Life Inspired

In this episode of "Life Inspired," Crystal speaks with Darian Sanders, who plays the role of Simba in The National Tour of The Lion King. He shares how his journey to Broadway came to be in what some would say is a late start. But as Darian will tell you, "Your gift will make room for you."

Crystal sits down with Major Johnathan Harvey Commanding Officer of the Cascade Division of the Salvation Army to talk about how the Salvation Army is doing the most good in the Portland area and beyond. It's Red Kettle season in the city and Crystal's virtual Red Kettle is up and running at www.thefishportland.com. We hope that you will join us in supporting those in need right here in our own back yard. Together We can "Love Beyond."

As the holiday season is fast approaching, Salvation Army Cascade Divisional Commander Johnathan Harvey has moved to Portland with his wife from Seattle to lead the Cascade Division that covers Oregon and Southern Idaho. Crystal sits down to talk with him about the the Salvation Army in our area, and what he hopes to elevate during his time here. You'll also discover how you can get involved and where to go if you are in need of help today.

Crystal sits down with Luke Smallbone our favorite "drummer boy" about For King and Country's Christmas tour coming to Portland December, 3, 2023 and more. Multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning duo recording artist for KING + COUNTRY announces its A Drummer Boy Christmas | The 2023 Tour Experience. The highly-anticipated annual holiday spectacle will feature an extraordinary production, blending festive visuals and stunning lighting and staging effects, for a high-octane show that the brother duo (made up of Joel and Luke Smallbone) have become known for. With 13 sold-out arena shows in 2022, this year's Christmas tour will span 16 cities, with tickets in high demand at some of the largest venues across North America and Canada. Each evening on the tour, for KING + COUNTRY will perform holiday classics and more like their world-renowned version of the fan-favorite holiday classic "Little Drummer Boy" as well hits from their latest Billboard Top 200 album, What Are We Waiting For? and other acclaimed projects. Get all the details at www.thefishportland.com

This episode of "Life Inspired" is a follow up to our dating with apps episode that featured two of my co-workers Jeanette Banke and Emma Cassaro. How has the dating experience using a dating app been coming along for Jeanette?  And what is in the future for Emma?  And you are probably wondering who is Josh Guintu?  Find out in this episode as they all sit down for a pow wow with Crystal Thornton. 

With God all things are possible... The road to recovery is a long one. But, by allowing yourself the opportunity to separate from those destructive behaviors and focus on God, He will safely guide you. Set Free NW's program is designed to assist men and women who are struggling with substance abuse and/or life altering crisis's. It is a live-in discipleship ministry for men & women, providing hope and spiritual healing from addiction through the power of Jesus. In this episode of "Life Inspired" Crystal talks with Pastor Mike Tallman the Executive Director, and Pastor Mark Fredenburg the Men's Ministry Director.

In this episode of Life Inspired, As part of Women's History Month, Crystal sits down with Lt. Omoduni George and Dalida Lodimus. These Women of color are two of the few who serve the Portland area at the Moore Street Salvation Army Community Center. Lt. Omoduni is also the Pastor of the Moore Street Salvation Army Corps. Listen to what inspired them both to become a part of the Salvation Army, and what a difference they are making in the community. https://moorestreet.salvationarmy.org/

How do you build a relationship in the 21st Century, and how does technology play a role?  You're going to hear from different generations on how they did it and are doing it today. Is it as fun as passing notes in class?  Find out as Crystal talks with Sue, Emma and Jeannette from Salem Media, in this episode of "Life Inspired."

Word is Bond is back on this episode of "Life Inspired", Crystal sits down with the President and CEO Lakayana Drury along with one of the first Ambassadors Saadiq DuCloux who participated in the Word Is Bond program as a teenager. You'll hear how this non-profit organization provided opportunities for Saadiq and other young Black men to make connections and experience unlimited possibilities for their futures. You will also find out what is on the horizon for this years Word Is Bond Ambassadors.  

