The Real Deal Conversations

Ever feel like the modern workplace treats you more like a cog in a machine than an actual person? This week, Megan sits down with speaker, author, and workplace culture advocate Tony Ary to talk about his new book, From Human Doings to Human Beings.

Tony challenges old-school corporate mentalities and makes the case for human-centered leadership across multi-generational teams. He breaks down the crucial difference between pushing people through external motivation versus inspiring them from within, why measuring outcomes beats tracking a 40-hour time clock, and why genuine empathy and honest apologies build stronger teams than rigid authority. Plus, he shares practical strategies like "silent meetings" to get real employee feedback and why asking creative, out-of-the-box questions in interviews tells you far more than a resume ever could. Whether you are managing a staff, volunteering, or simply leading within your home and community, this conversation is an inspiring guide on how to trade ego for lasting impact.

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What do you do when a persistent toddler stomachache turns out to be a parent’s worst nightmare? This week, Megan is joined by Nixa dad Kendal Dingus for a deeply moving conversation about faith, resilience, and walking his son Thatcher through childhood cancer.

Kendal walks us through the terrifying moment doctors discovered a five-inch tumor surrounding his 4-year-old’s aorta, leading to a diagnosis of stage four high-risk neuroblastoma and an immediate transfer to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He opens up about the toll of an 18-month treatment protocol during the height of COVID lockdowns, including tandem stem cell transplants, a 10-hour resection surgery, and emergency heart procedures. Kendal also shares how he and his wife, Lindsay, fought to keep their marriage united, protect the childhood of Thatcher's younger brother, and find joy and tacos in the middle of hospital rooms.

If you are walking through a medical crisis, carrying heavy grief, or simply need to be reminded of the power of community and unshakable hope, this episode will touch your heart.

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We often see head coaches on the sidelines under the Friday night lights, but what does it actually take to build a culture that survives public pressure, criticism, and constant change? This week, Megan is joined by Missouri State Football Head Coach Casey Woods for an authentic look at leadership, family, and what happens behind the title.

Coach Woods shares his journey from sleeping on a dorm mattress and maxing out a credit card as a volunteer coach to leading a Division I program. He unpacks why true leadership requires an authentic "low ego, high output" mindset, how to stay grounded when public praise or criticism tries to define you, and why success in your career means nothing if you're failing at home. Plus, he breaks down his vision for Missouri State as the "front porch" of Springfield and why sports still offer the ultimate training ground for overcoming adversity. Whether you're coaching a team, leading a business, or raising kids in a fast-paced world, this conversation will fire you up to love your team, embrace the reps, and never stop competing.

Get your tickets to the next home game now at missouristatebears.com/tickets 🏈

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Bringing a baby home is supposed to be pure bliss, but what happens when the overwhelming emotion isn't instant joy, but intense anxiety, anger, or feeling completely checked out? This week, Megan sits down with licensed perinatal mental health counselor Katie Gerwel from Healthy Roots Counseling in Republic, Missouri, to pull back the curtain on perinatal and postpartum mood disorders.

Katie and Megan get raw about the physical reality of the massive postpartum hormone crash, breaking down the difference between the common "baby blues" and clinical postpartum anxiety, depression, or psychosis. They share practical nervous system grounding tools, why relentless sleep protection is a medical necessity, and the critical role partners play in sharing the load. Plus, Katie addresses the silent struggle of paternal postpartum depression and why 1 in 10 men experience mood dips after a baby arrives. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this conversation removes the shame and reminds you that you are not broken—and you are never alone.

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Have you ever gone to the doctor feeling completely overwhelmed, moody, or exhausted, only to be told "your lab work looks normal" or "you're just getting older"? This week, Megan sits down with nurse practitioner Sara McCalley to get real about hormones, health advocacy, and why your symptoms aren't just "in your head."

Sara breaks down why perimenopause is starting as early as your 30s, the game-changing difference between blood and salivary hormone testing, and why progesterone deficiency is often the true culprit behind 2:00 AM waking and "wired but tired" exhaustion. From the biological connection between gut inflammation and brain fog to budget-friendly ways to support your thyroid, cortisol, and mental health, this episode is a complete masterclass in listening to your body. Grab your coffee and tune in to learn how to stop surviving and start feeling like yourself again!

