Welcome to FountainCast, the original podcast from your Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce - where the pulse of our desert community comes alive with conversation, connection and a whole lot of chamber charm. Each episode dives into the people, the places and the possibilities that make Fountain Hills and surrounding area a one of a kind location. From business highlights to community events to local legends and historical stories, FountainCast brings you the spark that sheds the light on this piece of paradise!
With a blend of humor, hometown heart and insight, FountainCast isn’t just about business- it’s about belonging. Get acquainted with our small town vibe and big energy. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just discovering the Fountain for the first time, you’ll find yourself smiling, inspired and proud to know about this hidden gem we call home.
Season Four, Episode 18 - AI can make the video. But can it tell the story? (Audio)
In today’s episode of FountainCast, Betsy explores Human Creativity vs Artificial Intelligence with guest Andrew Day of DayLite Films.
Andrew is an award winning film producer and he shares his take on the human component on film making and media and marketing. 30 years perfecting your craft to learn to tell stories, create emotion and create something beautiful vs typing words into a prompt to produce a video in a matter of minutes. What do you think? Does the consumer care if it is AI generated or original art?
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13 Aug 2026
Season Four, Episode 17 - Bringing the Holidays to Fountain Hills with the classics (Audio)
The holidays are one of the busiest and most exciting times of the year in Fountain Hills! In this episode of FountainCast, Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski talk about the Chamber's Holiday Classics program and the events that bring our community together each season. They discuss sponsorship opportunities for local businesses and give an overview of the Parade of Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, the Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Stroll in the Glow. Whether you're looking to get involved, support these traditions, or simply enjoy the festivities, this episode is a great way to kick off the holiday season.
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31 Jul 2026
Season Four, Episode 16 - Fountain Hills Favorites: Betsy & Kristin's Local Picks (Audio)
In this fun and casual episode of FountainCast, Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski share some of their favorite products and hidden gems from Fountain Hills Chamber member businesses. From unique gifts to everyday favorites, they highlight a variety of locally made and locally sold items that showcase the creativity and quality of our business community. Whether you're a longtime local or just discovering Fountain Hills, you'll come away with new ideas for shopping local and supporting the businesses that make our community special. Tune in for a conversation full of great recommendations and hometown pride.
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2 Jul 2026
Season Four, Episode 15 - Turning Sponsorships into business growth (Audio)
Join host Kristin Milashoski as she expands on her and Betsy's conversation from Season 4, Episode 13 as she share's her insights as to the effectiveness of Chamber sponsorships - is it worth it? Every business owner is evaluating where to invest their marketing dollars and those owners want to know there's a return on that investment. In this episode, Kristin Milashoski shares how businesses can transform event sponsorships and hosting opportunities into powerful tools for visibility, relationship building and long-term growth. Learn how to get beyond logo placement and turn community involvement into real business results.
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17 Jun 2026
Season Four, Episode 14 - Legacy in Motion: Succession, Leadership & Preserving What Matters (Audio)
How do you honor a legacy while preparing for the future?
In this episode of FountainCast, host Kristin Milashoski, sits down with Sabrina Messinger, Owner & CEO of Messinger Mortuaries, to talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with leading a multigenerational family business.
Drawing from Sabrina's experience carrying forward a family legacy built on trust, service and community relationships, Sabrina shares insights on succession planning, leadership transitions, preserving company culture and maintaining brand integrity in our rapidly changing world.
While rooted in her family's story, this conversation extends far beyond the funeral services profession. Whether you're part of a family-owned business, leading an established organization, or preparing the next generation, you'll gain valuable perspectives on balancing tradition with innovation, and earning trust while ensuring that the foundational values that built a business continue to guide its future.
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3 Jun 2026
Season Four, Episode 13 - Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership (Audio)
Are you truly utilizing all the benefits your Chamber membership has to offer? In this episode of FountainCast, hosts Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski dive into the many ways local businesses can maximize their membership investment through networking, visibility and community engagement. From becoming a Chamber Mixer host and exploring different mixer opportunities to taking advantage of marketing, sponsorships and relationship-building tools, this conversation is packed with practical ways to grow your business through active Chamber involvement. Whether you’re a longtime member or brand new to the Chamber community, this episode will inspire you to plug in, show up and make your membership work for you.
