PODCAST · business
The ZERO BS Real Estate Podcast
by John Reid
If you’re a real estate agent, you know the industry is unpredictable, full of challenges, but it’s also full of successes, and unique stories that often go untold. This Podcast is about giving realtors and industry leaders a platform to share their lived experiences —the highs, the lows, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Now given that I am not a realtor myself, I want to bring a fresh perspective to these conversations, ask questions others might not think to ask—challenge assumptions and explore the ‘why’ behind the way things are done. This is an unfiltered space where we uncover what really works, what doesn’t, and what it’s like to build a career in real estate today.
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14 - Tom Storey - How to Build a Successful Real Estate Business in 2026
If you’re a real estate agent trying to grow in a slow or confusing market, this episode is for you.Tom Storey (Royal LePage) breaks down exactly how he went from leases and leads to running a busy Toronto real estate team using video, systems, and a simple client care plan that keeps referrals coming in year after year.No fluff. No hacks. Just real talk on what actually works.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Tom used leases to build a strong real estate databaseWhy simple monthly market update videos changed his businessHow YouTube and podcast content now drive 40% of his dealsThe “before / during / after” system to keep clients for lifeHow to build 3 main business pillars (repeat + referral, content, agent referrals)Why market knowledge and confidence beat “flashy” marketingThe 1–10 (no 7 allowed) rule to help buyers avoid regretHow Tom became a regular TV real estate expertHow to plan your 2026 goals and reverse engineer your numbersIf you’re a realtor who wants more repeat and referral business, and you’re ready to use content on purpose (not randomly), you’ll get a ton of value from this conversation.
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13 - Dion Gemmiti - From Builder to Ontario Real Estate Leader
If you’re a real estate agent in Ontario wondering how to stay sane, grow a business, and still have a life, this episode is for you.In this Zero BS Real Estate Podcast, John sits down with Dion Gemmiti, Century 21 realtor and co-founder of One Real Estate Group in Peterborough, Ontario. They dig into what it really takes to build a values-driven business, lead a team, navigate a shifting Ontario housing market, and avoid the toxic “grind 24/7” mentality that burns so many agents out.From building modular homes during the 2008 recession to leading a collaborative team serving Peterborough, Durham Region, and the GTA, Dion shares how construction knowledge, structure, and genuine care for clients can transform both your business and your lifestyle.🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Dion went from consumer packaged goods & homebuilding to top-producing realtor in Peterborough✔️ Why his construction background helps buyers and sellers feel confident (real numbers on roofs, furnaces & repairs)✔️ How One Real Estate Group is structured as a true partnership (not a “name-on-the-sign” team)✔️ Why grind culture (“I work 365 days a year”) is hurting agents and clients✔️ How clear systems, checklists, and timelines create calm for overwhelmed sellers✔️ What Dion is seeing in today’s buyer’s market across Peterborough, Durham, and the GTA✔️ Why real estate is still one of the best wealth-building tools in Canada✔️ How to build a business that lets you actually take vacations without clients suffering✔️ The mindset shift from “doing everything yourself” to trusting a team and letting go of control💡 If you’re a realtor in Ontario, a seller, or even just real estate-curious, this conversation will challenge how you think about work, wealth, and what it means to really serve your clients.👊 Join the Zero BS Real Estate Community!
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12 - Dennis and John of RLP Frank - How Realtors Win in a Buyer’s Market
If you’re a realtor in Ontario—Durham Region, Peterborough, Northumberland—this episode is for you. We sit down with Dennis Roberts and John Byers, broker-owners at Royal LePage Frank, to talk about pricing in today’s market, back-to-basics skills, and how to serve clients with honesty and care.🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why great agents act like guides—not pushy salespeople✔️ How to price right now (and why “list low, sell high” isn’t 2025 reality)✔️ The habits that still work: door knocking, open houses, real follow-up✔️ How to handle tough client talks (motivation, expectations, timing)✔️ Why culture, coaching, and community matter for long-term success✔️ Using AI as a tool (not a shortcut) to serve clients better✔️ Market snapshot: high inventory, cautious buyers, and what to do next👊 Join the Zero BS Real Estate Community!
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11 - Jason Michel - Faith, Business & Keeping It Real in Real Estate
What if the most powerful way to grow your real estate business… was to stop trying so hard?In this episode of Zero BS Real Estate, I sit down with Jason Michel—realtor, home builder, and deep thinker—to talk about doing real estate differently.Jason shares how the experience of building his own dream home shifted his approach to his business, and why genuine relationships matter more than scripts, sales tactics, or follower counts. This episode is a goldmine if you’ve ever struggled with showing up authentically on social media or wondered how to keep your values at the center of your career.We dive into:Why clients feel the difference when you genuinely careHow building his dream home changed everythingSocial media that actually builds trustThe problem with real estate scripts (and what to do instead)How faith, family, and empathy drive long-term business successWhy being “tolerable” on camera is better than being perfectIf you’re tired of the fake, high-pressure version of real estate, this is your permission slip to do it your way—real, human, and values-first.
