This month on Pods and Property, Steph Shoell and Todd “Utah Todd” Porter tackle two major topics: why homeowners feel trapped by low mortgage rates, and how podcasting is emerging as a force on Hollywood’s main stage.

Todd explains how low interest rates are keeping many Baby Boomers from selling, creating a tight housing market but he urges homeowners to run the numbers before assuming they’re stuck. He shares how mindset can reveal opportunities, even in challenging markets, reminding us that the Great Depression produced more millionaires than any other time before it.

Meanwhile, Steph dives into Netflix’s plans to explore podcasting, possibly competing with YouTube and Spotify. She also highlights the Golden Globes’ new podcast category coming in 2026, predicting it will raise the bar for top creators while leaving room for smaller voices to shine.

Back in real estate, Todd shares his concerns about wholesaling, warning homeowners that it often costs them money. Steph shares a personal story of how avoiding wholesaling added $100,000 to her family’s home sale.

Todd wraps up with advice for sellers: digital marketing is essential to get your listing in front of thousands of buyers.

Episode Highlights:

• High interest rates are locking many homeowners in place, but running the numbers might reveal options.
• Mindset matters even in tough markets; there’s an opportunity for those who look for it.
• Netflix is exploring podcasts, aiming to compete with YouTube and Spotify.
• The Golden Globes will add a Best Podcast of the Year category in 2026.
• Wholesaling often leaves homeowners with less money; working with a good agent can protect their interests.

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Links and Resources:

Todd Porter – Real Estate Agent | The Sure Group at EXp Realty

Instagram: ⁠@utahtodds4s⁠

Phone: 801-755-1882

Email: ⁠toddporterre@gmail.com⁠

Connect with Steph Shoell

Course: ⁠Pod Savvy Guide

⁠Instagram: ⁠@stephshoell

⁠Facebook: ⁠Podcasting with Steph⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Steph Shoell⁠

Subscribe to Pods & Properties wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode or learned something new.

In this episode of Idiot to Genius we chat with Bob Frady, co-founder of PropertyLens a tool described as the "Carfax for houses." PropertyLens pulls together a wealth of data about a home into one comprehensive report, helping buyers know what to look out for before stepping inside. From permits and roof conditions to weather risks, crime data, and even whether a house was once a meth lab, PropertyLens uses AI and deep data sources to give homebuyers an edge in what can otherwise be a stressful, confusing process.

Bob shares stories from real estate agents and homeowners, including challenges with unauthorized ADUs and the importance of knowing about hidden property issues early. He explains how PropertyLens complements traditional home inspections and why buyers should have as much information as possible to make confident decisions.

We also dive into Bob’s entrepreneurial journey starting successful data companies later in life, embracing failure as part of growth, and why hustle and grit matter more than ever in today’s world.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, agent, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of home buying, this episode delivers expert insight on navigating one of life’s biggest purchases with confidence.

Episode Highlights

• How PropertyLens works as a “pregame analysis” for properties

• Real stories of hidden issues like unpermitted ADUs and meth contamination

• Why PropertyLens is an affordable complement to home inspections ($69 per report)

• Bob’s path from geospatial data expert to tech entrepreneur starting at age 52

• Lessons on grit, hustle, and staying hungry no matter your age

• Advice for young entrepreneurs entering a world with unprecedented opportunities

• The power of controlling your effort and attitude amid chaos

  
  

Helpful Links: www.propertylens.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mypropertylens

In this engaging conversation, Chris Champion, a successful entrepreneur and AI advocate, shares his insights on leveraging AI for business success, the importance of embracing one's failures, and the keys to effective leadership. He discusses his journey, the lessons learned from his 'idiot moments', and how AI can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs. The episode emphasizes the significance of making each day count and the value of personal connections in business.Takeaways

AI can work for you 24/7, enhancing productivity.

Embrace your failures; they are valuable learning experiences.

Podcasting is a powerful tool for personal branding.

Open rates of 93% in email marketing are achievable with AI.

Narrowing the focus of AI agents leads to better results.

Every entrepreneur should make each day count.

Leadership is about serving others, not seeking the spotlight.

Don't waste time on negativity; focus on the positive.

Investing in AI can streamline business processes.

Building a personal connection is key to successful entrepreneurship.

