PHOENIX (STN) – It’s happening again. And, once again, it’s happening at STN.
After three groundbreaking seasons, ‘It Happens at STN‘ returns for a fourth season of powerful storytelling, dynamic conversations, and community-driven impact. Arizona’s one-of-a-kind live studio show remains the only local media platform where purpose meets possibility.
“As we head into Season 4 with such incredible momentum, it’s important to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in our three previous seasons,” said Kathy Clark, STN chief communications officer and executive producer of ‘It Happens at STN.’
STN Founder and CEO Eric Sperling added: “The first three seasons proved that STN isn’t just local media, it’s a movement. We’ve seen local leaders come alive, funding and partnerships grow, and real solutions gain momentum.”
Season 4 will spotlight some of the Valley’s most influential leaders while introducing fresh topics, new voices, and innovative ideas to spark change across Arizona. The work continues alongside a growing list of mission-driven nonprofits, community organizations, and businesses.
“There are solutions in place now and community changes we can point to because of the ideas and labor born from those seasons,” Clark said. “It’s a testament to our partners who show up and find opportunities for collaboration in the STN ecosystem.”
UMOM New Day Centers returns as the driving force behind ‘Leading in the Moment,’ a monthly roundtable series exploring what leadership looks like in practice, not just in title.
Also returning is the long-standing ‘McQuaid Mission‘ series, focused on homelessness and housing. In partnership with Keys to Change, the segment continues to bring system leaders and community advocates together to highlight what’s working—and what still needs to change.
“Working with UMOM and Keys to Change over multiple seasons has shown us that the deepest impact comes from long-term collaboration, not one-time conversations,” Sperling said. “It’s proof that when you show up consistently, supporters and funders gain a better understanding of the issue—and that trust turns into real community change.”
Following a strong Season 3 debut, ‘The Wellness Collective‘—produced in partnership with Mercy Care—returns with a new focus on food insecurity and how it affects community wellness. The series will examine the systems that create barriers while spotlighting solutions already making a difference.
“Food insecurity is more than just a social or economic issue; it’s a community wellness issue that impacts all of us,” Clark said. “To have their expertise leading these action-based conversations is invaluable.”
In addition to UMOM, Keys to Change, and Mercy Care, returning partners this season include Arizona Financial Credit Union, Bank of America, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine, Valley of the Sun United Way, Ability360, Lights, Camera, Discover, Young and Empowered Women, USAA, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and University of Phoenix.
New partners joining for Season 4 include Phoenix Business Journal, Friends of the Children, Central Arizona Shelter Services, Better Business Bureau, and BearFruit.
The Season 4 premiere will also introduce two powerhouse additions to the STN hosting team: Vanessa Ruiz and Hailey Frances. Known for their award-winning journalism and deep ties to Phoenix storytelling, both bring decades of experience and a shared passion for connecting people through meaningful content.
Season 4 of It ‘Happens at STN’ premieres Thursday, Sept. 4, from STN’s downtown Phoenix studio. The show will feature 10 monthly episodes running through June 2026.