​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

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Ever step into a major life change—like pregnancy, an empty nest, or retirement—expecting pure relaxation, only to find yourself feeling disoriented, anxious, or wondering who you even are anymore? This week, Megan sits down with her personal counselor, Dr. Chasity Arnold from Touchstone Counseling, to break down the psychological and physical realities of life transitions.

Dr. Arnold explains why changing what you do triggers a genuine grief process, why your brain resists rest when it's wired for productivity, and why confusion during transition isn't a crisis—it's just a period of "incubation." They cover practical mental tools, including the visual "stop sign" technique for racing thoughts, breaking big goals down to prevent the "freeze response," and why true habits actually take 90 days to settle into the brain. If you are struggling with the loss of a past role or trying to figure out your next chapter without measuring your worth by your output, this conversation is the permission slip you need to give yourself grace and let your brain catch up.

Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

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Ever feel like your inner critic is winning the daily battle in your head? 🧠 We all want to improve, but with 70,000 thoughts a day throwing curveballs at us, how do we actually stay on track? This week, Megan sits down with Nixa head football coach John Perry and his wife, Stephanie, to talk about what it really takes to never stop getting better.

John shares his game-changing strategy for filtering toxic thoughts, why true failure doesn't exist unless you quit, and how to shift your focus from personal success to deep significance. Plus, Stephanie joins in to share how they protect their connection and stay on the same team during life's busiest seasons. Grab your coffee and tune in to learn how to train your brain, silence the negative noise, and start winning your day! 🎧✨

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Leadership in today's divided world can feel like a total battlefield, and let's be honest—sometimes it's easier to just hide out from the critics. This week, Megan is joined by Drew Williams, the lead pastor at North Point Church, for a incredibly honest look at what it really takes to lead well when the heat is turned up.

Drew opens up about the massive challenge of stepping into giant leadership shoes, dealing with public criticism, and navigating conflict without losing your sanity. He introduces a beautiful picture of leadership: learning to develop the "thick skin of a camel" to survive the scorching heat of everyday problems, while keeping a soft, compassionate heart for the people you serve. If you're managing a team at work, volunteering, or just trying to keep the peace in your own community, this episode is a refreshing reminder that you don't have to choose between boundaries and kindness. Grab your coffee and tune in for some serious wisdom on how to lead with confidence, find true rest, and protect your peace through it all.

Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

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Ever look at your teens or twenty-somethings and feel a massive generational disconnect? We worry about their screen time, but the truth is, 83% of Gen Zers are practically begging for a mentor—yet hardly any of them have one. This week, Megan chats with Cam Stillings, a middle school youth director who is living proof of what happens when adults actually show up.

Cam flips the script on what mentorship looks like, proving it doesn’t take a fancy degree or a rigid weekly schedule. It’s as simple as inviting a kid along on a Target run, checking in when life gets messy, or being the one to say, "I see your potential, and I believe in you." If you've ever doubted whether your gray hairs and hard-earned wisdom still matter to the next generation, grab your coffee and listen to this episode. Cam reminds us that our kids don't need us to be perfect—they just need us to be available.

Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

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In this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Hannah Laxton, a licensed counselor from Wellspring in Republic, Missouri, to discuss the internal work required to maintain a healthy and resilient marriage. Hannah breaks down the staggering reality that roughly 80% of our thoughts are not true and explores how these false narratives can sabotage a relationship through assumptions and confirmation bias.

The conversation provides a roadmap for "self-brain surgery"—learning to identify and replace lies with truth. From navigating major trust betrayals and building accountability to the power of the "Rosenthal Effect" in seeing your spouse rise to your expectations, this episode is packed with biological and spiritual insights. Hannah also offers practical strategies for managing "mom mode," creating intimacy beyond the physical, and the vital importance of making up in front of your children.

​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsor, Ozark Veterinary Clinic!

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