Connect with Chris:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchrischampion/?hl=en

Website: https://www.wearechampionai.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafpLfuts-pNyQgZ9N2cz8tCV7lqrQmKzcCkUwJ6vrM63GfP7cAjkx8CRPO99g_aem_Zmmll7IUt-7IgA0F_os7ig

Most of us are great at creating space for others but when was the last time you created space for yourself?

In this powerful episode, commercial real estate broker and former nonprofit leader Caleb David shares what it’s really like to hit burnout, lose momentum, and claw your way back to clarity not through hustle, but by slowing down and listening.

With a background in global humanitarian work and a passion for helping small businesses feel like they belong, Caleb opens up about what it means to truly serve without losing yourself in the process.

We cover:

• How burnout nearly ended his business

• The daily practices that helped him regulate anxiety (including tapping + nature resets)

• Why “good enough is good enough” is a game-changing mindset

• How to stay grounded when real estate deals fall through

• Building a business around belonging instead of pressure

• The myth of balance and what to do instead

This conversation is packed with reminders that perfection isn’t required, fear-based living isn’t sustainable, and you’re not an idiot for struggling you’re just on your way to genius."I used to create space for everyone else but never for myself. That can only last so long before you burn out. What changed? I stopped striving from fear—and started creating from peace." -Caleb DavidWhether you’re building a business, starting a side hustle, or just trying to stay afloat remember, action doesn’t have to be perfect to matter. Create space. Breathe. And when in doubt? Laugh, tap it out, and get back to your center.

Connect with Caleb:
Website: http://www.davidcommercial.com
Bio: http://www.entrepreneurladies.com/caleb-david
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/calebdavid

Graphic designer. Podcaster. Mentor. Advocate.

Ryan Pilkington wears many hats—and every one of them was shaped by pain, resilience, and a relentless drive to create.

In this week's episode of Idiot to Genius, Ryan opens up about being bullied as a child, using art as his escape, and eventually building a thriving design career rooted in purpose. His story reminds us that our lowest moments often plant the seeds for our greatest impact.

It started in church. As a young kid, Ryan found peace by doodling during services. What started as scribbles turned into logo concepts for imaginary businesses. After severe bullying in middle school, Ryan turned further inward—but those moments of solitude became his creative foundation.

He later pursued his degree in graphic design, worked with print shops, and launched t-shirt brands like Bomb Diggity Tees and Advocatees, a social impact initiative empowering youth through design.

Whether designing CBD packaging seen on retail shelves or developing youth-focused nonprofit initiatives like Logo for Loves, Ryan's work always circles back to one theme: helping others. He now sits on the advisory board for suicide prevention nonprofit A Promise to Live and is passionate about turning design into impact.

"You have to choose your hard," Ryan said. "And I choose this."

Ryan's journey hasn't been linear. There have been layoffs, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But in early 2024, he attended a Tony Robbins seminar that reignited his fire. Since then, he's landed 10 new clients, refined his brand offering, and doubled down on his mission.

His next big goal? Hit $10K in monthly revenue and build a creative team that shares his heart for mentoring young entrepreneurs.

"Know your why. And make sure it's more than just money," Ryan shares. "Mine is to change lives—to bring smiles and hope to people who are struggling."

You can follow Ryan's work here:

• Website: ⁠https://rgxstudios.com/⁠

• Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/regraphixs/⁠

• LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-pilkington-37b13445/⁠

🎧 Idiot to Genius is all about celebrating the messy middle, the brave pivots, and the freedom that comes when we give ourselves permission to grow. Listen to Ryan's full story wherever you get your podcasts.

​In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Yasmine Austere, a seasoned Realtor and Relocation Specialist with The Agency East Bay. Our conversation began with insights into the real estate market but soon delved into Yasmine's rich life experiences, including her transition from Germany to California and the principles that guide her both personally and professionally.​

Key Takeaways:

• Yasmine has been a licensed real estate agent since 1998, currently serving clients in the East Bay area with a focus on personalized service and relocation assistance. ​

• Originating from Heidelberg, Germany, she moved to San Francisco in 1987, bringing a unique cultural perspective and strong work ethic to her practice. ​eastbayrelocations.com

• Growing up in a family that relocated frequently, Yasmine developed a deep understanding of the emotional and logistical aspects of moving, which she applies to support her clients through transitions.​

• Her direct and transparent communication style has earned her a reputation for honesty and effectiveness, particularly appreciated by clients from diverse backgrounds.​

• Beyond real estate, Yasmine is passionate about travel, skiing, golf, reading, and community involvement, reflecting her well-rounded approach to life and work.

