Move the Needle

Move the Needle Network, LLC
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Hosted by former radio personality Mathew Blades and community catalyst Steve Petz, Move the Needle spotlights extraordinary individuals dedicated to positive community impact within Arizona. Our mission is to celebrate the unsung heroes and local legends who embody the spirit of community-driven change. Through engaging interviews and compelling profiles, we delve into the lives of those making a difference. Our content features in-depth conversations exploring their motivations, challenges, and successes. We also highlight initiatives and organizations that embody values of collaborative efforts, community events, and grassroots movements that contribute to positive change. Every week, we share stories of resilience, kindness, and empowerment to inspire and mobilize others. By focusing on transformative actions and collaborative efforts, we aim to foster a more compassionate and connected world.

  1. 21 HR AGO

    Episode 79- AHWATUKEE - Lawyer “Rizz,” STEM Kids & Business Exits.

    This week on Move the Needle, we’re filming on location at Vero Chicago Pizza in Ahwatukee, Arizona, featuring conversations with a community STEM leader, a marketing strategist helping attorneys grow their practices, and a business brokerage expert who helps entrepreneurs buy and sell companies. Special thanks to our partners for this episode: • Savvy Realty Group – Amy Richardson: https://savvyrealtyaz.com • Vero Chicago Pizza: https://verochicagopizza.com • Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com • Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... • Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ • Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com First, we sit down with Shereka Jackson, STEM educator, speaker, and founder/CEO of Future Stars, Inc. Shereka shares her mission to expand opportunities for inner-city youth through technology education and hands-on learning. As project manager for the City of Phoenix’s codePHX program, she helps bring free coding classes to communities across the Valley. She also discusses the growth of the Hands-On STEM Fair, which now attracts around 1,000 attendees each year and inspires students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Learn more about Future Stars HERE: https://futurestarsaz.org  Learn more about Shereka HERE: https://sherekajackson.com Next, we’re joined by Gary Johnson, a marketing strategist who helps attorneys grow their book of business through clearer branding, messaging, and relationship-driven marketing. Gary explains why many lawyers struggle with marketing and how storytelling, personality, and consistent outreach can help them attract more ideal clients. As the Co-Founder of LinkedIn for Lawyers, he also shares how attorneys can better position themselves online to build stronger referral networks. Connect with Gary HERE: https://www.instagram.com/garyj2marke... Finally, we sit down with Ryan Armstrong, President and Owner of Transworld Business Advisors Phoenix. With more than 20 years of experience in business brokerage and ownership, Ryan helps entrepreneurs buy, sell, and value businesses. He discusses why early planning is critical when selling a business and what both buyers and owners should understand before entering the market. Learn more about Transworld Business Advisors Phoenix HERE: https://www.tworld.com/locations/phoenix 00:07   Intro 02:02   Shereka Jackson - Founder/CEO Future Stars 24:49   Gary Johnson - Co-Founder of LinkedIn for Lawyers  49:25   Ryan Armstrong - President of Transworld Business Advisors Phoenix

    1h 12m

  2. 4 MAR

    MTN 78 Gilbert | Brooklyn V's Pizza | Moving the Needle: Storytelling, Sneakers & Someburros

    This week on Move the Needle: filmed at Brooklyn V’s Pizza in Gilbert, AZ, featuring conversations with a local publisher, a rising creative entrepreneur, and a third-generation Arizona restaurateur. Special thanks to our partners for this episode: • 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 Michaela Hetherington, publisher of Mesa City Lifestyle. Michaela shares how she and her husband built the magazine from the ground up, why print still matters in a digital world, and how the publication has become a powerful connector for local businesses and leaders—while she balances life as a wife and mother of four. Learn more about MCL HERE: https://citylifestyle.com/mesaaz Next, we’re joined by Kenna Rettew, founder of Kicks By Kenna. At just 21, Kenna has transformed a lockdown hobby into a nationally recognized custom sneaker business, working with Olympians, professional athletes, and major sports organizations. She shares how it all started, what goes into painting custom kicks, and how being part of the Arizona Diamondbacks activation team continues to open doors. Follow Kenna HERE: https://www.instagram.com/kicks_by_ke... Finally, we sit down with Tim Vasquez, third-generation owner of Someburros and Isabel’s Amor. Tim reflects on growing a family restaurant brand across Arizona, leading with legacy and intention, and his recent honor as 2025 Alumnus of the Year from ASU’s Hugh Downs School of Human Communication. Learn more about Someburros history HERE: https://www.someburros.com/history

