My first male guest — and someone I’ve known for nearly 20 years. 🤍

Mark Halsell and I go all the way back to our days living at 360 Condominiums in downtown Austin. Since then, we’ve both built lives here shaped by community, intention, and growth.

Born in Germany, raised in England, and rooted in Austin since 2008, Mark shares his journey from finance to tech, helping scale growth-stage SaaS companies, teaching group fitness for nearly two decades, and advocating for civil rights and arts accessibility.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is how Mark talks about stepping outside of yourself — not just advocating for your own identity or circle, but intentionally pushing yourself to join other rooms, other conversations, and other communities. Growth doesn’t happen in isolation, and opportunity often comes from showing up where you’re not the obvious voice.

This episode is about building with intention, expanding your perspective, and designing a life that truly fits.

In this episode of Krystle Clear, I sit down with Martinique Simmons — a wife of 11 years, mom of two, and insurance pro turned entrepreneur — to talk about what it really means to choose commitment in every area of life.

From raising biracial children and navigating identity with intention, to betting on herself by launching her own business in a tough economy, Martinique’s story is about courage, conviction, and choosing growth over comfort — in marriage, motherhood, and career.

This episode is a reminder that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to have purpose.

In this episode of Krystle Clear, I sit down with Arianna Alford — a small-town Texas native who earned her master’s in special education specializing in autism and developmental disabilities, worked hands-on with children on the spectrum, and then made a courageous career shift into real estate in Austin.

We explore the lessons she learned working with neurodivergent children, the mindset and identity shifts behind starting a new career, and her inspiring journey into bodybuilding — a commitment that requires a level of discipline most people never see.

Arianna also shares about her roots as a Native American woman from the Coushatta Tribe and what her cultural background means to her, even if it’s not a major part of her day-to-day life.

This episode is about trusting your inner compass, evolving with intention, and choosing growth — in body, mind, and purpose.

In this heartfelt episode, Krystle sits down with her girlfriend Amanda Olivarez—a wife, mother of two, and talented event coordinator & wedding planner who helps others celebrate love for a living. Together they dive into what it takes to manage one of the most emotional and high-stakes days of someone’s life, all while navigating her own story of love, motherhood, and resilience.

Amanda opens up about the moment she filed for divorce, the inner work that followed, and the surprising path that led her and her husband back to one another—stronger than ever. In a world where it’s often easier to walk away, this is a powerful conversation about choosing to stay, rebuild, and truly understand what partnership means.

In this episode of Krystle Clear, I sit down with one of my dearest friends of over 20 years, Analea Holland. From navigating early motherhood and co-parenting with a narcissist, to becoming a caretaker for her Olympian husband after his Parkinson’s diagnosis just one year into marriage, Analea’s story is one of resilience and courage.

We also open up about our shared experience with NXIVM—the lessons, the losses, and the truths that outsiders might not see. Analea shares how meditation became both her lifeline and her passion, fueling her commitment to fund research in meditation and Parkinson’s.

This is a conversation about friendship, perseverance, and the strength it takes to keep showing up for yourself and the people you love—no matter what life brings.

In this episode of Krystle Clear, I sit down with Terry P. Mitchell—Austin native, wife, mother of two, entrepreneur, and author of The City We Built: Black Leaders of Austin. Terry’s book, created in collaboration with the Carver Museum, highlights the powerful legacies of Austin’s historic Black leaders to inspire and empower the next generation. Beyond her authorship, Terry is the founder of multiple businesses and organizations, co-owner of Austin Woman Magazine, member of the Recording Academy, E&Co Tech for business and leads The Black Fund of Central Texas . Together we talk about representation, leadership, motherhood, and what it means to build a legacy that lasts.

This week on Krystle Clear, we sit down with Chloe Chiang—real estate professional, event curator, and the visionary behind Château Chloe, a breathtaking New Orleans-inspired home she boldly built on Austin’s East Side. Chloe opens up about her multicultural upbringing in Houston, her fearless approach to building a life on her own terms, and the realities of dating in your 30s in Austin. We also explore her elegant social events, French Leave Friday and No Bad Company, which are redefining how people connect with purpose and style. This episode is a celebration of identity, independence, and choosing not to wait for permission to live fully.

This week on Krystle Clear, Krystle welcomes her girlfriend Alani — a proud El Paso native, blue-eyed Mexican-American, wife, mother, and force of nature. Alani opens up about what it was like growing up on the border of Mexico as a “guera,” navigating identity, language, and cultural expectations from both sides.

In this honest and lively conversation, the two dive into Alani’s 11-year marriage with her husband Andi and the secret sauce behind their strong, fun-loving relationship — even with two kids, demanding careers, and nonstop travel.

Alani also shares the impact of losing her mother to ovarian cancer at just 25, how that grief reshaped her life, and how she’s carried that loss into her journey as a woman and mom. With a background that spans politics, tech startups, and now speaking at her alma mater UT Austin, Alani reflects on what it truly looks like to “have it all” in your 40s — and the balance, boundaries, and bravery it takes to get there.

This week on Krystle Clear, we sit down with the incredible Keiko Griffin Anderson—a powerhouse attorney, a mother of 5,  the proud wife of Dr. Anderson. She is a Doctor of Jurisprudence, a CEO of a thriving family law practice,  and Minister. From raising her daughter as a single mom to building a beautiful blended family and business  Keiko’s story is one of resilience, love, and divine timing. We talk about what it takes to be successful  and still make room for romance, travel, friendship, and faith. Keiko’s life is a masterclass in grace, leadership, and divine alignment.

This week on Krystle Clear, Krystle welcomes someone incredibly close to her heart — her cousin Susie. Growing up in the tiny Texas border town of Quemado, Susie was always bold, stylish, and ahead of her time. When her strict father sent her away during her senior year of high school, it was just the first of many times she would embrace change — from moving overseas with her first husband to eventually finding lasting love with her current partner of 22 years.

But Susie’s path hasn’t always been easy. After surviving an abusive relationship, she made the courageous decision to leave a toxic situation that nearly cost her life. That strength led her to get sober — a commitment she kept for eight years — and to rebuild herself as a wife, mom, and successful entrepreneur. Together with her husband, she’s built a thriving empire spanning real estate, retail, and gas stations.

Now 50 and glowing from the inside out, Susie reflects on resilience, recovery, and reinvention — sharing her most heartfelt lessons on life, family, and finding the strength to embrace a new chapter.