Shows
Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Etsy sellers who want to expand to Shopify!From SEO to CX: Crystal Ortiz on Why Customer Connection Is the Ultimate Ranking FactorIn this thoughtful episode of The Simple and Smart SEO Show, Crystal chats with fellow SEO expert Crystal Ortiz, founder of Socialhart. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and a background in education, Crystal O. shares her journey from retail to SEO consulting and why connecting with customers is more powerful than any ranking algorithm. They explore the intersection of SEO, AI, customer experience, and basic business fundamentals, revealing why treating SEO like a tool—not a strategy—is key to sustainable online success.💡 Key Takeaways:SEO is a...
2026-01-2818 min
Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Etsy sellers who want to expand to Shopify!Why Your Page Isn’t Converting: How Semantic Triples Unlock Smarter SEOIn this episode of the Simple and Smart SEO Show, host Crystal Waddell unpacks the concept of semantic triples and how understanding them can solve one of the most frustrating SEO issues ... getting impressions but no clicks. Drawing from her experience at a technical SEO conference and a real-world case study from her own business, Crystal reveals how aligning your page’s content with user intent (not just keywords) can lead to higher conversions. Whether you're an SEO novice or pro, this episode offers actionable insights into fixing semantic misalignment and crafting on age...
2026-01-1418 min
Stop & TalkGil Alvarado: Using All Our Resources to Benefit the CommunityGil Alvarado is the Chief Financial and Investment Officer (CFIO) of the Prebys Foundation, where he helps steward a $1.2 billion portfolio with an eye toward both strong returns and strong community benefit. A national thought partner in mission-aligned investing, Gil brings an entrepreneurial mindset to philanthropy—designing funds, partnerships, and investment strategies that help fuel innovation, expand opportunity, and strengthen San Diego’s long-term resilience. This Episode: How can a foundation use the full breadth of its resources to support a thriving region? Grant and Gil unpack how the foundation’s investment strategy wo...
2025-12-0444 min
Stop & TalkWalking Shield: Building Capacity and Honoring Tribal Self-DeterminationWalking Shield has spent nearly four decades improving quality of life for Native communities across the United States—bridging sovereign tribal nations with philanthropy, federal agencies, and the U.S. military. Alongside the Walking Shield team, Executive Director, Dr. John Castillo, and Senior Fellow, Mariano Diaz help tribes build the capacity needed to secure federal funding, strengthen infrastructure, and advance true self-determination. Their work blends grassroots trust-building with systems-level strategy, supporting tribes on projects ranging from road repairs and water access to energy development, environmental co-management, and leadership planning. This Episode: What does true collaboration with trib...
2025-11-2057 min
Stop & TalkBrandon Steppe: “Shoulder to Shoulder” Mentorship That Changes LivesBrandon Steppe left a corporate career to start a recording studio in his garage—never imagining that a few persistent neighborhood kids would change his life. Those early studio sessions grew into the David’s Harp Foundation, a nonprofit where justice-involved and opportunity youth in San Diego discover their voices and chart a path forward through music, media, and mentorship. This Episode Can rhythm and relationship change a young person’s life? Brandon shares how vulnerability and honesty became cornerstones of his organization’s culture, starting with a simple practice he calls flashlight first: men...
2025-11-0659 min
The Armed Guardian PodcastFrom Domestic Violence To Self-Defense: Kas McGuire’s Journey And New BookSend us a textA slow-burn relationship that turned into total control. Years of gaslighting, tracking, and violence. And then a plan strong enough to carry a mother and child into the night and toward safety. That’s the spine of our conversation with survivor, martial arts and firearms instructor, and new author, Kas McGuire—an honest, practical, and deeply human tour through what domestic violence really looks like and what it takes to fight back.We dig into how abuse begins with small concessions—friends dismissed, clothes policed, money and documents “kept safe”—and how those mo...
2025-11-011h 07
The Armed Guardian PodcastFit To Carry with Aaron CobbSend us a textMost people plan their defense around a holster and a hope. We build it around breath, movement, and the split-second choices that actually decide outcomes. With defense instructor and security professional Aaron Cobb, we walk through a practical framework for making your body a tactical asset—so you can think clearer, move faster, and choose the lowest force necessary when everything goes loud.We start with the mindset shift: be a fighter with a gun, not a gunfighter. That means building functional capacity, not chasing gym aesthetics. Aaron breaks the work in...
