Explore every episode of the podcast The Way with Dino Katsiametis
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Starting Line — David Sidoni | 02 Nov 2026 | 01:30:52 | |
David Sidoni says it plain: "You're not buying a house. You are adopting a rent replacement strategy." David is a realtor and the host of the How to Buy a Home podcast. He and Dino have known each other for years and have worked on many first-time buyer deals together. In this talk, David walks mortgage advisors through the Last Lease Ever. It is how you answer a renter's first call with a starting line instead of a stop sign. You will hear the three thermometers: credit score, monthly debt and savings. You will hear how to check in every 30 days with one small action step, why a text beats a phone call, and why a first-time buyer is worth the work. Dino shares how he built his first consultation, and why he put the check-ins on the calendar before the call was over. You will also hear The Round, with David's morning, the best money under $500, what he says no to now, his favorite book and his ethos. Then the Million Dollar Drop. Comment UNICORN on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Gouged — Lindsay Owens https://link.amazon/B0ehwZ6dv · The Princess Bride — William Goldman https://link.amazon/B07x3UXFX Follow David: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/davidsidoni/ · LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidsidoni/ · Facebook https://www.facebook.com/david.sidoni · X https://x.com/DavidSidoni David was also on Season 1. His first talk with Dino is here: https://www.dinokatsiametis.com/podcast/episode-26/ Views expressed are the individual's own and do not represent their employer. The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e14-david-sidoni/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
01:54 Two old friends, one microphone 02:59 Where it started: Money Matters 04:44 Why first-time buyers are ignored 05:48 The training the industry skips 06:34 Why a pre-approval is a red light 06:56 A plan for the buyer who is not ready 08:01 Debt, equity lines and the cycle 10:31 David's podcast and first-time buyers 11:37 Renters nobody taught 13:01 A rent replacement strategy 13:44 Buy where you can afford 14:48 Today's masterclass: the Last Lease Ever 15:52 Why renters Google before they call 16:38 The pre-approval red light 17:40 Stop sign or starting line 18:25 The 37th thing your advisor does 19:05 Three questions instead of an application 19:24 The three thermometers 20:53 Automate the 30-day touch 21:14 Be their advisor before they are ready 22:21 Credit, debt and savings 23:26 The old-school plan runs out of time 24:30 What to say in the 30-day check-in 25:57 Smaller goals get more replies 26:38 A job or a career 28:35 First-time buyers are not a waste of time 29:27 Tell them the sooner the better 29:51 The buyer who said she was not ready 30:33 Gen Z wants someone to walk them through it 31:42 The wedding photographer 32:16 What the data shows 32:38 Do not make them feel they are bothering you 33:44 Why Dino moved to first-time buyers 35:49 If they ask a lot of questions 36:31 The first consultation is a presentation 37:36 The total cost analysis 38:59 Find the payment that fits 40:07 The most appreciative client you will have 40:51 Ten-star service and referrals 41:57 Stand out with a third of the advice 43:40 Learn the craft from podcasts 44:23 Practice your consultation for a week 45:24 Throw them a housewarming party 46:09 Same income, different house 46:51 Three things you can fix every day 47:34 Find a unicorn realtor 48:36 Where "unicorn" came from 49:38 Would they trust you to negotiate a car? 50:22 Build a system around the check-in 51:48 Put 12 check-ins on the calendar 52:33 Build the thermometers with AI 53:38 Text beats the phone 55:00 A 12-month plan that just closed 56:03 Automate it, then write your own words 56:45 Dino's AI assistant, Linz 57:52 The thermometer page 58:50 It does not take much to stand out 59:34 The first-time buyer is underserved 1:00:18 A lack of information, not affordability 1:01:23 Become the source for the whole team 1:01:45 The theory of reciprocity 1:03:34 The Round begins: first move of the day 1:04:37 Roses, pruning and your business 1:07:46 Call or text? 1:08:46 Voice texts 1:10:09 Best money under $500 1:12:20 What David reads 1:13:21 What David says no to now 1:14:04 The do-over 1:16:13 What everybody is doing that is not working 1:18:02 The best question for a borrower 1:18:23 Favorite book 1:19:24 David's ethos 1:20:58 The Million Dollar Drop 1:24:17 Do unto others 1:26:20 Thank you, David 1:28:30 The free playbook 1:29:37 Do not be afraid of first-time buyers Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Portable Second Brain — Luke Shankula | 26 Oct 2026 | 01:26:42 | |
