Crystal Clear Moments

On this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, Gen Z enters the chat! Joined by Crystal’s son’s real-life friends, Aiden, Zane, and Cyrus. Having founded a Phoenix-based production company Small Town Beef, the trio are making their mark in the creative space through After meeting at ASU, the three friends walk us through the inner workings of their relationship, creating their first full-length documentary film, and how they each realized they could successfully accomplish the difficult challenge to partner in business together whilst still maintaining a healthy friendship.

Kathi Coyle joins CCM as a wellness expert with years of experience under her belt within the health space. Meeting at a workout class, Crystal was impressed with how Kathi coached the class. Tough yet intentionally aware of her clients and mentees, Kathi provides a look into her story into the health and wellness space, her passion for making movement a part of your every day schedule, and how trapped emotions can show up in your health and how to fix their arrivals when they show up. 

This week on CCM, Isabella Tierney joins us for an episode filled with purpose and intention! Tackling the hot topic of stress and anxiety, Isabella unpacks “the green zone,” a tool and process she adopted for herself in times of high-emotional and mental tension that has helped her combat the stressors life and career can bring and maintain her dignity and health within. A licensed therapist, international speaker, and founder of The Stress Reset, Isabella guides her through her process of resetting and details how she’s found to stay effective and present under seasons and moments of pressure. A must-watch for leaders, business professionals, and those wanting to be healthier in life and career!

Host Crystal Blackwell shares a mini moment this week on the topic of psychological safety! With it becoming a hot topic among her clients lately, Crystal reminds us what it means and what it should look and feel like to be in spaces where you can show up as your full self. Using this definition, she then dives into how it shows up in the workplace and offers six tips for combating it in your personal and professional lives.

Joined by her husband Ivan Blackwell, CCM host Crystal and her hubby come on this week to celebrate all things love. In light of Valentine's Day, this episode encompasses lessons, laughs and a lot of love. Having been married nearly 37 years, the two take the moment to reflect on how to make longevity work in real life by uncovering the decades they've spent together, the high's, low's, in-between's and what they've learned about themselves through marriage. 

On this week’s episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Eileen Cosby. An author, speaker and kindness advocate enthusiast, Eileen shares how her belief in kindness having the power to change everything has been the guiding force of every area of her life. Growing up in Utah as a young Black woman in the 60s, Eileen shares how this experience shaped her self-identity, how she fought against imposter syndrome and how showing up as herself opened her into a world of possibility and advancement mentally and emotionally. This week’s episode is for those looking to be their most authentic selves but don’t know where to start - this one is just for you!

What’s the truth about cannabis and the ever-evolving business behind it? This week on CCM, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes cannabis expert, businesswoman, chef and entrepreneur Konya Lindsey. From the science behind it, to the several benefits, Konya allows our viewers the rare chance to see the multi-faceted sides of the industry!  As Executive Marketing Director of the nation’s largest cannabis retailer, Konya comes on to challenge CCM listeners and viewers to open themselves up to knowledge, inspire them to become passionate about whatever their craft may be and to be a forever student - no matter the topic. This episode of CCM is one for the books!

This week on CCM, Tamala McBath - the CEO of Dress For Success Phoenix - joins us for an exciting and inspiring conversation. After having her own personal Crystal Clear Moment through her parents and grandparents raising her with high expectations of success, humility and God-fidence has sustained Tamala in career, heart and soul. Sharing her experience as a female CEO, community activist and overall businesswoman, Tamala’s journey is for all people looking to walk in their power boldly and with no remorse.

This solo episode of CCM brings us to a conversation on the topic of the truth about management. Management is a hard job but there’s many dialogues happening involving critiques of the role. And in this episode, Crystal helps aid managers in getting better as leaders that are accountable and integral and how employees can navigate a difficult manager-employee situation with grace and grit through practical tips.

In this episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell ignites a discussion with a Mini Moment on the current state of the American workforce. Supplying us with real-life data on the state of the space and tips on how to navigate it, the topics range from development, AI, DEI, burnout, and even wellness; how American companies and organizations are doing with it all and how we as employers, managers, leaders and consumers deal with it in ways that are practical and sustainable.

