The Best Dam Podcast

Jill Lagan
  • 4.4 (5)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The Best Dam Podcast is your resource for discovering business, adventure tourism, and Boulder City living. As the home of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, we want to invite all who will listen to come Discover, Explore, and Unwind. 

  1. Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women

    5D AGO

    Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women

    Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, host Jill Lagan is joined by Michaela Taylor, the current Mrs. Las Vegas America and a contestant for the upcoming Mrs. Nevada America title. Michaela pulls back the curtain on the modern pageant world, dispelling myths of "cattiness" and explaining how the competition serves as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and community leadership. Michaela shares her journey of building resilience and her own marketing business. She discusses her platform, "Confidently You," which focuses on empowering young girls and women to step out of their comfort zones. Whether she is speaking to high school dance teams or preparing for the state stage, Michaela’s story is a testament to the power of daily, small acts of courage. DISCUSSION 1. Pageantry Unmasked: Michaela clarifies the structure of the Mrs. America system, noting that the competition is judged on interview (50%), swimsuit (25%), and evening gown (25%), with no talent portion required for the Mrs. division.     2. Confidently You: Michaela explains the heart of her platform, which encourages women to rewire negative mindsets and perform daily "courage acts" to build authentic self-esteem and reach their full potential.     3. The Power of First Runner-Up: Reflecting on her first-ever pageant, Michaela discusses the mental shift required to turn a second-place finish into a motivating lesson in pride and persistence.     4. Business and Grit: As the owner of Michaela Starr Marketing, Michaela draws parallels between the discipline of pageantry and the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing that both require the courage to be "seen" and the grit to never quit.     5. Lessons from Kansas: Michaela credits her upbringing in a family of five for her strong work ethic, specifically her parents' rule of finishing every "season" or commitment before being allowed to move on to the next thing.     6. A Moment in the Spotlight: Michaela shares a touching story of her 11-year-old son being moved to tears while watching her on stage, highlighting her goal of being a living example of bravery for her children.     7. Jailhouse Reality Check: In a humorous exchange, Michaela and Jill bond over their shared history of working in detention centers—Michaela's stint lasted less than a full shift before she realized her path lay elsewhere.     8. The Path to State: With the Mrs. Nevada America pageant approaching in May at the Aliante Casino, Michaela outlines her goals for the upcoming year, specifically focusing on mastering public speaking to better serve her community. LEARN MORE To follow Michaela’s journey to the crown and learn more about her "Confidently You" platform, follow her on social media at @michaela_s_taylor. For information on the pageant system or how to compete, visit the Mrs. Nevada America website at https://www.mrsnevadaamericapageant.com/. KEYWORDS Michaela Taylor, Mrs. Las Vegas America, Mrs. Nevada America, Confidently You, Pageant Life, Women's Empowerment, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce #MichaelaTaylor #MrsLasVegasAmerica #MrsNevadaAmerica #ConfidentlyYou #Pageantry #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCity

    26 min
  2. Live Your Bold: The Making of Sierra 914 with Will Turner & Ryan Dugger

    DEC 9

    Live Your Bold: The Making of Sierra 914 with Will Turner & Ryan Dugger

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, your Host, Jill Lagan, is joined by ultra-endurance athlete Will Turner and filmmaker Ryan Dugger. Will and Ryan break down the making of Sierra 914, an award-winning documentary capturing Will's grueling 914-mile triathlon through the Sierra Nevada mountains.  From the extreme mental fortitude required to push through sleep deprivation to the chaotic reality of filming a non-stop moving target, they provide an inspiring look at what it means to "Live Your Bold". They also discuss the profound impact of support teams, the unexpected beauty of the journey, and why age should never be an excuse for stopping. DISCUSSION 914 Miles of Grit: Will and Ryan discuss the logistics of an 8-day, non-stop ultra-triathlon that wasn't a looped course but a continuous point-to-point journey, requiring the film crew to live on the road right alongside the athlete.Hacking the Mind: Will shares his mental strategies for enduring extreme pain, including a specific technique of counting to eight while climbing Benton to distract himself and focus on what he could control in the moment.Filming on the Move: Ryan reveals the production challenges of a small crew constantly moving with no base camp, dealing with dust, exhaustion, and weather changes, resulting in a film that authentically mirrors the raw, gritty nature of the race.The Storm and the Rainbow: Will recounts a pivotal moment where a freezing downpour nearly broke his spirit, only to be followed immediately by a double rainbow that reset the team's morale for the final push.Live Your Bold: The origin story of Will's mantra is revealed, which began with a goal to do 60 Ironmans at age 60, evolving into a mission to encourage students and adults alike to reach their full potential.The Power of Connection: The team shares the heartwarming story of Jose Gomez, a stranger on a grocery run who ended up cycling 100 miles out of his way just to share the road and energy with Will.Roots of Resilience: Both guests reflect on how their parents—Will's hard-working father and supportive mother, and Ryan's integrity-driven father—shaped the character traits necessary to complete such a monumental project.Award-Winning Storytelling: The duo discusses the reception of the film, including winning the Audience Choice and Maverick Awards at the Richmond International Film Festival, and the surreal experience of receiving a massive standing ovation.LEARN MORE To learn more about the film and Will's journey, visit the Sierra 914 website at https://www.sierra914.com/ or learn about "Live Your Bold" initiatives on their website at https://www.liveyourbold.com/. KEYWORDS Will Turner, Ryan Dugger, Sierra 914, Ultra Triathlon, Documentary Filmmaking, Live Your Bold, Endurance Sports, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce  #WillTurner #RyanDugger #Sierra914 #UltraAthlete #Documentary #LiveYourBold #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

