Epic Spotlight Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Michelle Hayes is a trailblazing entrepreneur and talent agent hailing from the vibrant city of Chicago. With a background in business from Hampton University and an MBA from National Louis University, Michelle is the proud owner of Hayes Talent Agency. She made history as the only African American woman to operate three SAG-franchised agencies across Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Michelle’s unwavering focus on showcasing Chicago’s immense talent has propelled her agency to prominence, with clients landing coveted roles in hit shows like The Chi, Power, Empire, and Insecure. Most notably, her recent success includes booking a series regular and eight recurring roles on Power Force, earning her widespread acclaim and solidifying her reputation as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.

Beyond her professional achievements, Michelle is deeply committed to empowering future generations, guided by her faith and a dedication to making a lasting impact.

In this episode, Dante and Michelle discuss:

• How Michelle transitioned from modeling and acting to launching her talent agency
• The importance of proper training, headshots, and resumes for aspiring actors
• Diversity and inclusion progress (and gaps) in the entertainment industry
• The impact of social media and follower count on casting and branding
• How AI is reshaping opportunities—and threats—in film and TV

Key Takeaways: 

• Michelle launched her agency after realizing that while she was preparing and referring talent, others were reaping the financial rewards. Her entrepreneurial leap was sparked by both opportunity and insight.
• Simply having passion isn't enough—aspiring actors must consistently train and build their craft to stand out in auditions and land speaking roles. Talent without preparation won’t survive the competition.
• Without a polished headshot and a properly formatted resume, actors risk being dismissed before they're even seen. First impressions are everything in this industry.
• While social media can boost visibility—especially for film and commercial roles—it holds limited sway in traditional TV casting decisions. It’s helpful, but not a golden ticket.
• The rise of AI is transforming entertainment, raising concerns about the future of real actors and agents as synthetic alternatives become increasingly viable. This shift could redefine the industry's very foundation.

“You have to be proactive—there are so many streaming opportunities now to get your work out there. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you the opportunity anymore. We can create our own. A lot of people just sit around waiting instead of creating. Don’t wait for me—do it yourself.” - Michelle Hayes

Connect with Michelle Hayes:

Website: https://hayestalent.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hayestalent/ 

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

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

David Posley Jr. is a versatile professional with a diverse background spanning business, government, and sports. As Managing Partner of The Legacy Athlete, he specializes in helping families, athletes, and municipalities prepare for intergenerational wealth transfer with a global infrastructure. Mr. Posley is a trusted resource for families and businesses looking to build long-term legacies.

His areas of expertise include strategic planning, risk management, community building, estate planning, and family governance. He is also renowned for his work in digital asset governance and for advocating on behalf of underserved communities and markets. Through partnerships with municipalities, businesses, and educational institutions, Mr. Posley works to educate the broader community—and, most importantly, the next generation of leaders—through The Legacy Club, an international capital transition program that equips families with tools to guide and support their children.

In this episode, Dante and David discuss:

• Shifting from generational to intergenerational wealth thinking
• Including the whole family in legacy planning and family constitutions
• Understanding the 10 forms of capital beyond just financial wealth
• The role of the Legacy Club in helping second-generation youth navigate inherited responsibilities
• Embracing digital asset governance in today’s evolving economy

Key Takeaways: 

• Shifting the language from “generational” to “intergenerational” reframes how families approach legacy. It’s not just about passing down wealth—it's about building lasting systems that connect multiple generations.
• Legacy planning moves beyond legal documents. It’s about fostering meaningful, ongoing conversations that create clarity, purpose, and continuity across the family.
• David introduces a broader view of wealth through his 10 forms of capital model. Families are encouraged to nurture areas like spiritual, human, and instructional capital, not just financial assets.
• The Legacy Club empowers second-generation youth with guidance, context, and accountability. It helps them transition from inherited privilege to purpose-driven leadership with clarity and support.
• To future-proof your legacy, digital literacy is essential. David stresses the importance of digital asset governance and adapting to emerging technologies that shape how we manage and protect wealth.

“You're literally spending a lot of your legacy not paying attention to it—once you're made aware, your only option is to engage intentionally.” - David Posley Jr.

