Not Your Average Neighbor

Ann Roushar

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. 12H AGO

    From Iowa to Washington on a Cross-Country RV Adventure

    In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Rochar welcomes back one of her favorite guests, Skyler Slifka, for an honest and entertaining conversation about adventure, family, and finding your place in the world.After selling their home in Iowa, Skyler and her family packed up a fifth-wheel camper and spent nearly a year traveling across the United States before ultimately settling in Washington State. She shares what it was really like to road-school her kids, live in an RV, explore national parks, and build a new life in the Pacific Northwest.The conversation also dives into personal growth, trusting your instincts while traveling, and the unexpected life lessons that come from stepping outside your comfort zone. And of course, no visit from Skyler would be complete without some lively Bravo TV commentary.Key Topics & Highlights🚐 Life on the Road -Skyler and her family sold their Iowa home and set out on a cross-country RV journey. -They traveled primarily across western states including Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Arizona, Michigan, and South Dakota. -The trip lasted close to a year and included homeschooling the kids while traveling. -Skyler recommends doing a trial run trip before committing to full-time RV travel to make sure the lifestyle works for your family.🌲 Why Washington Became Home -After exploring the country, the family settled in the Seattle / Lacey, Washington area. -Skyler now works at a State Farm agency in Olympia and continues to embrace the outdoor lifestyle. -She regularly explores the region’s mountains, waterfalls, and state parks. -The family has built a new community with activities and leadership opportunities for their children.Follow Skyler on all socials  @skylerthecreative !

    56 min
  2. Creativity, Community & Authentic Living – with Sarah Booz

    08/13/2025

    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!

    41 min
  3. Finding a Lot to Love in Real Estate with Summer Hudson

    08/06/2025

    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 Follow her on all platforms at @findalottoloveWebsite: findalottolove.comTikTok | Instagram | YouTube

    58 min
  4. Coaching the Next Generation of Real Estate Leaders with Kyle Atkinson

    07/30/2025

    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!

    57 min
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!