Scottsdale, AZ June 2026 by City Lifestyle

Dar ius Rucker

Wagon Wheel Rolls Into the Valley

Men Who Set the Tone

Hi, I’m Nadine, and I’m honored to now own and publish Scottsdale City Lifestyle, alongside Paradise Valley City Lifestyle, which I’ve owned for the past three years.

Scottsdale is home. It’s where my husband grew up, where I got married, where I had my boys, and where my village is. There’s something special about this community, and it’s a privilege to tell its stories and be part of what brings it together.

There’s a very slight chance you may remember watching me on TV news here in the Valley… even seeing me pregnant in front of the green screen with my first. Life has come full circle in a lot of ways, and to now be raising my family here while stepping into this role feels especially meaningful.

This is our Men’s Issue, and as a mom of three boys, it means something a little different to me.

I think often about the men who shape our world... fathers, coaches, teachers, mentors, family, friends, and friends who’ve become family. The guys who lead by example, who show up, and who quietly model what it means to be a good man.

There’s also a personal story behind this month’s cover.

My oldest is really into music, always checking what concerts are coming to town. When he told me Darius Rucker was making his way to the Valley, I immediately thought of the soundtrack of so many of our car rides… from Hootie to Wagon Wheel , those road trip anthems that somehow become part of our family.

So I reached out.

Darius said yes.

And just like that, something that’s been part of our lives became part of this issue.

Inside these pages, you’ll find men who are leading, building, supporting, and shaping their communities; not perfectly, but intentionally.

And for me, this issue is also a moment to reflect on the many men who influence our lives every day. The ones who set the example, often without ever asking for recognition.

With Father’s Day this month, it feels especially important to recognize the dads who are in it every day. The ones who lead with love, show up consistently, and shape their families in ways that last far beyond the moment. The ones who put in a full day, then head straight to the field to coach. And the ones who love and support unconditionally, a quiet shoutout to my husband.

Thank you for being here. I’m so grateful to be part of this community with you.

NADINE BUBECK, PUBLISHER @SCOTTSDALECITYLIFESTYLE

June 2026

PUBLISHER

Nadine Bubeck | nadine.bubeck@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kennedy Rettew | kennedy.rettew@citylifestyle.com

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city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Alzheimer’s Association’s Era of Hope Gala, MC’d by SCL’s Nadine Bubeck, with Jay Allen Music & the event chairs 2: 2026 PANDA Chairs at the PANDA Fashion Show & Luncheon themed Among the Wildflowers 3: PANDA founders Peggy Gunning & Robyn DeBell with Dr. Fayez K. Ghishan, Steele Children’s Research Center (PANDA Fashion Show) 4: Letitia Frye leading the live auction at the 2026 PANDA Fashion Show & Luncheon, Arizona Biltmore 5: SCL’s Nadine Bubeck was honored to emcee the Era of Hope Gala in honor of her late aunt 6: PANDA Fashion Show styled by Garage Boutique & Concept Store, Arizona Biltmore 7: Training the Mind Series at Mortgage Matchup Center, featuring a dynamic lineup on mindset

SCOTTSDALE EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

TARA DUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

SCOTTSDALE

TARA DUNN PHOTOGRAPHY

city scene CONTINUED

8: An afternoon at Silverleaf Club for the Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors Lunch & Learn, featuring Diana Taurasi 9: Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors founding board at the Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors Spring Kickoff, Silverleaf Club 10: Phoenix Children’s Ambassadors Lunch & Learn featured speaker, Diana Taurasi (Silverleaf Club)

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Cool Kids, Coolest Trends

WAGON WHEEL, WINDOWS DOWN

AN EXCLUSIVE ONE-ON-ONE WITH DARIUS RUCKER AHEAD OF HIS SONGS OF SUMMER TOUR STOP IN PHOENIX

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM WRIGHT

From Hootie & the Blowfish to a chart-topping solo career, from “Hold My Hand” to “Wagon Wheel,” Darius Rucker has built a catalog that doesn’t just span genres, it spans generations.

“When you start hearing the crowd sing louder than the band, you realize it’s something very special.”

He’s our June Men’s Issue cover because of that rare staying power. Not just the hits, but the way they’ve lived on. His career has never been about chasing trends, it’s about staying authentic to who he is, evolving without losing what made people connect to him in the first place. Decades in, that authenticity still shows up every time he steps on stage.

And in July, he brings that same energy to Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix for his Songs of Summer Tour. If you’ve ever been to a Darius Rucker show, you already know, it’s not about watching him perform. It’s about being part of it. A full room, every word sung back, moments that still land.

