The Best Dam Podcast

Jill Lagan
  • 4.6 (7)
  • 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. 5d ago

    Madison 'Maddie' Hensala: Winner, Group K-2 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with eight-year-old Madison 'Maddie' Hensala, winner of the "I Voted" sticker contest. Maddie shares her excitement about designing the winning sticker, her love for art, and her goal of becoming an art teacher one day. Maddie also reflects on moving from Wyoming to Boulder City, balancing third grade with competitive swimming and dance, and her love for reading Harry Potter—all while sharing valuable life lessons from her family, like treating others with kindness and enjoying summer days at her grandma's pool. DISCUSSION Third Grade & Dance Life: Starting third grade with Miss Egan, making friends, and dancing at Dance Etc., including performing in Annie."I Voted" Sticker Contest Winner: Creating the patriotic, flower-themed design for America 250 using fancy markers, and winning an award certificate for her art.Future Dreams: Aspiring to become an art teacher to support and educate future generations.Competitive Swimming: Racing in swim meets, winning awards, and following in the footsteps of Boulder City’s talented athletic history.Moving from Wyoming to Nevada: Comparing freezing winters and hot chocolate in Wyoming to the warm weather and pool days in Boulder City.Love of Reading: Building a personal library with a spinning bookcase, reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and being read to sleep by family.Family & Friendship Connections: Growing up with two older sisters, building strong friendships in a tight-knit community, and staying close with family.Life Lessons & Golden Rules: Learning from her dad to treat others the way you want to be treated, and making memories staying at her grandma's house.LEARN MORE To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Madison Hensala, Boulder City, I Voted Sticker Contest, Dance Etc, America 250, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #MadisonHensala #IVoted #ArtContest #BoulderCity #PublicService #YouthTalent #TheBestDamPodcast

