Phoenix Prosperity Podcast

In this fascinating episode, Tim Fergestad sits down with Dr. Heidi Dalton, President of ECLS Virtual Advisors and Professor of Surgery at Creighton University. With decades of experience in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Dr. Dalton explains this life-saving technology in clear and compelling terms—why it matters, how it works, and how it’s evolving.
She takes us through ECMO’s journey from a niche pediatric tool to a critical intervention for adults with cardiac and respiratory failure, especially during crises like H1N1 and COVID-19. Heidi shares insights into the changing technology, expanding patient criteria, and how ECMO has gone from a last-ditch effort to a proactive life support option.
We also explore Heidi’s entrepreneurial journey—why she launched ECLS Virtual Advisors, how it’s helping hospitals worldwide, and the challenges of balancing medicine and business. If you’ve ever wondered about high-stakes critical care, medical innovation, or what it’s like to lead global change in healthcare, this episode delivers.
 
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this insightful episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad sits down with Mary Fain Brandt, a LinkedIn strategist and certified AI consultant who has helped countless professionals turn their profiles into lead-generating assets. With over a decade of experience, Mary shares actionable insights on how to optimize LinkedIn for visibility and impact—while integrating the power of AI to work smarter, not harder.
Mary walks us through her "Done-For-You" LinkedIn service, demystifies AI use for everyday professionals, and even introduces the concept of the “photo shoot that never happened”—an innovative AI branding tool for entrepreneurs. The conversation also delves into authenticity, networking, the importance of gratitude, and saying no with confidence.
Whether you're just beginning your LinkedIn journey or looking to level up with AI tools, Mary’s grounded advice, tools, and encouragement will leave you inspired to take action now—not when it’s perfect.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How to turn your LinkedIn profile into a client magnet
The biggest mistakes people make on LinkedIn—and how to avoid them
The AI tools Mary uses daily (including her voice-driven process)
The “photo shoot that never happened” and how to brand yourself in minutes
Why it’s okay to say no and let go of perfectionism
How faith, gratitude, and focus have shaped her entrepreneurial path
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad welcomes digital marketing veteran Giselle Aguiar, founder of AZ Social Media Wiz. With over 30 years of experience, Giselle shares her journey from early days in retail and graphic design to becoming a trusted guide for startups navigating social media and digital marketing.
She unpacks how the digital world evolved—from coding basic websites in the 90s to today's SEO strategies and AI tools—and how small businesses can adapt without getting overwhelmed. Giselle emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience, crafting content with intent, and having a website that converts. She also shares practical insights into cost-effective marketing, optimizing your online presence, and when to do it yourself versus hiring a pro.
Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing startup, or just trying to keep up with tech changes, this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and resources to help you thrive in today’s digital landscape.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Giselle pivoted from retail to digital marketing
What small business owners get wrong about social media
Why a good-looking website isn’t enough to drive conversions
How startups can effectively leverage SEO and blogging
How to avoid wasting money on ineffective marketing
The difference between "doing social" and having a strategy
Insights on AI, SEO trends, and evolving search behavior
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, Tim Fergestad sits down with Alexis Matt, Vice President of Property Management for Newmark in Arizona, to explore what it takes to manage millions of square feet of commercial real estate across office, retail, medical, and industrial properties.
Alexis shares her journey from getting started in property management with CBRE to now leading Newmark’s growing Arizona division. She breaks down the challenges and nuances of different commercial asset types, from the hands-off nature of industrial spaces to the people-focused world of office and retail management. Alexis also dives into leadership, staff retention, and how Newmark differentiates itself by combining the reach of a large firm with the flexibility of a boutique experience.
They also reflect on COVID’s lasting impact, the shift back to in-person work, and Alexis’ commitment to mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals through BOMA's young professionals committee.
Key Topics Covered:
The structure and services offered by Newmark
Commercial property management by asset type
Leadership, team-building, and retention in real estate
The impact of COVID-19 on retail and office leasing
Education, mentorship, and personal growth
Why professional property management adds long-term value
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode of the Phoenix Prosperity Podcast, host Tim Fergestad welcomes Alan Saquella—a nationally recognized expert in security and investigations. With more than 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, Alan shares fascinating stories from his time in law enforcement and corporate security, including his work as a certified polygraph examiner and Director of Security Operations at Cox Communications.
Now a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Director of Investigations and Research at Verensics, Alan discusses how AI is transforming investigations and pre-employment screening. He shares compelling examples of real-life cases, explains how polygraph testing has evolved over time, and describes how students at Embry-Riddle are breaking ground in fraud detection and cyber investigations through internships and cutting-edge tools like ArcGIS and AI-based software.
This episode explores:
How Alan got his start working undercover in high school
The evolution of polygraph exams and countermeasure detection
How AI is revolutionizing corporate investigations and insider threat detection
Real-world use cases of AI and drones in security operations
What makes Embry-Riddle’s Global Security and Intelligence program one of the best in the nation
The importance of internships in student career success
 