2025-10-2541 minThe Armed Guardian PodcastHow Hold My Guns,A Nonprofit, Helps Gun Owners Choose Safety Without Losing Their RightsSend us a textA lot of responsible gun owners face the same quiet question: what do you do when life gets messy and access becomes a risk? Moving across states, checking into a hospital, hosting grandkids, navigating a foster placement, or just riding out a hard season can make temporary storage the smartest choice. We brought on Hold My Guns founder Sarah Albrecht to unpack a community-led solution that keeps people safe without forcing them to surrender their rights.Sarah shares the human story behind the nonprofit and how a liberty-first mindset shapes every...
2025-10-2548 min
Stop & TalkRichard Tate: Health, Justice, and the Power of VoiceRichard Tate is the President and CEO of the California Wellness Foundation, where he leads with clarity, courage, and hope. A communications strategist turned first-time CEO, Richard embraces the power of philanthropy not just to fund change, but to stand up for values. Under his leadership, Cal Wellness has become a bold voice for health and racial justice at a time when those commitments are under attack. This Episode: What does it mean for foundations to step out from behind the desk and lead with courage? Grant and Richard explore why this mo...
2025-09-1158 min
Stop & TalkScott Lewis: Journalism, Democracy, and the Future of San DiegoScott Lewis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Voice of San Diego, the pioneering nonprofit newsroom he helped build nearly two decades ago. What began as an experiment in funding professional journalism outside of the old newspaper model is now a national template, proving that communities can sustain independent, fact-driven reporting. Scott is known for his candid, conversational style and his conviction that journalism is about creating a shared story that helps communities face hard truths and imagine better futures. This Episode: What role does local journalism play in sustaining democracy and helping communities rise t...
2025-08-2859 min
Stop & TalkSew Loka’s Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski: Slow Fashion, Bold StoriesClaudia Rodriguez-Biezunski is the founder of Sew Loka, a community-driven textile art studio in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. A self-taught artist and entrepreneur, Claudia transforms reclaimed fabrics into vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces that weave together personal history, cultural identity, and environmental consciousness. From collaborating with pro sports teams like the San Diego Wave and San Diego FC to teaching teens how to upcycle thrifted finds, her work proves that sewing is alive and thriving. This Episode: How can a needle and thread become a force for cultural preservation, sustainability, and self-expression? In this...
2025-08-1459 min
Stop & TalkAfira Arrastia-DeVries: Kids Are Not a Problem to SolveAfira Arrastia-DeVries is the President and CEO of the Monarch School Project, the only K–12 public institution in the U.S. solely dedicated to educating unhoused students. A 2025 Prebys Leadership Awardee, Afira brings a powerful combination of heart, strategy, and passion to her work. As a sociologist, advocate, and leader, she’s reshaping education around support, community, and the radical act of seeing children not for their struggles, but for their gifts. This Episode: What happens when you stop trying to “fix” kids and start believing in them? In this meaningful conversation, Afira shares how Mona...
2025-07-3158 min
Simple and Smart SEO: A podcast for Etsy sellers who want to expand to Shopify!Shopify SEO Tips: Page Template Tweaks for Better SEO (Part 4 of 5)(Shopify From Strategy to Action Series, Episode 4!)In this episode, we're getting real about Shopify page templates — and why they might be quietly holding your SEO back. 😬From homepage headers to collection and product page tweaks, Crystal shares how to update your templates to help your content rank and convert.👀 If you’ve ever wondered: “Do I really need to mess with my templates?” The short answer is: YES — but it’s simpler than you think.✨ What You’ll Learn:Why templates are the foundation of Shopify SE...
2025-07-3007 min
Stop & TalkPeter Ellsworth: Trust Begins With ListeningPeter Ellsworth is a longtime San Diegan, civic leader, and founding force in modern philanthropy. From his early days in law and healthcare to his visionary role at the helm of the Legler Benbough Foundation, Peter has lived a life steeped in service, humility, and quiet transformation. A member of the Prebys Foundation Board, he remains a guiding voice for how philanthropy can—and must—listen first. This Episode: What happens when a foundation listens before it leads? Grant and Peter explore the evolution of philanthropy in San Diego and how Peter helped pionee...
2025-07-1758 min
Stop & TalkMark Cafferty: Why Inclusive Growth Is Smart BusinessMark Cafferty is the President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), where he leads with a mix of realism, resolve, and heart. In this conversation, he shares his experiences of how his values—shaped family, mentorship, and a belief in equity— continue to guide his leadership today. Under Mark’s direction, EDC has taken a bold stance: inclusive growth isn’t just good policy, it’s a business imperative for San Diego’s future. This Episode: What does it take to build an economy that works for everyone? ...