Inviting a founder, strategist, coach, speaker and author dedicating to helping people align their professional careers with their desired purpose and maximum potential, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Isha Cogborn to the CCM stage. After losing her job in the Great Recession of 2009, Isha birthed Epiphany Institute to help coach and build an authentic community for all. Through this and with the help of an ADHD diagnosis she received, Isha shares her journey in being inspired by the lack of representation in the neurodiverse in the career field and leadership pathway and helps listeners to find real solutions for those that think differently like her or know someone who does and trust in the idea that you don’t have to be perfect to make an impact. 

Meeting at a speaking engagement for Mountain Point High School as guest speakers for the event, host Crystal Blackwell and Alexandra Bradberry connected on their love for inspiring young girls and . Founder and CEO of The Sparkle Bar; a makeup and beauty studio in Scottsdale, AZ, Alex has grown the bar into a multi-faceted brand rooted in embracing the celebration of diversity and inclusion through the medium of beauty. A creative strategist and speaker, Alex shares how the theory of “look good, feel good” translates into real results for those looking to achieve success in their business and personal life goals, her journey in building a successful brand for ten years, helping getting a beauty bill passed and how in training her artists and employees has expanded her mind and approach in being a leader in business. 

In this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Rosanna Ramirez, a passionate community advocate who loves supporting small businesses and with over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, Rosanna comes into this CCM conversation with her personal story on how she has built a community in business, her testimony of overcoming a horrible accident, and her Crystal Clear Moment that led her to wanting to help entrepreneurs get to their highest point of success. From what she thinks is missing in the importance of community to the value a smile can bring to your first step in building connections for yourself and your business, this episode is for all the entrepreneurs looking for a joy-inspired perspective on achieving success in business with a positive outlook and optimistic soul.

In this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Rosanna Ramirez, a passionate community advocate who loves supporting small businesses and with over 28 years of experience in the financial industry, Rosanna comes into this CCM conversation with her personal story on how she has built a community in business, her testimony of overcoming a horrible accident, and her Crystal Clear Moment that led her to wanting to help entrepreneurs get to their highest point of success. From what she thinks is missing in the importance of community to the value a smile can bring to your first step in building connections for yourself and your business, this episode is for all the entrepreneurs looking for a joy-inspired perspective on achieving success in business with a positive outlook and optimistic soul.

Back by popular demand, host Crystal Blackwell’s husband Ivan joins the CCM family once again to dive into a powerful conversation on the fear of economics and adulting - how to navigate as the adultee and as the parent of. After reading a study from AARP that speaks to the priority many seniors are finding in living with others to up their mental and emotional stability, the Blackwell’s discuss how they’ve successfully raised their two boys as a Boomer and Gen X-er, with mindfulness and integrity. From the debate of screen time and how Crystal was given the name “Recognition Mom” from her sons, these two drop major parenting gems in this must-watch episode.

Crystal goes at it solo today in this episode of CCM where she discusses how to handle change. Change is a transition we go through everyday in some way, shape or form but oftentimes, because of its grandiosely daunting nature, we can be scared to confront it and unsure of how to navigate amidst it. To help us journey the space well, Crystal gets into her life coach bag and gives us practical ways to accept it, move in it and find success in it. 

A clinical assistant professor at ASU where she teaches and mentors and founder of Thrive Well Counseling & Consulting LLC, Dr. Alexis Faison joins this episode of Crystal Clear Moments to discuss all things mentorship, BIPOC trauma and informed care, and financial wellness. After meeting at an equity form for women, Crystals and Dr. Alex instantly connected on their care for women and being servers in the community. Webbing a career that charges toward the overall expansion and education of the importance of the holistic wellbeing of humanity, she shares how her crystal clear moment of transitioning into the space of financial literacy led her to expanding what the topic of wellness can and should look like for all - especially minority communities.

Crystal sits down with Ericka Lassiter, whose family’s journey through sickle cell disease—culminating in Kwincy’s cure after a bone marrow transplant—became a calling to serve. Ericka opens up about the hospital seasons, the Crystal Clear Moments that shifted her from caregiver to advocate, and how faith and the love of family carried her through grief and into legacy: honoring Kwamie Lassiter’s memory through the work of the Kwamie Lassiter Foundation. This conversation is a love letter to resilience—and a blueprint for how all of us can help.Take Action (Today) · Give blood (closest drive): American Red Cross — Find a Drive (American Red Cross Blood Services) · Join the marrow registry: NMDP (formerly Be The Match) — Join (NMDP) · Support local services: Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona — Donate (Sickle Cell Foundation of Arizona) · Honor Kwamie’s legacy: The Kwamie Lassiter Foundation — Donate (see “Donate”) (Kwami Lassiter Foundation)A Note from Crystal“Community is medicine. If you’re able, roll up a sleeve, swab to join the registry, or give in honor to every family walking this road. Your action today becomes somebody’s tomorrow.”Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences and is not medical advice. Talk to your clinician for care decisions.

