Move the Needle

Move the Needle Network, LLC

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. 1D AGO

    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
  2. FEB 4

    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
  3. JAN 28

    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
  4. JAN 21

    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
  5. JAN 14

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

    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

    1h 18m
  6. JAN 7

    Episode 70- AHWATUKEE Cookies, Tutors and Foster Families

    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

    1h 2m
  7. 12/31/2025

    MTN 69 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Snacks, Slapshots, & Saving Lives

    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

    1h 8m
  8. 12/10/2025

    MTN 67 Gilbert | Brooklyn V’s Pizza | AZ’S TOP FOODIE, Cheesecake Crown + Game-Changers

    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

    1h 5m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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.