Episodes
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Think NEO To Be Better ft. Ryan Grant
Ryan Grant was running a profitable mortgage company when Better came calling. His first answer was no. What changed his mind? Technology that challenged his assumptions about the cost of lending, combined with something he believed technology alone could not provide: a local mortgage advisor who...
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Be In All The Lanes with Ashley Puckett
Capital markets touches everything. Pricing. Risk. Investor delivery. Loan officer confidence. Operations. Execution. The final result the borrower feels. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Ashley Puckett, AVP of Capital Markets at Novus Home...
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Expand Your Radius with Sarah Valentini
Some companies grow by chasing volume. Others grow by building something people want to belong to. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Sarah Valentini, Co-Founder and CEO of radius financial group, for a conversation about leadership, culture,...
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From Recruiting To Retention ft. Ron Mueller
What if the best recruiting strategy was not a signing bonus? What if it was ownership? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Ron Mueller of USA Mortgage for a conversation about employee ownership, long term retention, loan officer development, and...
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Cultivate Leadership with Credit Unions ft. Malik Wilkes
Credit unions grow differently because the mission is different. It is not just about getting attention. It is about earning trust. It is about serving members well. It is about using data, marketing, and technology to create better conversations before the loan ever starts. In this episode of…
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Connections and Growth in Credit Unions ft. Christopher Sailus
Growth inside a credit union looks different. It is not just about volume. It is about members. It is about trust. It is about service. It is about building a mortgage department that can grow without losing the mission that made credit unions matter in the first place. In this episode of The...
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Risk To Reinvention ft. Roy George
Risk is usually treated like something mortgage companies need to avoid. Roy George sees it differently. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Roy George, President of MOR Lending, for a conversation about how risk, compliance, operations, and...
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From Evidence To Influence ft. Drew Gillett
Attention is easy to chase. Trust is harder to earn. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Drew Gillett, Vice President of Marketing at Guild Mortgage, for a conversation about what mortgage marketing actually needs to become. Drew leads marketing at...
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Originator Operating System ft. Max Leaman
What would a mortgage company look like if it was built around the way top loan officers actually work? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Max Leaman, CEO of LoanPeople, for a conversation about what it takes to build a platform that helps...
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Leading With Value ft. Kevin Peranio
Value in mortgage is not just about rate. It is about trust. It is about communication. It is about execution. It is about whether the inside of the company is strong enough to deliver what the outside is promising. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down…
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Built For The Moment ft. LaTasha Waddy | S05E04
Some leaders are prepared for the role before the title arrives. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with LaTasha Waddy, President of NFM Lending, for a conversation about leadership, timing, responsibility, and what it takes to guide a major mortgage...
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Stop Calling Everything AI ft. Quinton Harris | S05E03
Not everything with automation is AI. And not every “AI tool” is actually changing the business. In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Quinton Harris, Chief Growth and Strategy Officer at Texana Bank Mortgage, for a straight conversation about what...
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The Plug In Producer ft. Brandon Durham | S05E02
What happens when the loan officer stops waiting for the tech stack and starts building the workflow themselves? In this episode of The MikedUp Show, Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Brandon Durham for a conversation about a major shift happening inside the mortgage industry. The…
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Stop Playing It Safe ft. Rick Roque | S05E01
Season 5 of The MikedUp Show starts with a conversation that cuts straight into what mortgage leaders need to be thinking about right now. Michael Kelleher and Michael Zau sit down with Rick Roque, CMB of NFM Lending, for a direct conversation about where the mortgage industry is headed, what...
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Human Lending : Beyond The Transaction ft. Darryl Caffee
Darryl Caffee, Senior Vice President at Webster Five, joins Mike’d Up to discuss what it really takes to build a long-term career in mortgage and why most professionals misunderstand the path early on. With a background spanning law, operations, collections, and executive leadership, Darryl…
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Equity Power : $35 TN Opportunity ft. Tom Davis
Tom Davis, Chief Sales Officer at Deephaven Mortgage, joins Mike’d Up to break down one of the most overlooked opportunities in today’s market: equity. With over $30 trillion in tappable home equity and the majority of borrowers locked into sub-5% rates, the traditional refinance-driven playbook…
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Think Bigger : Mortgage Mindset Shift ft. Patty Arvielo
In this episode of Miked Up, we sit down with Patty Arvielo, CEO & Co-Founder of New American Funding, to break down the mindset, systems, and leadership philosophy behind building one of the largest mortgage companies in the country. From starting as a loan processor to leading a national...
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Impact Mission : The Entrepreneur Journey ft. Brent Houston
In this episode of Miked Up, we sit down with Brent Houston, Chief Operations Officer at ARDRI and a founding member of the organization, for a deep conversation about leadership, innovation, and building a mortgage platform designed for the future. With more than 30 years of experience across...
