Podcast
Move the Needle
Hosted by Move the Needle Network, LLC · EN
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.
41episodes
Episodes
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MTN 69 Scottsdale | Craft 64 Scottsdale | Snacks, Slapshots, & Saving Lives
Dec 3101:07:39Tap to summarizeThis 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
Transcribe →MTN Episode 22 Ahwatukee “Finding a home for the big dogs”
Feb 26, 202501:02:47Tap to summarizeThis episode was filmed in front of a live audience at The Foothills Golf Club with partners 100+ Women Who Care. This week, we're diving deep into community support and the incredible work being done to help those in need, both human and animal. First, we welcome Jodi Polanski, the founder of Lost Our Home Pet Rescue. Jodi's journey is a testament to turning hardship into hope. She recounts the devastating effects of the 2008 housing crisis and how she witnessed firsthand the plight of abandoned pets. Jodi's quick action and dedication led to the creation of Lost Our Home, an organization that provides vital support to both pets and their owners during challenging times. Learn more about Lost Our Home Pet Rescue and how to support their mission HERE: https://www.lostourhome.org/ Then, we sit down with Joan Leafman from Corbin's Legacy. Joan shares the powerful story of her daughter, Corbin, a dedicated kindergarten teacher whose compassion for her students led to the creation of an organization that's making a real difference. We learn about Corbin's unwavering commitment to ensuring every child had a hot lunch, no matter their circumstances, and how that spirit lives on. Joan sheds light on the startling reality of childhood hunger in Maricopa County and the vital programs Corbin’s Legacy runs, from weekend food backpacks to free farmer's markets. Intro 04:12 Jodi Polanski - Lost Our Home 31:00 Joan Leafman - Corbin's Legacy Huge thank you to our partners of this episode: Amy Richardson, Savvy Realty Group Keystone Montessori Belle Lacet Lingerie Tutor Doctor For any inquiries, get in touch with us HERE: MOVETHENEEDLENETWORK@gmail.com Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen: Email: maxmuehlhausen@gmail.com #movetheneedle #movingtheneedle #mtn #mtnpodcastseries #arizona #podcast #community #ahwatukee #phoenixaz #petrescue #animalrescue #homelessdogs #endhunger #charity #givingback #makingadifference #inspiring #inspiringstories #inspirational
Transcribe →MTN 21 CRAFT 64 SCOTTSDALE - Bulletproof longevity
Feb 19, 202501:09:25Tap to summarizeWHAT AN EPISODE! How did we get so lucky this week? We have a longevity doc, a grief counselor who just wrote a book on gun violence and one of the women involved with adaptive recreation for the city of Scottsdale. First, we begin with Jill McMahon who has just typed up a new book about gun violence. This is NOT SOME POLITICAL conversation about guns, this is a book and conversation for people who have experienced gun violence and how they can find a way out of that difficult situation. Jill even recounts her first-hand account of gun violence as a child which no doubt changed her and sent her on the trajectory she has in her life. Find her new book Bulletproof here. Then we got a look into what the City of Scottsdale is doing in terms of accessibility. A lot is going on, and we encourage all of you to check things out here. Finally today we sit down with one of the most incredible doctors we’ve ever met, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst. He’s a board-certified cardiologist who opened up a longevity clinic a couple of years ago designed for people who are not willing to leave healthy years on the table. It’s a great chat that will help you decide where you want to start on your journey to better health. Please check out his concierge practice HEALTHSPAN MD. Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →MTN 20 - Gilbert - Mathew Blades and Priscilla (Mix969) reunite
Feb 12, 202501:10:12Tap to summarizeThis week on our podcast Mathew and Priscilla get back together for their first recording since Mathew Blades left his radio show three years ago. It was GREAT to get them back on the mics together. That’s how things started, then we just kept up the momentum with Luis DeLaCruz, the CEO of AZ Friends of Foster Care. Finally, we sat down with Jamie Heckerman, the President and CEO of Special Olympics of Arizona. Priscilla’s Instagram page can be found right here. You can connect with Luis right here. Finally, we encourage you to meet Jamie and see the more than 400 programs offered to Special Olympians right here. Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →MTN 19 - Donor Network of Arizona - Two new lungs, one new life
