Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered

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Leading with Grit & Grace: Real Talk with FirstTeam's Michele & Lauren Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

From the U.S. Marine Corps to running one of California's largest brokerages, Michele Harrington's leadership journey is anything but typical. Alongside Lauren Henss, a marketing powerhouse with a Chanel-to-Compass résumé, these two leaders are redefining what it means to build a modern, human-first brokerage.

In this episode, James and Keith sit down with Michele (CEO) and Lauren (VP of Marketing & Strategic Initiatives) of FirstTeam Real Estate to unpack:

The power of discipline and structure (and how the military shaped Michele's career)
The "Behind the Agent" campaign and how it's producing a 90% retention rate
What most agents get wrong about branding, TikTok, and storytelling
How to build a brokerage with vision, heart, and standards
Why women are still underrepresented in the real estate C-suite—and how that's finally changing

This episode is packed with truth bombs, real laughs, and sharp takes on private listings, Zillow, MLS reform, recruiting strategies, and what it really takes to scale a business that lasts.

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWSFJbCBsHM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grqWOEYGXSA

Connect with Michele on LinkedIn.

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.

Learn more about FirstTeam Real Estate on Facebook - X - LinkedIn - YouTube - Instagram - Pinterest and online at firstteam.com.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

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Agent Series 19: Cruise Control Leadership: Matt Delhougne's 950-Deal Blueprint Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

You can care too much and it can break you. That's one of the many leadership lessons Matt Delhougne shares in this episode. From police officer to running a 70-agent team in St. Louis closing nearly 1,000 deals a year, Matt has seen it all and survived it.

James and Keith sit down with the Chief Vision Officer of DRG at eXp to unpack everything from burnout and broker models to MLS politics, Google's property data play, and the two tools that truly matter for agent success.

They also dive into his unique zip-code based lead rotation system, team culture, agent recruitment, the illusion of control, and how agents can actually crack the SOI code (hint: it's not what your broker told you).

This one's a masterclass in sustainable scale, servant leadership, and leading with heart without losing your mind.

Give your clients the competitive edge with Zillow's Showcase. Discover how this exclusive, immersive media experience—featuring stunning photography, video, virtual staging, and SkyTour—helps agents drive more views, saves, and shares. Agents using Showcase on the majority of their listings on Zillow list 30% more homes than similar non-Showcase agents. Learn how to stand out and become the agent sellers choose.

https://www.zillow.com/agents/showcase/

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.

Learn more about DRG on Facebook - Instagram - Zillow - Google.

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

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Ask Us Anything: Real Estate, AI, Mistakes & the Future Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

What happens when you hand the mic to the audience? You get an hour of raw, unfiltered, sometimes hilarious, sometimes profound truth from James and Keith.

In this special "Ask Us Anything" episode, we answer your biggest—and weirdest—questions. From the future of AI and Zillow to team building, associations, pricing strategy, personal regrets, and the emotional toll of leadership, no topic is off-limits.

You'll hear:

Why they believe boutique brokerages will survive, but only if they adapt
What James would do differently if he started over (and what Keith wouldn't change)
Their honest take on the Compass/Anywhere acquisition
How AI is changing everything and what won't be automated
The one move associations should make to survive

Plus: vulnerability, friendship, faith in the future, and a ton of laughs. This is the most personal episode yet and it's one every agent, broker, and leader should hear.

Links mentioned in the episode: Charlie Wills episode: https://youtu.be/XcO3OnRufpA

Anthony Young workshop: https://www.valuedaudit.com/

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

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Agent Series 18: From Door-to-Door to Real Estate Empire Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Cleve Gaddis didn't just build a real estate business, he built a legacy. From selling vacuums door-to-door to creating a trademarked, systemized team model in Atlanta, Cleve's story is packed with practical wisdom, hard-won lessons, and big laughs (yes, he brings a sword).