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Everything You Need To Know About Fannie Mae's New Income Calculator ft. Jim Carroll
Income calculation has always been one of the biggest friction points in mortgage lending. Commission income. Variable income. Self-employed borrowers. Rental income. Part-time and multi-job scenarios. One miscalculation can derail an approval, delay a closing, or trigger a costly repurchase…
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Funding $100M in DSCR ft. Joseph Scorese
In this episode of The Mike’d Up Show, we sit down with Joseph V. Scorese — nationwide direct private lender, senior account executive at Park Place Finance, real estate investor, educator, and host of the Creative BRRRR Strategies Podcast. Joe has funded over $100 million in DSCR, fix-and-flip,...
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Mortgage Across Decades ft. Adam Mason
In this episode of Miked Up, we sit down with Adam Mason, President of Gershman Mortgage’s Residential Division, for a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build a mortgage company that lasts. Titled “Mortgage Across Decades,” this episode explores how a generational independent...
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Connection : The New Acquisition Strategy ft. Jeremy Davis
In this episode, Jeremy Davis, President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, breaks down why the future of customer acquisition in lending is built on connection first and conversion second. As the leader of the mortgage division for one of the nation’s oldest and largest Community Development...
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Customer Acquisition : Consumer Direct ft. Ed Powell
Ed Powell, SVP & Licensed Regional Manager, Angel Oak Solutions | NMLS #407491 Customer acquisition in today’s mortgage market is no longer about volume alone—it’s about precision, trust, and meeting borrowers where they actually are. In this episode, we sit down with Ed Powell, Senior Vice...
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2026 Clarity : When The Excuses Stop ft. Eddy Perez
In this episode, we sit down with Eddy Perez, CMB, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM), for a direct and timely conversation about leadership, accountability, and what it will take to win in the mortgage industry as we move toward 2026. This is not a discussion…
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Scaling Revenue : Building Teams That Perform ft. Erin Dee
In this episode, we sit down with Erin Dee, Chief Operating Officer at InterLinc Mortgage, to talk about what it really takes to scale revenue in today’s mortgage environment—and why strong teams and disciplined operations matter more than ever. With more than 20 years of mortgage industry...
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Commitment, Consistency & Community ft. S. John Murray
In this episode, we sit down with S. John Murray, a mortgage professional whose career spans more than four decadesand reflects a rare combination of longevity, discipline, and deep commitment to people over transactions. With over 41 years in mortgage banking and more than 10,630 families…
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Lasting Leadership : Impact That Actually Matters ft. Matthew Patterson
In this week’s episode, we sit down with Matthew Patterson, the President of First Alliance Home Mortgage and one of the industry’s most grounded and quietly influential leaders. Matthew’s path is not the typical decades-long climb—his rise has been marked by rapid advancement, authentic...
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Aligning Businesses : Channels That Drive Growth ft. James Hecht
In this episode, we sit down with one of the most respected operators in modern mortgage banking — James Hecht, the newly appointed CEO of OneTrust Home Loans. With more than 30 years of executive leadership across the largest and most influential lending institutions in the country, James brings…
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The Rise of C2 Financial ft. David Temko
In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we go inside the engine room of one of the nation’s most successful mortgage brokerages — C2 Financial — with its President, David Temko. Known for his sharp vision, leadership discipline, and deep understanding of financial systems, David has helped solidify C2...
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From Rock Bottom To Redemption ft. Jon Prussel
In this powerful episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Jon Prussel, the President of City First Mortgage LLC, for a candid and deeply human conversation about resilience, leadership, and second chances. Jon’s story is not just about building a business — it’s about rebuilding oneself. From...
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Unkinking The Hose in Mortgage Operations ft. Rob Jewett
In this week’s episode of MikedUp, we’re getting behind the curtain of mortgage operations with Rob Jewett, the Chief Operating Officer of NewFed Mortgage Corp and one of HousingWire’s Tech Trendsetters. Known for streamlining processes and integrating innovative technology, Rob has reimagined…
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Service Without Exception ft. Gene Thompson
In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Gene Thompson, a mortgage leader whose story is built on loyalty, grit, and an unwavering belief in serving people—without exception. After 16 years of dedication to InterLinc Mortgage, Gene is now the majority owner of the company, stepping into a new...
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Compound Integrity : Durable Mortgage Leadership ft. Paul Diamond
In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Paul Diamond, a leader who represents resilience, integrity, and staying power in mortgage banking. With more than three decades in the mortgage industry, Paul has built a reputation for leading with values before volume, standing firm during market...
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Building Trust : Lending Beyond Numbers ft. Chris Vinson
In this episode of MikeDrop, we welcome Chris Vinson, CEO of Windsor Mortgage and head of the mortgage division at Plains Commerce Bank, for an unfiltered conversation about what it really takes to build trust in lending—beyond rates, margins, and spreadsheets. Chris is a visionary leader who has...
