Living In The Ozarks

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Rod Smith, founder of Ozarks Life, to talk about building a brand rooted in identity and place. We cover the journey from idea to execution, overcoming fear, and what it takes to finally bring something to life.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Bruce Adib-Yazdi, architect, developer, and Springfield city council member, to talk about the future of development in the Ozarks. We cover housing challenges, zoning changes, and what it takes to grow a city the right way.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Steve Belden, Operating Partner at AMP Recreation LLC, and Gabby Kuehnel, Events Manager at the Sunshine Event Center, to talk about building a food, beverage, and entertainment hub in Springfield, Missouri. We cover hospitality leadership, event experiences, and the vision behind creating a destination district in the Ozarks.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Hunter Bartelt, Director of Operations at the Discovery Center in Springfield, Missouri, to talk about STEM education, workforce development, and hands-on learning for kids. We cover early exposure to the skilled trades, new interactive exhibits, and how local initiatives are helping shape future career paths in the Ozarks.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, host Duston Farrell sits down with Sigi Hill of CSSI Services to explore how cost segregation works and how it can help commercial property owners reduce tax liability through accelerated depreciation. Sigi explains the engineering-based approach behind cost segregation studies and why this strategy can create significant financial advantages for investors and building owners.

The conversation also dives into Sigi’s personal journey from growing up in Germany to building a career in business consulting in the United States. Along the way, she shares insights on entrepreneurship, real estate investing, tax strategy, and the lessons she has learned working with thousands of commercial property owners.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series — conversations focused on the people, businesses, and stories that make the Ozarks a unique place to live and build a business. 

Watch the full episode on

YouTube: @LivingInTheOzarksMO

Spotify: Living in the Ozarks

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Jodie Hieber of The Yellow Door, a classical acupuncture and herbal medicine practice in Springfield, Missouri. We talk about what acupuncture actually is, why she focuses on treating the whole person rather than just symptoms, and how her clinic is using auricular therapy (SAT) to help people dealing with allergies — including alpha-gal.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Ken Childers, Director of Outreach for the Ozarks Film Foundry and the Southwest Missouri Film Office, to talk about building a real film industry in Springfield and the Ozarks of Southwest Missouri. We discuss film production, regional economic impact, and why local storytelling and creative infrastructure matter for the future of our region.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping the Ozarks.

Anjanette Labellarte, Executive Director of Hospice Foundation for Outreach, joins us to talk about what hospice really is, the difference between hospice and palliative care, and why families often wait too long to have critical end-of-life conversations. We discuss the caregiver crisis in Missouri, frontline medical education, and how preparation can bring clarity, dignity, and even hope during life’s hardest seasons.

This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, sharing real stories and meaningful conversations from people shaping life in the Ozarks and beyond.

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Chris Phillips, owner of Easy Clean Outs, to talk about building a service business grounded in quality, legal compliance, and community impact. The discussion covers handling complex cleanouts, working with local nonprofits, and why doing the job the right way matters to people and communities across the Ozarks.

This conversation is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.

In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Alger, owner of Alger Studio, to talk about fine art photography, oil paintings from photographs, and creating physical artwork that lasts in a digital-first world.

Joshua shares how Alger Studio blends mobile, on-location portrait photography—often in natural Ozarks settings—with hand-painted oil portraits designed to become heirloom pieces. We discuss his artistic journey, early influences, mentorship, craftsmanship, and why his studio prioritizes intentional, full-length portraiture over event photography or digital-only products.

The conversation also explores balancing creativity and business, the role of discipline and mentorship, personal growth through parenting, and the importance of continuing to learn and improve as an artist.

This episode is for anyone interested in fine art photography, oil paintings from photographs, portrait artists, or building meaningful creative work with long-term value.

Learn more about Alger Studio:

https://www.algerstudio.com/