Connect with David Posley Jr.:

Website: https://thelegacyathlete.com/legacyprofile 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DWPosleyJr/ 

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

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Larry Anthony is a distinguished two-time U.S. Armed Forces Veteran, having served in both the U.S. Navy and Texas Army National Guard. With a strong foundation in political science, history, and Arabic from Southern Methodist University, he went on to earn his Juris Doctor from UNT Dallas College of Law. With over a decade of experience in the legal field, Larry has served as a third-party neutral, student attorney, law clerk, and paralegal. A skilled mediator, he has successfully mediated over 100 cases. He is a member of the Texas Association of Mediators, a mediator for the Texas Department of Insurance, a FINRA public arbitrator, and an active member of national mediation organizations. Passionate about community service, he dedicates time to mentoring young professionals and supporting local initiatives.

In this episode, Dante and Larry discuss:

• Transition from military service to legal and academic careers
• Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation and arbitration
• Running a private mediation company and balancing objectivity in disputes
• Handling ADR cases across state lines and evolving hybrid mediation-arbitration models
• Rising divorce rates and financial issues leading to mandatory mediation before trial

Key Takeaways: 

• A veteran whose journey spans military service, legal academia, and the realm of mediation, illustrating how analytical thinking and a dedication to community service can shape a meaningful career in alternative dispute resolution.
• Mediation is explored as a powerful tool for resolving disputes, offering a neutral and structured environment where opposing parties can negotiate agreements without resorting to litigation.
• Arbitration surfaces as an effective alternative to court trials, allowing an impartial arbitrator to review evidence and issue legally binding decisions, streamlining conflict resolution outside the judicial system.
• The adaptability of alternative dispute resolution is emphasized, showcasing how broad training credentials enable professionals to manage cases across state borders while hybrid models continue to evolve, merging mediation and arbitration for greater efficiency.
• Mediation services are surging, driven by financial strain and rising divorce rates, as courts increasingly mandate mediation as a prerequisite to trial.

“In the legal field—just like in medicine—everything is constantly evolving. You have to stay ahead of the trends, understand how courts are ruling, and adapt to new tools in mediation and arbitration. If you’re not learning, you’re falling behind. Staying on top of it all isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity.” - Larry Anthony

Connect with Larry Anthony:

Website: https://iams.llc/ 

Phone: 682 325 7238

Email: info@iams.llc 

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Tammy Helfrich is a Life & Mindset Coach, host of the Intentional Life podcast, and author of Ablaze and Unapologetic. She helps women trust their intuition, believe in themselves, and take powerful, intentional action toward the life and business they desire. With over 30 years of experience in business development, leadership, corporate sales, and coaching, she blends her expertise with a deep passion for empowerment. Tammy also played a key role in launching a successful nonprofit and now guides women in growing their businesses with confidence. She believes that when women are supported, they flourish—bringing their unique gifts to the world unapologetically.

In this episode Dante and Tammy discuss:

• Empowering women through business leadership coaching and authorship
• Transformative career transitions from corporate dissatisfaction to fulfillment
• Rediscovering inner self and passions after prioritizing life roles
• Supportive partnerships enabling self-growth and goal alignment
• Creating harmony in work-life integration by resisting societal pressures

Key Takeaways: 

• Tammy’s leadership coaching, authorship, and community initiatives serve as catalysts for women seeking deeper fulfillment, guiding them toward purpose-driven personal and professional growth.
• Midlife often becomes a turning point where individuals reassess their careers, relationships, and aspirations, uncovering a desire for transformation that expert coaching can help navigate.
• The role of supportive partnerships extends beyond encouragement, fostering environments where self-care, shared dreams, and mutual goals create space for personal rediscovery and empowerment.
• Rather than chasing an elusive work-life balance, the conversation highlights the importance of crafting a harmonious lifestyle—one shaped by intentional choices rather than external societal pressures.
• Society 57 exemplifies the power of community collaboration, demonstrating how shared visions can breathe new life into historic spaces while simultaneously supporting local nonprofits and fostering meaningful connections.

