At Home with Emily

Kelly McGowan is back with the plant advice we all  need. Whether your track record with greenery is a little... crispy... or you're ready to ditch the fake tree in the corner, this episode is packed with simple, beginner-friendly ways to bring real plants into your home. From snake plants that thrive on neglect to indoor trees that quietly grow into stunners, Kelly shares her go-to recommend...

Scottish-born college soccer coach Ben Taylor brings a fresh, overseas perspective to youth sports in America, and it might just change the way you think about your kid’s team schedule. Emily and Ben talk about the big cultural differences between how kids grow up playing sports in the UK versus here in the States, why choosing the right coach matters way more than chasing elite leagues, and...

She was a single mom working the 6 o’clock news… and still made it to bedtime stories and parent-teacher conferences. In this episode, Emily welcomes her dear friend Linda Simmons back to the podcast to talk honestly about the highs and lows of juggling motherhood and a demanding career. From newsroom deadlines to childcare emergencies and big life pivots, Linda shares what she’...

What if just a few simple changes in your yard could actually help save butterflies, bees... and our food supply? In this episode of At Home with Emily, we’re chatting again with Kelly McGowan, a horticulture expert from the University of Missouri Extension, about how native plants can make a huge difference. Kelly shares easy, beginner-friendly ideas for swapping traditional landscaping wit...

We all want the best for our kids... but when it comes to youth sports, the pressure to perform can sneak in fast. In this episode, Emily sits down with Jill Simmons from the Springfield-Greene County Park Board to talk about how we can create a healthier, happier sports experience for our kids. From sideline stress to the emotional car ride home, they unpack why so many children are quitting spor...

Let’s be real, choosing paint for your home can feel totally overwhelming. What sheen do you use on trim? Is that white going to look blue? Where do you even start ? In this episode, Emily chats with Alison Rosebrough from Seminole Decor Center, a family-run business that’s been helping people in the Ozarks get it right for over 50 years. They talk about how to confidently pick colors,...

Ever spotted weird little bags hanging off your bushes? Or found a swarm of shiny beetles chomping on your plants? In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily welcomes Kelly McGowan from the University of Missouri Extension to break down the bugs we actually need to worry about... and the ones we don’t. From bagworms and Japanese beetles to those not-so-sweet Asian lady beetles in your hous...

She was a trusted voice on your TV for over a decade, now she’s following a higher calling. In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily sits down with Linda Simmons (formerly Linda Russell) to talk about her courageous leap from a 14-year career in TV news to a new season in Christian radio. Linda opens up about burnout, motherhood, and the surprising role Facebook played in her next s...

You don’t have to fly across the world to create unforgettable family memories. This week on  At Home with Emily , Emily chats with McKenzie Paquin of 417 Travel about dream-worthy destinations that are just a drive (or short cruise) away. From Disney magic and Galveston cruises to America’s breathtaking national parks (and even Springfield’s hidden gems) they cover it all....

Planning a family trip can feel like a lot... especially when toddlers, time zones, and passport rules come into play. But what if it didn’t have to be overwhelming? In this episode of  At Home with Emily , we’re talking with Travis Paquin from 417 Travel about the real  behind-the-scenes of traveling with kids, from cruise ship magic to managing meltdowns in airports. Whethe...

So many kids start sports with joy and quit with burnout. In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily sits down with Cody Pentecost, a college coach and leader with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to talk about what really matters in youth sports. From the ride home that kids dread to the stats behind why 75% of them quit altogether, Cody offers a heartfelt, research-backed perspective that eve...

If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re approaching youth sports the right way, this episode is for you! Coach Scott Nasby (Drury Baseball Coach and father) breaks down the do’s and don’ts of raising young athletes. He shares why character matters more than talent and how parents can support their kids without piling on pressure. Plus, he reveals what actually gets yo...

After 15 years of addiction and homelessness, Dyllan Dale had lost all hope—until one moment changed everything. Now a celebrated foraging chef, Dyllan shares his powerful story of redemption, faith, and resilience. From struggling with addiction and surviving on the streets to creating $100-per-plate gourmet dining experiences, he has transformed his life and now helps others find their sec...

