Episodes

  • MTN 71 Chandler | Craft 64 Chandler | Food Fame, Content, & Herbs

    MTN 71 Chandler | Craft 64 Chandler | Food Fame, Content, & Herbs
    Jan 14 2026
    This week on Move The Needle: filmed on location at Craft 64 Chandler, featuring local business owners, creators, and wellness leaders making a real impact across the Valley. Special thanks to our partners: Brooklyn V’s Pizza: https://brooklynvspizza.com/ T utor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... Von Hansons Meats & Spirits: https://vonhansonsmeats.net/ Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com/ Amy Richardson - Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ First, we spotlight Melissa Anaya of Eat Drink AZ. Born and raised in the Valley of the Sun, Melissa has built Eat Drink AZ into one of Arizona’s most recognized hospitality platforms, with over half a million followers. She also leads Eat Drink Creative Agency, where she and her team create strategic marketing campaigns for restaurants, bars, and hospitality brands across the Valley. Melissa shares insight into content creation, brand visibility, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive hospitality market. Find out more HERE: https://eatdrinkaz.com/ Next, we sit down with Sybil Imel of Content Ready Sessions. Sybil is a health solutions expert, content strategist, and personal branding coach helping women—especially those over 40—look, feel, and live their best while building profitable online brands. Through Content Ready Sessions, Sybil helps entrepreneurs capture high-quality, strategic content in a fun and efficient way, simplifying content creation and social media so business owners can grow their online presence with confidence. Find out more HERE: https://stan.store/ContentReadySessions Finally, we talk with Brittney Sounart of Desert Sage Herbs. Brittney’s journey into herbalism began over 25 years ago after struggling with her own health challenges. In 1999, she co-founded Desert Sage Herbs in Chandler, Arizona, and has since dedicated her career to holistic wellness. Specializing in custom herbal formulations and natural support for all stages of life, Brittney shares her powerful story and how herbal medicine continues to support individuals and families through natural healing. Learn more HERE: https://desertsageherbs.com/ 00:07 Intro 03:53 Melissa Anaya - Founder of Eat Drink AZ 27:36 Sybil Imel - Content Ready Sessions 50:52 Brittney Sounart - Owner of Desert Sage Herbs #movetheneedle #podcast #mtn #movingtheneedle #entrepreneur #community #az #azcommunity #chandleraz #herbs #eatdrinkaz #restaurants #contentcreator #contentmarketing #contenttips #womenownedbusiness #marketing #branding
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Episode 70- AHWATUKEE Cookies, Tutors and Foster Families

    Episode 70- AHWATUKEE Cookies, Tutors and Foster Families
    Jan 7 2026
    This week on Move The Needle — filmed on location at Vero Chicago Pizza, featuring local business owners, nonprofit leaders, and community change-makers making a real impact across the Valley. Special thanks to our partners: Savvy Realty Group – Amy Richardson: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ Vero Chicago Pizza: https://www.verochicagopizza.com/rest... Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com/ Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com/ Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ First, we spotlight Lookie, It’s a Cookie!, a local custom sugar cookie business offering beautifully decorated cookies, cookie cakes, and hands-on cookie classes—including the popular Cookie After Dark. From custom orders (2–5 dozen cookies) to 10” cookie cakes with royal icing details, Lookie, It’s a Cookie! brings creativity and sweetness to every celebration. Learn more and order here: https://lookie-its-a-cookie.square.site Instagram: @lookiecookieaz Next, we sit down with Kimberly Selchan, Business Growth Coach and Regional Owner of Tutor Doctor Chandler-Gilbert-Ahwatukee. With over 20 years as a people leader and more than six years growing her franchise to 90+ staff and nearly 2,000 clients, Kimberly shares insights on scaling service-based businesses and supporting today’s youth through one-to-one academic coaching and mentorship. Tutor Doctor provides personalized tutoring from Pre-K through college, including STEM, test prep, executive function coaching, special needs support, and ESL. Tutor Doctor is currently hiring tutors across the Phoenix area. Find out more about Tutor Doctor HERE: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... Finally, we talk with Kimberly Vehon, Founder and CEO of Foster Arizona and the Foster Arizona Housing Project. Kimberly shares her powerful mission to change the foster care system through education, connection, and action. Foster Arizona supports children currently in foster care and young adults ages 18–24 transitioning out of the system by providing resources, community, and safe housing—helping create stability, independence, and hope for the future. Find out more about Foster Arizona HERE: https://freeartsaz.org/ 00:07 Intro 03:14 Monica Gellman - Owner of Lookie, it's a Cookie 21:58 Kim Selchan - Owner of Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee 42:13 Kim Vehon - Found & CEO of Foster Arizona For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: / mtn_podcast TikTok: / mtn_podcast Facebook: / mtnpodcast Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz: Mathew Blades: / mathewblades Steve Petz: / stevepetz Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • MTN 69 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Snacks, Slapshots, & Saving Lives

