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. 6d ago

    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.

  2. 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

  3. Jul 13

    How to Built a 1 Million-Follower Brand Teaching People How to Host with Megan Ruffles

    Welcome back to Not Your Average Neighbor!This week, Ann Roushar sits down with Megan Ruffles, founder of The Chic(ish) Chick and creator of a thriving lifestyle brand with more than 1 million followers across social media.Known for her popular "Hostess Bootcamp" series, Megan has helped thousands of people discover that hosting doesn't have to be intimidating, expensive, or perfect. Through practical tips, humor, and relatable advice, she makes entertaining accessible for everyone.In this episode, Megan shares:• How she grew The Chic(ish) Chick into a million-follower brand• Her journey from blogging and fashion content to hosting and entertaining• The story behind her viral tablescapes and charcuterie creations• What she learned from appearing on Good Morning America and The Drew Barrymore Show• Why perfection is the biggest mistake hosts make• Easy ways to create memorable experiences for guests• Hosting hacks that instantly elevate any gathering• How she transitioned from a traditional career to full-time content creation• Her favorite entertaining tools and hosting essentialsWhether you're planning a holiday gathering, a casual brunch, or simply want to become a more confident host, this episode is packed with practical ideas and inspiration.Connect with Megan Ruffles:Website:https://thechicishchick.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechicishchickTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechicishchickFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/thechicishchickPinterest:https://www.pinterest.com/thechicishchickYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@thechicishchickGet Megan's Hosting E-Book:The Chic(ish) Hostess Holiday Edithttps://thechicishchick.myflodesk.com/jeumui6sftAbout Megan:Megan Ruffles is the creator behind The Chic(ish) Chick lifestyle brand. With a social media audience of more than one million followers, she is known for helping people create meaningful experiences through hosting, entertaining, recipes, tablescapes, grazing boards, and DIY projects. Her approachable style and practical advice have led to appearances on Good Morning America, The Drew Barrymore Show, Quad Cities Live, Hello Iowa, and more.Follow Not Your Average Neighbor:Hosted by Ann RousharSubscribe for more conversations featuring inspiring neighbors, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and local stories.

  4. Jul 6

    Financial Literacy, Home Loans & Giving Back with Stephanie Schumacher

    In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Anne sits down with Stephanie Schumacher, a mortgage industry leader who has spent more than 20 years helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals throughout Eastern Iowa. Stephanie began her career at Hills Bank with no prior banking experience and worked her way into mortgage lending, where she discovered her passion for helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Today, she leads the Hills Bank mortgage department, continuing her commitment to making homeownership more accessible and helping her team provide exceptional service to homebuyers across the region. Anne and Stephanie discuss the realities of the mortgage process, common misconceptions about lending, and the importance of financial education for first-time and experienced homebuyers alike. They also explore the role community banks play in strengthening local communities and why building strong relationships matters throughout the home-buying journey. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Stephanie is a dedicated community advocate who has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity since 2011. As Chair of the Real Estate Community Committee, she helps raise awareness and funding to support affordable housing initiatives throughout Linn and Benton Counties. The conversation also highlights two exciting Habitat for Humanity fundraising events—Bags for a Build and the Recycle Gala—and the incredible impact these programs have on local families working toward sustainable homeownership. About Stephanie Schumacher Professionally, Stephanie has been helping people in the local community buy homes for over 20 years while working at Hills Bank. Today, she leads their mortgage department, continuing that commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals throughout Eastern Iowa. Topics Discussed • Stephanie's journey into mortgage lending• What lenders wish every homebuyer knew• Common mortgage misconceptions• Financial literacy and homeownership readiness• The value of community banking• Hills Bank's Lemon Boss youth entrepreneurship program• Habitat for Humanity's path to affordable homeownership• Volunteerism and community impact• Bags for a Build fundraiser• The Recycle Gala fashion show fundraiser• Building stronger communities through housing Resources & Links • Hills Bank Mortgage Resources: ⁠⁠www.hillsbank.com/mortgage⁠⁠ • Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity: ⁠⁠https://www.cvhabitat.org/⁠⁠ Connect with Anne🎙️ Not Your Average Neighbor Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a neighbor who loves hearing stories about the people making a difference in our communities.