We caught up with Darius in the middle of it all, and what stands out isn’t just the longevity. It’s the way he still talks about what’s ahead.

YOU’VE SPENT DECADES PERFORMING AROUND THE WORLD. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, WHAT STILL EXCITES YOU ABOUT STEPPING ON STAGE?

Honestly, it’s still the connection. Every crowd is different, every room has its own energy, and you never know exactly how a night is going to unfold. That anticipation before every show and then that moment when you can feel the audience is right there with you, the feeling never gets old.

WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR CAREER SO FAR, IS THERE ONE MOMENT THAT STILL FEELS SURREAL?

There have been a lot of them, but the one that always pops into my head is David Letterman asking Hootie & the Blowfish to perform on his show. That changed our lives overnight.

YOUR SONGS FEEL DEEPLY PERSONAL, YET UNIVERSALLY UNDERSTOOD. WHERE DO YOUR BEST SONGWRITING IDEAS COME FROM?

Most of the time it’s just life. Something somebody says in passing, a memory from growing up, something you’re going

through right now. The best songs usually come from something real and finding the way to say it so that other people see themselves in it too.

EVERY ARTIST HAS A SONG THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING. WHEN DID YOU FIRST REALIZE ONE OF YOURS WAS BECOMING BIGGER THAN YOU IMAGINED?

“Hold My Hand” was our debut single and probably the first time I felt that. When you start hearing the crowd sing it louder than the band, you realize something special is happening.

“There’s always another song to write, another crowd to play for, another moment you didn’t see coming.”

YOU’VE WORKED WITH INCREDIBLE ARTISTS ACROSS GENRES. IS THERE A COLLABORATION THAT STAYED WITH YOU?

Oh goodness, there have been so many. I’ve been really fortunate. Singing with Adele is a memory that stands out because her voice is just on another level. I was in awe of her talent the whole time we were on stage together.

HAS THERE BEEN A MOMENT WHERE A CROWD REACTION TRULY CAUGHT YOU OFF GUARD?

The first time I heard a full arena singing “Wagon Wheel” back to me was pretty amazing. I knew people liked the song, but hearing thousands of voices take it over like that, that’ll stop you in your tracks for a second.

YOU’VE WATCHED THE MUSIC INDUSTRY EVOLVE. WHAT FASCINATES YOU MOST ABOUT HOW FANS DISCOVER MUSIC TODAY?

The access. When we started out you were hoping radio would take a chance on you. Now somebody halfway around the world can hear your song the minute it drops. That part is pretty amazing.

FANS OFTEN TIE YOUR MUSIC TO MAJOR LIFE MOMENTS. DO THOSE STORIES STAY WITH YOU?

All the time. People tell me they walked down the aisle to a song or it got them through a rough time. Those are the ones

that stick with you. You write these songs hoping they mean something to somebody, and then you hear those stories and realize they really do.

YOU NOW HAVE GENERATIONS OF FANS. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL?

That’s one of the coolest parts of this whole thing. You’ll see someone who’s been coming to shows since the ’90s and now they’ve got their kid on their shoulders singing along. That’s when you realize the music has kind of lived a life of its own.

FANS SEE THE STAGE. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL SHOW DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU NOW?

A lot different than it did in the early days. It’s pretty low key now, always a round of golf in the morning, usually a nap in the afternoon, then a pre-show toast with the band and crew right before we hit the stage.

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR LOVE OF GOLF.

Golf will humble you every single time you step on the course. You can hit one perfect shot and think you’ve figured it out, then the next swing reminds you that you haven’t. I love that challenge.

WHEN YOU’RE IN ARIZONA, ARE YOU FINDING TIME TO PLAY?

Oh, yeah. There are incredible courses out there. Desert golf is beautiful. I played a

show at the Waste Management Open a few years ago, too. That event is one of a kind.

HAS A ROUND EVER TURNED INTO SOMETHING MEMORABLE?

Definitely. You get four guys out there for four or five hours and the conversations go everywhere, so some of the best stories I’ve heard have happened walking down a fairway.

AFTER DECADES ON THE ROAD, WHAT SURPRISES PEOPLE MOST ABOUT TOURING?

How much waiting there is. People think it’s constant excitement, but there’s a lot of time between the big moments. Then you walk on stage and suddenly it’s electric.

IS THERE A SONG THAT STILL HITS YOU EMOTIONALLY EVERY TIME YOU PERFORM IT?

“Let Her Cry.” That one still gets me sometimes. There’s just something about that song that brings me right back to where I was when I wrote it.

HOW DO YOU BUILD A SETLIST TODAY?

You want to give people the songs they came to hear. That’s what I want as a fan, too. But you also want to mix in new stuff that keeps it fun for the band and for me. It’s all about finding balance.

