Not Your Average Neighbor

In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Anne sits down with Stephanie Schumacher, a mortgage industry leader who has spent more than 20 years helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals throughout Eastern Iowa. Stephanie began her career at Hills Bank with no prior banking experience and worked her way into mortgage lending, where she discovered her passion for helping...

Season 4 kicks off with plenty of laughs as Ann Roushar sits down with Cedar Rapids comedian and show producer Josh Staley. For more than a decade, Josh has been performing stand-up comedy throughout Iowa while helping create opportunities for local and regional comedians. As the producer behind the Laugh Local series, he's become a driving force in building and supporting the area's growi...

In this bonus episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Anne sits down with entrepreneur, business leader, and community builder Briana Mills for a conversation about innovation, leadership, and creating businesses rooted in real-life needs. Briana shares the story behind Flight Ready Parking — Iowa’s first indoor off-site airport parking service — and how a personal travel frustration turned into a s...

In this inspiring episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , Ann sits down with local real estate developer and community visionary Eric Gutschmidt to talk about the project that has everyone in Cedar Rapids talking — Rainbow Road . Eric shares how he transformed neglected homes into vibrant, colorful spaces designed to bring people together and spark community pride. From bold paint choices to permac...

In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful episode of Not Your Average Neighbor , Ann sits down with certified celebrant and funeral director Amy Heart from Murdoch Funeral Homes to talk about grief, healing, funeral planning, and the importance of community support during life’s hardest moments. Amy shares her personal journey into funeral service, what it means to help families celebrate life in de...

In this powerful Episode 8 of Not Your Average Neighbor, we sit down with Tara Louisa Allen to explore what it truly means to turn life’s challenges into stepping stones for growth. Tara opens up about her personal journey—one shaped by adversity, resilience, and a deep commitment to healing. This conversation dives into the moments that tested her, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and...

In this solo episode, Ann takes the mic alone for the very first time—and delivers a refreshingly honest, funny, and heartfelt conversation about something we all need but often avoid: vacation. From unexpected life stress to the chaos of everyday responsibilities, Ann shares why stepping away isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Through pers...

In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, we’re joined by the vibrant, unapologetic, and inspiring Alexandra Braasksma—a Cedar Rapids realtor, educator, mom, and self-proclaimed “wig enthusiast” who’s redefining confidence on her own terms. From navigating early career uncertainty to stepping into leadership in real estate, Alex shares how she built a life rooted in authenticity—even when it m...

In this fun, honest, and insight-packed episode, Ann welcomes back fan-favorite guest Kyle Atkinson, a coastal Delaware real estate expert, productivity coach, and “real estate bestie.” From TikTok fame to coaching agents and building thriving businesses, Kyle shares what it really takes to succeed—without losing yourself in the process. The conversation dives into everything from time-blocking an...

In this powerful episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Anne sits down with licensed therapist Liz Burgin to explore what it truly means to protect your peace. From navigating life transitions to managing anxiety spirals, Liz shares practical, real-life tools to help you reset, ground yourself, and build healthier coping mechanisms. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or simply look...

In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Rochar welcomes back one of her favorite guests, Skyler Slifka, for an honest and entertaining conversation about adventure, family, and finding your place in the world. After selling their home in Iowa, Skyler and her family packed up a fifth-wheel camper and spent nearly a year traveling across the United States before ultimately settling in...

Season 3 kicks off with Rina Jensen and Kendra Aarhus, the Co-Founders of You Conferences, a women-centered movement dedicated to helping women step boldly into who they are becoming. Through transformative events and intentional community, Rina and Kendra create spaces where women can experience powerful “aha” moments, build confidence, and grow into authentic leadership. Beyond You Conferences,...

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...