Best Amdocs Podcasts (2025)

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Teddy Grouya, AmDocs Festival | From Statecraft to Storycraft: Building Festivals, Films & Community 53:50

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1M ago53:50

53:50

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence dives into how passion, persistence, and service shape a life in film and community. Our guest Teddy Grouya—founder of the AmDocs Film Festival—traces a path from UCLA film studies and foreign-exchange days in Denmark to a State Department posting in Australia, then b…

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Billy Stritch, Entertainer | Jazz Journeys, Cabaret Intimacy, and Stories from a Life Onstage 52:50

1d ago52:50

52:50

This Big Conversations, Little Bar episode spotlights a life steeped in swing, storytelling, and the American Songbook. Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome guest Billy Stritch who shares how a Houston kid with a portable cassette recorder became a New York mainstay—shaping shows, accompanying legends, and commanding intimate rooms like the Pur…

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Stephanie Czajkowski, Actress | From Starships to Survival: Grit, Gratitude, and Starting Over 1:04:00

8d ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Season 9 of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence debuts with actress Stephanie Czajkowski, whose turn as a Vulcan on Star Trek: Picard sparked a fandom embrace as fierce as her resilience. She opens up about discovering multiple cancers, the grit, humor, and partnership that carried her through surgery, chemo, radiati…

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Brian Ellis | Gatekeeper of Glamour Shares Palm Springs' Untold Supper-Club Secrets 54:50

15d ago54:50

54:50

Legendary maître d’ Brian Ellis pulls back the velvet rope on five decades at Melvyn’s and the Ingleside Inn, where stars, moguls, and locals mixed like martinis as he opens up on this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence from the corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert.. From overbooked New …

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Brad Fuhr, Media Entrepreneur | Local Radio, Community Advocacy, and Nostalgia Power a Resilient Desert 1:01:00

22d ago1:01:00

1:01:00

From the corner booth at Skip’s Little Bar, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar explores modern radio, community impact, and the power of local voices. Our guest Brad Fuhr charts a path from teenage on-air shifts to rebuilding KGAY 106.5 as a public-benefit station, acquiring MeTV 103.1, and keeping nostalgia fresh with today’s tools. Pat…

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Lou Schachter, Writer | True Crime, Travel, and Coachella Valley Scandals 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

At Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, narrative nonfiction writer and true crime sleuth Lou Schachter unpacks why crimes captivate us—and how travel fuels his reporting on Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence. He traces a personal origin story to his grandfather’s 1933 Los Angeles murder, a saga tangled with Bugsy …

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Dr. Patrick St. Pierre | From Battlefield Discipline to Robotic Shoulder Repair & Burgundy Wisdom 59:50

1M ago59:50

59:50

What do Ranger School grit, cutting-edge robotics, and Burgundy wine have in common? This lively episode of Big Conversations, Litte Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence traces an extraordinary journey from West Point and the DMZ to the operating room and, now, the tasting room. Our guest, Dr. Patrick St. Pierre, an Eisenhower Medical Center ort…

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Gary Levingston | From Church Pew to Primetime: Faith, Fame, and Second Acts 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Recorded at the famed corner booth of Skip Paige’s Little Bar in Palm Desert, this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar hosted by Patrick Evans and Randy Florence, follows a remarkable journey from church greeter to reality-TV standout. Guest Gary Levingston shares how a chance encounter at Southwest Church led to casting for the senior-edition…

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Lee Mills, Artistic Director | From Montana to Maestro: Orchestras, EDM, and Palm Springs Magic 56:50

2M ago56:50

56:50

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence spotlights a dynamic leader shaping the desert’s classical scene. As artistic director for Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic, our guest Lee Mills explains how a tiny team brings the world’s great orchestras to the McCallum Theatre within a narrow January to April…

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Lola Kent, Event Planner | Inside Desert Glam: Event Magic, Wedding Wins, and Wild Weather 57:50

2M ago57:50

57:50

From New York steakhouse soirées to Coachella Valley showstoppers, event planner Lola Kent brings a decade-plus of creative fire to the corner booth on this week’s episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans and Randy Florence. She shares how a chance ceremony paired her with officiant Randy, sparking 60+ weddings built on listening…

