From Pain To Promise
From Pain to Promise features raw, honest conversations with elite athletes, country music stars, celebrities, and leaders — including Aaron Boone (MLB) and Tom Lehman (PGA Tour) — sharing how they navigated setbacks, pressure, and life’s hardest seasons. Each episode offers hope, highlights meaningful relationships, and spotlights a nonprofit close to our guest’s heart.
From Pain To Promise
Welcome to the WM Phoenix Open 2026
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Welcome to From Pain to Promise: Live from the 2026 WM Phoenix Open
What if the greatest story of the WM Phoenix Open wasn't found inside the ropes?
Every year, hundreds of thousands of fans gather for one of the most electrifying weeks in professional golf. They come for the world's best players, unforgettable moments, and the unmatched energy that has made the WM Phoenix Open one of the most iconic tournaments on the PGA TOUR. But behind every birdie, every championship moment, and every cheering crowd is an even greater story—the story of the Thunderbirds and the extraordinary charitable impact that has transformed Arizona communities for decades.
Hosted by Erin Kalin, From Pain to Promise takes you behind the scenes of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open, offering exclusive access to the people who make this incredible week possible. From in-depth conversations with Thunderbird leadership to inside-the-ropes interviews with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, this series brings listeners closer than ever to the heart of the tournament.
Throughout tournament week, Erin sat down with Thunderbird Tournament Chairman Jason Eisenberg for an exclusive conversation about the mission, leadership, and purpose behind the WM Phoenix Open, while also bringing you exclusive interviews and inside-the-ropes moments with PGA TOUR stars Jake Knapp and Tony Finau, Olympic legend Michael Phelps and Nichole Phelps, Arizona icon Larry Fitzgerald, Super Bowl Champion Travis Kelce, country music star Zach Top, and many more athletes, entertainers, business leaders, and changemakers who came together for one unforgettable week.
Some conversations are in-depth sit-down interviews. Others are quick, exclusive moments captured inside the ropes during tournament week. Together, they provide a unique perspective on the personalities, passion, and purpose behind one of the world's greatest sporting events.
But this podcast is about much more than golf.
It's about resilience. Leadership. Service. Giving back. It's about the moments that shaped these remarkable individuals long before they became household names. Every guest shares lessons learned through adversity, success, failure, perseverance, and purpose—proving that our greatest challenges often become the foundation for our greatest impact.
At the center of this series are the Thunderbirds, the dedicated organization whose commitment to philanthropy has made the WM Phoenix Open one of the most impactful sporting events in the world. While millions know the tournament for its excitement, the Thunderbirds' greatest legacy is what happens long after the final putt drops. Through decades of volunteerism and charitable giving, they have generated hundreds of millions of dollars for Arizona nonprofits, supporting children's organizations, education, healthcare, military veterans, first responders, youth programs, and countless community initiatives that continue to change lives across the state.
Every episode celebrates not only remarkable people, but also the power of using success to serve others. Whether you're a fan of golf, sports, philanthropy, leadership, or inspiring stories, you'll discover the heart behind the headlines and the purpose behind the platform.
Because the greatest story of the WM Phoenix Open isn't only what happens inside the ropes.
It's what happens because of the people behind them.
Welcome to From Pain to Promise, live from the 2026 WM Phoenix Open—where every story has a purpose, every conversation inspires hope, and every episode reminds us that pain can become promise.
Every year, more than 700,000 fans gather in Arizona for the WM Phoenix Open, home to the largest crowds in golf and one of the most passionate fan experiences in all of sports. The iconic 16th hole and unforgettable atmosphere transformed the valley into the center of the golf world. At the heart of it all are the Thunderbirds, whose unwavering commitment to philanthropy has made the WM Phoenix Open one of the most impactful sporting events in the world. Through their dedication to giving back, they've raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Arizona charities. I'm incredibly grateful they championed me and welcomed me behind the scenes to share these stories. From sitting down with the 2026 tournament chairman Jason Eisenberg to conversations with Tony Final, Jake Knapp, Larry Fitzgerald, Travis Kelsey, Michael and Nicole Phelps, Zach Topp, and others, this was a day I will truly never forget. I am so excited to share these conversations with you and for you to get to see the heart behind the WM Phoenix Open and the Thunderbird charities. Welcome to the podcast. Hey guys, this is where we're doing the podcast from. We're gonna step there, but we're gonna go meet some players right now on the range. Guys, look at this.
SPEAKER_03What's going on?
SPEAKER_04What's going on? Say hi, Vlog.
SPEAKER_03How are you doing, Vlog?
SPEAKER_04Um, you're incredible.
SPEAKER_03Thank you.
SPEAKER_04The philanthropic work you do for the community is unbelievable.
SPEAKER_03Thank you. We got a lot more to do.
SPEAKER_04We're checking out.
SPEAKER_03Yeah.
