brandi Powell, the heart and soul behind Village of the Valley. Brandi shares her powerful journey, the vision that led to the creation of her nonprofit, and how she’s dedicated to empowering abused women and transforming lives. Join us as we dive into an inspiring conversation about healing, hope, and community support. Subscribe now and be part of a movement that turns trauma into triumph @villageofthevalley8374 ​ These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    1 min

  9. 04/22/2025

    Luis Gonzalez: Champion On an Off the Field

    In this episode of Local Legends: Arizona Series, we sit down with Arizona Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, not just to talk baseball, but to explore the heart behind the hero. From his unforgettable game-winning hit in the 2001 World Series to his ongoing commitment to the Arizona community, Gonzo opens up about what it truly means to give back, stay grounded, and lead with purpose. We dive into the power of showing up, the role of family, and how he’s using his platform to make a lasting impact in the Valley. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love stories of real leadership and heart, this conversation will leave you inspired. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    41 min

  10. 04/14/2025

    Breaking Cycles, Building Hope: Brandi Powell's Story

    In this powerful first episode of Local Legends: Arizona Edition, I sit down with Brandi Powell, founder of Village of the Valley—an Arizona-based nonprofit committed to helping women heal and rebuild after experiencing abuse. Brandi opens up about her own journey, the moment she knew she had to create something bigger than herself, and how Village of the Valley became a safe haven for women seeking hope, healing, and community. This conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring. Brandi’s heart for women and her passion for change will leave you moved and motivated to support the mission. If you’ve ever wondered how purpose is born from pain, this episode is for you. These are the local legends shaping our communities. Real stories, real talk, and powerful conversations. Local Legends with Jess — where Arizona’s stories connect.

    28 min

Trailer

About

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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