Real Talk with OVOV

Our Voice, Our Vote AZ

What happens when Arizona leaders leave the podium and pull up a seat? Real Talk with OVOV is where the people behind the titles, headlines, and policies come to have honest conversations about who they are, where they come from, and what’s happening in the communities they serve. Hosted by Amber Rivera, each episode brings Arizona lawmakers, community leaders, changemakers, and everyday voices together for candid conversations about housing, education, culture, identity, opportunity, politics, and life in Arizona. Expect laughter, tough questions, unexpected stories, different perspectives, and conversations that might make you say, “I never thought about it that way.” This isn't just another political podcast. It’s a place to pull up a seat, get comfortable, and get real about Arizona. 🎙️ Real Talk with OVOVReal People. Real Stories. Real Arizona.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Loud Vs. Heard with Communications Expert Denise Thomas

    What if everything you thought you knew about being a good communicator was wrong? You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. But what happens when you have something important to say and nobody seems to be listening? In this episode of Real Talk with OVOV, host Amber Rivera sits down with Denise Thomas, founder of The Effective Communication Coach and author of The Only One in the Room, for an honest, powerful, and sometimes hilarious conversation about finding your voice, navigating difficult conversations, and learning how to communicate with confidence. Drawing from 19 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies, Denise challenges some of our biggest communication myths and shares what it really takes to become a leader who doesn't just speak, but makes people feel heard. In this episode, we're getting into: Why being the loudest person in the room doesn't make you the best communicatorThe difference between what you intended to say and how your words actually impact othersWhat to do when your ideas are ignored, dismissed, or credited to someone elseWhy avoiding difficult conversations doesn't protect your peaceThe communication gap between generationsHow to become a better listener and connect with people who think differentlyWhy great leaders don't create followers — they create other leadersHow to reclaim your confidence when you've been made to feel like your voice doesn't matterDenise also shares the unexpected encounter with Stephen Covey that helped inspire her journey to becoming an author. The biggest takeaway? Your voice has value. You deserve to be heard. And you don't have to shrink yourself to make other people comfortable. Whether you're navigating the workplace, building your confidence, leading a team, or learning to advocate for yourself, this conversation is for you. 💬 LET'S TALK: Have you ever been the only one in the room, or felt like your voice wasn't being heard? Share your experience in the comments. 👍 Like this episode, subscribe to Real Talk with OVOV, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that their voice matters. About Real Talk with OVOV Real Talk with OVOV goes beyond the titles to have honest, people-centered conversations about leadership, community, power, and the people shaping Arizona's future. Follow Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @OVOVAZ #RealTalkWithOVOV #DeniseThomas #FindingYourVoice #EffectiveCommunication #Leadership #WomenInLeadership #CommunicationSkills #Confidence

  2. Oct 2

    Black Men Have Lost the Plot on Democracy

    How do you know what to trust in elections? On this episode of Real Talk with OVOV, host Amber Rivera sits down with Avery Xola, Voter Education Manager for the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission, for a conversation about elections, civic education, misinformation, and how Arizonans can find reliable information about the voting process. From the impact of TikTok and social media echo chambers to common misconceptions about democracy, Avery breaks down some of the biggest challenges facing voter education today. He also shares his path into public service, why he compares his work to being Spider-Man, and how comic books became an unexpected tool for making civic education easier to understand. In this episode: 🎙️ How misinformation and information overload affect voters   🗳️ What the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission does   📱 Social media, echo chambers, and finding trustworthy election information   🏛️ Why civic education doesn’t have to be partisan   🦸🏾 How superheroes and comic books can make civic education more accessible   📋 Why understanding the entire ballot—including local races and propositions—matters Whether you follow Arizona elections closely or simply want to better understand how the process works, this episode offers a practical look at voter education and the people working behind the scenes to help Arizonans navigate elections. Real Talk with OVOV brings conversations about politics, culture, community, and the issues shaping Arizona directly to the green couch. ▶️ Listen to the full conversation and subscribe for more episodes of Real Talk with OVOV. #RealTalkWithOVOV #Arizona #VoterEducation #CivicEducation #ArizonaElections #MediaLiteracy #Misinformation

About

What happens when Arizona leaders leave the podium and pull up a seat? Real Talk with OVOV is where the people behind the titles, headlines, and policies come to have honest conversations about who they are, where they come from, and what’s happening in the communities they serve. Hosted by Amber Rivera, each episode brings Arizona lawmakers, community leaders, changemakers, and everyday voices together for candid conversations about housing, education, culture, identity, opportunity, politics, and life in Arizona. Expect laughter, tough questions, unexpected stories, different perspectives, and conversations that might make you say, “I never thought about it that way.” This isn't just another political podcast. It’s a place to pull up a seat, get comfortable, and get real about Arizona. 🎙️ Real Talk with OVOVReal People. Real Stories. Real Arizona.