Welcome to the WM Phoenix Open 2026

Welcome to the WM Phoenix Open 2026

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.

Welcome Dave & Wendy Tippett

From the bright lights of the NHL to the quiet moments that define a life truly well lived, this conversation with Dave Tippett and Wendy Tippett is a powerful reminder that true success is built far beyond the scoreboard. In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with one of hockey’s most respected leaders alongside the woman who has stood beside him through every season of life. Dave Tippett’s career is nothing short of legendary. From captaining Team Canada on the international stage to building one of the most accomplished coaching careers in NHL history, Dave has become known not only for his brilliance in hockey, but for the integrity, discipline, and character he brings into every locker room and every relationship. His journey through the National Hockey League spans decades of excellence.  As a player, coach, mentor, leader, and ambassador for the game. But this episode goes far deeper than hockey. Together, Dave and Wendy open up about the foundation that has carried them through life’s highest highs and hardest challenges: faith, family, perseverance, humility, and service to others. Their story is one of unwavering partnership, deep love, sacrifice, and shared purpose. In a world that often celebrates fame and achievement above all else, the Tippett's remind us what truly matters.  They remind us that showing up for your family, staying grounded in your values, working hard even when nobody is watching, and using your platform to make life better for other people. We talk about how Dave and Wendy first met, the early years before the spotlight, and the life lessons they learned together while navigating the demanding world of professional sports. Wendy shares what it was like building a family while moving through the pressures and uncertainty that come with an NHL career, and Dave reflects on the mentors, teammates, and moments that shaped him into the man he is today. There is so much wisdom packed into this conversation. Dave speaks candidly about leadership and what separates great leaders from merely talented people, how trust is earned, and why accountability and consistency matter in every area of life. He shares incredible stories from behind the scenes of the NHL, lessons learned from coaching elite athletes, and what it means to represent your country on the world stage as Captain of Team Canada. His perspective on resilience, preparation, and team culture is inspiring not only for athletes, but for parents, entrepreneurs, young people chasing dreams, and anyone trying to lead with excellence. Wendy brings an equally powerful voice to the conversation. Her warmth, grace, wisdom, and compassion are felt throughout this episode. She speaks openly about the importance of keeping faith at the center of life, protecting family amidst chaos, and finding joy and purpose through serving others. Together, Dave and Wendy embody the idea that success means very little if you are not lifting others up along the way. One of the most moving parts of this episode is hearing about their heart for giving back. Whether through mentorship, community involvement, charitable work, or simply investing in people quietly behind the scenes, the Tippetts have dedicated themselves to leaving a lasting impact far beyond the rink. Their compassion for others and commitment to helping people through difficult seasons is deeply inspiring. This episode is filled with laughter, emotional moments, incredible storytelling, and timeless lessons about life, marriage, leadership, sports, parenting, faith, and legacy. It is a conversation about chasing excellence while staying grounded. About ambition without losing your soul. About building a life rooted not only in achievement, but in love, gratitude, character, and service. Whether you are a hockey fan, a sports fan, a parent, an entrepreneur, a person of faith, or simply someone searching for inspiration and authenticity, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. Dave and Wendy Tippett are the kind of people who make you want to be better!  To be more disciplined, more compassionate, more intentional, more grateful. Their story is proof that greatness is not only measured in championships or accolades, but in the lives you touch, the people you serve, and the example you leave behind. This is more than a podcast episode. It is a masterclass in leadership, resilience, marriage, faith, and living with purpose. Thank you, Dave and Wendy, for your honesty, your wisdom, your kindness, and the incredible example you continue to set both on and off the ice.

Welcome William Fay

My guest today is William Fay — who I call Bill. Bill is one of the key architects behind modern blockbuster cinema and a man whose influence on Hollywood spans decades. As co-founder and President of Production at Legendary Pictures, Bill helped build one of the most powerful production companies in the entertainment industry from the ground up. Through his leadership, vision, and instinct for storytelling, he played a major role in bringing some of the most iconic films of our generation to life. From The Dark Knight and 300 to The Hangover, Independence Day, The Patriot, Superman Returns, Clash of the Titans, and The Town, Bill’s fingerprints are all over films that helped shape culture and redefine blockbuster storytelling. These weren’t just commercially successful movies — they became moments in cinematic history. But what makes this conversation so meaningful is that it goes far beyond Hollywood. Behind the massive productions, global premieres, high-pressure decisions, and billion-dollar expectations is a deeply grounded man who has stayed rooted in family, creativity, faith, and integrity throughout it all. Bill is a gifted musician, a devoted husband to his wife Jody, and a proud father of three daughters. In an industry that often demands everything from people, Bill has somehow managed to build an extraordinary career while protecting what matters most. Our friendship actually began through music after we both performed at Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding. We connected immediately, and over time I came to admire not only Bill’s accomplishments, but the kind of man he is behind the scenes. He carries wisdom quietly. He listens deeply. He leads with humility. And despite being responsible for some of the biggest films ever made, he remains one of the warmest and most genuine people I know. In this episode, we talk about the realities of Hollywood that audiences rarely see. Bill opens up about the pressure of leading major productions, the responsibility that comes with overseeing films on a global scale, and the lessons he learned while building Legendary Pictures into a powerhouse studio. We discuss what actually makes a movie last over time, how creative risks are evaluated behind closed doors, and what separates films that simply entertain from films that become part of culture. We also dive into the emotional side of success — the setbacks, disappointments, and difficult seasons that shaped him along the way. From navigating uncertainty to making impossible decisions under pressure, Bill shares honest insight into the resilience required to survive in one of the toughest industries in the world. He speaks candidly about leadership, character, and the importance of staying grounded when success gets loud. One of my favorite parts of this conversation was hearing Bill reflect on family and legacy. We talk about what being a husband and father has taught him, what he hopes his daughters learned from watching his life and career unfold, and why personal integrity matters more than titles or accomplishments. We also discuss music and creativity, and how storytelling exists far beyond the screen. For aspiring filmmakers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing a dream, Bill offers incredibly valuable advice about perseverance, risk-taking, rejection, and building a career that lasts. He shares the truths about Hollywood that no one talks about, the mistakes he sees young filmmakers make, and what truly matters if you want long-term success in any field. There are also lighter moments throughout the episode as we laugh about on-set experiences, iconic actors, favorite films, and of course Bill’s love for The Godfather — which led to a very fun recreation of one of the most legendary lines in movie history. This episode is ultimately about much more than movies. It’s about leadership, purpose, creativity, family, resilience, and legacy. Bill Fay’s story is a r

