Podcast Content


Creating True Impact is a Lifetime of Work

In this episode, three power players, Michelin Star Chef Gilles Épie, award-winning Architect Mark Candelaria, and CEO of Execute to Win, Lee Benson discuss their work, the valuable lessons they’ve learned and how to create positive, lasting impact.

The “Building Scale” podcast interviews successful Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) business leaders to learn how they employ people, processes, and technology to scale their businesses. In this episode, the three leaders in their fields delve into culture implementation, employee inspiration, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation also covers mindset evolution, value creation, overcoming victim mentality, and the maxim "Do less better".

Making a Difference with Habitat For Humanity with Jason Barlow and Rosie Romero

Our guests today are two huge difference makers in housing for Greater Phoenix, Arizona residents: Jason Barlow, CEO & President of Central AZ’s Habitat for Humanity and KTAR’s Rosie on the House Arizona’s most trusted source of home-improvement advice and know-how.

I have known Rosie Romero for nearly 40 years now and his show has been a weekly fixture on KTAR radio since the 1988. Rosie doles out easy-to-understand, common-sense advice to do-it-yourselfers about all kinds of projects around the home. 

I have had the pleasure of working with and cooking with Jason Barlow as a Habitat for Humanity Board member for a number of years. Habitat for Humanity has built over 1,200 homes, completed more than 3,800 repairs, and improved living conditions for more than 5,000 Arizona families since 1985.

Today's episode covers all things building and housing related. Rosie tells us about the huge KBIS industry show in Las Vegas  he just returned from and we discuss new products, processes and industry and housing trends he learned about at the show.

We talk about some Habitat past projects we have each been involved with, such as the first ever 3D printed house we designed for a family and a new project with Habitat called the Rosie Habitat Build Challenge.

Jason shares with us their new Construction Training Program for people wanting to learn those valuable skills and invites listeners to attend their  semi-annual event March 23 Blueprints and Blue Jeans.  We will be auctioning off an authentic Cajun dinner prepared and hosted by Rosie & Mark!

Extravagant Spaces on The Design Network - with Host Kelli Ellis and CEO Jason Harris

There are everyday homes and then there are homes with a little something EXTRA. We are thrilled to announce we have a new series launching on The Design Network this month, Extravagant Spaces. 

In our latest podcast episode Mark gets together to chat with Designer and Extravagant Spaces Host, Kelli Ellis, and Founder/CEO of The Design Network, Jason Harris. We talk all about our new series collaboration, the featured homes, Jason’s new home in North Carolina designed by Candelaria Design,  filming, and more. Be sure to give this episode a listen to learn even more about the making of this incredible new series!

In the series, premiering Saturday, Jan 20 at 6pmAZ/7pm Central, designer Kelli Ellis takes you behind the scenes into some seriously extra-vagant spaces with Architect Mark Candelaria. From indoor shooting galleries to bespoke bowling alleys, putting greens to personal spas, these spaces must be seen to be believed. ⁠⁠

This new 6-episode series features all Candelaria Design homes and will be available to stream on your smart TV or on their YouTube channel 24/7! 

Watch here:
https://www.tdn.tv/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignNetwork
https://pluto.tv/en/live-tv/5f4ff8c8bcf3d600078af3eb

Kicking off 2024 with Chef Brent Menke of Mick's Brasserie

Mark & Isabel kick-off the episode by sharing highlights from their holiday trip to Lisbon & Fatima Portugal, Lourdes, and San Sebastián, Spain - see and hear more about their trip on our Blog: https://www.candelariadesign.com/lifestyle-blog

Next they share the exciting news that SIX of our Candelaria Design homes are featured in a brand new series on The Design Network called Extravagant Spaces!! The series debuts January 20th and will continue every Saturday for 6 weeks, catch it streaming for free on The Design Network  or on their YouTube page!

Our guest on this episode is Brent Menke, head chef & owner of the Mick Brasserie, an award-winning  French Colonial Brasserie in North Scottsdale that I’ve now had the pleasure of dining at twice. Together we talk about his journey from a yacht deckhand to meeting his French wife, to becoming a chef, and then opening his restaurant during 2020 We talk about his curated food and wine tours to France, monthly themed wine pairing dinners, his favorite chefs and restaurants in town and much more!

Building with Rammed Earth with Otto Pappa

 This podcast episode features Otto Pappa, architect and founder of Ottocrete, specializing in rammed earth and concrete-based designs. Otto and Mark met while working on a very cool, modern house in Paradise Valley, that is now the recipient of  two design awards! Otto founded  ottocrete with the desire to fuse timeless design with timeless construction, blurring the lines between sculpture, art, and architecture. Otto  hand-makes all his pieces and his work can be found worldwide, from California to Spain to Austria in both private spaces and commercial such as the Hermes store in Orange County. 