“I always start by asking women questions and challenging them to really think about what they want. Sometimes, we tell ourselves stories that we’re unhappy, but when we pause and reflect, we might realize we actually like our lives—we just need to see them from a different perspective.” - Tammy Helfrich

Connect with Tammy Helfrich:

Website: https://tammyhelfrich.com/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intentional-life/id668580718 

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Christopher A. Panagiotu—the “CAP” in CAPitalize—discovered his passion for investing at just 10 years old. By 18, he landed an internship at UBS, later working at Morgan Stanley before finding his true path at Lucia Capital Group. Over nearly seven years, he built CAPitalize Your Finances from scratch, growing it to nearly $100M. A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist, Chris holds Series 7 and 66 licenses with LPL Financial. More than a financial advisor, he’s a CAPitalizer—driven by loyalty, stewardship, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Outside the office, he shares his insights as the host of the CAPitalize podcast.

In this episode Dante and Chris discuss:

• Early investing lessons and understanding stocks at a young age
• Becoming the youngest advisor at UBS and redefining financial planning
• Overcoming setbacks and building a thriving financial firm
• Entrepreneurship, investment diversification, and long-term wealth strategies
• Insights from Chris’s books on financial planning and sales success

Key Takeaways: 

• An unshakable faith in one's vision emerges as a fundamental pillar of entrepreneurial success, enabling resilience through economic fluctuations such as inflation.
• Separating emotions from investing, emphasizing the importance of understanding businesses firsthand to achieve long-term profitability.
• The conversation challenges conventional financial planning, advocating for innovative frameworks that prioritize growth, adaptability, and client satisfaction, even in volatile markets.
• Perseverance, mindset shifts, and an unwillingness to accept defeat are highlighted as crucial components in overcoming adversity and carving out lasting success.
• A strategic approach to wealth-building unfolds, illustrating the benefits of diversifying investments across public markets, private equity, and venture capital instead of relying solely on real estate.

“As a business owner, you don't have an option of just giving up. And when you're trying to invest and plan for the long term, you should have the same mindset that a business owner has—owning it forever with an asterisk. If something materially changes within one of your investments, that forever becomes a never, and you gotta move on.” - Chris Panagiotu

Connect with Chris Panagiotu:

Website: https://capitalizeyourfinances.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-panagiotu-cfp%C2%AE-crps%C2%AE-13a573176/ 

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2eaXdmgmuEygxHfCvS6kij 

Chris’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BB197W43 

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Frank Akridge Jr. is a Certified Financial Planner, the owner of Financial Pathfinder LLC, and an investment advisor representative with Optivise. He specializes in supporting business owners and executives by transforming their largest expenses into valuable assets. He offers advanced strategies for wealth management, retirement planning, and financial growth. With over two decades of experience, Frank has a proven track record of helping clients achieve their financial goals through innovative and personalized solutions. He holds a master's degree in Christian Education and Conflict Management from Wheaton College and has extensive experience working with high-net-worth clients. Based in Forney, Texas, Frank is committed to educating and guiding professionals towards a more abundant and rewarding retirement. Additionally, he enjoys mentoring and supporting his community, making a significant impact both professionally and personally.

In this episode Dante and Frank discuss:

• Inflation, taxes, and pension loss challenge retirement income and savings
• Multiple income streams and financial education support long-term financial success
• Clarity about goals creates urgency and informs strategic planning
• Personalized multi-strategy financial plans mitigate risk with insurance safeguards
• Balanced portfolios and tax deferral strategies address unforeseen retirement costs

Key Takeaways: 

• There's an emphasis on macroeconomic challenges, as inflation, taxes, and corporate bankruptcies erode pension values and reduce retirement income.
• A strategic focus on diversifying income streams and enhancing financial education underpins sustainable, long-term financial success.
• Clear and well-defined financial goals spark a sense of urgency, setting the stage for targeted retirement planning.
• Advisors collaborate with legal experts to implement trusts, charitable giving, and multi-faceted investment strategies that safeguard and grow family wealth.
• Innovative tax strategies—such as overfunded life insurance contracts and deferred sales trusts—are championed to secure tax-advantaged retirement income while deferring capital gains.

