Inside The Canopy Files

Joan B. Goode welcomes longtime friend and respected healthcare leader Dr. H. Stacy Nicholson for a conversation about leadership, service and the evolution of healthcare in the Charlotte region. Drawing on a career devoted to pediatric medicine and healthcare leadership, Dr. Nicholson reflects on the experiences and partnerships that have shaped his work—from his leadership at Levine Children's Hospital to his role in bringing Charlotte's first four-year medical school to life. Along the way, Joan and Dr. Nicholson discuss the power of collaboration, the responsibility of leadership and how investing in healthcare, education and community can help shape Charlotte's future.

Why did a Fortune 100 company choose Charlotte, and what does it mean for the region? Canopy Realtor® Association president, Joan B. Goode, sits down with Sheila Jordan of Honeywell to talk leadership, innovation, and the ripple effects of corporate relocation. From economic growth to community engagement, this conversation highlights how business leaders and Realtors® alike play a role in shaping the future of the places where we live, work, and play.

What does it look like when technology doesn't replace the agent—but reinforces their value? In this episode, Joan B. Goode sits down with Christian Dwiggins, CEO of Rayse to discuss how transparency, communication, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the real estate experience. From helping consumers better understand the work agents perform to providing professionals with powerful tools that strengthen client relationships, Rayse is helping to bridge the gap between technology and trust. Listen as they explore the future of agent advocacy, AI-powered assistance, and why relationships remain at the heart of every successful transaction.

As technology continues to reshape real estate, partnerships are driving what's next. In this episode, Joan B. Goode is joined by Damian Eales of Realtor.com to talk leadership, innovation, and the evolving role of tech in the industry. From the Canopy MLS partnership to the rollout of Realtor.com Plus. Listen and learn about how new platforms are bringing agents and consumers together in more meaningful, efficient ways.

Homeownership remains one of the most powerful tools for building generational wealth—but access and opportunity are not always equal. In this episode of Canopy Uncovered, host Karyn Lindsey talks with Realtor®/broker LaRay Hampton and Hope Atuel about new research from the Asian Real Estate Association of America and the Urban Institute exploring homeownership and wealth-building trends of Asian Americans. From wealth accumulation and preservation to intergenerational transfer, the conversation examines both opportunities and ongoing barriers, and why these insights matter here in the Carolinas.

Down payment assistance programs are no longer a "nice to have"; they're essential to expanding access to homeownership. In this episode, Joan B. Goode, President of Canopy MLS, sits down with Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource, to explore how these programs are reshaping affordability. They discuss the cost of not using available assistance, how opportunity is lost or delayed for buyers, and how AI and data-driven tools are making it easier than ever to connect clients with resources that can get them to the closing table.

April is Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on access, equity, and the future of our communities. Host Joan B. Goode sits down with Historian, Dr. Tom Hanchett, to explore the deeper story behind housing affordability through his latest book, Affordable Housing in Charlotte: What One City's History Tells Us about America's Pressing Problem. Together, they unpack how decades of policy decisions continue to shape who can live where, and why it matters now more than ever. From essential workers to middle-income families, this conversation connects the past to the present and what it means for Charlotte's growth moving forward.

Is the market stalled, or just shifting? Canopy MLS president, Joan B. Goode sits down with NAR's Chief Economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun for a fast, no-nonsense "10 Minute Q&A" on rates, inventory, and buyer activity in the latest Canopy Uncovered podcast. Then Canopy MLS Board Member, Dave Noyes joins her to localize the story and delve into what's really happening across the Charlotte and Asheville markets, and how agents can navigate a spring season that's anything but one-size-fits-all.  

The Charlotte region has cemented its role as a global business hub, attracting domestic and international investment across residential and commercial real estate. As global mobility and cross-border transactions accelerate, the meaning of "local" real estate is evolving—creating new opportunities for agents ready to think bigger. That momentum helped spark the launch of Canopy Global in 2024, with expanded programming rolling out throughout 2025. Through education, networking, and pathways like the National Association of Realtors® Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) designation, Canopy Global is preparing Realtors® to compete and lead on an international stage.  Join host 2026 Canopy President Joan B. Goode as she talks with Katie Reisinger, COO, Leading RE of the World, and Jessica Edgerton, Chief Legal Officer and EVP of Industry and Learning for the Global Network, Leading Real Estate of the World.

Nationally renowned speaker and educator Dr. Jennifer Keitt joins host Charisma Southerland, president of Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS, to share how Realtors® can rreset their mindset and unlock lasting motivation. Drawing from decades of expertise in human behavior and leadership coaching, Dr. Keitt reveals real-time strategies to interrupt old patterns, build resilience, and lead with confidence.