In this episode, James and Keith sit down with Cleve to unpack how he's structured a sellable, scalable real estate business, why systems beat hustle, and how rejection actually made him stronger. He shares why he trademarked his 71-step buying and selling systems, how he built an SEO machine with blog posts for every local listing, and why agents are doing advertising all wrong.

Whether you're brand new or decades in, this is a masterclass in sustainability, service, and strategic branding from a guy who's done it all.

Give your clients the competitive edge with Zillow's Showcase. Discover how this exclusive, immersive media experience featuring stunning photography, video, virtual staging, and SkyTour helps agents drive more views, saves, and shares. Agents using Showcase on the majority of their listings on Zillow list 30% more homes than similar non-Showcase agents. Learn how to stand out and become the agent sellers choose.

https://www.zillow.com/agents/showcase/

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

How AI Will Transform Real Estate (Faster Than You Think) Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

You're not going to lose your job to AI. But is someone using AI better than you? That's a different story. In this episode, James and Keith sit down with Biju Ashokan, CEO of Radius Agent, for one of the most thought-provoking AI conversations we've had yet.

Biju brings a deep tech background (Carnegie Mellon grad, by the way) and a bold vision for how artificial intelligence will reshape real estate. From proactive assistants to fully automated client nurture, this isn't science fiction — it's already happening.

We dive into what AI will replace, what it won't, and how agents can protect their future by leaning into the tech, not running from it. You'll hear how Biju's team is closing 250 transactions a month with just 11 staff — and why the brokerages that embrace automation will be the ones left standing.

Plus: The emotional side of real estate, the future of brokerage profitability, proactive vs. reactive AI, and how to actually get ahead of what's coming.

If you care about your career in real estate, this episode is a must-listen.

Links mentioned during the show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14NQIq4SrmY

https://youtu.be/ixWlqm2x9Ns

Connect with Biju on - LinkedIn.

Learn more about Radius on Instagram - LinkedIn - YouTube and online at radiusagent.com.

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

Agent Series 17: Tom Toole's Real Estate Playbook: 500 Deals a Year Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

There's no magic in real estate, just discipline, standards, and execution. In this episode, James and Keith sit down with East Coast powerhouse Tom Toole to talk about what really drives success in today's market. From building a 50+ agent team to running a hyper-efficient operation with a deep focus on agent development, Tom breaks down exactly how he's scaled, where most team leaders go wrong, and the boring-but-powerful habits that move the needle.

You'll hear:

The 4 things agents should do every day to make money
Why balance is a myth—and how to find harmony instead
How to keep agents accountable without micromanaging
What real professionalism actually looks like in real estate
His full tech stack (and favorite AI tools)

This one is packed with real talk, tactical advice, and some much-needed truth bombs for leaders and agents alike. If you're tired of fluff and want the blueprint, this is it.

Links mentioned during the episode:

Knowledge Brokers podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@knowledgebrokerspodcast

Charlie Wills REIU episode: https://youtu.be/XcO3OnRufpA

Fello REIU episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wr96sFkxog

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https://www.zillow.com/agents/showcase/

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Tom Toole Sales Group on YouTube - Instagram - LinkedIn and online at tomtoole.com.

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube, Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com.

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Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

The Future of Real Estate Search: RealScout's AI Playbook Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

What if you could search for homes the same way you live your life? In this mind-bending episode, James and Keith sit down with Andrew Flachner (Co-Founder & CEO of RealScout) and Anthony Sosso (VP of Engineering) to explore the revolutionary AI product shaking up how agents—and eventually consumers—search for homes.

You'll hear how RealScout is flipping the script on property search by:

Using natural language prompts instead of checkboxes
Deconstructing vague terms like "mid-century modern" into precise search filters
Letting agents control and fine-tune AI-generated searches
Showing their work so nothing is hidden or hallucinated

They also unpack why most current AI search tools fail, how RealScout avoids MLS policy issues, and what the future holds for truly intelligent, human-centric search.

