In this special Independence Week edition of Arizona Roundup, we journey through Helen’s roots from Bisbee and Douglas to California and finally Prescott, where she created one of the most respected and community-rooted film festivals in the Southwest. Stephenson, who also runs the Film and Media Arts Program at Yavapai College, shares stories of shaking up film education, attracting filmmakers from around the world, and creating unforgettable cinematic events for all ages.

Why This Episode Shines

Whether you’re a longtime Prescott local or a visiting film buff, this episode of Arizona Roundup is your guide to a magical week in Mile High Country. Stuart and Helen cover everything from the festival's origin story to the impact of film in rural and historic communities.

In a special edition of Arizona Roundup recorded at the Sharlot Hall Museum in Prescott, Arizona, host Stuart Rosebrook welcomes Prescott Mayor Phil Goode for a wide-ranging, deeply engaging conversation about the historical roots, civic identity, and Revolutionary heritage of this iconic Mile-High City. As America prepares to commemorate its 250th anniversary, Mayor Goode unpacks how Prescott’s naming, pronunciation, and founding tie directly into the Revolutionary War and the enduring spirit of citizen leadership.

This broadcast is far more than a civic history lesson—it’s a celebration of national heritage, family legacy, and the military exploits of Colonel William Prescott at Bunker Hill, to revealing how Dr. Samuel Prescott completed the 'Midnight Ride' that Paul Revere never finished, the program connects the dots between past and present, offering listeners an inspiring portrait of a city built on the values of resilience, education, and patriotic servicevalues that have shaped both Prescott and the country. From recounting the.