Join us on one of our 2024 Inspiring Living Tours:


Oaxaca, Mexico Cultural Tour May 2-8

Enlightened Home Automation with Oasis Luxury Smart Homes

Our podcast episode this month features Kelly Stewart, head of Business Development + Marketing and Justin Worley, Owner & CEO of Oasis Luxury Smart Homes. Mark recently toured their showroom in N Scottsdale and was blown away by everything they showed him. With over 30 years of experience Oasis is your one-stop-shop for all things home technology in AZ and CA. From electrical; to design; to security; to system installation, automation and service- their team of experts are with you every step of the way.

Both Kelly & Justin share so many great insights on home technology, business & marketing strategy, and life in general. Take a look at their website and listen to the podcast for the latest in luxury home technology!

Let's Talk Paradise Valley with Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner and wife Robyn

Our guests this month is Paradise Valley Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner and his wife Robyn Bien-Willner. Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner is a third-term Mayor, a native Arizonan, and spent his childhood in Paradise Valley and attended Scottsdale public schools (SUSD) through high school. After, he attended Claremont McKenna College and U of A on academic scholarships and graduated with the highest academic honors. Robyn was born in South Africa, but grew up in Irvine, CA and moved to NYC to pursue fashion, which is where the two met and married.

We talk about how Jerry went from a high-stakes litigation lawyer in NYC to our third-term, volunteer Mayor and why he finds civic work so rewarding and how you can find rewarding ways to be of service. Robyn contributes a monthly column for Stroll Paradise Valley Magazine profiling local businesses, interesting people and other news worthy topics within the community. We discuss the laws, permit process, short-term rentals, senior living options, home prices, and the future of PV!

Capturing Ways of Living Through Photography by Werner Segarra

Today's guest is an amazing artist, photographer, father and friend, Werner Segarra. From photographing the mega-mansions of PV and Scottsdale, to the dirt floor casas of Mexico and Puerto Rico, Werner has an eye for capturing the spirit of a place. Werner had humble beginnings in Puerto Rico, and now shoots for a handful of top magazines and designers, including many of the homes featured in our design book, "Mark Candelaria Homes", and currently has his work on exhibit alongside Andy Warhol!

Werner’s passion lies in landscape and "slice of life" photography and we begin the episode by talking about his upcoming event at Western Spirit Scottsdale Museum where he has 57 large-scale photographs on display now through February, 2024. His exhibit focuses on the culture and heart of the Northern Mexican Cowboy, a people who are born and die cowboys, and the beautiful, stark landscape around them. Werner shares the stories of his time down there visiting as a child and now as an adult and how much the area, the culture, and the process of ranching has changed and how his photos have helped preserve and showcase their unique way of life. 

Werner shares how his personal life and early career inspired his personal photography and style and how today he approaches each photography project in the moment, collaboratively with the subject/scenery/client. Mark and Werner conclude with talking about who and what inspires them, how they stay creative, where they like to travel, what it takes to be successful and what Werner has coming up next.

https://www.wernersegarra.com/

instagram.com/wernersegarra/ facebook.com/werner.segarra

Dreaming of Italy with Best Selling Author Corrina Cooke

Our guest on this episode is Corinna Cooke, she is the founder of Glam Italia Tours and a best-selling author who is currently working on her 5th book! Originally from New Zealand, Corinna has lived in a variety of places around the world and currently resides in Phoenix AZ. We talk all about her early years as a makeup artist in London and Los Angeles and how everything fell together in that difficult industry.

We cover lots of topics as we chat about all the reasons we both love Italy so much and the best ways to tour/explore Italy on your own.  We cover some recent travel topics Corinna discussed in her monthly e-newsletter, how she gradually learned to speak Italian and how you can join one of her women-only Glam Italia Tours! We also talk about her guide book series, “Glam Italia!” which covers all sorts of helpful topics, tips, scenario situations & stress points, cultural points, and some of her top travel tips! She has so many wonderful stories, insights and lessons she shares, this is a must listen for anyone planning or considering a trip to Italy!

https://corinnacooke.com/

https://www.instagram.com/corinnatravels/

That's a Wrap on our Summer Trip to Scotland

This podcast features a conversation on the last day of our recent personal trip to Scotland we took May 30th - June 10th. Our group included Isabel and myself, our friends and past Candelaria Design Tour travelers, Anthony and Gicela Dulcich, and Isabel’s mother, Alette Thompson who was celebrating her 75th birthday. 

