Shows
The Marvelous Middle Age PodcastPowerful Perspectives: Ann RousharThis season is all about Powerful Perspectives—real stories and fresh insights from incredible women who are thriving, growing, and redefining what it means to live fully in midlife.This week I'm joined by Ann Roushar.Ann is a vibrant and dedicated REALTOR® with deep roots in Cedar Rapids. A true community connector, Ann is passionate about helping others find their perfect home. She recently launched a podcast, Not Your Average Neighbor, where she shines a light on good people doing good things in our community and across the coun...
2025-10-1350 min
Not Your Average NeighborCreativity, Community & Authentic Living – with Sarah BoozIn 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 eventually led her to fall in love with the Midwest and ultimately settle in Des Moines — sight unseen — in late 2021.The conversation covers everything from the viral TikTok that brought national...
2025-08-1341 min
Not Your Average NeighborFinding a Lot to Love in Real Estate with Summer HudsonIn 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 unapologetic realness.Whether she's advocating for preserving Pepto Bismol pink tile or calling out bad flips, Summer brings her signature voice and values to the real estate space. She also gets real about the im...
2025-08-0658 min
Not Your Average NeighborCoaching the Next Generation of Real Estate Leaders with Kyle Atkinson 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 his early career in fashion merchandising and restaurant management, before he embraced his family's real estate legacy.The "Open House King": Discover how Kyle earned his nickname and what it taught him about...
2025-07-3057 min
Not Your Average NeighborPurpose-Driven Creativity: A Conversation with Fred EbongThis 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 purpose-driven creativity.In this inspiring episode, Fred talks about what it means to create with intention, how his work bridges community and creativity, and why helping people tell their stories can spark meaningful...
2025-07-2328 min
Not Your Average NeighborChapsticks, Confidence, and A Lot More Drag with Lexi BelleIn 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 Lexi as she shares drag secrets, local good news, and her plans for Pride and beyond. From setting spray to Sharpie lip liner, nothing is off-limits in this candid a...
2025-07-1637 min
Not Your Average NeighborBecoming A Queen: A Journey of Drag & Discovery with Alldan LangstonIn 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 her voice, her confidence, and her community. Through humor, vulnerability, and a whole lot of purple, Lexi reflects on her evolution as a performer, her late mother’s legacy, and the wa...
2025-07-0944 min
Not Your Average NeighborCousins, Chaos, and Core Memories with Shannon RathjenThis 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 karaoke nights to weddings, weird nicknames, and tenderloin cravings, this episode is packed with laughter, nostalgic stories, and the unique energy only cousins can bring. Shannon now lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she manages a trampoline...
2025-07-0239 min
Not Your Average NeighborRooted in Cedar Rapids, Driven by Purpose with Kris TerukinaIn 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 home, his reflections on being a father, and his commitment to public service through volunteerism.Key Takeaways:Chris’s unconventional path into real estate and his restaurant ind...
2025-06-2645 min
Not Your Average NeighborFlowers, Advocacies, & Fierce Allyship with Ann BrownIn 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—gardening.From her work on landmark equal pay cases to her advocacy for inclusive legislation, Ann brings fire, humor, and heart to every part of her life. She also introduces us to her side project, Pe...
2025-06-1834 min
Not Your Average NeighborThe Power of Showing Up with Matthew SalgerIn 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 real talk, laughs, and heartfelt reflections on grief, community service, chosen family, and making a difference when it matters most.Key Takeaways:What it me...
2025-06-1139 min
Not Your Average Neighbor100 Things That Make Cedar Rapids Home with Katie Mills GiorgioSeason 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 this fun and insightful episode, Katie talks about her journey as a writer, her work in the nonprofit sector, and how she turned her deep love for Cedar Rapids into a book (with anot...
2025-06-0433 min
Not Your Average NeighborCommunity Engagement, Collaboration, and Virtual Assistance with Jace TiagaIn 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 SeasonAnn opens the episode with sincere gratitude to listeners for their support throughout Season 1. She shares how each story has made a lasting impact and sets the tone for a warm, behind-the-scenes conversation.🧑💻 Meet Jace TiagaBased in La Union, Philippines, Jace is more than just a virtual...
2025-05-0736 min
Not Your Average NeighborThe Bravo Breakdown You Didn’t Know You Needed with Skyler SlifkaIn Episode 11 of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar welcomes her longtime friend and Bravo bestie, Skyler Slifka, for a hilarious and heartfelt catch-up session packed with pop culture hot takes and a whole lot of Real Housewives drama. From her cross-country RV lifestyle to launching the uplifting brand Positive Jewelry Co, Skyler embodies what it means to live boldly and authentically. This episode is a celebration of friendship, reality TV obsessions, and women building joyful lives on their own terms.Key Takeaways:Living on the Road: Skyler shares her journey...
2025-04-3051 min
Not Your Average NeighborRedefining Real Estate Through Service and Connection with Travis BushawIn this powerful 10th episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar welcomes Travis Bushaw—teacher, speaker, coach, and President of the Iowa Association of REALTORS®. Travis brings his vibrant energy, authenticity, and heart to a conversation about leadership, community service, and the importance of lifting others up in the real estate industry and beyond.From his early days as a student council leader to spearheading impactful REALTOR® initiatives, Travis shares how volunteering and collaboration have shaped his journey. He also spotlights the inspiring work of the Red Basket Project in Dubuque, Iowa—a grassroots organization suppor...
