Inspiring Living with Mark Candelaria

Hosted by Mark Candelaria

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Episodes

131

Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Inspiring Living with Mark Candelaria, hosted by architect, blogger, traveler, chef, father, husband, and founding partner of Candelaria Design Associates. Mark has designed timeless homes across the country for forty years, while hosting tours to Italy, Spain, and beyond. Throughout the course of his journey, Mark has met wonderful people who truly inspire him and this podcast is about them and the opportunities that are all around us to Inspire Living! While we talk about architecture and design on this podcast, Mark also introduces you to a wide gamut of guests and industries, and ventures into all sorts of topics that will teach you, motivate you and inspire living your best life.

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60 recent

May 6, 2026Episode 2246 min

Creating an International Art Fair

In this podcast episode Mark is joined by two founders of Scottsdale Art Week Trey Brennen, owner of T.H. Brennen Fine Art in Old Town Scottsdale and Amy Gause, Director of the Fair. The four day international art fair took place at WestWorld in Scottsdale and showcased art from more than 110 galleries, daily fashion shows, cultural performances, sculptural installations and other innovative programming. It also included collaborations with institutions, galleries, artists and prominent collectors, as well as off-site after-hours VIP events.More than 21,000 guests made their way through the gates of WestWorld of Scottsdale to view 112 galleries across 123 booths. Ticket sales climbed 133% over its inaugural run, and a Justin BUA painting sold for $1.2 million within the first two hours, setting the tone for an unforgettable four days to follow.The Fair brought together galleries from all over the world, representing 19 countries, with thousands of blue-chip, contemporary, modern, Indigenous, Western, European and LatinX works along with works by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, David Hockney, Alex Katz and Maynard Dixon for sale. In addition to art, there were five Ferraris on display, 32 monumental sculptures, an area to listen to daily speaker panels, a concessions dining area and a VIP Lounge. Join us next year - mark your calendars for March 18-21, 2027 https://scottsdaleartweek.com/For photos, videos & more of our past podcasts, visit our podcast page: https://www.candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcastLastly, we have room for one more couple on our 19th annual Italy Tour with Mark Candelaria, September 30 - October 14, 2026. All info is here: https://www.candelariadesign.com/touritaly

January 21, 2026Episode 2150 min

"Positioning Your Product to an Architect" Featuring Mark Candelaria

The team at Sierra Pacific Windows featured Mark Candelaria on their latest “Sales Talk” educational series for their team. Mark shared his insights and perspective in the design and build fields and gave a great overview of what he does day-to-day. The main goal of the conversation was to share his point of view on how vendors can best approach and work with a high-end architect in a way that leads to a good relationship and more sales for the vendors. For the video version plus all of our past podcast episodes, visit our website's podcast page: candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast

December 22, 2025Episode 2046 min

Inspiring Living with Performance Psychiatrist Dr. Brook Choulet

This month’s guest is Dr. Brook Choulet, a concierge Sports & Performance Psychiatrist and Founder of Choulet Performance Psychiatry. Dr. Brook is President of the American Board of Sports and Performance Psychiatry and the Maricopa County Medical Society Foundation and is a regular contributor to a handful of trusted publications. Her pioneering work in Performance Psychiatry® focuses on helping high-achievers and their families optimize their mental health and enhance their performance, both personally and professionally. She is passionate about helping them elevate their well-being and lead more fulfilling lives. In this episode we discuss what she does, how she helps improve performance for both athletes and executives, the influence of mindset and mental clarity, and the science behind optimal skill and performance. She also shares details about her current role working with over 650 D1 student athletes as the sports psychiatrist for the ASU Sun Devils. Follow Dr. Brook: linkedin.com/in/brook-choulet/ instagram.com/brookchouletmd Join us on our Lifestyle Tour: Willamette Valley Food + Wine Tour

November 11, 2025Episode 2955 min

The Inspiring Life of US Veteran and Builder Mike Christensen

We have a special guest today for Veteran's Day - Mike Christensen, founder of luxury home building company, Peak One Builders and a proud 20+ year veteran. In today’s episode, we will get to know Mike, how he’s been contributing to the luxury home market for nearly 25 years and his mission to help veterans recover and integrate after deployment through his program Freedom for Heroes. This is a truly inspiring episode as Mike will reflect on all the lessons in leadership, perseverance, community, integrity and service he’s learned throughout his life journey. Mike and Mark met for the first time earlier this year when they teamed up for a fundraising event for Mike’s Freedom for Heroes charity. Mark cooked his popular paella and Febal Casa hosted the well attended event. https://peakonebuilders.com/ https://www.facebook.com/peakonebuilders/ https://freedomforheroes.org/about-us/ For more info and photos on this episode and to see all of our past episodes, visit our website's podcast page: candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast

August 4, 2025Episode 2857 min

Crafting Arizona Wood into Timeless Decor with John & Julie Tabor

In this episode, I have two wonderful people and artisans on the podcast, Julie & John Taber of Taber & Company. This husband and wife duo have been together in life and business for 30+ years and they are going to share their story with us. Taber & Company is located in Tucson and specializes in high-end custom furniture, doors, cabinetry and millwork that are individually designed and handcrafted in Arizona. John is a "Master of the Southwest" and has mastered the art of enhancing the natural beauty of the wood he uses with his proprietary blend of stains and waxes. We all met back in 2006 while working on a home in Paradise Valley, and we are currently working on two new homes that are about completed in PV and Arcadia. One special aspect about their company is how considerate they are about the wood they use and ensuring as little waste as possible in their local harvesting and milling of their wood. Listen to hear all the interesting stories, designs and lessons learned along the way and what makes this couple and company so incredible! For photos of their doors and designs, and more of our past podcast episodes, visit our Podcast Page: www.candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast https://www.instagram.com/taberandcompany/ https://www.candelariadesign.com/press