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David Church, Author | Uncovering Thomas Edison’s Mysterious Spirit Box and Hidden Inspirations 45:00

2M ago45:00

45:00

In this captivating episode, local author and playwright David Church takes listeners on a fascinating journey through history, imagination, and creativity. Best known for his Edison Trilogy of novels, Church reveals how Thomas Edison’s little-known experiments with a “spirit box” sparked his fictional adventures into the supernatural and beyond. H…

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Danny Labin | JFED Desert CEO | Global Impact and Local Leadership: A Journey of Service 56:50

3M ago56:50

56:50

In this powerful episode, the hosts welcome Danny Labin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, for a conversation spanning his global experiences and local commitments. From producing Sesame Street in over 25 countries to navigating life in Lithuania and leading major philanthropic efforts in Israel, Labin’s journey reflects a life dedicated …

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Yvonne Beil | Exploring New Horizons for Local Arts & Entertainment: McCallum Theatre's Vision 54:30

3M ago54:30

54:30

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Yvonne Bell, the newly appointed CEO of the McCallum Theatre, shares her insights on leading the iconic desert venue. Discussing her transition from Development to CEO, Bell reveals plans for an expanded season and new programming aimed at engaging a broader audience. She highlights upcoming Broadwa…

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Steven Ciceron, Actor | Reflecting on Psychology Roots and Diverse Roles on Silver Screen 56:20

3M ago56:20

56:20

In this lively episode, actor Steven Ciceron joins Patrick Evans and Randy Florence at Skip Paige’s Little Bar to share his journey from clinical psychologist to working actor. With over 50% audition success and roles across film, television, and theater, Ciceron discusses the discipline and humility that fuel his craft. He dives into his passion f…

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“The Human Core of Disruption” with Manisha Pathak, Yael Shur, Michael MacDade and Anjali Mahajan 17:06

3M ago17:06

17:06

What does it really take to lead through disruption and stay human along the way? In this finale episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, the full host team reflects on a season full of insights, innovation, and bold ideas. From AI ecosystems to skills-first organizations, and from Gen Z to Boomers, the message is clear: disruption is most po…

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#52 THE LIFE OF A HOLLYWOOD EDITOR 35:34

3M ago35:34

35:34

This episode features Katelyn Wright, our first guest who professionally works in post production. She has worked on a wide variety of projects from big Hollywood blockbusters (Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom) to small budget Indie films. She joined Indieknot to help edit our short Tendon, currently in the festival run. Hear Katy talk about what it re…

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Mary Ann Halpin | Fear, Fame, and Flashbacks: Artistry Through Life’s Lens 51:50

3M ago51:50

51:50

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome acclaimed photographer, author, artist, and actress Mary Ann Halpin for a heartfelt and often hilarious chat. From her beginnings in Chicago to her transformative work behind the camera in Los Angeles, Mary Ann shares how life’s twists—like infertility—led to…

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“Leading with hope” with Yael Shur and Dr. Tomer Bakalash 23:19

4M ago23:19

23:19

Hope. It's not the first word that comes to mind when we talk about leadership in times of uncertainty, but maybe it should be. In this episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, Yael Shur welcomes social psychologist and neuromarketing expert Dr. Tomer Bakalash to unpack the role of hope in modern leadership. With decades of experience helping…

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#51 WHAT IT TAKES TO BE AN ENTERTAINER WITH 11harro11 35:26

4M ago35:26

35:26

Our episode this week highlights music perfomer 11harro11. We focus on Harro's musical upbringing and his transormation in becoming the entertainer he is today. We also talk about Harro's lead role in Indieknot's latest short, Tendon, as well as how Harro has created his brand through live preformance and social influence. Tendon Trailer: https://w…

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Tom Kirk, CVAG | Innovative Solutions for Transportation and Energy in Coachella Valley 54:50

4M ago54:50

54:50

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Tom Kirk, the Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG). They dive into the pivotal role of CVAG in regional planning, focusing on transportation developments like CV Link and traffic signal synchronization initiatives. Tom …

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Andrea Carter, Marketing Maven | Where Hollywood Glamour Meets Midwest Grit and Heart 58:50