    MTN 69 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Snacks, Slapshots, & Saving Lives
    Dec 31 2025
    This week on Move The Needle — filmed on location at Craft 64 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Special thanks to our partners: • Savvy Realty Group – Amy Richardson: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ • Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ First, we sit down with Taryn George, founder of Heart & Soul by Taryn. Taryn helps busy families simplify healthy eating through realistic grocery strategies, lunchbox inspiration, and easy food swaps that remove stress and guilt. Her mission is to make nourishing your family sustainable, approachable, and doable in everyday life. Learn more and download her free starter guide HERE: https://www.heartandsoulbytaryn.com/ Next, we speak with Emily Stratton from District Hockey HQ, a premier hockey training, retail, and performance facility in Scottsdale. District Hockey HQ offers pro stock gear, game-worn jerseys, interactive shooting lanes, synthetic ice training, and advanced tools like the RapidHands Machine. We also explore their professional equipment services, including skate baking, sharpening, and ozone-based gear cleaning that naturally eliminates odors and bacteria. Learn more about District Hockey HQ HERE: https://www.districthockeyhq.com/?srs... Finally, we talk with Lea Benson, co-founder of CeCe’s Hope Center. With over 30 years of experience in business management and marketing, Lea now focuses her work on helping young women survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives. CeCe’s Hope Center supports women ages 18–24 through education, career training, transitional housing, and individualized partner services—creating long-term healing, stability, and hope. Learn more about Cece's Hope Center HERE: https://cecescenter.org/ For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: / mtn_podcast TikTok: / mtn_podcast Facebook: / mtnpodcast Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz: Mathew Blades: / mathewblades Steve Petz: / stevepetz Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • MTN 67 Gilbert | Brooklyn V’s Pizza | AZ’S TOP FOODIE, Cheesecake Crown + Game-Changers

    MTN 67 Gilbert | Brooklyn V’s Pizza | AZ’S TOP FOODIE, Cheesecake Crown + Game-Changers
    Dec 10 2025
    This week on Move The Needle — filmed on location at Brooklyn V’s in Gilbert, AZ Special thanks to our partners: Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com/ Brooklyn V’s Pizza: https://brooklynvspizza.com/ Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com/ Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... First, we sit down with Chelsey Hauston of @letthemeatthis — the largest food TikTok account in Arizona and one of the Southwest’s leading food and travel creators. Since 2019, she has built a community of over half a million followers while spotlighting local restaurants and producing content for more than 30 Arizona eateries. With graduate studies at Thunderbird School of Global Management and a background in education, Chelsey blends storytelling, strategy, and community impact in her work. Follow her on IG: / letthemeatthis Next, we speak with Lauren Blankenhorn, Executive Director and Founder of Nourish and Nurture AZ, a nonprofit diaper and formula bank serving families in Pinal County. She shares critical insights into the challenges facing local parents: 43% of Arizona infants are born into poverty, 1 in 2 families struggle to afford diapers, and 13% must choose between basic expenses and infant formula. Nourish and Nurture provides essential supplies and compassionate support to families in need. Learn more about Lauren HERE: https://www.nourishandnurtureaz.com/a.... Finally, we talk with Carol Burgard, Operations Consultant and Fractional Director of Operations. Carol helps businesses scale by creating strong systems, clear workflows, and aligned operations. With deep experience in project management, sales, and leadership development, she bridges the gap between big-picture vision and day-to-day execution. As a mentor with the Young & Empowered Women Group, she is committed to empowering leaders to grow with confidence and clarity. Connect with Carol HERE: / carolburgardofficial 00:07 Intro 02:28 Chelsey Hauston - AZ Food & Travel Blogger 26:18 Lauren Blankenhorn - Founder of Nourish and Nurture AZ 45:50 Carol Burgard - Operations Consultant For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: / mtn_podcast TikTok: / mtn_podcast Facebook: / mtnpodcast Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz: Mathew Blades: / mathewblades Steve Petz: / stevepetz Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • MTN 66 Ahwatukee | Foothills Golf Club - The Bunker | Desert Vista High School Then and Now

