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 Ozarks gem a beloved summer destination. Whether you're a seasoned lake-goer or planning your first visi...
Jul 02, 2025•6 min
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 made the bold move to chase a life without regrets—honoring a dream her mother never got the chance to...
Jun 25, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 118
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 Professionals Network, business networking groups , and even the MeetUp app . The key takeaway? Networki...
Jun 18, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 117
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 behind the scenes. Chrystal and Lacy break it all down—from title searches and resolving unexpected...
Jun 11, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 116
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? What would we do differently? How have things evolved over the past two years? We get real about th...
Jun 04, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 115
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 process, discuss how values are formulated, and explore your rights as a property owner—including how ...
May 28, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 114
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 selling so quickly that sellers rarely entertained offers with strings attached. But as the market sh...
May 21, 2025•31 min•Season 2Ep. 113
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 professionals who hold national certifications and stay up-to-date through continuing education. Austi...
May 14, 2025•48 min•Season 2Ep. 112
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 collection, this episode is packed with practical tips and honest advice....
May 07, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 111
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 into mortgage rates, what influences their rise and fall, and e...
Apr 30, 2025•47 min•Season 2Ep. 110
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 Land. From technology and mental health to business culture, mark...
Apr 23, 2025•22 min•Season 2Ep. 109
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 means rebuilding your business and reestablishing connections ...
Apr 16, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 108
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 career path, but we encourage anyone considering this journey to...
Apr 09, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 107
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 changes—efforts that required grassroots mobilization, consumer e...
Apr 02, 2025•28 min•Season 2Ep. 106
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. Meanwhile, sellers who purchased during the market peak must adj...
Mar 26, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 105
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 stepped into the role of Director. Looking back, is there anything s...
Mar 19, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 104
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 even attending the MMIPM conference in Caen, France. But when th...
Mar 12, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 103
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 growth? And how did we adapt to the challenges we never saw comi...
Mar 05, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 102
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 decluttering to small touch-ups that make a big difference—like...
Feb 26, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 101
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 pivotal moments that have defined our growth. Most importantly,...
Feb 19, 2025•44 min•Season 1Ep. 100
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. We’ll explore easy, budget-friendly updates to shake off the post...
Feb 12, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 99
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 year of new beginnings: Tonya is tackling her third remodel on ...
Feb 05, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 98
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 association and providing meaningful resources to help members thrive. B...
Jan 29, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 97
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. We’ll also explore how the real estate world has evolved post-...
Jan 22, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 96
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 Dual Transformation . In this episode, Logan opens up about the l...
Jan 15, 2025•50 min•Season 1Ep. 95
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 for not achieving the goals you set out to accomplish last year. Sometim...
Jan 08, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 94
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 Episode 49 - Time Management Episode 54 - Communication Episode 57 - Er...
Jan 01, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Get ready to dive into the holiday spirit with this special episode of Simply Authentic! This week, we’re spreading Christmas cheer from the magical pop-up J Ho Ho B, where it’s truly wall-to-wall Christmas. If you haven’t visited yet, consider this your sign! From trees and ornaments hanging from the ceiling to a light-covered buffalo, every inch of this space has been transformed into a festive wonderland. Holiday enthusiasts will love their specialty-themed cocktails, perfect for getting into...
Dec 25, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 92
In this heartfelt episode of Simply Authentic , we sit down with Kristy Carter, Executive Director of Least of These, a vital food pantry serving Christian County. Together, we explore the pressing issue of hunger in our community and the critical role Least of These plays in supporting underfed families year-round. Whether it’s providing one or two meals in a crisis or offering ongoing assistance, this incredible organization ensures no one goes hungry. With food prices continuing to rise, even...
Dec 18, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 91
This week, we explore the transformative practice of vision casting, not just as an individual exercise but also as a powerful tool for organizations and businesses. We guide you through creating a personal vision board, from gathering supplies like magazines, photos, and markers to organizing your thoughts into a visual masterpiece that inspires and motivates you year-round. But we don’t stop there! In the business world, vision casting often takes the form of strategic planning, and we break d...
Dec 11, 2024•31 min•Season 1Ep. 90