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Creative Technology : Sustainable Innovation ft. Lisa Lang
In this episode of MikedUp, we sit down with Lisa Lang, Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Bank Home Loans, to explore how creative technology and sustainable innovation are shaping the future of the mortgage industry. Lisa brings a wealth of experience, deep market insight, and a…
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Evolution Of Homebuying | Fly Homes ft. Dan Richards
In this episode, we dive deep into how homebuying has changed — and where it’s headed — with Dan Richards, President of Flyhomes Mortgage. Dan’s story is one of bridging tech, finance, and real estate to create more accessible paths to homeownership, especially in a market that’s constantly...
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Majority Homeownership : Future of Housing is NOW ft. Mosi Gatling
In this powerful episode of the podcast, we sit down with Mosi Gatling, Senior Vice President of Strategic Growth and Expansion at New American Funding, to explore the future of homeownership in America and how the industry can take meaningful steps to close the homeownership gap. Mosi brings…
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Leading Lending Through Trust ft. Kevin Peranio
This week’s episode takes us through a deep, eye-opening conversation with Kevin Peranio, Chief Lending Officer of Paramount Residential Mortgage Group (PRMG). Kevin reflects on a career rooted in adapting, learning, and leading through nearly two decades of seismic shifts in the mortgage...
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Helping 5 Million Americans Own Homes ft. Dave Savage & Kristin Messerli
What does it really take to make homeownership possible for millions of Americans—especially Gen Z, first-time buyers, and families often overlooked by the traditional system? This week, we’re joined by two of the industry’s most passionate voices: Dave Savage and Kristin Messerli, co-founders of...
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It Is Always A Great Day with Khash Saghafi
This episode welcomes an industry original—Khash Saghafi, founder and CEO of Liberty Home Mortgage—to unpack why, even after 25 years in lending, he still believes “It is always a great day.” Khash isn’t just known for his longevity—he’s built a reputation as the problem solver for homebuyers,...
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Gen Z's Mortgage Journey ft. Mariana Martinez
In this inspiring and refreshingly candid conversation, we step into the shoes of Mariana Martinez, a student-athlete turned mortgage industry insider, whose career journey began as an intern at Easy Mortgage App and evolved into a pivotal role managing operations for the Mike’d Up Show. Born in...
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Building Trust That Lasts ft. Kate Amor
This week on the podcast, we welcome Kate Amor, Senior Vice President and Head of Enterprise Products at Guaranteed Rate, to talk about leadership, trust, and building connection in an industry where relationships are everything. Kate’s career started right out of college as a mortgage loan...
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Representation Matters in Capital Markets ft. Deb Jones
This week on the show, we’re diving into a conversation that connects leadership, capital markets, and representation in mortgage finance. Our guest, Deborah (Deb) Jones, Senior Vice President and Director of Mortgage Secondary and Capital Markets at Citizens, brings over 21 years of experience...
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The New Frontier of Mortgage Leadership ft. Andrew Panagos
This week, we sit down with Andrew Panagos, President of GO Mortgage, for a no-fluff, high-insight conversation on what it really takes to lead a modern mortgage company in today’s shifting landscape. With a career that spans powerhouse brands like Fairway, PHH, Deutsche Bank, and H&R Block...
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Vision, Value, Velocity : The Essentials ft. Steve Thomas
On this episode, we sit down with Steve Thomas — a veteran mortgage executive, Navy officer, and now the visionary behind FutureWave Finance, a newly launched minority-owned national correspondent lender. With nearly 30 years in residential mortgage, capital markets, and inclusive financial...
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MikedUp x REALFridays ft. Rick Roque, Brock Cassidy & Jeremy Potter
This week on the show, we sit down with three of the most compelling voices in the mortgage industry—Rick Roque, Brock Cassidy, and Jeremy Potter—who together host the influential weekly show REALFridays. In this dynamic conversation, we unpack the intersection of leadership, media, and strategy,...
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The Future of Consumer Direct ft. Todd Feager
In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with Todd Feager, Co-Founder of Haven Home Equity, to explore how lenders and borrowers alike can harness the untapped power of home equity. With over 23 years in the mortgage industry, Todd brings a deep, hands-on understanding of what today’s…
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Customer First : The Big Picture ft. Justin Messer
What does it take to lead one of America’s largest independent mortgage banks in today’s market—and still put the customer at the center of it all? In this episode of MikeDrop, we sit down with Justin Messer, the President and CEO of Prosperity Home Mortgage, to unpack the leadership mindset,...
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Lending That Builds Legacy ft. Jeremy Davis
In this powerful episode of MikeDrop, we sit down with Jeremy Davis, President of Mortgage at Southern Bancorp, to explore what it really means to build legacy through lending. Jeremy doesn’t just talk housing; he lives and breathes it—from grassroots advocacy to C-suite leadership. His journey…
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Figure FinTech ft. Michael Tannenbaum
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Tannenbaum, the new CEO of Figure Technology Solutions, for a conversation about career growth, smart leadership, and how new ideas are changing the way lending and finance work today. Michael’s path is nothing short of impressive. He helped grow SoFi’s...