2025-07-0358 min
Stop & TalkElite, Not Elitist: Reimagining Public Higher Education with Pradeep KhoslaPradeep Khosla is the chancellor of UC San Diego and a nationally recognized voice on the evolving role of public research universities. Under his leadership, UC San Diego has doubled in size, broadened its access, and transformed from a "diamond in the rough" into a globally respected powerhouse for innovation, education, and the arts. He spearheaded the expansion of student housing—growing UC San Diego’s housing program into the second largest in the nation—to make college more affordable and accessible for thousands. Chancellor Khosla brings a strategic, inclusive lens to higher ed. This Episode: What...
2025-05-081h 02
Stop & TalkGrant Oliphant: Reconnecting with Why Our Work MattersGrant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. This Episode: Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges—from shifting political landscapes and funding cuts to increasing demands for services. With federal cuts threatening essential programs, nonprofit leaders are grappling with how to sustain their missions while navigating an evolving philanthropic landscape. In th...
2025-03-281h 01
Virtual Reali-Tea by Page SixCrystal Kung Minkoff on teaming up with ‘Humble Brag’ co-host Cynthia Bailey — and her reality TV future after ‘RHOBH’ exitCrystal Kung Minkoff stopped by the Page Six Studio to chat with “Virtual Reali-Tea” co-hosts Danny Murphy and Evan Real to chat about the success of her “Humble Brag” podcast with co-host Cynthia Bailey. Crystal also unpacked her exit from “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” while sharing her unfiltered opinions about Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley’s fallout. Plus, the Real Coco founder teased her reality TV future — including her thoughts on joining “The Traitors” one day. Check out the full unedited interview!Follow us on Instagram!Sign up for our newsletter!Chec...
2025-02-2527 min
Stop & TalkThe Alternative is UnacceptableIn this episode, Grant sits down with four motivated leaders who are driving solutions to the Tijuana River sewage crisis. Ramon Chairez, Sarah Davidson, Lesly Gallegos-Stearns, and Kapili Pasa are proving that change isn’t just possible, it is already happening through advocacy, environmental education, and community organizing. Their stories reveal deep, personal connections to the estuary, the ocean, and the communities most affected. From respiratory illnesses to economic setbacks and lost opportunities for youth, they highlight why urgent action is needed and why those in power must be held accountable. Everyone in San Diego County deserves clea...
2025-02-131h 03
Story Time with Shout CrystalStory Time with Shout Crystal Presents - The Snatched Challenge By Deanna Taylor "Miss Fitness Diva"Send us a textThank you for stopping by this page. I am Crystal Bodie Smith and my calling is to Instill and Ignite Hope Passion, Vision, and Purpose. In every capacity on this earth I aim to make a positive impact. Scroll through and find the category that suits your needs.In this episode my guest shares her expertise from their personal experience to help individuals get their body right. This includes eating habits and work out plans, etc. She also shared the services she offer to help others with the very same. I love...
2025-01-311h 02Story Time with Shout CrystalStory Time with Shout Crystal Presents "The Challenges of Elder Care with Valerie Lyons and Cheryl Baez"Send us a textThank you for stopping by this page. I am Crystal Bodie Smith and my calling is to Instill and Ignite Hope Passion, Vision, and Purpose. In every capacity on this earth I aim to make a positive impact. Scroll through and find the category that suits your needs.In this episode my guest are sharing their expertise from their personal experience with family members. They also shared the services they offer to help others with the very same. I love when people share with others to empower them too. This is wha...
2025-01-3130 min
Stop & TalkTijuana River Pollution: Speaking Up for Patient Health with Dr. Dickson and Dr. NguyenSpecial Series: This season, Stop & Talk is diving into one of San Diego County’s biggest environmental and health emergencies: the Tijuana River Sewage Crisis. Through this special series, we hear from doctors, advocates, researchers, and others fighting for clean environments, healthy communities, and real solutions to a crisis that’s been dismissed for too long. This episode:For decades, families in San Diego’s border communities have faced a sewage crisis that threatens their health and well-being. Now, two dedicated physicians, Dr. Kimberly Dickson and Dr. Vi Nguyen, are sharing how the sewage...
