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In this episode of Shifting Ears, host Brittany Hoffman and guest host Peter Corkery are celebrating Valley Metro’s Super Bowl win! Our hosts speak with Community Relations Program Coordinator Shannon Benson about her role leading the volunteer effort. Then, they share some memorable moments from Super Bowl weekend from our volunteers.

In this episode of Shifting Ears, Brittany and Madeline are taking a trip through Valley Metro history! Our hosts learn about the start of the agency and other events through the eyes of four employees who recently received milestone awards.

We’re one month away from Super Bowl LVII! Valley Metro is working hard to get everything ready for the big game. In this episode, Brittany and Maddie talk to Adrian Ruiz, Director of Safety and Security, about how we keep everyone safe during the big event. Then, they speak with Hillary Foose, Director of Communications and Strategic Initiatives, about preparing the system for new riders and how you can help out during all the festivities.

As 2022 comes to a close, hosts Brittany and Maddie highlight the major milestones Valley Metro reached throughout the year. Plus, CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller has a special message for employees about what to look forward to in the new year.

For this Veterans Day episode, Brittany and Maddie talk with LRV Maintenance Tech Paul Santana about how his work in the military helps him in his day-to-day job. Then, our hosts give a special shout out to our veterans who work across Valley Metro.

Mobile fare is coming soon! In this episode, Brittany and Madeline talk with Marketing Program Coordinator Dane Ryals about the future of the Valley Metro App and how you can help test the new fare system.

Our internship program helps foster a greater appreciation of public transportation in students while creating the next generation of Valley Metro employees. In this episode, Madeline and Brittany talk with five interns about their experiences in the program and what advice they’d give to new interns.

There are a lot of major archeological sites in the Valley, but what does archeology have to do with Valley Metro? Grab your Indiana Jones hat and dig in as Brittany and Madeline talk with Valley Metro Deputy Director of Capital Planning Robert Forrest about how Valley Metro projects reveal a lot about Arizona's past. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

Temperatures can reach triple-digits during Arizona summers, but not in Valley Metro vehicles. That’s because we believe air conditioning is a necessity, not a privilege. Listen in as Brittany and Madeline sit with Valley Metro’s Bus Operations Manager Joey Templeton and Maintenance Supervisor Timothy Valenzuela to find out how we keep our vehicles cool and comfortable. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

You don’t have to be a transit rider to experience all the benefits of public transportation. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Valley Metro transportation planners Marty Ziech and Peter Valenzuela about the Quality of Life study and get a snapshot of how Valley Metro impacts lives in Maricopa County.  Visit valleymetro.life to see the results of the Quality of Life study. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.

Jessica Mefford-Miller, Valley Metro's new CEO, sits down with Brittany and Madeline to outline her vision for the future, what drew her to the Valley of the Sun, and how she approaches managing one of the largest transit systems in the nation. Stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

Gas prices are rising and so are the number of public transit users. Did you know that a 1-day pass is currently cheaper than a gallon of gas? Join Brittany and Madeline as they chat with Aaron Xavier, Senior Service Planner for Valley Metro, about all the trends impacting our ridership numbers. And stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

Operating a light rail or streetcar vehicle is much different than driving a car and takes a lot of training. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with James Mullins, a Rail Operations Instructor for Alternate Concepts, Inc. (ACI), about what goes into training new operators. And stick around for the entire episode for the chance to win a prize! If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

Part of the success of building light rail is getting to know your community. Join Brittany and Madeline as they speak with Gary Flunoy, Small Business Outreach Administrator, about how he connects with the community and helps Valley Metro connect small and large businesses during light rail construction. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

At Valley Metro, we always think about the future and what's ahead. Start the new year off right by listening to Brittany and Madeline sit down with Chief Executive Officer Scott Smith to discuss all the exciting projects in store for Valley Metro in 2022. Plus, Scott discusses his soon-to-be retirement. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org.  Thanks for riding with us! 

As the year comes to a close Brittany and Peter countdown the top 12 accomplishments of Valley Metro in 2021. Plus we honor our fellow employees for their years of service.

This week Brittany and guest host Peter Valenzuela speak with Chief Information Officer Phil ‘Oz’ Ozlin about Valley Metro’s Drone program. Find out how we’re using drones to take the agency to new heights and learn how a farm boy from Virginia became the head of the IT department. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

Join Brittany and special guest-host Peter Valenzuela as they connect with Commute Solution’s Program Supervisor, Lillian Duarte, to discuss RideShare month. Find out how you can sign up and win prizes while helping the environment, saving time and money, and building new relationships. For more information on RideShare Month, visit https://www.valleymetro.org/commute-solutions/rideshare-month. If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!

Listen as Brittany sits down with special guest-host, Peter Valenzuela, and Valley Metro's new Director of Capital Development, Henry Ikwut-Ukwa. Henry brings decades of experience and a fresh perspective to both our agency and the community it serves. We couldn't be more excited for the future of transit and what that means for the Valley we call home.

Tempe Streetcar is the first modern streetcar line in the Valley. This week, Brittany and Madeline sit down with Safety Certification Manager, Mark Germanowski, for an inside look at the Tempe Streetcar and all the tests performed before it’s cleared for service. For more information on the Tempe Streetcar, visit https://www.valleymetro.org/project/tempe-streetcar If you have ideas about a future episode of Shifting Ears, email them to podcast@valleymetro.org. Thanks for riding with us!