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20 May 2026
Season Four, Episode 12 - Beating the Slow Season: Creative Summer Strategies for Small Business Success (Audio)
What does it take to keep business thriving during the summer slowdown? In this episode of FountainCast, hosts Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski sit down with Debbie Charlton-Webb of Chill Boutique to talk about thinking outside the box during Fountain Hills’ slower season. From creative programming and customer engagement to fresh offerings that keep people coming through the doors, Debbie shares practical ideas and real experiences that can help local businesses stay active, visible and profitable all summer long. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur or community supporter, this episode is packed with inspiration for turning the “slow season” into an opportunity season.
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7 May 2026
Season 4 Episode 11 Starstruck in Fountain Hills: Arizona’s Dark Sky Passport & Our Place in the Cosmos (Audio)
Fountain Hills is officially shining on Arizona’s newest tourism map—under the stars.
In this episode of FountainCast, Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski explore the launch of the Arizona Office of Tourism’s Starstruck Dark Sky Expedition Passport, a statewide experience inviting visitors to discover some of the best stargazing destinations in the country.
As an official stop on the passport, the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center plays a key role in welcoming travelers to check in, explore, and celebrate their journey through Arizona’s dark skies.
Featuring special guest Joe Bill of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center, this episode shares the story behind Fountain Hills becoming the 17th International Dark Sky Community in the world, and what’s ahead with the highly anticipated SkyView Park and Discovery Center opening next year.
From tourism and economic development to science, preservation, and wonder—this episode captures how Fountain Hills is becoming a destination where community and cosmos meet.
Don’t forget to look up.
1 May 2026
Season 4, Episode 10 - Amplifying you: How Local Partnerships Are Changing the Game (Audio)
What happens when healthcare meets strategy, and community meets visibility?
In this episode of FountainCast, Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski introduce Chamber AMPLIFY, a powerful new offering from the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce designed to elevate member events and position local businesses as trusted experts.
Joined by Isaac Ezeume of Fountain Hills Medical Center and ER, the conversation highlights how AMPLIFY was used to promote their recent HealthPass event—bringing greater awareness, stronger attendance, and meaningful community impact.
This episode dives into the power of strategic promotion, the importance of accessible healthcare, and how local partnerships can drive real results for both businesses and residents.
If you're a business owner looking to expand your reach—or simply want to see how innovation is shaping Fountain Hills—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
**AMPLIFY logo attached**. Only add if no trouble at all. :).
27 Mar 2026
Season 4, Episode 9 - Building the Future Workforce in Fountain Hills: Inside the WIP Program (Audio)
In this episode of FountainCast, we’re diving into a program that’s shaping the future of Fountain Hills—one student and one business at a time. Hosts Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski explore the Workforce Intern Program (WIP), a collaborative initiative between the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce and the Fountain Hills Unified School District.
Designed to connect local students with real-world experience, WIP is creating meaningful opportunities for young people to gain skills, build confidence, and explore career paths—while also helping local businesses invest in the next generation of talent.
From how the program works to the impact it’s already making in the community, this conversation highlights the power of partnership, mentorship, and forward-thinking workforce development right here in Fountain Hills.
Whether you’re a business owner, student, parent, or community supporter, this episode offers insight into how WIP is strengthening both our local economy and our future workforce.
Tune in to learn how you can get involved and be part of building what’s next for Fountain Hills.
17 Mar 2026
Season 4, Episode 8 - FountainCast Episode 100 – FountainCast Fast Five: Betsy vs. Kristin! (Audio)
It’s a milestone moment for FountainCast as we celebrate our 100th episode—and this time, the hosts are the guests!
In this special episode, Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski flip the script and put each other in the hot seat with a round of the FountainCast Fast Five. Five questions each, plenty of laughs, and a few surprises along the way. From favorite Fountain Hills moments to behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected answers, you’ll get to know the personalities behind the microphones a little better.
After nearly 100 conversations highlighting the people, businesses, and events that make Fountain Hills such a special community, this episode takes a fun pause to celebrate the journey—and the listeners who made it possible.
Whether you’ve been with us since episode one or you’re just discovering FountainCast, this lighthearted milestone episode is a great reminder of why we love sharing the stories of Fountain Hills, the Chamber, and the incredible people who make this community shine.
Thanks for listening—and here’s to the next 100!
27 Feb 2026
Season Four, Episode Seven- Shop Local Perks: Boosting Business & Community in Fountain Hills (Audio)
This episode of FountainCast is all about Shop Local Perks — the new rewards program encouraging Fountain Hills residents and visitors to support our vibrant local economy. We sit down with Chamber leaders to unpack how the program works, the benefits for shoppers and businesses, and why shopping local matters now more than ever. Whether you’re a long-time local or new to our community, learn how small purchases make a big difference for our hometown.