YOUR MUSIC HAS BECOME THE SOUNDTRACK TO SO MANY ROAD TRIPS. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

It changes all the time, but right now it’s “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” by Paloma Faith.

“WAGON WHEEL” HAS BECOME A TRUE ANTHEM. WHY DO YOU THINK IT CONNECTS THE WAY IT DOES?

It’s simple and it feels good. It’s one of those songs where people can jump in right away and sing along.

THAT SONG HAS A LONG HISTORY. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO RECORD IT?

I knew the Old Crow version and loved it, but I always thought of it as more of a Bluegrass song. Then one day I was at a talent show at my daughter’s school and the faculty band was doing a more

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Country version. That made me see it in a whole new way and I called the head of my label that night to tell him I wanted to record it. I had no idea it would become what it did. I just thought it was a great song and wanted to put my spin on it.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A YOUNG MUSICIAN LEARNING YOUR SONGS TODAY?

First off, that’s awesome. Music is one of those things that sticks with you your whole life. Keep playing, keep learning songs you love, and most importantly just have fun with it.

AFTER EVERYTHING, WHAT STILL EXCITES YOU ABOUT WHAT’S AHEAD?

There’s always another song to write, another crowd to play for, another moment you didn’t see coming. As long as that’s still out there, I’m excited to keep going.

QUICK HITS WITH DARIUS

The song fans request the most “Wagon Wheel”

Which would you rather sing live: “Hold My Hand” or “Wagon Wheel”?... Depends on the night, but “Hold My Hand” always feels special.

Which one does the crowd sing louder?... “Wagon Wheel,” no question.

Dream duet… One thing left on my bucket list is to sing the hook on a big rap song. Eminem, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg… call me!

Dream course… I’ve been lucky to play some of the greats, but I’d love to play Augusta again.

Road trip song… “The What” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Song that takes you back to childhood Anything Al Green. Instantly takes me back to my mom.

First thing after walking off stage… Thank the local crew before they get to work.

Darius Rucker is bringing his Songs of Summer Tour 2026 to Phoenix on July 23rd, 2026. The concert will take place at Arizona Financial Theatre, setting the stage for a high-energy summer night of country hits and fan favorites.

IG @dariusrucker

Like Fathers, Like Sons

The

Mastro family legacy,

where good taste runs in the family.

ARTICLE BY NADINE BUBECK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Jeff Mastro. Mike Mastro. Dennis Mastro.

For more than three decades, these names have come to represent something steady. Not just great restaurants, but a standard people trust. Steak 44. Ocean 44. Dominick’s Steakhouse. Durant’s. Rooms that feel the same no matter how many times you walk into them. Familiar in the best way.

From Arizona to cities across the country, that consistency has held. Chicago. Beverly Hills. Del Mar. Newport Beach. Growth happened, but the feeling never changed.

That does not happen by accident. It happens over time. And more importantly, it happens when sons are close enough to see it.

Not all at once, but over years. In the way a father moves through his day, what he pays attention to, what he never lets slip, and what he always makes time for.

For Nicholas, Mike’s youngest, it begins in the quiet spaces most people never see.

“I always loved going to the restaurants with my dad and seeing what goes on behind the scenes,” he says. “He always worked so hard and you could tell how much he cared about every part of the business.”

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Dominick Mastro

Jake Mastro

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That is what stuck.

“It’s about showing up, being responsible, and pushing through even when things are difficult.”

For Dominick, though, everything shifted when watching became doing.

“When I first started with the company, I was just a busser, and I honestly had no idea where it would take me.”

Then came the realization.

“I saw firsthand how many people pour themselves into making it successful. I realized I wasn’t just working for the company, I was part of something much bigger than myself.”

For Zach, Mike’s son, it took time to recognize what had always been there.

“Something he has always done is put his family first in everything he does. Growing up, I probably didn’t fully understand it because it was just how he lived.”

Perspective changes everything.

“He wakes up every day thinking about how he can improve the lives of the people he loves,” Zach says.

“Whether it is working hard or helping in ways that often go unnoticed, he always does what he can to make life better for his family. He never makes a big deal about it or looks for recognition. He just does it because that is who he is.”

And when he thinks about it now, one moment comes to mind.

“If I had to describe him through one memory, it would be him surrounded by family or friends, making everyone laugh with some classic dad joke, while very quietly making sure everyone is taken care of. Hospitality has been a part of who he is for his entire life. It was never just his job. It is part of who he is.”

For Jake, Mike’s son, the first impression is something else entirely.