What if you could do more than just get likes on social media? On this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, host and Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS president-elect, Joan Goode, talks with national speaker and real estate content creator Katie Lance, who will share her proven strategies to help Realtors® simplify content planning, repurpose posts across platforms, and align social media with their business goals to close more deals.

The Charlotte region's growth continues to make it a hub for business, attracting domestic and foreign investment, in both residential and commercial real estate, prompting Canopy Realtor® Association to launch Canopy Global last year, an educational program and initiative allowing agents ready to expand their businesses globally, with networking, resources, and additional educational opportunities. Join guest host, Kristie Ferguson, Realtor®/broker, real estate instructor and chair of Canopy's Global Committee as she talks with Matt Christopherson, Director of Business and Consumer Research at the National Association of Realtors® for this program on how and why Realtors® should consider expanding their business to include the growing international side of real estate and how Canopy's Global Council can elevate their business.

Inside the Canopy Files goes Incognito, with nationally-acclaimed author, speaker and playwright, Michael Fosberg. Diversity & Inclusion chair and Realtor®/broker, Eric Norman along with Canopy's Vice President, DIA, Global and Realtor® Professional Development, Karyn Lindsey, talk with Michael Fosberg about his one-man play: Incognito!  Through narrative, humor, and dramatization, Fosberg's Incognito helps create insights that reach beyond biases and prejudices to foster inclusion and engagement, forcing the audience to recognize that our commonalities are stronger than differences.

Inside the Canopy Files features Kristie Ferguson, chair of Canopy's Global Real Estate Committee and Jason Gentry, Realtor®/broker, a past Canopy president who has taken his business global, discuss how and why Brokers should unlock global real estate opportunities through Canopy's global real estate program and CIPS Designation to broaden their business by exploring new markets and catering to clients eyeing overseas property investments.

Inside the Canopy Files looks back at the area of Charlotte now known as Second Ward, which was once the home of Brooklyn, a vibrant African-American neighborhood that was eventually demolished for an urban renewal project in the 1960s. Charlotte Historian Dr. Tom Hanchett will look back to Brooklyn's beginnings as one of Charlotte's vibrant African-American residential and business districts, its eventual demise and exciting plans for redevelopment of the area that will weave together history and innovation. Charlotte architect Darrel Williams will also be part of the program and discuss a proposal to commemorate Brooklyn and its history at the new medical school campus.

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Inside the Canopy Files podcast passes the mic to Realtor®/broker, Magda Esola, who serves as Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS president-elect. Listen as Magda and her guest, Realtor®/broker Marbelia Murillo, president of the Charlotte Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, discuss highlights and trends from the 2023 State of Housing in Hispanic America report and why representation for home buyers and sellers is important.  

The Charlotte region's growth continues to make it a hub for business, attracting domestic and foreign investment, in both residential and commercial real estate, prompting Canopy Realtor® Association to launch Canopy Global. Join Charisma Southerland, Association President and host of Inside the Canopy Files as she talks with Stephanie Aker, Global Council Engagement & Development Manager from the National Association of Realtors® and Canopy Global Committee Chair, Kristie Ferguson about the launch of Canopy Global and programming to encourage, educate and provide resources for Realtor® members interested in expanding, exploring and developing international real estate business.

Inside the Canopy Files podcast passes the mic to guest host, Eric Thomas, retired Chief Meteorologist for WBTV-TV, board of director at Home Again Foundation, and 2024 Grand Marshal of the 8th annual Strides for Shelter 5K. Eric and his guest, Rick Gilbert, Executive Director of the Home Again Foundation, discuss the work they're doing to stem the tide of homelessness in the Charlotte region and how this year's Strides for Shelter 5K will fund the construction of a one-bedroom cottage for a homeless veteran.

PRIDE Month is an essential observance dedicated to recognizing and affirming the dignity, equality, and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Beyond the parades and celebrations, the month serves as a critical reminder of the struggles and achievements of a community that has historically faced discrimination, violence, and marginalization. Inside the Canopy Files guest host Eric Norman, Realtor®/ Broker and president of the NC Chapter of LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, talks with Alex Cruz, National Director of Education and Professional Services for the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, about the history of PRIDE, the need for allies and the urgent need for advocacy and protection of LGBTQ community. Visit https://realestatealliance.org/ for more information.

