The Realest Agents Podcast

We may have temporarily waived attorney-client privilege for this one… 😅Our latest podcast episode features our good friend, business neighbor, and one of Isanti’s finest attorneys, Rachel Gillespie. We had a great conversation covering business, community, entrepreneurship, and plenty in between. Give it a listen!

We sat down with Janet Schaak, a woman of many talents and even more stories.From serving in the military, to turning wrenches as a diesel mechanic, firing up the smoker, making music, and hosting her own radio station.Janet’s path isn’t linear and neither is her impact. Everything she does is rooted in showing up, contributing, and caring about the place she calls home.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Karla and Bre — two community-minded leaders who saw something special in Isanti and decided it was worth fighting for. When the City of Isanti announced it would discontinue Illuminate Isanti, the beloved winter light festival many families looked forward to each year, Karla and Bre stepped up.They created Isanti Together, a volunteer-driven group with one mission: keep the magic alive.Join us as we explore how this grassroots movement began, the passion behind their efforts, the challenges of taking on a city-run event as volunteers, and the big vision they have for the future of Illuminate Isanti and beyond.This episode is a celebration of community, leadership, and what happens when everyday people decide, “If not us, then who?”

This week we sat down with Jojo Spencer — lifelong community builder, photographer, and the creative mind behind one of Isanti’s most recognizable studios. We talked about his many roles over the years, the heart behind his photo business, and his perspective on what makes our community so special.A great conversation with an even better person.

We sat down with the owners of Reel Vision — our neighbors right here in the Creamery building! They might do marketing and videography, but at their core, they’re storytellers. Excited to share their story and have them here in Isanti!

This week we sit down with Bill Stickels III, Editor-in-Chief of the Isanti-Chisago County Star. Bill shares insights from his career in local media and gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the community’s favorite annual feature — Best Of. From journalism to celebrating what makes our area shine, this conversation is packed with stories, perspective, and hometown pride.

November is quickly approaching and a school referendum is going to be on the ballot. We are joined by Chris Kampa (Director of Finance & Operations) and Christina Thayer-Anderson (Director of Community Education) to break down the referendum and answer all of your questions

She's back for round #2! Jen is the Community Engagement Coordinator at New Pathways. If you haven't heard, New Pathways is a local non-profit that helps families with children who are suffering homelessness. They are also in the news because of their new shelter that is just about to begin construction in Cambridge. Jen fills us in on the new shelter and how they were able to fund it.

This week on The Realest Agents Podcast, we sit down with the one and only John Wagner—journalist, sportswriter, and all-around character. From covering breaking news to calling out bad calls on the field, John shares stories from decades in journalism and local sports. Honestly… he should have his own podcast.

In this episode, we give an inside scoop on our latest real estate endeavor. We share how we bought building, why we did, and what our plans are.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve, recently known for his appearance on Netflix’s Love is Blind. Beyond reality TV, Steve is a professional speaker and published author from Cambridge, MN, sharing insights on personal growth and doing the unright thing.

Meet Judith. Judith is the owner of an independent bookstore that made its home in Cambridge over 20 years ago. Even in a digital world, Scout & Morgan Books has remained a staple and is a leading advocate for literacy in our community. Listen to learn more about Judith and her journey.

He may be newer to the Cambridge Community, but he has made quite a splash since he moved here. Britt is the owner of Britt Nelson Video, which specializes in wedding videography. Get to know Britt and learn about the world if video!

Jesse Sage & Jessica Bitz join us to talk about the yearly event, "The Taste". This event is put on by the Cambridge-Isanti Rotary Club to raise funds that is all given back to the community in many different ways. The Taste brings together food and drink vendors in the area to compete and present what they have to offer.

If you can get through the first two minutes of Brody's gut laughing, you'll get to know one of our community's top financial advisors. Rebecca (Becky) has been in the industry for over 10 years and has produced a lot of professional accolades in an industry she didn't plan on falling in love with. You'll also be able to figure out if you need a "financial therapist" and some professional advice.

If you don’t know about Pretty Little Signs or the owner, Christi Patrick, we highly suggest you listen to this episode. Located right on Main St in Isanti, you won’t find a more fun and vibrant shop than Pretty Little Signs. If you want to create something, Christi will make it happen! She had a passion and she turned it into a business that brings value to our community.

Sean Stevens has been in our community a long time. He's always had a passion for photography and has been fascinated with flying drones. Sean is one of those brave individuals who took his hobbies and started a business. Homestory Visuals specializes in real estate photography, videography, and social media marketing.

Dr. Berg joins Nick & Brody to talk about retirement from New Hope Church and his new business venture, Thrive People Solutions.

Nick & Brody are joined by Sheriff Wayne Seiberlich & Chief Deputy John Gillquist to talk about a broad array of public safety topics in Isanti County.

You may have a general idea of what a Chamber of Commerce is or does, but you're probably wrong. Vanessa talks about the important role our Chamber has and how it helps strengthen our community and economic development. We also talk rodeo weekend and her lack of knowledge of Harry Potter.

Whether you're looking to buy your first home or you could use a refresher, Nick and Brody cover it all. They field real questions from real listeners about the current market of homebuying. If you have additional questions that weren't answered, be sure to reach out to either Nick or Brody!

Isanti is the home of the nation's #1 indoor BMX track. Maybe even more crazy, it's a nonprofit and is run by volunteers. Josh & Alissa are the track operators at Rum River BMX and joined Nick to breakdown how we have an organization like this.

What were you doing at 19 years old? Our guest, Jaeger Caulk, identified a market for a business and took action. Jaegers Junk Removal is quickly becoming a staple service for the Isanti County area. Nick & Brody get to know Jaeger and learn more about his business and entrepreneurial mindset.