4M ago58:50

58:50

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Andrea Carter, a Coachella Valley marketing and PR powerhouse with a fascinating life story. Andrea shares insider tales from coordinating A-list celebrities at the Palm Springs International Film Festival to co-founding the record-breaking Warburton Celebrit…

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Laurilie Jackson, Journalist & Educator | Exploring Career Journeys in Media and Education 59:50

4M ago59:50

59:50

In this episode, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Laurilie Jackson, a seasoned media professional and professor, who shares her inspiring journey from Canadian roots to becoming a prominent figure in Coachella Valley journalism to Big Conversations, Little Bar. Laurilie recounts her early experiences in broadcasting, including her internshi…

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Alan Gitlin | Exploring Cinematography and Storytelling with Film Industry Veteran 59:50

5M ago59:50

59:50

In this episode, the hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence delve into the fascinating world of cinematography with accomplished cinematographer Alan Gitlin. With a career spanning decades, Gitlin shares his experiences working on iconic films, including Star Trek Generations and Titanic. He discusses his journey from his early days in Hollywood to…

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#50 SMOSH, NEW MEDIA, TRAVEL PRODUCING 35:19

5M ago35:19

35:19

Is Hollywood officially dead? With beginnings in theater and improv, Garrett Palm (producer, writer, director) shares with us how he's navigated a career in the ever-changing landscape of digital media. All while doing so with a "yes, and" attitude! Working with online heavyweights like Smosh and Drop Out, we dive deep on what it's like to work thi…

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Frank Furino | The Colorful Life and Stories of a Media & Entertainment Veteran 1:02:00

5M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

In this captivating episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, join hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence as they sit down with Frank Furino, a media and entertainment veteran with an extraordinary history. From his early days in the bustling newsrooms of ABC to his adventures in Hollywood, Frank shares his remarkable journey, including his chance …

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Del Shores, Producer/Director/Writer | Stage & Screen Shenanigans with a Gay Southern Baptist Talent 1:06:00

5M ago1:06:00

1:06:00

In this enjoyable episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence sit down with playwright, producer, director and actor Del Shores to discuss his remarkable journey through the world of theatre and film. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of his iconic work Sordid Lives, Del shares personal stories about his upbringing in …

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Bridging the Gap: Navigating Generational Dynamics in the Workplace with Clint Runge, CEO & Founder of Archrival 23:12

5M ago23:12

23:12

Five generations. One workplace. Endless opportunities—and plenty of friction. In this episode of Guided Disruption in the Workplace, host Manisha Pathak is joined by Clint Runge, CEO & Founder of Archrival, to explore the powerful potential of multi-generational teams. Clint, a seasoned strategist on generational behavior, shares how organizations…

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#49 A $500 PIRATE SHIP IN OUR GARAGE - HAVEN'T MADE IT YET PODCAST 36:51

5M ago36:51

36:51

Days after the shoot, with the candle wax still hot, we took the opportunity to record this episode in the pirate set we built for Edgar's project KEEL HAUL. Edgar Cortés Campoy is a filmmaker from Mexico City whose projects seem to have an emphasis on immersive set design. We discuss what draws Edgar to a project, how he creates immersive dialogue…

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Nikki Boyer, Creator, Dying For Sex | Exploring Life, Death, & Bold Choices in the Face of Cancer 59:00

5M ago59:00

59:00

In this episode Big Conversations, Little Bar with Patrick Evans & Randy Florence, the banter dives deep into the poignant yet humorous journey of Molly, a woman who faced terminal cancer with remarkable strength and a quest for self-discovery. Nikki Boyer, the creator of the podcast and television series "Dying for Sex," shares intimate stories an…

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The Future of Work: Skills First with Sachit Kamat, Chief Product Officer at eightfold.ai 24:29

6M ago24:29

24:29

Is the traditional job role becoming a thing of the past? In this forward-looking episode, host Yael Shur, joined by co-host Asaf Jackoby, welcomes Sachit Kamat, Chief Product Officer at Eightfold.ai, to unpack the bold move toward skills-based organizations. Together, they explore how organizations are shifting focus from rigid roles to dynamic sk…