    Madison 'Maddie' Hensala: Winner, Group K-2 “I Voted” Sticker Design Contest

  2. Sep 15

    Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

    Welcome to The Best Dam Podcast! In this episode, Jill Lagan, CEO of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, turns the spotlight on her own business coach and mentor, Howard Fox. Listeners will hear the story of how a well-timed cold call from Howard sparked the launch of this very podcast and helped Jill overcome her imposter syndrome to become a confident host. Together, they delve into the power of podcasting for community promotion, the evolution of their podcasting journey—from microphone selection to a mobile studio—and how their partnership has elevated the mission of the Boulder City Chamber. Howard also shares insights from his career in executive coaching and the importance of blending nature with personal development. Expect thoughtful conversation, personal stories, and actionable advice for business leaders, podcasters, and anyone looking to communicate their vision more powerfully. Join us as we explore the stories behind Boulder City’s community spirit, the art of effective coaching, and why podcasting is an essential tool for any chamber or destination looking to amplify its voice. DISCUSSION 1. Introduction & Background Jill introduces the podcast and the focus on Boulder City 00:16Jill Lagan jokingly frames this episode as a "test" of what she has learned from her coach, Howard 00:45Howard comments on Jill’s imposter syndrome and praises her exceptional podcasting accomplishments 01:072. Origin Story: How Podcasting Began for Jill Howard recounts how he and Ryan from Podcast Centric reached out to chambers about podcasting 01:42The initial contact with the Boulder City Chamber and how quickly it resonated with Jill 02:32Jill reflects on inspiration from podcasting peers and the imposter syndrome watching others succeed 02:45Technical and mental hurdles to starting a podcast 03:20Howard’s support and the providence of the timing 03:443. Growth and Evolution of the Podcast Progression from basic podcasting equipment to a mobile podcast studio 04:52Jill describes how scheduling and production have changed due to increased interest 04:31Commentary on the value this brings to the community and Boulder City 05:154. Howard's Relocation to Boulder City Decision to move to Boulder City, influenced in part by working with Jill and the chamber 05:27Settling into the community 06:255. Howard’s Professional Work: Coaching & Podcasting Overview of Fox Coaching, Podcast Centric, and roles 06:29Description of both of Howard's podcasts: Outdoor Adventure Series and Success Insight Podcast 07:04The origin of Success Insight PodcastUse of interviews to generate LinkedIn articles 07:26Outdoor Adventure Series evolution after moving to Nevada 08:28Podcasting as a platform for destination marketing and chambers 09:08The business model: working with chambers to help them tell their story through podcasting 09:506. How Podcast Centric Works with Chambers Structure of the relationship: Jill as the first to sign up, turning over production to Podcast Centric 10:40Value for chambers: helping meet their mission, promoting businesses and community events 13:02Diversity of podcast guests: not just businesses, but also authors, youth, and artists 13:13Podcasting enhances leadership and interviewer skills 13:407. Podcasting Production & Opportunities Importance of content planning, leveraging local events 15:03Expanding to video content and Jill’s initial reluctance 15:35Emphasizing ongoing learning and pushing creative boundaries 16:27The evolving nature of the podcast and marketing outreach 16:428. Howard’s Business Coaching Practice History of coaching since 2008 and transition from IT consulting 17:06Three core areas of work:Executive coaching (preparation for promotion, team effectiveness, resistance to strategy, leadership skills) 18:18Career mobility (helping organizations manage layoffs, re-skilling, internal transfers) 19:13Career transition (outplacement: resumes, branding, interviews, job search strategy) 19:43The role of LinkedIn for clients and leaders as both a resume and networking tool 21:009. Coaching Methodology and Value The function of coaching vs mentoring, consulting, and advising 22:39Explanation using the sailing analogy: client as skipper, coach as crewmate 23:09The importance of dialogue for clients’ self-discovery 23:41The necessity of the human element in coaching (contrasted with AI) 24:0010. Howard Fox’s Personal Background & Influences First job at a diner and learning lifelong skills from a mentor 25:06Culinary influences and learning to make spanakopita 25:47Starting in photography at the diner, leading to event photography 26:50Jill shares her parallel start in event business through photography 27:40The role of serendipity in life and career path 28:1611. Favorite Books and Thought Leadership Howard Fox’s leadership book recommendations:"Turn the Ship Around" by David Marquet 29:15"The Leadership Challenge" by Kouzes and Posner"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni"What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" by Marshall Goldsmith, with anecdote about meeting Goldsmith 30:50Introduction to outdoor-focused coaching 31:3512. Outdoor Coaching and Blue-Green Psychology The concept: integrating coaching with nature for mindfulness, reflection, and personal growth 31:38Examples of outdoor coaching sessions ("walk talks") and locations 33:01Review of the book "Outdoor Coaching: A Practical Guide..." 38:51Benefits of balance between technology and nature, both for leaders and teams 38:4413. Life Lessons and Parental Influence Howard Fox reflects on lessons from his parents, especially around the Jewish ethic of helping others and supporting the underdog 40:17Proverbs quote about always trying to make a difference 40:49Jill acknowledges the impact that these values have had through Howard coaching 41:1314. Closing Thoughts and Endorsement Jill endorses Podcast Centric and offers to serve as a reference for other chambers or DMOs 41:29Howard Fox encourages chambers and DMOs to consider podcasting or being podcast guests 42:30Outro and information about where to find The Best Dam Podcast 42:55LEARN MORE To learn more about Howard Fox and his execuive coaching services, visit the Fox Coaching website at https://foxcoaching.com/ or Podcast Centric at https://podcastcentric.com/ Howard's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com/ Jill's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-rowland-lagan-157480b/ KEYWORDS Jill Lagan, Howard Fox, Business Coaching, Coaching Outdoors, Executive Coaching, Podcast Centric, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #JillLagan #HowardFox #BusinessCoaching #CoachingOutdoors #ExecutiveCoachig PodcastCentric #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast

    Conversation with Howard Fox: Bringing Chambers and Communities Together Through Podcasting

