Not Your Average Neighbor

Ann Roushar
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

Not Your Average Neighbor is a podcast that celebrates inspiring individuals and the incredible work they do in our communities. Hosted by Ann Roushar, each episode shines a light on stories of resilience, connection, and good news. Join us every Wednesday as we build a neighborhood that uplifts and inspires—one story at a time!

  1. 1d ago

    Behind the Scenes at the Iowa REALTORS® Convention | The People Making It Happen

    What does it take to bring hundreds of Iowa REALTORS® together under one roof—and what happens behind the scenes to make it all possible? For Season 5, Episode 2 of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann takes the podcast on location at the Iowa REALTORS® Convention in Des Moines for conversations with four of the people helping make the association, its events, and its impact possible: Gavin Blair, Greta Haas, Ashlee Kieler, and Dotty Schimmel. From advocacy and protecting homeownership to education, communications, professional development, and the relationships formed at the convention, this episode offers a look at the people working behind the scenes for Iowa's real estate community. Gavin shares his journey into the REALTOR® association world and why he believes the industry ultimately comes down to people. He and Ann discuss the collaborative culture among Iowa REALTORS®, the value of attending the annual convention, and why building relationships makes the industry stronger. Greta takes the conversation into advocacy, discussing the work being done on behalf of Iowa REALTORS®, homeowners, and private property rights. She explains why housing isn't simply a professional issue—it's something that affects communities across Iowa—and why REALTOR® advocacy continues to be a bipartisan effort. Ashlee gives listeners a glimpse into the marketing, communications, teamwork, and creativity required to bring an event like the Iowa REALTORS® Convention to life. She also shares her path from journalism into marketing and what she loves about working alongside the association's members and staff. Finally, Dotty reflects on more than two decades with Iowa REALTORS®, her journey from receptionist to education coordinator, and why seeing members come together remains one of the highlights of the convention every year. At the center of all four conversations is one idea: real estate is about much more than transactions. It's about people, relationships, service, and community. In This Episode Ann and her guests discuss: - What happens behind the scenes at the Iowa REALTORS® Convention - Why relationships are such an important part of Iowa real estate - Gavin Blair's journey to becoming CEO of Iowa REALTORS® - The culture of collaboration among REALTORS® across Iowa - REALTOR® advocacy for homeownership and private property rights - Why housing can bring people together across political lines - The role education and professional development play in the association - How marketing and communications help create meaningful member experiences - The teamwork required to organize a convention for hundreds of REALTORS® - Why getting involved in the association can create opportunities beyond individual transactions - The friendships and sense of community that keep members coming back year after year - Ann's surprise Impact Award recognition Key Takeaway Behind every conference, advocacy effort, educational opportunity, and member experience are people who care deeply about the communities they serve. This episode is a reminder that when professionals come together to learn, advocate, build relationships, and support one another, their impact can extend far beyond their individual businesses. Listen & Watch Catch Season 5, Episode 2 of Not Your Average Neighbor on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Subscribe, follow, comment, and share the episode to help us continue shining a light on the people doing meaningful work in our neighborhoods. #notyouraverageneighbor #iowarealtors #iowarealestate #iowarealtor #realtorcommunity #realestatepodcast #iowapodcast #desmoines #iowahousing #homeownership #realtoradvocacy #realestateeducation #realtorlife #communitymatters #iowa

  2. Sep 28

    Faith, Family & Public Service with Iowa Rep. Lindsay James

    What does “caring for your neighbor” look like when it becomes part of public service? In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann Roushar sits down with Iowa State Representative Lindsay James for a conversation about her journey from ministry and chaplaincy to the Iowa State House and her campaign for Congress in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. About the Guest Rep. Lindsay James is an ordained Presbyterian pastor, former college chaplain, working mom, and Iowa state representative from Dubuque. She has served in the Iowa House since 2019 and is currently running for Congress in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District. Before entering the Iowa Legislature, Lindsay worked as a chaplain and served her Dubuque community in roles including PTA president and on the Dubuque Community Development Advisory Commission. She and her husband, Chris, have two children and live in Dubuque. About the Episode Lindsay shares how her background in ministry and community service shaped her decision to enter politics and how those experiences influence her approach to public policy. The conversation explores concerns she says she has heard while traveling across Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, particularly around the cost of living, housing, childcare, healthcare, and the financial decisions facing working families. Lindsay also discusses her views on healthcare policy, rural healthcare, special interests in politics, and bipartisanship. She describes her experience working with colleagues across party lines in the Iowa Legislature and explains why she believes caring for neighbors should extend beyond political affiliation. Ann and Lindsay also discuss political division and the importance of listening to people with different perspectives, finding common ground, and remembering the community values that bring Iowans together. Key Takeaways - Lindsay’s journey from chaplain and ordained pastor to the Iowa Legislature - Why she decided to run for Congress in Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District - Cost-of-living concerns she says she hears from Iowa families - Housing, healthcare, childcare, and household affordability - Her perspective on rural healthcare and access to care - The role faith and community have played in her approach to public service - Her experience working across party lines in the Iowa Legislature - Political division and the importance of listening to different perspectives - Why “caring for your neighbor” is a recurring theme in her approach to politics - What Lindsay says she hopes to bring from the Iowa Legislature to Congress Connect with Rep. Lindsay James Learn more about Lindsay James, her campaign, policy positions, and ways to connect through her official campaign channels. About Not Your Average Neighbor Not Your Average Neighbor is about the people, stories, experiences, and conversations that make our communities anything but average. Hosted by Ann Roushar, the podcast brings you conversations with people from Iowa and beyond about their lives, careers, communities, challenges, and the experiences that shaped who they are. Subscribe and follow Not Your Average Neighbor on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music for new episodes. #notyouraverageneighbor #lindsayjames #iowapolitics #iowa #iowacongress #ia02 #iowastatehouse #cedarrapidsiowa #dubuqueiowa #iowapodcast #politicspodcast #publicservice #healthcare #costofliving #community

  3. Sep 7

    Finding Your Funny: Journey Into Stand-Up Comedy with Adam Meier

    Adam Meier is an up-and-coming Iowa comedian bringing the observations, awkward moments, and everyday absurdities of being a 26-year-old to the stage. Performing at local bars, comedy showcases, showrooms, and theaters across Iowa, Adam has been steadily finding his voice in the state's growing stand-up comedy community. His comedy is rooted in the things happening around him—from family stories and childhood memories to the strange little things he notices simply by sitting back and watching people. Although he may describe himself as quiet and observant when he isn't holding a microphone, put Adam onstage and those observations become stories, jokes, impressions, and plenty of unexpected laughs. Connect with Adam: Facebook: Adam Meier Instagram: @the_names_texas_ About the Episode In the Season 4 finale of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with Iowa comedian Adam Meier to talk about finding humor in everyday life, getting started in stand-up, and becoming part of Iowa’s growing comedy community. Adam shares how his family—especially his mom and grandfather—helped shape his sense of humor, what it was like stepping onto the stage for the first time, and how being a quiet observer gives him plenty of material. He also opens up about the supportive community behind local comedy and his goals as he continues developing his craft. From family stories and open mic nights to finding the courage to put yourself out there, this episode closes Season 4 with plenty of laughs and a reminder that sometimes the funniest material is already happening all around you. Key Takeaways - Sometimes another person believing in you is enough to make you finally try something you've been thinking about. - Great comedy can start with simply paying attention to the people and situations happening around you. - Iowa has a growing local stand-up scene filled with comedians supporting and learning from one another. - Open mics give comedians a place to experiment, fail, rewrite, and discover what works. - Mentorship matters, especially when you're learning a creative craft. - Family stories and childhood experiences can become powerful sources of creative inspiration. - Adam's grandfather helped shape not only his sense of humor, but also the kind of person he hopes to become. - Performing in front of a live audience and putting yourself online require different kinds of courage. - Adam's next goal is to continue developing new material and build beyond the 15-minute set he's already achieved. - Sometimes the best way to survive the week is simply to find a reason to laugh. Where to Catch Adam You may also catch him on Tuesday nights at Old Neighborhood Pub in Cedar Rapids, where local comedians regularly take the mic and test out new material. And who knows? Maybe Ann will finally convince Iowa's comedians to make comedy brunch a thing. 😂 Connect with Adam Meier Facebook: Adam Meier Instagram: @the_names_texas_ Follow Adam to keep up with upcoming performances, comedy, and whatever everyday observation eventually makes its way onto the stage. Connect with Not Your Average Neighbor Keep following Not Your Average Neighbor for conversations with the people, personalities, creators, leaders, business owners, comedians, and everyday neighbors who make our communities a little more interesting. And with that, Season 4 is officially a wrap! 🎉 Thank you to every neighbor who watched, listened, shared an episode, left a comment, supported a guest, or joined us for a laugh along the way. Season 5 is coming soon. Don’t forget to like, follow, subscribe, and share so you don't miss what's coming next. #notyouraverageneighbor #notyouraverageneighborpodcast #adammeier #iowacomedy #iowacomedian #standupcomedy #cedarrapidsiowa #cedarrapidscomedy #waterlooiowa #iowapodcast #localcomedy #comedycommunity #supportlocalcomedy #podcastguest #season4finale