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Carole Stephen-Smith | Exploring Philanthropy and Iconic Figures of Palm Springs 46:00

6M ago46:00

46:00

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Carole Stephen-Smith, a veteran writer for The Desert Sun’s Desert Scene page. Carole shares captivating stories from her 13 years of covering community philanthropy and the arts in Palm Springs, along with her unique experiences with legendary figures …

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#48 COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, AMDOCS & A HEATED DEBATE - HAVEN'T MADE IT YET PODCAST 35:19

6M ago35:19

35:19

For this episode, Dakota Kappen joins us to discuss his career path as a commercial automotive photographer. Dakota was also involved in our short doc, PAISANO OVERHANG, which is currently in its festival run. Most recently, it screened at the Oscar-qualifying AmDocs festival in Palm Springs. Dakota and Jannik report on the experience. The episode …

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Wells Marvin | Exploring Real Estate Dynamics and Development of Old Town La Quinta 1:00:00

6M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this engaging episode, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence sit down with Wells Marvin, a prominent developer with deep roots in the Coachella Valley. He shares his journey from the Bay Area to La Quinta, where he made a significant impact on local real estate, including the iconic Old Town La Quinta. Wells reflects on his experiences in devel…

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Amdocs Group President Anthony Goonetilleke 43:15

6M ago43:15

43:15

The rapid evolution of technology excites Anthony, especially in AI. User preferences are shifting towards more human-like AI interactions. Empathy in AI is crucial for better customer service experiences. The partnership between Amdocs and NVIDIA emphasizes the importance of software efficiency Software and hardware advancements must progress in p…

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Dave Karger | Exploring Cinema & Culture with Turner Classic Movies Host & Author 52:00

6M ago52:00

52:00

The focal point of this episode is the engaging dialogue with guest Dave Karger, a prominent host of Turner Classic Movies. As we convene in the inviting ambiance of Skip Page's Little Bar, we delve into the intricate tapestry of storytelling that defines the Coachella Valley, enriched by the support of the McCallum Theater. Throughout our discours…

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John Taylor | KGAY Morning Host Takes Us on a Journey of Radio, Voice Acting, and Community Storytelling 47:00

6M ago47:00

47:00

In this episode, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome John Taylor, Morning Show Host at KGAY 106.5 FM, to discuss the transformational role of storytelling within the vibrant Coachella Valley. John shares his extensive radio and voice acting career, beginning from unexpectedly breaking into the radio business on a historic news day, to be…

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The Power of AI Partnerships with Mike MacDade and Lilac Ilan 21:09

6M ago21:09

21:09

As Generative AI redefines industries, strong partnerships have never been more critical. In this episode, host Mike MacDade, Head of Operations at Amdocs Strategy and Technology, is joined by Lilac Ilan, Head of Global Telco, AI-Powered Operations at NVIDIA, to explore the unique dynamics of AI partnerships and ecosystem building in the Gen AI era…

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Brandon Weimer | The Evolution of a Sweet Legacy from the Founder of Brandini Toffee 52:00

7M ago52:00

52:00

This episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar hosted by Patrick Evans and Randy Florence centers on the remarkable journey of Brandon Weimer, the founder of Brandini Toffee, who shares the story of how a school project evolved into a thriving business. Initially conceived to fund a school trip to Italy, Brandini Toffee has blossomed into a beloved …

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Ellen Goodman, PSUSD Foundation | Supporting Students Beyond Basics: Giving Back Through School Programs 56:50

7M ago56:50

56:50

In this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome Ellen Goodman from the Palm Springs Unified School District Foundation. Ellen shares her journey from the East Coast to the Coachella Valley, highlighting her rewarding transition into the nonprofit sector. As the first employee hired by the Foundation,…

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Sue Cameron | Hollywood Insider Reveals Untold Stories and Latest Industry Scandals 55:50

7M ago55:50

55:50

In the finalé episode of our first season of 2025, Big Conversations, Little Bar, hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence welcome back Hollywood insider Sue Cameron for a second engaging appearance. From their seat in the coveted corner booth at Skip Paige’s Little Bar, they dive into the unpredictable world of Hollywood tales. Sue, who grew up amid…