In this episode of Life Inspired, Crystal gets to know Salvation Army Officers Caleb and Iliana Montes who are new to the Pacific Northwest and will be serving in the Gresham Community.  Hear their vision for the future there and more as we enter into the busiest and most wonderful time of the year for the Salvation Army. 

In this episode of Life Inspired, Crystal sits down with Mrs. DeAngeloa Wells, the first lady of Emmanuel Church in NE Portland. Lady Wells shares her journey for the cure for breast cancer in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It is a testimony of the power of prayer, perseverance and victory that is sure to provide hope and hopefully help save someone's life. Feel free to join in the conversation on our fish Facebook page and share you comments. 

Sometimes all it takes is five minutes with someone to know they’re special. Spending an additional five with Blessing Offor reveals something more.  Born with glaucoma in his left eye and losing complete sight by age 10, Blessing has not let his hardships deter him from becoming one of the most sought-after talents in Music City. Blessing’s music prompts joy that encourages a sense of contentment with thought provoking lyrics that elicit a second listen. His inviting voice draws you in like a familiar friend and Blessing proves that by being who he is, he is indeed innately special. After years of honing his craft and finding his voice, the Nigerian-born, Nashville based singer/songwriter is now poised to share his thoughtfully crafted pop instincts and unique perspective with the world. In this episode of Life Inspired my co-host Chris Kelly sits down with Blessing Offer to share his inspiring story and music with you. Be sure to share it.

In this episode of Life Inspired Crystal sits down with Wendell Robinson, a native of Portland, OR. He has shared the good news of Jesus throughout East and West Africa, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. He is currently the Senior Pastor of Mt. Olivet Baptist church in Portland, OR, and is the author of Kingdom Moments. This book is scheduled to be released to the public on October 10th. He shares his passion for writing "Kingdom Moments" with Crystal and why he feels everyone who can read would benefit from getting a copy of it.   

In this Episode of Life Inspired, Crystal and Kat sit down with Tauren Wells, a celebrated recording artist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, with 10 GRAMMY® Award nominations.  We talk about everything from preparing our kids to go back to school, Marriage advice, music and a whole lot more. So be sure to share this with your friends and enjoy. 

In this episode of Life Inspired Crystal speaks with Andrew Baxter, who is currently a pitcher for the Salem Keizer Campesinos of the Mavericks Independent League. In the off season, Andrew can be seen as a stunt double in shows like All American Homecoming and All American. He is a licensed real estate agent, musician, and personal trainer in Los Angeles. Most importantly he is proud to be a Christian above all else and is organizing Ignite: A Night of Worship at Volcanoes stadium on August 24, 2022. For more information go to www.IgniteSK.com

On this episode of Life Inspired, Crystal talks with Ed Vickers, the man behind the Heritage Church annual Free Fish Fry and Bar-B-Que, happening Sunday June 26th in Vancouver. The goal is to feed 5,000 people in the community.  And you are invited. Ed shares how this vision came to be, and how he nearly single-handedly fishes for one month to collect the bounty to make this event happen each year. Ed's story is compelling and inspiring. Be sure to get all the details for this event at Thefishportland.com

Since 1928, Camp Kuratli has been providing summer camping opportunities for underprivileged children from Oregon and southern Idaho. Each summer more than 700 youth from Oregon and Southern Idaho converge at camp for a life changing experience. Each week, more than 150 kids experience the outdoors, learn skills and create memories. In this episode of Life Inspired, Crystal talks with Major Bob about what this year's camp offers including music camps, sports camps and vacation bible Camps at Camp Kuratli in Trestle Glen. 

From parenting to life on the road, Josh Havens, guitarist and lead vocalist of The Afters" and Matthew "Mat" Fuqua stopped by the studio to chat with Crystal Thornton in this episode of Life Inspired. #TheAfters #104.1TheFish #TheFishPortland #GetExcited #CrystalThornton

Crystal Thornton interviews Founder and CEO Lakayana Drury of Word is Bond, who shares his latest project and invites the community to see the city of Portland through different eyes. Word is Bond presents “In My Shoes,” a storytelling campaign in celebration of Black History Month that features nine walking tours in neighborhoods across Portland led by the community ambassadors of Word is Bond. The tours are designed to highlight the voices, dreams, and experiences of rising Black men as well as the neighborhoods in which they live. 