After meeting via email and then connecting over Zoom, Crystal instantly knew she needed to invite John Diggs into the CCM Family. An ex-pro football player turned businessman, John Diggs has had a journey of resilience. From being forced to give up his career and the mortgage meltdown, John lost everything he built post-football career, sparking him the chance to either sink or swim. And in choosing the latter, John has found success in his new career as a certified life coach, certified NLP practitioner and a mind-mapping mentor. A girl dad through and through, John boldly tells us how his lowest and highest moments shaped him and how we can use mind-mapping to aid us in shaping not just the big picture of our lives but how to get there practically and with great success.

Should we be chasing success or fulfillment? Host Crystal Blackwell breaks down the difference between these two concepts in this Crystal Clear Mini Moments and gives listeners practical tips on how to shift our perspective and eyes from success to fulfillment. 

In this episode of Crystal Clear moments, host Crystal is joined by her beloved husband (and fan favorite guest) Ivan to the podcast. While the social media revolved world we’re living in is something most have become accustomed to and acclimated with, in this episode, Crystal and Ivan share five tips with couples on how to keep their relationship whole and in tact while not falling into the at-times sneaky and distracting tactics it attempts to breed within relationships. Humorous and candid per usual, this episode is one for those looking to level up in love.

Welcoming Dr. Kris, a board certified family nurse practitioner with a passion for hormone health and holistic wellness, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes the CCM audience to a conversation on all things inclusive healthcare. Sharing her desire for people to have accessible health resources so they can be their best versions, she shares her innovative apps she’s created as well as her takes on varying health care challenges people are facing today including and how ignoring our bodies’ cues can result into disease diagnosis. 

Host Crystal takes a pause in the full episodes to give a quick word on a topic that is close to her heart: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Becoming candid about her entrepreneurial journey in the DEI space, she shares what Diversity, Equity and Inclusion means to her, its importance and why she’s continuing her fight in ensuring its place in society stays. 

In this episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell invites author and women’s advocate Leticia Long to the table. CEO and founder of Purelistic Health and Beauty, Leticia candidly opens up about her experience in the entrepreneurial space, how having a vision for a business guided her into landing a brick & mortar location for her brand, plus, she shares how encouraging and uplifting others has helped her center the purpose of her career endeavors. 

In this Crystal Clear Mini Moment, host Crystal Blackwell gives insight and practicality into what it means to be a leader in the challenging climate. Giving five tips, Crystal helps leaders of all types to see how they can manage embracing the current day and age while not losing their zest for being a great leader. 

Joining Crystal Clear Moments is Dr. Larry Leverett. Dr. Leverett is introduced to us as a board certified Doctor of plastic surgery with over 25 years of experience in his field. Having helped thousands of patients receive their desired outcome cosmetically, Dr. Larry, also an Atlanta native, shares with the CCM audience his journey to becoming interested in the medical field, how integrity has kept him, and gives us insight into why he believes DEI is crucial to the legacy of the ever-changing career landscape.

On today’s episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Saskia Christian who is a human and sustainability expert with 18 years in the game! Through her work with trauma healing life coaching and project consultation also, Saskia has forged a one-of-one lane for herself, resulting in a bold walk of resilience that she shares with the CCM audience today.

Junior Spivey is today’s special guest on CCM and host Crystal Blackwell welcomes him with open arms. After spending 14 years playing baseball and 5 years in the league as apart of the inaugural team for the Arizona Diamondbacks, he became a husband and father to two sons before getting into the worlds of philanthropy and entrepreneurship. Through these endeavors, Junior walks us through his journey on and off the field and opens up about how his struggle in rehab to get back on the field led him to a moment of learning patience and resilience in a new way.

