Resident Stories Episodes

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with the Magon and Shawn Peuker, the strategic masterminds behind The Rae of Hope Foundation. Together, unpack the world of nonprofit advocacy and explore how a basic plan of infrastructure and personal persistence can transform a chaotic, high-stress environment into a highly manageable roadmap for bringing next-generation support and community to special needs families. The discussion dives deep into the high-stakes world of modern non...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill sits down with Lynette Porter, a certified Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) instructor based in Boulder City. With drowning being the leading cause of accidental death for children under four, Lynette’s mission is more than just teaching kids to swim—it’s about providing them with the vital skills to self-rescue. Lynette breaks down the science of the "Swim-Float-Swim" method and explains why even a six-month-old can be trained to save their own lif...

Empowering the Next Generation of Young Women. In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, host Jill Lagan is joined by Michaela Taylor, the current Mrs. Las Vegas America and a contestant for the upcoming Mrs. Nevada America title. Michaela pulls back the curtain on the modern pageant world, dispelling myths of "cattiness" and explaining how the competition serves as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and community leadership. Michaela shares her journey of building resilience a...

In this episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill is joined by author Magon Peuker, who shares her incredible journey of escaping an abusive marriage, navigating life as a special needs parent, and finding her voice to write the bestselling children's book, Raelynn's Flower Garden. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of a mother, the healing power of positive change, and the necessity of kindness. Magon's book’s core message is about kindness and the acceptance of kids who look and ...

Celebrating a Life of Service: Education, Tourism, and Mary Kay. In today's episode of The Best Dam Podcast, Jill has the pleasure of chatting with Denise Senko, affectionately known as "Dee Dee." A former dean and teacher at Boulder City High School, Dee Dee has a wealth of experience both in education and as a dedicated member of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. Currently thriving as an independent Sales Director for Mary Kay , she empowers individuals by enhancing their confidence and...

Boulder City's Hidden Gem: Fashion and Community at Mohave Gold Boutique. Welcome to "The Best Dam Podcast." In today's episode, our host, Jill Lagan, chats with Amber Graham, the owner of Mohave Gold Boutique. Join us as Amber shares her journey of turning a long-standing dream into reality with her charming boutique that offers women's lifestyle clothing, unique accessories, and exciting gifts right in Boulder City. Discover how Amber and her husband decided to plant their roots in this vib...

2024 The Best of Boulder City - Best New Business of Year -1 yr. or less. James and Becky Hughes, owners of Hangar 502 in Historic Downtown Boulder City, join Jill Lagan in today's episode of "The Best Dam Podcast." Hangar 502 was nominated for: "Best Restaurant" and "Best New Business of Year - 1 yr. or less". They received the 2024 Best of Boulder City Award for Best New Business of Year - 1 yr. or less. Join us as we dive into their inspiring story of transforming a corner of Boulder Ci...

Misty Magruder & Amber Stephens, co-owners of the Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore in Boulder City's Historic Downtown, join Jill Lagan in today's episode of the "The Best Dam Podcast." The Dam Roast House & Browder Bookstore received the 2024 Best of Boulder City Award for the best coffee shop. Misty, Amber, and their partner, Travis, contribute their unique insights into creating a vibrant community space that celebrates local flavors and creativity. DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS Event Planning ...

Jill Lagan, and The Best Dam Podcastwelcomes Seth Grabel, Magician and Entertainer, Real Estate Entrepreneur, and Family Man. Seth shares his fascinating journey from learning the art of movement and entertainment from his belly dancer mother to becoming a celebrated magician and venturing into the world of real estate. We dive into Seth's unique approach to merging his passion for magic with his real estate business, and how he uses his magical talents to diffuse tension in negotiations. Set...

We hope that you enjoyed the 2024 Spring Jamboree here in beautiful Boulder City, Nevada. The Spring Jamboree, which has been held since 1977, is considered by many to be Boulder City's first major public festival of the year. We had the pleasure of interviewing a cross-section of artisans, board members, and volunteer associations that help to make this public festival the success that it is. Our guests on this segment of The Best Dam Podcast are Dave & Valeri Olsen. Dave & Valerie are long ...