2025-04-2350 min
Not Your Average NeighborHealing, Wholeness, and Finding Your Voice Again with Amy EatonIn this beautifully introspective episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar welcomes her friend and fellow REALTOR®, Amy Eaton, for an honest and empowering conversation about self-discovery, energy healing, and the journey back to yourself. With over 25 years in real estate, Amy shares how her life took a transformative turn through her experiences with Reiki, guided meditation, Pilates, and a deeply spiritual solo trip to Costa Rica. Her story is one of courage, clarity, and learning to listen to your own voice.Key Takeaways:Trusting the Signs: How Amy followed h...
2025-04-1638 minNot Your Average NeighborEmpowering Moms, Mentoring Youth, and Leading Change with Starlet SmithIn this heartwarming and energizing episode, host Ann Roushar welcomes the dynamic Starlet Smith—a tech professional, community leader, and all-around light in the Cedar Rapids community. Starlet shares her journey from founding support groups for single moms to taking the stage as a speaker, mentor, and now a moderator at the Women Lead Change Conference.Through vulnerability, humor, and a passion for service, Starlet offers wisdom on authentic leadership, motherhood, gaming with teenagers, and finding joy in being your true self. This episode is packed with inspiration, community love, and the reminder that real change starts wi...
2025-04-0930 minNot Your Average NeighborA Champion for Community and Growth with Tim SullivanIn this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar sits down with Tim Sullivan, a dedicated community leader who has made a remarkable impact in his neighborhood. From grassroots initiatives to fostering meaningful connections among neighbors, Tim shares his insights on what it takes to build a strong, supportive community. Join us as we discuss his journey, the challenges he’s overcome, and the inspiring work he continues to do to uplift those around him.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Tim Sullivan became a key figure in his neighborhood’s develo...
2025-04-0243 min
Not Your Average NeighborWhy Storytelling Matters: Creating Space for Authentic Voices with Mandy VelaThis week on Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar sits down with Mandy Vela, an artist manager and project director for Randy Bacon Photography + Film and the 8 Billion Ones Humanitarian Art Movement. Mandy is passionate about storytelling, human connection, and empowering marginalized voices to share their stories with the world.In this heartfelt episode, Mandy shares:✔️ How her journey began as part of “The Art of Being Me” exhibition and led her to work with Randy Bacon 🎨✔️ The transformative impact of sharing authentic stories and creating space for others to be seen and heard...
2025-03-2643 min
Not Your Average NeighborWhy Social Media is the New Open House for Realtors with Liz BrownThis week on Not Your Average Neighbor, Liz Brown joins us to share her incredible journey as a real estate agent, coach, and social media influencer who has helped thousands of agents find their voice online. 🎤✨As the founder of the TikTok Referral Network and a leader at EXP Realty, Liz has built a thriving community of over 3,700 real estate agents who collaborate, learn, and grow together. She’s passionate about empowering others through video marketing, content creation, and accountability coaching.In this episode, we dive into:✔️ The power of social media and h...
2025-03-1938 min
Not Your Average NeighborMeet the Man Who's Making Homes Safer (with Roy Wier)This week on Not Your Average Neighbor, Roy Wier joins us to talk about home safety, radon awareness, and giving back to the community. 🏡💙After 15 years in construction, Roy founded Vigilant Home Inspections and later launched Adios Radon Mitigation, a company dedicated to educating homeowners on the dangers of radon exposure. His goal this year? Give away $100,000 worth of free radon test kits and provide free radon mitigation systems to families impacted by lung cancer.Beyond his work in home safety, Roy is also committed to global outreach through his support of To God’s Glory Mi...
2025-03-1233 min
Not Your Average NeighborFrom Passion to Game Day Fashion with Tyler AndersonThis week on Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar sits down with Tyler Anderson, a rising fashion designer and entrepreneur making waves in the world of custom game day outfits. 🎨✨At just 21 years old, Tyler turned her creative passion into a growing brand, It’s So Tyler, designing bold, statement-making outfits for the wives, girlfriends, and families of top football players. What started as personal DIY projects for college football games quickly evolved into a business that’s capturing attention—especially after her custom design was featured at the Super Bowl! 🏈🔥🔹 What...
2025-03-0539 min
Not Your Average NeighborBuilding Connections & Creating Change – A Conversation with Chris TaylorThis week on Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar sits down with Chris Taylor, a passionate public health advocate, social justice leader, and community builder. After two decades away, Chris has returned to Cedar Rapids, reconnecting with his roots and continuing his mission to create meaningful change.In this episode, Chris shares his experiences working on HIV prevention, the opioid epidemic, LGBTQIA+ advocacy, and criminal justice reform. He also highlights the importance of meeting people where they are, fostering inclusivity, and finding the good in everyday interactions.🔹 What You...
2025-02-2637 min
Not Your Average NeighborScholarships, Storm Relief & Support: How Raymond Siddell Builds CommunityWelcome to the very first episode of Not Your Average Neighbor! 🎉 Join host Ann Roushar as she kicks off this exciting podcast with her first guest and longtime friend, Raymond Siddell—a dedicated realtor, business owner, and community leader in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.In this episode, Ann and Raymond share their fun and unexpected first meeting, their journey as co-founders of the 360 Home Team at Keller Williams Legacy Group, and the impact Raymond has made through nonprofit leadership and community initiatives.🔹 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:✔️ H...
2025-02-1944 min
Not Your Average NeighborWelcome to Not Your Average Neighbor!Welcome to Not Your Average Neighbor – the podcast that celebrates incredible people making a difference in their communities! 🎙️✨In this trailer episode, host Ann Roushar shares her journey into podcasting, her love for storytelling, and the inspiration behind launching this show. From spotlighting resilient individuals to sharing uplifting stories, this podcast is all about connection, community, and good news.Join Ann every week as she introduces inspiring guests, plays fun games, and spreads positivity. Whether you're a real estate pro, a community advocate, or just someone who loves hearing feel-good stories, this podcast is for you!
2025-02-1803 min