SPEAKER_04And we love Center's journeys. We're so grateful for them and so excited to watch which hole are you most nervous for in this background?
SPEAKER_0316, of course, you know. You want to make sure you hit the green.
SPEAKER_04I mean, let's go. You're gonna hit the green.
SPEAKER_06Oh my god.
SPEAKER_04How did you play?
SPEAKER_06Oh, I'll play it all.
SPEAKER_04How important is being true about the play? The Phoenix open, but the Thunder Tower was falling.
SPEAKER_03You heard there is one let's do it to love the channel. It's incredible. You know, it's it's unlike in another golf one. But I think that's what makes it so possible to play. Like when you come out here and play the TPC, it's gonna look completely different without the standards. Um this time of year you always expect the weather to be like this, and uh a lot of fun, right? Like a couple great shots, we embarrass ourselves like we always do, but like part of this game, honestly, the thought again, what the Thunderbirds do, uh being able to play with Lulu and watch Lulu with a couple of things six teams and her mentioned what she's gonna do. Uh it's just really good.
SPEAKER_04Okay, cool. Speaking of shots, what was your favorite shot to watch in play with I actually enjoyed the first team because you had a very good team shot and I like watching one of the I know we like to do so.
SPEAKER_03It's true. I mean, like, honestly, like when I come here, there's two shots you want to get well. You want to you want to get off the one and you want to have a decent amount of 16. That's 50% today, but I got one more shot at 16 and stuff.
SPEAKER_04I'm so excited for you. I just want to thank you both, but I also just think your wife is such an inspiration, I think, to so many women, including myself. I'm a mother of four and watching you as a mom. It's so you're so beautiful inside and out, and just the way that you guys champion others, the way that you champion people from mental health. I am so so grateful that there are people like you both in this world.
SPEAKER_02So thank you for a little while.
SPEAKER_04Um, of like a bouncer, like a club way.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, it's kind of cool. Yeah, it was different. Um I'm I'm glad I'm doing this and not that. Yeah, yeah.
SPEAKER_04And I was gonna say, I'm sure that there's a way. I mean, it's easy to like put the sound bits to that. Of course. Okay, wait, tell me when we clap in. We're good. Okay, ready, one, two, three. Okay, Jake, now it's so wonderful to have you on the podcast. Of course. Um, thank you. I am first, I'm so blown away by how much you care about your fans and watching you with them. I watched you multiple times today. Take time, stop, talk to all the kids, and you were the last one on the green just now.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I mean it's uh I think it's just one of those things we have a unique opportunity to maybe make somebody's day. I mean, we all kind of have that one moment that we remember, you know, when we were kids getting something signed or getting to meet somebody, or even when somebody just looks in your direction. So you just never know you know what little moment might spark someone in somebody, and then you're out here in a few years.
SPEAKER_04Who is your moment?
SPEAKER_02Uh Tiger.
SPEAKER_04Oh. Yeah. Will you tell me about it?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, I I I went down to go watch the uh the match play event they used to have in San Diego. Um and I was just begging for a golf ball all day, and then once the match was over, Stevie and them or Stevie and Tiger walked into the locker room and I thought they were gone. And then Stevie walked out and just tossed me a ball, and then I've it's the only kind of golf memorabilia that I still have.
SPEAKER_04Okay, that's such a cool story. How old were you?
SPEAKER_02I was probably couldn't have been more than like 10-ish years old, something like that.
SPEAKER_04That's amazing. Wow, that's really cool.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, um very unique experience for sure.
SPEAKER_04Okay, so one thing that I'm just so excited to highlight is that this open does so much philanthropically for Arizona. And where wait, where do you live?
SPEAKER_02Uh I'm here now. I was here about two years ago.
SPEAKER_04Welcome.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, thank you. Do you like it? I love it. Yeah, especially this time of year.
SPEAKER_04Oh my gosh. Especially with the winter storm that's been going on in all parts of the And it's just perfect out here every day. Oh, I kind of feel guilty about it.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, a little bit. Yeah.
SPEAKER_04But then they don't have to brave our summers.
SPEAKER_02No. So no, I I don't even either. I go back to California in the summer and get out of the heat.
SPEAKER_04Okay, that doesn't make me feel sorry for you at all. You go from California to Arizona.
SPEAKER_02Yeah, it's kind of best of both worlds, really.
SPEAKER_04Really the best of both worlds. Um, okay, so Thunderbirds Charities has given over $18 million last year alone to a hundred local charities. And so today, the Pro Am, as much as it's such a fun time, yeah, uh, the importance of giving back is at the heart of everything they do. And the podcast, that's entirely what our mission is, is to share stories of hope, but then talk about what leads people to feeling philanthropic and giving back and the importance of giving back. Can you share just what this means to you?