Imagine being 26 years old, a mom to two toddlers, and suddenly being told you have breast cancer. That was Ashley Carter’s reality. In this emotional episode of At Home with Emily, Ashley shares how a genetic test unexpectedly revealed her diagnosis, the painful surgeries she endured, and how she fought for the chance to watch her children grow up. Now nearly a decade later, Ashley is dedic...

On this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily sits down with Bob Gannon. Bob has lived through the unimaginable: 35 missions as a Recon Marine in Vietnam, an artillery strike that went horribly wrong, and a homecoming that felt like another war. For decades, PTSD, alcohol, and guilt controlled his life. He lost himself, his family, and his purpose. But at 60, he made a choice: fight for his life or...

Holli East’s story is one of heartbreak, resilience, and the power of second chances. After battling alcohol and drug addiction through high school, college, and beyond, Holly finally found a way out. On this episode of At Home with Emily about second chances, Holli opens up about the darkest moments of her journey, the father who never gave up on her, and how her relationship with her now h...

Billy and Dora Cooper met in 1966 when their relationship was considered controversial—so much so that Billy lost his job just for being seen with Dora. In the midst of facing discrimination, family disapproval, and social rejection, they refused to let the world tear them apart. Nearly 60 years later, they’re still holding hands, proving the world wrong. In this emotional episode of A...

When Randy picked up the phone and dialed the newsroom to compliment Lisa’s work, he had no idea it would change both of their lives forever. Now, years later, they’re still just as in love—acting like newlyweds and keeping the spark alive. In this episode of At Home with Emily , Lisa Rose, one of the Ozarks’ most beloved TV personalities, and her husband Randy share their...

In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily continues her "Couples You Should Know" series by sitting down with renowned photographer Randy Bacon and his wife, Heidi, as they share their unexpected love story—one that started with a music-matching app and led to a life-changing adventure. They open up about navigating divorce, rediscovering themselves, and choosing love later in life. Randy...

In this episode of At Home with Emily , Emily kicks off her "Couples You Should Know" series by sitting down with Missouri State Bears' head football coach, Ryan Beard, and his wife Katie for a behind-the-scenes look at their life on and off the field. From their whirlwind love story to navigating the ups and downs of coaching life, the Beards share how they balance football, family, and faith whi...

In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily brings back personal trainer and yoga studio owner Nikki Love to tackle your biggest questions about health, fitness, and lifestyle. They dive into calorie deficits, bust common fad diet myths, and explore the best exercises for people over 50. Nikki shares why strength training is a game-changer (and how to get started, even as a beginner), plus tips f...

In this episode of At Home with Emily , Emily sits down again with Dr. Hilary Roberts, a dietitian from Missouri State University, to tackle your burning nutrition questions. From the buzz around weight loss medications like Ozempic to the pros and cons of calorie counting apps, energy drinks, and diet sodas, Hilary shares professional insights and practical advice. They also dig into the keto die...

In this episode of At Home with Emily , Emily chats with Nikki Love, a personal trainer and yoga studio owner, about redefining your fitness goals for the new year. Nikki shares why focusing solely on weight loss might be holding you back and dives into the importance of mobility, movement, and finding joy in your workouts. Discover her tips on intuitive movement, creating sustainable fitness rout...

In this episode of At Home with Emily , Emily sits down with Hillary Roberts, a dietitian and professor from Missouri State University, to talk about ditching the diet drama and embracing a healthier, more joyful approach to food. They explore everything from navigating body image struggles and the impact of social media to setting realistic goals that go beyond the scale. Hillary shares simple ti...

In this episode of At Home with Emily, Emily Wood speaks again with Deana Belote from SPS Parents as Teachers to tackle the tricky topic of kids and screen time. They dive into how too much screen use can hold kids back in areas like social skills, language, and cognitive development—and how most families underestimate just how much screen time they’re actually using. Deana shares prac...