Simply Authentic Podcast

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 tenants and managing rent collectio...

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 mortgages are created equal.

We dive...

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 the top thought leaders across 417 L...

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 is no small feat, especially when it...

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 houses. This is often a second or third...

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 legislation that led to constitutional c...

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 concessions, and relying on appraisals. M...

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 developed, and how she eventually ste...

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®, advocating for the industry, and eve...

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 we learn? What mistakes shaped our ...

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 market-ready, from deep cleaning and ...

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. We share the challenges, wins, and ...

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 to help you create a home you love. W...

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 taking action. For each of us, 2025 is a ...

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 showcasing the value of the associa...

As we step into 2025, we’re going back to what we know best: real estate and leadership. This year, we’re bringing a sharper focus and more intentional approach to the conversations you’ve come to love.

In this episode, we’ll share what’s in store for the year ahead. From home renovation tips to the ins and outs of buying a second home or flipping properties, we’ll tackle the real-world challenges and opportunities in the industry. ...

Join us for a candid and inspiring conversation with Logan Aguirre, Owner and Publisher of 417 Magazine and one of the Ozarks' finest storytellers. Logan shares her journey through a challenging 2023, where she hit a wall and struggled with burnout. Despite taking a sabbatical, seeking advice from mentors, and exploring various solutions, the breakthrough only came after discovering two transformative books: Build Like a Woman and ...

It’s a whole new year full of tons of new possibilities. It’s easy to be overwhelmed trying to figure out your plan, goals and strategic moves for the new year. We are certainly here to help. As a matter of fact we’re going through that process right now. In this episode, we discuss goals that were met in 2024 and others that were challenges. How it’s important to recognize the progress you did make and not beat yourself up fo...

Happy New Year! As we usher in the new year we wanted to reflect on some poignant moments of 2024. We had so many amazing guests and covered some inspiring topics. It was hard to choose which ones to highlight. However, we think this represents the year pretty well. We're including the list of episodes and topics here in case you want to go back and listen to the episodes in their entirety. Enjoy!

Episode 39 - Lori Robertson

Episod...