“Not all realtors, mortgage brokers, or financial advisors excel at what they do. Be sure to choose a professional—whether in your industry or mine—who has real-world experience, skin in the game, and employs multiple strategies.” - Frank Akridge Jr

Connect with Frank Akridge Jr:

Website: https://www.financialpathfinder.net/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankakridgecfp/ 

Phone: 404-738-9234

Email: frank@frankfp.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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Ryan Weiss, a seasoned leader with over 20 years of experience, is passionate about driving meaningful change in businesses and industries. His career spans founding and leading ventures from a young age, managing global teams in 20+ countries, and serving as a global executive at a $20B chemical company. In 2016, Ryan founded EPS, a thriving company delivering proprietary software solutions and coaching services across diverse sectors. With degrees in Chemistry and Finance, he developed the OPTICS™ System, a powerful framework empowering companies to align and accelerate performance. Currently working on his second book, Ryan continues to inspire leaders with his clarity-driven approach to tackling business challenges.

In this episode Dante and Ryan discuss:

• Clarity-driven approach to integrating people into processes for business success
• Impact of process inefficiencies on profits, waste, and employee turnover
• Solutions for reducing miscommunications, rework, and costs in processes
• Role of the Optics five-step process in driving organizational change
• Insights from Weiss's "OPTICS" book on aligning people and processes to enhance organizational performance

Key Takeaways: 

• The transformative power of habit cycles in integrating people and processes, underscoring their pivotal role in driving successful business outcomes.
• A stark reality emerges, illustrating how poorly aligned processes can cascade into significant losses, including wasted resources, frustrated employees, and diminished customer satisfaction.
• By refining inefficient processes and synchronizing expectations, businesses can not only save time and money but also mitigate the risks associated with miscommunications and redundant efforts.
• Through a practical lens, Weiss’s OPTICS book reveals strategies for aligning people and processes to drive organizational performance.
• The Optics five-step framework, detailed with precision, proves invaluable for process clarity, offering outsiders a sharper understanding of a business than its own insiders.

“Processes are only impactful if people use them right. When you start thinking about people and process together, that's really a habit cycle—because when people follow a process, or when you create processes that truly help people, it naturally forms a habit cycle.” 

- Ryan Weiss

Connect with Ryan Weiss:

Website: https://epsoptics.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancweiss/ 

Ryan’s Book: https://book.epsoptics.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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Dr. Matt Glowiak is clinical faculty in the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) and Yorkville University (YU) Master’s in Mental Health Counseling (MHC) programs. As an individual who is passionate about everything mental health, he has a diverse background in higher education, private practice, addiction, servant leadership, presenting, publishing, and advocacy work. Dr. Glowiak has worked with many clients diagnosed with a variety of conditions as well as those aiming to increase their overall wellbeing.

In this episode Dante and Matt discuss:

• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health issues like depression and anxiety
• Role of self-awareness, supportive communication, and individualized treatment approaches
• Treatability and curability of mental health disorders and short-term use of medication
• Persistent stigma and lack of resources in mental health services
• Ethical concerns about providers profiting from prolonged patient dependency

Key Takeaways: 

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both the rise in mental health struggles and the simultaneous destigmatization of mental health, leading to greater awareness and increased access to services.
• Self-awareness, supportive communication, and tailored treatment approaches are essential for overcoming mental health challenges, fostering resilience and recovery.
• Mental health disorders are highly treatable with proper intervention, and seeking help not only improves individual well-being but strengthens community connections.
• Medication should play a minimal, short-term role in mental health care, with ongoing therapy as the cornerstone of sustainable recovery and personal growth.
• Despite free alternatives, the high cost of mental health services, persistent stigma, and unethical practices by some providers remain barriers to achieving accessible and effective care for all.

“Be real with yourself. There's a saying, 'The more aware you are of yourself, the more aware you become of others.' Wisdom flourishes from self-awareness. While we all perceive and respond to the world differently, certain universals connect us—pain, desires, and shared experiences. If something doesn’t feel right, acknowledge it sooner rather than later.” - Matt Glowiak

Connect with Matt Glowiak:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.mattglowiak/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-glowiak-phd-lcpc-caadc-ncc-acs-1162841ab/ 

Email: dr.mglowiak@gmail.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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Brittney Norwood is a dedicated public servant and the newly elected trustee in Dolton. With a strong commitment to her community, Brittney aims to foster positive change and enhance the quality of life for Dolton's residents. Her proactive approach and fresh perspective are focused on addressing local issues and ensuring that the voices of the citizens are heard and respected. In addition to her public service, Brittney is a trusted realtor. She leverages her extensive knowledge of the local real estate market to provide exceptional service to her clients, making every transaction seamless and stress free. Brittney is deeply involved in her community, participating in local events and initiatives outside of her professional life. She enjoys exploring the Midwest, scenic landscapes and spending quality time with family and friends.