  3. Sep 8

    Conversation with Mike Murphy: Candidate for Clark County Public Administrator

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Mike Murphy, candidate for Clark County Public Administrator. Mike shares his journey from his early days in law enforcement to his extensive career as Boulder City's first juvenile officer, Clark County Coroner, lead lobbyist, and national public safety consultant. Mike also reflects on his deep roots in Boulder City, his decades of public service, and his work in death investigations—all while outlining a clear vision to modernize county estate administration. This isn't just a story about running for office; it's about building trust, leveraging modern technology like body cameras and RFID tags, avoiding unnecessary government backlog, and honoring the legacy of public service in Nevada. DISCUSSION Decades of Public Leadership: Recounting roles across Clark County, including serving 13 years as County Coroner, managing Juvenile Justice, and acting as lead lobbyist during state budget cuts.Stepping Up in Crisis: Taking over management of the Public Administrator's office during turbulent times and working closely with outgoing administrator.Demystifying the Role: What the Public Administrator actually handles, managing unadministered estates, avoiding billable hour traps, and resolving estates efficiently for families.Modernizing the Office: Implementing body cameras on field investigators to protect staff and assets, adopting RFID tracking for secure evidence capture, and streamlining operations.Prevention & Partnerships: Partnering with senior law groups and estate attorneys to encourage proactive estate planning, preventing government backlog before it starts.Medical/Legal Death Investigations: An inside look at death investigations, the critical distinction between cause and manner of death, and teaching "Autopsy to Courtroom" nationwide.Work Ethic & Early Lessons: Sacking groceries as a teenager, learning to look forward rather than backward, playing drums in local bands, and absorbing lifelong values from his parents.Life Philosophy &"Aha" Moments: Moving stories on learning to listen to understand rather than respond, realizations from global travel, and returning home to Boulder City.LEARN MORE To learn more about Mike and his work, visit the MPower USA website at https://www.mpowerusa.vegas/ To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Mike Murphy, Clark County Public Administrator, Nevada Politics, Boulder City, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #MikeMurphy #PublicAdministrator #ClarkCounty #BoulderCity #PublicService #Leadership #TheBestDamPodcast

    Conversation with Mike Murphy: Candidate for Clark County Public Administrator

  4. Sep 1

    Pax Academia and the CommonPlace Project: Connecting Community & Classical Education

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Michael Paxinos, founder of Pax Academia and developer of the CommonPlace App. Mike shares his journey from navigating high school struggles to discovering a passion for logic, mathematics, and classical education in college. Mike also reflects on his deep roots in Boulder City, his 17-year career in education, and his work supporting special needs students—all while developing a tool to empower local micro and small businesses. This isn't just a story about launching a new tech platform; it's about eliminating algorithm noise, replacing endless doom-scrolling with genuine human connections, reimagining classic Yellow Pages utility for modern storefronts, and honoring the work ethic and small business spirit of Boulder City. DISCUSSION Classical Education & Pax Academia: Mike discusses his initiative to launch a private high school focused on classical learning, logic, and restoring critical thinking to modern youth education.Overcoming Academic Labels: Reflecting on graduating high school with a low GPA and being held back a year, Mike shares how grades don't define intellect or long-term potential.The Spark for CommonPlace: Facing marketing brick walls for his own startup inspired Mike to create a free, distraction-free platform to help local businesses gain visibility.Cutting Through Social Media Noise: Why traditional pay-to-win social media algorithms fail small businesses and how CommonPlace acts as a direct doorway between locals and business owners.The Modern Yellow Pages: How a simple, zero-noise digital directory encourages real-world foot traffic and builds lasting customer relationships instead of brief online engagements.Dedication to Teaching: Mike reflects on his 17-year career teaching college and high school, along with his current rewarding work supporting special needs students at New Horizons Academy.Work Ethic & Early Lessons: Cleaning baseball fields at the Boulder City Rec Center as a teenager, reading mathematical philosophy by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and absorbing lifelong values of generosity from his parents.Pilot Program & Launch Plans: How local business owners can join the initial pilot program to secure free, lifetime access before the official app store release.LEARN MORE To learn more about Pax Academia, vit thier website at: http://www.paxacademia.com/ To sign up your business for the free pilot program, visit the CommonPlace webpage: http://www.paxacademia.com/commonplace.html You can also email Mike directly at paxinos.michael@gmail.com.  To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Mike Paxinos, CommonPlace App, Pax Academia, Boulder City, Small Business, Classical Education, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #MikePaxinos #PaxAcademia #CommonPlaceApp #SupportLocal #ClassicalEducation #SmallBusiness #BoulderCity #TheBestDamPodcast

    Pax Academia and the CommonPlace Project: Connecting Community & Classical Education