Luke Shankula says it plain: "When someone says they're an expert at AI, they are a beginner at AI." Luke is the founder of Loans On Demand and the creator of Direct Authority AI. He has used AI every day since 2023. In this talk, Dino and Luke go deep on one big idea. How to build a portable second brain, so any AI you use knows you from the first message, and you can switch tools without losing a thing. Luke shows what goes in it. A soul file for who you are. A memory file. A now file for what you are working on. And an agent file the AI reads before it does anything else. He explains why you should never trust AI without checking it, and how to make one model challenge the other. You will also hear The Round, with his morning, his best buy under $500, what he says no to now, his favorite books and his ethos. Comment PORTABLE on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Shoe Dog — Phil Knight https://amzn.to/4tbgebm · Psycho-Cybernetics — Maxwell Maltz https://amzn.to/3NUh9x6 · That Will Never Work — Marc Randolph https://link.amazon/B0aExr1Df · Little Black Stretchy Pants — Chip Wilson https://link.amazon/B0cHz7eSN Luke was also on Season 1. His first talk with Dino is here: https://www.dinokatsiametis.com/podcast/episode-47/ Views expressed are the individual's own and do not represent their employer. The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e13-luke-shankula/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
01:43 Luke is back 02:58 Who is Luke Shankula? 04:10 Doing the wrong things faster 04:51 AI maturity, like spiritual maturity 06:54 Dunning-Kruger and the peak of Mount Stupid 08:16 "I'm an expert at AI" means beginner 09:30 Stand on the shoulders of giants 10:16 Do not relegate your thinking to AI 10:46 Today's masterclass: the portable second brain 11:07 Why a second brain inside one app is a prison 12:45 What a second brain is 13:07 The Write Like Me interview 14:21 Making it portable: a folder on your desktop 14:52 Soul, memory and the now file 15:35 The agent file: read before everything else 17:00 Dino's two DNA documents 18:36 Desktop or Google Drive? 20:35 Which tool for which job 22:47 What about Perplexity? 25:35 Step one: let the AI interview you 27:20 Talk, don't type 28:00 What if your AI goes out of business? 29:30 Read everything before it goes out 31:01 Be more authentic than the machine 32:35 Do not trust AI 33:28 It doesn't know loans, but it knows marketing? 34:00 Let one model challenge the other 35:00 It doesn't care if it breaks 17 things 36:15 Put the rules in your second brain 40:40 Two use cases for mortgage advisors 41:55 Never put NPI or PII into a public model 44:40 A compliance plugin that travels with you 45:38 Stop using trigger terms 46:20 A brand kit that lives in your second brain 47:15 Recap emails from recorded calls 48:40 A video for every stage 50:27 Most client experiences are unremarkable 51:20 Never Lose a Customer Again 52:00 What makes a producer referable 53:00 Dino's disclosure videos 55:55 "My initial thought is I hate it" 57:00 Cloned voices 1:00:40 A pre-approval with a wow factor 1:02:00 What Direct Authority AI does 1:02:30 The four pillars: visible, partners, efficient, skilled 1:03:00 Context engineering, explained 1:04:10 Bring your soul into your content 1:06:00 There is no secret button for leads 1:07:15 How to find Luke 1:07:46 The Round begins 1:08:00 First move of the day 1:10:15 Call, text or DM? 1:11:07 Best money under $500 1:12:45 Who do you steal ideas from? 1:14:15 What Luke says no to now 1:14:50 The do-over: the sunk cost fallacy 1:15:40 What works that nobody is doing 1:16:55 What advisors think works but is trash 1:17:23 Favorite book 1:19:35 Luke's ethos 1:21:00 Luke's next chapter 1:22:00 Care, cultivate, close 1:23:05 These are humans 1:24:36 The free playbook Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Anatomy of a Viral Reel — Amir Syed | 19 Oct 2026 | 01:33:58 | |
Amir Syed says it plain: “If my own wife is swiping, everybody’s swiping.” Amir is the co-founder and CEO of GO! Coaching. He grew his Instagram from 45,000 to 80,000 followers in 35 days. In this talk, Dino and Amir go deep on one big idea. How to build a reel that people watch to the end. Amir shares the parts of a reel. The hook. The re-hook. The early call to action. And the ending. He tells why you should give people crayons, not calculus. And he says why your visibility has to match your ability. You will also hear The Round, with his ethos, his morning, what he would do over, his favorite books, and his Million Dollar Drop plan. Comment ANATOMY on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Never Split the Difference — Chris Voss https://amzn.to/4kefQVz Amir was also on Season 1. His first talk with Dino is here: https://www.dinokatsiametis.com/podcast/amir-syed-coached-to-a-billion/ Views expressed are the individual’s own and do not represent their employer. The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e12-amir-syed/ #WhoCanWeServeToday 00:00 Welcome 02:23 Today's masterclass: the anatomy of a viral reel 03:26 Can anyone really go viral? 