Simply Authentic Podcast

What’s in… and what’s officially out? We recently attended a Wine & Design event hosted by Decorating Den Interiors and came home inspired to share the biggest home design trends in 2026. From the return of warm browns and jewel tones to the comeback of stained cabinetry, florals, and traditional style, the design world is shifting in a cozy and personal direction. In this episode, we talk abo...

This week we’re diving into a conversation that every parent, grandparent, and caregiver needs to hear. We sat down with Hayden Wooten, owner of Tiny Fins Survival Swim, to talk about the mission behind teaching our littlest swimmers life-saving skills. Hayden shares her personal journey—from how she first discovered survival swim lessons to the moment she and her husband decided to take a leap of...

This week we sit down with Allie Haas , a physical therapist turned wellness entrepreneur and founder of Chasing Wellness , for a conversation that goes far beyond traditional healthcare. Allie shares her journey from pursuing the career she always dreamed of to realizing there had to be more to health than what the traditional system allowed. After facing her own personal health challenges, she b...

During a recent presentation to a local group, we were asked a question we’ve never heard before: “If you could wave a magic wand to improve the housing market, what would you tell it to do?” First of all… we LOVE the idea of having a magic wand. But the truth is, there’s no single fix for today’s housing market. It’s not a 417-land problem — it’s a nationwide puzzle made up of many moving pieces....

As we continue our focus on living well, this week we sit down with Sunni Nutt, owner of Essential Yoga Studio, to talk about taking leaps of faith, finding balance, and listening to the quiet nudge that says it’s time for something new. Before stepping into entrepreneurship, Sunni spent years serving our community through nonprofit work at Harmony House and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America....

This week on Simply Authentic, we sit down with Jeff Schrag, entrepreneur, community champion, and the current Mayor of Springfield, Missouri. https://www.springfieldmo.gov/ After a pivotal experience serving on a city committee, Jeff made the decision to run for mayor just a year ago—and it’s been a fast-paced first year in office. In this conversation, Mayor Schrag shares why hiring City Manager...

This week’s episode is all about pet peeves — those little things that somehow feel like big things. Why does loud chewing feel personal? Why does “reply all” make our eye twitch? And why do the people we love and work with seem to trigger us the most? We’re unpacking what pet peeves really are, why they get under our skin, and how our upbringing, values, stress levels, and expectations all play a...

Nobody likes making mistakes—especially leaders. But what if the moments we get it wrong are actually the biggest opportunities to build trust, strengthen culture, and model real accountability? In this episode, we’re talking about the leadership skill that separates good leaders from great ones: owning your mistakes. We explore why admitting missteps doesn’t weaken authority—it strengthens it—and...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re cutting through the noise and clearing up the confusion around VA loans with Senior Loan Officer Jack Langley of Gershman Mortgage. If you’ve ever heard that VA loans are complicated, less competitive, or “too good to be true,” this episode is for you. As a veteran himself, Jack’s journey into the world of VA loans is personal. After experiencing th...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , we’re talking about something we see firsthand in real estate every day—more and more people are discovering Southwest Missouri and deciding to call it home. What’s driving that trend? We dive into the reasons buyers are relocating to the Ozarks, from affordability and quality of life to the natural beauty that surrounds us. Many people first fall in love with...

Big changes are happening in the real estate world, and both REALTORS® and consumers need to understand what they mean. In this episode of Simply Authentic , we’re joined by Crystal Forbis and Lacy Pattyson with Great American Title to break down the new FinCEN rule that went into effect March 1 . While REALTORS® have been preparing for this change for some time, many buyers and investors may not...

This week we sit down with Emma Hamilton, owner of Bigfoot Fun Park, and her story is nothing short of inspiring. Emma’s entrepreneurial journey began at just 16 years old in her hometown of Berryville, Arkansas, when a high school project challenged students to identify a need in their community. What started as a classroom assignment helped spark the development of a fully functioning, financed...

