Point of Information with Max Zepeda: Recent Episodes
Max Zepeda
I've lived quite a life, and have met some pretty cool people along the way. On this show, we discuss the craziness that is in the current world from politics to sports, as well as the temptations of the devil and how we as Christians can continue to live like Jesus through it all.
Week 3 of Season 3 brings us Max's first guest to the program without a Sports Background in quite some time, as he welcomes longtime friend and ASU Hillel executive member Emily Fox-Million. Together, they discuss the Ted Talk she gave at 18, how they met and their freshman year experiences, and the troubles discussing faith in college. Also, they give their takes on the Vice Presidental debate, Joker 2, and the state of Denver Sports?
As Season 3 rolls on, Max welcomes to the program Phoenix native and DevilsDigest beat writer Jake Sloan. Together, they discuss his roots in both the Valley and even within Cronkite in his family and the current state of ASU athletics compared to its conclusion within the Pac-12. They also rank the entire Star Wars saga and vehemently destroy Oakland A's owner, John Fischer, and his weak move out of the city to Las Vegas.
After nearly 100 days off, the dumbest show on Blaze Radio is back. Max Zepeda's award-winning talk program returns for its third semester/season on the air. To begin the new season, Max welcomes NAHJ executive board member and sports journalist Andrea Armenta. They discuss his time growing up in Southern California, Bill Walton, and how his favorite sports teams are actually on the East Coast. Max also gives his opinions on the new state of the presidential election the release of Transformers One, and Station Manager Ryan Sykora hops on as a surprise caller!
For the Season 2 finale, Max's final guest to The World is one of his first mentors at Cronkite and is one of the school's most influential people: Assistant Dean Melanie Alvarez. She reveals how she was promoted into her current position, how the process of welcoming the class of 2028 has been, and her incredibly long career as a local television producer. Together, they discuss the current state of AI and its influence on journalism students, the Israel-Hamas situation, and the death of the Pac-12. They also reveal an incredibly hilarious story of how Max's autism fell through during his orientation.
The Penultimate Episode of Season 2 features two of Cronkite's rising stars, as Sacramento native and Phoenix Rising Lead Analyst Devon Henderson, along with the voice of the Kalamazoo Growlers and incoming Blaze Sports Director Jaden Taylor, join the program. Together, Max and them discuss their two very different routes to ASU, how Devon's parents influenced his love for sports, how Jaden's in-depth search for a school began as early as Fall 2021, and how Phoenix Rising Radio has become one of the first sports franchises to rely heavily on the talent of college students. They also have some fun and play a game blindly ranking the greatest PXP broadcasters ever.
For the first time since being awarded Blaze's Best Specialty Show for 2023-24, Max returns to the BAS for another week in The World, as he welcomes Class of 2027 member, Florida Native, and longtime feature reporter Leilani Feiertag. She reveals how she fell in love with journalism, how she became a leader early in life, and why she will be brutally honest with her opinions for the good of the truth. Together, they also discuss their love for Disney, recap the craziness of Coachella, and rant over why Florida does not deserve an MLB franchise.
As season 2 nears its end, Max makes a massive leap as he welcomes his first Non-Cronkite guest of the season to The World this week in photography major and Chicago native Sedona Levy. She reveals to Max her long history with anxiety and depression, what moving to Arizona was like, and how she became passionate about the career she wanted. They also discuss why mental health in college may not be talked about enough and the news coming out of CinemaCon and the first two weeks of the MLB season. Max also discusses his first-ever time at the Final Four and National Championship.
For the first show of April, Max welcomes to the world longtime ASU Sports Writer and Baseball/College Hoops expert Scott Sandulli. He reveals to Max how his love of sports originated, what it's like to live 5 min away from ESPN HQ, and how he found his voice once he arrived at Cronkite. They also discuss the upcoming Men's Final Four, the chances Scott's team, UConn will repeat as National Champs, and how his New York Mets went from powerhouse to laughing stock in just a year and a half.