Charisma Southerland, 2024 president of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS is back again for another special edition of Inside the Canopy Files recorded live from the 2024 Canopy Realtors EXPO. Listen in as Charisma has a conversation with Juanita McDowell, national speaker, tech enthusiast, consultant, marketing guru and CEO of InMotion Consulting. Juanita delivered a fantastic EXPO education speaker session, and spoke with Charisma on this podcast about using short form video content to produce real lead generation.  

Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of  Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS is back as guest host on this edition of Inside the Canopy Files and talks with Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors® and Dr. Yongqiang Chu, Distinguished Professor of Real Estate and Urban Economics at UNC Charlotte's Childress Klein Center for Real Estate about the 2024 Housing Market and Outlook.

Charisma Southerland, 2024 president of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS, is back hosting this episode of Inside the Canopy Files. Today, Charisma speaks with Lynn Madison, owner of Lynn Madison Seminars, a full-service training and development company devoted to the advancement of professionalism in real estate. Together they address how agents can navigate the new normal.

May is recognized as Asian American Pacific Islander Month, a time honoring the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, customs, values, and unique contributions of Asian Americans.  As a part of the second installment of the Inside the Canopy Files series delving into diversity, Canopy Realtor® Association president, Charisma Southerland talks with Linda Goss, fellow Realtor® and Broker, who serves as the president of the Charlotte Chapter of the Asian Real Estate Association of America or AREAA, and Dr. John Chen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Carolinas Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Listen as they talk about key issues in real estate and the impact their organizations have on the local Asian American business community.

Buying a home is a big undertaking – from picking a REALTOR®, to touring homes, to financing the purchase, each step presents its own set of challenges. For disabled homebuyers, those challenges are often bigger and trickier to navigate. Inside the Canopy Files talks with Mia Ives-Rublee, Director of Disability Justice Initiative at American Progress about her work advocating for disability justice and inclusion and what Realtors® can do to further the independence and dream of homeownership for those living with disabilities. Broker Relations Manager, Bryan Perkins joins the conversation to discuss how the MLS helps agents assist clients with disabilities. 

Inside the Canopy Files salutes Women's History Month with guest host, Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS. She and her guests, Maren Brisson Kuester and Brenda Hayden - both past presidents and industry pros - discuss paths to leadership, sharing advice and inspiration and celebrating women who are leading the change.

Realtors® across the U.S. and here at home in Charlotte faced a challenging 2022 and 2023. Last year in particular, agents navigated an inventory-depleted market, with buyers and sellers that pulled back from the housing market due in large part to rising interest rates. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, 2024 Association/Canopy MLS president Charisma Southerland, talks lead generation with special guest, and Managing Broker/Realtor® Marki Lemons-Ryhal. Listen in as they discuss building a customer relationship management system and leads to sustain your real estate business in 2024.

The purchase of a home is typically the largest financial transaction that a person will experience in their life time. However, the process from loan qualification to home inspection, and from disclosures and appraisals to price negotiation, – is what proves the value of a Realtor®.  In some transactions the Realtor® represents the seller, while a buyer's agent works on behalf of buyers. Listen as Inside the Canopy Files, 2024 president Charisma Southerland, and past-president Tiffany Johannes discuss the value of representation and what Buyer's Agents bring to the transaction.  

The recent down housing market after a pandemic that altered a number of lives, has been particularly devastating to the Black community. Not only has the homeownership rate plummeted, but accessing mortgage credit has become nearly impossible outside of government-insured programs such as FHA and VA. On this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, Realtor®/Broker and guest host Allen Dargins talks with Realtor®/broker Tikola McCree, president of Charlotte Crown Realtist Association, about the 2023 State of Housing in Black America report and bridging the gap in homeownership and wealth.   Guest Host: Allen Dargins, Canopy Realtor® Association – 2024 Secretary Guests: Tikola McCree, 2024 Canopy MLS Board of Director, and current president of Charlotte Crown REALTIST Association

Canopy Realtor® Association is a trade association that promotes the value of Realtors® to the consumer and the dream of homeownership. The Association, with guidance from Realtor® volunteers, also provides tools, education and resources to be succesful in business, and takes pride in a Foundation that is actively improving the communities where they live, work and play. .In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, hear from volunteer leadership and why they volunteer their time at the Association, Canopy MLS and Canopy Housing Foundation, and more importantly why Realtors® should be involved in their industry.

Whether showing a home, conducting an open house or meeting a potential new client, Realtors® face danger every day when dealing with the public. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, listen as Tiffany Johannes, president of Canopy Realtor® Association talks with Realtor®/Broker and Safety Expert, April Crigger-Hudson about How not to be a Victim, by developing a safety mindset, as well as best practices and a review of products with safety features provided by Canopy.