John Fees joins the podcast for this episode of CCM. Host Crystal talks to John about a range of topics including how his empathy moved Crystal when they first met in a work setting, how innovation can lead to success and failure, and how working in the tech industry impacted his views on social good.

Crystal Clear Moments is back for a new episode and host Crystal Blackwell opens up by thanking her listeners for being an engaged audience! Then, she welcomes on special guest Sasha, a fellow podcast host Crystal met in studio. Sasha has a strong commitment to authenticity and truth and after sharing her own Crystal Clear Moment thanks to a powerful episode of Schitt’s Creek, dives into the importance of finding your passion in life to lead you to success. 

Did you know that there are different types of mindsets? Do you know what side of the coin you fall under? In this episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell breaks down the difference between a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset, encouraging listeners to take an honest examination of where they fall on the spectrum and tips on how to achieve success through the power of our minds. 

On this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal is joined by a fellow podcast host and founder of Golf Party Live, Donna Taylor. Leaning into her father’s example, Donna is unashamed in sharing that golf is her greatest passion. Inspired by the heart of the game, Donna talks about how she translates her passion for the sport into other areas of her life, prompting her to show up and ace her journey! 

It’s a new episode of CCM and it’s not a new year, new you, it’s a New Year, BETTER you! On today’s episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell welcomes Keshia Beach. The two met at a lunch and Keisha’s infectious confidence attracted Crystal to make a connection. In this episode, the two talk about a range of topics from Keshia’s journey as a global thinker to practical ways on how to be a change maker in your local community in real life.

For this episode of CCM, Ivan Blackwell joins host Crystal for a lovely chat between husband and wife. For Valentine’s Day, the Blackwell’s talk all things love and relationships PLUS the in-between’s that come with it! Having just celebrated 36 years of marriage and seeing each other grow and evolve, the two share five tips for growing together instead of apart to have the fruitful marriage of your goals. 

Crystal Clear Moments welcomes Dr. LaKeisha Cook to the podcast this week for the first episode of 2025 and in honor of Black History Month! And in light of the momentous occasion, Dr. Cook joins us for an exciting conversation on how to make true change in the 21st century when times seem bleak and dismal. Dr. Cook is a prolific change agent when it comes to racial reform, equity, diversity and inclusion and uses her extensive educational background to navigate such a task. In this episode, listeners will leave invigorated to create change in their own backyard and be unafraid to use their voice in advocating for progress. 

In approaching the 40th episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell enthusiastically invites Mindy Jones to the podcast. In leadership of an all female real estate team, the Amy Jones Group, along with a non/profit that champions the betterment of women, Mindy travels us down her lifelong journey of sparking meaningful change throughout her life to touch others and bring purpose to her pivots. Mindy encourages listeners with her powerful story with this truth: when you feel seen, you are able to pour from a full cup, ultimately bringing more light into this dreary world. 

In this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell is joined by her beloved husband Ivan for a timely conversation transition. The word “transition” always sounds daunting when we hear it escape someones’ lips in conversation or we experience it ourselves, however, Crystal and Ivan dare to change your narrative and viewpoint when navigating it. A recent retiree with 28 years in the insurance business, Ivan is a five-time “Sales Executive of the Year” Award and was a star player in his field. And with such success, he assures the CCM audience alongside Crystal that although at-times scary, sometimes, being the “anomaly” in your workspace, industry and in your field can actually be a secret weapon.

Anna Maria Muldanado has a heart for civil justice and activism. And as a woman of color dominating her career field as a serial entrepreneur with a passion for business development, healthcare and social services, her soul tie for serving vulnerable populations through innovation and grassroots partnerships, she has become a true force and change agent for the oppressed. In this episode of CCM, Anna shares how society’s neglect of major groups in society through marginalization has forced us into global issues and boldly recalls how coming from a lineage of women that cared for people outside of themselves has impacted her shared goal of seeing empathy and change become normalized in this seemingly heartless world.

Dr. Velma Traham is an unapologetic powerhouse, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. After watching Dr. Velma from a distance, host Crystal Blackwell explains how seeing her value system show up in her real-life - in private and in public, led to her being open to creating a friendship with her. Assertive and confident in her approach, Dr. Velma candidly shares that lacking execution and strategy is one of the biggest hindrances to success and uses the story of Nehemiah in the Bible can be used as an example of maintaining focus on purpose and not being deterred by useless conversations.

