Not Your Average Neighbor

Creativity, Community & Authentic Living – with Sarah Booz

In 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 attention to Macabee’s Deli, to Sarah’s foodie adventures at the Iowa State Fair, to her local favorites like Nona’s Pizza and the Hinterland Music Festival. Sarah also shares about her podcast Iowa We Can Do Better and her involvement in uplifting LGBTQIA+ community spaces in Des Moines. Packed with humor, heart, and a love for both storytelling and connection, this episode is a celebration of unexpected journeys and the beauty of saying “yes” to new places. Key Highlights: * Sarah’s 30 years in New York before life on the road in an RV * The viral Macabee’s Deli TikTok story (and the hilarious behind-the-scenes details) * How a cross-country trip turned into three years of RV living * Falling in love with the Midwest — and choosing Des Moines without ever visiting first * Her Iowa State Fair foodie favorites: lobster corn dog, bacon cheeseburger egg roll, and deep-fried PB&J * Tips for enjoying Hinterland Music Festival (spoiler: scout the food first) * Why Nona’s Pizza in Ankeny feels like home for a New Yorker * Hosting Iowa We Can Do Better with her friend Liz from Iowa * Spotlighting the monthly LGBTQIA+ community dinner at Saint John’s Lutheran Church * Why First Friday at Mainframe Studios should be on your Des Moines bucket list Neighbor Shout-out: Sarah gives a heartfelt shout-out to her friend Amber, organizer of the monthly LGBTQIA+ community dinner at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines. If Sarah’s story inspires you, share this episode with a friend who loves adventure, community, and great food. Don’t forget to follow Not Your Average Neighbor for more inspiring stories every week!

Finding a Lot to Love in Real Estate with Summer Hudson

In 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 importance of authenticity in content creation and why your vibe attracts your tribe. Key Highlights: * Summer’s path from social work and prison life coaching to real estate * How TikTok gave her a platform—and a nationwide circle of REALTOR® besties * The importance of authenticity and why being “yourself” matters more than being perfect * Real estate myth-busting: from down payments to foreclosures and overpricing homes * Summer’s real estate niche: mid-century modern homes and preservation over renovation * A conversation about color, culture, and why gray should take a break * Community shoutout to the Little Timmy Project supporting new moms in Indianapolis 🧡 Neighbor Spotlight: 🌟 The Little Timmy Project – A powerful nonprofit in Indiana supporting new mothers with postpartum care, diapers, community, and more. Learn more at www.littletimmy.org [https://www.littletimmy.org/] Follow her on all platforms at @findalottoloveWebsite: findalottolove.com [findalottolove.com]TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

Coaching 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 the real estate grind. * Brokerage Insights: Kyle shares crucial advice on what questions new agents should ask brokerages, focusing on success rates and mentorship to ensure a strong start. * Networking is Key: Understand why building strong connections with other realtors, lenders, and affiliates is vital for closing deals. * YPN Leadership: Hear about Kyle's new role as vice chair of his local association's Young Professionals Network (YPN) committee, emphasizing that "young" refers to experience in the business, not age. * This episode is a must-listen for aspiring and experienced real estate professionals alike. Kyle Atkinson's practical wisdom and Ann's engaging style make for an informative and inspiring conversation. Don't miss out on these actionable strategies to elevate your real estate career! Like, subscribe, and share with a neighbor who needs to hear this!

Purpose-Driven Creativity: A Conversation with Fred Ebong

This 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 change. Whether you’re a fellow creator, community leader, or someone looking for a bit of inspiration, Fred’s insights are full of heart, wisdom, and passion. 🔑 Key Takeaways: * The origin story of FE Studios and Fred’s creative philosophy * Why storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and change * How community and representation fuel Fred’s projects * The importance of uplifting others through visual media * Advice for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs 💬 Favorite Quote: "Every single person has a story worth telling — my job is just to help them see that." – Fred Ebong 🌟 Guest Spotlight: Fred Ebong is a creative visionary and community storyteller. Through FE Studios, he focuses on producing content that highlights everyday heroes, nonprofits, and purpose-driven entrepreneurs. His work is a testament to the belief that visual storytelling can shift perspectives and build stronger, more empathetic communities. 📣 Call to Action: Loved this conversation with Fred? Share it with a fellow storyteller or creative in your life! Don’t forget to follow, subscribe, and leave a review to help us reach more neighbors doing amazing things. 📅 New episodes every Wednesday 🎥 Watch on YouTube 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music

Chapsticks, Confidence, and A Lot More Drag with Lexi Belle

In 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 and colorful conversation. Key Takeaways: * Lexi’s tips and tricks for drag prep, including contour, lashes, and glue (yes, even Gorilla Glue) * The upcoming Cedar Rapids Pride Festival and CSP Late Night Drag Show * Lexi’s engagement, future wedding dreams, and love for the local LGBTQIA+ community * The story of Lexi’s first drag performance and her favorite memory * How drag helps kids and adults alike find confidence and community Favorite Thing Spotlight:Lexi shouts out Tanager Place LGBTQIA+ Youth Center, a vital safe space for local queer youth, and shares her excitement for hosting inclusive events like LGBTQ proms and fundraisers. Neighbor Shoutout:A huge shoutout to Sophia Joseph, founder of FIA's Finds and leader of Art in the Park, for her advocacy, creativity, and community building in Cedar Rapids. Let’s get Lexi Belle nominated for the Iowa Drag Awards! Visit iowadragawards.com [http://iowadragawards.com] or find them on Facebook to submit your nomination. And don’t forget to like, follow, and share this episode if you believe in joy, glitter, and being your boldest self. For more details about Lexi and her drag shows, please visit her website at QueenLexiBelle.com [QueenLexiBelle.com]