  5. Aug 18

    The Data Center Debate: Power, Water, and Smart Growth in Boulder City

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with local advocates and business figures Grant Turner, Celeste Interrante, and Hava Brown. The panel shares their insights on the evolving data center debate in Boulder City, exploring how smart lease parameters, modern technological advancements, and revenue sharing can directly benefit residents.   Grant, Celeste, and Hava reflect on the potential path forward for municipal land—from utilizing closed-loop water systems and requiring self-supplied power to leveraging land leases to lower resident energy bills and diversify city revenue past 2035.   This isn't just a story about data centers; it's about separating fear from fact, protecting natural resources like Lake Mead, encouraging open community dialogue, and securing long-term economic stability while preserving the unique spirit of Boulder City.   DISCUSSION Rethinking the Data Center Conversation: Grant Turner introduces a non-binary perspective on data centers, advocating for strict local parameters and leveraging municipal land leases to help offset utility costs for Boulder City residents.  Understanding Modern Infrastructure: Celeste Interrante breaks down what data centers actually do and highlights technological advances in water conservation, including zero-evaporation closed-loop cooling systems.  Dispelling Nevada Water Myths: Hava Brown shares findings on Southern Nevada Water Authority regulations that restrict evaporative cooling and discusses how large corporate developments can be held accountable to the community.  Strategic Land Management & RFPs: The panel discusses the city's land management process, upcoming council votes, and why issuing RFPs with defined parameters gives the city maximum leverage and transparency.  Power Self-Sufficiency Standards: Exploring a minimum one-to-one co-located power requirement so data center developments do not strain the local municipal grid.  Environmental Safety & Battery Storage: A comparison between data center fire suppression methods and battery storage facilities, emphasizing the need to protect local groundwater and Lake Mead.  Future-Proofing Long-Term Revenue: Addressing Boulder City's economic outlook past 2035, the importance of revenue diversification beyond aging solar infrastructure, and proposals for community task forces.  LEARN MORE To learn more about the ongoing discussions, local developments, and business initiatives in Boulder City, visit the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com.   Click the link below to follow the BC Data Center Dialogue on the Best Dam Podcast: https://www.thebestdampodcast.net/categories/bc-data-center-dialogue/ KEYWORDS Grant Turner, Celeste Interrante, Hava Brown, Boulder City, Data Centers, Land Management Plan, Utility Offset, Closed Loop Cooling, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #GrantTurner #CelesteInterrante #HavaBrown #BoulderCity #DataCenters #LandManagement #SupportLocal #TheBestDamPodcast

    The Data Center Debate: Power, Water, and Smart Growth in Boulder City

  6. Aug 11

    Champion Dogs, Hollywood Cameos, and Natural Healing with Natural Blum

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Curt Gebers, owner and founder of Natural Blum. Curt shares about his journey, his commitment to pure health and wellness, and his line of CBD/CBG products  Curt also reflects on his eclectic life experiences—from breaking out in the oil fields at 15 to breeding national champion Cane Corsos and even acting in major film productions—all while serving the Boulder City community. This isn't just a story about CBD and CBG products; it's about organic seed-to-sale farming without pesticides, using 300,000 ladybugs for natural pest control, offering top-shelf pet nutrition and treats, and celebrating the heart, compassion, and community spirit of small business in Boulder City. DISCUSSION Curt explains his commitment to providing 99.5% pure CBD and CBG isolates with absolutely zero THC for athletes, professionals, and wellness seekers.The Power of CBG: Discovering cannabigerol, the "diamond cannabinoid," its entourage effect when paired with CBD, and promising research into memory and stress relief.Seed-to-Sale Organic Farming: Growing plants in Southern Oregon without pesticides, utilizing green lacewings and 300,000 ladybugs for natural crop protection.Top-Shelf Pet Nutrition: Bringing hard-to-find kibbles and unique, natural treats like turkey tracheas, duck heads, and frog legs to local pet lovers.A Life of Diverse Experience: Curt shares his journey from working oil fields, playing college football, doing union finish carpentry on Vegas hotels, and running a 22-year tax practice.National Champion Cane Corsos: Breeding the top Cane Corso in the country four times over 23 years and mentoring judges across the nation.Hollywood Hobbies: Curt’s recent acting features alongside stars like Kim Kardashian, Jean Smart, and Reese Witherspoon productions.Life Lessons and Legacy: Carrying forward his Purple Heart recipient father's legacy of honor, integrity, compassion, and patriotism while partnering with the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce.LEARN MORE To learn more about Natural Blum, visit their shop across from the Coffee Cup in Boulder City's Histroic District or search "NaturalBlum Boulder City" to read their Google reviews. To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Curt Gebers, Natural Blum, Boulder City, CBD, CBG, Organic CBD, Pet Treats, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #CurtGebers #NaturalBlum #BoulderCity #CBD #CBG #OrganicFarming #SupportLocal #TheBestDamPodcast