  4. Aug 31

    Thrift Happens: Unscientific Rules for Finding the Best Deals with Ann Roushar

    This episode’s guest is none other than Not Your Average Neighbor host Ann Roushar! Based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Ann is the voice and personality behind Not Your Average Neighbor, a podcast built around celebrating the people, stories, and perspectives that make our communities anything but average. For this special Episode 9.5, Ann trades her interviewer seat for the spotlight and shares another side of herself: her love for thrifting, colorful style, finding a great deal, and giving previously loved pieces a second life. Her love for thrifting also has a deeply personal connection. Ann shares that her mom, who passed away 10 years ago, was a self-proclaimed “thrifting diva queen.” After thrifting around the time of her mom’s birthday and sharing some of her finds online, Ann realized just how much fun she was having—and how many people wanted to know how she consistently finds the good stuff. So, naturally, it was time to make an episode about it. About the Episode Thrift happens. And apparently, there are rules. Episode 9.5 is a special solo, show-and-tell edition of Not Your Average Neighbor featuring Ann’s completely unscientific rules of thrifting. Ann walks us through the lessons she’s learned while searching thrift stores and consignment shops around Cedar Rapids, Marion, Iowa City, and beyond—from why you should never thrift when you’re in a hurry to why the size on the rack should only be treated as a suggestion. She also takes listeners along her personal Eastern Iowa Thrift Trail, shouting out some of the stores where she’s been finding her favorite pieces lately. But beyond saving money, thrifting is also about finding things that feel uniquely you. For Ann, colorful clothes and unexpected pieces have become another way to express her personality and stand out—both personally and professionally. Whether you're already digging through racks every weekend or have absolutely no idea where to start, Ann's slightly chaotic, completely unscientific guide might just convince you to give thrifting another shot. Key Takeaways - Never thrift in a hurry. Finding great pieces takes time, patience, and a willingness to actually go through the racks. - Size is a suggestion. Items get put back in the wrong sections, sizing varies between brands, and your perfect find might be hiding somewhere you would normally skip. - Don't limit yourself by section. Check both men's and women's sections because great pieces don't always end up where they're supposed to. - Don't grab the cart immediately. Is there scientific evidence behind this? Absolutely not. Does Ann swear it affects your thrifting luck? Absolutely. - Always check the label. A thrift-store price isn't automatically a great deal. Know what you're buying and what the item would normally cost. - Dress for the thrift. Wear clothes and shoes that make trying things on easy—especially at stores without dressing rooms. - Bring caffeine, water, and your AirPods. And naturally, Ann recommends listening to Not Your Average Neighbor while you search. - Don't sleep on housewares, books, toys, and puzzles. The clothing racks aren't the only place to uncover something great. - Know the difference between thrift and consignment. Understanding how the store operates can help you understand its pricing and sales. - The Goodwill Outlet bins require their own strategy. Grab a cart, wear gloves, move quickly when you spot something, and inspect everything carefully afterward. - Personal style doesn't need a huge budget. Thrifting gives you an opportunity to experiment, stand out, and find pieces you might never have picked up at a traditional retailer. Neighbor Shoutout Michelle volunteered her photography and camera talents during the 9th Annual REALTOR® Olympics in Cedar Rapids, an event that helps raise scholarship funds for students continuing their education.

