ICONIC HOUR

In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Hope Ijaola, founder of Dr. Hopiola Skincare, for an in-depth conversation about the inspiration, research, and clinical expertise behind the brand—and how to build a skincare routine that actually works. Website: drhopiola.com Instagram: drhopiola BACK STORY As a physician, I noticed that many of my patients, and even I myself, struggled to tolerate certain prescription-grade skincare products, despite their proven benefits. Side effects like burning, stinging, and peeling often made it challenging to use them consistently. This inspired me to explore high-performance natural alternatives - ingredients supported by science, yet gentle enough to respect the skin's natural balance. I studied organic skincare formulation enriched with advanced training in organic cosmetic science, and I focused on botanicals that are known to: Support the skin barrier and help reduce moisture loss Lock in hydration for a softer, smoother feel Provide antioxidants that help defend against environmental stressors and maintain a youthful, supple look From there, my mission became about more than formulation. I committed to sourcing ingredients responsibly and sustainably from trusted partners with meaningful stories. I built rigorous accountability into every step of the process: from sourcing and manufacturing to sanitation, filling, packaging, warehousing, and distribution. Dr. Hopiola was born from this pursuit: skincare designed to work in harmony with your skin, your values, and your well-being     SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.  

In this episode, we sit down with Scott, the founder of Mito Red Light, to explore the science, innovation, and vision behind one of the leading brands in red light therapy. Scott shares his journey from curiosity to creation, breaking down how red light therapy supports mitochondrial health, recovery, performance, and overall wellness. Website: mitoredlight.com Instagram: mitoredlightofficial   BACK STORY Scott Chaverri, founder of Mito Red Light. Scott's mission is all about empowering people to optimize their health-spans through clinically validated, at-home red light therapy technology. Much like Dr. Kovacs's focus on translating research into real results, Scott simplifies the science of restorative light—making non-invasive, clean-tech beauty accessible to everyone. He's built Mito Red Light into the industry leader, trusted by athletes, wellness pros, and over 80,000 users globally. Think of it as a gym for your cells or a daily recharge for high performers. Scott's journey bridges business rigor with personal renewal. After facing his own health challenges, he championed red light therapy—not as a trend, but as a non-invasive alternative backed by decades of research. From industry-leading skincare to energy and recovery solutions, Scott brings future-facing insight on why tech-powered wellness is redefining beauty and self-care right now.     SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.  

On today's episode, we sit down with Janice Rantanen, Director of Lasting Impressions at Candelaria Design Associates and the visionary planner behind the firm's ICONIC first Candelaria Design Tour France. Janice takes us inside their most recent adventure to Paris, France, sharing insider experiences, cultural highlights, and all the must-dos for anyone planning to travel abroad. Website: candelariadesign.com Instagram: candelariadesign BACK STORY Janice has lived in the Valley since 1982 and joined Candelaria Design as Director of Lasting Impressions early 2019. She ensures the comfort of our valued clients and design team members, as well as upholding the Candelaria Design Lifestyle aesthetic. Prior to joining Candelaria Design she represented a semi-custom home builder in selling many of Scottsdale's finest communities. In addition to her real estate background she also owned one of Scottsdale's most beloved home and garden stores specializing in farm antiques and accoutrements sourced from Europe. Janice has always had an interest in architecture and interior design; she enjoys antiquing, cooking, gardening and traveling the US as well as abroad. SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR  If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much! ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE! JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.

