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Amy Ballard is the talented photographer behind Amy Ballard Photography and she’s built a style that’s all about real life storytelling. Born and raised in Seattle, Amy’s journey brought her family from years overseas to Yuma in 2021 and along the way she’s kept a camera in her hands since she was 7 years old. She photographs families, weddings, and military events with a journalistic eye, capturing the kind of moments that don’t feel posed… they feel like memories.

Daniel Chavez Jr. is a 17-year-old senior at Gila Ridge High School and one of Yuma’s rising boxing standouts. Training out of Yuma Fight Academy under Gary Diaz, Daniel holds a 28–7 amateur record and is a multi-time Arizona Golden Gloves and Silver Gloves champion. His most recent Silver Gloves Regional win earned him a spot at Nationals in Independence, Missouri later this month. We’re talking discipline, mindset, pain, preparation, and what it means to represent Yuma on a national stage.

Leslie McClendon is a Yuma native with over 40 years in the tourism industry and the Tourism Sales Manager at Visit Yuma. She also serves on the Yuma City Council and was recently appointed Deputy Mayor. Leslie has been a driving force behind promoting Yuma, supporting local businesses, improving accessibility through the City’s ADA Commission, and preserving the quality of life that makes this community special. We’re diving into Yuma’s story, growth, leadership, and legacy.

Shanen Aranmór is an educator, Certified Welding Inspector and national presenter who took an unconventional path into the skilled trades after leaving a career in academia. She’s the founder of Weld Like A Girl, where she works with people of all ages through welding education, community projects and certification services. Today, her work also includes Welder Corps, a job-readiness program focused on veterans and their families while addressing the skilled trades gap. She also hosts , The Money Machine, a program about trades.

Cris Drewek, is a creative and performer whose journey to Yuma began through community and collaboration. Since arriving, he’s become deeply involved with Yuma Community Theater, not only acting in multiple productions but also helping build sets behind the scenes. His work with YCT reflects a hands-on commitment to storytelling, craftsmanship and strengthening local arts through true community involvement. Today’s conversation dives into purpose, creative work that matters and why building — whether with metal or on a stage — can change lives and communities. Thank You toTaco Lab, who surprised us with a snack.

Jon Wente joins the show to talk about his connection to Yuma, returning to the ACCAC, and stepping into the role of Head Baseball Coach at Arizona Western College. With nearly three decades of coaching experience across junior college, Division I, and international competition, Joe shares his vision for Matador Baseball and what fans can expect moving forward. Jon teaches the student-athletes to play for the name on the front (of the uniform), more than the name on the back. Live and On-demand AWC Matador games can be found online.

Amber Thornton brought the community side of today’s conversation, sharing her work with Culligan Water of Yuma and her leadership as the Lead for Relay For Life of Yuma County. We talked about the record-breaking 2025 Relay, raising over $204,000, the impact of community-driven fundraising, and how Yuma residents continue to show up in powerful ways for one another. Relay For Life of Yuma County was named the 2025 American Cancer Society West Region Event of the Year.

Robert and Adriana Corona talk to us about Shalom Ink, their a faith-based apparel and jewelry brand built on prayer, purpose, and a mission to point hearts back to Jesus. Robert and Adriana share how Shalom Ink was born during Adriana’s cancer battle, how they’ve grown from a local brand into something reaching people nationwide, and why every release is created with intention, faith, and a message of peace.

Jonny Porter, host of What's Up Yuma? Radio, is interviewed by his co-host Carmen Marquez.

Gloria DeAnda, co-owner of Arizona Lighting Company of Yuma, and her daughter Giovanni join us to talk about 40 years of serving the Yuma community, building a family-owned business with heart, and why personalized service and real expertise still matter in a world of big-box stores. We’ll also talk about how the showroom has evolved and what keeps customers coming back generation after generation.