Not Your Average Neighbor

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode, Anne sits down with therapist-turned-HR consultant Amber Hoff to explore what it really means to care for others—without losing yourself in the process. From years of trauma therapy to navigating her own health challenges, Amber shares how she made the difficult decision to pivot her career and what she’s learned about burnout, resilience, and rede...

In this lively and engaging episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Sarah Booz — TikTok personality, storyteller, and podcast host — to explore her fascinating journey from New York City to the heart of Iowa. Born and raised in New York, Sarah spent 30 years there before embarking on a three-year RV adventure across the United States with her now-fiancé. That trip ev...

In this vibrant and fun-filled episode, Ann Roushar chats with the one and only Summer Hudson , a real estate powerhouse from Indianapolis who’s as passionate about mid-century modern homes as she is about authenticity and community. From her powerful background in social work and life coaching to becoming a standout content creator on TikTok, Summer shares her journey with wit, wisdom, and unapol...

Today, we're thrilled to introduce Kyle Atkinson, a dynamic real estate coach and productivity director based in coastal Delaware. Kyle specializes in empowering new and struggling real estate agents, helping them to find their footing, build confidence, and take decisive action in their careers. Key Highlights: From Fashion to Real Estate: Learn about Kyle's diverse background, including...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Fred Ebong , founder of FE Studios , a creative agency committed to storytelling that uplifts, empowers, and inspires. From his deep-rooted belief in the power of authentic stories to his dedication to showcasing voices that are often overlooked, Fred shares how his personal journey led him to build a studio centered on purpo...

In Part 2 of this fabulous two-part episode, host Ann Roushar continues her heartwarming and hilarious conversation with Alldan Langston , better known as Lexi Belle . This time, we go deeper into Lexi’s behind-the-scenes routines, her life in and out of drag, and how she brings joy to every corner of the Cedar Rapids community. You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll fall even more in love with Le...

In this vibrant and heartfelt episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar welcomes the fabulous Alldan Langston , also known in the drag world as Lexi Belle . What starts as a conversation over makeup and mimosas quickly transforms into a powerful story of identity, artistry, resilience, and joy. Lexi Belle takes us on a journey from Arkansas to Iowa, sharing how drag helped her find h...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar is joined by a very special guest: her cousin and longtime partner-in-fun, Shannon Rathjen . In this hilarious and heartwarming episode, Ann and Shannon revisit their childhood memories, growing up between Cedar Rapids and Williamsburg, and the bond that has lasted through decades, distance, and family chaos. From Midwest card games and kar...

In this uplifting and fun-filled episode, host Ann Roushar sits down with Chris Terukina , 2025 President of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of REALTORS®. Chris opens up about his journey from the restaurant industry to real estate, and how a love for service, teamwork, and community connection shaped his path. A lifelong Cedar Rapidian, Chris shares his deep appreciation for the city he calls h...

In this powerful and wide-ranging conversation, host Ann Roushar sits down with longtime friend and true community force, Ann Brown . A dedicated civil rights attorney and the founder of Ann Brown Legal , Ann has spent her 20+ year legal career fighting for women, children, and the LGBTQ+ community in Iowa. She shares how her passion for justice intersects beautifully with her other passion—garden...

In this episode, Matthew shares the story of his 20+ year career as a licensed funeral director and how that experience shaped his deep connection to people and community. He also discusses his pivotal role in co-founding Together We Achieve , a nonprofit that began in the aftermath of the 2020 derecho and has now grown into Linn County’s largest evening food pantry . This episode is packed with r...

Season 2 kicks off with a celebration of storytelling, community pride, and all things Cedar Rapids. Host Ann Roushar sits down with Katie Giorgio —writer, editor, nonprofit advocate, and author of 100 Things to Do in Cedar Rapids Before You Die . From highlighting local treasures to uplifting the people who make her city shine, Katie’s passion for place and purpose shines through every word. In t...

