We’re kicking off 2026 with a big-picture conversation you won’t want to miss—Happy New Year! 🎉 In this first episode of the year, we’re taking a clear-eyed look back at what the real estate experts predicted for 2025… and what actually happened.

Nationally, the market ended up fairly flat, making 2025 the third consecutive sub-par year compared to the pre-COVID boom. We break down the numbers, what drove the sluggishness, and what it all really means for buyers, sellers, and industry professionals.

From there, we shift our focus forward and dig into the forecasts for 2026—where the opportunities may lie and why education, especially for first-time homebuyers, is more important than ever. Here in Springfield, the numbers may surprise you: the average monthly mortgage payment is $86 less than the average monthly rent, making homeownership a more affordable option than renting.

We also explore housing gaps in our market, including the growing need for more townhomes and patio homes, and what that could mean for future development. To wrap things up, we dive into top legislative priorities for the National Association of REALTORS®, including:

• Encouraging all levels of government to revisit zoning laws and regulations
• Advocating for the elimination of federal capital gains taxes (with Missouri already leading the way by removing state capital gains taxes)

Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, investor, or just someone who likes to stay informed, this episode offers timely insights, practical takeaways, and a thoughtful look at where the housing market is headed in 2026.

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As we wrap up another incredible year of conversations, growth, and leadership lessons, we’re closing 2025 with a special best of episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast.

In this final episode of the year, we combed through our 2025 archive to bring you some of the most compelling, insightful, and memorable moments from the show. You’ll hear powerful pearls of wisdom from Nixa football head coach John Perry, Great American Title, Katie Towns, Director of the Greene County Health Department, mindset coach Angie Wiley, and Joselyn Baldner, President and CEO of Central Bank.

Along the way, your hosts revisit some of their most candid conversations on the importance of listening, leaning into change, and leading with intention—topics that resonated deeply with us and our listeners throughout the year.

Think of this episode as a highlight reel with heart. We hope it inspires you to go back and listen to the full episodes, but for now, settle in and enjoy this mashup of the best of 2025.

Thank you for being part of our community. We’re excited to bring you even more leadership lessons, meaningful conversations, and expert insight from our local leaders in 2026.

Here’s to growth, authenticity, and a brand-new year. Happy New Year! 🎉✨

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This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, Angie and Tonya are tackling something we all do—but don’t always feel great about: small talk. This episode is a companion to our Listening episode from September and our Networking conversation back in June, because when it comes to building real connections, these skills go hand in hand.

Whether you’re walking into a room full of strangers, attending a networking event, or just trying to avoid that awkward silence, mastering the art of small talk (and truly listening) can make all the difference. Angie and Tonya share practical conversation starters, tips for keeping things from feeling forced or uncomfortable, and real-life examples of how to stay grounded and authentic while connecting with others.

As we head into a new year filled with fresh opportunities and events, this episode is designed to help you feel more confident, more comfortable, and more you when making those everyday connections. Because small talk doesn’t have to be small—it can be the start of something meaningful.

Reference Episode 117 - Networking, Referrals and Building Real Connections and Episode 129 - Listening: The Skill that Speaks Volumes

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On this week’s episode of the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re diving into the hustle, heart, and holiday magic of running a retail store during the busiest season of the year. 🎄✨

We’re joined by mother-and-daughter duo Lauren and Melody, the owners of Alps Gifts, an extension of the long-standing and much-loved Alps Pharmacy in Nixa, Missouri. Two years ago, they took a leap of faith and added a gift shop to their thriving pharmacy—and it quickly became something special. Since then, they’ve expanded even further, adding ladies’ apparel and growing their kids’ section to better serve their community.

Loren and Melody share what the holiday season really looks like behind the scenes—nonstop days, long hours, and the pressure of buying inventory nearly a year in advance while trying to predict what shoppers will love next season. They talk candidly about hits and misses, learning to adjust order quantities, and how experience has shaped smarter buying decisions.

Through all the chaos and creativity, one thing is clear: they love what they’re building. Their passion for their customers, their business, and working together shines through—and they’re incredibly excited about what the future holds for Alps Gifts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to run a retail business during the holidays, or you love stories of family, entrepreneurship, and community, this episode is for you.