    Champion Dogs, Hollywood Cameos, and Natural Healing with Natural Blum

  7. Aug 4

    Pet Care in Boulder City: Three Decades of Professional Pet Room and Groom

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Pearl Johnstone, owner of Professional Pet Room and Groom. Pearl shares about her nearly three decades of dedicated pet care, community service, and the evolving world of pet grooming and boarding in Boulder City. Pearl also shares how her journey from Palmerston, Ontario, to launching a business in Boulder City in May 1995 shaped her life, while reflecting on the importance of hands-on care and supporting local rescue animals. This isn't just a story about grooming pets; it's about honoring local shelter animals, embracing innovative treatments like TheraClean microbubble baths, propagating African violets for charity, and celebrating the enduring spirit of small business in Boulder City. DISCUSSION Three Decades of Pet Care: Pearl reflects on starting Professional Pet Room and Groom in May 1995 and expanding from grooming into boarding.The Magic of TheraClean: Discovering how microbubbles and enzymes pull out allergens, yeast, and infections, and how it aids skin and joint health for pets.Shelter Support and Rescue Programs: Donating over 10 years of grooming time to the local animal shelter and extending free grooming to recent rescue adopters.African Violets for Charity: How Pearl propagates and sells African violets to fund the time she donates to shelter animals.Hands-On Boarding: The importance of twice-daily walks, personalized care, and keeping pets cozy with familiar bedding and toys.A Journey from Canada to Boulder City: Moving from Palmerston, Ontario to Las Vegas at age 17, and earning her GED after opening her shop.Literary Favorites: Pearl shares her love for the fantasy books of Terry Goodkind, who was both a local resident and a client.Life Lessons and Community Impact: Carrying forward her parents' best advice to "keep looking forward" and working closely with the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce.LEARN MORE To learn more about Professional Pet Room and Groom, visit their local shop in Boulder City or check out their updates on Facebook.  To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Pearl Johnstone, Professional Pet Room and Groom, Boulder City, Pet Grooming, TheraClean Microbubbles, Animal Shelter, Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, The Best Dam Podcast #PearlJohnstone #ProfessionalPetGroom #BoulderCity #TheraClean #BoulderCityAnimals #PetGrooming #SupportLocal #TheBestDamPodcast

    Pet Care in Boulder City: Three Decades of Professional Pet Room and Groom

  8. Jul 28

    Building Strong Communities Thoughout Nevada | Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony

    In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Nevada Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony. Jill and Stavros explore public service, community pride, and the shifting landscape of civic responsibility across Southern Nevada and the Silver State. Stavros shares how his 29-year career in law enforcement and time on the Las Vegas City Council led to his state leadership role, while reflecting on the importance of listening directly to Nevadans in every corner of the state. This isn't just a story about state politics; it's about honoring local heroes, embracing educational freedom, navigating thousands of miles of rural road trips, and celebrating the enduring spirit of small communities like Boulder City. DISCUSSION The Spirit of Statewide Service: Stavros reflects on his transition from a 29-year police career to city council and now serving as Nevada's Lieutenant Governor.Road Trips and Rural Nevada: A look at completing all 10 Travel Nevada road trips twice to directly support small business owners, ranchers, and rural tourism destinations.Civic Duty and Core Principles: How understanding the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution empowers everyday citizens to strengthen their democracy.Parental Choice in Education: Exploring options for Nevada families, civics curriculum, and the founding impact of programs like Founders Academy.Honoring Hometown Heroes: Highlighting Nevada's commitment to veterans and active duty military, including facilities like the Veterans Home and Cemetery in Boulder City.A Presidential Reading Challenge: Stavros shares insights from his goal of reading a biography on every U.S. President and why John Adams stands out.Lessons from the American Dream: Carrying forward the strong work ethic, faith, and family values passed down by his immigrant parents.Community Strength in Boulder City: Celebrating small business owners, local tourism highlights, and the future of Boulder City's growing economy.LEARN MORE To learn more about Lieutenant Governor Stavros Anthony and state initiatives, visit the official Nevada Lieutenant Governor's website at https://ltgov.nv.gov. To learn more about the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, visit their website at https://www.bouldercitychamber.com. KEYWORDS Stavros Anthony, Nevada Lieutenant Governor, Boulder City, Public Service, Travel Nevada, Veterans, Civic Responsibility, Small Business, Nevada Tourism, The Best Dam Podcast #StavrosAnthony #NevadaLtGov #BoulderCity #TravelNevada #CivicDuty #SupportVeterans #NevadaSmallBusiness #TheBestDamPodcast

    Building Strong Communities Thoughout Nevada | Lt. Gov. Stavros Anthony
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Best Dam Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Best Dam Podcast