Real Talk with Leigh Brown

Latest Episodes:

Smart Defense Tactics for Work and Life with Scott Bryson Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Personal safety isn't just for law enforcement, it's essential for everyday life, too! In this episode, former Secret Service agent Scott Bryson joins us to share real-world tactics for staying safe on the job. With 25+ years of experience, Scott reveals how to think ahead, read danger, and stay in control. Listen in and learn how to protect yourself without living in fear.

Key takeaways to listen for

The "triangle tactic" for loading groceries safely
How to create a safety plan when meeting strangers for work
Why distance is your best friend in any physical threat scenario
How to read body language and spot red flags early
Smart, simple tools you can carry for defense

Resources mentioned in this episode

Identity Verification & Risk Assessment Tool For Real Estate

About Scott Bryson

Scott is a retired Secret Service agent with over 25 years in law enforcement, including local and federal service. He's the host of the Beyond the Service podcast and a passionate advocate for personal safety, especially for professionals in public-facing roles like real estate. With a direct, relatable style, Scott teaches others how to stay alert, assess risk, and walk away with confidence.

Connect with Scott

Podcast: Scott Bryson: Beyond The Service Podcast
Website: Scott Bryson Beyond The Service
TikTok: @scottbrysonbts
Instagram: @scottbrysonbts
X: @scottbrysonbts
YouTube: Scott Bryson: Beyond the Service

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Buying in the Big Apple: Everything You Need to Know with Lisa Lippman Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to buy a home in New York City? Veteran broker Lisa Lippman pulls back the curtain on Manhattan's high-stakes residential real estate market - from $17M co-ops to hidden boardroom politics. In this episode, we dig into how deals get done in the city that never sleeps, what buyers need to know, and the personal connections that make it all matter.

Key takeaways to listen for

What makes co-ops in NYC so complicated and why buyers still want them
How Lisa turned Zoom showings during the pandemic into lasting friendships
The critical difference between co-ops and condos
NYC real estate culture vs. everywhere else
Why real estate still offers unmatched flexibility for working moms

Resources mentioned in this episode

StreetEasy

About Lisa Lippman

Lisa Lippman is the #1 broker at Brown Harris Stevens for nine consecutive years and a leading force in Manhattan real estate. With over 28 years of experience, she specializes in luxury co-ops, condos, and townhomes, delivering expert guidance with discretion and care. Known for her sharp marketing, deep market knowledge, and unmatched attention to detail, Lisa serves high-end buyers, sellers, developers, and sponsors alike.

Connect with Lisa

LinkedIn: Lisa Lippman - Brown Harris Stevens
Instagram: @lisaklippman
Email: mobrien@rubensteinpr.com
Number: 212-805-3069

Connect with Leigh

Saying Yes to Service Transforms Your Real Estate Career with Tonya Murfin and Angie Mullings Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Most people play it safe in real estate, but Tonya Murfin and Angie Mullings did the opposite. In this episode, they join Leigh Brown to share how stepping outside the norm led to unexpected partnership, personal growth, and a podcast that's changing conversations. Hit play to hear what happens when you stop competing and start showing up real.

Key takeaways to listen for

How authentic leadership starts with transparency
The surprising emotional aftermath of board service
Why Tonya and Angie started their podcast, and how it changed their relationship
Ways mentorship, legacy, and community make a long-term impact in real estate
The power of saying "yes" to leadership, even when the timing isn't perfect

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Angie Mullings and Tonya Murfin

Tonya Murfin is a real estate broker-owner and co-host of the Simply Authentic podcast. Known for her deep commitment to board service and REALTOR® leadership, she brings transparency, humor, and heart to every conversation, whether she's mentoring new agents or challenging the status quo.

Angie Mullings is a broker-owner, industry leader, and co-host of the Simply Authentic podcast. With a passion for collaboration and service, she helps elevate the real estate profession through mentorship, authenticity, and a belief that there's room at the table for everyone.

Connect with Angie and Tonya

Facebook: Simply Authentic Podcast
Instagram: @simplyauthenticpodcast
YouTube: Simply Authentic Podcast
Email: reproc21@gmail.com | tonya@swmrealty.com

Connect with Leigh

The Private Village Solving Homelessness in Austin with Kent Redding Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Homelessness isn't just about lacking a roof, it's about losing connection, dignity, and community. In this episode, Kent Redding shares the powerful story of Community First Village, a privately funded neighborhood in Austin, TX, that's redefining how we care for our neighbors on the margins. With tiny homes, job training, mental health services, and deep personal relationships, it's a model rooted in love and built to last. Listen now to learn how you can be part of the solution!

