The Best Dam Podcast

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 import...

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 listeni...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Chris Unger, owner of Ragtown Tattoo, and tattoo artist Steve "Scuba" Iwinski. Jill, Chris, and Steve explore the history, craft, and shifting culture of body art in Southern Nevada. Chris shares how his journey from a small desert town led to founding Boulder City's first tattoo studio, while Steve reflects on growing up locally, building mechanical projects, and turnin...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill catches up with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo at the 78th Damboree in Boulder City. Jill and Gov. Lombardo explore the unique spirit and bright future of the Silver State. Gov. Lombardo shares how his childhood as a military kid and his decades of service as sheriff and governor shaped his deep appreciation for the liberties of this nation and the tight-knit communities of Nevada.

This is...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen to explore the unique "frontier spirit" that drives the Silver State. Senator Rosen shares how her faith and upbringing instilled a lifelong commitment to leaving her corner of the world better than she found it.

This isn't just a story about political leadership; it's about a mission-driven approach to community stewardship, the booming landscape ...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the Magon and Shawn Peuker, the strategic masterminds behind The Rae of Hope Foundation. Together, unpack the world of nonprofit advocacy and explore how a basic plan of infrastructure and personal persistence can transform a chaotic, high-stress environment into a highly manageable roadmap for bringing next-generation support and community to special needs families.

The d...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the multi-talented CJ Sattler, the strategic mastermind behind isp.net and a seasoned professional in the internet service provider industry. Together, they pull back the curtain on the world of telecommunications and explore how a basic plan of infrastructure and technical persistence can transform a chaotic, high-stress environment into a highly manageable roadmap for b...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the multi-talented Allison Ruiz Shafer, the strategic mastermind behind the Dam Dog House and a seasoned professional in the veterinary field and animal behavior. Together, they pull back the curtain on the confusing world of pet care and explore how a basic plan of calm can transform a chaotic, high-stress environment into a highly manageable roadmap for rehabilitating a...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the multi-talented Remso Martinez, the strategic mastermind behind Marketer on the Run and a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer. Together, they pull back the curtain on the confusing world of digital marketing and explore how a basic plan can transform a chaotic, never-ending task list into a highly manageable roadmap for small business growth.

The discussion dive...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the multi-talented Holly Wittwer, the mastermind behind Events with Holly and the newly launched Home Educated Foundation. Together, they pull back the curtain on the invisible art of event planning and explore how a local need sprouted a rapidly growing national initiative to support homeschool families.

The discussion dives deep into the high-stakes world of wedding and ...

Best Dam Podcast Exclusive: Inside the Data Center Debate - Part II with Brynn Delormier, Kendra Dyson, and Fred Boltz  - In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Boulder City advocates and local community members Brynn Delormier, Kendra Dyson, and Fred Boltz to pull back the curtain on a massive, fast-tracked tech proposal. Together, they break down the critical issues surrounding a proposed 300-megaw...

Best Dam Podcast Exclusive: Inside the Data Center Debate - Part I with Ned Thomas - In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Ned Thomas, the City Manager of Boulder City, to discuss the ongoing community conversations surrounding data centers. Moving past the rumors, Ned pulls back the curtain on the multi-step "gatekeeping" process of land management, the reality of local control versus federal intervention, a...

Boulder City Critter Sitter - In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Michelle Carroll, the founder of Critter Sitter LLC, to discuss the impressive growth of her professional pet care business. From starting as a solo entrepreneur to managing a team of four independent contractors, Michelle shares how her passion for animals has evolved into an essential service for Boulder City and Henderson.

Michelle explores...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Leslie Woodbury, the Director of the Boulder City Hospital Foundation, to discuss the vital role the foundation plays in maintaining local healthcare. From its historic roots established by Sarah Denton in the 1960s to its modern-day impact, Leslie shares how community-driven fundraising ensures Boulder City keeps its hospital.

Leslie explores the deep connection between t...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Celeste Interrante, the founder of Lady Lux Cleaning, a woman-owned business in Nevada built on the pillars of sustainability, non-toxic standards, and a radical commitment to second-chance hiring. Celeste shares her journey from being a construction pro and landscape contractor to applying for 500 jobs and being rejected by nearly everyone—a challenge that fueled h...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Olaf Stanton, the founder of Characters Unlimited, to discuss his 40-year journey as the creative force behind some of the world's most iconic animatronic figures. From his early days selling life-sized characters out of a van to trademarking the world-famous Zoltar, Olaf shares how his passion for making "dummies" evolved into an international business that turns local s...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Kathleen Morris and Mary Ralph, the current and past presidents of Emergency Aid of Boulder City (EABC). They explore the 60-year history of this vital volunteer-led organization and its mission to provide a safety net for residents facing food insecurity and financial crises. From its humble beginnings during the construction of the Hoover Dam to its modern-day role as a...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Joni Moss Graham, the owner of Las Vegas Wedding Connection, to discuss her 35-year journey as a leader in the world-renowned Las Vegas wedding industry. From her early days as a florist in Houston to building a "tourism-first" wedding powerhouse, Joni shares how her career evolved from traditional floral design into managing a high-volume, multi-faceted events company.

Jo...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Craig Cooke, the founder of C-Squared Professional Consulting and author of Business Kung Fu, to discuss his transition from a 26-year career as a digital marketing CEO to a mentor and Doctor of Chinese Energetic Medicine. From his early days as a 10-year-old dishwasher in his mother’s restaurant to leading an agency to the Inc. 5000 list five years in a row, Craig ...