    MTN 66 Ahwatukee | Foothills Golf Club - The Bunker | Desert Vista High School Then and Now
    Dec 3 2025

    This week on Move The Needle — filmed on location at Foothills Golf Club – The Bunker in Ahwatukee, AZ

    Special thanks to our partners: • Savvy Realty Group – Amy Richardson: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ • Vero Chicago Pizza: https://www.verochicagopizza.com/ • Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-gilbert/ • Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ • Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com/

    First, we sit down with Sammy Williams from Boys Team Charity (BTC), Ahwatukee. With nearly 20 years in cardiology spanning public relations, sales, and marketing, Sammy brings a rare combination of clinical experience and communication expertise. A Walter Cronkite School honors graduate, she now uses her investigative mindset to support organizations through copywriting, editing, research, customer service training, and business development. We also explore her work with Boys Team Charity — a service organization empowering 7th–12th grade boys to give back to their communities through parent-son volunteerism across Arizona and Tucson. Learn more about BTC: https://boysteamcharity.org/

    Next, we speak with Dr. Donna Jagielski, founder of Blessings, Balance, Breath Yoga and adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. A 20-year Ahwatukee resident, Dr. Donna offers trauma-informed yoga to underserved women and youth impacted by the justice system. With expertise in both education and wellness, she shares how technology, stress, and the fast pace of modern life highlight the urgent need for accessible self-care practices.

    Learn more: https://blessingsbalancebreath.org/

    Finally, we talk with Mr. TJ Snyder, Assistant Principal of Academics at Desert Vista High School. Beginning at DVHS in 1995 as a baseball coach, Mr. Snyder has since served in Special Education, Counseling, Testing Coordination, and NCAA Clearinghouse support. His decades-long commitment to student success — along with his experience as a parent of two DVHS graduates — gives him a grounded, community-centered perspective on education and leadership.

    Explore Desert Vista High School: https://desertvista.tempeunion.org/

    00:07 Intro 03:52 Sammy Williams - BTC Charity Ahwatukee 23:16 Dr. Donna Jagielski - CEO & Founder - Blessings, Balance, Breath Yoga 45:31

    For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com

    Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtn_podcast/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtn_podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtnpodcast

    Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz:

    Mathew Blades: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathewblades/

    Steve Petz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevepetz/

    Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep 65 - Chandler - Bottle and Bean - Cash Money and Mathew Blades

    Ep 65 - Chandler - Bottle and Bean - Cash Money and Mathew Blades
    Nov 26 2025

    This week on Move The Needle — filmed on location at Bottle & Bean in Chandler, AZ

    Special thanks to our partners:

    Brooklyn V's: https://brooklynvspizza.com/

    Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-gilbert/

    Amy Richardson - Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/

    Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/

    First, we sit down with Ashley Butler, Cash Flow Advisor with Alpha Omega Wealth. Ashley grew up around the world as an Army brat, later earning degrees in Mathematics and Psychology before stepping into financial education and insurance planning. After discovering the Infinite Banking Concept through a local Cashflow meetup, she made it her mission to help people rethink their relationship with money.

    Today, she guides clients toward clarity, wealth-building, and financial purpose using her core values framework, “Take A. S.T.E.P.” Learn more about Ashley: https://alphaomegawealth.com/

    Next, we speak with Christie Boutain, Senior Vice President and Commercial Banker at First Western Bank. With 30 years in strategic lending, Christie specializes in helping small businesses and nonprofits access the capital they need to grow. She’s committed to transparent, community-first banking and brings deep knowledge of the East Valley market, along with her involvement in the Gilbert Chamber and EVIT Foundation.