    58 min

  3. 25 FEB

    MTN 77 Ahwatukee | Vero Chicago Pizza | Women Leading Law, Media & Movement

    This week on Move the Needle: filmed on location at Vero Chicago Pizza in Ahwatukee, AZ, featuring powerful conversations with women leading in law, education, and health & fitness. Special thanks to our partners: • Amy Richardson – Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ • Vero Chicago Pizza (Ahwatukee): https://www.verochicagopizza.com/rest... • Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com/ • Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... • Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ • Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com/ First, we sit down with Dori Eden, attorney and co-owner of Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC. Dori shares her journey from the Midwest to Phoenix, her 20+ years practicing family and personal injury law, and how compassion and clarity help clients navigate major life transitions—from custody and spousal maintenance to adoption and injury cases. Learn more HERE: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ Next, we’re joined by Michelle Coro, media educator at Mountain Pointe High School and adjunct professor at Grand Canyon University. With 30 years in education, Michelle reflects on mentoring Emmy award-winning student journalists, leading national media programs, and preparing the next generation for storytelling and media literacy in a rapidly changing landscape. Connect with Michelle HERE:   / michelle-coro   Finally, we sit down with Shauna Brown, owner and elite performance movement specialist at Unify Health. Shauna shares how her background in athletic training, massage therapy, and strength coaching helps both athletes and everyday individuals improve mobility, reduce pain, and move through life with greater strength and resilience. Learn more about Unify HERE: https://www.unifyaz.com/ 00:07 Intro 02:00 Dori Eden - Attorney & Co-owner of Duenas Eden Cravatta, PLC 23:03 Michelle Coro - Media Educator at Mountain Pointe High School 43:12 Shauna Brown - Owner & Operator of Unify Health

    1h 6m

  4. 18 FEB

    MTN 76 Chandler | Bottle & Bean | A Plunge into the Money & Movie Business

    This week on Move the Needle: filmed on location at Bottle & Bean, featuring conversations on entrepreneurship, resilience, creative financing, & philanthropy-driven leadership! Special thanks to our partners: Brooklyn V’s Pizza: https://brooklynvspizza.com/ Tutor 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 sit down with Matt Kuiper, founder of Desert Plunge, an Arizona-based company providing handcrafted, high-quality cold plunge tubs. Matt shares his journey from a 20-year career in the electrical industry to building a wellness brand rooted in discipline, recovery, and long-term performance. His story highlights the power of reinvention, accountability, and building something meaningful after adversity. Learn more HERE: https://desertplunge.com/ Next, we’re joined by Dean Bloxom, entrepreneur, financier, and film producer. Dean built and scaled imortgage.com into one of the strongest independent mortgage bankers in the U.S. before its acquisition by loanDepot, employing more than 2,500 people nationwide. He now applies that same disciplined approach to Hollywood through Deano Productions, producing feature films with global distribution. Projects discussed include Waltzing with Brando, starring Billy Zane, Jon Heder, and Richard Dreyfuss. The Last Son, starring Sam Worthington and Machine Gun Kelly. Dean also shares how storytelling, financing, and charitable initiatives intersect in his current work. Learn more HERE: https://deanoprods.com/ Finally, we sit down with Shelby Arians, Vice President Portfolio Wealth Advisor and representative of the Arians Family Foundation (AFF). With over 20 years of experience in financial services, Shelby discusses her multi-dimensional approach to portfolio management, financial planning, and philanthropic advisory. She also shares the mission of the Arians Family Foundation—“A Voice For Children”—and its work supporting CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) to help children involved in the court system due to abuse or neglect receive advocacy, care, and support. Learn more about the Arians Family Foundation: https://ariansfamilyfoundation.com/ 00:07   Intro 01:57 Matt Kuiper - Owner of Desert Plunge 27:08 Dean Bloxom - Deano Productions 51:56 Shelby Arians - VP Portfolio Wealth Advisor & Arians Family Foundation's