SPEAKER_02Of course. Yeah. I mean, I I I think today, you know, kind of like we were talking about earlier about, you know, sign an autograph for a little kid or something. But we were on number four and they always have the the first T out there, and you have a couple little kids that you get to meet and talk with throughout the whole, and it's like it's such a unique experience. You know, I mean, golf in general, you get to you know, the fans and players are a lot closer than other sports, you know, and football, basketball, you don't get to get very close to the players, but out here you're you're right there with them every single day. And so for you know, the Thunderbirds and the event in general to bring out the first tee, have little kids come hang out, walk with us, talk with us, and just you know, ask them questions what their favorite club is, or if if they like golf, sometimes they're like, nah, I kinda like soccer more. But you know, just kind of see their personalities and get to hang out, it's really cool.
SPEAKER_04I love that. So you love children a lot, huh?
SPEAKER_02I just yeah, I I like I I feel like just helping kids seeing how much like I don't know. I mean, I mean, I remember when I was little and getting helped out from guys who were good players and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. And so you know, you can see when they get really excited when they see you hit a good shot or something like that.
SPEAKER_04I just saw the way the kids light up around you and you're incredible at just the way that you meet them, right? Where they're at and the time you take. It's beautiful. You can tell that your heart is truly in it. This is genuine. So it's really awesome to see because I feel like it's as much as it's like sad to say it is rare. So thank you for being that.
SPEAKER_02I'm also still new-ish on tour, so it's exciting for me too. You know, this is only year three for me.
SPEAKER_04You know, from like bouncer to PGA. Um, you won at the beginning of your rookie year. That is absolutely incredible.
SPEAKER_02Yeah.
SPEAKER_04How did that feel?
SPEAKER_02It was amazing. I mean, I think you know, your rookie season's really tough. You're always kind of in the last tea time on Tuesday or on Thursday and Friday, and it's just you know, it's a grind, it's a new experience, you're playing new courses, all that kind of stuff. So to be able to win early and know that you're gonna have guaranteed status for a couple years is you know, a large weight lifted off your shoulders. So um to be able to have that and also just kind of the the confirmation that like you're doing the right thing, yeah. And obviously now I'm you know trying to win again and kind of validate that to myself, but um but yeah, that was a pretty amazing experience.
SPEAKER_04Okay, so tell me about favorite hole to play on this course.
SPEAKER_02On this course, I mean I think all day you're just kind of thinking about 16. I mean 16 is just it's so unique, it's it's one of those just one of those holes. There's just no no other hole like it. I mean, in terms of the actual golf hole itself, it's not that difficult, but it's just obviously the atmosphere and the people. Um and I'm a people pleaser, so like I want to make Birdie, I want to do something to get the people going. So um, you know, I've made Birdie over there once or twice, and it's just like that to me is just like highlight of the day if you can make a two on that hole.
SPEAKER_04So good.
SPEAKER_02Yes.
SPEAKER_04Um, I'm so excited to see how you play this week. Um yeah, just a lot of people were talking, watching you playing, and they're like, Man, he they really believe in you this week.
SPEAKER_02I appreciate it. Yeah, thank you very much. Let's go. Yeah, why not? I'm in. Yeah.
SPEAKER_04I'll be like, Can you do it again?
SPEAKER_02And you'll be like, Well, I have to because I was gonna say, well, now, yeah, I'm gonna need to make it a weekly occurrence.
SPEAKER_04Um All right, so can you tell me? Um, I a lot of the time we're doing just encouraging bits to people that um just maybe they're feeling like I am in a rut or I'm really in a lot of pain or I'm in a struggle. And what is your advice for people who are sitting in a place of pain right now?
SPEAKER_02Um I think for me, just like you know, what's always helped me is just kind of getting lost in like the little meticulous things like day by day, like just kind of get past the next 10 minutes, get past the next hour, and just like try to find something to do that's gonna be productive and not not putting things off because that tends to just snowball and make everything so much worse later on. So um so yeah, for me, I I think I just try you know, I try to maybe be a little bit harder on myself, kick myself in the butt and be like, you know, come on, let's go and get up, let's do this, let's do that, and you know, just tackling one little thing at a time. And I feel like all of a sudden at the end of the day, you've accomplished a lot.
SPEAKER_04I love that. I think that's awesome advice. I talked with Aaron Boone about that, like on the other side of facing your fears is the most it's it's always like it's never as bad as you think it is, but it's always the best feeling to kind of get to that next hump. But and and when you're in it, it was it is really hard. It's like a season of just like oh it's a weird season.
SPEAKER_02Of course. Yeah, yeah. But I I think, yeah, just find those find win those little battles, and then I think eventually you'll you'll overcome a lot.
SPEAKER_04Okay, so um moving forward, what tournament are you most looking forward to this year?
SPEAKER_02Um, I think right now I'd say probably the players. I really enjoy the players. Uh why is that? I mean, it's kind of another one that just has a really cool atmosphere. It's uh you know, it's it's one of the few tournaments a year that is at the same golf course every single year and all that sort of thing. So it's um you know, it's kind of our fifth major and it's just a great golf course. And I I don't know, I just really enjoy playing it. The last you know, I played played okay last year, but um yeah, it's just it's just a good golf course, I think, for my game, and I'm just kind of looking forward to that event.
