The Real Deal Conversations

The Real Deal Conversations with Megan Deal shares real stories and meaningful conversations to encourage, inspire, and equip you for life's challenges—whether it’s mental health, relationships, work, or leadership.Through personal experiences and insightful discussions, Megan and her guests work to foster empathy, build connections, and remind you that you're not alone.New episodes drop every Tuesday wherever you get your podcasts or at aroundtheozarks.com!

The Real Deal Conversations is a business podcast hosted by Mid-West Family Marketing, with 59 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Mid-West Family Marketing hosts The Real Deal Conversations, a business show with 59 episodes published.

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  The Real Deal Conversations

  Tony Ary: Why Traditional Workplace Leadership Is Broken

  Sep 30, 202644 min

  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. CLICK HERE to ENTER TO WIN a copy of  From Human Doings to Human Beings !  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  The Real Deal Conversations

  Katie Gerwel: Breaking the Silence and Shame of Postpartum Mood Disorders

  Aug 19, 202652 min

  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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  The Real Deal Conversations

  Sara McCalley: You're Not Crazy... Your Hormones Are.

  Aug 5, 20261h 2m

  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 ! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  The Real Deal Conversations

  Dr. Chasity Arnold: Understanding How to Navigate Life’s Big Shifts

  Jul 22, 202650 min

  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! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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  The Real Deal Conversations

  John Perry: Changing Your Relationship with Failure and Hardship

  Jul 8, 20261h 14m

  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! 🎧✨ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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