Roni Baumgarner

We’re starting today’s show with Howard Blitz, founder and director of The Freedom Library. For more than 27 years, Howard has promoted the Freedom Philosophy, advocating for free markets, private property, and limited government while awarding scholarships to those who complete the library’s education program. Then we’re joined by Functional Health Practitioner Jennifer Whitted, who helps high-achieving women in midlife rebalance their hormones, release stubborn weight, and reclaim the vibrant version of themselves they thought was gone. With over 20 years in healthcare and her own journey through burnout and transformation, Jennifer blends functional health, somatic strategies, and emotional healing to create lasting change.

We’re spending the first half of today’s show with Tyler Woodman from The Lemon Grove, talking about his family’s farming legacy, how The Lemon Grove became a community hub, and their upcoming expansion into a new location. For the second half of the show, we’re diving into Roni’s Remedy questions.

From serving over 21 years in the Marine Corps to mentoring Yuma’s youth through the Travis Manion Foundation, Dale Dumo joins us to talk about building character, leadership and resilience in our next generation. Then, we sit down with Randy Nelson, the former head of the AWC Small Business Development Center, who’s helped countless Yuma entrepreneurs launch their dreams, including me. We’ll talk about business, community and life after retirement.

Jeff Bryd, Community Relations Officer at Avenir Financial, joins us to talk about his lifelong connection to Yuma, his work on local boards, and a new high school program that teaches students how to budget and qualify for a loan using an app. In the second half, filmmaker Cris Drewek shares how building guitars in his garage led to starting Drewek Film, his passion for storytelling, and his work with Yuma Community Theater — including the videos that have helped take their productions to the next level.

Lynn Daily and her niece Teresa Kerley share their powerful, real-life connection to organ donation — one from the perspective of a donor family, the other as a transplant recipient. Together, they talk about the donor network, the impact of saying “yes,” and how their lives have been shaped by the gift of life. Later, Bryan Nance joins us to share his journey of overcoming personal challenges and why he’s dedicated to helping others rebuild their health and lives.

First up, we’re joined by Melyssa Haberle, founder of Mrs. Haberle’s Learning Lab. From special education to teaching in Japan, Melyssa shares how her passion for community based learning led her to start one of Yuma’s most unique educational programs. Then, we sit down with longtime radio personality Jay Walker. From winning a “DJ for a Day” contest to becoming Yuma’s most beloved morning show host, Jay talks about his 12-year run on 95.1 KTTI, why he never thought he’d get the job and what still brings him back to the mic at the Yuma County Fair.

From her roots as a Yuma High grad to leading one of Yuma County’s most vital support systems, Tori Bourguignon joins us to talk about her journey through education, crisis response and now serving as Executive Director of Amberly’s Place. We’ll hear how her work has impacted students, military families, first responders, and survivors of abuse, along with what’s ahead for Amberly’s Place and our community.

On today’s episode of What’s Up Yuma Radio, we’re talking with UFC fighter Jose Delgado born and raised right here in Yuma. From training as a kid at the Arizona Athletic Club in the Southgate Mall under Chance Farrar and Mike Garcia, to earning a UFC contract on just 11 days notice— Jose’s story is all about grit, discipline, and hometown roots. He talks about growing up with six siblings, the role wrestling played in his rise, and why Yuma continues to produce fighters built different.

What’s Up Yuma? Radio with UFC Hall of Famer Kelvin Gastelum From wrestling at Cibola High to making history in the Octagon, Kelvin sits down with us to talk about growing up in Yuma, the fight that landed him in the Hall of Fame, and what’s next in his UFC career. A true hometown legend, Kelvin has always stayed connected to Yuma—and now he’s repping us in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Who is Sassa Culver?From the kitchen to public relations, Sassa has seen both sides of recovery. Today she shares her journey from homelessness and addiction to hope and leadership at Crossroads Mission. We’re talking about shelter capacity, upcoming community events like the Jubilee and Turkey Drive and how the Mission serves Yuma year-round.