  5. Aug 24

    She Finally Went Full-Time in Real Estate with Jess Spidle

    Jess Spidle is a licensed Iowa REALTOR® with Your Best Life Real Estate Partners, bringing a relatable, genuine, and client-first approach to real estate. Known as Your HOMEgirl, Jess believes that sometimes a less traditional approach is exactly what’s needed to get the job done. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling, or simply trying to figure out your next move, Jess wants to make real estate feel less intimidating, more personal, and a whole lot easier. Real estate doesn’t have to be complicated. Let your HOMEgirl get those Deeds Done Easy. 🏡✨ About the Episode What happens when you stop waiting for the “perfect time” and finally bet on yourself? In Season 4, Episode 9 of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with Jess for an honest and fun conversation about taking chances, finding the right people, and building a career—and life—that feels right for you. After six years of balancing real estate with other jobs, Jess recently made a huge career move: becoming a full-time REALTOR®. She shares what pushed her to finally take the leap, how she prepared financially, and why going all-in on yourself still requires a plan, discipline, and a strong support system. Jess and Ann also pull back the curtain on what being a real estate agent actually looks like. Sometimes serving your clients means negotiating and writing contracts. Other times, it means rolling up your sleeves, moving furniture, solving unexpected problems, and doing whatever you reasonably can to help get everyone to the closing table. They also talk about mentorship, finding the right brokerage and team, maintaining relationships when moving into a new professional chapter, and why having people you trust can make such a difference in your career. Now, with more freedom over her schedule, Jess is also looking forward to giving back, volunteering, connecting with her community, and continuing to say yes to opportunities that help her grow. This episode is a reminder that you don’t always have to feel completely ready before taking the next step. Sometimes you prepare the best you can, surround yourself with the right people, trust the work you’ve already put in—and bet on yourself. Key Takeaways - Why Jess decided to go from part-time to full-time real estate after six years - How she financially prepared before making a major career change - Why discipline and routine matter when you become your own boss - The importance of mentorship and finding people you trust - How the right real estate team can provide support behind the scenes - Why changing brokerages doesn’t mean burning professional bridges - What REALTORS® really do behind the closing photos and SOLD signs - Why exceptional client service sometimes requires thinking outside the traditional job description - How authentic relationships can lead to referrals and long-term business - What Jess learned from traveling internationally for the first time - Why stepping outside your comfort zone can create unexpected opportunities - Creating a career that gives you more freedom for travel, community, and the things that matter to you Connect With Jess Spidle 🏡 Jess Spidle | Your HOMEgirl Your Best Life Real Estate Partners Connect With Not Your Average Neighbor 🎙️ Not Your Average Neighbor Podcast YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Instagram, & Facebook: Not your Average Neighbor Website: We’re building this neighborhood one amazing neighbor at a time. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, follow, share the episode, and leave Jess some love in the comments! 💗 #notyouraverageneighbor #notyouraverageneighborpodcast #jessspidle #yourhomegirl #iowarealtor #iowarealestate #cedarrapidsiowa #cedarrapidsrealestate #realestateagent #womeninrealestate #realtorlife #careerchange #betonyourself #communitymatters #podcast

