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Local Legends with Jess: Arizona Edition

Local Legends with Jess: Arizona Edition

Written by: Jessica Benevento
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About this listen

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.

© 2026 Local Legends with Jess: Arizona Edition
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Episodes
  • The Original Legend Herself: Jess The Mortgage Matchmaker - Buying a Home is Easier Than You Think
    Feb 26 2026

    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.

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    4 mins
  • From Service to Sold — Building a Real Estate Legacy Together
    Feb 19 2026

    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.

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    21 mins
  • Flipping the Script: Jess is in the Hot Seat the OG Local Legend Mortgage Matchmaker and Husband Jason
    Feb 12 2026

    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.

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    23 mins
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