February is American Heart Month, and we’re leaning into an important conversation about women’s heart health — because living well starts with protecting the heart that keeps us going. Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death for women in the United States, according to the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet many women don’t recognize the warning...

Let’s be honest… taxes aren’t exactly everyone’s favorite topic. But what if understanding them could actually feel empowering? This week on Simply Authentic , we sit down with owner of Jenkins CPA, Heather Jenkins , to break down tax law in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or living that 1099 life, this conversation is packed with practical advice yo...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast , we’re talking about the power of your network—and why who you surround yourself with truly matters. The people in your circle can challenge you, inspire you, open doors, and sometimes help you see what you can’t see on your own. We explore how building genuine, authentic connections can not only support meaningful relationships, but also help you move cl...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast , we’re thrilled to welcome longtime friend—and new podcast sponsor— Jami Dressler with Arvest Bank . Jami brings a wealth of experience as a loan officer, and this conversation goes far beyond interest rates and numbers. In this episode, we dive into why your loan officer should be a trusted advisor , not just someone who runs numbers. Jami explains the i...

Retirement planning isn’t just a “someday” conversation—it’s a right now one. This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast , we’re joined by Brad Pistole, retirement specialist and owner of Ozarks Retirement Group in Ozark, Missouri, for a conversation everyone needs to hear—whether you’re 24, 54, or anywhere in between. Brad breaks down retirement planning in a way that’s practical, clear, and surpr...

This year on Simply Authentic , we’re being very intentional about how we show up—and it starts with a simple truth: you can’t be a great leader, REALTOR®, parent, or friend if you’re running on empty. In this episode, Angie and Tonya introduce a new focus and an added tagline for the year ahead: Live well, live authentically. They dive into what it really means to take care of yourself first—with...

Just six months into his role as Springfield City Manager, David Cameron has already experienced a crash course in leadership. From building relationships with staff and learning the unique dynamics of Springfield (after serving in Republic), to getting out in the community to meet stakeholders and figuring out how to balance it all—his first months on the job have been anything but quiet. Then ca...

We’re kicking off 2026 with a big-picture conversation you won’t want to miss—Happy New Year! 🎉 In this first episode of the year, we’re taking a clear-eyed look back at what the real estate experts predicted for 2025… and what actually happened. Nationally, the market ended up fairly flat, making 2025 the third consecutive sub-par year compared to the pre-COVID boom. We break down the numbers, w...

As we wrap up another incredible year of conversations, growth, and leadership lessons, we’re closing 2025 with a special best of episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast . In this final episode of the year, we combed through our 2025 archive to bring you some of the most compelling, insightful, and memorable moments from the show. You’ll hear powerful pearls of wisdom from Nixa football head coach...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast , Angie and Tonya are tackling something we all do—but don’t always feel great about: small talk. This episode is a companion to our Listening episode from September and our Networking conversation back in June, because when it comes to building real connections, these skills go hand in hand. Whether you’re walking into a room full of strangers, attending...

On this week’s episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast , we’re diving into the hustle, heart, and holiday magic of running a retail store during the busiest season of the year. 🎄✨ We’re joined by mother-and-daughter duo Lauren and Melody, the owners of Alps Gifts, an extension of the long-standing and much-loved Alps Pharmacy in Nixa, Missouri. Two years ago, they took a leap of faith and added...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re tackling two hot topics in the housing world: the 50-year mortgage and the portable mortgage. These concepts have been making headlines lately—but what exactly are they? Why are they being discussed now? And could they play a role in addressing today’s housing affordability challenges? In this episode, we break down: What a 50-year mortgage actually...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re excited to sit down with small business owner Mandi Fritz, the creative force behind 417 Cocktails. If you haven’t visited her charming downtown shop yet, 417 Cocktails is a one-stop destination for beautifully curated cocktail kits, bar tools, syrups, glassware, and everything you need to craft the perfect drink at home. In this episode, Mandi shar...