SPEAKER_04Okay, awesome. Okay, last question. What is your favorite movie?
SPEAKER_02My favorite movie. Oh man. One of the ones I always go back to is Miracle.
SPEAKER_04Okay, really?
SPEAKER_02Yeah, that's one of my favorites.
SPEAKER_04I really wouldn't have guessed that. Why?
SPEAKER_02Big hockey guy, it's kind of motivational. I'm into that sort of stuff and just kind of gets the emotions going, and then now at the Olympics this year, it's definitely on the top of the list. But but yeah, that's just always been one of my easy kind of go-to movies.
SPEAKER_04Did you grow up playing hockey?
SPEAKER_02A little bit. My mom's from Canada, so just always played street hockey and just always loved it.
SPEAKER_04That's so cool. Who's your favorite team?
SPEAKER_02Anaheim Ducks. Yeah.
SPEAKER_04Of course, right? Okay, that's awesome. Thank you, James, so much for being on. Oh, thank you. Thank you so much for your time. Of course. What's up, I have a podcast called From Pain to Promise. Beautiful here with the Thunderbirds. Awesome. Um, just because of what they're doing, giving back to some community. So I think that's awesome having you in Arizona.
SPEAKER_00Well, thanks. I'm very glad to be here and glad we can be doing it for a good cause. It's been an awesome day.
SPEAKER_04I was gonna ask, okay, what role was your favorite to play?
SPEAKER_00I mean, 16's hard to beat. I didn't hit a great shot on it, but it's pretty awesome in there. I hit some better shots during the day, but that was what do you feel like you played overall? Oh, pretty mediocre.
SPEAKER_04Okay, I mean, you know what?
SPEAKER_00We had moments of brilliance, but it was hit or miss.
SPEAKER_04But you know, pros and then amps.
SPEAKER_00Exactly. I won't quit my day job, that's for sure.
SPEAKER_04Don't quit your day job. You're amazing at what you do. And um, thanks for being here. I just being a part of this.
SPEAKER_01Perfect. There we go.
SPEAKER_04Ready? Clap in. One, two, three. Heck yeah. Ready? One, two, three. Marker. Okay. You guys, he needs no introduction. Tony for now.
SPEAKER_01Thank you.
SPEAKER_04It's so good to see you.
SPEAKER_01Nice, nice to see you.
SPEAKER_04It's so good to see you. Hey, you um you played amazing today. How do you feel? You played.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I played all right. I didn't score great, but the good news is, you know, the tournament doesn't start till tomorrow. So let's go. Yeah.
SPEAKER_04Okay. Speaking of this tournament, I'm blown away by what the Thunderbirds do for the community. Yeah. And um while this tournament is so much fun, the way that they give back over $18 million to 100 local charities here in Arizona. So tell me the importance of being at this program and being here.
SPEAKER_01To be a part of something like that, where they're supporting, you know, the community and so many incredible, helping so many incredible people. Yeah. It's great to be, it's always great to be a part of something like that. The Thunderbirds do a great job of running an incredible golf tournament. You know, this tournament stands out for many reasons, but the charitable part charitable part, I think, is one that maybe people aren't as aware of. So I love that you're shedding light on that and just how much good that they're doing in our in our state and our community.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, I'm so grateful. I'm so grateful that they had me be a part of this and thank you for being a part of my podcast. I'm so grateful. Thanks. Um, at the heart of the podcast, we're just really wanting to shine a light on stories of hope. And so I feel like you are so inspirational. Just I love it. When I was walking out with you, all the people are screaming, he's a family guy. And tell me the importance of family to you and how many kids you have. Share with everybody, yeah.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, my wife and I have six kids. Our baby just turned one last week, and our oldest is 14.
SPEAKER_04Oh my gosh.
SPEAKER_01We've got 14-year-old, 13-year-old, 10-year-old, nine-year-old, four-year-old, and then dude, you guys are in it. We're in it, yeah. We're all in. We got teenagers all the way down to, you know, basically a newborn. So we're all in it, but it's the gr it's the greatest thing ever.
SPEAKER_04Ever, right?
SPEAKER_01The biggest blessing of my life is to have a wife and children that uh, you know, we grow together, and it's really cool that they get to travel with me. And um family means everything. You know, oh, I love that.
SPEAKER_04Were you raised that way?
SPEAKER_01Oh, yeah, yeah, I was very close. You know, my parents had seven kids, and I was the third of seven, and my parents raised us all to be very close and um just on incredible principles, and I definitely carry carry that tradition of of family and love uh, you know, onto my kids as well.