After 148 days, baseball is finally back, and with it comes the most significant episode of The World According to Zippy to date. Grace Johnson, Sydni Griffin, Kolby Marting, and Landin Jeffrey return to the program, while Lauren Nunez, Evan Chell, and Brooklyn Cohen all appear on the show for the first time to talk ball for 90 minutes straight. Together, they cover everything from the Ohtani gambling scandal, the problem with promoting "small-market" teams, who will surprise them in 2024, and they all give their predictions for the new year.
In a special prerecorded rendition of the dumbest show on Blaze Radio, Max welcomes to the program former longtime swimmer and now converted reporter, Casey Mcnulty. She reveals the true story behind her long and adventurous career, how she originally committed to life in Florida, and why ASU and journalism became her current path. They also discuss the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, Casey's love for TV comedies, and give their feelings before the start of March Madness.
The dumbest show ever returns to Blaze Radio and the Bill Austen Studio for the first time in three weeks. Max welcomes Blaze Radio Program Director and proud Philadelphian Grace Del Pizzo. She reveals how her love for sports started, how her passion ended her aspirations at Broadway, and what she hopes to get out of her Cronkite experience through her opportunities in Phoenix and at home. Together, they unveil their Top 5 musicals of all time, break down the 2024 Oscars, and discuss the current state of the Phillies and Eagles.
One of the most talented freshmen in Cronkite today becomes the newest guest in Zippy's world as he welcomes WCSN assistant social media director and longtime sports photographer Marina Williams. She discusses what it was like to grow up in rural St. Louis, MO, how she found her love for providing images to sports, and how music has defined each era of her life. Together, they also discuss Beyonce's attempt at Country success, their love of biopic movies, and which NHL contenders stand out with a little less than two months in the regular season.
Max returns to the Bill Austen studio for a special edition of the program made for a day of love as he welcomes back his girlfriend, Kylie Ashenfelter, for the second time. Together, they discuss some serious topics, like the mass shooting in Kansas City, while also giving their post-Super Bowl thoughts. In addition, Kylie shares her feelings about the Grammys, the upcoming summer movie calendar, and what the holiday of Valentine's has meant to her in the past.
Max returns to the studio for the second show in one week and, in doing so, welcomes Cronkite student and Hockey lover Erik List on a very special day. To begin, Zippy recaps arguably one of the greatest days of his life, in which he had interactions with everyone from Nick Saban and Glen Powell, former MLB stars David Wright & Cole Hamels, to even an interview with Arizona Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo. In addition, Max and Erik discuss the great priveleges of going to Cronkite and its experiences, Erik's childhood in the Pacific Northwest, and discuss the latest news surrounding the NHL.
For the first time in show history, Max takes the program outside downtown Phoenix and to the TPC Scottsdale, the 2024 WM Phoenix Open site. Together alongside three guests, returner Ben Parris, and newcomers Ethan Schwager & Bobby Blute, Zippy, and his crew discuss what it is like to be on-site at one of the biggest sporting events in America, as well as give their thoughts on everything from Taylor Swift's legacy post-Grammys, the state of Soccer, and what the future of Golf competition may look like.
For the final show of the month of January, Max welcomes Cronkite Junior and Southern California native Lauren Avenatti, the daughter of the infamous lawyer Michael Avenatti. They discussed what it is like to have the nationwide spotlight on her father, what it meant for her childhood, and how she still sees her father while he serves time in prison. In addition, Zippy and Lauren make their official Grammy predictions and recap NFL championship weekend, with Lauren heading to Vegas to cover Super Bowl LVIII.
For Week 2 of Season 2, The World According to Zippy welcomes someone who has seen and experienced nearly everything at Cronkite in Chicago native and Junior, Cavan Malayter. Together, they discuss how he founded his high school's first broadcasting club, what it's like to grow up in one of the nation's biggest cities, and his advice for those entering a competitive job market. In addition, Zippy and Cavan discuss the recent Oscar nominations and the NFL's Final Four.
