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Is your LinkedIn profile opening doors or quietly closing them? Get practical advice on personal branding, career reinvention, and using AI without losing your human voice. In this episode, Dante and Lynne discuss: LinkedIn as a digital reputation and personal-branding toolVirtual and in-person networking strategiesLinkedIn engagement, profile optimization, and analyticsTailored resumes, metrics, and cover lettersCareer reinvention and transferable skills Key Takeaways:  Networking matters because people hire people. Combine online outreach with in-person connections and make networking a habit.Thoughtful, value-adding comments can build visibility and credibility on LinkedIn, not just posts.Tailor each resume to the role, use relevant keywords, and include specific metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.AI can help with career materials, but your own perspective, experience, and voice should shape the final result.Career changes require continuous learning, strategic positioning, and highlighting transferable skills. Volunteering or taking a practical bridge job can also help during a transition.  “Keep learning and keep networking. You got to make networking a habit, and you need to be a lifelong learner because things are changing.” - Lynne Williams About Lynne Williams: Lynne Williams is a nationally recognized career strategist, resume writer, LinkedIn branding expert, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping professionals advance their careers. As founder of Career News Today LLC and Executive Director of Great Careers Network, she specializes in resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, personal branding, and effective job search strategies. In this episode, Lynne shares her expertise on navigating today’s competitive job market, building a strong professional brand, and positioning yourself for long-term career success. Connect with Lynne Williams: Website: https://greatcareers.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewilliams/  Substack: https://greatcareersphl.substack.com/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

A great product isn’t enough if customers don’t pay and nobody knows how to sell it. Allen Kopelman shares why cash flow, sales planning, and operational know-how matter at every stage of business. In this episode, Dante and Allen discuss: Adapting to AI, automation, and changing technologyIdentity theft, fraud prevention, and document securityManaging business overhead, leases, and payment collectionSales strategy, marketing, and visibility in AI-powered searchCross-training, work ethic, career development, and the value of practical skills Key Takeaways:  Embrace new technology, but understand its capabilities, limitations, and costs before building your business around it.Monitor your credit and protect your personal and business information against identity theft.Develop a clear sales strategy and payment collection process before launching a product or service.Cross-train employees so teams can adapt, work more efficiently, and keep operations running smoothly.Build valuable skills, develop expertise, set realistic expectations, and aim to overdeliver.  “I always say, overdeliver and underpromise.” - Allen Kopelman About Allen Kopelman: Allen Kopelman is a fintech entrepreneur, payments industry expert, and Founder & CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems, with over 20 years of experience in payment processing and financial technology. He helps businesses across various industries reduce transaction costs, streamline operations, and implement scalable payment solutions. Through innovative pricing strategies, advanced technology, and personalized service, Allen promotes transparency and efficiency in payment processing. He also hosts B2B Vault: The Biz-to-Biz Podcast, where he explores business growth, fintech innovation, and the future of commerce. Connect with Allen Kopelman: Website: https://allenkopelman.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenkopelman/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Small, unspoken concerns can grow into major conflicts. Learn how pausing, listening, and asking about another person’s perspective can help turn difficult conversations into a path forward. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Debra discuss: Small concerns and escalating conflictEmotional drivers and the brain’s threat responseActive listening and leadership communicationEmotional intelligence, hiring, and workplace culturePreparing for difficult conversations Key Takeaways:  Unaddressed concerns can grow into larger conflicts; raising them early creates a chance to understand what’s really at stake.When tension rises, a pause and a few deep breaths can help restore space for clearer thinking.Listening to understand, not simply preparing a response, helps people feel heard and reveals perspectives you might otherwise miss.Effective hiring looks beyond technical ability to consider emotional intelligence, mindset, values, and organizational culture.Before a difficult conversation, clarify what you fear, what matters to you, and what outcome you hope to reach.  “We don't listen to understand; we listen to respond.” - Dr. Debra Dupree About Dr. Debra Dupree: Dr. Debra Dupree, The MINDSET Doc®, is a workplace conflict and leadership expert with more than 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, leadership coaching, and workplace interventions. Using a neuroscience-based approach, she helps organizations address harassment, discrimination, workplace conflict, and mental health challenges while fostering psychological safety, respect, and inclusion. She served for 20 years as a Senior Mentor Mediator with the Department of the Navy and has developed leadership programs including Manager-as-Mediator® and Self-as-Mediator®. A TEDx speaker, international trainer, author, and thought leader, Dr. Dupree also hosts the podcasts Decoding the Conflict Mindset and Hot Topics in the Workplace: When Medical Conditions Flare Up, sharing practical strategies for healthier and more compassionate workplaces. Connect with Dr. Debra Dupree: Website: https://relationships-at-work.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debradupree/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