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim Fergestad is joined by Jane Kupkowski—entrepreneur, physiologist, and former professional ultra-endurance athlete. Jane shares how her early academic and athletic achievements paved the way for a unique path through leadership, global consulting, and deep personal impact.
Jane opens up about her experience working with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and universities—often stepping in during pivotal moments like restructures or mergers. She explains how mindset, mental focus, and servant leadership are key to building resilience and success in any role.
From racing alongside David Goggins to supervising teams in Japan for a decade, Jane brings a unique blend of high-performance thinking, international experience, and emotional intelligence to her work. She also shares a touching story about helping transform a colleague’s life, underscoring the power of belief and mentorship.
What You'll Learn:
How elite athletic training shapes leadership and business thinking
The role of mindset in overcoming fear and professional transition
Why adaptability and humility are critical in cross-cultural leadership
A powerful real-life story of belief and personal transformation
Jane’s next chapter in health, beauty, and brand consulting
 
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this vibrant conversation, Tim Fergestad sits down with Hotchy Kiene—Senior Account Executive at Phoenix New Times, community leader, and die-hard Chiefs fan—to talk about his journey from Kansas City to Phoenix and the many hats he wears around town.
Hotchy shares his 22-year career with Phoenix New Times and how it’s evolved from a print-focused outlet into a full-scale digital media powerhouse under Voice Media Group. He talks about his passion for community building, including his leadership role with the Great Arizona Puppet Theater and his grassroots effort to unite local Kansas City Chiefs fans through a network of watch party bars across Arizona.
They also discuss mental health, emotional resilience, the impact of the Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and the power of meaningful, long-term client relationships. Plus, don’t miss Hotchy’s thoughts on how print media still plays a role in a digital-first world, and how the iconic Best of Phoenix campaign continues to energize local businesses.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
How Hotchy built a multi-location community of Chiefs fans in Arizona
Why flexibility is key in modern media and marketing
How empathy shapes sales—and the challenges that come with it
What “Best of Phoenix” means to local business owners
Why print media isn’t dead (and how it still influences buyers)
The power of finding balance through books, therapy, and community
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this insightful episode, Tim sits down with Joel Friedland, CEO of Brit Properties, to dive into the power and philosophy of debt-free industrial real estate investing. Joel shares how a chance cold call led to a decades-long career in syndication and real estate, the lessons he’s learned from four economic downturns, and why he believes in operating without leverage. Joel explains the math behind lower-risk investing, his deeply personal reasons for avoiding debt, and how his team finds success in simplicity, tenant quality, and long-term holds. He also opens up about past struggles with lenders and how those experiences shaped his unique investment strategy today. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just real estate curious, Joel’s stories, philosophy, and practical wisdom will leave a lasting impression.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why Joel avoids debt—even when interest rates are low
How his company structures deals to reduce risk for investors
What happened when he tried to convince a business to move out of their “dump”
The real risks of commercial lending most people overlook
How Joel’s team is mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals
What Joel wishes he had known earlier in his career
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim sits down with Chris MacDonald, President of CPM Pipelines and founder of the Bullet Liner System. Chris brings over two decades of experience in large-scale waterworks and pipeline infrastructure. He shares his entrepreneurial journey—from hustling his way into the industry to building a nationally recognized company that’s transforming how we rehabilitate buried infrastructure.
Chris explains what sets Bullet Liner apart: a minimally invasive, cost-effective way to restore large transmission pipelines, saving municipalities millions and drastically reducing disruption to the public. He breaks down the technical magic behind the liner, the challenges of scaling a team, and the real-world impact of infrastructure innovation.
Whether you're in real estate, construction, or just curious about what keeps your water running, this episode gives you a fresh look at an often-invisible but essential industry.
What You'll Learn:
The difference between plumbing and pipeline infrastructure
How Chris built a national business by introducing cutting-edge tech from overseas
The economics and urgency of water infrastructure repair in the U.S.
What leadership challenges come with scaling a fast-growing business
Why innovative solutions like Bullet Liner are critical to sustainable cities
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!

In this episode, Tim Fergestad is joined by Vincent Orleck, a seasoned social media strategist and the founder of Not A Guru, to explore what’s really going on in modern social media marketing.
Vincent shares the origin of his “Not A Guru” brand, his career in higher ed and startups, and what he’s learned from working with both large institutions and local businesses. They dig into major shifts in digital marketing, like the rise of content-first algorithms (hello, TikTok) and the growing impact of AI and zero-click content on SEO and traffic strategies.
Vincent breaks down how different platforms demand different types of video content and why the best approach isn’t always about going viral—it’s about understanding your audience. He also discusses the unique challenges solopreneurs and small businesses face in hiring marketing help, and how his upcoming project “Micro CMO” aims to solve that gap.
They also touch on Vincent’s work with #yesphx, the Phoenix-area startup community, and why staying locally engaged has been key to his career.
Highlights include:
Why TikTok’s algorithm changed the game
What “zero-click content” means and why it matters
How video content needs to match the platform
The decision to go solo or stay employed
Community-building with #yesphx
Smart financial lessons from the school of hard knocks
 
------------------------------------------------ Interested in being part of this? Please visit our guest invitation page where you can learn more and fill out a brief questionnaire to get started: https://phoenixprosperitypodcast.com/guest It’s going to be enlightening and, most importantly, a lot of fun. I’d love for you to be a part of it!