Simply Authentic Podcast

In this episode, Angie and Tonya take a fresh look at the Pillars of Peak Performance —the five core principles they believe are essential to any thriving leader, organization, or business. Originally recorded as a six-part series in 2024, these pillars have stood the test of time and continue to shape how we lead, serve, and grow. Whether you're new to the series or ready for a powerful refresher...

In this week’s episode of the Simply Authentic podcast, we pull back the curtain on the mortgage process with special guest Stephanie Elbin, Director of Mortgage Underwriting and Risk Management at Arvest Bank. While buyers typically work closely with their lender, it’s the underwriter—like Stephanie—who holds the final decision-making power when it comes to loan approval. Stephanie walks us throu...

This week, we’re taking Simply Authentic on the road — or rather, on the water! In celebration of the 4th of July, we’re soaking up the sun and the stories at beautiful Table Rock Lake. Join us as we tour the lake by boat, sharing our favorite things to do, places to eat, and the best spots to camp and unwind. We’re also diving into a bit of local lake history and highlighting what makes this Ozar...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast: What would it take for you to walk away from a thriving business, close family ties, and everything familiar—all in pursuit of a dream? In this episode, we sit down with Stacey Bruce, a REALTOR® and appraiser who left behind a successful real estate career in Springfield, Missouri, to start fresh in Florida. With no local connections or clients, Stacey ma...

In this episode, Angie and Tonya dive into the world of networking and referrals —and how to make both feel a lot less intimidating. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just getting started, we’re sharing practical tips to help you grow your connections and your business. We highlight several networking opportunities in and around Springfield, including local Chambers of Commerce, Young Prof...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast , we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of the real estate process: title work. We’re joined by Chrystal Forbis and Lacy Pattyson of Great American Title Company for a conversation that goes beyond the closing table. While most people only interact with a title company during closing, there’s a lot happening...

This week, we’re celebrating a major milestone—our 2-year podcast anniversary ! To mark the occasion, we’re doing something a little different. Our special guest, Kate Wilson , Marketing Director at Gershman Mortgage, flips the script and puts us in the hot seat. In the first half of the episode, Kate asks us the questions we usually ask our guests: What surprised us most about starting a podcast?...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we sit down with Greene County Assessor Brent Johnson to demystify one of the most talked-about topics in Missouri right now—property assessments. If you've recently received an assessment letter and you're wondering what it means, how the value was determined, or what to do if you disagree with it, this episode is for you. We break down the assessment pr...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , Angie and Tonya dive into the often-overlooked world of contingency offers and contract contingencies. What exactly is a contingency? Simply put, it's a condition that must be met for a contract to move forward—meaning one thing depends on another. Over the past few years, contingency offers have been rare due to the fast-paced real estate market. Homes were s...

This week on Simply Authentic , we're diving deep into the world of home inspections—what they are, why they matter, and how to make sure you're getting the most out of one. Our guest is Austin Sickmyre, owner of Complete Inspection, who brings years of experience and insight to the conversation. Did you know that home inspectors aren’t licensed in Missouri? That’s why it’s crucial to work with pr...

In this week’s episode of Simply Authentic , Angie and Tonya dive into the real-life realities of owning investment property. With each host bringing their own unique rental experience to the table, they share candid insights into what it really takes to make real estate work for you—or when it might not be the right fit. From identifying good rental prospects and budgeting for repairs, to vetting...

The mortgage world has changed — even if you bought a home just two years ago! In this episode, we're joined by Jack Langley, Mortgage Loan Officer with Gershman Mortgage, to break down the current mortgage loan process and what you need to know in today's market. Jack shares why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable professional who can match you with the right loan product — because not all...

In this week’s episode of Simply Authentic , Tonya and Angie recap their favorite moments and biggest takeaways from Biz 417’s Think Summit — one of the region’s most inspiring events. If you’ve never attended, we highly encourage you to put it on your calendar! This fast-paced, all-day summit is designed to challenge you to think bigger and outside the box, featuring 30-minute talks from some of...

In this week’s episode of Simply Authentic , we’re joined by Laura MacDonald, REALTOR® with West + Main in Fort Collins, Colorado. Laura originally launched her real estate career in Missouri back in 2011, building a successful business over nearly a decade. But a visit to Colorado sparked a big decision—one that meant leaving behind everything she’d built to start fresh in a new state. Relocating...

In this episode, we’re diving into two important topics that affect both sides of the real estate world: choosing the right REALTOR® and what you need to know if you're thinking about becoming one. For those curious about getting into real estate, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to succeed in this industry. Spoiler alert: it’s so much more than loving houses and going to open hous...

In this episode, Angie and Tonya dive into the advocacy efforts of the REALTOR® association—an often-overlooked but powerful force working to protect private property rights. Many don’t realize that REALTORS® are actively meeting with legislators at local, state, and national levels to advocate on behalf of their clients. We’ll explore two key examples where REALTORS® successfully helped pass legi...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , Angie and Tonya dive into the dramatic shifts in the real estate market since the pandemic. Post-COVID, the industry saw an unprecedented frenzy—low inventory, soaring demand, multiple offers, waived inspections, and record-high home prices. Now, five years later, the landscape has shifted once again. Buyers are back to conducting inspections, negotiating conc...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , we welcome Katie Towns, Director of the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. Katie served as Assistant Director during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when public health was at the forefront of our community’s response. She shares her experiences leading through one of the most challenging crises of our time—what she learned, the leadership skills she de...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , we continue our exploration of leadership lessons learned during the pandemic—now five years past. What did some of the top leaders take away from that challenging time? This week, we sit down with Jeff Kester , CEO of GSBOR and former 2020 President of Missouri REALTORS® . Jeff had big plans for his leadership year—traveling the state to connect with REALTORS...

Five years ago, the world changed overnight. In this episode of Simply Authentic , we reflect on the early days of the pandemic and what it was like to navigate that uncertainty as business owners and leaders. During a time of fear and isolation, visibility and presence became more important than ever. How did we support our agents and clients when no one had a roadmap? What leadership lessons did...

Thinking about selling your home? Before you start making changes, tune in to this episode of Simply Authentic ! We’re sharing expert advice on the best steps to take when preparing your house for listing. Learn why calling a REALTOR® early in the process can save you time and money by focusing on updates that truly matter. We’ll walk you through cost-effective yet impactful ways to get your home...

We can hardly believe it—Simply Authentic has hit 100 episodes! In just under two years, we've grown, learned, and embraced the art of podcasting. This milestone isn't just about celebrating; it's about reflecting on the leaders we've become and the journeys that shaped us. In this episode, we take a deep dive into our evolution as leaders , looking back at who we were 10–15 years ago versus today...

This week, we're welcoming back one of our favorite guests—Heather Malachowski, managing partner of Decorating Den! Fresh from an exclusive annual conference, Heather shares the latest trends in home decor, furniture, and color palettes for the year ahead. Whether you're planning a full home remodel, building new, or just looking for simple ways to refresh your space, Heather has expert insights t...

In this episode of Simply Authentic , we’re diving deep into what it really takes to start something new whether it's buying a home, remodeling, launching a business, or moving in an entirely new direction. The decision to take the leap isn’t instant; it’s a process that begins with understanding why we feel compelled to make a change. We explore how our "why" becomes the driving force behind taki...

In this episode of Simply Authentic, we sit down with Missouri REALTORS® 2025 President Bobbi Howe to explore her journey as a second-generation REALTOR® and her rise to leadership within the industry. Bobbi shares her vision for the year ahead, centered on her inspiring theme, Handle Hard Better. With the challenges REALTORS® have faced over the last 18 months, Bobbi emphasizes the importance of...