Contact Information:

• Website: eastbayrelocations.com​eastbayrelocations.com+3Yelp+3MapQuest+3

• Social Media: Instagram - @yasmineaustere.realestate; Facebook - East Bay Relocations

Pods & Properties is back for April, and this episode is all about the power of your voice—especially if you're an entrepreneur or real estate professional.

Steph shares the story behind her new course, Pod Savvy Guide, designed to help business owners confidently launch solo podcasts. She breaks down why solo episodes are one of the most underrated strategies for building real connection, saving time, and generating leads.

Todd Porter, real estate agent with The Sure Group at eXp Realty, joins the conversation to share how podcasting has shaped his business and what’s happening in Utah’s real estate market this spring. From launching virtual homebuyer webinars to overcoming perfectionism, this episode is packed with insight and practical encouragement.

What You’ll Learn:

• How solo podcasting can build trust and visibility

• What fear zone stops most entrepreneurs from starting

• The importance of being imperfect and relatable

• Why sharing your message is more important than having perfect gear

• Behind-the-scenes of Steph’s podcasting workflow and training course

• Real estate market trends Todd is seeing across Utah this spring

• How to turn a webinar into a podcast episode

Links and Resources:

Todd Porter – Real Estate Agent | The Sure Group at EXp RealtyInstagram: @utahtodds4s
Phone: 801-755-1882
Email: toddporterre@gmail.com

Steph Shoell – Podcast Producer and Course Creator
Connect with Steph

Course: Pod Savvy Guide
Instagram: @stephshoell
Facebook: Podcasting with Steph
LinkedIn: Steph Shoell

Subscribe to Pods & Properties wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode or learned something new.

In this episode of the Utah Fan Club, Steph sits down with Mars Teny, the dynamic founder of MarsCom, a Utah-based telecom company that helps businesses install, manage, and support professional phone systems. Mars shares the unexpected journey that led her from working in tech sales at Wells Fargo to starting her own business with just $76 in hand.

Mars opens up about how her entrepreneurial spark ignited while facilitating a self-reliance group at church. Surrounded by others starting businesses, she became inspired to start one herself. The timing felt right—both she and her husband were feeling the weight of high-pressure sales jobs and wanted more time with their kids. Her first major business moment came on a field trip to Mrs. Cavanaugh’s Candy Factory, where she told the owner how inspiring their story was. That conversation led to her very first sale.

Throughout the episode, Mars and Steph discuss the growing pains of starting a business. Mars candidly recounts the stress of accidentally losing a client’s 1-800 number during a porting process—an error that taught her a valuable lesson and showcased her determination when she drove to the business that had unknowingly acquired the number and got it back. She also reflects on early days when she went above and beyond at client installs, even crawling through insulated ceilings—something she later learned was definitely outside the scope of her responsibilities.

Mars explains how the telecommunications space has changed, especially with more people working from home. She breaks down the benefits of having a business phone system that works through an app on your phone or desktop. For solo entrepreneurs or small teams, this allows for professional call routing, business texting, voicemail transcription, and keeping personal and business communication separate. Mars emphasizes that this system protects business continuity—if an employee leaves, the phone number and all its associated business relationships stay with the company.

As the business grew, Mars and her husband tag-teamed MarsCom’s operations, allowing one another to alternate between growing the company and maintaining steady income. COVID accelerated the demand for VoIP solutions, enabling MarsCom to expand its services and staff. Now with seven employees, MarsCom continues to prioritize a culture of flexibility and balance. Whether it’s supporting a client from a child’s baseball game or juggling work with school, Mars wants her team to “win at life” while still upholding high standards for client care.

To wrap up the episode, Mars encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to simply start. Whether it's a networking event or a class, she advises people to get out there, share what they’re doing, and push through the awkward moments. Growth comes from showing up—and she’s living proof of where those first steps can lead.

Learn more about MarsCom:
Website: https://www.marscom.us
LinkedIn: Mars Communications