I'm so delighted to have Miss Oregon 2021 Abigail Hayes on this week's episode of "Life Inspired. Abigail is more than just a pretty face, she has a passion for today's youth and is preparing to compete in the Miss America 2022 Competition December 16th, where she will share her platform with the world. She plans to study law and follow in her older brother's footsteps. And I have a feeling, she will accomplish that and so much more. Let's take a peek at what the journey has been like for Abigail so far, as she walks out her dream of becoming the next Miss America.   Wishing her all the best.  

It's the beginning of the holiday season and one of the things that happens around town that is a perfect reminder of the reason for the season is the Salvation Army Red Kettle Kick Off. The Red Kettle Kick Off marks the beginning of the ringing of the bells to raise money for children's programs throughout the year. My guest today is Major Bob Lloyd from the Cascade Division of the Salvation Army to share more about the event and how you can be a part of something special this holiday season. 

In this episode of "Life Inspired" Crystal Thornton interviews the creator of  "Word is Bond" along with some other special guests.  The program began in the summer of 2017 with the Rising Leaders summer internship program. The Rising Leaders program brings together a cohort of Black youth and a cohort of law enforcement officers to listen, learn and communicate through guided dialogue and engagement. Word is Bond's goal is to empower young Black man and create space for dialogue with law enforcement officers.  Word is Bond serves young Black men ages 16-21 in the Portland metro area and has two programs: Rising Leaders, our paid summer internship, and Word Up, our school year leadership program. 

A really hairy man came into the studio to discuss home improvement. Turns out it was Eric G from "Around the House with Eric G," national radio host. We talk about everything from his new co-host to making the dream bathroom and everything in between.  Sit back and start thinking about your curb appeal. #GetExcited

In this episode of Life Inspired, Crystal speaks with Major Bob and Major Nancy of the Cascade Division of the Salvation Army. The Army will be hosting this year's "All About Kids," fundraising event, virtually. You are invited to attend online June 16, 2021 to help fund children's programs throughout the year. Hear about how the Salvation Army is doing the most good in Oregon and Idaho!

Join Crystal Thornton, Georgene Rice and Kat Taylor as they chat all things Thanksgiving!  Favorite foods and traditions, but also how this year has made us realize even more the things we have to be grateful for.  

Join Summer Shore and special guest Brooke Storms, a local mom who found purpose, even in the middle of a difficult season of unexpected health problems. Hear how she has made it her habit to choose positivity and how she has anchored herself in faith and hope. If you are going through a tough time, you'll be encouraged by Brooke's story and her joyful outlook on life.  Connect with Brooke on Facebook or Instagram Get a daily dose of cute at 4 Storms Farm on Facebook or Instagram

In this episode of the Life Inspired Podcast, Crystal Thornton talks with the team that is in charge of her own son’s education and what they are doing with faith based education during the pandemic and the social change happening here in Portland. Hear about some of the great educators hard at work for our kids. 

Get to know Hope Darst! We talk about the story behind her song "Peace Be Still" and how this song of healing and peace has come to mean so much to so many right now. Hope is a wife and mom of two young girls and we chat about the struggle of working from home while also trying to be present for our kids. We also get to hear the heart behind her upcoming album, "Peace Be Still," which comes out Friday August 21st! And there is lots of laughing! You can follow Hope on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/hopedarst/ or online at https://www.hopedarst.com/  