Charlotte Family Housing is a shelter-to-housing program for working families experiencing homelessness and they are the 2023 beneficiary of Canopy Housing Foundation's annual Strides for Shelter 5K. Listen as guest host Joan Goode, Realtor®/Broker and Strides for Shelter 5k chair, talks with Elizabeth Kurtz, Executive Director and her team at Charlotte Family Houisng about how the organization empowers working families experiencing homelessness to achieve life-long self-sufficiency through shelter, housing, supportive services, and advocacy.

Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS, is back as guest host in this podcast conversation with Michele McCaskill, VP of Risk Management and Assistant General Counsel, about Why Professional Standards and the Code of Ethics are important to the profession and the consumer. Hear more about how the Risk Management team keeps an eye on general risk management issues affecting the industry, and why raising the bar on professionalism is imperative to the industry. 

Technology is hot, evolving and moving at a breakneck pace and the next generation of home buyers and sellers, are quite comfortable with the rapidly changing world of innovation. And the forward-thinking Realtor® trying to cultivate and reach the next generation of clients, should be too. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, listen in as Bryan Perkins, Canopy MLS Broker Relations Manager, Debbie Wey, VP of MLS Administration and Todd Long, Realtor®/Broker, and Canopy MLS Board of Director, discuss the latest tech and updates embraced by Canopy MLS, so you can help your business sizzle!

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor® Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! 2023 Canopy Realtor® Association/Canopy MLS President Tiffany Johannes recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to the EXPO's keynote speaker Joe Rand. Joe Rand is the VP of Innovation at Howard Hanna | Rand Realty, based in New York. Joe delivered a presentation at the Realtor® EXPO about being the best realtor you can be, and what some of the finer points of the profession can put you over the top and separate you from the crowd. Tiffany Johannes sat down with Joe privately to discuss these topics and more, including how to overcome disruptors like the trend of "iBuyers," understanding the value proposition of engaging a Realtor®, and the importance of listening more than you speak. Connect with Howard Hanna and Rand Realty online at randrealty.com. Find Joe Rand online at joerand.com.  

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor© Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! 2023 Canopy Realtors© Association/Canopy MLS President Tiffany Johannes recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for all Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to Marki Lemons-Rhyal, a Licensed Managing Broker, Realtor®, avid volunteer, and major donor. At the 2023 Realtors© EXPO, Marki delivered an insightful discussion about the power of utilizing new technology, particularly artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. Tiffany Johnnes sat down behind the scenes with Marki Lemons-Rhyal to dive deeper into the topics of AI and how Realtors® can use the new technology to your advantage. Marki discusses what AI is and gives specific examples of how she uses it to streamline her workflow. Marki also talks about what other AI-powered tools that realtors can take advantage of, and makes the proclamation that "while AI won't replace the Realtor®, a Realtor® with AI will replace the Realtor® without AI." Connect with Marki Lemons-Rhyal online at markilemons.com.

On June 1, Canopy Realtors© Association hosted the 2023 Realtor© Expo at the Charlotte Convention Center. Over 900 Realtors® and exhibitors gathered for a day of networking and learning under the Canopy! Tiffany Johannes, 2023 Canopy Realtors® Association/Canopy MLS President recorded a special and exclusive conversation with the day's featured speakers in an effort to make the information discussed that day as accessible as possible for all Canopy members and subscribers. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, Tiffany Johannes speaks to Christina Asbury. Christina is one of only 630 accredited land consultants in the US. She is knowledgeable in many aspects of land sales, including 2031 tax exchanges, land planning and development, site analysis and more. Tiffany talks to Christina about what it takes to acquire a land consultant accreditation, the unique traits of North and South Carolina land law, and how to find and utilize your local  land consultant. Connect with Christina Asbury online here.

Canopy Housing Foundation recognizes and celebrates Fair Housing month every April, with the Realtors® Care Day event! From the mountains of Haywood County, to the Charlotte region, Realtors® come together to volunteer and help homeowners in need with external home repairs.  Inside the Canopy Files, follows guest host, Kim McMillan, Canopy's Vice President of Marketing & Communications, as she goes behind the scenes of the 2023 Realtors® Care Day project.

Guest host and Canopy Realtor® Association CEO, Anne Marie DeCatsye, talks with the new Director of Education, LaToya Simms at Canopy Real Estate Institute about all things new at the "Canopy Campus" and how CREI is elevating the member experience! Listen in as they discuss tips for Brokers to develop their agents and how Canopy's Real Estate Institute can help!

