Simply Authentic Podcast

In honor of Veterans Day, we're taking time to recognize the men and women who have served our country and whose sacrifices help protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. This week we're joined by Jack Langley with Gershman Mortgage for a meaningful conversation about military service, personal growth, and the benefits available to those who have served. Jack shares his journey of joining the Navy...

Have you ever found yourself saying yes to something that once felt right, only to realize that your priorities have shifted? In this episode of Simply Authentic, we're having an honest conversation about the power of choice, recognizing what matters most, and giving ourselves permission to choose differently. After 3½ years of podcasting together, we're sharing an important announcement about the...

What happens when you combine bold creativity, authentic storytelling, and an airport that refuses to be boring? You get Ren Luebbering! We sat down with Ren, Marketing Manager and Public Information Officer for Springfield-Branson National Airport, to talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of authentic branding, and how creative marketing can bring a community together. With a backg...

If there’s one thing we know about real estate, it’s that the only constant is change! In this episode, we dive into some important industry updates that real estate professionals need to have on their radar, including changes to the appraisal reporting process and updates to condominium rules. We discuss what the new appraisal reporting requirements mean for agents and their clients, why appraisa...

What does the future of the Ozarks look like, and who is helping shape it? This week we’re joined by Alison Cash, Executive Director of LORE (Leaders for Ozarks Regional Evolvement), to talk about the people, vision, and collaboration working behind the scenes to move our region forward. As LORE’s first Executive Director, Alison shares the story behind the organization, why it was created, and ho...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , we sit down with Kirk Elmquist, Executive Director of the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Community Enhancement District, for a conversation that goes far beyond tourism. Kirk shares the experiences and relationships that shaped his career, the lessons he learned from working in and serving the Ozarks, and how those experiences influenced his leadership style, work...

Is the housing market finally turning a corner—or are we headed for another challenging season? With fall 2026 upon us, we are digging into what some of the country’s leading economists and housing experts are saying about the months ahead. Mortgage rates, inventory, home prices, affordability and buyer activity are all part of the conversation, but the bigger question is: What does all of this ac...

We decided to do something a little different for this episode of Simply Authentic … and maybe a little dangerous. 😂 We each came up with a collection of questions, tossed them into a hat, and took turns drawing them out. No preparation. No knowing what was coming next. Just two friends willing to answer whatever question landed in front of them. Some questions were funny. Some were surprisingly...

What does it take to lead an institution for 20 years—and still have the energy and vision to look toward the next 20? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Hal Higdon, Chancellor of Ozarks Technical Community College, as he reflects on two decades at the helm of OTC. When Hal arrived in Springfield in 2006, he never imagined he would still be here 20 years later. Since then, OTC has transformed—e...

Is real estate getting too big? If it feels like every time you open the news there’s another real estate company buying another real estate company…you’re not imagining it. In this episode of Simply Authentic, we’re taking a look at some of the biggest headlines shaking up the real estate industry—including Real’s acquisition of RE/MAX, Compass and Anywhere coming together, Bed Bath & Beyond’...

In this totally unplanned and very authentic episode, we have a conversation about the back-to-school feels—and somehow end up talking about how quickly life changes. Tonya’s oldest grandchild is heading off to kindergarten, and after 5½ years of sleepovers, adventures, routines and making memories together, she’s realizing that this milestone isn’t just a big change for her granddaughter. It’s a...

What happens when real estate investing just… finds you? In this episode, we are chatting with fellow REALTOR and real estate investor Zach Riggs. Zach got into real estate at a young age, and while selling homes was part of his journey, investing in property became a major part of his success—especially buying, renovating, and holding homes as rentals. Zach shares the story of how he got started,...

What happens when a crazy idea turns into something much bigger than you ever expected? We first sat down with Billy Dove, the man behind 417 Foodist, back in October 2023. At the time, he was four years into a venture that started as a passion project—and had already grown into regular appearances on Ozarks First and a whole lot of connections throughout the local food scene. Now, nearly three ye...

Who says you have to wait for marriage to buy a home? Single women now account for a significant share of the U.S. housing market—and they're buying homes at more than twice the rate of single men. With more women building careers, earning higher incomes, and taking control of their financial futures, homeownership is increasingly becoming part of the plan rather than something they wait to do wit...

Data centers are one of the hottest topics in economic development today—and one of the most debated. As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, communities across Missouri are being considered for major data center investments. Supporters point to new jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth, while others raise important questions about ene...

In this episode we sit down with Carrie Richardson , Executive Director of Leadership Springfield, to explore how one organization is helping shape the future of the Ozarks by investing in people. Carrie shares how Leadership Springfield develops emerging and established leaders, builds meaningful connections across industries, and inspires participants to become more engaged in their workplaces a...

The real estate industry is at a crossroads, and one question is generating more conversation than almost any other: What is the future of the MLS? From private listing networks and changing industry policies to the growing influence of companies like Zillow and Compass, the way homes are marketed and discovered is evolving rapidly. But what do these changes really mean for REALTORS®, consumers, l...

Most people have heard of the efactory, but few realize just how much happens inside its walls. It's more than a coworking space or business incubator—it's a place where entrepreneurs find support, ideas become businesses, and connections spark opportunities that strengthen our entire region. In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Anderson Mundy, Executive Director of the efactory, to explore ho...

Missourians will soon head to the polls to vote on proposed constitutional amendments that could have lasting effects on our state. But before casting your ballot, it's important to understand exactly what these measures would do—and why they matter. In this episode of Simply Authentic , we're joined by Scott Charton, communications liaison for Protect Mojority Rule and Protect MO Taxpayers, to di...

As we gather with family and friends for cookouts, parades, and fireworks, have you ever stopped to think about the story behind Independence Day? In this special Fourth of July episode of Simply Authentic , Angie and Tonya share fascinating facts about America's founding, the Declaration of Independence, the American flag, and the traditions that have shaped our nation's celebration for nearly 25...

In this episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast, we're joined by Paula Dougherty, Private Wealth Advisor with Achieve Private Wealth, for a conversation that goes far beyond dollars and cents. As part of our 30-Day Challenge, one of the areas we're encouraging listeners to focus on is financial wellbeing. Paula shares practical advice on the common financial mistakes people make, the habits that l...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we're joined by attorney and owner of Fortified Elder Law, Rachel Fortenberry, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about wills, trusts, probate, and protecting the people you love. Rachel breaks down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms as she explains what every family should know about estate planning, common mistakes that c...

This week on Simply Authentic , we're joined by Dr. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for the National Association of REALTORS®, for a fascinating conversation about today's housing market and what may lie ahead for the remainder of 2026. Drawing from NAR's recently released Generational Trends Report, Dr. Lautz shares surprising insights into who is buying homes...

Three years ago, we launched this podcast with a simple goal: to share lessons learned from decades in business, real estate, leadership, and community involvement. What we never imagined was the incredible community that would grow alongside us. In this special anniversary episode, we're celebrating three years of conversations, connections, inspiration, and growth. Along the way, we've had the p...

As we prepare to celebrate our 3rd anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the guests, conversations, and experiences that have shaped this journey. From fellow REALTORS® and business owners to community leaders and entrepreneurs, this podcast has always been about growth — personally, professionally, and collectively. In this special teaser episode, we revisit some of the most meaningful...