Mortgage industry veteran and master conversationalist Greg Sher brings you The One on One Show—a raw, insightful, and entertaining podcast where top industry leaders, innovators, and game-changers share their stories. From mortgage moguls to market disruptors, Greg dives deep with unfiltered conversations that reveal the real people behind the success. Whether you're in the industry or just love a good story, expect powerful insights, humor, and unexpected moments that keep you coming back ...
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The Way with Dino Katsiametis is your ultimate resource for navigating entrepreneurship, balancing work and life, and leaving a lasting legacy in the mortgage business. Hosted by industry expert Dino Katsiametis, each episode features insightful interviews with top entrepreneurs, business leaders, and visionaries who share their journeys, secrets to success, and lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re looking to scale your business, lead with impact, or find harmony in your daily hustl ...
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Get the insights you need to maximize your profitability this week. Welcome to OPTIMAL INSIGHTS, brought to you by Optimal Blue. Join our experts as they explore the latest real-time rate data and provide essential commentary spanning from originations to capital markets – insights you need to hear as you start your week. Designed for mortgage professionals, from originators to investors and everyone in between, each episode offers valuable information to help you maximize profitability and ...
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Are you stuck in a career you don't like, or confused about how to even get one started? Welcome to the Career Lab, a podcast featuring the real life clients of America's Career Counselor, Julie LaCroix and her co-host Joel Siegel PhD. Julie is an expert career counselor dedicated to launching the lives of young professionals by bringing their skills into alignment with today's job market. Don't settle for underemployment, dissatisfaction, or lack of direction. Join in the fun and real life ...
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Greg Sher on the Power of Connection in Lending | Market Updates | July 21, 2025
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39:40In this episode, the Optimal Insights team delivers a timely market update and welcomes Greg Sher, a leading voice in mortgage advocacy and digital influence. The conversation covers inflation trends, tariff impacts, housing affordability, and the evolving role of credit scoring. Greg shares the story behind the “All of Us” movement, his push for V…
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Navigating the Non-QM Landscape | Market Updates | July 28, 2025
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38:24In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s …
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Building Mortgage Empires: Brian Hogben’s Bold Path to Success
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58:06In this inspiring episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Canadian mortgage mogul Brian Hogben shares his incredible journey from aspiring rock star to the founder of Mission 35 Mortgages. Brian opens up about the lessons learned from starting with nothing, building a multi-branch brokerage, and navigating massive setbacks—including being abandon…
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From Vision to Reality: Joe Tyrrell on Embracing AI and Automation | Market Insights | July 14, 2025
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1:00:57In the July 14 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest market dynamics, including inflation expectations, tariff impacts, and the Fed’s rate trajectory. Jim and Alex unpack the administration’s pressure on the Fed, the resilience of jobless claims, and the looming August 1 tariff deadline. Later, Jim and Vimi sit down with Optima…
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Fiscal Firepower and the Future of Interest Rates | Optimal Insights | July 7, 2025
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37:28In the July 7 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest economic indicators and their implications for mortgage rates and the broader financial landscape. They analyze the recent jobs report, which showed strong headline numbers but revealed underlying weaknesses in private sector hiring. The discussion also covers the delayed impl…
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Chris Piro on Hustle, Discipline, and Building a Bulletproof Pipeline of Mortgage Clients
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53:26In this no-holds-barred episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, mortgage entrepreneur Chris Piro shares his remarkable journey—from nearly becoming a chef to leading a multi-state mortgage firm and closing over $150 million a year. Chris reveals how cold-calling shaped his success, why discipline creates true freedom, and how he built a client ba…
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Do ARMs Have Legs in This Market? | Market Insights | June 30, 2025
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34:49In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team explores the current state of the mortgage market during a short holiday week, discussing economic indicators, consumer sentiment, and the Fed’s stance on rate cuts. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) – what they are, how they work, and their potential re…
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Mortgage Powerhouse Brian Covey on Faith, Focus & Scaling Your Business
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1:01:03
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1:01:03In this powerful episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Brian Covey—former professional soccer player turned mortgage executive and leadership coach—for a deep dive into the mindset, faith, and strategy that fuel high-performance business. Brian shares his journey from the soccer field to becoming a top producer and respected leader in…
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Market Pulse, Global Headlines & Behind the Scenes of the Optimal Blue Hackathon | Optimal Insights | June 23, 2025
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43:08The Fed, Iran, and... wait, what's a hackathon? In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s cautious stance on interest rates, labor market signals, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Later in the episode, Jim Glennon and Kevin Foley explore the outcomes of Optimal…