SPEAKER_04I love that so much. It's true, there's nothing better in this life. That's right. Um I'm so in love with my four, and now three of them are young adults and they're my best friends. It's the coolest thing ever, and I just think it it happens in the like a blink of an eye, doesn't it?
SPEAKER_01Man, it's unbelievable. I uh I have two teenagers. Yeah, I feel like I was just a teenager like not too long ago, and now I have two, so time flies as they say, yeah, and it doesn't seem to go by any faster than when you have kids and they're growing. So I you know, my wife and I think try to really just enjoy um the grind of having young kids because it is a grind, you know, it's not easy, but there's so much joy that comes from yeah, your family and um trying to raise them to be good humans and oh um, but yeah, it's it's just it's in it's more so much more joy than anything else.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, oh my gosh, I'm so with you. Okay, your love for your wife is so beautiful. Uh tell me what she means to you. Yeah, and just even the way you when you talk about her, you light up, your eyes light up.
SPEAKER_01Um she's easy, yeah. Well, she's easy to love. That's uh you know, at the end of the day, she's selfless and um every more than anything I could ask for in in a person as a partner in this life and in the next. I mean, you know, all shoes are over and over, and I really feel that way, and so that's why we have six before.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, that's right.
SPEAKER_01I can't keep my hands off her, you know.
SPEAKER_04I love that.
SPEAKER_01But uh we have you know, she's everything to me, and it's it's to have somebody by my side like that to raise our kids, yeah, um, to trust and go through life with this makes me.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, absolutely. How did you two meet?
SPEAKER_01We met in Utah. She's she's an incredible athlete in her own right. She played Division I volleyball, and so she was playing volleyball in San Francisco and just happened to be visiting Utah during Christmas break one, you know, uh one one winter. Wow and we ended up meeting at a at a dance, and I had my eye on her, and and I pretty much was like, I'm not gonna let this one get away. You know, it was one of those love at first sight moments. So I'll I mean amen.
SPEAKER_04And yes, this is so cool. I think um it's just inspiring because uh in a world of sports, it's very rare, sadly. And so I love that you are such an inspiration to so many people. I do feel like in the golf community though, family is so important to golfers. And I love I love that the PGA and um it just it it allows for family to be around, and I love that you get to travel with your family. I feel like there's a lot of sports that you can't do that.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, 100%. And it's golf is an individual sport, but we need a great support system. Yeah, we need, you know, I I was lucky to have great parents, great family to s to start, and then have my own family to raise and um have a great wife. Like I need you need the support. Yeah, there's no question. We don't have teammates playing with us and and you know inside the ropes, but we do I still have a great team around me, and um, you know, that starts, you know, with my family.
SPEAKER_04Totally. I mean it can be very lonely if you didn't have that.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, it's a lonely life. There's no question. If you don't, you know, I if I didn't have my wife and kids out on the road with me, it would it 100% is a lonely life. You know, you're out here kind of grinding on your own, and the game can beat you up, you know. If that's one thing that we learn out here and playing golf at a high level is uh it takes no prisoners, you know. There's yeah, there's no mercy in any sport and really at the top of any profession. Yeah, but you know, golf is definitely a sport that I feel like can take so much from you if you allow it. But uh, you know, again, fortunately for me, I've got great support around me and just to keep my head on straight.
SPEAKER_04You have a community where you belong.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, that's right.
SPEAKER_04But it takes you away from the game. Like because I think so much of the game is mental. Yeah, and so getting away from the game, you need that distraction, and family is the best distraction in the world. Yeah, I mean, uh not a right word distraction, but you know, the best the best way to to divert your attention is family. You know what I mean?
SPEAKER_01It's a hundred percent. I leave the golf course.
SPEAKER_04By the way, Tony, I'll edit that.
SPEAKER_01No, no worries, it's all good. I love that though. Seriously, I know exactly what you're saying. I like I but I leave the golf course and I forget about golf. I am with my kids, I'm a dad, and I'm gonna be able to do that.
SPEAKER_04Do you feel like that's one of the reasons why you've been successful at this level?
SPEAKER_01Oh, it's it's helped me more than anything else. There's no question. And having you know, having a sense of who you are outside of the golfer that you are, that identity is massive. Huge. Really having an understanding of what you are as a child of God, as a father, as a husband. Yeah, like those are things that are more important than the title of a professional golfer. So for me, uh that that keeps me humble, but it it gives me more purpose when I'm on the golf course and then when I'm off it as well.
SPEAKER_04I love that so much. That's it. That's totally it. Thank you. This life is so beautiful with family and faith. It's so important. Okay, um, tell me about how you feel about this week. What hole, uh what hole do you most look forward to?
SPEAKER_01Well, everybody looks forward to the stadium hall. 16 is a circus, you know, it's wild, but you gotta embrace it.
SPEAKER_0016 feels like walking in.
SPEAKER_04Tell me all about it.
