They are not big-name talk radio personalities like Howard Stern or Don Imus. They are Valley Entrepreneurs who have taken their business expertise to the airwaves.

Two duos of local businesswomen are part of a growing trend of live, self-produced, self-financed business talk radio shows in the Phoenix broadcasting market.

Beth Gallob and Monica Mariani host "Beth and Monica's Small Business Marketplace" on KFHX-AM 1620. Michele Swinick and Kathleen Reinhardt host "Your House is Your Home" on KMYL-AM1190. Both shows feature business and financial advice served up in a chatty, homespun way.

Gallob and Mariani will be the first to admit they are not professional media stars. "With Monica and I being small-business owners, we thought it was a great way to offer our expertise and resources to the small-business community," Gallob said. Gallob owns Gallob Communication and Mariani owns Business Polish business consulting.

The vehicle for their show they have chosen is a far cry from the massive media chains that dominate many radio markets in the United States. "We are what old-time community radio used to be like," said Dennis Contino, program manager at low-power KFHX in Fountain Hills. Contino said his station broadcasts at below 100 milliwatts, yet reaches into Fountain Hills, North Scottsdale and parts of Chandler and Apache Junction.

More importantly, the Beth and Monica show can be heard and seen via audio and video streaming on the Internet at www.kfhx.org. This widens their potential for a bigger audience, he said. KFHX is owned by the St. Dominic's Food Bank in Fountain Hills, Contino said.

Recent guests on the Beth and Monica show have discussed business planning, growth and financial forecasting. Listeners can call in and join the discussion. "Getting into radio this way seemed like an affordable way to position ourselves as experts and gain credit in our field." Gallob said. "If it works, you get the respect and exposure, and if it doesn't, you go polish up your radio skills."

Swinick and Reinhardt started their weekly radio show as a forum for their nonprofit organization, Helping the People. Since Feb. 1 of last year they have broadcast advice on mortgages and buying and selling homes. They are partners in The Mortgage People, a mortgage company in Phoenix.

Their forte is witty banter and landing nationally know guests. In January they featured Mark Victor Hanson, author of the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. In April they will highlight Robert Allen, author of "Nothing Down," a book on how to buy houses.

Swinick said businesspeople with their own radio show must walk a fine line. They must gain the exposure and audience that broadcasting affords without appearing self-serving. "We talk about a lot of things, not just our company," she said. "We provide information and resources. I think that most people know when you are being insincere about wanting to help them."

Frederic Leigh, associate director of the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcasting at the Arizona State University, thinks locally produced business talk shows are an interesting phenomenon. "There aren't too many opportunities for buying blocks of time from the large radio media chains," said Leigh. "It's too expensive. This would seem a good way for people who are not professionals to get on the air."

There's no sleeping in on Saturdays for Glendale resident Michele Swinick and her business partner, Scottsdale resident Kathleen Reinhardt. The two women, who founded The Mortgage People in August 2001, host a weekly radio show from 10 to 11 am every Saturday on KMYL 1190 AM. Called " Your House Is Your Home," the show provides listeners with tools to help them take charge of their finances, personal growth and home life.

Swinick, 30, has lived in Glendale seven years. She said she entered the real estate field because she " enjoyed seeing the expression on people's faces" when they found the home of their dreams. But, she also got emotionally involved in the transactions and it began to take its toll. So, with Reinhardt sharing her goal, the two started their own mortgage company. "It's been a learning experience, dealing with people 24-7" Swinick said.

In early 2001, the two also started a non-profit called "Helping the People." The organization's philosophy is to encourage home ownership, which "builds stronger communities, strengthens families and creates stability for children." The non-profit's work does not stop at helping people with mortgages and home ownership. Swinick and Reinhardt began collecting donations of clothing, food and other necessities for Thomas J. Pappas School for the Homeless. At Christmas, Swinick said the company collected at least 2,500 items, including Christmas gifts.

"These kids, it's unbelievable how well-mannered they are, " Swinick said . "There were certain children who had yellow shirts on we couldn't photograph because their lives are at risk. And these kids know that their lives are in jeopardy. It puts a whole different perspective on the way you look at things."

As a result of their visits to the Pappas School, Swinick and Reinhardt hope to raise at least $3,000 for the children by Jan. 31. For every loan they process before Jan. 31, the two will donate $100 to the school. To learn more, or to donate, call (602) 336-4343.

The Radio Show

Mark Victor Hansen, author of "Chicken Soup" book series, is the guest for Saturday's show. Hansen recently wrote the best-selling book, "One Minute Millionaire," which contains advice about making better financial decisions.

For more information about the show or The Mortgage People, log on to YourHouseIsYourHome.com, or TheMortgagePeople.net

Arrowhead Ranch resident Michele Swinick and her business partner Kathleen Reinhardt celebrated the season early with students from the Thomas J. Pappas School. The women raised about $1,500 and collected more than 2,500 items for students, which included everything from underwear, socks, shoes, food items, flash lights and sleeping bags. Ms. Swinick and Ms. Reinhardt distributed the goodies to students Dec 19.