“He was often traveling for work and I thought that when your dad travels for work that means he’s really important. I always looked at him working and having to travel and I couldn’t wait to grow up and be able to do the same,” he shares.

But that wasn’t what defined him, even to this day.

“He always shows up,” Jake said. “Drops anything and everything for his family. If we show up unannounced to my parents house and he’s in a meeting or a call, he will call them back because his kids and grandkids are the most important thing to him.”

However, legacy, at its core, is family.

“I always knew he was building something special, but it fully clicked when I became part of the steakhouse team.”

And then, without ceremony, it became his to carry. Now he stands in both roles at once, son and father.

“My dad taught me to love hard but allow your children to learn through experience and allow them to make decisions of their own,” Jake says. “My dad gave us the freedom to make our own choices but steered us in the right direction when we veered the wrong way.”

And like every family, the lessons stay in the smallest ways.

The phrases that echo long after they are first said.

“You can’t help what you like, you can’t help what you don’t like.”

“Would your grandmother approve of that decision?”

“Don’t hesitate, give it gas.”

“Everything in moderation.”

They are simple, repeated, and remembered.

What the Mastro family has built is easy to point to: the restaurants, the expansion, the reputation. But that is not what holds it together.

“My father is a business genius who taught me the values of honor, respect, and passion,” says Dominick. “He showed me that work should not just be work, it should be your passion.”

And then the part that matters most.

“He taught me that success isn’t just about achievements and awards, but is about the relationships you build along the way.”

That is legacy, not simply what is built, but what is passed down, from father to son, and now from one generation to the next.

Jeff, Dennis, & Mike Mastro

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25 YEARS

LATER

As the Arizona Diamondbacks mark 25 years since the 2001 World Series, this isn’t just a story about a championship, it’s about a moment that never left. And for a brief window, we were able to step back into it.

We brought together Jay Bell, Luis Gonzalez, Greg Swindell, Matt Williams, Greg Colbrunn, and Mike Morgan, reflecting on a season that still lives in Arizona’s collective memory. A moment like this doesn’t happen often. The photo says it all.

Because before smartphones and social media, those who were there didn’t capture it. They carried it.

Luis Gonzalez still feels that every time someone stops him.

“When fans bring up 2001, they remember exactly where they were,” he says. “It never gets old. It feels like yesterday.”

Jay Bell remembers it from just a few feet away. Standing on third base, he watched the ball lift over Derek Jeter’s head, reacting before the stadium even had time to process what was happening.

“As soon as I saw it get over his head, I turned and started running home.”

But what defined that team wasn’t just one play. It was how they were built.

Veterans like Mark Grace and Matt Williams brought experience, composure, and an understanding of October that shaped the clubhouse. Grace delivered consistency and defense, finally earning the championship that had eluded him for years. Williams anchored the team with a steady presence and a bat that showed up when it mattered most. It was a group defined less by flash and more by trust, discipline, and a shared understanding of what it takes to win.

For Bell, the magnitude of it all didn’t fully land until the celebration.

“To be able to celebrate with my family on the field, seeing my mom and dad and my wife crying, that was the first time I realized how important it was,” he says.

For Greg Swindell, the moment is inseparable from the run itself.

“That World Series was one of the best of all time,” he says. “But if I could relive one moment, it would be running in from the bullpen after the game-winning hit. One of the best feelings ever.”

That feeling carried extra weight in 2001.

“At first, we didn’t even know if there would be baseball after 9/11,” Swindell says. “To go on and win, it meant something bigger than just us. It gave people a chance to step away from everything, even if just for a little while.”

Credit: Arizona Diamondbacks

Time has a way of reshaping moments like that. For the players, it has brought perspective.

“If I could talk to my younger self,” Gonzalez says, “I’d say enjoy the ride. You don’t know how many chances you’re going to get to do something like that. To be the guy who got the game-winning hit in a World Series, that’s part of baseball history.”

Bell puts it more simply.

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” he says. “Because it goes fast.”

What hasn’t changed is what defined the team itself.

“Play for each other,” Swindell says. “There wasn’t one selfish person on that team. That’s what made it special.”

Twenty five years later, that bond still holds.

“We’re a very tight team to this day,” Gonzalez says. “Whenever we get together, it feels like yesterday.”

And that’s what made this moment, this photo, matter.

Not just who they were then, but how it still feels now.

“This year we’re celebrating a milestone,” Swindell says. “The city deserved it. The state deserved it. I hope the fans are still as proud as we are.”

For Gonzalez, the meaning has only deepened with time.

“It’s incredible,” he says. “To celebrate it with our fans, with the former players, with this state. It’s special. It’s home.”