2025-01-301h 01
SportsWrap with Jason PageNFL Playoff Crystal Ball, Perkins Talks 'Fins & Fox Sports DramaOn Tuesday's Show:
We take a look into our NFL playoff crystal ball for some early predictions
Chris Perkins of the Miami Sun Sentinel drops by to discuss the Dolphins postseason matters, including Tyreek Hill
AJ Perez of Front Office Sports gets us caught up on a big controversy brewing for Fox Sports
SportsWrap w/Jason Page airs across the United States & Canada on over 270 affiliates.Check your local listings for time and schedule. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our...
2025-01-0844 min
Stop & TalkSeason 2 Wrap-UpSeason 2 of Stop and Talk brought us stories of resilience, creativity, and community action across San Diego. Hosts Grant Oliphant and Crystal Page welcomed guests who are tackling complex challenges, from reimagining public spaces to strengthening community mental health and fostering economic equity. Each conversation offered a glimpse into the powerful work happening in San Diego County—and the people behind it.In this special season wrap-up, Grant and Crystal revisit standout moments and reflect on the inspiring themes that emerged. They share insights on the importance of narrative, the impact of place, the role of ec...
2024-11-061h 23
Stop & TalkThelma Virata de Castro: Expressing Yourself is a Powerful ThingIn this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Thelma Virata de Castro, a Filipinx artist, playwright, and community teacher based in San Diego. Thelma's work delves deep into the human experience, with a unique blend of humor and profound themes. Through her "Cultivating JOY" project—part of the Far South Border North initiative—Thelma empowers writers and audiences to explore their relationships with nature. Thelma shares her journey growing up in Paradise Hills, where her close-knit Filipino community shaped her creative spirit. Her work spans a range of challenging topics, from grief and loss to domes...
2024-10-231h 01
Stop & TalkCarol Dedrich: Fun is a critical component of mental healthCarol Dedrich, CEO of Girl Scouts San Diego, joins host Grant Oliphant to explore the evolving role of Girl Scouts in shaping the next generation of leaders. Drawing from her rich experiences as a U.S. Army captain and Girl Scout alumna, Carol shares how her journey is intricately connected to the mission of empowering young women in today’s complex world. She reflects on the similarities between military service and Girl Scouts, where camaraderie, resilience, and community play vital roles in both environments.Carol delves into the impactful programs offered by Girl Scouts, from outdoor adventures an...
2024-10-091h 01
Stop & TalkOmar Blaik: Downtowns should be for everyoneIn this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant sits down with visionary urban planner Omar Blaik, CEO of U3 Advisors, to explore the future of downtown spaces and their potential to serve all community members. Drawing from his extensive experience revitalizing cities like Philadelphia, Omar discusses the role of thoughtful design in fostering connection, empathy, and vibrancy in urban environments.Key to the conversation is San Diego's Civic Center—a six-block area around City Hall—which Omar sees as a golden opportunity to reshape the heart of the city. He and Grant delve into how reconnecting the...
2024-09-251h 04
Stop & TalkLive Episode - Dr. Sindy Escobar Alvarez: The Intersection of Medical Research and PhilanthropyIn this special live episode of Stop & Talk, Dr. Sindy Escobar Alvarez, Program Director for Medical Research at the Doris Duke Foundation, joins host Grant Oliphant. This interview was recorded at a community forum hosted by the Prebys Foundation that explored the evolving landscape of medical research funding and its impact on community health. They discuss the many important issues facing the field, including equity in research, the role of philanthropy in driving innovation, and many others.Additionally, community members were invited to ask questions, illuminating some of the factors that drive San Diego...
2024-09-1151 min
Stop & TalkDr. Isabel Newton: Centering humanity in all aspects of healthcareIn this episode, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Isabel Newton, a distinguished physician-scientist and passionate mentor, whose work is transforming how patients and medical professionals engage with the healthcare system. Her multifaceted career spans research, clinical care, education, and community connection, all rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to the same quality of care. The conversation delves into Dr. Newton’s work in patient advocacy, where she empowers individuals to take an active role in their health decisions. As co-founder and chair of the Interventional Initiative, she provides education on Minimally Inv...
2024-08-281h 00
Stop & TalkAmina Sheik Mohamed: Health equity, cultural awareness, and belonging are key to well-beingAmina Sheik Mohamed is a dedicated advocate for health equity and cultural inclusivity. Her incredible work led her to be awarded one of Prebys Foundation’s inaugural Leadership Awards. As the Founder and Director of the Refugee Health Unit at UC San Diego, Amina has been instrumental in championing initiatives that empower immigrant communities in San Diego County. In this episode, she joins host Grant Oliphant to explore the intricate connections between community health and cultural identity.Amina is committed to improving positive health outcomes for the refugee community in San Diego by promoting health equity and mak...