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One on One with Greg Sher & Jonathon Haddad
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33:53When you hear what market share AIME Chairman & CEO Jonathon Haddad thinks mortgage brokers will grow to over the next few years, you'll most likely do a double take. And what is United Wholesale Mortgage President & CEO Mat Ishbia really like? They talk on a monthly basis. That and so much more ground will be covered when I go One On One with one …
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Sometimes a conversation just can’t wait until Monday. With the news just breaking that Guild Mortgage has been acquired by Bayview Asset Management, LLC, there’s no better person to help us unpack what this means for the mortgage industry. Today at 1PM ET I’m going live with Brian Hale for a special edition of One on One. Brian has seen this busin…
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Mortgage Leadership, Building a Personal Brand & Surviving the Crash with Alec Hanson
1:34:09
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1:34:09In this unfiltered and inspiring episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, mortgage leader, content creator, and industry veteran Alec Hanson shares his incredible journey—from closing $85M in loans in his first year to becoming a driving force at LoanDepot. Alec opens up about his early insecurities, lessons from the 2008 financial collapse, and h…
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The Cost of Borrowing: How Personal & Public Spending Shape Interest Rates | June 16, 2025
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31:35In this episode, the Optimal Insights team explores how rising personal and public debt levels are influencing interest rates and shaping the broader economic landscape. The discussion covers inflation trends, the Fed’s upcoming decisions, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy prices. The team also examines AI’s effect on electricity de…
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One on One with Greg Sher & James Kleimann
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41:26Its been called "The mortgage and housing event of the year." Find out why, as HousingWire Managing Editor, James Kleimann joins me Monday on One On One for an extensive download from last week's Gathering.By Greg Sher
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Greg Sher on Mortgage Mastery, AI Disruption & Why Leadership Must Evolve Now
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59:53
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59:53In this powerhouse episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Greg Sher—mortgage executive, media powerhouse, and host of the One on One podcast—for a candid and forward-thinking conversation on the future of lending, leadership, and technology in the mortgage industry. Greg shares: His unique journey from sportscasting to mortga…
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The Art of the Complex Loan: Vince Zenner on Non-QM Strategy | Market Updates | June 9, 2025
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39:04In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest economic indicators, including employment data, inflation expectations, and treasury auctions. They explore the implications of recent job market trends, AI’s impact on entry-level employment, and the broader economic sentiment. A major focus is the growing momentum in the non-QM (non…
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One on One with Greg Sher, live from The Gathering
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25:51A housing data dump that's sure to inspire you with HousingWire's Logan Mohtashami and my very special guest....the sensational Nicole Rueth. A little bit of everything in this One On One from The Gathering in Colorado Springs.By Greg Sher
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Global Pressures, Sticky Rates: Forces Driving Interest Rates Higher | Optimal Insights | June 2, 2025
26:24
26:24
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26:24In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon is joined by Jeff McCarty and Alex Hebner to discuss why interest rates remain stubbornly high and what it means for the mortgage industry. The team explores inflation trends, global debt pressures, and the structural shifts reshaping the long-term rate environment. Key Topics: Market Snapshot: OBMMI…
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One on One with Greg Sher & Steve Majerus
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35:44
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35:44How does a top Independent Mortgage Banker CEO see the present, and more importantly, the future? All it takes is a tap of the play button to find out. Thoroughly enjoyed my talk with one of my favorite humans in the game, Steve Majerus from Synergy One Lending, Inc. NMLS #1907235#1907235.By Greg Sher
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Market Disruptors, GSE Shakeups, and Insights from the MBA Secondary Conference | Optimal Insights | May 27, 2025
37:48
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37:48In the May 23 episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner, Vimi Vasudeva, and Kimberly Melton to discuss the latest developments in the mortgage industry, including market volatility, policy shifts, and key takeaways from the MBA Secondary Conference in New York City. Key Insights: Market Update & Economic Trends Interest…
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Dominating the Mortgage Game — Tano Kapedani’s 200+ Loans per Year Strategy
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56:34
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56:34In this powerhouse episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, we sit down with Tano Kapedani, CEO of EZ Fundings, who personally closes 200+ loans a year—even in tough markets. Tano shares the exact strategies that skyrocketed his production, from mastering product knowledge to turning bank turndowns into goldmines. Discover how he built one of the …
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One on One with Greg Sher & Kevin Peranio
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50:17Kevin Peranio and I covered a ton of ground in this Memorial Day special One On One. If there's an issue in housing on your mind, chances are--it's in here!By Greg Sher
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From Pastor to $100M Mortgage Pro: Sosi Avila’s Blueprint for Referral-Based Success