As for why she chose Scotland for her birthday trip, during the pandemic Alette did a lot of research on their family and found that their ancestry was from Scotland. She traced back their ancestors as far as the 1300’s, including Scottish royalty and the castles they lived in! Thus, these castles became our itinerary and we based ourselves in  Edinburgh, Scotland in a lovely AirBnB and from there we explored castles, distilleries, St. Andrews, and the countryside of Scotland including the Scottish Highlands.
What a marvelous trip and this episode was recorded on our final day, so some wonderful reflective thoughts are shared from our journey. Enjoy~

Links:

  • Iconic Hour podcast episode featuring Mark Candelaria, Brent Kendle, and CP Drewett here.

  • Modern Arcadia Home article here.

  • Join us in Newport Beach July 23rd for a special book signing and wine tasting at Roger's Gardens, more info here. 

Iconic Hour: Architectural Case Study with 3 Leading AZ Architects

On this special episode of ICONIC Hour, Publisher Renee Dee is joined by three of Arizona's most prolific architects: Mark Candelaria, Brent Kendle, and CP Drewett. Each has made an impact on the architectural landscape of Arizona, utilizing their unique talents to create beautiful works of art within the desert environment.

In this episode, these three architects discuss their backgrounds in architecture, their sources of inspiration, and how to preserve and continue Arizona's flourishing architectural and cultural progress.

Click above to watch the podcast on YouTube or click below to listen to just the audio.

Celebrating 6 Years Cancer Free with Dr. Rubin and Dr. Darling

Our guests today are two incredible doctors, Dr. Dan Rubin, a naturopathic oncologist and Dr. Mia Darling a naturopathic specialist. They graciously took the time to talk with us today on this podcast, but have appeared on many podcasts prior, professional medical panels and even had their own talk series called “Ad hoc with a doc” which you can find on their website listenandcare.com. 

 The reason we are here today is because 6 years ago on this weekend Isabel was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer which later metastasized to her brain! Yet miraculously here we are with Isabel having a clean bill of health.  One of the most key components of her recovery and now part of her ongoing health maintenance program is her discovery of Naturopathic Specialists, LLC, who she has been seeing for 6 years and now she has me going and I have been visiting them regularly for over two years now! 

We start by having the doctors share what naturopathic medicine is and what makes it different from traditional Western medicine. Then we learn about each doctor's extensive background and their areas of specialization. Next we get into Isabel's treatments, ozone therapy, Epstein Barr, and discuss general health, wellness and longevity tips.
 
This is an amazing podcast with two incredible naturopathic doctors and while we really just scratch the surface here, you can learn much more by visiting their website, their videos on Instagram and listening to the other podcasts and talks they've given. 

Meet our 2022 MVP: Team Director Tyler Bulriss

Tyler started at Candelaria Design in 2016, his first job in Arizona, after Googling some firms and submitting his resume. He moved out to AZ from upstate NY when he was 24, sight unseen, per his Aunt & Uncle's recommendation who lived out here. No architecture degree, just a drive to learn and work hard, and he's certainly proved successful at both! From a young age Tyler loved Legos and Lincoln Logs, then in high school he went to a trade school in the afternoons where he got into architecture. He went to architecture school for two years, then got a job for a structural engineer in NY, then moved to AZ shortly after.

We talk about some of Tyler's first projects and current projects, how there's always more to learn everyday in this field, both technically and aesthetically, and how he's grown as a leader. We also dive into his life experiences, his hobbies beyond architecture and how driven he is to expand his potential, physically and mentally, try new things and give back to the community. Tyler is truly inspirational and we are so lucky to have him on our team!

Exploring the Scottsdale Art Scene with Artists Priscilla Nelson and Ryan Schmidt

I am always fascinated by art and in particular, the artists behind the art. In today’s podcast we feature two very talented and prolific Scottsdale artists, first modern figurative  artist, Priscilla Nelson, and modern sculptor Ryan Schmidt. And to add even another perspective we also had Ryan Schmidt’s wife, Janice,  join us and she gave us her take on living with an artist! 

We had a wonderful discussion about each of their respective work and passions and how they both deal with the stress of their work and craft and what continues to motivate and inspire them. We also talk about the Scottsdale art scene and everything that’s happening to make Scottsdale one of the top art spots in the country! 

How to Discover Your True Brand Identity with Cindy Gombert

On this episode, Mark & Isabel chat with Cindy Gombert, an award-winning branding executive, creative writer, designer and entrepreneur who has been creating compelling consumer brands for nearly 25 years. Her work has been recognized in over 40 international and national design annuals and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine.

