Join us in building dreams. Because every family, every person, deserves a place to call home.
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Building Opportunity in the Age of AI with Todd Gagne
Technology is changing how we work, build businesses and think about the future, but what could that change mean for communities like the Black Hills?
In this episode of It’s More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with Todd Gagne, co-founder of Wildfire Labs, to explore entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and the opportunities emerging across South Dakota. Drawing from three decades in software and startups, Gagne shares lessons on building successful companies, developing strong leaders and creating a culture where failure can become an opportunity to learn. He also explains how Wildfire Labs is helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses while working to create technology jobs and keep talented people in the region.
The conversation also tackles the uncertainty surrounding AI, from its potential impact on jobs to concerns about where the technology could ultimately lead. While acknowledging those risks, Gagne offers an optimistic perspective on how AI can eliminate repetitive work, help businesses grow more efficiently and allow people to focus on the work where human connection matters most. Ultimately, the conversation comes back to something bigger than technology: people. Coachability, empathy, community, balance and a willingness to take risks may prove just as important to the future of the Black Hills as the technology itself.
Season 2 of It’s More Than a House explores abundance - the community, opportunity, generosity and purpose already around us — and how those resources can help build stronger lives and stronger communities.
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14 Sept 2026
Better Together with John Cass
What does it take to build a stronger community? United Way of the Black Hills Executive Director John Cass joins Scott Engman to talk about leadership, trust and the power of truly listening to one another. Drawing from decades of leadership experience and travels around the world, Cass explores why nonprofits must break down silos, embrace collaboration and invest in the next generation of leaders. From building trust through accountability to finding new ways to address the needs of working families across South Dakota, this conversation is a reminder that our greatest impact happens when we work together.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jul 2026
Building Bridges Through Compassion with John Ligtenberg
In Episode 2 of Season 2, Scott Engmann welcomes John Ligtenberg, Executive Director of Love INC of the Black Hills, for a thoughtful conversation about compassion, collaboration, and the power of relationships to transform lives. For more than 25 years, Littenberg has helped mobilize churches across the Black Hills to meet practical needs while addressing something even deeper: the broken relationships that often lie at the heart of poverty. Together, Scott and John explore why lasting change isn't created through handouts alone, but through dignity, personal responsibility, authentic community, and hope. The conversation dives into nonprofit collaboration, leadership, faith, healthy conflict, volunteerism, and what it means to love your neighbor in an increasingly divided world. Along the way, Littenberg shares lessons learned from decades of servant leadership, why mission always outweighs efficiency, and how churches can work together to strengthen communities without losing sight of their purpose. If Season 2 is about abundance, this episode reminds us that some of life's greatest riches are found in relationships built on trust, compassion, and service.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
15 Jun 2026
Choosing Abundance with General Jeff Marlette
Season 2 of More Than a House begins with a powerful conversation about abundance, service, leadership, and community. Host Scott Engman sits down with retired South Dakota National Guard General Jeff Marlette, who is currently seeking a seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 33.
Marlette shares lessons learned from his upbringing in rural South Dakota, the values instilled by his mother, his decades of military and public service, and how faith has guided him through some of life's most difficult challenges. The conversation explores leadership, education, public service, artificial intelligence, the future of South Dakota, and what it means to live a life focused on adding value to others.
As Season 2 launches its mini-series on abundance, this episode examines how courage, generosity, faith, and service create stronger communities and why building a thriving community requires more than just a house.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Dec 2025
Understanding the Modern Mortgage: A Deep Dive with Brady MacIver
Mortgage loan originator Brady MacIver discusses with host Scott Engman the challenges of the current housing market, including rising prices and interest rates, and offers strategies for prospective buyers in an interview.
17 Nov 2025
Aging Gracefully - Jessica Olson CEO of Stay Graceful Home Healthcare
CEO Jessica Olson discusses with host Scott Engman how healthcare access and in-home support allows people to age gracefully and maintain independence, highlighting the deep connection between housing and community in this interview.
14 Oct 2025
Making a Difference Every Day – from housekeeping to C-suite
CEO Paulette Davidson shares her journey from housekeeper to healthcare leader, discussing Monument Health's commitment to quality care and the future of healthcare in the Black Hills in an interview with Scott.
14 Sept 2025
Build Your Vision - Starting and Growing a Legacy Company
Host Scott interviews Jim Scull, founder of Scull Construction, about building a legacy company and shaping communities through impactful development.
14 Aug 2025
It's More than a House - Chaz Olson - Director South Dakota Housing
South Dakota Housing Director Chaz Olson discusses affordable housing initiatives with host Scott Engman, highlighting programs that build stronger communities.
14 Jul 2025
From Houseless to Hopeful: Dr. Valeria Big Eagle on Healing, Homeownership & Indigenous Empowerment
Dr. Valeria Big Eagle recounts her journey from houselessness to homeownership, emphasizing the impact of education, cultural identity, and safe housing on healing generational trauma in an interview with Scott Engmann.
14 Jun 2025
It's More than a House - From Gaza to Growth: Hani Shafie's Vision for Building Community
Host Scott Engmann interviews Hani Shafie, South Dakota Hall of Famer, who recounts his journey from Gaza to becoming a developer, emphasizing resilience, service, and community building through transformative housing projects.
14 May 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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
14 Apr 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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14 Mar 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.
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14 Feb 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.
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14 Jan 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"
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Who has been a guest on It's More Than a House!
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Brady MacIver
Jessica Olson
Paulette Davidson
Jim Scull
Chaz Olson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact It's More Than a House!
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about It's More Than a House!
Who hosts It's More Than a House!?
Scott Engman and Scott and Scott Engmann host the show. Published by Scott Engmann.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes monthly, based on its RSS feed.
Does It's More Than a House! take guests?
The show does not typically feature guests, based on episode analyses.
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