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1:30:42In this action-packed episode of The Way, Dino Katsiametis sits down with Sosi Avila—former pastor turned top-producing mortgage advisor—to uncover how he went from missionary work in 27 countries to building a $100M mortgage business. Sosi shares his step-by-step playbook for mastering referrals, building strong realtor relationships, scripting pe…
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AI Unpacked: Leveraging AI to Transform Mortgage Operations | Optimal Insights | May 19, 2025
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41:15In the May 19 episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill, Kevin Foley, and Shawn Chandwani for a discussion on the current economic landscape and the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mortgage industry. Key Insights: Market Update & Economic Trends Inflation Metrics: The Consumer Price Index (CP…
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Great conversation with Bill Lowman, Chairman of American Pacific Mortgage --if you care about mortgage lending and housing, this conversation will be meaningful.By Greg Sher
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Fed Announcements and Trade Deals: Seeking Clarity in Economic Uncertainty | May 12, 2025
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24:38In the May 12 episode of Optimal Insights, Optimal Blue experts Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and James Cahill discuss recent economic developments, including the Federal Reserve's latest rate decisions, the impact of tariffs on the economy, and the surprising agreement with China on tariffs. They also cover market conditions, the state of the mortgag…
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It has been 4 months since Mark McArdle left the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in his capacity as Assistant Director, Mortgage Markets. After 15 years of public service at the CFPB and previously with the Treasury Department, McArdle has stepped into the private sector with Newrez LLC. What was the experience like at the CFPB…and does he agr…
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Build a Referral Machine with John Farrell
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55:20Dino Katsiametis CEO of Ethos Lending sits down with John Farrell of US Bank—an “obnoxiously good” loan officer with decades of experience and a reputation for keeping it real. From humble beginnings and industry burnout to becoming a top producer in a highly competitive market, John shares how he built a thriving, referral-based business by focusi…
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Recent Trends in Mortgage Servicing and Upcoming Fed Announcements | May 5, 2025
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31:04In the May 5 episode of Optimal Insights, Optimal Blue experts Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner discuss recent economic data, including non-farm payroll numbers, GDP figures, and the Federal Reserve's upcoming rate decisions. Later in the episode, Jeff and Vimi Vasudeva discuss the latest developments in the mortgage servicing rights (MSR…
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One on One with Greg Sher, Coby Hakalir, and Desiree Patno
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50:45Everyone in mortgage is talking about funnel control. So I brought in someone with real expertise at the intersection of real estate, housing, and advocacy — Desiree Patno. And for the first time ever, I’ve got a co-host riding shotgun: Coby Hakalir, Mortgage's brilliant silver fox. We break down: Why mortgage companies are aggressively buying into…
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Wells Fargo's Kevin Jackson on Tariffs, Stagflation, and the Future of Housing | April 28, 2025
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45:18In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends. Special guest Kevin Jackson from Wells Fargo joins to provide an in-depth analysis of tariffs, their impact on inflation and stagflation, and the Fed's potential responses. Key Points: Market Trends: Jim Glennon and Alex Hebner a…
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One on One Generations with Greg Sher, Barry, Nicole, and Daniel Habib
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38:16
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38:16We laughed--cried and everything in between, as we celebrated the legacy of the Habib family today on a special "Generations" episode that will be sure to move you. Many thanks to Barry Habib, Nicole Habib, and Daniel Habib for this window into mortgage royalty......and wouldn't you know it, there's another Habib in the pipeline.....and she's just …
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From $0 to $1B: How Amir Syed Built a Mortgage Empire with Purpose, Process & People
1:28:17
1:28:17
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1:28:17Are you a mortgage broker looking to grow your production, scale your mindset, and build lasting client relationships? In this high-energy episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, we sit down with Amir Syed — top-producing loan officer, founder of Go Coaching, and billion-dollar mortgage expert — to unpack the exact mindset shifts, scripts, system…
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Navigating Economic Policy Conflicts: The Fed & the White House | April 21, 2025
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25:14In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends, including the impact of tariffs and the dynamics between the Federal Reserve and the executive branch. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscap…
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One on One Show w/Greg Sher & Varun Krishna
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34:20He’s the man of the hour in mortgage lending….and Monday, he’ll go One on One with me. Looking forward to sitting down with Rocket CEO, Varun Krishna and invite you to join me for the conversation at 1PM EST.By Greg Sher
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One on One Mortgage Show with Greg Sher & Ryan McKeveney
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42:23Rates, trends, tariffs, and the affordability gap, possible recession looming---or should we be more concerned with stagflation? Get the up to the minute latest tomorrow at 1PM live as I go One on One with Ryan McKeveny, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research at Zelman & Associates - A Walker & Dunlop Company.…
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From Burned Out to Boss: How JJ Mazzo Found Freedom in the Mortgage Biz
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53:30What happens when you stop settling and start betting on yourself? JJ left a "good" job to chase something better—and built a thriving mortgage business in the process. Tune in to hear how he faced the fear, broke the rules, and made his own lane. No fluff, just real talk for anyone ready to level up. Learn from Dino and join the team at https://et…
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Market Update & Mastering Mortgage Closing Costs With Lodestar CEO Jim Paolino | April 14, 2025
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35:21
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35:21In this week's episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner discuss the latest market trends and the impact of tariffs, providing crucial insights into how these factors are shaping the mortgage industry. Later, Jim Paolino, CEO of Lodestar, and Kevin Foley join Jim for a discussion about accurate fee management, highligh…
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One on One Mortgage Show with Greg Sher & Stan Middleman
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34:25
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34:25What a timely conversation with Freedom Mortgage Founder, President & CEO. Hear what he thinks about Rocket Companies moves and if we might see a move of his own on the horizon--interest rates, the state of housing,...and so much more!!By Greg Sher
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BONUS: Navigating Tariff Changes: Impact on the Mortgage Industry With Chris Maloney
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32:51In this bonus episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, and special guest Chris Maloney discuss the impact of recent tariff changes on the mortgage industry. Jim Glennon, vice president of hedging and trading and client services at Optimal Blue, hosts this bonus episode. He is joined by Chris Maloney, mortgage strategist, and Alex Hebn…
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Game-Changing Mortgage Strategies with Sean Herrero
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1:13:51What does it take to dominate the mortgage industry while maintaining a fulfilling life? In this episode of The Way Podcast, host Dino Katsiametis sits down with top mortgage advisor Sean Herrero to uncover the mindset, marketing tactics, and relationship-building strategies that set him apart. From leveraging video for client trust to crafting off…
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This Week's Market Turbulence: Key Insights | April 7, 2025
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28:07Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss recent market turbulence, including significant movements in equity markets, bond rates, and energy prices. They explore the implications of new US tariffs and retaliatory measures from countries like China, discussing how these actions might affect global trad…
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Did She Stay or Go?: Judy Ortega returns to the podcast to update us on her incredible journey
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49:17Judy Ortega, a returning guest, has previously appeared on the podcast to discuss whether she should leave her company or stay. In this episode, she shares her experience of quitting her job to join Microsoft as a Team Director for Global Events. She now serves as the Director of Planning for C-Suite events at Microsoft.…
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One on One with Greg Sher, Brooke Lapides, Coby Hakalir & Kristin Broadley
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31:44
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31:44Passion and a keen love for the mortgage industry fuel these three mortgage executives---join me for a special One on One state of the industry roundtable live tomorrow at 2pm with Brooke Lapides, Coby Hakalir, and Kristin Broadley.By Greg Sher
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The Psychology of Success: Rene Rodriguez on Influence, Mindset & Mastering the Mortgage Market
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1:03:41How do top performers rise above challenges while others struggle? In this powerful episode of The Way Podcast, host Dino Katsiametis welcomes keynote speaker, author, and sales expert Rene Rodriguez to unpack the secrets of influence, resilience, and success. From mastering rejection to creating systems that drive efficiency, Rene shares game-chan…
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Transforming Mortgage Challenges into Opportunities with Dale Vermillion | March 31, 2025
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50:03Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, join Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, and Alex Hebner as they discuss the current market and the potential impacts of the implementation of tariffs on April 2 (referred to as Liberation Day by the current administration). The team also discusses the monumental $9.4 billion acquisition o…
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And you thought the Redfin acquisition was big! Move over Redfin, Mr. Cooper is here now. Up to the second reaction from industry Executive Brian Hale. We covered all the things you want to know.By Greg Sher
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From Loan Officer to Industry Disruptor: Stew Sweet’s Path to Mortgage Innovation
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54:43
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54:43What does it take to go from a young loan officer assistant to running a thriving mortgage consulting business? In this episode of The Way Podcast, we sit down with Stew Sweet, founder of Night Owl Consulting, to explore his journey from grinding 18-hour days in the mortgage world to building a game-changing outsourcing firm. Learn how he scaled hi…
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Navigating Economic Uncertainty and Rising Delinquencies | March 24, 2025
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31:56Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the latest economic trends and their impact on the mortgage industry. Host Jim Glennon, joined by experts Alex Hebner and Vimi Vasudeva, covers key topics such as the recent Fed meeting, the implications of rising delinquencies on government loans, and the effe…
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One on One with Greg Sher & Brendan McKay
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39:30Can lenders and brokers get along? You'll have to hit play to find out how my conversation went with Broker Action Coalition Co-Founder Brendan McKay went. There will very few softballs thrown in this one.......By Greg Sher
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