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10 - Omair Amir - Vision 2025 Conference Recap
What do you do when the market is tough, your clients are confused, and social media is full of noise? You show up. You lead. You adapt.In this special episode of The ZERO BS Real Estate Podcast, we’re sitting down with Omair Amir, founder of The Six Mortgage Group and the driving force behind Vision 2025—a real estate conference that brought clarity, connection, and confidence to hundreds of professionals across the GTA and Durham Region.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why mindset matters more than market conditions How Vision 2025 empowered agents to lead with facts, not fear The #1 thing realtors should be doing right now to succeed How adversity can be your greatest asset Why collaboration with mortgage professionals is key in 2025If you’re a realtor feeling overwhelmed, uninspired, or just unsure what to focus on—this conversation is your reset button.
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9 - Moaeez Rehman - From Burnout to Breakthrough
In this episode of the Zero BS Real Estate Podcast, we sit down with Moaeez Rehman—a top agent who’s opening up like never before.From the outside, success looks like nice cars, flashy suits, and sold signs. But behind the scenes, Moaeez went through divorce, financial struggles, and a massive identity shift as a realtor. He shares the truth about what it really takes to rebuild your confidence, reconnect with your clients, and grow your business in today’s market—without losing yourself in the process.This is a raw, honest, and powerful conversation about real estate, mental health, and finding your voice on social media. If you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or just need a reminder that you're not alone—this one's for you.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why social media is a long game for realtors ✔️ How personal loss shaped Moise’s business mindset ✔️ The myth of “perfect content” (and what actually works) ✔️ Why most agents never make it past 3 deals a year ✔️ How to get over imposter syndrome and be more YOU on camera
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8 - Bonnie White - From Admin Desk to Top Realtor
What makes someone leave a stable 9–5 job for a career they never planned on—and stay in it for 20 years? In this episode of Zero BS Real Estate, we sit down with Bonnie White—realtor, leader, and all-around gem—who shares her unexpected journey into real estate, the power of community at Royal LePage Frank, and why she's trekking through Cambodia (in a tent!) to raise money for women and children escaping domestic violence.It’s real, raw, inspiring—and yes, a little funny too.You’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you’ll probably want to donate by the end What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔ Why Bonnie never planned to be a realtor—and what changed✔ The culture that keeps agents loyal at Royal LePage Frank✔ How she’s raising money for Bethesda House (and why it matters)✔ What it really means to lead with heart in this business✔ And yes… we talk AI, pineapples, and swing sets.Whether you’re an agent, a client, or someone who just loves a good story—this episode will move you.
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7 - Mark Prata - From BMX & Tattoos to Real Estate Success!
Some journeys to success aren't straight lines—they're wild rides filled with setbacks, lessons, and comebacks. In this episode, we sit down with Mark Prata, whose path took him from professional BMX to tattooing on reality TV to hitting rock bottom before reinventing himself as a powerhouse in real estate.What You'll Learn in This Episode:How to turn life's biggest failures into stepping stones for successWhy mindset is the most powerful tool in business & personal growthThe hidden lessons in anxiety, burnout, and starting overThe surprising connection between BMX, tattooing, and real estateMark's daily rituals for staying intentional, present, and unstoppableWhether you're an entrepreneur, a real estate agent, or someone who's hit rock bottom and is looking for a way up—this episode is for you.
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6 - Brad D'Ornellas - How Brad D'Ornellas Went from Zero to 39 Deals a Year
What does it take to go from a brand-new realtor to closing 39 deals in a year—all without a team? 🤯 Brad D'Ornellas shares his real, unfiltered journey from knocking on doors with zero experience to becoming one of the top agents in his brokerage.No fluff. No generic advice. Just real stories, real challenges, and real strategies that actually work in today's market.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Brad landed a $2M listing as his FIRST deal✔️ The fake it till you make it mindset that actually works✔️ Why cheap marketing kills listings (and what to do instead)✔️ How to use social media ads to find serious buyers✔️ Why many agents burn out—and how to avoid it💡 Thinking about getting into real estate or leveling up your game? You don't want to miss this convo!
