Living In The Ozarks

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with John Lepant, owner of Craft Axe Throwing in downtown Springfield, Missouri, to talk about what it actually takes to go from employee to franchise owner — and build a business that keeps people coming back. We cover the unlikely path from Papa John's to escape rooms to axe throwing, what he's learned about people, pricing, and persis...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Nick Sibley — Ozarks musician, songwriter, and jingle writer — to talk about a 50-year career built entirely outside the spotlight. We cover how he accidentally launched a jingle business in Springfield in the early '70s, what it was like demoing songs for Wayne Carson that ended up recorded by Elvis and Willie Nelson, and why his son C...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Mark Steiner, founder of Gig Salad — the largest event entertainment marketplace in the US and Canada — to talk about what it actually takes to build something from scratch over 23 years. We cover how a lucky break on a New York film set set Mark on a path that eventually landed him in Springfield, and how he turned a simple directory idea...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with the B2Z Films crew — Bill Cover and Bryan Powers — along with Keith Putnam, a professional filmmaker who recently moved to the area from LA, and Tiffany Powers, Bryan's wife, to talk about making a complete short film in just 48 hours for SATO48, the Springfield and the Ozarks film festival. We cover how they run a creative team with no...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Jeff Clinkenbeard and Jaw, co-founders of SATO48, Springfield's 48 Hour Film Challenge, to talk about building a 22-year nonprofit around supporting filmmakers instead of charging them. We cover their arms-length approach to judging and their stance on free speech and AI — and why it matters to the creative community across the Ozarks....

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Ben Tegeler, Executive Director of Ozark Greenways, to talk about what it takes to build a truly connected trail system across the Springfield region. We cover the major projects in motion — from the Chadwick Flyer and Fellows Lake loop to millions in newly funded corridors — and why Ben believes trails aren't a recreational amenity, but es...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Brian Hood, Springfield native, Army veteran, CIA contractor, and author, to talk about what it takes to keep living when life gets dark. We cover the identity crisis men face after leaving the military, the power of gratitude and the pause, and why checking on your brothers might be the most important thing you do this week — and why it ma...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Katrina and Alec Hagan, founders of Sensitively Sweet Bakery and The Safe Spoon Café, to talk about how a lupus and alpha gal diagnosis became the unlikely origin story of an allergen-free food business. We cover Katrina’s five-year health journey, how she taught herself to bake without gluten, dairy, eggs, or nuts, and how word-of-mouth fr...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Lucas Walker, a Springfield-based business consultant with ten years in the field, to talk about what it actually takes to help small business owners grow. We cover why practical beats clever every time, how personal development and business success are inseparable, and what the Ozarks market taught Lucas about going national. This episode...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Victor McNeary, owner of Vine and Vibes, to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur and his vision for a zero-proof event center in Springfield, Missouri. We cover community engagement, nonprofit collaboration, and how his space is creating opportunities for connection and growth across the Ozarks. This episode is part of the Ozarks Exper...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Rod Smith, founder of Ozarks Life, to talk about building a brand rooted in identity and place. We cover the journey from idea to execution, overcoming fear, and what it takes to finally bring something to life. This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Bruce Adib-Yazdi, architect, developer, and Springfield city council member, to talk about the future of development in the Ozarks. We cover housing challenges, zoning changes, and what it takes to grow a city the right way. This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Steve Belden, Operating Partner at AMP Recreation LLC, and Gabby Kuehnel, Events Manager at the Sunshine Event Center, to talk about building a food, beverage, and entertainment hub in Springfield, Missouri. We cover hospitality leadership, event experiences, and the vision behind creating a destination district in the Ozarks. This episode...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Hunter Bartelt, Director of Operations at the Discovery Center in Springfield, Missouri, to talk about STEM education, workforce development, and hands-on learning for kids. We cover early exposure to the skilled trades, new interactive exhibits, and how local initiatives are helping shape future career paths in the Ozarks. This episode is...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, host Duston Farrell sits down with Sigi Hill of CSSI Services to explore how cost segregation works and how it can help commercial property owners reduce tax liability through accelerated depreciation. Sigi explains the engineering-based approach behind cost segregation studies and why this strategy can create significant financial advantages for investors...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Jodie Hieber of The Yellow Door, a classical acupuncture and herbal medicine practice in Springfield, Missouri. We talk about what acupuncture actually is, why she focuses on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, and how her clinic is using auricular therapy (SAT) to help people dealing with allergies — including alpha-gal. T...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Ken Childers, Director of Outreach for the Ozarks Film Foundry and the Southwest Missouri Film Office, to talk about building a real film industry in Springfield and the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri. We discuss film production, regional economic impact, and why local storytelling and creative infrastructure matter for the future of our regi...

Anjanette Labellarte, Executive Director of Hospice Foundation for Outreach, joins us to talk about what hospice really is, the difference between hospice and palliative care, and why families often wait too long to have critical end-of-life conversations. We discuss the caregiver crisis in Missouri, frontline medical education, and how preparation can bring clarity, dignity, and even hope during...

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks , we sit down with Chris Phillips , owner of Easy Clean Outs, to talk about building a service business grounded in quality, legal compliance, and community impact. The discussion covers handling complex cleanouts, working with local nonprofits, and why doing the job the right way matters to people and communities across the Ozarks. This conversation is part...

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Alger , owner of Alger Studio, to talk about fine art photography, oil paintings from photographs, and creating physical artwork that lasts in a digital-first world. Joshua shares how Alger Studio blends mobile, on-location portrait photography—often in natural Ozarks settings—with hand-painted oil portraits designed to become heirloom pieces. We discuss hi...