The Diamondbacks will honor that legacy with a season long tribute, culminating in a 25th Anniversary celebration on September 19th. The night will include throwback jerseys, former player appearances, and in-game moments that revisit the championship that defined a franchise.

“This was the first World Championship for any major team in the state of Arizona,” says Derrick Hall, President, CEO and General Partner of the Diamondbacks. “It remains a tremendous point of pride for our organization.”

mlb.com/dbacks/fans/ world-series-anniversary

Credit: Arizona Diamondbacks

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

How One Wildcat Became a Social Media Sensation With His Son, Baby G

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHAZ MCNELIS

With our demo fairly divided between Sun Devils and Wildcats, there’s one thing everyone can agree on right now. Everyone is cheering for Baby G.

Baby G is a little boy who has gone wildly viral, capturing national attention from Instagram feeds to major media, including the Today Show. If you’re a doom scroller, chances are you’ve paused on his face more than once.

But behind the views, the highlights, and the moment is a story that goes much deeper.

This Father’s Day, we’re spotlighting the young dad at the center of it all, Chaz McNelis, a University of Arizona baseball player living in real time the true meaning of what it takes to raise a child.

Because as his story unfolds on and off the field, one thing is clear: it takes a village.

Chaz was 19 when he found out he was going to be a father.

“It didn’t seem real,” he says. “It didn’t fully hit me until he came out. And then I was like, wow. It’s real now.”

There’s a version of this story people expect. The one where everything shifts. Where dreams get smaller.

He had that thought too, if only for a moment.

“One of my first thoughts was, I don’t want to have to quit baseball.”

But that’s not how this story unfolds.

“My mom was like, no. You can continue your dreams while also raising a kid. You’re going to have a bunch of support.”

Support became everything. Not just from family. From everywhere.

“My family has been awesome,” he says. “But it goes beyond that. It’s my teammates, my coaches, the training staff. People everywhere in Arizona and back home in Vegas. It’s been everyone.”

That word stays consistent when he talks. Everyone.

There’s also a question he gets often, especially as his story continues to grow.

Where is Baby G’s mom in all of this? Chaz is open about it. They dated in high school and are now co-parenting, focused on what is best for their son.

“We’re friends,” he says.

She remains largely behind the scenes, by choice.

“She loves it,” he says of the attention around Baby G. “She loves seeing how happy Baby G makes people. However, she personally prefers to stay more private.”

And while much of what the public sees centers around Chaz and the field, the structure behind it is shared.

Baby G lives in Las Vegas with his mom, surrounded by family, and travels back and forth to Arizona, where he steps into a completely different kind of family.

But before Arizona, before the viral video, and before Baby G became a name people recognize, Chaz had a story of his own. A story that has shaped him.

Chaz lost his father when he was just two years old. A car accident on the way home from work. His mom was pregnant with his younger brother at the time.

CONTINUED >

From that point on, everything he learned about resilience came from watching her.

“My mom could have given up, but she got up every day. She raised both of us. She never quit.”

That example shows up in the way he carries himself now: positive and unshaken.

“Life wouldn’t throw you these things if you couldn’t handle them,” he says. “I’ve always believed that.”

When Baby G was on the way, reality didn’t hit all at once. It came in layers. First the emotional weight, then the responsibility, then the unknown. And then something heavier.

Doctors discovered holes in Baby G’s heart before he was even born.

“Baby G had open heart surgery just weeks before I left for Arizona. They said he’d be in the hospital for a week, but got out in less than three days. That gave me a lot of fight.”

And yet, baseball never left. It sharpened.

At the College of Southern Nevada, everything changed for Chaz. He locked in, leaned out, and started playing at a completely different level, earning national recognition and quickly becoming one of the most sought-after transfers in the country.

But even as that momentum built, he never avoided the reality of his life. Every conversation started the same way. He told them he had a kid, and if it was a deal breaker, better to know.

However, it never was. If anything, it showed them who he was. Someone committed.

And Arizona saw that right away.

But of course, there’s a balance of being a young dad and being a young athlete.

During the week, he’s in the rhythm of baseball. Lifting, practice, everything that comes with playing at that level.

And then whenever he can, he’s a dad.

His life doesn’t look like most 20-yearolds. It’s earlier nights, different priorities, a constant shuffle that doesn’t really shut off.

CONTINUED >

“Diaper changes.”

But the way he talks about it, there’s no hesitation.

“When Baby G is in Tucson, he becomes part of everything. Breakfast at Bear Down Kitchen. Pancakes. Eggs. Yogurt. He’s a regular.”

Baby G is a part of it all. At the field before practice, taking swings, playing catch, right there with the Arizona baseball team. And that team is what changes everything, showing in real time what it really means when people say it takes a village.