The funds and gifts were raised through Ms. Swinick and Ms. Reinhardt's business, The Mortgage People. For every loan processed, The Mortgage People donated $100 to Thomas J. Pappas. Because the drive was a success, Ms. Swinick and Ms. Reinhardt will extend the promotion through Jan 31.

"Helping out the kids at Thomas J. Pappas was a huge eye-opening experience. These Kids actually had better manners than most kids we've met. They were so appreciative and happy for even the little things we were able to bring them," Ms. Swinick said. "I truly believe it is so important that every child has as much opportunity as the next to have a proper education, a stable family life, have the basic necessities to live and unconditional love."

For more information, contact The Mortgage People at (602) 336-4343 or visit the Web Site- www.TheMortgagePeople.net.

What I like most about living here: I live across the street from a park. I love looking out at it and watching families and pets playing and enjoying themselves. It takes me back to when I was a child and enjoying time with my family.

Changes I'd like to see in this area: Speed bumps in high traffic residential areas. We have many families with children that live in the neighborhood and there are too many cars that speed and don't watch where they are going.

What I'm exited about & why: I get exited about the new people I meet everyday. I like making an impact on peoples lives.

Favorite community cause & why: Helping those who are less fortunate than myself. There have been many changes in our society as a whole and those who seem to be most affected are the children. Parents have to work more hours which leave them less time for their children. The school systems have changed to the point where the after school programs and sports activities are not available to every child.

What am I working on now: The Mortgage People, a mortgage brokerage that I own jointly with my business partner, Michele Swinick, has created a fund-raising campaign to benefit the Thomas J. Pappas School. This organization was created to support and educate homeless children. There are approximately 1,000 students who attend the three schools. The schools are not funded by state taxes so they depend soley on donation and contribution. The children are provided with: breakfast and lunch; medical and dental care; clothing; education and class time; recess; library; access and computer time; birthday parties; and even food for their families. We intend to donate $100 for each loan that is originated through Dec. 31. Fifty dollars will be donated in the name of the person who is doing the loan and $50 who referrs the client. So even if you don't need financing for a purchase, refinance or debt consolidation you can still make a difference in these children's lives by simply referring family, friends or associates. The Mortgage People was created to "finance the american dream" by providing education, options and solutions for home financing.

Why this promotion is important: Everyone in the community can directly help out hundreds of needy children without any financial contribution - and they recieve the tax deduction. The children who attend the Thomas J. Pappas Schools have experienced so much hardship and we're trying to put smiles on their faces during this holiday season. Word of mouth is the most important method of advertising and we're trying to get the word out that by simply referring someone to our company they can help out a very well deserving cause.

What do residents have to do to help?: They need to call The Mortgage People at (602-336-4343) or visit us at our website www.The MortgagePeople.net and make an application for a purchase, refinance or debt consolidation loan; or just refer someone they know. It's simple and we hope to provide these children with about $3,000 by Christmas.

When & why I moved here: I am an Arizona native and moved to the valley in December of 1999 for better opportunities.

Where I lived before & why I left: I lived in Tucson for 18 yrs. and thought I was eager for a change.

My family: My mother lives in Tucson and my five siblings are spread out from Arizona to Alaska to New Hampshire.

What I do: I co-own The Mortgage People - mortgage brokerage in Phoenix; co-host a weekly talk radio show, "Your House Is Your Home" every Saturday @ 10am-11am on NBC 1190 am; and am the director of "Helping The People" a non-profit, Homeownership Resource Center that provides services for buying, selling and financing of homes.

What I like most about what I do: Helping people improve their lives and those around them by empowering them with education and positive choices.

Previous occupations & why I left: I have been in the real estate business for 19 years. Having been in many facets of the business from real estate appraising to selling loans on the secondary market to teaching classes for the industry, I feel that I have a well rounded knowledge of the business. This allows me to honestly offer my clients th most accurate information which I feel helps me provide them with better service and understanding of their needs.

If I had picked a different occupation, it might have been: A doctor.

My interests and hobbies: Spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking, volunteering, animals, snow mobiling and skiing.

The best time in my life: Getting married in Playacar, Mexico, and spending time with our families.

My best habit: Patience.

My worst habits: Being so patient that it allows people to take advantage of me.

The trait(s) I admire in others: The ability to maintain balance with family and career.

People who inspired me (and how): My grandmother. She started out her career as an artist and designer in New York City. At the same time she was in school studying psychology. While working with mental patients she and another doctor realized what art can do to help heal the mind. Because she was a woman in a man's world she took second seat and co-wrote the first medical book pertaining to art therapy. Her findings and work are still used as the basis for research on treating mental patients through art. Although she doesn't recieve the equal credit she deserves, she has always maintained that it isn't the credit youshould be after-just the results. She has a peacefulness about her that she says comes from knowing that she has made a difference in other's lives. I hope I can become half the woman she is.

My guiding philosophy: What you put out will come back 10 fold.

Advice to today's youth: Listen first. Love your family and friends. Fight for yourself and for those who can't. Be a mentor. Give before taking.