Living In The Ozarks

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with the B2Z Films crew — Bill Cover and Bryan Powers — along with Keith Putnam, a professional filmmaker who recently moved to the area from LA, and Tiffany Powers, Bryan's wife, to talk about making a complete short film in just 48 hours for SATO48, the Springfield and the Ozarks film festival. We cover how they run a creative team with no director and no ego, why music and sound effects are their biggest strength, and why they lean into Southwest Missouri instead of imitating Hollywood.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 Jeff Clinkenbeard and Jaw, co-founders of SATO48, Springfield's 48 Hour Film Challenge, to talk about building a 22-year nonprofit around supporting filmmakers instead of charging them. We cover their arms-length approach to judging and their stance on free speech and AI — and why it matters to the creative community across the Ozarks.This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series, focused on the people behind the work shaping our region.Follow Living in the Ozarks for more real conversations that matter.Follow for more — real stories, real Ozarks

In this episode of Living in the Ozarks, we sit down with Ben Tegeler, Executive Director of Ozark Greenways, to talk about what it takes to build a truly connected trail system across the Springfield region. We cover the major projects in motion — from the Chadwick Flyer and Fellows Lake loop to millions in newly funded corridors — and why Ben believes trails aren't a recreational amenity, but essential infrastructure for every demographic, every age, and every income level.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 Brian Hood, Springfield native, Army veteran, CIA contractor, and author, to talk about what it takes to keep living when life gets dark. We cover the identity crisis men face after leaving the military, the power of gratitude and the pause, and why checking on your brothers might be the most important thing you do this week — and why it matters deeply to men across the Ozarks and Southwest Missouri.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 Katrina and Alec Hagan, founders of Sensitively Sweet Bakery and The Safe Spoon Café, to talk about how a lupus and alpha gal diagnosis became the unlikely origin story of an allergen-free food business. We cover Katrina’s five-year health journey, how she taught herself to bake without gluten, dairy, eggs, or nuts, and how word-of-mouth from a Facebook group turned into a Farmers Market staple and eventually two brick-and-mortar locations serving the Springfield and Nixa areas.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 Lucas Walker, a Springfield-based business consultant with ten years in the field, to talk about what it actually takes to help small business owners grow. We cover why practical beats clever every time, how personal development and business success are inseparable, and what the Ozarks market taught Lucas about going national.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 Victor McNeary, owner of Vine and Vibes, to talk about his journey as an entrepreneur and his vision for a zero-proof event center in Springfield, Missouri. We cover community engagement, nonprofit collaboration, and how his space is creating opportunities for connection and growth across 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 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 onYouTube: @LivingInTheOzarksMOSpotify: 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/