In this episode Dante and Brittney discuss:

• Inspiration from grandmother's community involvement driving trusteeship
• Responsibilities of a trustee in empowering residents and fostering economic growth
• Vision for revitalizing abandoned homes and enhancing neighborhood safety
• Impact of rising taxes and economic shifts on homeownership and real estate investments
• Current real estate market favoring landlords and investors over typical buyers

Key Takeaways: 

• The trustee's role is portrayed as multifaceted, emphasizing empowering residents, crafting budgets, and addressing administrative hurdles to drive business growth and economic development.
• A forward-thinking vision emerges in revitalizing abandoned homes, which boosts property tax revenue, stabilizes businesses, and enhances community safety, contributing to a thriving neighborhood.
• Educational initiatives and housing programs are highlighted as transformative efforts, addressing tax concerns while enabling renters to become homeowners, fostering happier, more secure communities.
• A dynamic shift in the real estate landscape is unveiled, where rising taxes, economic shifts, and higher interest rates favor landlords and investors while slowing opportunities for traditional homebuyers.
• The Village of Dolton's permitting process is identified as a critical barrier to home sales and development, spotlighting the need for streamlined solutions to support community growth.

“One thing I've always been big on—even before becoming a trustee, right? —is bringing homebuyer seminars to the community. As a realtor for the last nine years, I’ve always aimed to help people understand how mortgages work. So, if we can create a program that makes it easier for renters in Dolton to become homeowners, we’ll not only add a house to the tax roll but also eliminate an eyesore, making our neighborhoods safer—and, in turn, happier” - Brittney Norwood

Connect with Brittney Norwood:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Trustee-Elect-Brittney-Norwood-100063653930083/ 

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

John Boll is a seasoned professional with over a decade of expertise in elevating individuals' financial profiles. With a distinguished career spanning 13 years, he has passionately devoted himself to empowering people to enhance their credit scores and unlock their financial potential. Starting as a Mortgage Consultant, John spent seven years navigating the complexities of credit landscapes before transitioning into a FICO Certified Credit Restoration Specialist, a role he has excelled in for the past eight years. What sets him apart is his commitment to holistic solutions tailored to individual needs, catalyzing transformative change in countless lives. For John, the journey extends beyond credit repair—it's about fostering lasting financial wellness and prosperity, fueling his passion to help others achieve financial freedom.

In this episode, Dante and John discuss:

• Transformative strategies for credit restoration and personalized financial solutions
• Key components of achieving an 800-credit score, including credit mix and utilization
• Practical tips for maintaining a strong credit profile and avoiding late payments
• Effective techniques for negotiating settlements and managing open debt
• Navigating specific credit challenges, including medical collections and FHA loan charge-offs

Key Takeaways: 

• A balanced credit profile starts with building the right credit mix and keeping credit utilization low, highlighting the importance of strategic borrowing habits.
• Paying bills on time emerges as a cornerstone for maintaining a strong payment history, showcasing discipline as a critical factor in financial success.
• Timing plays a pivotal role in debt negotiation, with end-of-month settlements often yielding better outcomes for individuals managing open balances.
• Establishing business credit is simplified through vendor partnerships with major retailers like Walmart and Home Depot, emphasizing the power of strategic alliances.
• Overcoming specific credit challenges involves ignoring medical collections under $1,000 and understanding FHA loan charge-off rules, offering practical steps for financial recovery.

“Never have a late payment—set up autopay so all you need to remember is having enough in the account each month. Keep credit card balances below 20%, and if possible, just pay everything off. Use credit cards to build credit or for emergencies; those interest rates are phenomenal.” 

- John Boll

Connect with John Boll:

Website: https://www.creditcareco.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ficocertifiedcreditpro/ 

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/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

YouTube: Epic Spotlight 

Email: dante@epic.mortgage

Mission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.

The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.