Real Talk with Leigh Brown – Details, episodes & analysis

Leigh Brown pulls back the curtain on the headlines shaping America's housing crisis. From 50-year mortgages and exploding insurance costs to hedge funds, foreign land ownership, and eroding property rights, she breaks down what's really driving prices and why "solutions" from banks and politicians might be making things worse. If you're serious about homeownership, investing, or just keeping the American Dream alive, this Real Talk is a must-listen.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why a 50-year mortgage boosts demand and pushes prices up, not down
• How cheap-payment culture traps buyers in long-term debt
• The real impact of exploding insurance premiums and reinsurance costs
• How hedge funds and corporate owners shape today's housing market
• Why property rights are quietly shifting and what that means for homeowners

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Under All Is The Land - YouTube
• National Association of REALTORS®
• USAspending

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

After facing a life-altering health crisis, Michael Zinskie found himself starting over, personally and professionally. With raw honesty and a touch of humor, he shares how vulnerability, community, and sheer persistence helped him rebuild both his confidence and his business. Tune in for a conversation that might just shift how you think about success, support, and second chances.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Why real estate success requires community, not isolation
• How seizures, fear, and medication almost took Mikey out of the business
• The power of showing up and letting others help you rebuild
• What real vulnerability with clients really looks like
• A wild accusation at a showing that changed how Mikey works forever

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Aflac
• Golden Isles Association of REALTORS

About Michael Zinskie

Mikey is a dedicated REALTOR® serving Brunswick, Georgia, and the surrounding coastal area. He launched his real estate career in North Carolina in 2005 before ultimately returning to his hometown roots. After facing and overcoming significant health struggles that temporarily put his business and independence on hold, Mikey rebuilt his career with the help of strong family bonds and community support. 

Known for his honesty, warmth, and collaborative approach, Mikey brings compassion and real-life perspective to his clients, helping people navigate both real estate transitions and life's tougher moments with unwavering commitment.

Connect with Michael

• Instagram: @michaelzinskie
• Facebook: Michael Zinskie
• Email: mikey@hcrega.com
• Contact Number: (912) 602-0839

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Gretchen Schmidt doesn't do real estate by the book, and that's exactly the point. She brings heart, humor, and clarity to situations most agents would avoid. From unexpected homes to emotional transitions, this episode reveals what it really takes to serve people when real estate gets personal. Tune in for stories that remind us why this work matters!

Key takeaways to listen for

• What it's like to list a home filled with parrots and shrunken heads
• Ways calling yourself a "facilitator" changes how clients respond
• The tools and hacks Gretchen uses to stay emotionally and mentally steady
• What most people miss about the emotional labor in real estate
• How to turn a "weird" property into a compelling story that sells

Resources mentioned in this episode

• HappyLight® Light Therapy Lamps | Verilux® Official Site

About Gretchen Schmidt

Gretchen has been in real estate for over 15 years, bringing a strong background in finance and operations to her work. Before entering real estate, she worked for Microsoft and various tech startups, as well as managing capital projects for the Mercer Island School District.

With expertise in data analysis and operational efficiency, Gretchen helps clients simplify the process of selling their homes and ensures they don't miss out on finding their dream property.

Connect with Gretchen

• Website: Gretchen Schmidt
• Facebook: Gretchen Schmidt
• LinkedIn: Gretchen Schmidt
• Instagram: @gretchen_schmidt_is_here
• YouTube: Gretchen Schmidt
• Email: gretchen@gretchen-schmidt.com

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at https://pod.link/1153262163, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Erica Davis joins us in this episode to offer insights into the industry's evolution, the importance of embracing change, and a guide to building a sustainable and competent business. Tune in for a jaw-dropping story about a new construction home where the sewer line wasn't connected, leading to waste dumping into the crawl space.

Key takeaways to listen for

• How to transition from sales to real estate management and ownership
• Benefits of working with local real estate market experts
• Importance of clear communication in agent interactions
• The role of family in the real estate business and balancing work with personal life
• Ways to adapt to industry changes while maintaining professionalism and competence

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Harcourts Australia
• LJ Hooker
• Everything Backyard Chicken!

Watch the full video of Leigh's hot take on the NAR lawsuit settlement at https://youtube.com/live/llE0CzT0ulI.