On today's episode, we sit down with Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, and Todd LaPorte, CEO of HonorHealth, to explore how Scottsdale is taking bold steps toward becoming a longer-living, more connected, and more vibrant community. Website: bluezonesprojectscottsdale.com    Instagram: bzpscottsdale   BACK STORY With more than 35 years of diverse healthcare experience, Todd LaPorte leads an integrated health system with nine acute-care hospitals, numerous outpatient facilities, a research institute, and various community services impacting social determinants of health and military preparedness. HonorHealth is one of Arizona's largest employers, with a presence throughout much of the growing Phoenix metropolitan area. Since joining HonorHealth in 2001, Todd has held executive roles in which he focused on financial and strategic leadership. He has shaped a system with many access points to provide convenient, high quality care for patients, and with an ability to coordinate care efficiently and effectively. HonorHealth governs with its medical staff one of the country's highest performing ACOs in the country. For most of his twenty years at HonorHealth, Todd served as the CFO. In April 2017, he became the 10th CEO in more than 150 years of its legacy firm history. Before joining HonorHealth, Todd held senior management roles for an international CPA firm that served Arizona healthcare clients, as well as clients in high-tech manufacturing and consumer services. He was also the CFO of a privately held healthcare company that served more than a half million Arizonans. Todd is the current board chair for the Health System Alliance of Arizona, an association of the five largest healthcare systems throughout the State. He is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership (a CEO advocacy group) and is a board member of Experience Scottsdale (a visitor's bureau). He speaks frequently to Arizona State University MBA classes and community service organizations throughout the Valley of the Sun. Todd was named CFO of the Year by the Arizona chapter of the Financial Executives International in 2012 and was recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of the "125 Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know" in 2013. Todd has served as board chair for a chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the nationally acclaimed Scottsdale Aquatic Club and the Paradise Valley School District's supporting Foundation for Public Education. He holds a bachelor's degree in business from the University of Arizona and an MBA from Arizona State University. His four daughters all swam competitively at four different D-1 schools, so his college sweatshirt collection is quite confusing.     Sarah Kearney leads Blue Zones Project Scottsdale as the Executive Director. Her leadership experience is diverse and rooted in community well-being, service, and forward-thinking optimism. She most recently worked for Experience Scottsdale, whose mission is to enhance the Scottsdale community through tourism. In Sarah's 16+ year tenure at the organization, she held several leadership roles and specialized in worldwide leisure sales, partner development strategy, membership and community engagement, program development, and more. Driven by her passion for the Scottsdale community, Sarah has served, led, and guided several local organizations, leaving a cross-sector imprint. She has served as the Board President for Scottsdale Leadership, the Board President for Community Celebrating Diversity, a Board Member for Scottsdale Sister Cities, the Officer of Membership for Millennials in Travel, and the Vice President of Community Outreach at GiGi's Playhouse Phoenix/Scottsdale. Sarah holds an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.A. in Communication from Arizona State University. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, sports and spending time in the Scottsdale sunshine. She is a proud wife and hockey, dance, and dog mom to her two children and golden retriever.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully. TAGS: bluezonesprojectsscottsdale, honorhealth, iconichourpodcast, health, wellness, iconiclifemag, iconiclife, livebeautifully  

On today's episode, we sit down for Part II of our conversation with legendary Chef Christopher Gross and hospitality visionary Bill Nassikas as they explore the intersection of cuisine, creativity, and guest experience. From Michelin-level kitchens to world-class resorts, they share stories from decades at the top of the culinary and hospitality industries—along with candid conversations with chefs, winemakers, and entrepreneurs redefining what it means to serve. Insight, humor, and behind-the-scenes wisdom—straight from two masters of their craft. Website: https://wrigleymansion.com/christophers westroc.com  Instagram: christophersatwrigley   BACK STORY The president and COO of Westroc Hospitality since its founding, William J. Nassikas boasts decades of successful national and international experience in the hospitality industry. Like CEO Scott Lyon, William gained early exposure to his career path as the son of hotelier James A. Nassikas, founder of the Stanford Court Hotel in San Francisco. Prior to joining Westroc, William served as senior vice president of operations at Grand Bay Resorts, joining that organization as part of the merger-acquisition of Carefree Resorts. There, he was responsible for all accommodations, restaurant, spa, golf, and other guest service operations for properties including The Boulders Resort, The Buttes in Tempe, The Peaks at Telluride, Carmel Valley Ranch, The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, The Grand Bay Miami, and the famed Golden Door Spa. Among his many achievements, William was instrumental in the conception and development of Deer Valley Resort in Utah. He gained invaluable experience through executive management positions within Hyatt Hotels, as well as training throughout Europe, including the famed Restaurant Girardet in Switzerland. A graduate of Cornell University's Hotel School, William earned a Diplome Finale des Etudes from Ecole Hoteliere de la Societe Suisse des Hoteliers in Switzerland. His numerous honors include "Hotelier of the Year" by The Chaine des Rotisseurs, being inducted into The Arizona Republic's Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame, the Ivy Award from Restaurant & Institutions magazine, the CSX Award of Excellence, nomination for the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art's Contemporary Catalyst Award, the 2006 Industry Leadership Award from Arizona Hospitality Industry Professionals, and AZLTA's 2019 Hotelier of the Year award. William fulfills a commitment to give back to the hospitality industry, helping train future professionals as a visiting lecturer to the Inaugural Master of Real Estate Development Class at Arizona State University, Cornell University's Hotel School, and University of New Hampshire's hospitality management program. He also serves on various boards, including the Royal St. Corporation, AZLTA and The Mission B1 Foundation.   Based in Phoenix, AZ, Christopher Gross is a James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef who has been recognized among the best in the United States. Famed for its modern twists on classic French fare, Christopher's at Wrigley Mansion earned a 2022 James Beard Outstanding Chef nomination. It was rated 18/20 by Gayot Guide which named it Best French Restaurant, Best 10 Restaurant Wine Lists, Best 10 Restaurants with a View, and Best Romantic Restaurants. In its five-star review, Arizona Republic called the restaurant "Phoenix's most innovative, enticing dining experience for its exclusive tasting-menu experience where the chefs also serve each dish." Named to the Scottsdale Culinary Hall of Fame, Chef Christopher has also been honored by Food & Wine magazine's "America's 10 Best New Chefs," was the first chef in Arizona to be honored with the Robert Mondavi Culinary Award of Excellence and also created the nationwide "Flavors" fundraiser for the American Liver Association.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully.