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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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6. It's More than a House - From Gaza to Growth: Hani Shafie's Vision for Building Community
01:01:39||Season 1, Ep. 6In this powerful episode of It's More Than a House, host Scott Engmann sits down with South Dakota Hall of Famer and Dream Design International founder, Hani Shafie. Born in Gaza and now a prominent developer and philanthropist in the Black Hills, Hani shares his extraordinary life journey—from shepherding goats in Palestine to spearheading transformative housing and infrastructure projects in South Dakota. With heartfelt stories of resilience, mentorship, and faith, Hani discusses the roots of his work ethic, his philosophy of service-first development, and the values that continue to guide Dream Design. The episode also explores his personal losses amid the Gaza conflict, his thoughts on peace, and his call for compassionate global leadership. It’s a deeply moving conversation about hope, hard work, and what it truly means to build community.5. It's More Than a House - Faith, Foundations, and Four Walls: How Catholicism Builds More Than Homes
44:16||Season 1, Ep. 5In 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.3. It's More than a House - Heart of the Northern Hills
33:50||Season 1, Ep. 3On 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.2. It's More Than a House - Education
44:01||Season 1, Ep. 2Welcome 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.
1. It's More Than a House with Senator Mike Rounds
44:36||Ep. 1"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"