Three Years Strong: The #LiveWellLiveAuthentic Challenge Begins

The Numbers Don't Lie (But They Might Surprise You) with Dr. Jessica Lautz

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 the factors driving those decisions. We explore the growing influence of single female homebuyers, migration trends across the country, and what these national statistics can teach us about our own local market. We also discuss one of the industry's biggest challenges: affordability for first-time homebuyers. While Southwest Missouri remains more affordable than many parts of the country, buyers are still facing obstacles including rising down payment requirements and limited inventory in attainable price ranges. As thousands of REALTORS® prepare to gather in Washington, D.C. for NAR's Mid Year Legislative meetings next week, Dr. Lautz offers a behind-the-scenes look at the planning that goes into the event and the key messages NAR hopes members will take home. Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, investing, or simply want a better understanding of the forces shaping today's housing market, this episode delivers valuable insights and practical perspective from one of the nation's leading housing economists. https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast] https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/ [https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/] https://gatozarks.com/ [https://gatozarks.com/] https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html [https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html] https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/ [https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311] https://simplyauthenticpod.com/ [https://simplyauthenticpod.com/]

Three Years Strong: The #LiveWellLiveAuthentic Challenge Begins

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 REALTORS®, business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who have challenged us to think differently, lead better, and live more intentionally. This year, our focus has been on what it truly means to live well. We're exploring financial wellness, physical health, mental well-being, and the power of meaningful relationships and personal growth. Now it's time to put those lessons into action. To celebrate our anniversary, we're launching the #LiveWellLiveAuthentic 30-Day Challenge. The challenge is simple: Choose one action in each of our four focus areas—Financial Wellness, Body, Mind, and Connection/Growth—and commit to practicing it for the next 30 days. As for us, we're all-in. Together, we're committing to a daily exercise regimen designed by Cassie Dimmick from AYB. In addition, each of us is taking on an individual challenge that will stretch us, strengthen us, and help us grow. Whether you participate on your own, with a friend, your family, your office, or your entire team, we invite you to join us. Small, intentional actions repeated consistently can create remarkable change. Here's to three years of growth—and to becoming even better in the next 30 days. Join the challenge. Share your journey. Encourage others. And together, let's move one step closer to living well and living authentic. https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast] https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/ [https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/] https://gatozarks.com/ [https://gatozarks.com/] https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html [https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html] https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/ [https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311] https://simplyauthenticpod.com/ [https://simplyauthenticpod.com/]

3 Years Later… and We’re Just Getting Started

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’ve had around the four areas we believe matter most to living well: * Financial well-being * Caring for your body * Mental wellness * Connection, leadership, and personal growth These conversations have inspired us, challenged us, and reminded us that success means so much more than just business. And… we’re not stopping there. Next week, for our anniversary episode, we’re launching something special — a challenge designed to help all of us take intentional steps toward living healthier, fuller, more connected lives together. Trust us… you won’t want to miss it. Be sure to tune in next week for our anniversary celebration and the official launch of the challenge! https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast] https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/ [https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/] https://gatozarks.com/ [https://gatozarks.com/] https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html [https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html] https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/ [https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311] https://simplyauthenticpod.com/ [https://simplyauthenticpod.com/]

The Cozy Comeback: Home Trends for 2026

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 often follow fashion trends, what “color drenching” really means, and how texture is taking center stage with nubby wools, grasscloth wallpaper, velvet, fringe, and natural materials like jute and leather. We also dive into lighting, window treatments, curved furniture, patterned upholstery, and the growing focus on creating homes that feel like a true sanctuary. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just looking for a refresh, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical ideas you can bring into your own home. Because at the end of the day, the biggest trend of all is creating a home that feels uniquely you. https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast] https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/ [https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/] https://gatozarks.com/ [https://gatozarks.com/] https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html [https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html] https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/ [https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311] https://simplyauthenticpod.com/ [https://simplyauthenticpod.com/]

The Lesson That Could Save a Life

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 Fins. What started as a passion rooted in powerful statistics and a desire to prevent childhood drowning has grown into a thriving program helping families across our community feel more confident and prepared around water. In this episode, Hayden walks us through what survival swim training actually looks like, how instructors are trained, and what parents can expect when their child begins lessons. If you’ve ever seen videos of infants learning to float and wondered, Is that really safe? or Could my child do that?—we’re tackling those questions head-on and busting some common myths and fears along the way. With May being Pool Safety Month, Hayden also shares practical, must-know tips for keeping kids safe around backyard pools and water this summer. This conversation is equal parts inspiring, educational, and empowering—and it just might change the way you think about water safety forever. https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SimplyAuthenticPodcast] https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/ [https://www.gershman.com/loan-officers/jack-langley/] https://gatozarks.com/ [https://gatozarks.com/] https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html [https://www.arvesthomeloan.com/jdressler.html] https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/ [https://www.bigfootfunpark.com/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066937632311] https://simplyauthenticpod.com/ [https://simplyauthenticpod.com/] https://tinyfins.com/ [https://tinyfins.com/]