Join Canopy Realtor® Association president, Tiffany Johannes, as she talks with Karyn Lindsey, VP of Diversity and Inclusion at Canopy, about Fair Housing month, why it's important and how Canopy's members can increase their knowledge and strengthen their commitment to fair housing this month and every month! 

Buyers and Sellers are getting ready for the spring market. What's the outlook for the year? In this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, listen in as president Tiffany Johannes talks with Anne Marie DeCatsye, Esq., CEO, Canopy Realtor® Assoc., Tim Sittema, Managing Partner of Crosland SE and Dr. Yongquiang Chu, Distinguished Professor UNC Charlotte - CKCRE, about strategies that the public-private sectors can utilize to address affordable housing challenges and opportunities.

Inside the Canopy Files salutes Women's History Month with guest host, Anne Marie DeCatsye, CEO of Canopy Realtor® Association and Canopy MLS, as she discusses paths to leadership with 2023 president Tiffany Johannes and president-elect, Charisma Dockery Smith about who influenced them, why they lead and how they got to where they are now.

In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, podcast listeners will hear from local historian, Dr. Tom Hanchett and Annetta Foard of the Community Building Initiative, regarding how key decisions have affected the city's growth and development and how race and ethnicity have played a role in influencing the Queen City's present and future.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) recent research and reports are showing some significant shifts in the market. On this edition of Inisde the Canopy FIles, 2023 president, Tiffany Johannes and Dr. Jessica Lautz, NAR's Deputy Chief Economist, unpack the latest research on changes buyers and sellers are making including what they want in a home, how they use their home, how they search for a new home, and their relationship to real estate agents.

The team at Canopy MLS continues to elevate the member experience, refining the Matrix System platform. Join 2023 president Tiffany Johaness and representatives from Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and Canopy MLS on this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, and listen in on changes being implemented and what Realtors® can expect with Canopy's new Matrix system conversion.

Every year Canopy Realtor® Association's members elect a new president, who as a part of their role, also hosts Inside the Canopy Files podcast. Host Lee Allen reflects on the accomplishments of 2022 and discusses the goals of president-elect Tiffany Johannes, as he passes the mic to her, in this "leader-to-leader" conversation.

In its fourth year, the 2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Summit brought developers, government officials, and community stakeholders together for an exclusive first look at the "2022 State of Housing in Charlotte Report." Host Lee Allen talks with Realtor®/broker and 2022 Chair of REBIC, Brenda Hayden, who participated as a guest panelist, about key takeaways from the Housing Summit, and ways local leadership can address the problem of the lack of affordable housing in the Charlotte region.

Almost daily, consumers are bombarded with conflicting news stories regarding the slowing housing market. As 2022 comes to a close, media headlines continue to predict doom and gloom. Listen in as Inside the Canopy Files Host Lee Allen and his guest, Dave Noyes, a Realtor®/broker with eXp Realty, LLC -Hendersonville, reflect on housing activity in 2022, in both the Charlotte and Asheville markets, discuss the outlook ahead and how buyers and sellers can still find home, in 2023.

The 2022 housing market is shifting. Inventory, inflation and interest rates continue to impact the market, challenging affordability and leaving a less competitive space, with only serious, more measured buyers. It's still a seller's market, but for how long? And with all the housing data consumers have at their fingertips, now more than ever, it's important that Realtors® do their homework and talk smart about the market in order to demonstrate their value and be that trusted advisor for the consumer/client. In this episode of Inside the Canopy Files, host Lee Allen, talks with Realtor®/broker and Canopy MLS Board of Director, Helen Edwards-Jackson about the market, key metrics Realtors® are watching, and some of her favorite Canopy MLS tools she uses to predict the market and mine for leads. We also introduce our new segment, "Digi Know".

The Charlotte Rescue Mission has been a part of the community for 100 years, and serves those at the intersection of homelessness and addiction, through housing, counseling, fitness and education. Join host, Lee Allen on this edition of Inside the Canopy Files, as he talks with Rev. Anthony Marciano, president and CEO about this long standing agency and the good work they are doing in the community and how support from community partners and private industry helps the most vulnerable in our communities, who live without housing. Find out more about Charlotte Rescue Mission Sign up for the Strides for Shelter 5K

The final version of Charlotte's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), was approved in late August and will ultimately serve as the new set of rules and regulations, designed to provide more certainty for those both engaged in, and affected by, the land development process. In this episode of Inside the Canopy FIles, join host Lee Allen as he talks with Rob Nanfelt, executive director of the Real Estate Building and Industry Coalition (REBIC) to discuss the future of development in Charlotte, its impact on local developers, Realtors® and real estate and property owners.