    40 min
  3. Raelynn’s Flower Garden — The inspiring story of a special needs child and her family’s incredible resilience

    DEC 2

    Raelynn’s Flower Garden — The inspiring story of a special needs child and her family’s incredible resilience

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by author Magon Peuker, who shares her incredible journey of escaping an abusive marriage, navigating life as a special needs parent, and finding her voice to write the bestselling children's book, Raelynn’s Flower Garden. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother, the healing power of positive change, and the necessity of kindness. Magon's book’s core message is about kindness and the acceptance of kids who look and are different. It’s a way of creating a lasting legacy for her daughter, Raelynn, and sends a powerful message that there is a person inside who wants to be heard and loved. DISCUSSION The Journey to a Brighter Life: Magon is a mom of three girls, including 15-year-old McKayla and 13-year-old Raelynn. Raelynn has a rare genetic mutation called MYLK, which has caused seven strokes, making her nonverbal and wheelchair-bound. Magon fled an abusive marriage in California after a traumatic night, moving to Nevada three years ago for safety and a better life with her children. She found her "rock" in her current husband in Nevada, and the family is now complete with their one-and-a-half-year-old baby girl.A Legacy of Kindness: Magon initially began writing an autobiography about her traumatic life experiences, but the heavy topics led her to put it aside. After an incident where Raelynn came home from school with bruises, Magon felt compelled to "turn this bad situation into something good". She wrote the children's book, Raelynn's Flower Garden, in just two days. What Magon thought would be a small project for friends and family has become a bestselling book that led to speaking engagements and podcast appearances.The Voice of a Warrior Daughter: Magon discussed the unique role her older daughter, McKayla, was forced into due to Raelynn's complex medical needs and the family's trauma. McKayla grew up learning independence and maturity early. Now, three years later, McKayla told her mother that moving was "the best decision you ever made," which brought Magon immense comfort.Finding the Aha Moment: Magon shared that her biggest aha moment was realizing her potential and being where she is now—in Boulder City with a supportive husband, healthy kids, and a completed family. She feels like she has "made it in life" and knows things are "only gonna go up from here".From Writing from the Heart to More Books: Magon describes her writing as coming from a vulnerable, "real and raw" state, presenting her work as if she is speaking to the reader. She hopes to eventually finish her autobiography to share her full story. She also revealed that there are more books to come in the "Raelynn series".A Missed Opportunity and a Family Talent: Magon revealed that she was chosen to be on The Voice in 2011, but tragedy struck two days before her audition when her 19-year-old brother passed away in a car accident. She loves to sing and is encouraging McKayla, who is a great singer, to pursue her talent. Magon's first job was working in the food industry at the San Diego Wild Animal Park.LEARN MORE To learn more about Magon Peuker and Raelynn's Flower Garden, visit www.magonpeuker.com.  KEYWORDS Raelynn's Flower Garden, Special Needs Parent, Resilience, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce #RaelynnsFlowerGarden #SpecialNeedsParent #Resilience #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

    37 min
  4. Stop Selling, Start Storytelling: How to Make Your Customer the Hero of Your Brand's Narrative

    NOV 25

    Stop Selling, Start Storytelling: How to Make Your Customer the Hero of Your Brand's Narrative

