10 Questions for Win Holden

PHOENIX - It isn’t always the big events that make us turn our head when we hear about politicians, celebrities and athletes.

Sometimes, we just want to know that when you boil it down, they’re all people like us.

What's in their fridge? What are they reading? What do they do in their off time?

Each Tuesday, ABC15.com is asking the same 10 questions of an Arizona leader or celebrity.

But don't jump to any conclusions these aren't the typical interview questions.

They are not meant to be probing or controversial. Instead, they're fun questions that let you get to know the person – in ways you probably don’t already.

This week, we're hearing from Win Holden, publisher of Arizona Highways magazine.

In 2000, Holden joined Arizona Highways, which is recognized as one of the finest travel magazines in the world, with more than 165,000 subscribers in 120 countries.

Holden previously served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Moses Anshell marketing communication firm in Phoenix and was publisher and editor-in-chief of Phoenix Magazine.

Holden has served on the Cronkite Endowment Board of Trustees since 1995 and is a past president.

He is a husband and father who enjoys listening to Broadway musicals, but what else did we learn? Read more:

10 Questions for Win Holden

1. What's in your iPod?

A very eclectic blend if I do say so myself! I have lots of Broadway musical and motion picture sound tracks, a mix of rock - just about everything Billy Joel has recorded, Cold Play, Bonnie Raitt, jazz led by George Winston and New Age stuff by Enya, Vienna Tang and Robin Spielberg.

2. What's the best gift you ever got?

Our three children (all of whom are now adults), Chris, Allison and Emily. Number two would have to be the gift of being selected to serve as Arizona Highways Magazine’s Publisher ten years ago.

3. What do you consider your greatest success?

Persuading Carolyn, my wife of 39 years to say “yes:” when I proposed!

4. Did you ever have a nickname? If so, what was it and what did it mean?

I’ve had several and many of those are unprintable, owing to my highly suspect prowess in athletics. Probably the most frequently used during my college years was given to me by a roommate, Barry Katz. He dubbed me Cool Breeze because I was on the debate team and have always had the gift of gab. At least, I hope that’s what it meant!

5. What is your all time favorite movie?

I have several, but “Oh Brother Where Art Thou” and “Young Frankenstein” top the list.

6. If you could have dinner with any three people living or dead who would they be?

First would be my paternal Grandfather who died when I was an infant. He was an inventor and a brilliant man. I’m terribly sorry I never got to meet him. I’d add Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson to the table.

7. What is in your fridge right now?

Not much! There are only two of us at home now so we have some fruit and veggies, tortillas, a broad array of condiments, some wine and soft drinks. Most of the entrée makings are in the freezer – meat, cheese, breads, ice cream and more veggies. My wife bakes awesome homemade banana and zucchini bread that we freeze to spread out the enjoyment!

8. What is the last book you read?

“The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs,” by Carmine Gallo.

9. What do you consider your greatest regret?

Not discovering Arizona earlier. I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and had a marvelous childhood, but living in Arizona is a tremendous blessing.

10. What's your favorite thing to do in Arizona?

Sit on the deck of our cabin in Munds Park and watch the birds, the critters and the amazing Arizona sunsets.

Who will get profiled next week? Check back for a new "10 Questions" each Tuesday here on ABC15.com.