Simply Authentic Podcast

In this totally unplanned and very authentic episode, we have a conversation about the back-to-school feels—and somehow end up talking about how quickly life changes.

Tonya’s oldest grandchild is heading off to kindergarten, and after 5½ years of sleepovers, adventures, routines and making memories together, she’s realizing that this milestone isn’t just a big change for her granddaughter. It’s a new ch...

What happens when real estate investing just… finds you?

In this episode, we are chatting with fellow REALTOR and real estate investor Zach Riggs. Zach got into real estate at a young age, and while selling homes was part of his journey, investing in property became a major part of his success—especially buying, renovating, and holding homes as rentals.

Zach shares the story of how he got started, the mentors who helped ...

What happens when a crazy idea turns into something much bigger than you ever expected?

We first sat down with Billy Dove, the man behind 417 Foodist, back in October 2023. At the time, he was four years into a venture that started as a passion project—and had already grown into regular appearances on Ozarks First and a whole lot of connections throughout the local food scene.

Now, nearly three years later, we’re catching...

Who says you have to wait for marriage to buy a home?

Single women now account for a significant share of the U.S. housing market—and they're buying homes at more than twice the rate of single men. With more women building careers, earning higher incomes, and taking control of their financial futures, homeownership is increasingly becoming part of the plan rather than something they wait to do with a partner.

In this episode, w...

Data centers are one of the hottest topics in economic development today—and one of the most debated.

As demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, communities across Missouri are being considered for major data center investments. Supporters point to new jobs, tax revenue, and economic growth, while others raise important questions about energy use, water consumption, en...

In this episode we sit down with Carrie Richardson, Executive Director of Leadership Springfield, to explore how one organization is helping shape the future of the Ozarks by investing in people. Carrie shares how Leadership Springfield develops emerging and established leaders, builds meaningful connections across industries, and inspires participants to become more engaged in their workplaces and in the community.

Whether you're a...

The real estate industry is at a crossroads, and one question is generating more conversation than almost any other: What is the future of the MLS?

From private listing networks and changing industry policies to the growing influence of companies like Zillow and Compass, the way homes are marketed and discovered is evolving rapidly. But what do these changes really mean for REALTORS®, consumers, local associations, and the future of...

Most people have heard of the efactory, but few realize just how much happens inside its walls. It's more than a coworking space or business incubator—it's a place where entrepreneurs find support, ideas become businesses, and connections spark opportunities that strengthen our entire region.

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Anderson Mundy, Executive Director of the efactory, to explore how Missouri State University's ...

Missourians will soon head to the polls to vote on proposed constitutional amendments that could have lasting effects on our state. But before casting your ballot, it's important to understand exactly what these measures would do—and why they matter.

In this episode of Simply Authentic, we're joined by Scott Charton, communications liaison for Protect Mojority Rule and Protect MO Taxpayers, to discuss Amendments 4 and 5 on Mis...

As we gather with family and friends for cookouts, parades, and fireworks, have you ever stopped to think about the story behind Independence Day?

In this special Fourth of July episode of Simply Authentic, Angie and Tonya share fascinating facts about America's founding, the Declaration of Independence, the American flag, and the traditions that have shaped our nation's celebration for nearly 250 years. Along the way, they reflect ...

In this episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast, we're joined by Paula Dougherty, Private Wealth Advisor with Achieve Private Wealth, for a conversation that goes far beyond dollars and cents.

As part of our 30-Day Challenge, one of the areas we're encouraging listeners to focus on is financial wellbeing. Paula shares practical advice on the common financial mistakes people make, the habits that lead to long-term financial indepen...

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we're joined by attorney and owner of Fortified Elder Law, Rachel Fortenberry, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about wills, trusts, probate, and protecting the people you love.

Rachel breaks down complex legal concepts into simple, understandable terms as she explains what every family should know about estate planning, common mistakes that can create unnecessary stress and exp...

This week on Simply Authentic, we're joined by Dr. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research for the National Association of REALTORS®, for a fascinating conversation about today's housing market and what may lie ahead for the remainder of 2026.

Drawing from NAR's recently released Generational Trends Report, Dr. Lautz shares surprising insights into who is buying homes, where they're choosing to live, and...

Three years ago, we launched this podcast with a simple goal: to share lessons learned from decades in business, real estate, leadership, and community involvement. What we never imagined was the incredible community that would grow alongside us.

In this special anniversary episode, we're celebrating three years of conversations, connections, inspiration, and growth. Along the way, we've had the privilege of learning from remarkable...

As we prepare to celebrate our 3rd anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the guests, conversations, and experiences that have shaped this journey. From fellow REALTORS® and business owners to community leaders and entrepreneurs, this podcast has always been about growth — personally, professionally, and collectively.

In this special teaser episode, we revisit some of the most meaningful conversations we’...

What’s in… and what’s officially out?

We recently attended a Wine & Design event hosted by Decorating Den Interiors and came home inspired to share the biggest home design trends in 2026. From the return of warm browns and jewel tones to the comeback of stained cabinetry, florals, and traditional style, the design world is shifting in a cozy and personal direction.

In this episode, we talk about why home trends...

This week we’re diving into a conversation that every parent, grandparent, and caregiver needs to hear. We sat down with Hayden Wooten, owner of Tiny Fins Survival Swim, to talk about the mission behind teaching our littlest swimmers life-saving skills.

Hayden shares her personal journey—from how she first discovered survival swim lessons to the moment she and her husband decided to take a leap of faith and launch Tiny F...

This week we sit down with Allie Haas, a physical therapist turned wellness entrepreneur and founder of Chasing Wellness, for a conversation that goes far beyond traditional healthcare.

Allie shares her journey from pursuing the career she always dreamed of to realizing there had to be more to health than what the traditional system allowed. After facing her own personal health challenges, she began rethinking what true wellness loo...

During a recent presentation to a local group, we were asked a question we’ve never heard before: “If you could wave a magic wand to improve the housing market, what would you tell it to do?”

First of all… we LOVE the idea of having a magic wand.

But the truth is, there’s no single fix for today’s housing market. It’s not a 417-land problem — it’s a nationwide puzzle made up of m...