    Connect with Christie: https://firstwesterntrust.com/

    Finally, we talk with Mathew Blades, speaker, podcast coach, and host of Learn From People Who Lived It. After nearly three decades in broadcasting, Mathew now helps creators elevate their podcasts and teaches teams how to break old patterns and communicate better. Known as “the radio star who walked away,” he has built a powerful career in personal development, keynote speaking, and content coaching. Explore Mathew’s work: https://learnfrompeoplewholivedit.com/ or www.MathewBlades.com
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • MTN 64 Chandler | Craft 64 Chandler | Fine Jewelry to Fine Cuts of Meats

    MTN 64 Chandler | Craft 64 Chandler | Fine Jewelry to Fine Cuts of Meats
    Nov 19 2025
    This week on Move The Needle, we’re spotlighting three incredible women shaping their industries — filmed on location at Craft 64 Chandler, AZ. Special thanks to our partners: • Amy Richardson, Savvy Realty Group — https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ • Brooklyn V's — https://brooklynvspizza.com/ • Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... • Von Hansons Meats & Spirits: https://vonhansonsmeats.net/ First, we sit down with Myranda Molina of Myranda Fine Jewelry. Myranda made her first pair of earrings at 12 and never looked back. Today, she’s known for her estate pieces, custom designs, and diamond expertise, with thriving locations in Scottsdale and Chandler. We talk legacy, craftsmanship, and what it takes to build a trusted fine-jewelry brand. Explore her work: https://MyrandaFineJewelry.com Next, we talk with Jessica Feldman, Owner of Digital Vibes. With 15+ years in digital marketing, Jessica breaks down where tech is heading — including her thoughts on OpenAI’s new Sora model and the shift from cameras to concepts. She also shares the mission behind SHE, her platform offering free tools and courses to help women rise, lead, and thrive. Connect with Jessica HERE: https://digitalvibesagency.com/about/ Finally, we meet Malesha Goode of Von Hanson’s Meats & Spirits in Chandler. Known as the Valley’s go-to local butcher shop, Von Hanson’s continues to expand its reach. Malesha discusses driving major sales growth, community partnerships, and her recent nominations for “Women Business Owner of the Year” and the “Shero Award.” She also gives us a look at Von Hanson’s new partnership with the Valley Suns G League team. Connect with Malesha HERE: / maleshainthisane 00:07 Intro 03:50 Myranda Molina - Myranda Fine Jewelry 26:10 Jessica Feldman - Digital Vibes Agency 48:37 Malesha Goode - Von Hanson's Meats & Spirits Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: / mtn_podcast TikTok: / mtn_podcast Facebook: / mtnpodcast Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz: Mathew Blades: / mathewblades Steve Petz: / stevepetz Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com #podcast #movetheneedle #mtn #community #interview #arizona #entrepreneur #azcommunity #az #chandleraz #phoenix #womenownedbusiness #jewellery #finejewelry #digitalmarketing #butcher #freshmeats
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • MTN 63 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Healthy Minds, Happy Vibes, Honest Snacks

    MTN 63 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Healthy Minds, Happy Vibes, Honest Snacks
    Nov 12 2025
    In this episode, we're diving into mental health, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation — filmed on location at Craft 64 in Scottsdale, AZ! Special thanks to our partners for this episode: • Amy Richardson, Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ • Duenas Eden Cravatta Law: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ First, we sit down with Colter Bloxom, an Arizona native and Clinical Mental Health Counselor who brings a grounded, “tell-it-like-it-is” approach to some of life’s most challenging conversations. Colter shares why he feels called to sit with people in their hardest moments, what it means to hold space without judgment, and why there’s nothing a client can say that will ever be “too much.” Get in touch with Colter HERE: https://www.thrivetherapyphx.com/team... Next, we talk with Steve Cislaw and Chuck Moore of Elovado Drinks, creators of premium hand-crafted hemp-infused and cannabis cocktails. They share the origin story behind their product line — including the moment a single margarita request sparked the idea that would eventually lead to their first bottled mixer. Today, Elovado’s variety pack is proudly sold at Total Wine. Find Elovado Drinks HERE: https://elevadodrinks.com/ Finally, we meet Katie Aho, Health Coach and Bioresonance Practitioner, who recently returned from a two-week immersion in the Amazon jungle of Peru. Katie opens up about fasting, plant medicine, and the deep self-awareness that comes from stripping away all external distractions. She reflects on what surfaces when we stop running from what’s buried and choose instead to face it with honesty and intention. Connect with Katie HERE: / _positivelykatie_ 00:07 Intro 03:08 Colter Bloxom - Thrive Therapy 23:24 Steve Cislaw/Chuck Moore - Owners of Elovado Drinks 41:36 Katie Aho - Health Coach + Bioresonance Practitioner For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com Follow along on our other Platforms! Instagram: / mtn_podcast TikTok: / mtn_podcast Facebook: / mtnpodcast Learn More about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz: Mathew Blades: / mathewblades Steve Petz: / stevepetz Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com
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    1 hr and 4 mins