Whether you're a tech skeptic or a proptech junkie, this conversation will change how you think about the future of real estate data and consumer experience.

Links mentioned during the episode:

Kyle Draper funny agent video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP1WgpOib_i/

RealScout Product Launch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzotPLhM7mc

RealScout AI Search: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhdejSDvyFA

Connect with Andrew - LinkedIn.

Connect with Anthony - LinkedIn.

Check out The Playmakers Podcast at this link: https://playmakers.fm/

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

Agent Series 16: From Cable Repo, Nail Tech to $50 Million Producer in Under Three Years Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

Scott Poe has lived a few lives—cable box repo man, nail tech, and now one of the fastest-scaling team leaders in real estate. In this outrageous and inspiring episode, James and Keith sit down with Scott to talk about how he built a 50-agent team and a mortgage company in under three years, landed partnerships with Realtor.com and Zillow, and has his sights set on a billion-dollar business.

Scott doesn't hold back—about the pain, the hustle, and the real human side of building something that actually works. If you want a raw, hilarious, and no-BS look at how real estate growth actually happens (including how he uses AI, why your team churn sucks, and what managers get wrong), this episode is for you.

This is the leadership masterclass you didn't know you needed.

https://www.zillow.com/agents/showcase/

Links mentioned during the episode: https://youtu.be/jWsHGDyKsCA

https://youtu.be/ISzH5jqp-og

Learn more about The Poe Group at poegrp.com.

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

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This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

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Inside NAR's Legal Strategy with Jon Waclawski Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

When lawsuits and legal risk threaten to derail an entire industry, what happens next? In this episode, James and Keith sit down with Jon Waclawski, General Counsel and SVP of Legal at the National Association of REALTORS®, for an unfiltered, inside look at how NAR is rebuilding from the inside out.

You'll learn what "de-risking" really means, how governance may change going forward, what's being done about buyer-side lawsuits, and why communication and transparency matter more than ever. Jon also breaks down what's actually required by the NAR settlement—and why some agents still aren't following the rules.

This is the most candid legal conversation you'll hear from inside NAR—and it's one that every real estate professional should listen to.

Links mentioned in the episode:

https://www.nar.realtor/advocacy/advocacy-scoop-podcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJiUUoLEiXY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9D7lJEYqow

https://youtu.be/R3zOh0fvD30

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube, Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com.

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Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

Agent Series 15: How Jim Trueblood Built a $750M Brokerage with Leads, Standards & Guts Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

Jim Trueblood doesn't just run a brokerage—he runs the largest Zillow and Realtor.com partner in Indiana, and he's just getting started. In this episode, James and Keith dig into how Jim scaled from solo agent to leading 225 agents across Indiana and Kentucky, with $750M in production and a bold approach to growth.

From tech stack precision to lead gen discipline, Jim shares what it really takes to scale in today's market. You'll hear how he:

Bought all the leads (and maxed every contract)
Held on through sleepless nights and startup chaos
Uses physical offices as brand statements
Sets clear standards for agent performance
Audits lead ROI like a boss

It's honest, tactical, and full of sharp Midwest wisdom for anyone who wants to grow without apology.

https://www.zillow.com/agents/showcase/

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Trueblood Real Estate on Facebook - Instagram and online at truebloodre.com.

Subscribe to Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@RealEstateInsidersUnfiltered?sub_confirmation=1

To learn more about becoming a sponsor of the show, send us an email:

jessica@inman.com

You asked for it. We delivered. Check out our new merch! https://merch.realestateinsidersunfiltered.com/

Follow Real Estate Insiders Unfiltered Podcast on Instagram - YouTube, Facebook - TikTok. Visit us online at realestateinsidersunfiltered.com.

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Link to website: https://realestateinsidersunfiltered.com

This podcast is produced by Two Brothers Creative.

https://twobrotherscreative.com/contact/

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