Podcast Content


The Life of a Baller with Frank DeBlasi

Our featured guest on this episode is Frank DeBlasi, Founder of The Baller Dream Foundation, formerly known as Ballsfest, a non-profit organization that lifts the spirits of children and young adults affected by cancer. In our first Season, Frank shared how his struggle with cancer led him to create this incredible nonprofit to raise the spirits of kids with cancer through amazing personalized gifts, such as college funds, trips and once in a lifetime experiences. Since founding The Baller Dream Foundation in 2013, Frank has provided gifts of hope to 70 young cancer warriors. He has grown the organization to seven states (AZ, NV, CA, AL, FL, NY, NJ) and although he is based in Arizona, Frank travels to each of those states and visits with every "Baller" several times, cultivating personal lifelong relationships with them and their families. Listen to his first podcast episode here: frank-deblasi-of-the-ballsfest-nonprofiti

Mark and Frank talk about the incredible fundraising event held last month at a private home in PV where Mark and his daughters cooked and served Paella to the nearly 200 guests in attendance. At the end of each event, Frank gives each "baller" their time in the spotlight to talk about themselves and their hobbies, wishes, etc. before they are surprised with one of their big wishes being granted!! The look on the children's faces and their parents when these wishes are granted is incredibly heartwarming and it's no wonder Frank has dedicated the past 9 years of his life to keep this foundation flourishing… even despite the year-long pandemic!

Meet a True Warrior - The Inspiring Story of Patrick McLaughlin

PatrickM&Mark.jpeg

This episode features a man who truly embodies overcoming major life challenges with both physical and mental strength and grace. This incredibly inspiring man is Patrick McLaughlin, husband, father, business owner, survivor of a major car accident that led to over 38 surgeries, and later battled brain cancer! If he isn't a testament to the strength of the human spirit, I don't know what is! 

Patrick says, "It is because of my Faith and amazing friends and family that I manage to get through all these trials." Patrick has a true love for life and even though he is fighting against the odds, he certainly hasn't given up. Instead, he works to spread the feelings of love and happiness to anyone that will listen. So, do yourself and Patrick a favor by listening to his incredible life story, his insights and perspective to overcoming obstacles and how he manages to live his best life, while helping others do the same. 

Patrick was born in Los Angeles and was adopted by the most amazing parents any child could ask for. He attended ASU and received a degree in Communications and minor in Business. A few years after college he met his future bride Holly and were married at the Enchantment Resort in Sedona in Dec of 1999. Patrick happily took on the role of being a parent to Holly’s son Austin and helped raise him. Soon after they were married, they found out they were pregnant with a boy who they named Jack and later had a daughter named Marley.

Given his passion for finance, he then decided to create his own firm, Strategic Benefit Group, which has now grown to be a nationally recognized Consulting and Enrollment firm. The company helps thousands of employees in Middle America gain access to some value-added insurance and investment options that they would not otherwise be privy to. In 2014 Patrick was recognized as “America’s Top Planner” out of 30k Advisors, CPA’s, and Estate Planning Attorneys.

In 2013, Holly and Patrick were hit by a drunk driver which resulted in all of Patrick’s blood sources to his stomach being severed. Patrick had a 14-hour surgery and he now has two stomachs and lives with a feeding tube. He has had over 38 surgeries and procedures that they had to use anesthesia for to try and fix him. Then in Dec 2019, Patrick was diagnosed with brain cancer.

Pat, wife Holly & 2 of their 3 kids.

Pat, wife Holly & 2 of their 3 kids.

Pat’s 2 boys.

Pat’s 2 boys.

Unsuccessful brain surgery, then 9 months of intense chemotherapy.

Unsuccessful brain surgery, then 9 months of intense chemotherapy.

Keeping the Balls in the Air with Frank DeBlasi

FrankD.jpg

Our featured guest on this episode is Frank DeBlasi, Founder of BALLSFEST, a registered non-profit organization that lifts the spirits of children, young adults, and their families affected by cancer. Frank will share the joys and journey of creating this nonprofit, including how his own battle with testicular cancer inspired him. Since founding Ballsfest in 2013, Frank has provided 56 young cancer warriors, or “Ballers” as they are called, with spectacular, personalized gifts and experiences. He has grown the organization to seven states (AZ, NV, CA, AL, FL, NY, NJ) and although he is based in Arizona, Frank travels to each of those states and visits with every Baller several times, cultivating personal lifelong relationships with them and their families.

We’d love to invite you to join Frank and the Arizona Ballers on Sunday, March 15th for a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, positive vibes, food and drinks at the beautiful Mountain Shadows Resort in PV from 2-5 pm. Tickets are available on ballsfest.org/arizona. Be sure to use promo code BALLER75 on the checkout page to receive 50% off tickets.

Making of an Interior Design Career and Battling Cancer

Isabel+Candelaria.jpg

Our Premier Podcast features Isabel Candelaria, Interior Designer and wife of Candelaria Design founding partner, Mark Candelaria. She discusses the making of her career, what’s happening at her studio Earth and Images, her life, and her battle with and surviving cancer.