Welcome Drake & Alex White

You are not alone. No matter what you’ve walked through or what you’re facing right now, there is still hope on the other side of it. This episode is a powerful reminder of that truth. Today’s conversation with Drake White and his wife, Alex White is one of the most moving, honest, and deeply human stories you’ll hear. It’s a story about resilience, faith, and the kind of strength that is built in life’s hardest moments, both individually and within a marriage. You may know Drake White for his music, his energy on stage, and his voice. What you may not see is everything that happened behind the scenes. In the middle of a live performance, Drake experienced a life-threatening medical emergency on stage. In an instant, everything changed. His health, his career, and his future were suddenly uncertain. It was the kind of moment that forces you to reevaluate everything. And in that moment, and every moment that followed, Alex was right there beside him. What you see in this episode is not just a story of survival, but a story of partnership. A marriage tested in ways most people will never fully understand. A commitment that was not just spoken, but lived out in the hardest seasons of life. And yet, that was only part of their story. For years before that, Drake and Alex were walking through a deeply personal struggle with infertility. Six years of hoping, praying, waiting, and wondering if their dream of having a family would ever become reality. Six years of not giving up. Six years of choosing each other in the middle of uncertainty. Through perseverance and faith, they welcomed their son. A moment that carried the weight of everything they had been through to get there. A miracle. But life continued to test them in ways they never expected. While preparing to grow their family again, they stepped into hope once more, only to experience devastating heartbreak. Their daughter was born prematurely and passed away just moments later. It is the kind of loss that changes you forever. And in that kind of grief, many relationships fall apart. But here, you see something different. You see two people choosing to stay. Choosing to support one another even when they are both hurting. Choosing honesty over distance. Choosing love, not just in the easy moments, but in the ones that require everything they have. Because this episode is not just about what they have been through. It is about how they have walked through it together. It is about a marriage that did not break under pressure, but deepened. It is about showing up for each other when there are no easy answers. It is about learning how to carry pain side by side. In this conversation, Drake and Alex open up in a way that is raw, real, and deeply meaningful. They share what grief actually looks like. Not the version people see, but the one lived behind closed doors. They talk about supporting each other through pain, navigating uncertainty, and learning how to keep going when life does not make sense. This is not a polished version of resilience. This is the real thing. You will hear about the quiet moments no one talks about. The questions without clear answers. The days where simply getting through is enough. And the decision, again and again, to keep showing up for life, for each other, and for the future they still believe in. Woven through all of it is perspective. A reminder that even in grief, there can still be gratitude. That even in loss, there can still be love. And that even in the darkest moments, there is still light. Sometimes faint, sometimes hard to find, but always there. Their story is not about perfection. It is not about having everything figured out. It is about perseverance. It is about choosing connection over isolation. It is about allowing pain to shape you, but not define you. A

Welcome Bernhard Langer

During one of the most iconic weeks in golf, I sat down with 2x Masters Champion Bernhard Langer for a conversation that goes far beyond the game. We talk about the first time he won the Masters—and why, despite achieving one of the greatest accomplishments in golf, he felt completely empty that night. Instead of fulfillment, there was a sense that something was still missing. Years later, everything changed. When Bernhard won the Masters for the second time, it fell on Easter Sunday—a moment that held deep spiritual significance. By then, he had come to faith, and his experience of success was completely different. What once felt empty was now grounded in purpose, gratitude, and a relationship with God. In this conversation, Bernhard shares his personal testimony, how he found his faith, and how it transformed not only his career—but his identity, his values, and his life. We also talk about his deep love for his wife and family, the principles that have sustained their marriage over decades, and how he continues to stay disciplined, strong, and competitive—remaining one of the most respected and accomplished players in the world. This is more than a golf conversation—it’s about faith, purpose, love, and what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.  In this episode: – The night he first won the Masters—and why it felt empty – Winning again on Easter Sunday after finding faith – His personal testimony and spiritual journey – Love, marriage, and lasting commitment – Staying disciplined, strong, and competitive over time If this conversation speaks to you, make sure to follow, share, and leave a review.