In this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal continues her March Madness series with Jack Simpson, the 27-year-old Head Basketball Coach of Parkview High School. Don’t let his age fool you, Simpson has already seen and shaped more than most. From growing up on the court to leading a program of his own, he’s learned that coaching is about more than just basketball. It’s about trust, mentorship, and sometimes, pulling a player back from the edge. He shares the lessons he's learned from his own mentors, the high-pressure moments that define a season, and one story that proves just how much impact a coach can have on a life heading down the wrong path. This episode goes beyond wins and losses—it's about the moments that truly matter.

As The Real Deal Conversations continues its March Madness series, host Megan Deal sits down with Ozark Head Basketball Coach Jayme Donnelly to discuss coaching, leadership, and the bigger picture beyond the game. Donnelly shares how growing up in a family of teachers and coaches shaped his path, with his father’s experience as a college basketball scout providing early exposure to the game. He reflects on his playing career at Evangel University and his coaching journey through Kickapoo and Willard before taking the helm at Ozark. More than just X’s and O’s, Donnelly emphasizes service, humility, and relationship-building, incorporating community service into his team culture. He opens up about handling pressure, building player confidence, and helping athletes overcome the fear of failure—especially in the social media age. For basketball fans, aspiring coaches, and anyone passionate about leadership, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

As The Real Deal Conversations continues its March Madness series, host Megan Deal sits down with New Covenant Academy head coach Anthony Shavies to discuss his journey from playing at Missouri State to a decade of professional basketball in Europe—and how those experiences shape his coaching philosophy today. Shavies opens up about the importance of mentorship in coaching, especially after the heartbreaking loss of a former player to suicide. He shares how he balances winning with personal development, why youth basketball should focus on individual growth over win-loss records, and how he builds team culture rooted in character and resilience. He also dives into the challenges of managing playing time, keeping players confident, and ensuring transparency with parents through open practices. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about basketball, leadership, and the power of sports to shape young lives beyond the scoreboard!

With March Madness right around the corner, The Real Deal Conversations is kicking off a special series where host Megan Deal sits down with local basketball coaches to talk about leadership, team culture, and the lessons that go beyond the game. In this episode, Megan talks with Nixa High School Head Coach Brock Blansit, who reflects on his 28-year coaching career and how his passion for the game has only grown stronger. He shares how he builds positive relationships with players, mentors, and assistant coaches, the importance of making basketball fun while teaching life lessons, and also how his program embraces special needs children. He also opens up about handling pressure, balancing family life, and why his biggest goal is making sure every player (regardless of playing time) feels valued. Even if you're not a fan of basketball, this episode is full of wisdom, inspiration, and a powerful reminder that great leaders don’t just build winning teams, they shape lives.

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Josh Shipp—renowned youth advocate, bestselling author, and former foster kid with an incredible story. Featured by The New York Times, Good Morning America, and Oprah, Josh is known for his groundbreaking work with youth, including his A&E documentary series and bestselling book, The Grown-Up’s Guide to Teenage Humans. But despite his impressive résumé (including postgraduate studies at Harvard), he’s still happiest striking up conversations with strangers at Walmart. With humor and raw honesty, Josh shares how childhood trauma led him to push foster families away—until one refused to give up on him. He unpacks the psychology behind foster child behavior, the power of clear and consistent parenting, and how great teachers can turn struggles into strengths. He also offers invaluable advice for foster parents, educators, and former foster kids on healing, resilience, and why therapy is for everyone, not just the broken. This powerful conversation will leave you inspired to believe in second chances and the life-changing impact of just ONE caring adult.

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Grand Ole Opry veteran Darryl Mosley to talk about his journey from campfire performances at Loretta Lynn’s ranch to becoming an acclaimed storyteller through music. Mosley shares how his upbringing shaped his love for songwriting, his early days in the industry, and the tough decision to step back from touring to be present for his family. He also dives into his songwriting process, his influences, and how he blends gospel and everyday life into his music. Plus, he talks about his new book, A Life Well Lived, a devotional inspired by his songs. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about faith, family, and the power of storytelling in music!

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Sara Forhetz—our beloved co-host of ATO News—to discuss biblical leadership and spiritual growth. Megan and Sara share powerful lessons on how true leadership often begins in humility, using Moses’ journey from royalty to shepherd as an example of God’s preparation for greater purposes. They delve into the significance of ‘wilderness’ seasons in shaping leaders, while Sara reflects on moments from her 20-year career in secular workplaces where she found unexpected opportunities for ministry. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of Christ-centered leadership and the often-overlooked value of supporting roles, like Aaron’s role in Moses’ story. This inspiring conversation will encourage you to embrace both the challenges and opportunities in your own leadership journey. Listen now!

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, host Megan Deal sits down with Dr. Amit Jagtiani, a child and adolescent psychiatrist specializing in ADHD and autism. Together, they dive into thecomplexities of these neurodevelopmental conditions, exploring how they impact focus, emotions, and daily life. Dr. Amit shares his expertise on diagnosing and treating ADHD, affecting 10% of children in the U.S., as well as his personal experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD in India. The conversation also covers autism spectrum disorder, including its characteristics, diagnostic methods, and the challenges it poses in academics, relationships, and emotional well-being. Packed with practical strategies for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers, this episode offers valuable tools for supporting individuals with ADHD and autism. Don’t miss this insightful and empowering discussion!

On this episode of The Real Deal Conversations, Megan Deal speaks with Shawn Askinosie, a man who turned early-life trauma into a lifelong mission to help others. Shawn shares the heartbreaking story of losing his father at 14 and how that experience shaped his decision to co-found Lost and Found Grief Center, a nonprofit that has supported over 20,000 people. But the story doesn’t stop there. Shawn also opens up about his bold decision to leave a thriving law career to pursue a spiritual calling that led him to create a chocolate company with a purpose, Askinosie Chocolate. From embracing transparency in business to building schools and supporting communities around the world, Shawn’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, reinvention, and making a global impact. Tune in to hear an inspiring story of heartbreak, hope, and the power of purpose.