    In a typically "off-the-rails" session on The Best Dam Podcast, Jill chats with Alex Raffi, the creative force behind Imagine Communications. Alex, a self-proclaimed impulsive idea hunter, shares his fascinating philosophy on brainstorming, human intuition, communication, and the art of storytelling in business. If you’ve ever wondered why your marketing isn't resonating or how to truly connect with your audience, Alex’s insights—from the power of the subconscious to why humility can sometimes hinder success—offer a masterclass in modern communication. Discussion The Newsroom of the Mind: Alex describes the conscious mind as the "newspaper" and the subconscious mind as the"newsroom" where ideas are worked out. Your subconscious is always processing information, even when your conscious mind is asleep.Curiosity is the Engine: If you are not curious about something, the information gets ignored by your subconscious, meaning you won't have ideas about it. Therefore, to be great at something, you need to surround yourself with what you are curious about.No Rails in Brainstorming: Alex encourages bringing up even "weird" or abstract ideas during brainstorming, as the subconscious often gives hints (like a bird and a horse leading to a Pegasus) that can inspire others.The Artist's Release: Once a piece of art or marketing is created, Alex learned from his teacher that it's no longer the creator's. It is only "alive" when the audience interacts with it and interprets it as they choose.Perception vs. Perspective: It's impossible to change a person's perception (their deeply wired belief). However, you can change their perception by changing their perspective, which is learned, usually through storytelling.The Hero-Customer Model: In marketing, Alex advises against making your business the hero. Instead, you should speak to the customer in a way that shows them they are the hero, and your business is simply providing the tools they need to save themselves.The Humility Hurdle: Alex believes that humility often gets in the way of businesses identifying and promoting their most valuable traits. He suggests it's easier to bring in an outsider who can speak plainly and confidently about what makes the business unique.The Logo Buy-In Trick: When a client is hesitant about a final design, Alex sometimes lets them suggest a small, immediate change (like changing a color or adding a star). This gives them an actual hand in the creation, making it their logo and leading to approval.The Chamber's Core Purpose: Alex reminds listeners that the Chamber of Commerce is not "just networking". Its original and current purpose is to serve as an advocate for businesses, protecting them and connecting them with the city and necessary resources.Listen, Don't Wait to Speak: Alex admits he is impulsive and has to work on shutting up and truly listening to his talented team. He notes that Jill is naturally open to listening, not just waiting for her chance to tell her opinion, which is a valuable trait.LEARN MORE To learn more about Alex Raffi and Imagine Communications, you can visit the Imagine Communications website at www.marketingwithimagine.com KEYWORDS Imagine Communications, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Brainstorming, Storytelling, Marketing Strategy, Business Advocacy #ImagineCommunications #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce #Brainstorming #Storytelling #MarketingStrategy #Business Advocacy

    43 min
  5. Empowering Community Fundraising with SchoolAuction.Net

    OCT 28

    Empowering Community Fundraising with SchoolAuction.Net

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Roger Devine, a partner at SchoolAuction.net. As a former PTA president who saw vital school programs go underfunded, Roger breaks down his 18-year mission to stop "burning out" volunteers. He explains how the SchoolAuction.net platform provides not just the software, but the 20 years of data-driven wisdom that grassroots nonprofits need to run efficient, successful, and even fun fundraising events. Roger provides a masterclass in event-based fundraising. He also discusses why, in the uncertain economic climate of 2025, local events are "showing their superpower" as donors focus their giving "closer to the heart". DISCUSSION Stop Burning Out Volunteers: Roger explains that his mission began when he saw fundraisers relying on "rudimentary" tools, forcing them to "throw bodies at a problem". The goal of his platform is to respect volunteers by giving them efficient tools, bounding their time, and providing a structure they can work within.It's Not Just for Schools: Despite the name, SchoolAuction.net is designed for all "grassroots nonprofits". Roger works with local Humane Societies, Young Life chapters, food banks, churches, and any community organization that needs to raise money but doesn't have the resources of a national charity.The 20-Year"Human AI": Roger emphasizes that clients get more than software; they get his team's wisdom and data. With 20 years of data, he can tell a group "the top five things that work in a live auction for churches in 2024," acting as a human AI for fundraising strategy.The"Signup Party"(Aha Moment): Roger shares a brilliant fundraising item called a "signup party". These are fixed-price items, like a teacher feature or a pig roast he hosted. This makes the event more equitable, allowing people who don't have the "fattest wallets" to participate.A Cautionary"Tail": Roger tells a hilarious story of how the "Heads or Tails" game went horribly wrong. One "particularly lubed up" guest bought 100 chances to play, angering all the other guests who wanted a fair shot. When the auctioneer changed the rules mid-game, she "caused a scene".Fundraising's "Superpower" in 2025: With federal grants under review and private foundations "scared," Roger explains that event-based fundraising is "showing its superpower". In uncertain times, giving gets "closer to the heart," and people are more likely to fund local causes.Cultivating the"Baby Donor": Auctions obey a 90/10 rule (90% of money from 10% of the audience). But Roger explains you need the other 90% for two reasons: 1) to provide the applause and "ego gratification" for the big donors, and 2) to treat them as "baby donors" you can cultivate into future supporters.From Publishing to... Artisanal Sardines?: Roger shares his journey from working in book publishing in New York to the tech world. He also reveals a fun fact: he has become a "complete sardine enthusiast".LEARN MORE To learn more about Roger Devine and his fundraising platform, visit SchoolAuction.net. and on these social sites: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SchoolAuction Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schoolauction KEYWORDS SchoolAuction.net, Fundraising, Virtual Fundraising, Donor Cultivation, Volunteer Management, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce #SchoolAuctionNet #Fundraising #VirtualFundraising #DonorCultivation #VolunteerManagement #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