SPEAKER_01Well, you definitely hear the cheers, you hear the booze, you hear everything, you know. Um, but it's kind of it ends up being background noise when you get over the golf ball and you try to just get in your bubble and hit the shot. But yeah, it's like energy and noise you're not used to for us, you know. We're but that's what makes the tournament so fun, so special, and so different. Yeah. Is that you have a hole like that and you have so many people around, you know, cheering you on. And so it's really, it's really a cool, more of a cool feeling than any other emotion, really.
SPEAKER_04That's so cool. What tournament are you most looking forward to this year?
SPEAKER_01Yeah, I mean, there's a lot of great golf tournaments. The tournament that uh, you know, this is obviously a fun one for me. I'm home. Yeah. So it's nice to be sleeping in my own bed. Let's go, Arizona.
SPEAKER_04All of us, we love it.
SPEAKER_01Yeah, so it's nice to have a home game. Yeah. Um the Travelers Championship is a tournament that I've always just loved. It's a small town feel, great golf course. Um, you know, Wells Fargo. Well, I I guess it's the truest championship now. Yeah. Is another tournament that I uh that I enjoy. And so those are a couple kind of the genesis, you know, reviewers.
SPEAKER_04Do you like um Pebble Beach?
SPEAKER_01Oh, yeah, love Pebble. You gotta you gotta love Pebble. The history and the views, you can't beat it.
SPEAKER_04I live there. Um, my my dad took a job and I lived there when I was going into my junior year, and I got a job as a cart girl at Spyglass.
SPEAKER_01Oh, wow.
SPEAKER_04So that was like my intro to kind of yeah, and it was so much fun. Um, what's your favorite movie?
SPEAKER_01Ooh, my favorite movie is Gladiator. But I I kind of break up movies into like genres because there's so many good ones. You know, it's hard to just like this is my favorite. So it's like for drama, yeah, and like just all the Feels gladiator is number one.
SPEAKER_04I love that. What's your favorite line in Gladiator?
SPEAKER_01Oh, my favorite line. I gotta think about that. I want to make sure I give it a lot of things. Yeah, or like the moment. The moment that you're like Well, everyone knows are you not entertained? Yeah. That's a good one.
SPEAKER_04That's such a good line.
SPEAKER_01I think what you know, what we do in life echoes in eternity. That's such a sick. That's such a sick saying. And I think it's so true. So I think I think I'll go with that one.
SPEAKER_04I love that. Okay, and then what's your other favorite movie?
SPEAKER_01Well, animation. I think you have to separate like mental drama and like real life and then animation. I think Lion King is like I just don't think it gets any better than Lion King. I wouldn't. And I tell my kids all the time and my wife, the reason why Gladiator and Lion King are the I think some of the greatest movies ever made is that they like heroes actually die.
SPEAKER_05Yeah.
SPEAKER_01You know, it's like when you're doing superhero movies and all these. You just know they're never gonna die. Yeah. That's as good as movies can be. Yeah, I really feel like you really feel them once when the hero actually dies.
SPEAKER_05Yeah.
SPEAKER_01And so, you know, sorry for any spoiler alert in Gladiator, you know, the hero ends up going at the end of the movie, but it ends up really, you really feel that. Basa dies in Lion King, you feel that, right? Simba loses his dad, like and so those reasons are, you know, that's why those are so much favorite.
SPEAKER_04I agree. I think it's so true. I love when I love when it evokes emotion in you that you just can't forget. You know?
SPEAKER_01Exactly. Exactly.
SPEAKER_04Um, yeah, no, I just I cannot thank you enough for being on my podcast. And thank you for being here today and supporting the charities. Yeah, happy to be here. Oh my gosh, your heart is beautiful. Also, I loved you on the Netflix series. Oh, thank you. Yeah, that was fun. I just oftsdale, and right now it's calm, quiet, and absolutely stunning. But in just a matter of months, these fairways will transform into something truly extraordinary. This is the home of the WN Phoenix Open, where more than 700,000 fans from around the world gather for what has become known as the Super Bowl of golf and the greatest show on grass. These greens become the center of sports and entertainment universe. The iconic 16th hole erupts with energy unlike anything else in golf. The atmosphere's electric, the memories are unforgettable, and for one incredible week, there's simply nowhere else like it on earth. But what makes this event truly special isn't just the excitement, it's the impact. Behind every cheer, every birdie, and every unforgettable moment is a mission changing lives across Arizona. Led by the Thunderbirds, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has generated more than 246 million dollars for local charities. It's incredible. Um, including a historic record-breaking 20.1 million this year in 2026. And today, we're getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the tournament that has become one of the most celebrated events in sports and the incredible people making it happen. Joining me is a man whose connection to this tournament started as a young fan walking these grounds and who now serves as a 2026 tournament chairman, helping lead the most successful fundraising year in the event's 91 years history. It is such an honor to welcome you, Jason Eisenberg, and I'm so grateful to have you. Thank you.