“They’re his uncles. They feed him. They hold him. They cut up his fruit. They give him snacks. They teach him.”

In other words, this group of late-teen, early-20s guys show up.

“Every day is like a learning opportunity for them. To be ready to be dads one day.”

And Instagram has taken notice in a major way.

“One post got like 50,000 views. Then another got a million and a half overnight. Crazy. It’s proof people appreciate authenticity. And the strong majority are extremely supportive and have embraced it with such positivity.”

Chaz has nearly half a million followers.

A notable viral moment? Baby G’s first pitch.

“It was a packed stadium and people were so excited. He was saying hi to everyone before. He knew just what to do. When he tossed the ball, the crowd erupted. After the game, people lined

up for his autograph. As a dad, it made me feel super grateful. Just seeing how much support and love we really have.”

Of course, this story is not about glorifying teen pregnancy. If anything, it’s about what happens when life doesn’t go as planned and you choose to step up instead of step back. It’s about a kid who lost his dad and is embracing the opportunity to be one. It’s about a village; family, coaches, teammates, rallying around him.

“Sure, with visibility comes noise, but you have to ignore it. You can’t let it get to you.”

Currently, Chaz is sidelined with a fractured fibula hoping to get back on the field soon.

“It’s hard. But of course I’m not surrendering my big baseball dreams.”

However, ask him who he is, and the answer does not waver.

“A dad. I never want baseball to be my identity. No matter what happens, I have Baby G.”

This Father’s Day, his story lands differently.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And the hope that starting young, sharing the game he loves, might one day bring them full circle.

“I want to be on the same field as him one day. Like the Griffeys.”

IG @cmcnelis41

Courtside to Corneas

TRUSTED BY ATHLETES, DEFINED THROUGH A LENS OF PRECISION.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

He might be the coolest eye doctor you’ll meet, but Dr. Jay Arora doesn’t lean on that.

He’s just as likely to be courtside as he is in the operating room, moving easily between athletes, artists, and everyday patients who all trust him the same way. The Scottsdale office reflects it. Clean, intentional, a little unexpected. Photos, memorabilia, names you recognize. Devin Booker. Sean O’Malley. OBJ. The Chainsmokers. It’s not a flex. It’s just who he treats. “I treat every patient the same way I’d treat my mom,” he says. “The same care, the same attention, no matter who you are.”

That philosophy defines everything.

“AN NFL QUARTERBACK WHO NEEDS

RAZOR-SHARP

PERIPHE RAL VISI ON? WE BUILD AROUND THAT. I TREAT EVERY PATIENT LIKE I’D TREAT MY MOM.”

After medical school, Dr. Arora wasn’t set on ophthalmology. A year volunteering in India changed that. Teaching at an orphanage, he witnessed the impact of accessible eye care in real time.

“Watching someone walk in blind and leave seeing the next day… that changed everything for me.”

He returned to the U.S., completed his residency and fellowship in New York City, and built his foundation in a large group practice. But when the pandemic hit, he saw an opportunity to create something more personal.

“I saw how impersonal healthcare could be. I wanted to build something more human.”

Arora Eye was born from that idea. A boutique, concierge-style practice in Scottsdale rooted in precision, personalization, and experience.

Today, Arora Eye is known not only for its world-class LASIK and eye care services, but for its highly curated feel. Designer wallpaper. Versace accents. A sneaker wall that includes everything from Off-White to Dior Jordans. But the luxury isn’t just in the décor, it’s in the details.

“I’m obsessive about the small things. Whether it’s the artwork on the wall or the curvature of your cornea, it all matters.”

That level of detail has drawn a high-performing clientele across sports, music, and entertainment. But for Dr. Arora, it has never been about status.

“It’s always been organic. One great experience leads to another. People talk.”

And the relationships often extend well beyond the office.

“Sean O’Malley and I connected right away. Jeff Hamilton made custom jackets for our wedding. These are real relationships.”

At the center of it all is precision medicine. Dr. Arora specializes in advanced LASIK, including Contoura, one of the most personalized forms of vision correction available.

“There’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. An athlete, a musician, someone on a screen all day, they all have different needs. We build around that.”

He also emphasizes the importance of preventative care.

“We’re scanning every layer of the eye. You might feel fine, but we can catch early signs of things like diabetes or neurological issues. The eyes tell a much bigger story.”

And when it comes to everyday habits, he’s direct.

“Don’t sleep in your contacts. And if you’re relying on them daily, come talk to me about LASIK. It changes your life.” CONTINUED >

Dr. Arora with Dillon Brooks

When asked who’s on his dream patient list...

