The Team
Who We Are
The Desert Vibe Podcast exists to be a true home base for the Arizona music scene—delivering full-length, laid-back conversations with Arizona musicians, plus shout-outs to local bands and live shows so listeners can stay connected to what’s happening next.
The show is hosted by founder Walt Richardson alongside Glen Gardner, blending legacy scene knowledge with current gigging momentum, while Emma & James Mattison support the project as the podcast’s marketing/PR and promotions team to help amplify artists and grow community reach.
The show features a special ending section featuring a roundtable of Arizona regional representatives in the "What's Vibin' in the Desert" segment. This segment is a colorful, unbiased representation of what's going on across Arizona in the music scene, how you can get involved, and what to look forward to. Those participating in this segment include, but are not limited to: Glen Gardner representing the West Valley, Walt Richardson representing Central / East Valley, Drew Hall representing Northern Arizona, Jamirae representing Southeast Arizona / Pinal County, Jeff Rocx representing Southern Arizona, and more to be announced.
WALTER RICHARDSON
Co-Founder & Host
Walt Richardson (AZ Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame) is a Tempe-area singer-songwriter and community connector who also hosts the radio show “My World of Music” (KRDP Jazz/Radio Phoenix). He’s the longtime host of Walk-In Wednesdays Open Mic at the Tempe Center for the Arts, and he founded The Desert Vibe to spotlight and uplift Arizona artists through real conversations and community momentum.
GLEN GARDNER
Co-Founder & Host
Glen Gardner is a Phoenix-based singer/songwriter with 53+ years in the music and entertainment world, with experience spanning radio/television, band history, and a long-running solo career. He was a founding member of the band Jif and the Choosy Mothers, which played for decades and opened for acts like ZZ Top and Gin Blossoms, and he later led Glen Gardner & Associates, consulting for music-industry clients.
EMMA & JAMES MATTISON
Marketing & PR
Emma & James are an Arizona-based indie-blues duo known for soulful vocals, guitar/vocal-driven arrangements, and emotionally honest songwriting that blends blues, indie, and rock influences. They perform across Arizona at venues and festivals, bringing a raw-but-classy live energy and tight musical chemistry to every set. Emma & James serve as The Desert Vibe’s marketing and public relations team, supporting promotions, guest outreach, partnerships, and overall brand growth for the podcast.
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What's Vibin' in the Desert
The show wraps up with “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert,” a fun, unbiased roundtable highlighting what’s happening across Arizona’s music scene. Regional contributors from around the state share local events, opportunities, and upcoming happenings, giving listeners a statewide snapshot of what to check out and what’s on the horizon.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AS A REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE?
Help represent Arizona’s music community!
We’re building an unbiased, statewide snapshot of Arizona’s music scene and are looking for passionate musicians, promoters, venue owners, and community members to serve as regional contributors for our new segment, “What’s Vibin’ in the Desert.”
As a regional contributor, you’ll share a 2-3 minute update highlighting live music events, open mics, jam sessions, festivals, showcases, and other opportunities happening in your area. This is a service-oriented segment designed to help musicians discover new opportunities, build community, and stay connected with what’s happening across Arizona.
If you’re interested in representing your region, simply email contact@thedesertvibepodcast.com and let us know which region (from the table below) you’d like to cover.
Contributors rotate within each region, and updates can be shared live during the podcast or submitted as a short prerecorded video, making this a flexible, low-commitment volunteer opportunity with a meaningful impact on Arizona’s music community.
REGION | COVERAGE AREA |
|---|---|
Southwest Arizona | Yuma, Somerton, San Luis, Wellton |
Southern Arizona | Tucson, Oro Valley, Marana, Sierra Vista, Nogales, Green Valley |
White Mountains / Rim Country | Payson, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Snowflake, Taylor, Springerville |
Southeast Arizona / Pinal County | Queen Creek, Florence, Casa Grande, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, Maricopa |
Central / East Valley | Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Ahwatukee |
West Valley | Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Goodyear, Avondale, Litchfield Park, Buckeye |
Colorado River / Northwest Arizona | Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City, Kingman, Parker |
Northern Arizona | Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Cottonwood, Sedona, Jerome, Flagstaff |