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Sedona's Backstage Pass
Sedona's Backstage Pass
Author: Shondra Jepperson
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Sedona’s Backstage Pass with Shondra takes you beyond the red rocks and into the heart of Sedona’s vibrant culture. From exclusive artist interviews and local legends to hidden venues and must-see events, this is your all-access ticket to the stories, sounds, and spirit that make Sedona truly unforgettable.
43 Episodes
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Today Shondra leads us"backstage" with the heavy hitters of Sedona hospitality! First, the legendary Chef Lisa Dahl joins us to share the heart behind her 30-year culinary empire and her inspiring new mission with the Lisa Dahl Foundation. Then, we talk to the ultimate event-architects, Kyrsta and Phil Gornik, owners of Verve Events & Tents. From fine dining to the "warehouse of wonders" that builds our city's biggest celebrations, discover the passion and grit it takes to create Sedona’s most iconic moments
What happens when you put an engineer and a soul artist in the same room? Find out when Shondra interviews to visionary masters. Whether Luke Sefton is navigating complex land surveys or Wendy Smith (aka Sage O’Brien) is mapping the energy of a human soul, both are experts at seeing what others might miss.
Shondra dives into the "architecture of the soul" and how these two build in the community and beyond—that is both structurally sound and spiritually vibrant. It’s where the concrete meets the cosmic!
Get ready for a high-energy show as Shondra dives into the soulful sounds of Sedona with the incredibly talented singer-songwriter Jerry McFarland! Jerry joins Shondra to share the stories behind his lyrics and give us a backstage pass to his upcoming performance in her In the Living Room Music Series at Mary Fisher Theatre. The fun continues as she rolls out the red carpet for the return of our favorite monthly history buff, Nate Meyers, Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum! From local melodies to Sedona history secrets, it’s a morning of red rock rhythms and deep roots!
This week on Sedona’s Backstage Pass, Shondra takes a deep dive into the heart of our community!
First, we sit down with Debbie Johnson, the powerhouse owner of Cleaner Quicker Car Wash. In Part 1 of this candid conversation, we explore the messy, beautiful juggling act of being a businesswoman when "life happens" and the world throws you a curveball. Then, we shift from the hustle into total restoration with our second guest, Danielle McNeal Strabala, Artistic Director of The Sedona Dance Project. Danielle is bringing the future of wellness to Sedona, introducing us to the transformative world of Haptic Therapy and Sound Sessions.
On this episode of Shondra’s, Sedona’s Backstage Pass, we’re diving into deep legacy and rising stardom! First, we’re joined by Luke Sefton and his sister, Jane Sefton, for a meaningful conversation about the family business. Jane shares her professional expertise on the vital—yet often overlooked—importance of preparing for funeral arrangements in advance, offering a grounded perspective on caring for our loved ones. Then, we’re flipping the script and heading back to the high-octane energy of July 2024! Recorded just as the cameras stopped rolling, we catch up with the talented young stars of the Dev Ross and Shondra’s production "High School Detention The Musical" (formerly Weird Detention), which premieres in the 2026 Sedona International Film Festival, Sat. Feb. 28th at 4 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. Join Sarah Orbe, Ajna Masters, and Lazor Lanson as they bring the "backstage pass" energy, sharing what it was like to be on set for during their musical movie journey.
Enjoy an inspiring double feature perfect for anyone who loves art, history, and the stories that touch the soul. Shondra welcomes back Nate Meyers, the executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, to share more captivating tales that brings Sedona‘s rich history to life. Then, be inspired by Jill Trenholm, a talented sculptor and singer songwriter, as she shares her creative journey and sings one of her beautiful songs.
Today on Sedona’s Backstage Pass, Shondra continues her conversation with culinary legend Chef Lisa Dahl on the art of atmosphere, followed by the amazing artist and media genius, Mark Short! Join us for an hour of artistry and inspiration!
It’s a 'Powerhouse' takeover in the studio!
This week, Shondra is joined by the amazing Tiffanie J. Lord, whose art and photography empower women to see their own strength, after her first guest, force of nature herself, Chef Lisa Dahl. Shondra dives into the secret ingredient of Lisa's success—the importance of ambiance—and things get delicious when Lisa puts Shondra’s own homemade Toll House cookies to the test! Tune in for a soulful conversation about art, atmosphere, and the beauty of making time for what matters.
Today, Shondra’s giving us an all-access pass with two of Sedona’s finest! First up, it’s Debbie Johnson, the high-energy powerhouse behind the legendary Cleaner Quicker Car Wash. Then, the magic continues with world-renowned Steinway Artist Sandrine Erdely-Sayo. From the drive it takes to build a local empire to the soul it takes to master the keys, it’s a fun, intimate look at the passion that fuels the top of any craft. Don’t miss this mix of community heart and musical soul!
