Chocolate Fest Features "Tapped” Podcasters, Photo Contest Winners
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Image: Rose Veneklasen
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, the WRRC hosted its 21st Annual Chocolate Fest. Dozens of water enthusiasts gathered to share chocolate treats and enjoy an inspiring program. This year, Director Sharon B. Megdal conducted a “tables-turned” interview with special guests Chris Conover and Zac Zeigler to discuss their experiences recording Tapped, Arizona Public Media’s podcast on water issues in the southwest. Conover and Zeigler related their experiences traveling around Arizona to capture people’s perspectives on water supply and quality, water rights, and access to safe, clean water. Ziegler recalled that during one of those interviews, a guest’s cat “fell in love” with their team’s faux-fur windscreen-covered microphone, and listeners could hear loud purring throughout the conversation. Conover shared the story of their team’s shock and amazement when Tapped was briefly the number one trending podcast in the world during its third season. They are set to begin recording their fourth season soon.
Following the interview’s Q&A, we announced the winners of the WRRC 2024 Photo Contest. We received twice as many submissions this year than last year! Because there were so many fantastic entries, the selection process was both a pleasure and a challenge. Photos were recognized in several categories to represent “Water in Arizona,” including Nature, Wildlife, People/Pets, and The Built Environment. Additionally, there were two Special Categories: Borders and Water Outside of Arizona, as well as a category for Best in Show. Selected photos from the contest will be featured in future WRRC fliers and publications.