2024-08-1459 min
Stop & TalkDan Yates: The Power of Vulnerability in LeadershipIn this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dan Yates, board chair of the Prebys Foundation and co-founder/CEO of Endeavor Bank. A true San Diego native, Dan's journey from Paradise Hills to becoming a leading civic figure in San Diego reveals a profound commitment to community and service.Dan shares his experiences growing up in a diverse and complex environment, which instilled in him a deep sense of empathy and a drive to uplift his community. His story highlights the significant role of his upbringing, particularly the influence of...
2024-07-311h 00
Stop & TalkDr. Benjamin Maxwell: Community can help youth thrive psychologically and flourishDr. Benjamin Maxwell, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Rady Children’s Hospital, joins host Grant Oliphant to discuss enhancing youth psychological well-being, challenges to mental and behavioral health, and comprehensive solutions that go beyond the clinic. He shares the importance of early intervention and the vital role the community plays in creating environments that help young people flourish. His collaborations with organizations like Sapien Labs, YMCA of San Diego, and Outdoor Outreach showcase how collective efforts can tackle the root causes of mental health struggles, fostering resilience and thriving communities.They also examine the impacts of...
2024-07-171h 00
Two Lights PodcastEp. 110 - Crystal... Arrested?!Support us: The Internet Safe Cell: http://gabbwireless.com/promo/TWOLIGHTS Save $$$ when you use promo code: TWOLIGHTSFind us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twolightspodcast/ X: @Twolightspod Email: TwoLightsPodcast@Gmail.com Web page: https://twolightspodcast.buzzsprout.com/ Mister Exposition by Kevin MacLeod Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported— CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Music provided by FreeMusic109 https://youtube.com/FreeMusic109
2024-07-0442 min
Stop & TalkDr. Mary Walshok: When the world wants to see the future, they look at California In this episode of Stop & Talk, host Grant Oliphant sits down with Dr. Mary Walshok, an influential thinker and powerhouse in the San Diego community. Recently retired from her role as Vice Chancellor at UC San Diego, Mary spearheaded the creation of Park and Market, a facility designed to support serendipitous interactions and collaboration across sectors. She shares her deep insights into the intersection of innovation, community, and economic development.Mary reflects on her vibrant life story, from her unique upbringing in Palm Springs to her pivotal contributions to the local academic and civic landscape. She discusses S...
2024-07-0359 min
Stop & TalkDr. Constance Carroll: The incredible impact of community collegesIn this episode, Dr. Constance Carroll, Chancellor Emerita of the San Diego Community College District, joins host Grant Oliphant to share her extraordinary journey in the realm of higher education and her lasting impact on the San Diego community. From her early days as the youngest black woman college president in the United States to her pivotal role in expanding community college baccalaureate programs, Constance’s story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering dedication to student success.Constance reflects on her circuitous path from Pittsburgh to San Diego, describing both cities' unique cultural an...
2024-06-181h 03
Stop & TalkIrwin Jacobs: Using What We Have to Strengthen San Diego County Irwin Jacobs, joins host Grant Oliphant to reflect on his extensive, impactful philanthropic work in the San Diego region and beyond. He shares an inspiring journey of philanthropy deeply intertwined with personal values and community impact. Irwin speaks candidly about the challenges and triumphs of these endeavors, emphasizing the importance of resilience, vision, and community engagement. A lifelong donor and scholarship recipient in his younger years, Irwin’s philanthropic philosophy is rooted in thoughtful engagement, giving back, and a commitment to community betterment. He speaks about the Giving Pledge, a commitment he embraced with humility and purpose, refl...
2024-06-051h 26
Stop & TalkRamel Wallace: Creativity as Care, Reflection, and ConnectionIn this episode, Stop & Talk host Grant Oliphant talks with Ramel Wallace, a multifaceted artist, activist, and community builder deeply embedded in the San Diego creative scene. Ramel's journey, rooted in hip-hop storytelling and community engagement, provides a unique lens into the city's history, culture, and social dynamics.Ramel discusses his viral "We’re San Diegans" video series, which humorously and poignantly captures the essence of San Diego life, touching on local pride, cultural diversity, the city's social issues, and of course, tacos. He also shares his perspective on the significant yet often overlooked impact of redlining an...
2024-05-221h 02