Change of direction for talk show host

A new year often brings about big changes. That is certainly true for one local media professional. This is a year of change for Carrie Anne Mitchell. "At the end of December 2025, after much thought and prayer, God told me that it was time for me to close one chapter and to start a new one, fully led by His example," Mitchell shared. "It was time to finally let go -- of 12 years, of what was no longer making me happy -- and to start listening more to God's voice and truly letting God have his way in every single area, detail and aspect of my life. I'd somehow lost sight of that somewhere along the way, the past 12 years. God was calling on me to come back to Him, to truly, outwardly live my faith, and to finally let go of the many stresses of running a business that had often caused me to forget about who I needed to be in God."

After a decade of owning and operating The Best Bets of Branson Media LLC and hosting the Best Bets of Branson Talk Show, Mitchell is moving in a new direction. She has created a new podcast, "Chats with Carrie Anne."

"It is an unsponsored, honest, fun and simply relaxed, new, local, faith-based podcast, sharing not only who I am, as a writer, avid reader, foodie, shopper and rededicated Christian, but also sharing favorite things that I really love about living life in the Hollister/Branson area, as a single, 55-year-old, long-time resident and hometown tourist," Mitchell explained. "During my podcast, there will be many invited guests and good friends occasionally making an appearance this year, sharing not only what they, too, love about living in Branson and the Ozarks but will be asked, too, to share about the importance of their faith in Christ and in God."

Mitchell continued, "There will be many unforgettable testimonies, fun live music moments, and some fun adventures shared, and heartfelt blessings along the way to help brighten lives and change lost hearts. In this new podcast, I want people to see my deep love for God, Christ and the Ozarks, and maybe, along the way, I sincerely hope and pray that more people will become bolder and more inspired in sharing of their faith, as well as seeing the Ozarks shared in a simply relaxed, more heartfelt and inspired way."

"Chats with Carrie Anne" can be seen on Facebook, Instagram, X and Threads at various times and days of the week as well as weekends.

In addition to the new podcast, Mitchell is once again pursuing a writing career. Along with her planned faith-based, inspirational or nostalgic pieces on Facebook, Carrie Anne is currently working on two books.

"One is a children's faith-based Christmas story I had written back in December of 2014, that I am seeking publishing for," said Mitchell. "It's called 'A Woodland Animal Christmas' and is about a group of woodland animals who live in a forest. One day, they welcome a lonely female cardinal that has come to make a home in their forest. Excited about her arrival and, while making a new friend, the animals learn the importance of giving the gifts of love and friendship and how much they can make a difference in a life, as well as in healing a lonely heart."

Mitchell's second book is entitled "My Ozarks Legacy and Stories." Inspired by her parents, the book shares Mitchell family's Ozarks heritage and history and the importance of leaving a legacy of stories worth remembering and passing on to future generations.

When not busy with her new podcast or her writing, Mitchell enjoys spending time with her family and friends at her parents' vacation home, where she resides. Other favorite activities include seeing her family's favorite music show, the Baldknobbers, shopping for bargains online or at area book stores, retail stores or resale shops, watching movies, taking walks, spending time with her new cat, and enjoying sugar-free lattes and conversation at Vintage Paris in Hollister.

"I am also focusing on attending church more, sharing my testimony as a local, Ozarks, faith-based speaker, and having more prayer, Bible and devotion time," noted Mitchell. "Also, concentrating on eating more diabetic-friendly, staying healthy and becoming more involved regarding both the Hollister and Branson communities."

"I will always be glad for having had 12 years doing The Best Bets of Branson Media LLC and The Best Bets of Branson Live Talk Show," Mitchell added. "Creating my own niche led to so many wonderful memories, people, opportunities and experiences that I will most certainly never forget. However, I am very excited about what all God has yet in store for me in 2026, on top of all that I am doing now. With both God and Jesus Christ back in my life, I feel nothing but—finally—truly happy and very blessed."