“LeBron and Drake. Hopefully they’re reading this.”

Outside the office, Dr. Arora is often found courtside with his wife at Suns games, at the driving range next to PGA/LIV Golf icon Jon Rahm, or traveling between Arizona and Los Angeles.

But inside Arora Eye, the mission stays the same.

“You’ve got one set of eyes. Take care of them. And if you ever need help, I’ve got you.”

aroraeye.com

Dr. Arora is excited to debut an extension of his office space, advancing innovation in eye care and further elevating the patient experience. Stay tuned!

Sky Rock and the happiest hour in the desert

SEDONA’S BEST SEAT AT SUNSET

There’s a moment in Sedona that everyone chases.

Not the hike. Not the vortex. Not even the stillness people talk about.

It’s that window just before sunset, when the red rocks begin to shift. When the light softens, the colors deepen, and for a brief stretch of time, everything feels almost unreal.

Most people try to catch it somewhere out on a trail.

The smarter move is knowing exactly where to sit.

Sky Rock Sedona quietly holds one of the best vantage points in Sedona, and more importantly, it has built an entire experience around it.

This is not just where you stay. This is where your day lands.

By late afternoon, something starts to pull you back to property.

Maybe you spent the morning on the trails, stepping straight from Sky Rock onto nearby paths with guidance from the team who seem to know Sedona in a way that goes far beyond a map. They call themselves “Vortex Hunters,” but what they really offer is access. Guided vortex hikes, wine tours woven into the landscape, custom itineraries designed around what you’re actually looking for, whether that’s adventure, connection, or something harder to define.

Or maybe your morning stayed closer to home.

Daily yoga and meditation are offered complimentary, approachable whether you’re committed or just curious. The weekly sound bath is something else entirely, a full sensory reset using crystal singing bowls, shamanic drums, rattles, and gongs that quiet the nervous system without asking anything from you. You simply lie back and let it happen.

Either way, by 5:00 p.m., there’s only one place to be.

Bar Woo Woo.

Set on a wide-open deck overlooking the red rocks, Bar Woo Woo has quietly become one of the most compelling happy hour and nightlife destinations in Sedona, a place the town has historically lacked. A year-round patio, heated when needed, open to the sky, layered with firepits and lounge seating that invite you to stay.

And right as the light begins to change, the Moonrise Ceremony begins.

Guests gather, drinks in hand, as the moon rises over the rocks. You’re invited to set an intention, nothing forced, nothing performative, just a moment. A signature cocktail is passed, the Mezcal Moonrise, layered with Montelobos mezcal, blood orange, agave, butterfly pea flower, and fresh lime, its color shifting with the light around you.

For a moment, everything slows.

And then the night builds.

Live music takes over seven nights a week, not as background noise, but as part of the experience. On Wednesdays, Michael Kollwitz blends music, storytelling, and humor with a Chapman Stick, pulling guests into something memorable and unexpected. Fridays shift into a different rhythm, with Patrick Ki’s guitar and ukulele creating a laid-back, magnetic energy, often joined by a trio that carries the night forward.

You settle in without realizing it.

Cocktails arrive, each one crafted with intention. The Desert Vortex, built on bourbon with Cointreau and vermouth. The Woo Woo, bright with vodka, Aperol, elderflower, and citrus. Even the zero-proof Red Rock Sunset feels layered and considered.

Food follows without ever needing to leave your seat. A Sky Rock smash burger with double patties and cheddar. A Southwest grilled chicken club with guacamole and applewood bacon. Small plates that feel rooted in place, adobo chicken taquitos with avocado crema, a green chili tamale with Sedona red sauce, house-made guacamole with fresh pico. And then, unexpectedly, a true Italian pizza oven turning out wood-fired pies made from imported dough, crisp, simple, and perfect for sharing.

CONTINUED >

“It’s that window just before sunset, when the light softens, the colors deepen, and for a moment, everything feels almost unreal.”

You look up, and the sky has shifted again.

Gold to pink. Pink to deep violet.

And still, no one leaves.

Mornings begin differently here.

Sedona invites early starts, but Sky Rock gives you options. A guided hike. A quiet meditation. Or something entirely unexpected, like palmistry with Cynthia Clark, who has read thousands of hands and somehow makes you see your own differently. Or a session with resident pet psychic Maia Kincaid, offering both group classes and private readings that feel surprisingly insightful.

Even the small details lean into the experience. A retail shop on property offers crystals, sage, and pieces that feel like extensions of Sedona itself, alongside hats, hoodies, and even dog bandanas, because yes, Sky Rock is fully pet-friendly and leans into it.

By night, the experience expands again.