June 23, 2025Episode 2754 min

Trick Out Your Garage in Garaza Style with Jon Summer

On this episode, Mark talks with Jon Summer, Founder of Garaza Design, and former founder of Cyber Group. After 20 years at Cyber Group, Jon retired to spend more time with family and on his hobbies, which eventually led him to jump back into business by founding a passion project designing cool, customized car garages. They talk about running a business, design, garages, playing music together, travel and why the garage is commonly the forgotten space in luxury homes, but how and why that is changing. Garaza Design has a state-of-the-art showroom in North Scottsdale, where we recently co-hosted a fun happy hour for our clients! Their services include Steel Cabinets, Garage Design/Renderings, Wall Paneling/slat walls, Lifts, Mezzanines, Lighting, Flooring Options, Car Photography. For photos and more on this episode and all of our past 3 Seasons of Inspiring Living, visit our Podcast Page: https://www.candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast www.garazadesign.com@garazadesignaz

April 8, 2025Episode 261 hr 4 min

Bringing New Lives into the World with Dr. Lexi Hill

Our inspiring guest today is Top Doctor, Lexi Hill, an MD licensed in over 20 states specializing in obstetrics, gynecology and pregnancy. She practices telemedicine full-time, offering concierge consultations and assisting underserved communities. She is extensively involved with the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine as she is a passionate advocate for maternal health care. She has also spent time as an assistant professor and is published in numerous medical journals and textbooks and hosts her own podcast! Mark and Dr. Lexi have some enlightening conversations about health & wellness, nutrition, pregnancy and modern-day medicine. Learn more at www.drlexihill.comFor photos and more on this podcast episode and all our past episodes, visit www.candelariadesign.com

March 17, 2025Episode 2538 min

Willamette Valley Wine + Food Tour Reunion

In this episode Mark gets together with a handful of our past Willamette Valley Lifestyle Tour guests to relive the memories and continue the friendships that were made on this fabulous 5-night trip last August. This is our only tour we do within the country and it is an easy getaway that only takes a few hours to get to, but feels like you are miles away. We take guests to the heart of the Willamette Wine Valley in Central Oregon to explore one of Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Regions of the Year that is truly a hidden gem. This year we are taking 14 guests from June 12-17 - spots are still available! Everyday we visit incredible local wineries, tour some of the vineyards and an olive oil mill, learn about the process and of course enjoy food and wine pairings! Every evening we enjoy a multi-course dinner of local, often farm-to-table cuisine and meet the owners and chef. In between eating and drinking, we have leisurely mornings and nights at the lovely Setting Inn. You will wake up to views of the vineyards and lavender fields, and will have the opportunity to take a guided hike amongst 100-year old trees, visit the local boutiques or farmers market, and relax by the Inn's fire pit with a drink and cigar. While there is a daily itinerary of wine tastings and dinners, each day is also relaxing and full of beautiful scenery, fresh air and cool temperatures. There are still a few rooms remaining, so we'd love to have you join us! Visit candelariadesign.com/oregon-wine-tour for more info. Also, join us this weekend at the inaugural Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week at Westworld in Scottsdale March 20-23. Mark will enjoying the art and daily panels and fashion shows each day and will even be the emcee at the VIP Opening Night event Thursday, March 20! Tickets available at the link above. https://scottsdaleartweek.com/

February 24, 202540 min

First-Ever Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week with Trey Brennen & Mark Candelaria

Our joint podcast episode with Renee Dee's Iconic Hour features Scottsdale Art Week founder and owner of Brennen Fine Art ,Trey Brennen and strategic partner, Architect Mark Candelaria. These two share why you don’t want to miss this first-ever Scottsdale Ferrari Art Week, a four-day art fair showcasing over 100 national and global art galleries and cultural displays. A Fair of Art and Design curated for sophisticated contemporary lifestyles, this event brings together a dynamic combination of Contemporary Art and Design, the work of living Indigenous artists, and historical American art that speaks to the area’s heritage as the western outpost of America’s preeminent architect, Frank Lloyd Wright and the home to the wealth of the west.The event runs from Thursday March 20 - Sunday March 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Thursday night is the Opening Vernissage from 5:00 - 8:00 PM. Mark Candelaria will be the Emcee of this special kickoff evening and entry will include champagne, light bites, musical entertainment by Award Winning Opera Singer James Valenti, an indigenous-themed fashion show by Phoenix Fashion Week and a spectacular collection of art. Our firm is a proud sponsor of this first ever arts event, and Mark is a founding member of the planning committee and board. We personally invite you to purchase a ticket to join us at this exciting new international art fair right in our backyard! https://scottsdaleartweek.com/

January 24, 2025Episode 241 hr 15 min

Our Story on Aging with an Angel - Anka Ille of Paradise Valley Senior Retreat

In today's podcast episode Isabel & I have a very personal conversation with Anka Ile, the founder of Paradise Valley Senior Retreat, the assisted living home where Isabel's dad is a resident. Anka is a wonderful “angel” as we call her for all she does for the residents in her care and has a very special life story, and it reflects in her dedication and kindness. Paradise Valley Senior Retreat offers long term care in Arizona for elderly, providing the utmost of quality eldercare services to our senior residents. Founders Florin and Anka Ile both have combined over a decade of experience in the Assisted Living Industry, specifically at a Directed Level of 24-hour care. Mark & Isabel highly recommend them and they actually have a few rooms available at the moment! http://www.pvseniorretreat.com/ https://scottsdaleartweek.com/ For photos, the video of the entire podcast conversation, and more info about Anka and Paradise Valley Senior Retreat, visit our website's podcast page: www.candelariadesign.com/inspiring-living-podcast