    46 min
  6. Marketing for Boulder City: The Power of Targeted Direct Mail

    OCT 21

    Marketing for Boulder City: The Power of Targeted Direct Mail

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by Tim Knifton of RSVP Las Vegas. Tim breaks down the powerful and surprisingly effective world of targeted direct mail. He explains how his company helps businesses reach the top 30% of homeowners with a luxury postcard pack that gets opened, used, and appreciated. From astonishing success stories of clients achieving multi-million dollar returns to the science behind why even Gen Z loves tangible mail, Tim provides a masterclass in creating a cost-effective, high-impact marketing strategy. He also shares the Chamber's new initiative to create a dedicated Boulder City mailer, offering local businesses a unique opportunity to reach affluent customers in the greater Las Vegas valley. DISCUSSION Targeted Luxury Mail: Tim explains that RSVP Las Vegas specializes in sending a luxury postcard pack to the wealthiest 30% of homeowners, providing a focused and thoughtful alternative to the "shotgun approach" of mass advertising.The Power of the Coupon: Tim shares a story about a resident in a $4 million home who called to ask about his missing $5 ice cream coupon, proving the effectiveness of this marketing tool across all income levels.Shared Mail is Smart Mail: Learn why a shared postcard pack is about 20 times more cost-effective than mailing a solo postcard.The Boulder City Initiative: The Boulder City Chamber is partnering with RSVP to create a dedicated mailer to promote local businesses and events, like the Best Dam Wine Walk, to target markets in Henderson and Las Vegas. The goal is to sign up 40 local businesses to launch the packet.Guaranteed Visibility: Tim reveals a fun fact: because the RSVP pack is considered "non-machinable" by the postal service, it must be placed on top of the rest of the mail, guaranteeing it's the first thing a homeowner sees.Data-Driven Targeting: RSVP uses public data and a proprietary system to verify home ownership, ensuring that advertisements for services like home improvement reach actual decision-makers and not renters.Why Gen Z Loves Direct Mail: Citing a USPS study, Tim explains that 91% of Gen Z consumers appreciate the tangibility of direct mail. It offers a break from digital overload and requires 20% less brainpower to process than a digital ad.Proven Success Stories: Tim shares incredible client results, a new business that went from having no jobs booked to being booked out for a full month within a week of the mailer hitting homes.The Five-Channel Rule: Tim advises business owners to have at least five different sources for generating leads (e.g., direct mail, social media, radio). .From Newspaper Boy to Entrepreneur: Tim shares how his first job delivering newspapers in his rural California community gave him an early appreciation for the power of distributing information directly into people's hands.LEARN MORE To learn more about RSVP Las Vegas, visit www.rsvplasvegas.com. KEYWORDS Tim Knifton, RSVP Las Vegas, Direct Mail, Postcard Marketing, Small Business, Lead Generation, The Best Dam Podcast, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce #TimKnifton #RSVPLasVegas #DirectMail #PostcardMarketing #TheBestDamPodcast #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce

    30 min
  7. Navigating Your Financial Future: A Guide to Wealth Management

    OCT 14

    Navigating Your Financial Future: A Guide to Wealth Management

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Heather Sabatello, a dedicated financial advisor with Edward Jones in Boulder City. Heather shares insights from her second career, explaining her passion for helping clients achieve their financial dreams and build generational wealth.   From the importance of starting to invest at a young age to the profound "aha" moments that define her career, Heather demystifies the world of wealth management and emphasizes a client-first, team-based approach to securing a prosperous future.  DISCUSSION  A Holistic Approach to Wealth: Growing, protecting, and organizing wealth, with a focus on estate planning, legacy, and insurance to create a full financial picture. When to Start Investing: Heather advises young people to begin investing in a Roth IRA as soon as they get their first job to take advantage of tax-free growth. The Advisor-Client Partnership: Learn why the relationship with a financial advisor is a partnership, working together to reach the client's specific goals. The First Meeting: Heather walks through the initial process, which starts not with numbers, but with understanding the client's personal goals, family, and even their psychological relationship with money. The"One Basket" Myth: Heather explains the importance of diversifying investments across different sectors, not necessarily across different advisors.The Power of a Team: A financial advisor doesn't work in a silo. Heather emphasizes the importance of collaborating with a client's estate attorney and CPA to ensure everyone is on the same page for a cohesive financial and legacy plan. The"Aha" Moment: Hear the touching story of how Heather helped an elderly, wheelchair-bound client fulfill her dream of traveling by connecting her with an organization called "Wheels Around the World," reinforcing her mission to help clients live their best lives. From Education to Finance: Learn about Heather's first career in the for-profit education industry and how a shift in industry ethics led her to a more fulfilling role at Edward Jones.A Lesson from Mom: Heather shares the powerful and simple advice from her late mother that guides her through challenging times and down markets: "This too shall pass". Staying Informed: Heather offers a weekly market update email, available to clients and non-clients alike. LEARN MORE  To learn more about Heather and her work at Edward Jones, visit her website at www.edwardjones.com/heather-sabatello.  KEYWORDS  Heather Sabatello, Edward Jones, Financial Advisor, Boulder City, Wealth Management, Retirement Planning, Investing, Estate Planning, Legacy Planning, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast  #HeatherSabatello #EdwardJones #FinancialAdvisor #BoulderCity #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #Investing #EstatePlanning #LegacyPlanning #BoulderCityChamberofCommerce #TheBestDamPodcast

    26 min
  8. Intermountain Health, Children's Hospital of Nevada, and World-Class Pediatric Care

    SEP 16

    Intermountain Health, Children's Hospital of Nevada, and World-Class Pediatric Care

    How Intermountain Health is Bringing World-Class Pediatric Care to Nevada In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Larry Barnard, President of Intermountain Health's Children's Hospital of Nevada, to discuss a monumental project 40 years in the making. Larry shares the startling reality that Nevada is one of only two major metropolitan areas in the US without a standalone children's hospital and unveils Intermountain Health's plan to change that. This isn't just a story about constructing a new building; it's about a mission-driven approach to healthcare, the heartbreaking human cost of the current care gap, and a collaborative "Nevada solution" designed to serve families for generations to come. DISCUSSION The Surprising Truth: Why a major state like Nevada has gone 40 years without a dedicated children's hospital and why Intermountain Health is taking on the challenge.Mission Over Money: How Intermountain’s unique, mission-driven approach focuses on keeping people healthy rather than just chasing profits.The Human Cost: Hear the powerful, heartbreaking stories of families forced to travel for care and the real-world impact on our community.A"Nevada Solution": Discover how the hospital is being designed with direct input from local families, physicians, and community groups—this isn't a one-size-fits-all approach.The Domino Effect: Understand how a lack of specialized pediatric care impacts everyone, from local businesses to your own cardiologist.Scope of the Hospital: Get the details on the full range of services the new hospital will offer, from oncology to neurology.Building a Local Talent Pipeline: Learn how the new academic hospital will train and retain pediatric specialists right here in Nevada.Project Timeline & Location: Find out when and where this beautiful, state-of-the-art campus will be built.How You Can Help: Learn why community support, from spreading the word to small donations, is crucial for making this vision a reality.The Leader Behind the Mission: Get to know Larry Barnard, from his background as a West Point graduate and helicopter pilot to the powerful lesson from his father that guides him today: "Do you want to be right or successful?”LEARN MORE To learn more about Intermountain Health Nevada, visit their website at https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ Learn more about the Cure 4 The Kids Foundation at https://cure4thekids.org/ KEYWORDS Intermountain Health, Childrens Hospital, NevadaHealthcare, Las Vegas, Pediatrics, Community, Healthcare Innovation, Larry Barnard, Boulder City Chamber,  The Best Dam Podcast #IntermountainHealth #ChildrensHospital #NevadaHealthcare #LasVegas #Pediatrics #Community #HealthcareInnovation #LarryBarnard #BoulderCityChamber #TheBestDamPodcast

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Best Dam Podcast is your resource for discovering business, adventure tourism, and Boulder City living. As the home of the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, we want to invite all who will listen to come Discover, Explore, and Unwind. 

Information

  • Creator
    Jill Lagan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Best Dam Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Best Dam Podcast