18 Feb 2026
Season Four, Episode Six- Networking Building Connections that Matter (Audio)
In this episode of FountainCast, Kristin sits down with Julie Jones and Jill Templeton-Haislip for a candid, fun, and energizing conversation all about networking—what it really means, why it matters, and how to do it well.
Together, they explore the ups and downs of networking, from awkward obligation to meaningful relationship-building. Through personal stories and professional insight, Julie and Jill share how genuine connections have influenced major career transitions, the lessons learned from networking missteps, and why trust—not transactions—is the true currency of strong professional relationships.
Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned leader, this episode delivers actionable advice, fresh perspectives, and encouragement for building connections that last.
23 Jan 2026
Season Four, Episode Five - Mindset to Motion: Goals, Habits & Getting Things Done (Audio)
Welcome to FountainCast! In this inspiring and practical episode, hosts Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski dive into the mindset and systems that help us not just plan, but produce. We explore how meaningful goals, positive thinking, time mastery, emotional awareness, and intentional habits can turn ideas into impact — whether you’re growing a business, building community, or improving your everyday life. Along the way, Betsy and Kristin share real stories, actionable insights, and simple tools you can start using today to move from intention to action. Tune in for encouragement, clarity, and a reminder that progress isn’t about perfection — it’s about purpose and persistence.
12 Dec 2025
Season Four, Episode Four - From Washington to Fountain Hills What Business Owners Need to Know Now (Audio)
In this episode of FountainCast, hosts Betsy LaVoie and Kristin Milashoski welcome Jennings Imel of the United States Chamber of Commerce for a timely conversation on how national policy decisions impact local business.
The discussion examines the real effects of the recent federal government shutdown on businesses and local economies, highlights workforce initiatives supporting young graduates, and outlines where both small and large businesses can turn for guidance, advocacy, and support during times of economic uncertainty. The episode also explores how chambers of commerce — at the local and national level — serve as trusted resources, helping businesses navigate change, stay informed, and plan for the future.
17 Nov 2025
Season Four, Episode Three - Returning to Our Roots with Local Artist Josh Gridley (Audio)
In this inspiring episode of FountainCast, Betsy and Kristin sit down with local artist and HEART Grant recipient, Josh Gridley, the creative mind behind Joshatorium.com. Josh shares his story of coming full circle—reigniting his passion and reconnecting with his roots here in Fountain Hills, the community that first sparked his love for art.
Listeners will hear how Josh’s journey from an entertainment career including animation at Disney to professional artist has been fueled by creativity, perseverance, and the powerful sense of belonging that defines Fountain Hills. Through his work, Josh captures the spirit of imagination and individuality, turning everyday inspiration into vibrant, soul-filled pieces that speak to both nostalgia and innovation.
The conversation also explores how the Fountain Festival of Fine Arts & Crafts continues to uplift local artists, strengthen small businesses, and bring life and energy to the entire town. Josh opens up about the impact of the H.E.A.R.T. Grant—a program empowering artists to turn their dreams into thriving enterprises—and what it means to once again call Fountain Hills home.
“Art brought me back here,” Josh says, “but the people and the energy of this town are what keep me inspired.”
Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on art, community, and rediscovering your purpose right where it all began.
28 Oct 2025
Season Four, Episode Two — From Book Fairs to Building Local Strength (Audio)
In this episode of FountainCast, we’re taking it back to where it all began — a PTO book fair! That’s right, we’re sharing the fun story of how Kristin and Betsy first met among stacks of books, big ideas, and even bigger community spirit. What started as a simple school event turned into a lasting partnership dedicated to championing all things Fountain Hills.
From there, we dive into how supporting your local schools isn’t just good for kids — it’s a powerful way to grow your local economy and strengthen the heartbeat of the entire community. We’ll also unpack the difference between “supporting local” and “preferring local” — and why that distinction matters more than you might think.
This episode is a warm, inspiring reminder that positive change starts right where you are. So tune in, get inspired, and remember — you can be the change you wish to see in your own hometown.
10 Oct 2025
Season Four Episode One - Meet the voices behind FountainCast (Audio)
Season Four kicks off with a burst of excitement as we reintroduce FountainCast on this amazing network and the people behind the mic! In this special episode, listeners get a behind the scenes peek at Betsy and Kristin, one a four decade resident and the other a newer transplant from a small farm town in Illinois bringing a combination of a fresh perspective, Midwest charm and a love for local connection.
Together they share laughs, stories and a heartfelt look at what you have in store for you by being a part of the FountainCast community.
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