Having a heart of service is not for the faint of heart-especially when you work in the DEI field of business like Jackie. Throughout her career, Jackie has used her values of faith and family as a guiding light in creating true change through her immaculate gift of storytelling via the medium of poetry. An ASU alum, Jackie joins host Crystal Blackwell to discuss all things career. From her meeting Crystal over two years ago to understanding the impact not sharing our stories as women can affect the next generation; this episode is one for those looking to be inspired by telling our truths.

Host Crystal Blackwell goes at it solo this week in the newest episode of Crystal Clear Moments. In this episode, we’re tackling two of the biggest buzzwords in culture right now; empathy and leadership. With the belief that these two things are “the 21st century’s greatest superpower”, Crystal helps us understand the importance of walking with them both in mind when we encounter opportunities of facing the world, navigating career moves, and walking through our own humanity.

Being results oriented is not for the weak and Dr. Joel brings her strength. 30-year business acumen, and passion for transformation to CCM. In this episode, Dr. Joel explains to us why transformation is so integral to the journey of our lives in every area and gives us real life stories on how being out of alignment and our choices in seeing that can effect our path to transform into the best versions of ourselves.

Dr. Will joins a seat on Crystal Clear Moments to talk all things career and origins. A military veteran, business coach, professional speaker and leader in organizational structure, he boldly and candidly shares how his Compton roots impacted his view of life and how we can take where we're from, no matter how rough or how great, and use them as guides for us to be greater. This episode gives major insight on how to let your origin story be the greatest setup to the rest of your life.

Trauma seems like a buzzword in today’s society but it is more common for us all than we could ever imagine. With more than 40years in the education space, Dr. Dawson is affectionately known as “The Trauma Educator” and is dedicated, even in this episode to creating solutions and safe spaces for those dealing with trauma. Teaching us how to define, identify and empathize with trauma, Dr. Dawson joins CCM to discuss the role Black Trauma plays in Black People’s everyday lives.

In 1985, the American Cancer Society created Breast Cancer Awareness Month and since, we have seen it affect more and more lives and even younger age groups. So, for this special episode of CCM, host Crystal Blackwell’s friend Glenda Dees joins us to discuss not just her journey with breast cancer but her triumphant life in spite of it. In this episode, Glenda shares how she refused to let her diagnosis define her, the importance of getting checked, and how having people around you ready to fight with you in your tribe is crucial to your success in elevating past the toughest trials life throws at you.

Activist and dignitary within Chandler, Arizona's community, OD Harris joins Crystal Clear Moments for an episode that is sure to inspire and empower. Following various crystal clear moments that have helped shape his life socially and interpersonally. From his journey as a Black man in politics to his humanity as a citizen of this country as well as how to navigate the current times with a clear conscious through the choices we make.

Taking a different approach to this episode, host Crystal Blackwell takes a look back on the several, amazing guests that have joined the podcast this year and shares what SHE gleaned from some of their most empowering crystal clear moments.

TV titan Susan Casper joins host Crystal for an episode of girl talk, inspiration and love. Although she now leads a life and career of great success, Susan candidly shares her journey in journalism that has gone through many transitions and has overcomes various struggles. Throughout this episode, you can feel the two's real-life friendship seep through their laughter and their mutual love and respect for one another, ultimately inspiring listeners to invest in the relationships in their life and learn how to be graced for life's assured bouts of transition.

In this episode of Crystal Clear Moments, host Crystal Blackwell goes at it solo providing listeners with five tips to companies seeking woman hires. Now that women are in leadership roles more than ever in business, it's imperative that companies are equipped with tools and tricks to keeping them satisfied. Whether you're an organization founder or a woman working at a high-powered company, this episode will impart into you on-time wisdom to help you succeed and obtain the career you want.

Author and speaker Bridgett McGowan is on FIRE and her along with host Crystal Blackwell lets that be known throughout this episode. With a career and life journey that has been riddled with opportunities but met with consistency and credibility. From sharing her crystal clear moment of getting laid off from her job in 2016 to the mindset changes she had to make, Bridgett's story, expertise and advice she offers to listeners is sure to inspire and light a fire underneath them to go after their dreams and achieve greatness in every area of their lives!