Feb 10, 202500:59:17Tap to summarizeThis week on the podcast we recorded from the lobby of the Donor Network of Arizona. Why? To promote the idea of becoming an organ donor. It’s a sensitive conversation for some, and a no-brainer for others and today we talk about the importance of signing up to become a donor. First, we sit down with former PHX PD dispatcher and Director of Tissue Services Rhiannon Knueven, feel free to reach out to her here. Next, we sat down with the Vice President of Development and Referral Services at Donor Network of Arizona, Sara Pace Jones. Please connect with her here. Finally, we sat down with the start of today's podcast, Bob Horbaczewski. He’s a husband, a father, an educator, and a self-described gym rat. Bob received a second chance through a double-lung transplant after a COVID-19 infection. We discuss what it's like to get a new lease on life and he details his journey from COVID to transplant. It’s an incredible story that could make the shift for you to become an organ donor if you are not already. Many thanks to Anna Oliver from Vitalant for setting this one up, we hope you will consider making a blood donation so that you too, can save a life. Find out where to donate your blood HERE. Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz.Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →MTN 18 Chandler - Talking to the Perfect Pear
Jan 29, 202500:59:06Tap to summarizeToday we sit down to podcast at a bistro in Chandler with a dog and 4 humans. While the humans were better at the interview portion, the dog crushed the eating part. Who let the dogs out? We did - let's go. Welcome to another episode buddy! Today we have Barb Savoy on the podcast to chat up Friends for Life Animal Shelter. This no-kill shelter in Gilbert has dogs/cats and all kinds of community programs. Don’t miss their Yard Sale, Jan 23-25th. Details on their site. Next up, the hosts of MTN sit down with Chris and Laura, Owners of all three Perfect Pear Bistro. In the interview, Mathew broke down his ultimate menu items for you: APPS: BLACK & BLUE BRUSSELS SPROUTS topped with crispy bacon, gorgonzola cheese & our spicy chipotle ranch MEALS: PERFECTLY GRILLED CHEESE brie, four cheese blend, arugula & crispy bacon… served on our grilled spiced pear bread CARNITAS roasted pulled pork & our cilantro cabbage slaw… topped with our spicy pear pico & southwest cream sauce CABO SPICY COBB crispy bacon, roasted butternut squash, black beans, red onions, avocado, egg, pepper jack cheese, cilantro & sunflower seeds… tossed with our spicy chipotle ranch G-MA’S MAC cavatappi… tossed in our creamy cheese sauce… topped with crispy bacon We can’t recommend this place enough! They just opened up their third location in Chandler, down the street from the Chandler mall. NORTH TEMPE - ASU 603 W University Dr Tempe, AZ 85281 SOUTH TEMPE - Near Lowes 9845 S Priest Dr Tempe, AZ 85284 CHANDLER - Down from the Chandler mall 2510 W Chandler Blvd Chandler, AZ 85224 In our third segment, we hash things out with a podcast rookie, who crushed it btw, named Katie Kahle, Director of Chandler CARE Center. Chandler CARE Center is a school-based family resource center providing access to medical, dental, counseling, and social services. Most services are free of charge to families thanks to the many funders, professionals, and service organizations contributing financially and volunteering their services. As always, we invite you to check out our full line of socials and such, to connect with us, use the following links. Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen.
Transcribe →Ep 17 - Living Room - History behind Chandler's street names
Jan 22, 202500:59:59Tap to summarizeIf you live in the East Valley, the first twenty minutes of today’s podcast are going to be a pure history lesson from none other than Chandler Local Legend Bill Ryan. His family history dates back to the OG days of Arizona, and the stories about those people are fascinating. We also chat about his new restaurant adventure in Apache Junction, the Rusty Buckle. The next segment gets a lot more serious as we sit down with Detective Heidi Chance. Detective Chance is a law enforcement professional who has served 27 years. Heidi spent over 13 years working as an undercover detective investigating buyers and traffickers and rescuing countless adult and juvenile victims of sex trafficking. She’s here today to help us understand this terrible situation and what we can be on the lookout for as average citizens. With awareness comes power! Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →Ep 16 Chandler - Rock Lobster - State 48 - APPAREL"ently" HERE TO STAY!
