Closest to the People with Crystal Froese

Crystal Froese
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Every community has a story. Every nonprofit has a mission. But how do you bring that story to life and rally people around your cause?  Welcome to Closest to the People, where we dive into the power of storytelling to define your community, strengthen your nonprofit, and create lasting impact. Hosted by Crystal Froese—a prairie girl with a passion for building strong communities—this podcast is for leaders, change-makers, and everyday people who want to make a difference. Crystal has done it all: from owning an award-winning winery and cheese manufacturing business to directing events both small and large, including nationally televised productions. She’s served her hometown of Moose Jaw for eight years as a City Councillor and four as a School Board Trustee, leading through the challenges of the pandemic and provincial cutbacks. With a background in public relations and local government administration, and experience serving on 10+ boards and committees, she knows what it takes to build, lead, and advocate for a community. Why listen? Because understanding and telling your story is the key to unlocking funding, engaging supporters, and driving real change. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a local advocate, or someone passionate about making an impact, this podcast will give you the tools, insights, and inspiration to take your mission further. Subscribe now and start shaping the story that will move your community forward!

Episodes

  1. Where have all the Volunteers gone?

    1d ago

    Where have all the Volunteers gone?

    What happens when there aren't enough volunteers left to run the organizations we depend on? In this episode of *Closest to the People*, Crystal Froese explores the changing face of volunteering, the impact of the pandemic, social media, rising costs of living, and why many organizations are struggling to recruit and retain volunteers. The reality is that some organizations will need to adapt, restructure, merge, or rethink how they engage people if they want to thrive in the years ahead. If you're a board member, executive director, community leader, or volunteer organization facing these challenges, this conversation is for you. And if you're looking for practical ideas, facilitation, communications, governance support, or a fresh perspective on your organization's future, I'd be happy to help. Listen now and connect at crystalfroese.com. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    9 min
  2. Complacency Can Be a Crime

    May 9

    Complacency Can Be a Crime

    What happened in Dixon Illinois didn’t start with $53 million. It started with complacency. In this episode, Crystal Froese uses how one of the largest municipal fraud cases in North America unfolded over decades—and what it reveals about how complacency can quietly shape trust, influence, and the systems we rely on every day. This isn’t just a story about wrongdoing. It’s a conversation about the quieter risks:  the decisions we don’t question,  the relationships that shape outcomes,  and the moments where complacency allows transparency to slip just enough to matter. Because strong communities aren’t built on trust alone.  They’re built on systems strong enough to question it.  Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    8 min
  3. Artist Carly Jaye Interview: The Creative Economy Driving Our City

    Mar 24

    Artist Carly Jaye Interview: The Creative Economy Driving Our City

    Recorded in front of one of Moose Jaw’s most iconic murals — right at the entrance to our city — this episode of Closest to the People is all about the power of the creative economy. I’m joined by artist Carly Jaye — the talent behind this mural and many others across Moose Jaw — whose work goes far beyond walls. From transforming benches and garbage cans into public art, to shaping how our entire city feels and looks, her impact is everywhere. Surrounded by the very work we’re talking about, we dive into how creativity is driving Moose Jaw in real, measurable ways. From large-scale murals that define our streetscapes, to graffiti artists activating hidden spaces, to businesses partnering with artists — like the murals at Boh’s — to expand their reach and draw people in… this is more than art, it’s economic development. Because if we want to grow — and if we want to keep the next generation here — the creative economy isn’t optional. It’s essential. To see the interview in person visit my youtube channel  Follow Carly’s work: https://www.instagram.com/artcarlyjaye/ Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    27 min
  4. Interview with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minto North Dakota US

    Mar 20

    Interview with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minto North Dakota US

    Thank you to Mayor Jantzer for spending time on Closet to the People.  Talking with Mayor Jantzer, what really stood out is how similar our cities are. Prairie roots, strong ties to agriculture, rail history, and both anchored by our air bases — but more importantly, we’re dealing with the same real issues every day. Housing, workforce, infrastructure — the things that actually impact people’s lives. And it’s at this level where those conversations turn into action. Because when it comes down to it, local leadership is closest to the people.  Thanks so much for listening. Be sure to like and share the podcast, and follow along for more great conversations and insights to support you on your leadership journey.  Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    45 min
  5. Meet Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota

    Mar 16

    Meet Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota

    Here is the first episode of my chat with Mayor Mark Jantzer of Minot North Dakota.  Minot and Moose Jaw are so similar in many ways.  In this conversation with Mayor Mark Jantzer, we cover a lot of ground — and over the next couple of episodes I’ll be breaking it down into some really interesting topics. We talk about the federal investment in the U.S. Air Force Base, and what that means for Minot’s economy, housing, and infrastructure as the community prepares for continued military growth. We dive into what he calls the three wicked challenges Minot is facing and what  Mayor Janzter feels are the big issues as they head into an election, including what it takes to lead a growing prairie city during a time of big expectations from residents.  And one topic that might not sound flashy — but has a huge impact on how a city runs — is how Minot tackled implementing a modern municipal accounting system. It may not be the sexiest subject, but it has a massive effect on how efficiently cities deliver services to their citizens. So stay tuned for these upcoming episodes as we unpack these issues and more. Because at the end of the day, these are the kinds of decisions happening closest to the people. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    7 min
  6. My podcast guest — Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota

    Mar 13

    My podcast guest — Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota

    Coming up  New Podcast Series  I’m excited to share my latest podcast guest —  Mayor Mark Janzter of Minot North Dakota.  We had a fascinating conversation about the surprising similarities between our two cities. Both began as railway towns on the prairies, are surrounded by strong agricultural regions, have active Air Force bases, and serve as regional hubs for rural communities. Of course, there are some differences too. As he reminded me, their Air Force base is home to two legs of the nuclear triad — something we don’t think about very often in Moose Jaw! Our conversation ran about 45 minutes, so I’m breaking it into short topic episodes throughout the week, including discussions on workforce, housing, and childcare. Across borders, the work Closest to the People looks surprisingly familiar. If you’re not following the podcast yet… this might be a great time to catch up.  Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    2 min
  7. Non-Profits Powering Saskatchewan’s Economy

    Feb 20

    Non-Profits Powering Saskatchewan’s Economy

    What if the real engine of Saskatchewan’s economic growth isn’t just government policy or foreign investment — but the non-profits working behind the scenes? In this episode, we explore how industry-led organizations act as bridges and supports — catalysts for economic health across the province. They connect municipalities, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and government, helping move ideas from concept to action. From the rise of rural women entrepreneurs to value-added agriculture projects gaining momentum, a new wave of local collaboration is driving growth from the ground up. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    3 min
  8. Why Do Strategic Plans Fail?

    Jan 16

    Why Do Strategic Plans Fail?

    In this episode, I talk about what actually causes strategic plans to stall, how leadership commitment makes or breaks success, and what organizations can do to turn a plan into a living tool that guides decisions and action. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    5 min

  9. 08/08/2025

    Up the Ladder...short and honest about building partnerships.

    Being a City Councillor or School Board Trustee isn’t just about local potholes and public hearings — it’s also about partnerships with our MLA and MP outside of party politics.   Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    4 min

  10. 08/08/2025

    What It’s Really Like Being a City Councillor

    Whether you’re curious about civic life or considering a run for office yourself, this  episode gives you an inside look that might surprise you. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    4 min
  11. The Power of Saying Yes

    04/02/2025

    The Power of Saying Yes

    One "yes" can change everything. In this episode, we explore how a single moment of belief—one opportunity, one decision—can shape a career, a life, or even a community. Whether you're the one seeking a yes or the one in a position to give it, this story will challenge you to think about the power of opportunity and how leadership is often found in the smallest moments. 🎧 Tune in to discover how saying "yes" at the right time can create lasting impact.  Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    8 min
  12. Leading with Authenticity

    03/10/2025

    Leading with Authenticity

    Leadership is tough. It means making hard decisions, standing firm in your values, and sometimes, facing criticism for doing what’s right. In my latest podcast episode, I share a situation from my time as a City Councillor and School Board Trustee—about a moment where authenticity was tested, and what it taught me about true leadership. Thank you for tuning in. If this episode resonated with you, connect with me on LinkedIn and share it with a fellow leader.   Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next. Until next time, keep showing up, keep leading, and keep making a difference!  #Leadership #Closest2thePeople #CommunityBuilding  Connect with Me https://www.linkedin.com/in/cfroese Visit My Website  https://www.crystalfroese.com/

    5 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Every community has a story. Every nonprofit has a mission. But how do you bring that story to life and rally people around your cause?  Welcome to Closest to the People, where we dive into the power of storytelling to define your community, strengthen your nonprofit, and create lasting impact. Hosted by Crystal Froese—a prairie girl with a passion for building strong communities—this podcast is for leaders, change-makers, and everyday people who want to make a difference. Crystal has done it all: from owning an award-winning winery and cheese manufacturing business to directing events both small and large, including nationally televised productions. She’s served her hometown of Moose Jaw for eight years as a City Councillor and four as a School Board Trustee, leading through the challenges of the pandemic and provincial cutbacks. With a background in public relations and local government administration, and experience serving on 10+ boards and committees, she knows what it takes to build, lead, and advocate for a community. Why listen? Because understanding and telling your story is the key to unlocking funding, engaging supporters, and driving real change. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a local advocate, or someone passionate about making an impact, this podcast will give you the tools, insights, and inspiration to take your mission further. Subscribe now and start shaping the story that will move your community forward!

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