About Erica Davis

Raised in Redmond, Oregon, Erica has three daughters and is married. After a decade in Medford, she returned to Central Oregon and began working at The Garner Group. She later co-purchased Harcourts The Garner Group and is the Office Manager of two locations. Passionate about real estate, she is an active member of the 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon and supports various children's causes. Additionally, she is involved with The Redmond Historical Society and The Enjoy Downtown Redmond Association. She enjoys family time and her pets and creates a welcoming home environment.

Connect with Erica

• Website: Harcourts The Garner Group Real Estate
• Instagram: @the_garnergroup | @ericapankeydavis_
• Facebook: Garner Group
• Email: erica@thegarnergroup.com
• Phone Number: (541) 280-9134

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

Build a group organically and network unlike any other with Laura Griffin. Laura offers game-changing tips about starting and running a Facebook group and tells a story that'll teach you why you need to follow your deadlines as a REALTOR®. So tune in, engage your audience, and navigate the Facebook algorithm like a pro.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Key strategies for growing your Facebook groups in the real estate industry
• How to establish authentic connections with the members of your group
• The most valuable advice for agents running Facebook groups
  

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Facebook
• The Jasmine Star Show
• Karin Carr

About Laura Griffin 

Laura Griffin is a successful real estate agent, mother, and founder of Groups to Leads. She helps agents achieve work-life balance and succeed in lead generation using Facebook Groups. Ready to elevate your real estate career? Laura's coaching and resources can guide you there.

Connect with Laura

• Website. Groups to Leads
• YouTube: @lauragriffincoaching 
• Facebook: Group to Leads 
• Instagram: @lauragriffinrealtor | @lauragriffincoaching

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

In a significant development for the real estate industry, the National Association of REALTORS® has settled major lawsuits, leading to widespread discussions and concerns among professionals. In this special episode, Leigh Brown, offers her unfiltered perspective on the settlement's implications. Tune in now to articulate your worth as a REALTOR®, engage with trade associations for reform, and prepare for an evolving industry landscape.

Key takeaways to listen for

• The importance of NAR and the need for organizational reform and transparency
• Clarification on the settlement details and what it means for REALTORS® and consumers
• Strategies for REALTORS® to demonstrate their value and adjust to changes in commission structures and MLS listings
• A broader discussion on governmental overreach and its impact on the real estate industry
• Actionable steps for REALTORS® to engage with their trade associations, prepare their clients, and advocate for fair practices

Resources mentioned in this episode

• The Facts for REALTORS®
• National Association of REALTORS®
  

Watch the full video of Leigh's hot take on the NAR lawsuit settlement at https://youtube.com/live/llE0CzT0ulI.

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

Join us for an exciting episode featuring Tara Tillman as she shares insights on building and growing your business in the dynamic world of real estate. You won't want to miss her shocking story about how she and her husband dove headfirst into creating a real estate business. So, tune in for an episode packed with valuable tips!

Key takeaways to listen for

• A common mistake new real estate agents should avoid
• Why advocating for homeownership matters for real estate agents
• Different kinds of downpayment assistance programs and how to qualify for them
• Biggest challenges faced by real estate investors who work with their spouse
• One thing agents need to be prepared for when they start real estate training

Resources mentioned in this episode

• HGTV
• HUD
• VA.gov
• Good Neighbor Next Door Program
• Federal Housing Administration
• Housing Finance Agency
• VA Vendee Loan Program Fact Sheet

About Tara Tillman

Tara has been a licensed real estate agent since 2004. She is the Owner of Westchester Realty LLC, a licensed Real Estate Brokerage Firm providing real estate services in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. 

Tara is also a mentor and a coach, providing coaching classes for real estate agents to help them start, grow, and expand their real estate careers.

Connect with Tara

• Website: Westchester Realty
• YouTube: Westchester Realty
• LinkedIn: Tara Tillman
• Email: tara@westchesterealty.com
• Phone number: +1 336-451-1768 

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

Step into the world of real estate education with Shelly Vincent as she unveils the crucial role of Multiple Listing Services in agent empowerment. Stay tuned for insights into the qualities that define an agent's success, and get ready for (possibly) controversial revelations that'll spark thought-provoking discussions within the real estate community.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Multiple Listing Service (MLS): What it is, how it works, and its importance
• Why policies matter in creating an MLS for a real estate association
• Issues an MLS might have in the digital age
• Essential traits you should possess when interacting with clients
• Shelley's hot take on the barrier of entry in real estate

Resources mentioned in this episode

• MLS.com
• Zillow

About Shelly Vincent 

Shelly Vincent, the VP of Operations and Employing Broker for HomeSmart in CO, also serves as the Vice Chair of REColorado, overseeing one of the nation's largest MLSs while chairing the MLS Policy and contributing to the CAR Legislative Policy and Professional Standards Committees. Additionally, she is a podcaster, certified ACU, and Crypto instructor, public speaker, and active Realtor. 