Welcome back to The Best Dam Podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories and conversations with individuals who have an impact on the Boulder City Community. In today's episode, Jill welcomes Jill Bunch, co-owner of TURF MAGIK, LLC, with her husband (Steve). TURF MAGIK is a 100% Natural & organic product to treat artificial turf, grass, or any outside area that needs to be deodorized! You'll hear the journey that led her and her husband to develop TURF MAGIK. TOPICS AND DISCUSSION Creation ...

This episode of The Best Dam Podcast features Pam Honey, author of From Autism to Royalty - The Freshman Prince of Bould-Air. Pam's book offers empowerment, inspiration, and hope for parents navigating how to meet the needs of a child with autism. WHAT WE CHATTED ABOUT How did, From Autism to Royalty - The Freshman Prince of Bould-Air, come about? How did Pam's and her family's plans change after receiving a diagnosis of autism for their child? How did Pam and her family gain knowledg...

What a treat we have today on the The Best Dam Podcast. Mrs. Erma Mary Hall, resident of the Southern Nevada Veteran’s Home and amazing lady that has become a true hero to me. At age 93 years young, Miss Erma is currently serving on the Resident Board of Directors for the Veteran’s Home and has become quite an asset to the staff and residents there. She has led a full life of service to her country and family and as you listen, you will hear the fire in her voice as she talks about her children...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the honor of visiting with Alexis Lagan, Olympic Pistol Shooter and Founder of Team Lagan Training. Well as the host of the Best Dam Podcast and mother of our hometown Olympian, I may be very biased. However, I think this week's show is pretty spectacular!! Lexi shares a little about how she got started training for the Tokyo Olympics as well as her next steps in her Olympic career. She will give us a little insight as to what happens in her daily training...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the honor of visiting with Ruben & Dixie Valdez Ruben & Dixie are the proprietors of Ruben's Wood Craft and Toys. They operate and maintain the See Spot Run Dog Park at Veteran's Memorial Park in Boulder City, Nevada. Boulder City has a true asset in Ruben and Dixie! They love their community, love their work, and love the children that come to visit their store. They have worked very hard over the years to build a successful business that provides joy t...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we are joined by Monica Preston and Pam Leon Monica and Pam chat about Trunk or Treat, sponsored by the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, at Veterans Memorial Park, on Oct 22, 2022. Background Trunk-or-treat is back to normal this year! The event includes a costume parade and contest, trunk decorating contest, tractor hay ride, kids activities, a food truck, and lots more!! Listen as the Board Members encourage businesses to come out and participate as a fun a...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the honor of visiting with Sandra Fraser. Sandra is the President of See Spot Run. They operate and maintain the See Spot Run Dog Park at Veteran's Memorial Park in Boulder City, Nevada. Background Sandra is part of a team of four that keeps the park maintained and funded so that we can all take our beloved dogs to play and socialize. They are always looking for more volunteers and we learn more about those needs on the show. See Spot Run is also holdi...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the honor of visiting with Tanya Vece. Tanya is the Community Relations Counselor at Poet’s Walk Memory Care. She helps advocate living and care options for families seeking out resources for senior parents or spouses. She enjoys helping arrange care and placement of loved ones and will share an “AHA” moment when she realized just how much she enjoys her career and the impact it can have on others’ lives. Tanya shares very specific work she and others ...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the pleasure of visiting with Pastor Adam Stetson. Paster Stetson is with the Christ Lutheran Church. He views his job as shepherding the flock at 5th and Avenue B in beautiful Boulder City, Nevada. He is an amazing family man that loves his profession, his congregation, his community, and his faith. We will get to hear more about some of his favorite things like reading, volunteering, and visiting with those in need. Pastor Adam shares an emotional “AHA...

Today on The Best Dam Podcast we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Brandi Stankovic. Dr. Stankovic is the host of the energizing podcast, The Strategic Hotbox, designed to help executives reach their greatest potential, and the co-author of The Strategic MVP, a book of 52 growth and leadership tools. Brandi is a professor, organizational change expert, motivational speaker, and Mommy who inspires firms globally with her models of leadership, engagement, and award-winning education. Her ...