  5. Jun 29

    Comedy, Consistecy, and Community with Josh Staley

    Season 4 kicks off with plenty of laughs as Ann Roushar sits down with Cedar Rapids comedian and show producer Josh Staley. For more than a decade, Josh has been performing stand-up comedy throughout Iowa while helping create opportunities for local and regional comedians. As the producer behind the Laugh Local series, he's become a driving force in building and supporting the area's growing comedy community. In this episode, Josh shares how he got his start in stand-up comedy, why open mic nights remain essential for aspiring performers, and what it's really like to step on stage in front of a room full of strangers. He also discusses comedy writing, dealing with failure, finding your voice, and the importance of community in creative careers. The conversation explores: How Josh began performing stand-up comedy in his 30sThe evolution of the Cedar Rapids comedy sceneWhy bombing on stage is an important part of growthThe realities of comedy writing and joke developmentCommon misconceptions about stand-up comediansThe value of local comedy communities and open micsWhy it's never too late to pursue a passionUpcoming comedy events and opportunities for new performers Whether you're a comedy fan, creative entrepreneur, aspiring performer, or someone considering a new chapter later in life, this episode offers insight, humour, and encouragement to take the next step toward your goals. Josh Staley is a stand-up comedian and show producer based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For over 11 years, he has performed throughout the region while helping build opportunities for local comedians. He actively produces the Laugh Local series and is passionate about creating spaces where comedians can develop their craft and connect with audiences. Follow Josh Staley Comedy on FacebookAttend local open mic nights in Cedar RapidsCheck out upcoming Laugh Local events and comedy showcasesIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a neighbour who loves comedy, creativity, and great conversations. 💗

  6. May 25

    The Business Idea That Started With a Parking Problem with Briana Mills

    In this bonus episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Anne sits down with entrepreneur, business leader, and community builder Briana Mills for a conversation about innovation, leadership, and creating businesses rooted in real-life needs.Briana shares the story behind Flight Ready Parking — Iowa’s first indoor off-site airport parking service — and how a personal travel frustration turned into a scalable business opportunity. From protecting travelers from Iowa weather to improving the overall airport experience, Briana explains why “care scales” in business and how customer experience drives everything she builds.The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship, balancing corporate leadership with startup life, women supporting women, Siren Wednesdays, and the impact of community-driven networking in Cedar Rapids. Briana also opens up about risk-taking, forecasting for small businesses, and why scalable ideas matter.If you’re an entrepreneur, community builder, or someone looking for inspiration to pursue your next big idea, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement.In This Episode:- How Flight Ready Parking was created- The entrepreneurial mindset vs. corporate structure- Why customer experience matters- Women supporting women in business- Siren Wednesdays and community networking- Scaling a business the smart way- Innovation in Cedar Rapids and Eastern Iowa- The power of solving real-life problems- Connect with Flight Ready Parking📍 Serving travelers flying out of Cedar Rapids Airport🌐 FlightReadyParking.com🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.#notyouraverageneighbor #podcast #brianamills #flightreadyparking #cedarrapids #iowabusiness #womeninbusiness #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #community #airportparking #businesspodcast #leadership #innovation #supportlocal #cedarrapidsiowa

  7. May 18

    Inside the Viral Rainbow Road Project Transforming Cedar Rapids with Eric Gutschmidt

    In this inspiring episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with local real estate developer and community visionary Eric Gutschmidt to talk about the project that has everyone in Cedar Rapids talking — Rainbow Road. Eric shares how he transformed neglected homes into vibrant, colorful spaces designed to bring people together and spark community pride. From bold paint choices to permaculture landscaping and intentional neighborhood design, this conversation dives deep into the power of creativity, revitalization, and seeing potential where others see problems. The episode also explores: How the 2008 flood and housing crisis shaped Eric’s real estate journeyThe inspiration behind the iconic Rainbow HouseWhy color and design can influence community connectionThe vision behind Rainbow Road and pocket neighborhood livingSustainable landscaping and permaculture practicesEric’s travels to 70 countries and how global experiences changed his perspectiveWhy Cedar Rapids is an underrated city full of opportunity for creatives and entrepreneursThis episode is packed with inspiration, community pride, and a reminder that one bold idea really can make a difference. ✨ Whether you love real estate, community development, travel, creativity, or simply hearing stories from people making an impact — this episode is for you. 🎧 Tune in now and meet your newest “Not Your Average Neighbor,” Eric Gutschmidt.

  8. May 11

    Grief, Healing & Creating Meaningful Celebrations of Life with Amy Heart

    In this heartfelt and deeply meaningful episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann sits down with certified celebrant and funeral director Amy Heart from Murdoch Funeral Homes to talk about grief, healing, funeral planning, and the importance of community support during life’s hardest moments. Amy shares her personal journey into funeral service, what it means to help families celebrate life in deeply personalized ways, and why modern funerals are evolving far beyond tradition. Together, Ann and Amy explore the emotional realities of grief, how to better support grieving loved ones, and why planning ahead can be one of the greatest gifts you leave behind for your family. They also discuss Amy’s community grief program “Journeys,” which creates safe and welcoming spaces for people navigating loss through workshops, social connection, mindfulness, yoga, journaling, and more. This episode is honest, compassionate, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone who has experienced loss — which, ultimately, is all of us. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why grief has no timeline or “correct” process - How funerals and celebrations of life are changing - The importance of personalized remembrance - Practical ways to support grieving friends and family - Why pre-planning can ease stress for loved ones - How community connection helps people heal ⏱️ Episode Highlights - Amy Heart’s journey into funeral service - What it means to be a certified celebrant - The evolution of modern funeral traditions - Inside the “Journeys” grief support program - Real conversations about loss and remembrance - Why small acts of kindness matter during grief

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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
    40
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ann Roushar
  • Show Website
    Not Your Average Neighbor

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