  6. Aug 17

    She Made Iowa History—Now She Wants More Voices at the Table with Angel Ramirez

    What does it mean to make history—and then use your seat at the table to help others be heard? In Season 4, Episode 8 of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with Angel Ramirez, Iowa State Representative for House District 78 in Cedar Rapids and the first Latina ever elected to the Iowa State Legislature. Born in California and raised in Arizona, Angel came to Cedar Rapids as a first-generation college student at Coe College. What she didn't expect was to fall in love with Iowa and discover a community that would ultimately become home. Angel shares how her experiences in advocacy, community organizing, and working with young people inspired her to enter public service. She also talks about her work with Kids First Law Center, where she helps bring restorative justice and conflict-resolution practices into local schools. The conversation dives into Angel's journey from community advocate to elected representative, the significance of becoming Iowa's first Latina state legislator, and what she learned during her first term. Angel and Ann also discuss why representation matters, the importance of working-class voices in government, political fatigue among younger generations, and why voting is only the beginning of civic participation. One of Angel's biggest messages? Young people aren't just our future—they're our now. Whether you're deeply involved in politics or simply wondering if your voice can make a difference, this episode is a reminder that meaningful change starts when ordinary people choose to show up for their communities. In This Episode - How Angel found her home in Cedar Rapids - Her journey as a first-generation college student - Advocacy, community organizing, and public service - Restorative justice and conflict resolution in local schools - Why Agel decided to run for office - Becoming Iowa's first Latina state legislator - What she learned during her first term - Why working-class representation matters - Political fatigue versus political apathy - Why young voices belong at the table - The importance of voting and local elections - How people can become more involved in their communities About Angel Ramirez Angel Ramirez represents House District 78 in the Iowa House of Representatives and made history as the first Latina elected to the Iowa State Legislature. Her roots are in advocacy, relationship-building, and community organizing. She is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Our Future, a nonprofit fellowship program supporting emerging young public service leaders in Iowa. She also serves on the board of Advocates for Social Justice and works at Kids First Law Center as a Youth Peace Project Facilitator. Angel advocates for issues including civil rights protections, immigrant rights, public education, environmental justice, criminal justice reform, and affordability. Listen & Watch 🎥 Watch on YouTube or Spotify 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or Spotify If this conversation resonates with you, help our neighborhood grow by liking, following, sharing, and leaving a comment. And if you know a neighbor who's making a difference, we'd love to hear their story. #notyouraverageneighbor #nyanpodcast #angelramirez #cedarrapids #iowa #communityleadership #publicservice #representationmatters #youngvoters #civicengagement #communityorganizing #restorativejustice #womeninleadership #latinaleadership #goodneighbors