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5 - Andrew Perrie - Andrew Perrie's Journey in Life, Faith & Business
🎙️ What if the scariest moment of your life became the best thing that ever happened to you?In this episode of Zero BS Real Estate, I sit down with Andrew Perrie—real estate leader, entrepreneur, and former “pop star“—to talk about his journey through business, faith, and personal transformation.Andrew opens up about his shocking cancer diagnosis, how it led him to a deeper connection with God, and why he believes struggle is often the doorway to something greater. We also discuss:✔️ How Andrew built a powerhouse real estate business with multiple offices✔️ The real challenge most realtors face (it’s NOT what you think)✔️ His unconventional approach to leadership, team-building, and success✔️ The surprising moment that strengthened his faith✔️ How to scale a real estate business without losing your life to itIf you're a realtor, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating business and personal growth, this episode is for you.
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4 - Kim Williams - Does Home Staging Help Sell a House Faster?
If you’re a real estate agent (or a seller) wondering if home staging is worth it, this episode is for you! Some homes sell faster and for more money when staged—why is that? What’s the psychology behind buyers paying more for a staged home, even though the furniture won’t stay? And why do some agents skip staging altogether?We’re getting real about it all with Kim Williams, founder of Simply Staging, who has helped countless homes get top dollar with her expert staging techniques.🎙️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ Why buyers connect emotionally to staged homes✔️ How staging helps a home sell faster (and for more money!)✔️ The biggest mistakes sellers make when listing their home✔️ How staging works behind the scenes (it’s more than fluffing pillows!)✔️ Why some agents avoid staging—and what they’re missing out on💡 If you’re a realtor, seller, or investor, you won’t want to miss this insider conversation!
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03 - Diana Scott - Real Estate isn't Always as Glamorous as it Looks on TV!
In this podcast episode, we're joined by Diana Scott, an experienced realtor who discusses the complexities of the real estate profession. Diana shares lessons on financial preparation and work-life balance for new realtors, along with strategies for managing client expectations and personal boundaries.She highlights her use of tools like scheduled messaging to streamline communications and the importance of a supportive team. Diana details how delegating tasks has improved her focus on clients and reduced paperwork, enhancing her work-life balance.Listeners will gain valuable insights from Diana’s practical advice on building a successful real estate career and maintaining strong client relationships.
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02 - Ryan Huffman - From rock bottom to top 1% of Realtors
Trigger warning - this episode contains references to mental health, addiction issues, and suicidal thoughts. This is a positive and inspiring story of our guest’s journey to overcome these issues to build a better future for himself and those around him - but for anyone who might be triggered by these topics - viewer and listener discretion is advised.If you or someone you know needs support - go to camh.ca, or for crisis support - call or text 988.In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by my new but dear friend, Ryan Huffman. It was a real honour to sit down with Ryan and hear his incredible story of personal and professional growth over the past few years.And it’s quite a rollercoaster going from ambition, to success, then from excess to rock bottom. But thankfully, that’s not the end of the story and you’ll hear Ryan speak candidly about his recovery and how he defied the odds to build a hugely successful real estate career, all while giving back to the community, especially those who are most at risk of the impact of addiction and mental health issues. And you’ll wanna stick around to the end, to hear details of a massive giveaway - for anyone looking to improve their mental health, physical health, or both - and to be part of Ryan’s mission to give back.** #10 Agent in Canada Based on sales volume and stats reported by eXp Canada 01/01/2024 - 12/31/2024 **
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01: CLAR - New MLS rules
In this episode, I sit down with Vicky Sweeney, President of the Central Lakes Association of Realtors, as well as Tracy McCormick and Wendy Giroux! We talk about the evolving role of real estate associations and the new MLS rules that are changing how agents operate. We explore the challenges these rules aim to solve, how they benefit agents, buyers, and sellers, and what they mean for the industry's future. Along the way, Vicky shares her journey in real estate and her unique perspective as a leader advocating for realtors and their communities. Whether you're navigating the new rules or just curious about the bigger picture, I hope this episode has something for you. This very first episode of the podcast was brought to you by my own company, Reid Media Agency. Getting great media to market your listings and market yourself shouldn't be difficult - that's BS. We've captured over $1B of real estate in the East GTA East & Northumberland, and we deliver proven marketing - made simple - for top Realtors.So don't settle for poor-quality media, unresponsive service, and unpredictable availability - you've got way too many other things to deal with. Book your shoot by phone, text, or 24/7 online or on our mobile app, and if you mention the Zero BS Real Estate Podcast, we'll give you a $50 credit towards your first booking with us.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
If you’re a real estate agent, you know the industry is unpredictable, full of challenges, but it’s also full of successes, and unique stories that often go untold. This Podcast is about giving realtors and industry leaders a platform to share their lived experiences —the highs, the lows, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Now given that I am not a realtor myself, I want to bring a fresh perspective to these conversations, ask questions others might not think to ask—challenge assumptions and explore the ‘why’ behind the way things are done. This is an unfiltered space where we uncover what really works, what doesn’t, and what it’s like to build a career in real estate today.
HOSTED BY
John Reid
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