SPEAKER_06Yeah, it's great to be here. Thank you. That was a heck of an introduction. I feel great about myself. That was bravo.
SPEAKER_04Hey, thank you. Um, feel and great about the fact that that's an incredible accomplishment. 91 years, and you had the greatest fundraising year. Tell me about it.
SPEAKER_06Yeah, it was incredible. You know, it's it's uh it took 91 years to get there, right? It's every year we're trying to get a little better, we're trying to improve the event a little more, we're trying to raise as much money as we can for charity. So uh we did have a record number this year, $20.1 million dollars given back. Uh, but that's really a testament to the year-over-year improvement we've been making steadily over that 91-year history.
SPEAKER_04That's so incredible. Um, I mean, congratulations. And you didn't just oversee it, you really led with such, I think, just passion. I think in order to get to that, you have to have such an amazing team around you. So tell me what being a Thunderbird feels like.
SPEAKER_06Uh, being a Thunderbird, it's it's great. It's really uh what we're trying to do is we're trying to find individuals that want to give back to their community. We want to find individuals that uh really want to take the time, effort, and energy to throw an event like the WM Phoenix Open so we can give as much back as we can uh to charity. And it's it's a blast. It's it's a ton of fun to get to experience the open, you get to experience this community uh through the lens of the Thunderbirds.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, take us back to the day when you heard the final number, 20.1 million. Did it hit you right away, or was it one of those moments that you're just like it was incredible.
SPEAKER_06You know, I mean, you you spend so much time planning, you spend so much time working on this event, trying to get it perfect, trying to get as much money as we can. So at the end of the day, when you tally everything up, when you pay all the bills, and you and you're left with uh a record-breaking number, it's it's surreal. It's uh it's something that the group celebrated. It's it's something we're all very proud of.
SPEAKER_04What does it feel like coming back here? I I was a kid coming here like you. So what does it feel like to you experiencing it the way that this tournament is and just the way that the golf course changes?
SPEAKER_06Yeah, I you know, it's it's you know, I came here as a kid, I walked the course uh long before I was a Thunderbird, and to see where it's kind of evolved to today is is unbelievable. I mean, and all the events that it that took to get there, you know, Tiger Woods Hole and One, all the incredible Hole and Ones we've had, all the incredible experience we've had, to allow us to continue to grow the event year over year over year. It's uh I'm incredibly proud to be, you know, uh a Phoenician, to be uh be from Arizona and to see this event kind of become the event in the world of golf.
SPEAKER_04How do you get to become a part of the Thunderbirds? And then how do you get like how do you get deemed to be a big chief, right?
SPEAKER_06So the the last year I was the tournament chairman, this year I'm the big chief. Uh, you know, I was asked to be part of the Thunderbirds 10 years ago. Um, and then the previous tournament chairman uh voted for me to be the current tournament chairman. So you're voted in by your peers. It's an incredible honor to lead such a great group of individuals. Um and really couldn't get done without everybody working as hard as they do day over day. So it's uh it's an experience like no other. It's really cool to be a part of it and just to be kind of in the inner workings with the PGA and talking to WM about what they see out in the world and really just kind of get a sense of all these all these little buckets that make the big bucket that is a WM Phoenix Open.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, because it's a huge operation. It is, I I was looking at the statistics and the tournament has now been recognized as the number one tournament in the PGA of the of the year. And it's I think that's been five times now, right?
SPEAKER_06Yeah, I think it's I think it's six, yeah. Thanks, Woody. I think it was six out of the last 10 years. Thanks, Woody. Uh we we did win it last year. Uh hopefully we win it this year. Uh when you look at golf events, yeah, there's really nothing um from a size or scale standpoint as the WM Phoenix Open. I mean, we're the largest event on tour, um, with both in crowds, both in revenue. So, I mean, we're we're we're a big uh big deal on the PGA event schedule, and we're incredibly proud of that.
SPEAKER_04It's known for its incredible parties and entertainment for sure. It's just truly remarkable what happens here. But what do you wish people knew that they don't know about this tournament?
SPEAKER_06You know, I I think it's I think there's something for everybody here. I think, you know, if you look on kind of national media or Instagram or whatever it is, I think it just comes off as one giant party, and there 100% is that element to it. If you want to come here and party, you can do that. Uh, but it's also a it's a PGA event. There's serious golf taking place here, and so you can kind of do whatever you want. And then if you're not into golf, then we have the concerts at night. So whether you're interested in watching serious golf, whether you're interested in just having a great time and partying, whether you're interested in going to see a concert, uh, it's really something for everybody. And really at the end of the day, all of that comes together and basically turns into a check and money that we give back to charity. So when you're here, you're celebrating charity.
SPEAKER_04That's the part that's just truly extraordinary, just because um the gravity of how much the Thunderbirds do for Arizona and for our community is incredible. And so many nonprofits wouldn't be able to exist if it wasn't for you guys and what you've done.