Key takeaways to listen for

Why homelessness is more about the loss of community than the lack of shelter
How Community First Village provides sustainable housing without government funding
The dignity-driven design behind rent, job training, and personal responsibility
Why volunteer engagement and one-on-one relationships are the secret sauce
How REALTORS® and small businesses can replicate this model anywhere

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Kent Redding

Kent Redding's passion for real estate shines through in every transaction he oversees. As an industry leader with years of experience, Kent serves as incoming Austin Board of Realtors President Elect 2024. He has been consistently recognized for his exceptional service, deep knowledge of the Austin real estate market, and holds an unwavering commitment to his clients and community. His accolades, testimonials, and community presence serve as a testament to his dedication and service.

Connect with Kent

Website: www.CallKent.com
LinkedIn: Kent Redding
Instagram: @kentreddinggroup
Facebook: Kent Redding
Email: Kent@CallKent.com
Phone Number: 512.797.5737

Connect with Leigh

Are You Measuring Square Footage Correctly? with Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

What's the real value of a home and who gets to decide? Joining us this episode are Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas for a deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of square footage, floor plans, and property valuation. From legal liabilities to LiDAR tech, this episode pulls back the curtain on how real estate professionals can either protect or endanger their clients.

Key takeaways to listen for

Why agents (not tax records) are responsible for square footage accuracy
How LiDAR technology is changing the way homes are measured
What "ANSI standards" mean for buyers, sellers, and appraisers
The legal and financial risks of skipping professional floor plans
Why a national vocabulary for home size reporting is urgently needed

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas

Bill Whitaker is the founder of RAWtape Real Estate Measuring and Photography, LLC and RAWtape Real Estate Coaching and Training. A licensed Realtor in the Carolinas since 2003 and Broker-in-Charge of Whitaker and Associates Real Estate, he brings over 20 years of experience in real estate and financial services. A U.S. Air Force veteran and USC-Upstate graduate, Bill also holds a Home Measurement Specialist certification and offers free notary services to REALTORS®, veterans, teachers, and first responders.

Hamp Thomas is a seasoned real estate appraiser, educator, and author based in Whispering Pines, North Carolina. With decades of experience in both real estate and appraisal, he is best known for his expertise in home measurement and his advocacy for standardized square footage practices. Hamp is the creator of the Home Measurement Specialist program and a longtime instructor on ANSI standards, helping agents and appraisers nationwide improve accuracy, protect consumers, and elevate industry professionalism.

Connect with Bill and Hamp

Website: RAWtape Real Estate Measuring and Photography | Appraiser eLearning
Email: RAWtapeRPM@gmail.com | pinehurstappraiser@gmail.com
Contact Number: 803.412.8209 | (910) 603-2690

Connect with Leigh

Why Small-Town America Gets Left Behind After Disasters Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Small towns don't just recover slower after disaster—they're often forgotten altogether. In this episode, Leigh Brown exposes the deep inequalities she's witnessed firsthand in Western North Carolina's long road to recovery. From government red tape to rising property taxes, this is a raw look at what happens when working-class communities are pushed to the margins.

Key takeaways to listen for

Why disaster relief often favors urban areas over rural ones
The hidden financial toll of rebuilding for low-income, generational homeowners
How property tax hikes after disaster can force people off their land
The overlooked role of elitism in disaster planning and recovery
Why preserving small-town economies and culture is essential to America's future

Resources mentioned in this episode

Are you ready to make a difference? Go to https://www.patriotrelief.org to learn more.

Connect with Leigh

VA Home Loans in 2025: Myths, Facts, and Game-Changing Updates with John Bell III Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

VA loans are faster, smarter, and more competitive than ever, so why are real estate pros still missing the mark? John Bell III, head of the VA Home Loan Program, joins us to drop major updates, debunk industry myths, and explain why VA buyers are winning in today's market. If you serve Veterans or want to dominate the real estate game in 2025, this episode is for you!

Key takeaways to listen for

Why 2025 is the strongest year yet for VA Home Loan volume
How the VA's digital platform is enabling agents to advocate for Veterans
Ways the VA completes appraisals in under 7 business days
Who qualifies for VA loans in 2025?
Where to get the VA Home Loan Toolkit every pro should be using

Resources mentioned in this episode

Find direct support through the VA Loan Guaranty Service, whether you're a Veteran, agent, or lender. Submit a ticket via https://benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/contact.asp or call their toll-free line for fast, reliable answers.