Crystal Thornton, Georgene Rice and Summer Shore sit down to talk with Danielle Render Turmaud, NCC, MS, about collective trauma and how current events in our world today are affecting us, our families and our communities. Danielle is the Faculty Coordinator and Instructor of Applied Psychology and Adjunct Instructor of Counseling at Multnomah University. She has been featured in Psychology Today as an Expert Blog Author. Danielle shares her expertise and some encouragement as we face difficult and trying times. Her insight will help you better understand how to better care for ourselves and the ones we love.  Recommended Resources: What is Collective Trauma Trauma of Pandemic Proportions Are You Playing Emotional Whac-A-Mole? Something Happened in Our Town (Children's book)  "When Our World is Turned Upside Down" Public Resource Course

Join Summer Shore, Crystal Thornton and Kat Taylor as they chat with Elisabeth Parker about fun ideas for summertime in the middle of quarantine. Elisabeth is a Wife, mom of two boys, self-proclaimed homebody, rare disease advocate and Baptiste yoga teacher. She’s passionate about encouraging others by sharing her family's (extra)ordinary journey with Noonan syndrome. Elisabeth has helped to raise thousands of dollars for research, speaking, volunteering, and teaching yoga at rare disease events all over the country as a board member for the RASopathies Network. She shares how her family stays happy and healthy even in the middle of a quarantine and how we can encourage and support families who are part of the most vulnerable population right now.  Follow Elisabeth on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/elisabethfaithparker/ or online at https://www.elisabethfaithparker.com/ Get moving with a Zoom yoga class: http://willamettevalleypoweryoga.com/ Get involved for a cause at: https://rasopathiesnet.org/ https://globalgenes.org/ https://bethematch.org/

Crystal produces a special edition of "Life Inspired" along with special guests Chris Kelly and our relationship expert Dr. Terry Johnson Vice President of spiritual care at Adventist Health. We focus on the state of our country in the wake of the senseless death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police Officers, and offer ways to help you take care of your emotional health, how to talk to your kids about racism and ways you can get involved if you are trying to find a way to make a difference. Below are the sites I’d like to post to give to our listeners some helpful information they can use right now to benefit them. Also, If you’d like to ask Dr. Terry a question… It’s simple… Go to thefishportland.com and look for the Ask Dr. Terry Link. If you are trying to find a way to make a difference, you can Text Floyd to 55156… where you can make a difference rather than make a noise. It will give you some direction for some solutions Here are some resources to support you and your families: “Tips for Self-Care: When Police Brutality Has You Questioning Humanity and Police Brutality is Enough” by Dr. Imani J. Walker in The Root  Emotionally Responsive Self-Care for People of Color (Brandi Jackson Wellness, YouTube) “After a Crisis: How Young Children Heal” from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network “George Floyd. Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. What Do We Tell our Children?” Interview in USA Today with Dr, Beverly Daniel Tatum and Dr. Erlanger Turner about conversations with kids of color and White kids about racist violence Preview YouTube video Emotionally Restorative Self Care: People of Color - Black People - African Americans    

Crystal Thornton and Summer Shore chat with Sadie Schulte, a senior at Rex Putnam High School who's plans were cut short by the coronavirus epidemic. Hear how she is not only finding the positive in otherwise negative circumstances, she's encouraging the community around her and leaving her mark with the Class of 2020 on the hearts of so many. 

Crystal Thornton and Kat Taylor chat with artist, Riley Clemmons. They discuss how Riley has kept creating while staying at home, the story behind her song, "Fighting for Me" and Riley also shares a special message to the Senior Class of 2020. 

Join Kat Taylor, Crystal Thornton and Georgene Rice as they have a light hearted discussion about life in our current situation. They chat about what they have discovered about themselves and others and some of the fun aspects to working from home!

Join Summer Shore, Kat Taylor and Crystal Thornton as they talk about getting ready for Easter in the middle of social distancing and COVID-19. Hear about their traditions of the past and how they plan to make this year special and keep the true meaning of Easter close at heart. 

Join Georgene Rice, Crystal Thornton, Kat Taylor and Summer Shore as they discuss living life under the Stay-At-Home order and how they are finding hope and encouragement, even in these uncertain times. 