We see thousands of headlines, posts, and AI-made clips every day, so how do we know what to trust? Dr. Eliene Augenbraun explains why facts alone rarely change minds, and how context, familiarity, trusted relationships, and interpretation shape what people believe. In this episode, Dante and Eliene discuss: Competing narratives and how they shape beliefThe personal influence model and social media algorithmsScience as interpretation and Kuhn's scientific revolutionsHow media technology changed, from signal fires to online videoAI's risks and uses in science and medicine Key Takeaways:  The information environment shapes what people believe and what feels true to them. Messages that cross both sides of a divide and make sense within both narratives can help build peace.We trust what's familiar, and what's familiar spreads through the people we already trust. Modern algorithms are built on this.Science doesn't hand us final answers. It gives the best current explanation, and that explanation can be overturned when the exceptions pile up.AI can produce useful insights, but it can also carry biases from the data it's trained on and make mistakes that are difficult to catch because the output sounds so convincing.Read one in-depth article a day, and vary your sources.  “Everybody could understand it. You just have to find decent sources and read it and ask questions, and, you know, everybody's smart enough. There's nothing. Scientists are no smarter than anybody else. They're just more patient.” - Eliene Augenbraun About Eliene Augenbraun: Eliene Augenbraun, D.O., Ph.D., is an award-winning journalist, educator, multimedia producer, and science communicator with more than three decades of experience at the intersection of science, medicine, education, and media. A physician and Ph.D. biologist, she has led multimedia initiatives and produced science and health content for organizations including Scientific American, Nature, MIT, Forbes, and leading academic institutions. She co-founded ScienCentral, a pioneering science news organization, and has helped make complex scientific topics more accessible through storytelling, video, podcasts, and digital media. She also teaches medical communications at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and mentors medical and nursing students. Her work has received numerous national and international awards for excellence in science journalism and communication. Connect with Eliene Augenbraun: Profile: https://www.forbes.com/health/author/eliene-augenbraun/ Portfolio: https://www.sciencentral.net/video Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if you make it financially but lose something emotionally? Dante Royster looks back on three powerful conversations and runs an honest self-audit on what success is really costing us. In this episode, Dante discusses: Financial success vs. real fulfillmentYour calendar as a reflection of your valuesEmotional masks and hidden strugglesListening vs. just hearingRedefining the scoreboard and building a legacy Key Takeaways:  Money is a tool, not a destination. Reaching your number doesn't guarantee peace, fulfillment, or a close family.Want to know what you really value? Look at your calendar, not at what you say.Winning the game is not the same as realizing you've been playing the wrong one. Keep auditing which game you're in."I'm good" is rarely the whole truth. Real connection needs safe spaces, and sometimes it means asking "How are you?" a second time.Hearing is just noise. Listening builds the relationships that shape our happiness, our health, and the legacy we leave.   “Maybe legacy isn't people remembering what you've accomplished. Maybe it's people remembering how they felt when they were around you.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

We've never had more ways to communicate and never felt further apart. This conversation unpacks why and what it actually takes to connect again. In this episode, Dante and Julienne discuss: Communication vs. genuine connectionHearing versus listeningVulnerability as a leadership traitCommunicating under stress and crisisStorytelling, authenticity, and the 68-draft book Key Takeaways:  More communication channels haven't produced more connection; they've produced more places to lose each other.Hearing is reacting to noise while writing your own script; listening is being present without projecting yourself onto the other person.Two prompts do most of the work in any conversation: "Tell me more" and "Give me some context."The strongest leaders admit what they don't know, ask for help, and show up without making false promises. Vulnerability and honesty can build stronger connections than trying to appear like you have all the answers.Waste time to save time. Rushing conversations and jumping to conclusions creates the nightmare you were trying to avoid.Listening costs nothing, and its ripple effects are usually invisible; the person you heard out may not snap at someone else two minutes later.  “I think listening is about waiting and not filling it with your own voice.” - Julienne Ryan About Julienne Ryan: Julienne B. Ryan began her professional career at age five through TV commercials, where she learned early lessons like “the teamsters always eat first,” her Social Security number, and how to endorse checks for bank deposit. She later studied psychology to better understand people, conducting her “fieldwork” across various professional roles and navigating countless mergers, reorganizations, and downsizing initiatives. After earning a graduate degree from an Ivy League school, Ryan transitioned into Talent Management, where she used creativity, storytelling, humor, and even snacks to motivate teams despite limited resources. Over time, she discovered that her greatest strength was not applying fancy theories or traditional HR practices, but connecting with people through stories and humor. Encouraged by those she worked with, Ryan shifted her focus toward storytelling and continues to help people find their “true selves in the world of work.” She is also a guest contributor to The Procurement Foundry, LifeBlood, Women in Media, Blended Pledge, and the global storytelling community. Connect with Julienne Ryan: Website: https://jryanpartners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienneryan/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

From 9/11 firefighters to everyday heartbreak, Dr. Suzanne Lachmann shares raw, practical insights on managing trauma in a world that’s more connected and more emotionally isolated than ever. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Suzanne discuss: Talking through trauma vs. numbing, distraction, and avoidance9/11 firefighters, group processing, and cohesive trauma narrativesStoicism, “I’m fine” culture, and societal expectations of strengthBreakups, heartbreak, and grief as serious forms of traumaLimits of AI in therapy and the irreplaceable role of human connection Key Takeaways:  Talking about painful experiences repeatedly, until they lose some of their emotional charge, is one of the most effective ways to reduce trauma’s power.Trauma is highly individual, shaped by personality, upbringing, biology, identity, and life history, so there is no universal timeline or formula for healing.Breakups and heartbreak can be as devastating as other major losses and should be treated as real trauma, not minimized or rushed through.In a distracted, time-starved, screen-driven culture, one of the greatest gifts you can offer someone in pain is focused, uninterrupted time and genuine presence.AI may offer useful general guidance, but it cannot replicate the depth of individualized understanding that comes from knowing a person's unique history, experiences, and emotional world.  “But the most important thing that you can do in trauma is to continue to talk about it, to talk about it to the point at which it starts to dilute its power.” - Dr. Suzanne Lachmann About Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Dr. Suzanne Lachmann is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma expert, author, and nationally recognized mental health thought leader. Based in New York, she specializes in trauma, grief, relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Since the aftermath of 9/11, she has served as a consulting psychologist for the FDNY, supporting firefighters and first responders through trauma, loss, and recovery. Her expertise has been featured in TIME, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Cosmopolitan. Through her clinical practice, writing, and speaking, Dr. Lachmann advocates for authentic human connection and helps individuals and leaders build resilience and emotional well-being in an increasingly complex world. Connect with Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Website: https://www.drsuzannel.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannelachmannpsychologist/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

He built a multibillion-dollar real estate fund, lived a life of extraordinary wealth, then redirected his skills and resources toward undercover child rescue operations. In this episode, Paul Hutchinson reveals how his definition of “wealth” and purpose radically changed. In this episode, Dante and Paul discuss: Building and selling an anxiety/trauma recovery businessCo-founding Bridge Investment Group and the power of vision and teamsUndercover child rescue operations and the moment that changed everythingIntuition, integrity, and choosing the right partnersHealing trauma, plant medicine, and redefining true wealth and purpose Key Takeaways:  Vision and team-building can outweigh technical expertise when creating large-scale business success.True impact often comes when wealth is treated as a tool for service rather than a finish line.Intuition, “listening with the heart”, can be a powerful strategic advantage in both business and life.Paul explores how unresolved trauma and subconscious patterns can influence behavior, and why meaningful change requires addressing deeper roots.Dissolving the illusion of separation from others leads to greater compassion, a redefined sense of wealth, and a more purpose-driven legacy.  “We're never going to fix it pulling children out of hell. We've got to pull the hell out of humanity.” - Paul Hutchinson About Paul Hutchinson: Paul Hutchinson is a successful entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and international speaker whose work has impacted millions worldwide. He is the founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, leading efforts to protect thousands of children from trafficking and personally conducting over 70 rescue missions across 15 countries. He served as the primary investor and Executive Producer of Sound of Freedom, helping raise global awareness about child trafficking. Beyond humanitarian work, Paul built and sold a mental health company for $20 million and co-founded Bridge Investment Group, which grew to over $20 billion in assets under management. Today, he inspires global leaders through transformational retreats, keynote speeches, and his work on conscious leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating positive impact. Connect with Paul Hutchinson: Website: https://liberating-humanity.com/, https://childliberation.