It's More Than a House!

By Scott Engmann

Join us in building dreams. Because every family, every person, deserves a place to call home.

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FAQs about It's More Than a House!:

How many episodes does It's More Than a House! have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.

It's More Than a House! episodes:

September 14, 2025 Build Your Vision - Starting and Growing a Legacy Company
In today’s episode, Scott sits down with Jim Scull, founder of Scull Construction—a name synonymous with growth, craftsmanship, and community impact in Rapid City and across the region. From schools to hospitals to major infrastructure, Jim and his team have helped shape the physical and economic landscape of western South Dakota. In this conversation, they explore what it takes to build more than just buildings, the challenges facing the construction industry today, and Jim’s personal journey as a leader and visionary. If you’re passionate about development, community, or the people who build our world—this one’s for you. Let’s dive in!
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1h 2min
August 14, 2025 It's More than a House - Chaz Olson - Director South Dakota Housing
This episode of It’s More Than a House features South Dakota Housing Director Chaz Olson in conversation with host Scott Engman. They discuss the agency’s mission to create affordable housing opportunities through programs ranging from first-time homebuyer assistance and down payment grants to financing for developers and special initiatives like the Governor’s House Program, where incarcerated individuals build affordable homes while learning trades. Olson outlines major efforts such as the $200 million Housing Infrastructure Program, the flexible Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF), and the innovative Grants for Grads program, which helps recent graduates purchase homes in South Dakota. The conversation also explores housing affordability challenges, growth trends, and the importance of housing in building strong communities.
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45min
July 14, 2025 From Houseless to Hopeful: Dr. Valeria Big Eagle on Healing, Homeownership & Indigenous Empowerment
In this moving and insightful episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with Dr. Valeriah Big Eagle—Habitat homeowner, Bush Fellow, and community leader—to explore the journey from houselessness to homeownership and the transformative power of education, culture, and safe housing. Dr. Big Eagle shares her story of growing up on the Yankton Sioux Reservation, becoming the first in her family to attend college, and how her Habitat home in Rapid City helped lay the foundation for healing generational trauma.
Together, they discuss the unique housing challenges facing Indigenous communities, the importance of cultural identity in education, and the decolonizing work of organizations like Habitat for Humanity and NDN Collective. Dr. Big Eagle also offers powerful reflections on running for city council, embracing abundance while honoring traditional generosity, and finding strength through prayer and purpose.
This episode is a call to listen, learn, and build a more inclusive community—because as always, it’s more than a house.
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40min
June 14, 2025 It's More than a House - From Gaza to Growth: Hani Shafai's Vision for Building Community
In this powerful episode of It's More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with South Dakota Hall of Famer and Dream Design International founder, Hani Shafai. Born in Gaza and now a prominent developer and philanthropist in the Black Hills, Hani shares his extraordinary life journey—from shepherding goats in Palestine to spearheading transformative housing and infrastructure projects in South Dakota. With heartfelt stories of resilience, mentorship, and faith, Hani discusses the roots of his work ethic, his philosophy of service-first development, and the values that continue to guide Dream Design. The episode also explores his personal losses amid the Gaza conflict, his thoughts on peace, and his call for compassionate global leadership. It’s a deeply moving conversation about hope, hard work, and what it truly means to build community.
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1h 2min
May 14, 2025 It's More Than a House - Faith, Foundations, and Four Walls: How Catholicism Builds More Than Homes
In this inspiring episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engman sits down with Father Brian P. Christensen of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. Together, they explore the spiritual and tangible connections between faith, community, and housing. Father Brian shares his journey from Air Force pilot to priest, the importance of home in both his upbringing and theology, and how the Catholic Church is partnering with Habitat for Humanity through the ambitious "Catholics Building on Faith" initiative—an effort to build four new homes for families in need. The conversation dives deep into Catholic theology’s emphasis on home as sacred space, the modern crisis of housing scarcity, and how acts of generosity and community engagement mirror God’s abundant love. It's a moving dialogue about turning belief into action—hammer and nail included.
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45min
April 14, 2025 It's More Than a House - Dusty Johnson on Home, Policy, and Purpose
In this insightful episode of It’s More Than A House, host Scott Engman sits down with U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson for a wide-ranging conversation on the evolving housing landscape in America. From the rising cost of rent and homeownership to regulatory burdens and the future of infrastructure in western South Dakota, Representative Johnson offers candid reflections grounded in both personal experience and national policy.
They explore how his humble beginnings in Pierre shaped his values, the importance of servant leadership in uncertain times, and what it truly takes to build resilient communities—locally and globally. Johnson also opens up about soft power diplomacy, national security concerns around the Panama Canal, and the future of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the B-21 program.

Whether you’re a homeowner, policymaker, or someone passionate about the future of affordable housing, this episode delivers thoughtful conversation and grounded optimism about the challenges—and opportunities—ahead.

Presented by Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity and The HomeSlice Group. Sponsored by Tom Berger at Farm Bureau Financial Services and Courtesy Subaru of Rapid City.
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46min
March 14, 2025 It's More than a House - Heart of the Northern Hills
On this episode Scott sits down with Spearfish SD Mayor Senden - they dive into the crucial role of local government and the impact they have on our communities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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34min
February 14, 2025 It's More Than a House - Education
Welcome back to It's More than a House Podcast! In today’s episode, Scott explores the fascinating connection between education and housing with two incredible guests: Diana Newman, Director of Admissions at Western Dakota Tech, and John Geiman, Program Director for Computer Science. Together, they discuss how education shapes the housing market—both as a fundamental need and as a stepping stone to achieving long-term goals. Whether you're a student, a homeowner, or someone navigating both worlds, this episode offers insights into how these two essential pillars intertwine.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45min
January 14, 2025 It's More Than a House with Senator Mike Rounds
"Welcome to the first episode of "It's More Than a House!" In this episode, Scott sits down with Senator Mike Rounds. Together, they' wil unpack how federal policies influence housing right here in our local neighborhoods and explore the plans Senator Rounds has for the future.

Whether you’re a homeowner, a renter, or just curious about how government decisions shape the places we live, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss"
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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45min

FAQs about It's More Than a House!:

How many episodes does It's More Than a House! have?

The podcast currently has 9 episodes available.