SPEAKER_06Yeah, I mean, we're a line item in a lot of a lot of charities' annual budget. Um and yeah, I think that's something that that everybody should know. When you come out here and you buy a ticket, you buy a beer, you buy a hot dog, at the end of the day, all the proceeds roll themselves up and are given out to charity. Uh, we're all volunteers, you know. We're this is an unpaid gig, um, and I'm proud to do it because you do get to see the impact that this event has um not just on, you know, the the economics of the event itself, but really the charitable aspect uh that goes back into our community.
SPEAKER_04Is there a moment that you and your family just recall being one of your favorite moments for the this tournament?
SPEAKER_06Yeah, absolutely. You know, like walking down at the end of the tournament, you know, when once uh once the tournament's kind of winding down and you're following the golfer in an 18, and you know, you had the great playoff with Godter up and uh and Hadeki, and uh just kind of that moment of like everything we worked the last year for is is coming to a culmination and uh and we finally did it and we had a great event with really no no negative effects. Um that was really a rewarding experience for me looking off to the side and seeing my family there, and it was it was really special.
SPEAKER_04That is really cool. Um, okay, so this next year is 2027, and I know you guys have incredibly awesome things coming in store that maybe we can't share, but can you tell me some things you can share?
SPEAKER_06Yeah, absolutely. You know, uh uh Chris Camacho, who's gonna be the tournament chairman uh in 2027, has has big things planned. We're talking about some new structures. Um, we have Riley Green announced for uh for the Wednesday night show at the Bird's Nest. So, you know, the the pieces are now falling into place. Uh, I think the next couple months will be really interesting from a PGA standpoint to see kind of some announcements that come out come from there. Um, but we're in really good hands with Chris Camacho at the helm. So excited to see kind of how the next year goes and actually excited that I don't have to actually do it.
SPEAKER_04That's what I was gonna ask you next. Okay, so how do you feel going back to just being a Thunderbird?
SPEAKER_06Uh I feel great. You know, like you know, it's spending as much time, effort, energy as I did over last year. It's nice to just kind of go back to being a civilian in that world. Yes. Uh and just getting to enjoy it a little more uh not worry about every little thing. You know, I'll try not to be like the uh the hands-on guy who can't let go. Yeah um, but uh but really looking forward to having a much more mellow year in 2027.
SPEAKER_04And your wife is probably like phew.
SPEAKER_06Yeah, maybe she liked me out of the house. I don't know. Uh but uh but yeah, she's probably like it's good, it's it'll be nice to have him back in the prey again. Yeah.
SPEAKER_04At least around you.
SPEAKER_06Carpool, if nothing else, right? That's right.
SPEAKER_04And driving you around the golf cart. Exactly. Um, and I just want to say that everybody I talk to in the music entertainment, everybody in that space, they all want to come and play this tournament for the program. I just feel like it's so fun to see the transition of entertainment now with golf. It's so awesome. Yeah.
SPEAKER_06Yeah. Well, I think that I think that's why you see the success of the WM Phoenix Open because it's it's really has something for everybody and it it has this celebrity appeal now. You know, uh artists want to play at the bird's nest, artists want to play at the concert in the Coliseum, they want to play in the pro on on Wednesday, which is rapidly turned into one of the most fun days in golf. Um, so there's so many aspects that that appeal not to just the consumer but to the celebrity world. And I think when you marry those two concepts together, yeah, that's why you see people wanting to be here because you never know who you're gonna run into, you never know what you're gonna see, and it's always gonna be really interesting and really fun.
SPEAKER_04It's really true. And you can get so close up to people that you would never get to ever see. You know, if you go to a football game, you're never getting that close. Um, it was just it's really incredible. And just to see how much all of the people that are coming out to play it, they truly care about what the Thunderbirds are doing. Um, I just want to thank Woody so much for all you've done to champion us to do this. Let's go. And the Thunderbirds, and thank you so much for getting let for letting me have the honor of getting to highlight you guys some of the impact you're creating in Arizona and the impact that will continue. But I'm so excited for 2027 and well, thanks for having me.
SPEAKER_06Really appreciate it. Really appreciate you highlighting the charity aspect too. That's something that's that's most important to us. So uh great to be here.
SPEAKER_04Hey, thank you. And if you are considering it's on your bucket list to come to the Waste Management Phoenix Open, if you have any inkling you want to come, come. I promise you you will not be disappointed. And like he said, every single dollar goes to local charities and the good in the community. So thank you so much. Thank you. I appreciate it.
SPEAKER_06Great being here. Yes, thank you.
SPEAKER_04Okay, pretty great. Thank you for spending time with us today. The heart of the podcast is to highlight incredible stories of hope and the gift of giving back. I'm truly loving learning about each guest nonprofit and the impact they're making. If you'd like to learn more or get involved, you can find links to every charity mentioned on my YouTube and my Instagram under each episode. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you next week.