Connect with Shelly 

• Facebook: Shelly Vincent  
• LinkedIn: Shelly Vincent 
• Instagram: @shellyvincent  
• Email: shellyvincent@mac.com 

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

Mike Abramowitz joins us in this episode to discuss the transformative power of efficient business systems in attaining time freedom and prioritizing what truly matters. Gain valuable insights as he shares his personal comeback story, emphasizing how strategically implemented systems supported his income during challenging times in his life, and learn how you can do the same.

Key takeaways to listen for

• Mike's first learning moment in real estate
• Perks of systemizing your business
• 6 keys to become time-rich
• The importance of defining the rules of engagement in a business
• How to set boundaries and stick to them

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Cutco
• Tony Robbins
• Calendly
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
• G.R.A.B. TOMORROW: Your Best Year Ever by Mike Abramowitz 
• Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell
• The 80% Approach by Dan Sullivan
• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan
• 10x Is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan

Do you want to strategize and figure out how to delegate your tasks efficiently? Then sign up for Mike's free 90-day delegation plans at https://www.betterthanrich.com/90dayplan.

About Mike Abramowitz

Mike is an accomplished author, speaker, coach, and philanthropist. He is a Strategist at Better Than Rich, a platform providing mentorship and education to the next generation of leaders. He is also the Founder of G.R.A.B. Tomorrow, a community that helps individuals avoid the trends from 2012, and the Founder of PB&J for Tampa Bay, an effort to feed 25,000 homeless people in the Tampa Bay area. 

Previously, Mike worked as a District Executive at Vector Marketing, where he first learned about sales and leadership. He is based in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, Florida, with his family.

Connect with Mike

• Website: Better Than Rich
• Instagram: @betterthan_rich
• Facebook: Better Than Rich
• YouTube: Better Than Rich
• LinkedIn: Better Than Rich
• X: @betterthan_rich
• TikTok: betterthanrich
• Email: mike@betterthanrich.com

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.

Join me for an engaging conversation with NaTasha Grimes, and discover how personality development can help you maximize your strengths and make your real estate game stronger. NaTasha also shares a story of an agent who was supposed to list her house but lacked social awareness and the skill set of understanding – a story you won't want to miss!

Key takeaways to listen for

• Personality development tips and why you need to learn them
• Are generational differences a factor in real estate marketing and relationship-building?
• Questions you need to ask yourself before hiring a personality coach 
• Actionable tips for beginner real estate agents who want to improve their real estate game
• Powerful piece of advice to real estate agents who are fresh out of the gate

Resources mentioned in this episode

• Facebook

Calling all real estate agents! Ready to level up your game and uncover NaTasha's game-changing insights on personality and how it shapes your goal-setting journey? Join her in Concord, North Carolina, on February 28 at 12:30. Visit https://www.ascensionsolutions.online for more info.

About NaTasha Grimes

NaTasha Grimes is the owner and CEO of Ascension Solutions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Longwood University and a Master's degree in Human
Resources Training and Development from Amberton University. In addition, she is also a Wired That Way Certified Personality Trainer. 

With over a decade of experience as an elementary school teacher, personal mentor, and professional development coach, NaTasha had the privilege of sharing her passion for personal growth with countless individuals. Her mission is to provide practical, easy-to-understand methods for personal and professional growth.

Connect with NaTasha

• Website: Ascension Solutions 
• Instagram: @ascensionsolutions
• Facebook: Ascension Solutions
• YouTube: AscensionSolutions
• LinkedIn: Ascension Solutions
• Email: info@ascensionsolutions.online

Connect with Leigh

Please subscribe to this podcast on iTunes or the Podcasts App on your phone, and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting https://leighbrown.com. DM Leigh Brown on Instagram @ LeighThomasBrown.

Subscribe to Leigh's other podcast Real Estate From The Rooftops

Sponsors

Leigh Brown University – New On-Demand Training
How to Dominate During This Recession!

Enroll Now to learn practical steps for effective action, discover what to say, and ensure success in securing listings, assisting buyers, and expanding your business, regardless of market conditions. 

Enroll today at: https://www.leighbrownuniversity.com/dominate-recession 

Enter code: CSIRE20 at checkout for a 20% discount.