Jan 15, 202500:48:37Tap to summarizeWelcome to another snappy episode of the Move the Needle podcast. Today, we have unexplained ’90s vibes. The truth is that we’re live from Rock Lobster, which makes us think of the song "The B52s," so there’s that. Today, we have a full plate of sushi and two of Arizona’s gems stopping by. First, those familiar with PHX Business Radio X will know Karen Nowicki. She’s recently sold that business and is stepping into her next adventure soon. Connect with Karen here. Then State 48 CEO Mike Spangenberg drops by with all kinds of goodies. Mathew and Mike talk about their time together at the Special Olympics, and we learn a valuable lesson about hats courtesy of Steve Petz. Finally, we learn about the next phase of State 48 and how easy it is to work with them for your nonprofit. Reach out to Mike here, or head to State 48 here. Become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →Ep 15 Ahwatukee YMCA "We've got Puppy Cams!!!"
Jan 8, 202501:06:05Tap to summarizeThe following episode was recorded live from the YMCA on November 21st. Mathew and Steve got caught up on Steve’s dating life, which perfectly paved the way for our first guest. Thanks for stopping by; please follow along using the links below. Shelly Albetta, ALONE NO MORE (DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING & EVENTS) This was such a fun interview because we had dogs in the house! Yes, Alone No More let the dogs out, and we had a dog cam rolling the whole time. It’s a must-see YouTube TV for dog lovers. We learn about the special sauce of their rescue and find out Shelly WILL BE COMING because she’s co-host of a podcast for women in their 40s who are dating again. Sidebar - Steve is single, ladies! Scott Monroe, Ice Den Chandler (Hockey Development program) What’s not to love about Scotty Monroe? This guy has a million-dollar smile and a heart of gold. One piece of his post-professional hockey career is spent developing young hockey players at the Ice Den in Chandler. Mathew had the pleasure of working alongside him for years and clearly has a man crush on Scott. Check out their programs here, and we’ll see you on the ice. Tom Thomas (Board of Directors YMCA and MLB scout) Tom, who sits on the YMCA board, dropped by to chat about the backend of baseball, his time with the Twins, Dodgers, and now the Athletics. He says it still comes down to the five basics of baseball: Your arm, Hitting, Fielding, Running, and power. More importantly, he was dropping by to make sure we understand the impact our Foothills YMCA is having on our community. So many of our neighbors use their programs, and they are smack dab in the middle of their campaign to raise funds. Please see how you can help by SMASHING THIS link. Become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
Transcribe →MTN14 Gilbert- Hair of the Dog - Stories from an Space
Jan 1, 202501:02:53Tap to summarizeToday’s episode was recorded in front of a live audience at the Hair of Dog in Gilbert. First we sat down with Kelly Giesler from Cultivate Goodness. Kelly is a native Arizonan whose parents became foster parents when she was just 6 years old. Over 25 years, she was a foster sibling to 125 foster kids. She founded Cultivate Goodness in 2019 and hopes to inspire others to join her in serving those in need. We discuss her new partnership with Queen Creek Botanical Gardens, the goodness that she serves up on the daily annnnnnnnnnnd some easy ways you (our community) can spread goodness. Then we sat down with our local legend, Bill Gregory who spent a chuck of his life as an Astronaut. He talks about what its like in space, his bike ride IN SPACE, and his record setting journey piloting Space Shuttle Endeavour. We covered the pranks they pull in space A couple who he suspects had sex in space His perspective after being a test pilot for some of the most incredible fighter jets ever made. Also in this episode we were treated to some music from Jenn McMillan. She played an original song and did a fantastic cover of an Elton John song. Please reach out to her through her website for booking info. Learn more and become a part of our Move the Needle Podcast HERE. Follow along on our YouTube channels and Instagram platforms. Learn more about Mathew Blades or Steve Petz. Video captured and edited by Max Muehlhausen
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