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhutch/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if you’ve been building wealth backwards? In this episode, Dante Royster explores why building yourself comes before building your portfolio, and how redefining wealth around fulfillment, relationships, freedom, and purpose can change the way you approach success. In this episode, Dante discusses: Personal development as the foundation of wealthLearning, curiosity, and “failure as tuition”Comfort vs. discomfort and embracing the grindRedefining wealth: fulfillment, relationships, and timeGenerational wealth, wisdom, and legacy Key Takeaways:  Lasting wealth is built on personal growth, discipline, resilience, and curiosity, rather than on income, assets, or net worth alone.Discomfort is often a signal of growth; staying too comfortable can quietly limit your potential and your options.Mistakes and losses are not just setbacks; they are “tuition” that teaches you what not to repeat and where to refine your strategy.Wealth without meaningful relationships, purpose, and internal fulfillment is incomplete, no matter how large the portfolio becomes.True financial freedom includes emotional freedom: not tying your worth to money, other people’s opinions, or the next big achievement.  “The goal isn't simply to become wealthy. The goal is to become someone capable of creating wealth without losing your health, your happiness, your relationships, and your family, and your integrity.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

A high-achieving entrepreneur and elite cyclist nearly lost her life—only to discover she’d been climbing the wrong mountain. In this episode, Debra Sunderland shares how a devastating accident transformed her definition of success and leadership. In this episode, Dante and Debra discuss: Achievement-driven identity and constant winningThe cycling accident and second-chance awakeningUnconscious beliefs, ego, and the amygdalaTrust, ownership, and building high-performing culturesInner work, emotional intelligence, and redefining success Key Takeaways:  Building a life around constant achievement and winning can create deep anxiety, conditional identity, and transactional relationships, even when everything looks “successful” on the outside.A crisis or life-altering event can become a powerful wake-up call, forcing a shift from survival and performance to purpose, presence, and genuine fulfillment.Unconscious beliefs such as “I’m not enough” and “I don’t have enough” can quietly drive control, micromanagement, defensiveness, and cultural dysfunction.Truly thriving organizations are built when leaders invest in people, create clear agreements, foster ownership instead of mere accountability, and choose trust over control.Joy and peace are inner states that cannot be supplied by titles, money, or wins; they flow from doing the inner work, feeling emotions fully, and consciously choosing who you want to become.  “My life was spared to wake you up to yours.” - Debra Sunderland About Debra Sunderland: Debra Sunderland is a nationally recognized business leader, entrepreneur, and conscious leadership coach with experience across wealth management, technology, architecture, engineering, construction, banking, marketing, music, and healthcare. Through Sunderland Coaching, she has worked with organizations including Curi Capital, UBS, PNC Bank, SESAC, and Mars, helping leaders and teams achieve meaningful transformation. Her work has been featured by Crain’s Chicago Business, the Chicago Tribune, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and CBS. After surviving a life-altering cycling accident in 2013, Debra’s perspective on success, purpose, and fulfillment was forever changed. Today, as a certified Conscious Leadership Coach, emotional intelligence expert, and Enneagram practitioner, she helps CEOs, founders, and teams develop greater self-awareness, accountability, collaboration, and joy while building healthier organizations. Connect with Debra Sunderland: Website: https://www.sunderlandcoaching.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debrasunderland/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What if building wealth has less to do with how much you earn and more with how you think about money? In this episode, Chris Kidd shares the mindset shifts, investing principles, and daily habits that helped him become a millionaire by age 24, and explains why learning to make money work for you is more important than simply earning more. In this episode, Dante and Chris discuss: Broken traditional path of job, pension, and retirementDeprogramming from consumer mindset to investor mindsetCash flow, inflation, and why "storing" money beats simply saving itManaging investment risk through structured options strategiesHabits, routines, risk-taking, and lifelong learning for wealth Key Takeaways:  The traditional “go to school, get a job, save, retire” path is increasingly broken as inflation, medical costs, and longer lifespans outpace fixed retirement savings.Financial progress depends less on income and more on strategy, specifically learning to make money work for you instead of only trading hours for dollars.Shifting from a consumer mindset (“What can I buy?”) to an investor mindset (“How can I grow this?”) radically changes long-term outcomes.Risk is unavoidable if you want to grow, but it doesn’t have to be reckless; education, structure, and a strong team can dramatically reduce downside.Consistency in habits, routines, and ongoing education, especially through books and mentors, is a common denominator among high achievers in any field.  “Go for it. Don't play life scared… everything involves risk, and to grow big, you have to take risks. But a risk does not have to be risky; there is a difference.” - Chris Kidd About Chris Kidd: Chris Kidd is a financial coach, investor, entrepreneur, and business growth strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and business owners build wealth, grow successful businesses, and achieve financial freedom. He became a millionaire at 24 and has since built expertise in business growth, commercial real estate, options trading, and financial coaching. A former co-host of the nationally syndicated Price of Business radio show, Chris is known for turning complex financial concepts into practical strategies. His coaching focuses on the mindset, discipline, and systems needed to build lasting wealth, create generational assets, and achieve greater financial freedom. Connect with Chris Kidd: Website: https://chriskidd.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriskiddfinancialcoach/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriskiddenterprises  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/financialcoachkidd/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@financialcoachkid  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

From hoarder houses to entire downtown blocks, this episode walks through how one investor turned distressed properties into generational wealth by putting people before profit. In this episode, Dante and Dwan discuss: Misconceptions about “get rich quick” real estate investingFirst hoarder-house rehab and learning construction from scratchHow technology changed finding deals and building trust“People before profit” and ethics in working with distressed sellersCreative/owner financing and revitalizing a small Iowa downtown Key Takeaways:  Sustainable real estate success requires far more work, patience, and realism than “fix and flip for quick cash” narratives suggest.You don’t need to know everything on day one; you can skill up deal by deal using classes, tools, and hands-on experimentation.Prioritizing the homeowner’s outcome, especially in distress or foreclosure, builds a reputation that ultimately leads to more and better opportunities.Creative financing, particularly owner financing with multiple-offer structures, can unlock properties and portfolios that traditional bank loans never could.Generational wealth is intentional: someone in the family must be the first to build, systematize, and protect assets so they last beyond a single lifetime.  “You need to put the people over the profit. Because when you start doing that, you're going to find out you're going to lose all your deals because you're going to get a bunch of bad juju on you, and nobody's going to want to work with you.” - Dwan Bent-Twyford About Dwan Bent-Twyford: Dwan Bent-Twyford is a 30-year veteran real estate investor who has flipped over 2,000 properties and is recognized as one of America’s most sought-after real estate experts. She specializes in passive income, rentals, fix-and-flips, creative financing, commercial properties, and more, while teaching the A-to-Z of real estate investing through her podcast. As the creator and trademark holder of the term “Short Sales” in real estate investing, Dwan brings decades of experience, incredible industry connections, and unique insights from top experts. Beyond money, she focuses on personal growth and well-being, guided by her motto: “People Before Profits.” She is also a three-time bestselling author and a trusted guest across podcasts, media, radio, and television. Connect with Dwan Bent-Twyford: Website: https://dwanderful.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwanbenttwyford/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dwanderful  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwanderful/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Most people try to fix their circumstances, but what if the real work is changing how you see? In this episode, Dante connects three powerful conversations into a blueprint for better leadership, relationships, and life.  In this episode, Dante discusses: Self-awareness as the foundation for change and leadershipConflict as feedback and opportunity, not failureSolving root causes versus treating symptomsGrowth, discomfort, and the “seasons” of business and lifeUsing questions, AI, and self-audits to uncover blind spots Key Takeaways:  Real change starts with awareness; you can’t improve what you don’t understand about yourself or your situation.Conflict is not the enemy; it’s feedback that, when addressed honestly, can deepen understanding and prevent bigger blow-ups later.Many people waste energy solving surface-level symptoms instead of taking the time to identify and address the true root problem.Growth is inherently uncomfortable, much like growing pains, and learning the “seasons” of your life or business helps you navigate that discomfort more wisely.Asking better questions of yourself, others, and even AI reveals blind spots, clarifies priorities, and leads to more intentional leadership and living.  “We spend most of our lives trying to change our circumstances when the real work is changing how we see.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Most people blame themselves for “bad decisions,” but this episode reveals how broken systems and bad design are often really to blame. Dr. Don Norman explains how everyday design failures, from confusing doors and stove controls to nuclear power plants, quietly shape our choices and our lives. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Don discuss: System design vs. personal failure in financial decisionsEveryday bad design (“Norman doors,” stoves, light switches)Human error types: slips, capture errors, description errorsAI as a collaborative assistant for better decision-making and designEmotional design, creativity, and redesigning economic incentives Key Takeaways:  Many “bad decisions,” especially in complex areas like finance or home buying, stem less from individual failure and more from systems that are confusing, opaque, and poorly designed.People naturally blame themselves when they can’t operate everyday objects, but in reality, much of the frustration comes from flawed design that ignores how humans actually think and behave.Human errors are often predictable rather than random. Capture errors, description errors, and slips become more likely when routines, time pressure, or confusing interfaces work against us.Generative AI represents a step-change in technology: used as a collaborator rather than a replacement, it can augment human judgment, surface hidden issues, and make complex decisions more informed.Truly impactful design and even economic systems should optimize for long-term quality of life and community well-being, not short-term profits or sales metrics, and often require “mavericks” who challenge the way things have always been done.  “One of the reasons that it's hard to detect dementia and Alzheimer's is because a lot of the errors that are caused by the disease are also the kind of errors we do every day.” - Dr. Don Norman About Dr. Don Norman: Don Norman is Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Founder of the Design Lab at the University of California, San Diego. He previously served as Vice President of Advanced Technology at Apple and an executive at HP, and is the co-founder of the Nielsen Norman Group. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, he has received numerous honors, including lifetime achievement awards from ACM and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, as well as the 2022 Frontier Design Prize. He currently advises Tongji University in Shanghai and the School of Design at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Don has authored 21 books translated into more than 20 languages, including The Design of Everyday Things and Emotional Design. His latest book is Design for a Better World: Meaningful, Sustainable, Humanity-Centered. Connect with Dr. Don Norman: Website: https://jnd.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnorman/  Book - The Design of Everyday Things: https://www.amazon.com/Design-Everyday-Things-Revised-Expanded/dp/0465050654  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

What really causes athletes to crumble when everything is on the line? In this episode, we dive into the fear of failure, the fight-or-flight response, and how mental skills can change a career. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Richard discuss: Fear of failure vs. practice performanceFight-or-flight, the brain, and performance under pressureWhy coaches and sports psychologists must work together to unlock peak performanceAge-specific fears: kids, teens, college, and prosHow coaches, teammates, and mental skills influence performance Key Takeaways:  The single biggest difference between practice and competition is the presence of consequences, which introduces fear of failure and disrupts performance.When the brain perceives danger, whether real or imagined, it triggers a fight, flight, or freeze response that tightens the body and narrows focus, making smooth athletic performance nearly impossible.Personality traits, such as being highly self-critical or living “in your own head,” can make athletes more vulnerable to pressure, even if their physical skills are elite.The primary fear shifts with age: young kids fear letting parents down, teens fear judgment and exposure as a “fraud,” college athletes fear losing scholarships, and pros fear losing their entire career.One of the most powerful mental tools is learning to talk to yourself like a supportive teammate, replacing harsh self-criticism with kind, constructive self-talk to protect confidence and self-esteem.  “For good or bad, fear drives motivation, and so then, therefore, if you do not know how to deal with it psychologically, you're more than likely you're going to negatively, you will experience negative results from not knowing how to deal with.” - Dr. Richard Trammel About Dr. Richard Trammel: Dr. Richard Trammel is one of the most credentialed sport psychology coaches in the United States, combining elite athletic experience, business leadership, and advanced academic training. With more than 30 years of competing and teaching golf, he played professionally from 1989 to 1996 and later coached amateur and professional golfers across the United States and Europe. He also founded ShotSavers Golf, Inc., where he invented and manufactured golf training products, built a global affiliate network, earned a U.S. patent, and published work in golf instruction. Driven by a passion for the mental side of performance, Dr. Trammel earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama (summa cum laude), a Master’s degree from Springfield College, and a Doctorate in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the University of Western States (with distinction), along with MBA studies at Auburn University. As a P.G.A. professional, he combines real-world athletic experience with psychological expertise to help athletes develop the mindset, discipline, and mental strategies needed to perform at their best. Connect with Dr. Richard Trammel: Website: https://level3sports.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrichardtrammel/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/level3sportspsychology  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/level.3.sports.psychology/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: [email protected]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.