HE'S BACK!!! After a month and a half break, The World According to Zippy is back on the airwaves of KASC Blaze Radio, as the show returns triumphantly! To begin the new season, Alabama native, CFB expert, and soon-to-be fellow Blaze Host Parker Porrill joins the program. Together, they discuss the correct and incorrect stereotypes around Alabama, what Parker loves about sports history, and what he reveals. He is not true, as shown in the controversial Max documentary "BAMA RUSH." In addition, Zippy asks Parker his thoughts on the future of Alabama Football following Nick Saban's retirement and the recent hiring of Washington HC Kaleb Debour.
Season 1 of The World According to Zippy comes to an end with the biggest episode yet, as web director Ben Parris, social media director Grace Johnson, and sports director Ryan Sykora join the program ALL AT ONCE!!
They all discuss how they discovered their love for sports, Ben and Max break down their top 5 AJR songs of all time, Grace discusses what it's like loving the Giants in Southern California, and Ryan leads the roundtable on what the top 4 are in the College Football Playoff just before conference championship weekend.
To celebrate Thanksgiving, Max welcomes his best friend and anchor of his life, Kylie Ashenfelter, to the show. They discuss how they met, their similar life stories, and how they fell in love over a band and baseball. Max and Kylie also discuss the Billboard Music Awards, the hostages being released in Israel, and how unique the Territorial Cup rivalry truly is.
This week, Max welcomes a man who considers himself to be "the hardest working student at Cronkite," Blake Niemann, as they discuss where his undying work ethic originates, his inspiring childhood story, how he found journalism because of COVID, and where he hopes to be following his time in school. They also discuss Blake's love for Gospel music, the future of the Pac-12, and Max discusses how hot Houston sports are right now.
Even with the downtown studios supposedly "closed," ZIPPY ROLLS ON as Week 10 welcomes the first member of the Class of 2027, Colorado native Gabriella Chernoff. In this 90-minute special, they react IN REAL TIME to the Grammy Nominations and discuss the current state of the NHL. In addition, Max interviews Gabby about her long relationship with theatre, how her opportunities made her love of hockey grow in high school, and whether Taylor Swift is the GOAT.
As November begins, Max welcomes a fellow Houstonian to the program for the first time in Blaze Sports assistant director Tia Reid. Together, they discuss how, while her HS years came in Grand Rapids, MI, she has always called Houston home, what made her fall in love with women's basketball, and her deep admiration for Hip-Hop. In addition, Max and Tia discuss the upcoming Grammy nominations and whether Victor Wembanyama will live up to the hype in the NBA.
For Week 8, Max welcomes the first lifelong Texan to the show, as Zippy welcomes former HS football player and Amarillo native Kolby Marting. They discuss how they both grew similar in their faith and how TX football is different, and Kolby even gives ZIppy some much-needed relationship advice. They also discuss the release of 1989 (Taylor's Version) and the recent shooting in Lewiston, Maine, and preview the 2023 World Series between Kolby's Texas Rangers and the underdog Arizona Diamondbacks.
For Week 5, Zippy is back home in his home state while his family is on vacation in the small town of Jamaica Beach, Texas, as they assemble for the ultimate Zepeda family roundtable. Alicia (Mom), Ana (younger sister), Joni (Aunt), Chris (family friend), Pete (Uncle), and Eric (Uncle) are involved in a long conversation about everything from the history of family reunions, how Max got his love for sports, Taylor Swift's impact on pop culture in every sector, the "firing" of house speaker Kevin McCarthy, and the start of the MLB Division Series's.
In Episode 3, Zippy welcomes his first-ever friend at ASU and Medical Studies Student, Alyssa Warwick, as they discuss both her Arizona origins and when her loves of both basketball and helping others intersected. They also discuss the possible ending of the Writer's and Actor's strike, the new developments in the Joe Jonas/Sophie Turner situation, the upcoming 2nd Republican Debate, and how the final days of the MLB regular season might mentally kill Zippy.