Stargazing becomes something far beyond looking up. Led by Dennis Young, a professional stargazer with more than 40 years of experience, the Sedona by Starlight program transforms the sky into something interactive. Giant custom telescopes bring planets, star clusters, and distant galaxies into view. Night vision goggles and military-grade binoculars reveal layers you didn’t know existed.

It’s immersive. It’s unexpected. And it stays with you.

If you’re looking for something more grounded, the treatment room offers that too.

The Embodiment session blends intuitive guidance with massage, energy work, and aromatherapy. The Alchemy Signature layers sound therapy into a fully customized experience. The Adventurer focuses on deep tissue and recovery for those who spent the day outside. And the Face Massage Ritual works through tension in the face, neck, and scalp using botanical elixirs designed to restore and revive.

It’s wellness, but done in a way that feels aligned with where you are.

And then there’s summer.

It’s warm. It’s Sedona. But it’s also when Sky Rock opens up in a way most people don’t think about. You hike earlier. You linger longer at the pool. The rhythm adjusts.

Sky Rock doesn’t try to redefine Sedona. It simply gives you the best way to experience it.

Adventure at your fingertips. Healing built into the stay. And just enough of Sedona’s signature “woo” to make it feel interesting, without ever feeling overwhelming. And every night, it all comes back to that moment.

A drink in hand. The sky shifting. The red rocks glowing just before they fade.

The best happy hour views in Sedona.

And once you’ve had that seat, it’s hard to imagine doing Sedona any other way.

skyrocksedona.com

Drew Armenta Founder

Elevated Classics

AN EXCERPT FROM EPISODE 6 OF SHARE THE LIFESTYLE, A CITY LIFESTYLE PODCAST

Photographer: Brittany Dawn Short

Creative Director: Jen Birn

Stylist: Stephanie Coultress O’Neill

Location: Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, TX

MIKE JOHNSON HAS BUILT HIS LIFE AROUND ONE QUIETLY RADICAL IDEA: THE STANDARD YOU SET PRIVATELY IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS.

After eight years in the Air Force, a celebrated run on national television, and a health crisis abroad that sent him deep into supply chains and ingredient certifications most founders never touch, the result is Oshun — a luxury ritual brand built on provenance you can trace and integrity you can verify. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Mike shares what it actually takes to build something worth putting your name on. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full episode.

Q: YOU BECAME A FAN FAVORITE ON THE BACHELORETTE AND THEN LEFT THE SPOTLIGHT. YOU MOVED TO MEXICO, LEARNED SPANISH, THEN COSTA RICA, AND BUILT A COMPANY. WHAT DID THAT EXPERIENCE TEACH YOU ABOUT HUMAN BEHAVIOR?

A: “If you’re a good person going in, that shows. If you’re not, that shows too. I also learned that people form this parasocial relationship with you — they assume things about you. When all actuality, different circumstances bring out different parts of who you are. I was on TV trying to find love. The kindness people were showing after felt a bit fake, because they wanted to be a part of something that isn’t who I am individually, but a part of what they saw on TV. And so I had to get away from everybody and everything and the noise.”

THE QUIET STANDARD:

MIKE JOHNSON

“Too many people have prayed for me. So I’ve got to get up and do the walking.”

— Mike Johnson

Q: YOU JOINED THE AIR FORCE RIGHT OUT OF COMMUNITY COLLEGE. WHAT WERE YOU ACTUALLY RUNNING TOWARD?

A: “There was something in me that was saying: I’m not living up to my full potential. I was being a follower. My uncle said, ‘What’s going to make you become an adult the fastest?’ I said, obviously, the military. The Air Force broadened my thought process more than anything. We’re so caught up in our own perception — when you learn to understand different people’s perspectives, it adds to you in so many ways.”

Q: WITH OSHUN, YOU OWN YOUR MANUFACTURING, YOU EMPLOY A CHEMIST, EVERY PRODUCT HAS A BATCH NUMBER TRACEABLE TO ITS ORIGIN DATE. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO THAT DEEP WITH THE BRAND?

A: “The EU bans 1,100 ingredients in personal care products. The U.S. bans nine. That’s my starting point. Oftentimes, it might be the same ingredient, but it comes from a place where it doesn’t have the highest purity. And 60% of what we put on our skin is absorbed. Every product Oshun makes carries a batch number that goes back to the exact day it was created — I can show you every single supplier, the date, the origin. I own more than one part of the supply chain because that’s the only way I can stand behind what’s in the bottle.”

This conversation is just the beginning. Mike goes deeper into why he’s buying land up north, the family in the Philippines who prayed over his factory floor, and what he’d tell every person ready to stop performing and start building. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.