In the heartfelt finale of Season 1, host Ann Roushar takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far—and she's joined by someone who’s been instrumental in bringing Not Your Average Neighbor to life: her friend, virtual assistant, and creative collaborator, Jace Tiaga . 🌟 Celebrating the Season Ann opens the episode with sincere gratitude to listeners for their support throughout Season 1. S...

In Episode 11 of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar welcomes her longtime friend and Bravo bestie, Skyler Slifka , for a hilarious and heartfelt catch-up session packed with pop culture hot takes and a whole lot of Real Housewives drama. From her cross-country RV lifestyle to launching the uplifting brand Positive Jewelry Co , Skyler embodies what it means to live boldly and authenticall...

In this powerful 10th episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar welcomes Travis Bushaw —teacher, speaker, coach, and President of the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Travis brings his vibrant energy, authenticity, and heart to a conversation about leadership, community service, and the importance of lifting others up in the real estate industry and beyond. From his early days as a stu...

In this beautifully introspective episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar welcomes her friend and fellow REALTOR®, Amy Eaton , for an honest and empowering conversation about self-discovery, energy healing, and the journey back to yourself. With over 25 years in real estate, Amy shares how her life took a transformative turn through her experiences with Reiki, guided meditation, Pi...

In this heartwarming and energizing episode, host Ann Roushar welcomes the dynamic Starlet Smith —a tech professional, community leader, and all-around light in the Cedar Rapids community. Starlet shares her journey from founding support groups for single moms to taking the stage as a speaker, mentor, and now a moderator at the Women Lead Change Conference . Through vulnerability, humor, and a pas...

In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Tim Sullivan, a dedicated community leader who has made a remarkable impact in his neighborhood. From grassroots initiatives to fostering meaningful connections among neighbors, Tim shares his insights on what it takes to build a strong, supportive community. Join us as we discuss his journey, the challenges he’s overco...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Mandy Vela , an artist manager and project director for Randy Bacon Photography + Film and the 8 Billion Ones Humanitarian Art Movement . Mandy is passionate about storytelling, human connection, and empowering marginalized voices to share their stories with the world. In this heartfelt episode, Mandy shares: ✔️ How her journ...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , Liz Brown joins us to share her incredible journey as a real estate agent, coach, and social media influencer who has helped thousands of agents find their voice online. 🎤✨ As the founder of the TikTok Referral Network and a leader at EXP Realty , Liz has built a thriving community of over 3,700 real estate agents who collaborate, learn, and grow together...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , Roy Wier joins us to talk about home safety, radon awareness, and giving back to the community. 🏡💙 After 15 years in construction , Roy founded Vigilant Home Inspections and later launched Adios Radon Mitigation , a company dedicated to educating homeowners on the dangers of radon exposure . His goal this year? Give away $100,000 worth of free radon test...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Tyler Anderson , a rising fashion designer and entrepreneur making waves in the world of custom game day outfits. 🎨✨ At just 21 years old, Tyler turned her creative passion into a growing brand, It’s So Tyler , designing bold, statement-making outfits for the wives, girlfriends, and families of top football players. What st...

This week on Not Your Average Neighbor , host Ann Roushar sits down with Chris Taylor , a passionate public health advocate, social justice leader, and community builder . After two decades away, Chris has returned to Cedar Rapids, reconnecting with his roots and continuing his mission to create meaningful change. In this episode, Chris shares his experiences working on HIV prevention, the opioid...

Welcome to the very first episode of Not Your Average Neighbor ! 🎉 Join host Ann Roushar as she kicks off this exciting podcast with her first guest and longtime friend, Raymond Siddell —a dedicated realtor, business owner, and community leader in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In this episode, Ann and Raymond share their fun and unexpected first meeting, their journey as co-founders of the 360 Home Team at...

Welcome to Not Your Average Neighbor – the podcast that celebrates incredible people making a difference in their communities! 🎙️✨ In this trailer episode, host Ann Roushar shares her journey into podcasting, her love for storytelling, and the inspiration behind launching this show. From spotlighting resilient individuals to sharing uplifting stories, this podcast is all about connection, communi...