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#47 FILM FESTIVAL DEBRIEF 29:51

7M ago29:51

29:51

After our annual hiatus, we're back! As we shook off the podcast rust, we took a moment to debrief our time at the Independent Hollywood Reels Film festival, where we screened our first short film, TENDON. We also discussed Hayden's progress fundraising for his short film TUNING IN. Kick back and hang with us as we ramble our way into a new season.…

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Slim Man | Culinary and Musical Fusion: A Delicious Big Conversation 59:50

7M ago59:50

59:50

The chatter in this episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar revolves around the multifaceted career of renowned local jazz musician Slim Man, who shares his journey from struggling in Nashville to finding success in the Coachella Valley music scene. With hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence guiding the dialogue, Slim Man recounts the trials he f…

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Beyond Exponential: Navigating the Future of Business Transformation 20:17

8M ago20:17

20:17

How are exponential technologies reshaping industries, leadership, and the way businesses operate? In this episode, host Anjali Mahajan, VP - Head of Engineering Services at Amdocs, speaks with Yahli Admati, Head of Business Development UAE at Quris AI, to explore the impact of cutting-edge innovations on business transformation. From AI and automa…

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Jeff Hocker | Exploring Vibrant Events and Community Impact with a Renowned Producer 59:50

8M ago59:50

59:50

In this spirited episode, dive into the world of event production and community influence with Jeff Hocker, the visionary behind Hocker Productions. Known for his exceptional work in Palm Springs, including the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival, and Halloween on Arenas, Jeff shares intriguing stories o…

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Physics & Machine Health with Algorithms Lead Mica Rubinson, Ph.D 31:47

8M ago31:47

31:47

Mica shares the methods behind Augury’s fault testing processes, why they use the highest quality data available, how in-house experts help them filter their data reliably, and their approach to communicating with customers. Our conversation also explores the balance between edge computing and cloud computing, and why both are necessary for optimal…

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Willie Rhine | Scotland to Coachella Valley: Restaurateur’s Remarkable Journey 59:50

8M ago59:50

59:50

Join hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence for our 100th original episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar, recorded at Skip Page’s Little Bar in Palm Desert and presented by the McCallum Theatre. This week’s guest, Willie Rhine, shares his inspiring story of resilience and success in the Coachella Valley’s culinary scene. Owner of the famed Eight…

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Jan Boydstun | Iconic ‘Gadget Gal’ Serves Up an Amazing Big Conversation 59:50

8M ago59:50

59:50

In this upbeat episode, Patrick Evans and Randy Florence are joined by the illustrious Jan Boydstun, commonly known as the Gadget Gal, who shares tales from 45 years of running Kitchen Kitchen in Indian Wells. Celebrated for curating a treasure trove of unique kitchen gadgets, Jan discusses the store's history, the influence of her family, and the …

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The Path Forward: Women Entrepreneurs in Tech with Tal Elor & Maya Elor 13:30

8M ago13:30

13:30

Ever wondered, what does it take to leave the security of a corporate career and dive into entrepreneurship? In this episode, host Mike MacDade speaks with Tal Elor, Co-founder & CPO of Athena, and Maya Elor, Co-founder & CEO of Athena, to discuss their inspiring journey from a military intelligence unit to launching their own startup. They share t…

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Dave Nicholas | Racing Through Life's Curves and Trophies 1:01:00

8M ago1:01:00

1:01:00

Join hosts Patrick Evans and Randy Florence in the corner booth of Skip Paige’s Little Bar for an exhilarating episode of Big Conversations, Little Bar. On this episode, they welcome Dave Nicholas, a man of many talents—racing champion, business entrepreneur, and Hall of Fame inductee. The conversation delves into Dave's colorful journey, from bein…

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AWS Director of Generative AI Apps Srini Iragavarapu 32:47

8M ago32:47

32:47

Srini highlights the importance of integrating these agents into real-world applications, enhancing productivity and user experiences across industries. Srini also delves into the challenges of building reliable, ethical, and secure AI systems while fostering developer innovation. His insights offer a roadmap for harnessing advanced agents to drive…