Kat Taylor, Georgene Rice, Summer Shore and Julia Harrison discuss what they do to recharge when they feel like they're running on empty. Especially during uncertain times. And yes, it includes ice cream!

This time of year the weather is a little gray and dreary and you may find youself feeling a bit weary. Join Georgene Rice, Summer Shore and special guests Vicki Norris of Restoring Order and Melissa Campbell of Revive Ministries as they talk about finding renewal in any season. They talk about being in rhythm with God’s priorities and about the upcoming Revive! Women’s Conference on February 22nd in Newberg. Geogene, Summer and Vicki will all be keynote speakers and give a sneak peek of what they’ll be sharing at the conference! It's a day you won't want to miss that will leave you feeling refreshed, renewed and restored! 

It's that time of the year when we start losing our drive to keep those New year resolutions. Shannon Monihan is an expert in the Wellness and aesthetics industry; and shares some of the latest in medical breakthroughs that can help you age gracefully, while inspiring you to live your best life. #LifeInspired

This marks the 15th anniversary of Matters of the Heart; a weekend for women worship service and pop-up spa at Emmanuel Church, located at  1033 N Sumner, Portland, OR 97212. Today’s podcast, hosted by Crystal Thornton from The Fish, will highlight what you can expect and how the event came to be, as well as how it has transformed women who have attended in years past. It is also an invitation for you to come and be a part if you are in the Portland area the Weekend of February 8th and 9th, 2020.

Crystal Thornton, Georgene Rice and Summer Shore talk about some of their favorite Christmas traditions and discuss ways that they keep the true meaning of Christmas at the center of the holiday season. 

Kat Taylor is joined by Summer Shore and Melissa Campbell, co-founders of Revive Ministries.  Revive Ministries is a non-profit Christian ministry dedicated  to helping women find their passion, purpose and power in Christ.   You can learn more at www.experiencerevival.com Find them on Facebook/Instagram: @experiencerevival And listen to the "Experience Revival Podcast" on iTunes and Google Play at www.experiencerevival.com

Crystal Thornton interviews Georgene Rice on her 30th Anniversary celebration with KPDQ.  You'll hear how Georgene got started in Radio and highlights of her career.

Crystal Thornton, Georgine Rice and guest Kaitlin Endres tackle the topic of embracing the now, with the hope that everything is going to be alright, when you live with a spirit of gratitude. Kaitlin's personal triumph in her own relationship is an inspiration and we hope you will be inspired through her story.  It's a perfect example of having a "Best Day Ever" every day.

Laura Story stopped by the station recently. We got to discuss everything from motherhood, road trips, her new book "I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life" and hear some of her new music!

Episode #7 “Miss Portland and Miss Washington Co.” On this episode of Best Day Ever…. Hear from Miss Portland and Miss Washington, Co. 2019.  These young ladies will steal your heart and make you proud that they represent us in the Miss America Pageant system and beyond.  Their accomplishments and desire to serve others is inspiring.

Crystal Thornton and Kat Taylor got to sit down and chat with comedian Amy Barnes. They discuss a little bit of everything, from Amy's journey in comedy to life as a wife, mom and trying to juggle it all!

Episode #5 Kat Taylor and Summer Shore talk about how friendships evolve over different seasons of life. They share a laugh over the difficulty of making friends as adults and talk about the meaningful impact their friends have had on them. 

Episode #4 “Boy-Mom, Girl-Mom” Kat Taylor and Summer Shore talk about the different aspects of parenting their kids who are similar ages, but opposite genders. Summer shares a bit about life as a mom of two boys, while Kat shares about being a mom to two daughters. They'll share some of their own stories about growing up and swap a few parenting insights. 

Episode #3 We know it's only just Spring, but summertime is right around the corner, and that means sunshine, barbecues, and (gulp) swimsuit shopping. Join Summer Shore as she talks with Crystal Thornton, Georgene Rice and Kat Taylor about body image, modesty, confidence and more, on the Best Day Ever Podcast with The Fish & KPDQ!