Cindy is the principal/owner of Lunabrand Design Group located in Phoenix, a comprehensive brand development firm, which she explains all about in this episode. She specializes in consumer branding for restaurants and retail, including some unique clients like Isabel's Interior Design firm Earth and Images!   

Cindy Gombert, Principal

Lunabrand/Luna Creative, Inc.

Brand Strategy & Development | Brand Design | Interior Design | Marketing | F & B Specialty

LinkedIn: lunabranddesigngroup/

Instagram: @lunabrands_

On the Arizona Highway with Robin Sewell

Our guest today is Robin Sewell, founder and CEO of Sewell Media Group and the creator, executive producer and host of Arizona Highways Television which showcases the people and places of Arizona,  reflecting the heart and soul of our communities.
 
Robin began as a struggling actress/server, but soon discovered her love for broadcast journalism and started as an intern at Channel 10 in Phoenix! She explains how she moved up the ranks to become a news anchor in major markets such as Fort Meyers, Sacramento, Seattle and finally back to Phoenix with ABC in 1996. 

After many years as an anchor, traveling all over the world covering news stories, including 9/11, Robin was ready for a change. Robin became the first to create a statewide syndicated show that's been on the air since 2004  and garnered more than 30 Emmy awards!!

In this episode we hear all about Robin's time in news/television and how she created her own award-winning  media group and  first statewide syndicated television show. She also shares all the amazing things she has learned, places she has visited and people she has met through Arizona Highways and we talk about some of our favorite, less-known cities in Arizona. Robin clearly loves Arizona and is a big supporter of our local community and nonprofits and also shares her love for her family, travel and storytelling. 

https://sewellmediagroup.com/shows/az-highways-tv/

https://sewellmediagroup.com/

Watch Arizona Highways TV episodes:  Saturdays 8:30PM – 3TV (KTVK) & Sundays 4:30pm – News 5 (KPHO)

Talking Luxury Travel with Julie Skrei at Abercrombie & Kent

Our first guest of 2023 is Julie Skrei, Director of Sales for the prestigious travel company Abercrombie & Kent where she has worked for over a decade. Julie is a highly regarded travel industry professional, with an extensive background in sales within the luxury hospitality market. Julie tells us how she got her start with Hilton Hotels, The Sanctuary and then helped open a billion dollar resort in Las Vegas, during which she was named the #1 revenue generator and later “Travel Agent Specialist of Arizona" for all Promus Hotels on the West Coast. She shares her story, skills, favorite travels and inside info on what it’s like working in the hospitality and travel industry. With all her extensive travel, we of course as her what her favorite trips, cities and hotels are and what she has gained from travel!

European Holiday - France, Switzerland and Italy

In this podcast episode Mark and his oldest daughter Tiffany talk about their incredible Christmas and New Year spent in Europe! Mark treated his three daughters on an incredible holiday trip where they spent 4 nights in Paris (scouting for our CDA France Tour this September), 3 nights in Zurich, Switzerland (to go someplace none of them had ever been), 4 nights in Florence and 3 nights in Rome (because they love Italy)! The youngest daughter is 17 and off to college next year, so Mark figured this might be the last time all 4 of them could take the time to do a trip like this, especially given the last time they all took a trip together for the holidays was back in 2015!

Mark and Tiffany share all the logistics that went into this trip, from expedited passports, to the booking process for AirBnBs in Europe, to trains strikes, to navigating the metro. Of course they will also recount all the fun stuff too, like the amazing restaurants, the Christmas Markets, the famous sights and the memories they made.

2021 MVPs - Project Architect Rebecca Roe

Every year our company takes the time to nominate individuals our team for MVP of the year and then we each cast our vote for MVP, well this year there was a tie, we had both Team Director and Project Architect Rebecca Roe and our Director of Lasting Impressions, Janice Rantanen take the top votes for 2021’s MVP, so they are each featured in their own podcast episode!

Rebecca was born and raised in a small town in upstate New York in an old farmhouse on her family's dairy farm. She spent much of her youth playing with legos, building forts and creating and renovating with her dad, which spurred her passion for architecture. From an early age that passion never faded and she went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Technology. During college she traveled to Italy, an invaluable experience that sparked her interest in classic architecture.

Following graduation Rebecca immediately found her home at a Syracuse firm specializing in historic architecture and preservation. She spent over ten years with that firm learning valuable skills and techniques. In the fall of 2016 Rebecca moved to Arizona to be near family. She began with Candelaria Design in November as a Job Captain and is still happily working away and has moved up the ranks to Team Director.

They discuss leadership, architecture, different design styles, some of the current projects Rebecca's working on and what makes each one interesting and challenging.

Follow Rebecca on Instagram @rroearch