About John Bell IIIJohn Bell III began serving as Executive Director of the Loan Guaranty Service on June 21, 2022. He is responsible for delivering VA Home Loan Benefits to his fellow Veterans. Mr. Bell has extensive mortgage industry experience, having served in leadership roles with nationwide lenders for over 20 years before starting his career with the VA in 2010.

Mr. Bell's top priorities are ensuring that VA home loan benefits are the product of choice for Veterans and that Loan Guaranty is the VA program of choice for his 900 talented staff.

Connect with Leigh

We've Rebranded! Say Hello to Real Talk with Leigh Brown Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate just got a glow-up - welcome to Real Talk with Leigh Brown! From deals that go off the rails to lessons you didn't see coming, Leigh brings you unfiltered conversations with pros who've been deep in the trenches.

Same wild stories. Same hard-earned wisdom. Same bold personality. Just with a name that's a little easier to say out loud.

Subscribe now to keep hearing the stories real estate pros talk about behind closed doors.

Connect with Leigh

Sponsors

"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching Program

Hey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Real Estate Restart: Systems, Referrals & CRM That Actually Work with Bob Percesepe Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

He left without telling anyone and still came out on top. In this episode, Bob Percesepe shares the wild story behind his unexpected real estate reset and the systems that helped him rebuild from scratch. From tough calls to smart CRM plays, it's equal parts strategy and survival. Press play if you're ready to restart, scale, or shake things up.

Key takeaways to listen for

How Bob rebuilt his real estate business from scratch in a new state
The system behind listing 76 properties in one year
Why your CRM must be clean, personal, and saleable
How REALTOR® advocacy creates real local impact
A wild relocation story that started with a snowstorm and a tuxedo

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Bob PercesepeBob is a seasoned real estate broker with over 25 years of experience in New York and coastal North Carolina. He leads Blue Chip Real Estate, a boutique firm known for high-touch service, strategic pricing, and CRM-driven referral systems. A certified Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and graduate of the Floyd Wickman Master Sales Academy, Bob combines data, discipline, and deep industry knowledge to help clients and agents succeed. He's a published author, former REALTOR® of the Year, and active advocate for property rights. Bob is known for his "get by giving" philosophy and passion for raising the industry bar.

Connect with Bob

Email: bob@bluchip-re.com
Website: Blue Chip Real Estate | Homelendia Mortgage
Facebook: Blue Chip Real Estate
Contact Number: 910-854-0800 (Direct) | 910-795-4814 (Fax)

Connect with LeighPlease subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Sponsors"You Ask. Leigh Answers." Your Affordable Coaching ProgramHey there, real estate pros! Are you ready for some more Leigh Brown wisdom in your life? Then don't miss out on my brand-new program, "You Ask. Leigh Answers." It's your exclusive gateway to the insights and advice you need to supercharge your real estate business. With "You Ask. Leigh Answers." you get Direct Access to Leigh Brown, directly! Expert Coaching, Community Connection, and Extensive Resources. Whether listening to this on the go or watching at home, sign up today at Answers.RealEstate and take your business to the next level. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

🔗 https://answers.realestate/

Why So Many New Agents Fail and What Can Be Done About It with Chris Giannos Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Most real estate agents don't make it past their first five years, and Chris Giannos is on a mission to change that. In this episode, he reveals how his new platform is helping brokerages rethink recruiting, onboarding, and training to keep agents in the game. Plus, stay tuned for the wild story of how one careless comment during a showing torpedoed a $2 million deal. If you're tired of the old-school grind or looking to build a stronger team, this conversation is for you.

Key takeaways to listen for

What happens when one broker tries to manage 250 agents?
The rookie mistake that cost an agent a $2M deal
Why most new agents fail and ways to avoid it
How brokers are quietly losing top talent and don't even know it
The surprising reason Zillow's strategy might help small brokerages

Resources mentioned in this episode

About Chris GiannosChris is the co-founder and CEO of Humaniz, a platform designed to streamline agent recruiting and onboarding in real estate. With a background that includes building and managing a 250-agent brokerage in Southern California and early experience in sales at Zillow, Chris brings deep industry insight into team growth, agent training, and real estate operations. Now based in Dallas, he's focused on raising the bar in the industry by helping brokerages scale smarter and improve agent performance through better systems.

Connect with Chris

Website: Humaniz
LinkedIn: Chris Giannos
Instagram: @chris.giannos | @humaniz.io
Email: chris@humaniz.io

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