  7. Aug 10

    From Hawaii to Iowa: Food, Travel & Finding Community with Char Cahill

    From Hawaii to Iowa: Food, Travel & Finding Community with Char Cahill What happens when you trade island life in Hawaii for life in Iowa—and decide to embrace everything your new community has to offer? In Season 4, Episode 7 of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with her new friend Char Cahill, a tech professional, traveler, foodie, lifelong learner, and recent Iowa transplant whose curiosity has quickly taken her from coffee meetups to supper clubs, road trips, food festivals, and new friendships. And fittingly enough, Ann and Char's friendship started on TikTok. After Char posted looking for people in Iowa who wanted to meet, eat, and build community, the algorithm brought the two together. What started with a simple coffee meetup became a conversation about something much bigger: how food, travel, curiosity, and the willingness to say “yes” can bring people together. Char shares what it has been like moving from Hawaii to Iowa after her husband’s career brought them to the area. Despite how different the two places may seem, she discovered an unexpected similarity: a strong sense of family and community. They also dive into Char’s adventures as a self-proclaimed foodie—from road trips to Chicago and Minneapolis to discovering Cedar Rapids restaurants, joining the Cedar Rapids Supper Club, attending Iowa food festivals, and preparing for her first Iowa State Fair. But Char isn't only exploring Iowa. She talks about traveling to Cozumel for scuba diving and preparing for an upcoming trip to Croatia with a group of women she initially didn't know. By choosing to travel with a roommate and meet people who share her love of adventure, Char is intentionally stepping outside her comfort zone and creating new connections along the way. Ann and Char also talk about lifelong learning. Char works in tech and continues earning AWS certifications while diving deeper into DevOps and automation. Her philosophy is simple: sometimes you don't know how much there is to learn until you start learning. From travel and technology to sourdough, food, fitness, and making friends as an adult, this episode is a reminder that life gets a lot more interesting when we're willing to stay curious. In This Episode Ann and Char talk about: - Moving from Hawaii to Iowa and adjusting to landlocked life - The surprising similarities between Hawaiian and Iowa communities - How TikTok helped Char find new friends in Cedar Rapids - Why food can be such a powerful tool for human connection - Exploring Cedar Rapids through local restaurants and community events - Char’s experience with the Cedar Rapids Supper Club - Road-tripping to Chicago and Minneapolis for food and adventure - Scuba diving and exploring Cozumel - Saying yes to a group trip to Croatia without already knowing everyone - Getting outside your comfort zone and meeting new people as an adult - Char’s work in tech, AWS certifications, DevOps, and lifelong learning - Her growing interest in flour, grains, sourdough, and cooking from scratch - Discovering Iowa through food festivals - Experiencing the Iowa State Fair for the first time - Why community can sometimes begin with something as simple as sharing a meal A Reminder From This Episode You don't always have to wait for community to find you. Sometimes it starts by making the post, accepting the invitation, sitting down at the table, taking the trip, or simply saying yes to something that's a little outside your comfort zone. You never know who might become your next friend—or your next not-so-average neighbor. Connect with Char Follow Char on TikTok: @real.talk.wchar @nerdiichar About Not Your Average Neighbor Not Your Average Neighbor shares stories of resilience, inspiration, good news, community, and the people who remind us just how much good exists around us.

  8. Aug 3

    From Viral TikTok Creator to Real Estate Leader with Karina Jacobson

    🎙️ How an orange hat, a wooden spoon, and TikTok completely changed one woman's life. What started as funny videos during the early days of TikTok turned into a global community, over 152,000 followers, lifelong friendships, and eventually... meeting the man who would become her husband. In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann Roushar sits down with Karina Jacobson, better known online as Orange Hat Girl, to share the incredible story behind her unexpected internet fame. Karina opens up about: ✨ Becoming one of TikTok's early viral creators ✨ The hilarious origin of the "Spoon Army" ✨ Building an international online community during uncertain times ✨ Finding love through social media and moving to Iowa ✨ Growing from Keller Williams front desk receptionist to Director of Growth ✨ Why saying "yes" changed the trajectory of her career ✨ Her newest adventure becoming a licensed REALTOR® ✨ How she's helping new real estate agents succeed through mentorship Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, REALTOR®, or simply someone looking for inspiration to take your next leap, Karina's story proves that saying yes to unexpected opportunities can completely change your life. Connect with Karina Jacobson 📘 Facebook: http://facebook.com/orangehatgirlofficial 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@orange_hat_girl 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orange_hat_girl Listen to Not Your Average Neighbor 🎧 Spotify 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Amazon Music 📺 Subscribe for new episodes every Monday featuring inspiring people making a difference in their communities. About Not Your Average Neighbor Hosted by Ann Roushar, Not Your Average Neighbor celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Every episode shares stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, community, and the neighbors making the world a better place—one story at a time.

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About

Not Your Average Neighbor is a podcast that celebrates inspiring individuals and the incredible work they do in our communities. Hosted by Ann Roushar, each episode shines a light on stories of resilience, connection, and good news. Join us every Wednesday as we build a neighborhood that uplifts and inspires—one story at a time!

Information

  • Creator
    Ann Roushar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ann Roushar
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Neighbor

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