Nick & Brody had the opportunity to talk with the Dean of Academic and Community Outreach at Anoka Ramsey, Shannon Kirkeide. Get to know Shannon and learn about one of our community's greatest assets, community college.

Who would have thought Cambridge-Isanti would be home to a local winery??? The owner of Red Pine Winery, Pam Streed, talked with Nick and Brody about her unique venture.

Brand new CI Football coach, Ben Geissler stopped in with his Defensive Coordinator, Nick Oeltjen. We preview the upcoming season, creating a culture for student athletes to thrive, and of course the historically mediocre 2009 Football season that Nick and Brody were a part of.

Meet the man who is quickly climbing the ladder he enjoys climbing. Jimmy Gordon started as a small business owner and has now entered the realm of politics. He was a city council member, now the mayor of Isanti, and is now running for MN House of Representatives. US President in 2028? We'll see...

We have deemed Don Farrell as the most interesting man in town. Don is an example of someone who "lost everything" but in reality he gained everything. He's also a fellow real estate investor and pickleballer. Hear Don's story from the man with a silky deep voice.

A man that is known for not only his award winning beard & mustache, Aaron Berg has played many vital roles to strengthen our local institutions. Now, he's here to talk about his upcoming facial hair competition to raise money for a good cause.

Learn about the guy who runs our city, what's happening in Cambridge, and Brody even digs deep in this conversation to find out Evan's favorite nut.

Meet a man who is heavily involved in our community. Kelby and his family made Cambridge their home almost 10 years ago and have no plans to leave. He's made his living in the banking and lending industry. Frandsen Bank & Trust is not your average bank located in Braham and we don't think Kelby is either. Enjoy!

Brody talks about himself. Nothing new there...

Julie Page has been a part of our community for over 20 years. Listen to Julie talk about how she was able to change her lifestyle and develop businesses to help others reach their full potential too. She is also the co-author of "Unstoppable: Female Entrepreneurs Living Fearlessly", which you can find on Amazon.

For those who haven't had the pleasure to meet Jenna, we bring her to you. Jenna is a therapist at River Counseling in Isanti. We go deep into therapy and cover trauma, EMDR, anxiety, depression, and addiction.

Nick & Brody speak with Co-Pastor Andrew Buschena, who has been at Common Ground Methodist Church for over 8 years. Andrew discusses the pastor life while Nick & Brody try and avoid getting cancelled.

The construction industry is in need of a reset when it comes to focusing on culture and professional development. Luckily, we happen to have a solution right here in Cambridge, MN. Kayti and Ry came in to talk with us about the development of The Repurposed Educator. Not only did they help grow DW Companies into a powerhouse and community leader, they did it in a way that hasn't been seen in construction.

City Center Market is a natural foods Co-op that has become a staple in Cambridge. Nick and Brody are joined by John (general manager) and Amber (cafe manager) to talk about the inner workings of a Co-op and how its thriving in a rural town.

Nick & Brody are joined by the recently married, Burnhams. Between the two of them, they have experience in short and long term rentals. They recently discovered a new trending form of real estate investing, mid-term rentals.

Nick, Brody, and Kyle discuss the details of our most recent investment property, which was a fix and flip in Cambridge.

Nick & Brody talk with Mike McDonald about his basketball playing days, his HOF basketball coaching career, coaching against family, and much more!

In high school, he was always the epitome of a PE teacher and strength training coach. He always told us to do more lifting and less talking. But now, we finally get to do more talking. Neil Jennissen has done it all. Husband, father, teacher, National Guard, HOF wrestling coach, driving instructor, firefighter, football coach, track coach, real estate agent.

The Director of Community Engagement and Parks & Rec Event Coordinator were kind enough to talk about all of the events and projects they are working on. The biggest is Illuminate Isanti which will have its second year in December. Isanti is a growing community and these two have a lot to do with it!

Brody & Nick had the opportunity to sit down with a MN Baseball Hall of Famer, Tom Koplitz. You could say he is the Godfather of Baseball in the Cambridge-Isanti area. Tom reminisces on 60 years of baseball memories.

DW Companies is the hottest business in town. We're just going to assume they do great work in the field because we have never heard otherwise. What we do know is that they are revolutionizing the construction world with their community involvement, marketing, and their mindset when it comes to their work and their employees. One of the founding fathers, Nate Bostrom, joins Nick & Brody to discuss the start and growth of DW.

Nick & Brody are joined by Jen Henthorn who is the Community Engagement Coordinator for New Pathways. New Pathways is a non-profit organization located right here in Cambridge, MN that serves families dealing with homelessness in the area.

We talk to the GOAT of real estate in Cambridge, Michelle Lundeen. Even though she brought us expired girl scout cookies, we still have a great time!

Brody & Nick have the opportunity to sit down with KC Bohn to talk about his nonprofit, Rock Steady Boxing. Rock Steady Boxing is KC's gym that is designed specifically to help those who have Parkinson's Disease that live in and around the Cambridge area. Brody finds another opportunity to vent about Nick, and KC tells the story of how Brody knocked him out of Pickleball for 3 weeks.

Welcome to the Realest Agents Podcast! On today’s very first episode, you will hear from The Realest Agent themselves! Brody, Nick, and I will share our story’s, and how it led us to Turpen Realty and creating our team. We then will dive into a conversation about the purpose and vision of this podcast.  Be on the lookout every other week as we bring in new guests to discuss numerous topics in relation to people and community, business and finance, education and coaching, and of course real estate.  Thank you for tuning in, and enjoy the show!