    1h 11m

  5. 11 FEB

    Episode 75 - SCOTTSDALE: Posting, Painting, & Sleeping

    This week on Move the Needle: filmed on location at Craft 64 in Scottsdale, featuring conversations on organic content growth, sustainable wellness for women over 40, and how interactive art can be used to foster creativity, collaboration, and community. Special thanks to our partners: Amy Richardson, Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ First, we sit down with Aiesha Beasley, content creator, social media strategist, and influencer marketing expert. With over a decade of experience and 100K+ followers on both TikTok and Instagram, Aiesha shares insights on organic growth, viral content strategy, and how brands and creators can leverage platform algorithms to build real engagement. She also discusses her journey from Tumblr to full-time content creation and her work spotlighting Arizona through projects like Phoenix Rooftop Bar Guide 2024. Connect with Aiesha HERE: https://www.instagram.com/aieshabeasl... Next, we’re joined by Nicole Farr, founder of Nicki Fit and holistic sleep coach for women over 40. Nicole shares her path into the fitness industry following a major life transition and explains her Nourish • Move • Flourish Method, which helps women rebuild sleep, energy, and overall well-being through sustainable, accessible practices. Her work focuses on meeting women where they are—at home, in person, or virtually. Learn more about Nicki Fit HERE: https://nickifitaz.net/ Finally, we meet Debra Lee Murrow, a Scottsdale-based fine artist specializing in pen & ink and mixed media. Debra discusses her interactive art experiences designed for corporate events, team-building, fundraisers, and workshops, where participants become part of the creative process. She also shares her work as a live visual recorder, capturing conferences and events through real-time graphic illustration. Learn more at https://www.colormeArtSpa.com and explore workshops at https://bit.ly/COLORMEworkshops

    1h 2m

  6. 4 FEB

    Episode 74- GILBERT - All About Change and Connection

    This week on Move The Needle: filmed on location at Brooklyn V’s Pizza, featuring community leaders and changemakers driving meaningful change through nonprofit leadership, public service, and digital equity.   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 Shante Saulsberry, former candidate for Arizona State House Representative, founder of Janice’s Women’s Center, and owner of Janice Vaincre Boutique. Shante shares her journey through law, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership and highlights the mission of Janice’s Women’s Center, which provides housing and safe lodging for women experiencing homelessness or navigating domestic violence situations. Learn more and support the mission here: https://www.janiceswomenscenter.com   Next, we’re joined by Erin Carr-Jordan, President and CEO of the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration (IDIA) and Executive Director of Digital Equity and Social Impact at Arizona State University. Dr. Carr-Jordan discusses building systems that actually work, leading large-scale impact initiatives, and what it takes to bridge technology, policy, and human-centered design. Learn more about IDIA HERE: https://theidia.org/   Finally, we meet Chef Nick Farrer, longtime culinary consultant for Isabel’s Amor in Gilbert. Nick has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant’s menu since 2013, recently launched his TikTok channel (@southchicagochef), which has grown to more than 25,000 followers, and built his own hot sauce brand, Southside Sauces. We discuss his appearances on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, his upcoming competition in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans, and how his South Chicago roots continue to influence his cooking. Connect with Chef Nick HERE: https://www.instagram.com/southchicag... 00:07 Intro 03:13 Shante Saulsberry - Founder of Janice’s Women’s Center & Owner of Janice Vaincre Boutique 53:42 Nick Farrer - Chef

