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. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Jul 27

    Finding the Spark: Rest, Reset, and Reignite with Stefanie Munsterman

    Everyone experiences seasons of stress, but what happens when overwhelm becomes your normal? In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann Roushar sits down with Stefanie Munsterman, founder of The Spark Movement, to explore burnout, boundaries, ADHD, executive function challenges, and why so many people feel responsible for carrying everyone else's burdens. With more than 15 years of experience in civil and human rights, higher education, conflict resolution, organizational leadership, and community advocacy, Stefanie has dedicated her career to helping people navigate life's toughest challenges while rediscovering their own worth. Together, Ann and Stefanie discuss what it means to live beyond achievement, why self-compassion is essential, and practical ways to create healthier boundaries without guilt. Whether you're feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or simply looking for ways to reconnect with yourself, this conversation offers encouragement, practical insights, and hope. In This Episode - Why burnout has become so common - The warning signs you're carrying too much - Healthy boundaries without feeling guilty - ADHD and executive-function challenges - The importance of self-worth beyond productivity - Mindfulness practices that reduce overwhelm - Learning to give yourself compassion - Why your value isn't defined by what you accomplish - Creating lasting personal transformation - Finding your spark again About Stefanie Munsterman Stefanie Munsterman is a civil and human rights leader, educator, facilitator, and founder of The Spark Movement. She brings more than 15 years of experience in civil and human rights, higher education, conflict resolution, organizational change, and community advocacy. Stefanie holds both a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Strategic Leadership, teaches in graduate business and leadership programs, and has received numerous awards recognizing her humanitarian service, advocacy, and leadership. Through The Spark Movement, she helps individuals overcome burnout, overwhelm, ADHD and executive-function challenges, people-pleasing, and difficulty setting boundaries through coaching, workshops, keynote speaking, and mindfulness-based practices. Connect with Stefanie Munsterman 🌐 https://spark-movement.com Instagram: @sparkfortransformation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparkfortransformation LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-movement Listen & Subscribe to Not Your Average Neighbor 🎧 Listen on your favourite podcast platform: • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Amazon Music Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with neighbours making an impact in their communities and beyond.

  8. Jul 20

    From Teacher to Stand-Up Comic: Unexpected Second Career with Mindy Kruckenberg

    What happens when a high school Spanish teacher retires after 33 years... and discovers a passion for stand-up comedy? In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with Cedar Rapids comedian Mindy Kruckenberg to talk about her journey from the classroom to the comedy stage. Mindy shares how teaching teenagers unexpectedly became the perfect training ground for comedy, why she fell in love with performing, and what it's like building a career in Iowa's growing comedy community. The conversation dives into: - Why Mindy started stand-up comedy after retirement - Funny (and true!) stories from 33 years as a teacher - What it's really like performing at open mics - Iowa's local comedy scene - Why laughter truly is the best medicine - Finding purpose in a second career - The importance of community, creativity, and taking chances Whether you're thinking about reinventing yourself, love stand-up comedy, or simply enjoy hearing inspiring stories from extraordinary neighbors, this episode will leave you laughing—and maybe even encourage you to chase something new yourself. 👋 Neighbor Shoutout This week's Neighbor Shoutout goes to Chris Taylor, a longtime supporter of the podcast and someone who has been a tremendous champion for Ann both personally and professionally. Watch Chris's featured episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7Xem15Yyvg&t=4s Thank you, Chris, for continuing to support the mission of celebrating incredible neighbors. Connect with Mindy Instagram: @ms.kruckenberg Subscribe for new episodes every Monday featuring incredible neighbors making an impact in their communities. #NotYourAverageNeighbor #Podcast #StandUpComedy #MindyKruckenberg #ComedyPodcast #TeacherLife #WomenInComedy #IowaComedy #CedarRapids #CommunityStories #SecondCareer #DontTellComedy #AnnRoushar #ComedyInterview #FunnyStories

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ann Roushar
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Neighbor

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