Lauren Kristy, founder and artistic director of Sonoran Stars Community Theatre, joins Bryan Hyde to discuss how theater helps young people build confidence, form friendships, and discover their talents onstage and behind the scenes. She also previews the group's debut production, The Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood, a family-friendly comedy packed with slapstick humor and audience participation. Catch the show November 12–14, 2026, at Lincoln Heights Church, 2121 E. Glendale Ave., Phoenix. Performances are Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. Come support local youth theater and enjoy a fresh, funny take on a classic adventure. Visit sonoranstars.com for more information.

Twenty-year-old serial entrepreneur Dylan Capshaw joins the Phoenix Business Brief podcast to share his journey from selling "squishies" in elementary school to building multiple successful ventures, including the unique coffee and flower shop Stemistry, the themed Wild West Party Bus, and the health tech app Peptify.

Capshaw discusses his problem-solving mindset, the importance of customer feedback, and how he leverages technology, including AI, to innovate across diverse industries like hospitality, transportation, and health.

In this episode of the Powering America Podcast, host Brian Hyde speaks with Domenico Ferraro, a professor at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business and author of three reports for the Goldwater Institute. Ferraro discusses the economic implications of artificial intelligence and data centers, challenging doomsday predictions while acknowledging the valid concerns about cost and disruption.

He also outlines the immense value AI brings to both the labor market and home production, comparing its transformative potential to past technological revolutions.

The conversation also delves into the significant energy demands of data centers, the necessity for large-scale investment in electricity generation, and the complex coordination required among stakeholders. Ferraro emphasizes the need for an appropriate pricing system that considers "willingness to pay" to avoid disproportionately burdening small energy consumers.

Javan Coughlin, founder of FloorJack Auto Repair, shares his journey from a childhood passion for cars to establishing a thriving auto repair business in North Phoenix. Joined by equity partner Brady Gibson, they discuss the challenges of transitioning from a home-based side hustle to a commercial space, including significant investments in specialized tools and commercial rent.

The partners emphasize their commitment to honesty, transparency and customer care, striving for long-term relationships rather than quick profits. They highlight their personalized approach, offering detailed explanations and quick turnaround times, and reveal their convenient online and call-in booking options for customers.

This episode covers the journey of Alpine Electric, a Phoenix-based electrical services company founded by Isaac Williams and Lish Cook. They share their unique origin story, evolving from a chance encounter on a dating app to a close partnership. The duo emphasizes their commitment to residential customers, transparent pricing with "no-hassle quotes," and a community-minded approach, striving to provide personalized service in an industry increasingly dominated by large corporations.

Dr. Monzer Shakally, founder of Southern Smiles, shares his journey from arriving in the U.S. as a Syrian refugee to launching a startup dental practice in South Phoenix. He discusses the financial hurdles of capital-intensive medical businesses, the challenges of rising costs versus fixed insurance reimbursements, and why he prioritizes patient trust over corporate volume.

Michael and Nicole Wilworth, a husband-and-wife team, share their journey of leaving corporate careers to establish Floor Coverings International in Phoenix. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, highlighting the support of their chosen franchise. The Wilworths emphasize the unique benefits of their mobile showroom, bringing thousands of flooring samples directly to customers' homes for a personalized selection experience.

They delve into current flooring trends in Arizona, discuss unusual material options, and detail their commitment to customer satisfaction before, during, and after installation, including financing options and a referral program that benefits a local animal shelter.