Food and drink: a shared experience and cornerstone of cultures all around the globe. But how often is the essence of "place" captured in the food? A strong community of taste-makers in the 48th state are doing their part to create an identity of their own while highlighting what truly is native in the Sonoran Desert. These are their stories.

A Taste of AZ
Claim This Podcastby A Taste of AZ
Podcast Authority
Beta
Podcast Overview
Food and drink: a shared experience and cornerstone of cultures all around the globe. But how often is the essence of "place" captured in the food? A strong community of taste-makers in the 48th state are doing their part to create an identity of their own while highlighting what truly is native in the Sonoran Desert. These are their stories.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/4/2020
Unlock The Full Podcast Authority Score Report
See how your podcast performs across key metrics
Podcast Authority
Beta
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Recommendations available
Unlock the full report to see detailed tips
Unlock comprehensive insights including:
- • YouTube presence analysis
- • Social media reach metrics
- • RSS compliance scoring
- • Podcast 2.0 features
- • Technical standards
Detailed Analytics
- Complete breakdown of all 19 authority metrics
- Personalized recommendations for each metric
- Industry benchmarks and comparisons
- Technical RSS feed analysis and compliance scoring
Growth Strategies
- Step-by-step action plans for improvement
- Quick wins to boost your score immediately
- Pro tips from successful podcasters
See how your show performs across every key metric
High authority scores make your podcast more attractive to industry leaders and influencers who want to appear on credible shows.
Sponsors look for podcasts with proven authority and engagement. Your score demonstrates your podcast's value to potential partners.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps you make data-driven decisions to expand your listener base effectively.
1 verified contact email on file for A Taste of AZ
Pitch yourself as a guest, propose sponsorships, or reach out directly to the host.
Recent Episodes

July 8, 2026
Urban Fraîche
<p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In this episode, we sit down with Chef Dean Waziry, founder of</span> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href= "https://www.urbanfraiche.com/"><span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Urban Fraîche</span></a><span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, for a conversation that goes far beyond food. Dean shares the philosophy behind Urban Fraîche and why he believes every meal should nourish not only your body, but your overall way of living. From organic ingredients and daily-changing menus to genuine hospitality, every decision at Urban Fraîche is rooted in helping people make healthier, more intentional choices.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dean also opens up about his incredible journey from immigrating to New York without speaking English to working in some of the world's most prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants before spending nearly three decades leading one of the largest hospitality companies in the world. Along the way, he explains why he eventually walked away from corporate leadership to build something centered around purpose, inspiration, and human connection.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The conversation explores everything from healthy living and mindset to hospitality, leadership, and why chasing money rarely leads to fulfillment. Dean shares his daily routines, his passion for fresh ingredients, and his belief that restaurants should create experiences people remember long after the meal is over.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Whether you're passionate about food, interested in living a healthier lifestyle, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on success, purpose, and hospitality, Dean's story is packed with practical wisdom and thoughtful insights. This conversation is a reminder that the choices we make every day, from the food we eat to the mindset we carry, shape the life we ultimately live. Tune in to hear why Dean believes true success isn't measured by wealth, but by the lives we impact and the experiences we create.</span></p> <p> </p>

July 2, 2026
lobo drinkhouse
<p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In this episode, we sit down with Brian McCarrick and Andrew Felix, co-owners of</span> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href= "https://www.lobodrinkhouse.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Lobo Drinkhouse</span></a> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Flagstaff, to hear the story behind one of Arizona's most exciting new cocktail bars.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> What started as a friendship built while working in hospitality eventually turned into a food cart, countless late nights, and a dream of opening a place of their own. Brian and Andrew share how they went from cooking tacos in a parking lot during the pandemic to building a neighborhood drink house centered around hospitality, community, and genuinely making people feel welcome.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We also dive into why they reject the idea of being "mixologists," how they built a cocktail program designed for everyone, and why great service will always matter more than showing off behind the bar. Along the way, they share lessons on entrepreneurship, culture, leadership, and what it really takes to build something from the ground up.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone who appreciates great hospitality, Brian and Andrew's story is packed with practical lessons and honest insights. This conversation is a reminder that successful businesses are built through hard work, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to taking care of both guests and employees. Tune in to hear how a food cart, a friendship, and a lot of determination became one of Flagstaff's newest gathering places.</span></p>

June 26, 2026
Shift Kitchen & Bar
<p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> In this episode, we sit down with owner/chef Dara Wong and chef Tamara Stanger from</span> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href= "https://shiftflg.com/"><span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #1155cc; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Shift Kitchen & Bar</span></a> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Flagstaff. The conversation explores the philosophy behind one of Arizona's most creative restaurants, from sourcing local ingredients and reducing food waste to building a menu that constantly evolves with the seasons, available products, and the team's curiosity.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Dara shares how Shift came to life more than a decade ago, why she chose Flagstaff, and how her background in pastry and hospitality helped shape the restaurant's unique approach to dining. Tamara discusses her journey through Arizona's culinary scene, her passion for education and sustainability, and why food should never be boring. Together, they explain how collaboration, trust, and a willingness to challenge expectations have helped make Shift a destination for diners looking for something different.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The conversation also dives into the restaurant's tasting menu, award-winning burgers, creative cocktail program, and the importance of creating memorable experiences through food. From savory sorbets and duck taquitos to community dinners and gondola dining experiences, every dish tells a story and reflects the team's commitment to thoughtful hospitality.</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style= "line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 12pt; margin-bottom: 12pt;"> <span style= "font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Whether you're a passionate foodie, an aspiring chef, or someone who appreciates creativity and craftsmanship, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people behind one of Arizona's most distinctive restaurants. This conversation is a reminder that great food is about more than ingredients. It's about curiosity, storytelling, and creating experiences that bring people together. Tune in to hear how Shift continues to push boundaries while staying deeply connected to the Flagstaff community.</span></p> <p> </p>
224 total episodes available
Recent guests on A Taste of AZ
Guests from recent episodes — sign up to see every guest that has ever appeared on this show.
Teddy Myers
Guest
Kevin Min
Guest
Julien Calella
Guest
Dean Thomas
Guest
James Piazza
Guest
Similar Podcasts
Discover related shows you might enjoy
Deep-dive analytics for A Taste of AZ
Frequently asked questions
Have a different question and can't find the answer you're looking for? Reach out to our support team by sending us an email and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
- What is A Taste of AZ?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
Legal Disclaimer
Pod Engine is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected with any of the podcasts displayed on this platform. We operate independently as a podcast discovery and analytics service.
All podcast artwork, thumbnails, and content displayed on this page are the property of their respective owners and are protected by applicable copyright laws. This includes, but is not limited to, podcast cover art, episode artwork, show descriptions, episode titles, transcripts, audio snippets, and any other content originating from the podcast creators or their licensors.
We display this content under fair use principles and/or implied license for the purpose of podcast discovery, information, and commentary. We make no claim of ownership over any podcast content, artwork, or related materials shown on this platform. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
While we strive to ensure all content usage is properly authorized, if you are a rights holder and believe your content is being used inappropriately or without proper authorization, please contact us immediately at hey@podengine.ai for prompt review and appropriate action, which may include content removal or proper attribution.
By accessing and using this platform, you acknowledge and agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and intellectual property rights of content owners. Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or commercial use of the content displayed on this platform is strictly prohibited.


