Not Your Average Neighbor

About Not Your Average Neighbor

Not Your Average Neighbor is a podcast that celebrates inspiring individuals and the incredible work they do in our communities. Hosted by Ann Roushar, each episode shines a light on stories of resilience, connection, and good news. Join us every Wednesday as we build a neighborhood that uplifts and inspires—one story at a time!

Publisher

Ann Roushar

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Feb 2025

Latest episode

26 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

51 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   26 Oct 2026

   The Power of Showing Up: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference with Ann Roushar

   What does it really mean to make a difference in someone's life? Sometimes, all it takes is showing up.In this heartfelt solo episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, host Ann Roushar shares inspiring stories from Cedar Rapids and across Eastern Iowa that remind us of the extraordinary impact ordinary people can have on their communities.From neighbors standing together during difficult times to a fifth grader whose quick thinking helped save a life, Ann celebrates the everyday heroes who prove that kindness, courage, and compassion don't require a fancy title, a large bank account, or even much free time.This episode is a reminder that good people doing good things are all around us. Sometimes, we just need to pay attention.In This Episode- Standing Together: UAW Local 1024- The Power of Community Voices: Save Morgan Valley- Helping a Cedar Rapids Family Rebuild- One Small Act of Kindness in Marion- A Fifth Grader's Quick Thinking Saves a Life- A $20,000 Surprise on America's Funniest Home VideosKey Takeaways- Making a difference doesn't have to involve a grand gesture.- Community grows stronger when people show up for one another.- Speaking up and participating in local decisions matters.- Small acts of kindness can have an impact we may never fully realize.- You're never too young or too old to help someone in need.- Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is simply pay attention.Ann's Challenge to YouThis week, look for one opportunity to make somebody else's day better.Check in on a neighbor. Share a fundraiser. Offer a helping hand. Speak up when something matters.It doesn't have to be big. Just show up.Because good people doing good things are all around us, and sometimes, we get to be those good people.Connect With UsJoin the conversation on The Front Porch, the new official Facebook community and social media home of Not Your Average Neighbor.Share your own stories of kindness, celebrate the everyday heroes in your neighborhood, and help us shine a light on the good happening in our communities.Listen and watch: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon MusicNew episodes every Monday at 7 AM Central.#notyouraverageneighbor #thefrontporch #annroushar #thepowerofshowingup #smallactsofkindness #kindnessmatters #makeadifference #everydayheroes #communitymatters #cedarrapidsiowa #easterniowa #neighborshelpingneighbors #goodpeopledoinggoodthings #inspiringstories #iowapodcast

2. 

   19 Oct 2026

   Feeling Overwhelmed? These Conversations Are Worth Hearing

   Some conversations deserve another listen. In this episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann Roushar revisits four meaningful conversations from Seasons 1 through 4. Featuring Chris Taylor, Kyle Atkinson, Liz Burgin, and Stefanie Munsterman, this collection explores how we communicate, connect with others, care for ourselves, and recognize our worth beyond what we accomplish. From choosing kindness during disagreement to giving ourselves permission to rest, these conversations offer practical ideas and thoughtful reminders for navigating an often overwhelming world. In this episode, you’ll hear: Chris Taylor | Season 1: Why kindness matters when we disagree, how online interactions can bring out our worst impulses, and what it means to meet people where they are. Kyle Atkinson | Season 2: The power of clear language, simple storytelling, and showing up as yourself when building relationships and trust. Liz Burgin | Season 3: How engaging your senses can help you feel grounded, why self-care belongs in everyday life, and the importance of recognizing your limits. Stefanie Munsterman | Season 4: The pressure to be everything to everyone, the difference between functioning and feeling well, and why your worth extends beyond your productivity. A few reminders to take with you: You can be kind without agreeing. Your words matter. Self-care can be as basic as eating and sleeping. And you don’t have to earn your worth by constantly doing more. Listen to Season 5, Episode 4 on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Which conversation speaks to what you need right now? Share your takeaway in the comments, and send this episode to someone who could use the reminder. Follow Not Your Average Neighbor and The Front Porch for more conversations, guest highlights, and community stories. #notyouraverageneighbor #thefrontporch #annroushar #kindness #selfcare #selfworth #mentalhealth #authenticity #communication #humanconnection #personalgrowth #groundingtechniques #communityconversations #iowapodcast #cedarrapids

3. 

   12 Oct 2026

   The Front Porch: A New Chapter for Not Your Average Neighbor

   What happens when your podcast's social media page disappears? If you're Ann Roushar, you build a whole new front porch! In this spontaneous solo episode of Not Your Average Neighbor, Ann joins us from Arvada, Colorado, with an unexpected announcement, plenty of laughs, and stories from her latest family adventure. After the podcast's social media page was permanently removed, Ann shares her perspective on what happened and why she's not letting it stop her from highlighting good people doing good things. Instead, she's introducing The Front Porch, a new community space built around meaningful conversations, connection, and celebrating our neighbors. But that's just the beginning! Ann also takes us along on a Colorado family road trip, sharing hiking adventures, impressive thrift store finds, designer clothing bargains, and plans for a festive Christmas pop-up back home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. From unexpected challenges to discovering joy in the little things, this episode is a reminder that good stories deserve to be shared. In This Episode - A Big Podcast Announcement: Ann discusses the removal of the podcast's social media page and what comes next. - Introducing The Front Porch: A new space for community conversations, storytelling, and positive connections. - A Colorado Family Adventure: Celebrating her son's birthday with a road trip from Iowa to Colorado, hiking, concerts, and exploring Arvada. - Thrifting Adventures in Denver: Ann shares her favorite secondhand discoveries, including designer clothing and incredible bargain finds. - Merry Moosmas on Moose Drive: A sneak peek at Ann's upcoming Christmas-themed garage pop-up in Cedar Rapids. - Why Good News Matters: Ann reflects on the importance of sharing uplifting stories, listening to different perspectives, and celebrating everyday neighbors. Key Takeaways 1. Conversations matter, even when people disagree. Ann believes that featuring someone on her podcast doesn't mean endorsing every belief they hold. It's about listening, understanding, and getting to know the people in our communities. 2. Unexpected setbacks can lead to new beginnings. The loss of a social media page becomes an opportunity to introduce The Front Porch and strengthen the podcast's community connections. 3. Sometimes the best adventures are unplanned. From hiking in Colorado to finding designer pieces at thrift stores, Ann reminds us to embrace unexpected experiences and enjoy life's little surprises. 4. Good news deserves to go viral. At its heart, Not Your Average Neighbor is about highlighting people who make their communities better, one conversation at a time. Connect With Not Your Average Neighbor Pull up a chair and join the conversation! Follow The Front Porch, the podcast's new community page, as Ann continues sharing stories about good people doing good things. About Ann Roushar Ann Roushar is the host of Not Your Average Neighbor, a community-focused podcast celebrating the everyday people, local businesses, and extraordinary neighbors making a difference. With her signature humor, curiosity, and passion for meaningful conversations, Ann brings listeners stories that encourage connection, kindness, and a greater appreciation for the people around us. Because every neighbor has a story worth telling. #notyouraverageneighbor #annroushar #thefrontporch #podcast #iowapodcast #cedarrapids #cedarrapidsiowa #coloradoadventures #arvadacolorado #denverthrifting #thriftshopping #thriftstorefinds #communitystories #goodnewsmatters #solopodcast

Who has been a guest on Not Your Average Neighbor

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sarah Booz
• Summer Hudson
• Kyle Atkinson
• Fred Ebong
• Lexi Belle

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 42 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

71

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Not Your Average Neighbor

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Not Your Average Neighbor