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https://www.alpspharmacy.com/gift-shop

This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re tackling two hot topics in the housing world: the 50-year mortgage and the portable mortgage. These concepts have been making headlines lately—but what exactly are they? Why are they being discussed now? And could they play a role in addressing today’s housing affordability challenges?

In this episode, we break down:

• What a 50-year mortgage actually is (and why it’s not currently legal under today’s financial regulations)
• How federal conversations could change that in the future
• The idea behind portable mortgages and how they differ from traditional loan products
• Pros, cons, and potential ripple effects on buyers, sellers, and the broader market
• Real-world examples, including the difference in interest paid on a 30-year vs. a proposed 50-year mortgage
• Local appreciation trends of 4–5% and how extended loan terms might interact with rising home values

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for improving affordability, the good news is that new ideas are finally on the table—and these are just two of them. Our goal is to help you feel more informed, more empowered, and more aware of the evolving landscape.

As always, we encourage our listeners to talk with a knowledgeable lender when considering any mortgage option. Education is power, and we’re here to help you navigate the possibilities with clarity and confidence.

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This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re excited to sit down with small business owner Mandi Fritz, the creative force behind 417 Cocktails. If you haven’t visited her charming downtown shop yet, 417 Cocktails is a one-stop destination for beautifully curated cocktail kits, bar tools, syrups, glassware, and everything you need to craft the perfect drink at home.

In this episode, Mandi shares the inspiration behind launching her business, why she took the leap into entrepreneurship, and what ultimately led her to open a brick-and-mortar location in the heart of downtown Springfield. She also opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges—like navigating supply-chain issues, rising tariffs, and sourcing those signature boxes her kits come in—and why she works so hard to buy her supplies locally to support fellow small businesses.

Listeners will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to open and maintain a small business, the realities of building something from the ground up, and the heart behind keeping our dollars in our community. And with the holidays just around the corner, this episode is the perfect reminder to explore and support the unique, eclectic shops that make our area so special—starting with 417 Cocktails, where you’ll find gift ideas galore.

Tune in for a fun, inspiring, and community-focused conversation!

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This week on the Simply Authentic Podcast, we’re sitting down with Amanda Estes, General Manager of the Battlefield Mall in Springfield — a place most of us know for shopping, dining, and entertainment, but one whose economic impact reaches far deeper into our community.

In this episode, Amanda takes us behind the scenes of one of the region’s largest retail hubs. We talk about how malls and in-person shopping have rebounded since the COVID years, and how retailers are adapting by blending online convenience with in-store experiences like easy pick-up and returns.

Amanda also shares a fascinating look back at the mall’s history — from its opening in 1970, to the 1983 expansion, to surviving an EF3 tornado that caused significant damage that same year. We revisit the days of iconic anchors like Sears and Montgomery Ward, and discuss the long-standing presence of Dillard’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney.

With major renovations recently completed and Dillard’s making a significant investment in their expanded space, the Battlefield Mall is stepping into a new era — just in time for holiday shoppers.

We dive into all the questions shoppers have always wondered: ✨ How are decisions made about which stores come to the mall? ✨ Is there a “perfect” mix of national chains, boutiques, food, and entertainment? ✨ What’s coming next for Springfield’s largest shopping center?

You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the strategy, investment, and community impact behind a place we all visit — but rarely think about beyond retail.

Tune in for an inside look at what’s changing, what’s coming, and how Simon Properties continues to invest in the future of our region.

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This week on the Simply Authentic podcast, we sit down with the incredible Alison Fragale — research psychologist, award-winning professor, international keynote speaker, and author of Likeable Badass. We first met Alison at the Ladies Who Launch event earlier this year, and her message resonated with us so strongly that we knew we had to bring her to the Back Porch.

Alison brings a rare blend of warmth, clarity, and scientific insight. She is genuinely driven to help people — especially women — understand, claim, and use their power with confidence and authenticity. In this episode, she breaks down the psychology behind status, influence, and leadership in a way that is both practical and immediately actionable.

Key Takeaways Include:

• How to gain status and power without compromising who you are
• Mastering the art and science of negotiation
• Strategies for influencing without authority
• Navigating conversations about pay, promotions, and career advancement
• Leading from where you are, no matter your title
• How to build a powerhouse network that opens doors
• Cultivating a strong, authentic personal brand

Whether you're looking to advance your career, elevate your leadership, or simply show up more powerfully in everyday situations, this conversation with Alison will inspire you — and give you the tools to do it.

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