After nearly 650 days, the exclusive show of Max Zepeda is BACK!! On the first episode at its new home and new name, Max breaks down the recent news of pop culture, including Olivia Rodrigo and Zach Bryan's latest albums and the divorce of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner. In Politics, Max discusses former President Donald Trump's current court cases and how they affect the upcoming 2024 election. Finally, in Sports, Max breaks down how Deion Sanders is helping change college football whether we like it or not, gives his 2023 NFL Predictions, and announces his first picks in the first-ever "ZIPPY'S PICKS."
In easily the most anticipated and elongated episode yet, Max welcomes TeenPact veteran, Sarah Botti, to the show as she discusses how life has been as a Political Science major at The Ohio State University, looks back at her illustrious career in the ministry, and covers in detail through Matthew 18 how to deal with conflict in today's world. Also, in a unique "Flashing Lights," Sarah is quizzed on her knowledge of her school's historic football program.
For the first time in show history, Max is all alone today, and with that, discusses the major plot points of the biggest movie of 2021. From all the major surprises to the two post-credit scenes, and everything in between. Also, in a special edition of "Flashing Lights," Max gives you a few interesting facts about the film that you may not have noticed in seeing it. Major Spoiler Warning for those who have not seen this movie: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!
In the long awaited return of Point of Information, one of Max's most intelligent-minded friends, Kevin Williams, joins the program to discuss their friendship through BAPAC and how he was captivated by Math as a young 12-year-old and will tell you how you need to approach the difficult subject in your life. Also, Max quizzes Kevin on his beloved interest in the beloved video game, "Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate," in today's Flashing Lights."
In easily the longest episode of the season, Max is joined by one of his former classmates, Zach Magno, where they discuss the genius stereotype surrounding Asian-Americans, How to Grow Academically in your walk with Christ, and his renewed love for the theatre. They also discuss the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Spider-Man: No Way Home," and play an incredibly fun MCU version of "Flashing Lights."
Max welcomes one of his most musically gifted friends, Lydia Mitchell, to the show as they discuss what originated her love for music and theater, the recent news involving the 2022 Grammy nominations, and what it means to recognize and prioritize your mental health in your relationship with Christ. Also, today's "Flashing Lights" showcases Lydia's deep obsession with "The Office."
Current TeenPact National Representative, Caroline Allen joins the show, as she discusses with Max what it's like to live in the tiny state of Delaware, participate in multiple volunteer organizations, and how to mentor young disciples of Christ while also being disciples yourself. She also expresses her deep fandom for Taylor Swift, and reveals her personal ranking of her 9 studio albums in today's "Flashing Lights".
One of Max’s most musically gifted and closest friends, Abigail Lee, joins the show to continue the discussion of BAPAC from Episode 3, test her current music knowledge in today's "Flashing Lights," and express why politics have become a difference-maker in our friendships and how she desires to prevent that through hers.
Max is joined by one of the most recognizable and talented worship leaders of his life, incoming TeenPact Intern Hannah Nelson, where they discuss growing up in Alaska and life as a Minimalist, as well as the peace of listening to nothing but worship music, and some of the most pressing questions facing Christian music today. Is Maverick City the new face of worship? Worship vs Contemporary? Should Kanye West be welcome in Christian Circles? All these questions are answered on the most action-packed episode yet.
One of Max's closest friends and Broadway fanatic, Lily McDonald, joins the show where she and Max discuss their origins of meeting each other, how she fell in love with the Stage, how our mental health is a key factor in our relationship with Christ, and an in-depth dive into Max's top 10 musicals of the 2010s. Also, a new game that will be on every episode going forward debuts.
What should we look for when reading the news? Today, we welcome Turning Point USA Ambassador and TeenPact Intern, Grant May, to the show where we discuss the state of his Liberty Flames on the gridiron, the madness going on in Washington and involving Facebook, and finally, on what Christians should be looking for in their news every day.
Rooted in Houston, TeenPact Intern from Mississippi Jamison Murabito talks with Max about how to worship in everything we do besides singing praise, as well as the State of the Astros in the World Series, comparing humans to divine beings, and their history with hurricanes.