Fresh off her massive 30th-anniversary "Film & Feast" gala, Lisa shares the inspiration behind her Christmas specials and the heart-warming mission of Soup Hope. Whether you’re dreaming of a six-course Italian "Divine Romance" or a cozy wood-fired pizza by the fire, Lisa explains why cooking with love is the ultimate holiday gift. Then, we shift from the kitchen to the quilting frame with Lori Feine, the creative powerhouse and Show Chair for the Red Rock Quilters Guild. Lori gives us an exclusive "sneak peek" at the upcoming 2026 Quilt Show at the Sedona Public Library.
This week, Shondra takes us behind the scenes with two fantastic guests. First, community leader and philanthropist, and owner of Sefton Engineering, Luke Sefton, who shares stories worth tuning in for! Then, get ready for the FUN factor as we welcome John O’Brien, a comedian and the Red Rock High School sports announcer, who steps up to the mic to share some laughs and highlights. It’s the perfect mix of community insights and stand-up fun!
Today on Sedona’s Backstage Pass is a perfect blend of history and art! Shondra welcomes back Nate Meyers, Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, to talk about their latest events and intriguing stories from the heart of Red Rock Country. Then she welcomes Danielle McNeal Strabala from Sedona Dances to discuss her mission to bring diverse, expressive movement arts to the community.
Grab your all-access Sedona's Backstage Pass, as Shondra gets up close and personal with two incredibly inspiring women! She welcomes back the one and only powerhouse, Debbie Johnson (owner of Cleaner Quicker Carwash), for conversations about her amazing spirit, personal journey, and the stories behind the business! Then, Shondra shines the spotlight on award-winning Director and Writer, Amy Waddell! Amy directed Dev Ross’ and Shondra’s movie musical, High School Detention The Musical (aka WEirD Detention.) Amy shares stories of her career as a filmmaker and writer, as well as growing up with her legendary artist parents, John and Ruth Waddell.
Grab your Backstage Pass for a double dose of Sedona magic! First, the culinary queen herself, Chef Lisa Dahl, returns for the highly anticipated Part 2 of her incredible interview. Then, buckle up as award-winning journalist and advertising account executive Stephen Hanks steps into the spotlight. Today is packed with behind-the-scenes flavor, insights, and fascinating stories!
Sedona Back Stage Pass welcomes two heavy hitters! Shondra sits down with world-renowned culinary powerhouse Chef Lisa Dahl to discuss her passion, inspiration, and Project Soup Hope. Then, we dive deep into the world of classical music with William C. White, the masterful Conductor and Executive Director of the Sedona Symphony. It's a VIP episode mixing the best of flavor and sound!
Welcome back to Sedona's Backstage Pass—the only place where we pull back the curtain on the legends, the leaders, and the true heart of the magical Red Rock country! Today, we are featuring two segments of absolute Red Rock Royalty! First up, Shondra welcomes the always interesting Luke Sefton of Sefton Engineering! He's going to share the insights, the excitement, and the incredible perspective it takes to lead a top-tier operation in this community. Then, stick around because we'll be talking to the man who literally put Sedona on the map—with his famous Sedona Maps—the community leader and creator, Sedona Al Comello!
In this episode, Shondra gives you an exclusive peek behind the curtain with Nate Meyers, Executive Director of Sedona Heritage Museum, who reveals the criteria curators use to select their fascinating displays. You’ll also enjoy a delightful deep dive with Wendy Lippman, Managing Partner and GM of the enchanting Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village! You’ll hear about an unforgettable event blending art, dance, and music that showcases the powerful sculptures of the late John Waddell. AND.. just in case you weren't charmed enough, there's even talk of chocolate!
Join us for some serious FUN! Tommy Acosta, owner of Sedona.Biz, is here to give us a backstage pass to the wildly entertaining stories from his life as a musician, writer, and publisher. Shondra also welcomes back one of her favorite powerhouses in Sedona, Debbie Johnson, from Cleaner Quicker Car Wash!
Get ready for an episode that’s fun, informative, and full of wonderful things happening in Sedona!
This week, Nate Meyers, the Executive Director of the Sedona Heritage Museum, will fill us in on all the upcoming holiday events scheduled at the museum and share some fun stories.
Then Shondra chats with Stacy Davidson, the owner of Medically Yours Medi Spa, who will share info on the new innovative treatments her spa offers that will have you looking and feeling your best. History and wellness, and everything in between—be sure to tune in!
This week on Sedona's Backstage Pass, Shondra welcomes back renowned culinary artist Chef Lisa Dahl to continue her fascinating interview. She's joined by Han Myung, a Tao Master and spiritual healer from the Sedona Mago Center, who shares wisdom on energy training and meditation. From the art of the perfect dish to the mastery of the mind, this episode offers a unique blend of passion, peace, and practical enlightenment. Don't miss this soulful journey!






