    1h 15m

  7. 28 JAN

    MTN 73 Ahwatukee | Foothills Golf Club | Shopping, Punching, & Money-ing

    This week on Move The Needle: filmed on location at Foothills Golf Club in Ahwatukee, AZ, featuring entrepreneurs, coaches, and community leaders sharing insights on discipline, leadership, financial clarity, and surrounding yourself with the right people. Special thanks to our partners: Amy Richardson, Savvy Realty Group: https://www.savvyrealtyaz.com/ Vero Chicago Pizza: https://www.verochicagopizza.com/rest... Coulter Infiniti: https://www.coulterinfiniti.com/ Tutor Doctor Chandler Gilbert Ahwatukee: https://www.tutordoctor.com/chandler-... Duenas Eden Cravatta: https://www.duenasedenlaw.com/ Belle Lacet Lingerie: https://bellelacetlingerie.com/   First, we sit down with Jay Pages, Owner and CEO of Jay Pages Jiu-Jitsu & MMA and 90/Eight Brand, LLC. Jay is a lifelong martial artist, coach, and competitor with an MBA in Marketing and multiple black belts across Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Japanese JuJitsu, Judo, and Submission Arts Wrestling. He shares insights from decades of training athletes, law enforcement, and security professionals, as well as building one of Arizona’s premier martial arts academies in Tempe. Learn more about Jay Pages Jiu-Jitsu & MMA Academy HERE: https://jaypagesjjmma.com/   Next, we talk with Trystan Trenberth, real estate investor, transformational coach, and founder of Midlife to Millions. Trystan brings a unique background spanning hospitality, cybersecurity architecture, and financial coaching. Since 2019, he has helped investors structure profitable real estate deals and guided mid-career professionals toward financial independence. He also introduces Trystan.ai, a voice-enabled AI tool designed to provide calm, data-backed financial guidance through simple conversation. Connect with Trystan HERE: https://www.instagram.com/trystantren...   Finally, we’re joined by Ana Piña, owner of The Posh Revival, an upscale women’s resale and consignment boutique in Ahwatukee Foothills. Recently named New Times “Best Secondhand Clothing for Women Only,” The Posh Revival offers curated designer fashion and accessories with a focus on sustainability, quality, and inclusive sizing. Ana shares how thoughtful curation and community connection have made her boutique a local favorite. Connect with Ana HERE: https://www.instagram.com/theposhrevi... 00:07 Intro 04:53 Jay Pages - Owner & CEO of Jay Pages Jiu-Jitsu & MMA 31:08 Trystan Trenberth - Coach & Founder of Midlife to Millions 57:35 Ana Piña - Owner of The Posh Revival #movetheneedle #podcast #mtn #community #arizona #az #interview #entrepreneur #azcommunity #movingtheneedle #womensclothing #menslifestyle #golfclub #mma #mmatraining #jiujitsu #jiujitsulifestyle

    1h 21m

  8. 21 JAN

    MTN 72 Gilbert/Mesa | Coulter Infiniti | Undercover Cops, Red Heels and Miss Mesa

    This week on Move The Needle: filmed on location at Coulter Infiniti in Mesa, AZ, featuring community leaders, advocates, and innovators making a real impact across the Valley. 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 chat with Helen Dang, Miss Mesa 2026. Helen is a full-time medical student at A.T. Still University–School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona and the newly crowned Miss Mesa 2026. Coming from a low socioeconomic background, she shares how scholarship support made it possible to pursue her dream of becoming the first doctor in her family. As Miss Mesa, Helen leads her initiative Advocacy and Action for the Houseless, expanding compassionate care through kindness kits, naloxone distribution, and community outreach. Follow Helen HERE: https://www.instagram.com/dangghelen?... Next, we sit down with Brock Bevell, Founder of The Fentanyl Project AZ. A former undercover detective turned addiction recovery advocate, Brock has educated over four million people through awareness and harm reduction efforts. After retiring from law enforcement due to injuries sustained on duty, he founded The Fentanyl Project AZ to fight the addiction crisis through education, prevention, and community partnerships. Learn more about The Fentanyl Project AZ HERE: https://www.instagram.com/fentanylpro... Finally, we talk with Cathy Droz, Founder and CEO of HER Certified®. With more than 50 years in the automotive industry and over 700 vehicles test-driven, Cathy is a nationally recognized author and advocate for women car buyers. She founded HER Certified®, the industry’s first dealer certification focused on Honesty, Excellence, and Respect, helping dealerships better serve female consumers. Learn more about HER Certified HERE: http://hercertified.com/ 00:07 Intro 00:38 Henry Rivero - GM at Coulter Infiniti 03:51 Helen Dang - Miss Mesa 21:16 Brock Bevell - Founder of The Fentanyl Project AZ 45:50 Cathy Droz, HER Certified - Dealer Events Consultant   #movetheneedle #podcast #mtn #arizona #community #az #azcommunity #entrepreneur #movingtheneedle #mesaaz #mesaarizona #gilbertaz #gilbert #hercertified #womeninleadership #fentanylcrisis #fentanyl #missamericana #missmesa #cardealership #carsales #womeninbusiness

    1h 15m
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About

Hosted by former radio personality Mathew Blades and community catalyst Steve Petz, Move the Needle spotlights extraordinary individuals dedicated to positive community impact within Arizona. Our mission is to celebrate the unsung heroes and local legends who embody the spirit of community-driven change. Through engaging interviews and compelling profiles, we delve into the lives of those making a difference. Our content features in-depth conversations exploring their motivations, challenges, and successes. We also highlight initiatives and organizations that embody values of collaborative efforts, community events, and grassroots movements that contribute to positive change. Every week, we share stories of resilience, kindness, and empowerment to inspire and mobilize others. By focusing on transformative actions and collaborative efforts, we aim to foster a more compassionate and connected world.

Information

  • Creator
    Move the Needle Network, LLC
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Move the Needle