06:44 Nobody is watching as closely as you think 11:10 Agency, resourcefulness and perseverance 14:51 Climb the mountain one base camp at a time 17:09 Never break the chain 18:10 The 30-year interest-only loan officer 20:35 Why your spouse has to be on board 23:25 Why Instagram, and why now? 25:43 Fame is the greatest arbitrage 28:28 Let's get into the sauce 29:47 The day my wife swiped my reel 31:04 The three hooks 34:07 Tension, surprise, pain, curiosity 34:46 The re-hook 38:43 Hook, re-hook, early CTA 40:21 Crayons, not calculus 40:44 CTA versus CTC 42:46 Social media is business media 45:10 Why long form lives on YouTube 46:02 Two ways to write a call to action 47:22 Your bio is your business card 50:04 Own your audience 52:03 Fame in action 58:06 Your visibility must match your ability 59:44 Why this is not optional 1:02:38 The Round begins 1:04:08 Amir's morning routine 1:07:07 Ideas in the shower 1:09:32 What Amir would do over 1:10:28 What advisors do that does not work 1:12:05 Don't just say AI 1:13:20 Players and playbooks 1:15:00 The first-time buyer question 1:17:00 Why Zoom beats the phone 1:18:52 When a borrower says they can get a better rate 1:19:51 Favorite book 1:22:36 The Million Dollar Drop 1:33:49 The free playbook Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Mortgage Advisors: Send the Right Signals — Steve Saxton | 12 Oct 2026 | 01:22:59 | |
Steve Saxton says it plain: “It means that you’re niching down so that the person looking for you can find you.” Steve is the founder of Christian Roberts Mortgage in Utah. He does jumbo loans for self-employed borrowers. In this talk, Dino and Steve go deep on one big idea. Send the right signals, so Google and AI know who you are. Steve shares how he turns one closed loan into a blog post. He tells how a voice memo gets a Google review. And he says why every borrower needs one point of contact. You will also hear what he says no to now, his favorite book, and his Million Dollar Drop plan. Comment SIGNALS on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Can’t Hurt Me — David Goggins https://link.amazon/B02kHj9R5 Views expressed are the individual’s own and do not represent their employer. The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e11-steve-saxton/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
01:58 What is your ethos? 06:02 The loan he wrote for free 17:27 Never downgrade your lifestyle 18:38 Who is Steve Saxton? 20:40 What would Steve teach in a masterclass? 22:34 From the Yellow Pages to AI 25:58 Get painfully specific 29:42 Niching down does not mean losing loans 30:44 Turn one closing into a blog post 32:03 AI does not know who you are 34:16 The voice memo that gets Google reviews 36:28 From loan officer to mortgage advisor 38:14 One point of contact 47:54 One story, many platforms 57:33 Why Steve posts on social media 1:00:18 They can smell your commission breath 1:04:38 Start with the end 1:05:29 The Round begins 1:11:31 What Steve says no to now 1:14:20 The best question to ask a borrower 1:16:40 Favorite book 1:17:04 The Million Dollar Drop 1:22:05 The free playbook Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Loan Officers: Diagnose Before You Prescribe — Kayla Kallander | 05 Oct 2026 | 01:25:40 | |
Kayla Kallander says it plain: "Prescription without diagnosis is malpractice." Kayla is a mortgage loan officer at First International Bank & Trust in Fargo, North Dakota. In this talk, Dino and Kayla go deep on one big idea. Ask better questions before you give any answer. Kayla shares how she slows down to speed up. She tells why buyers open up when you ask what scares them. And she shows why one rate on a page is never the whole story. You will also hear her favorite book, her Million Dollar Drop plan, and a few words about her four rescue dogs. Comment DIAGNOSE on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Unreasonable Hospitality — Will Guidara Views expressed are the individual's own and do not represent their employer. The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e10-kayla-kallander/ #WhoCanWeServeToday 00:00 Welcome 02:22 What is your ethos? 11:48 Unreasonable Hospitality and feeling understood 13:57 Slow down to speed up 17:37 How Kayla stays 99% self-sourced 21:40 The 15-minute discovery call 23:31 "Wait, there is more than one rate?" 1:04:21 The Round begins 1:11:11 The best question to ask a borrower 1:12:42 Favorite book 1:18:06 The Million Dollar Drop 1:24:55 The free playbook Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Referral Gravity: How Loan Officers Get Chosen Without Chasing with Brady Thomas | 28 Sep 2026 | 01:17:46 | |
Brady Thomas moved 3,000 miles away from his business, and it grew. His personal production went from $124 million to $179 million, up 45% in a year, while he worked out of a basement in Boston and his clients and agents were in Oakland. He calls the system referral gravity: the right agents send you the right loans without you asking. In this episode he walks Dino through all three pillars. Transactional clarity, which is naming the one problem you want to be known for. Authority, which is being trusted before you are needed: a point of view, two email lists on two clocks, and a thousand five-star reviews earned by asking at every closing. And operational excellence, which is delivering every time as volume grows. Along the way: why a niche is a sign and not a fence, the $250 charity donation that replaced every closing gift, the Times Square test for your inbox, and the second conversation he added after rates jumped. Then in The Round: the one question he asks every borrower, the AI tool he cannot live without, and what he says to the client who has talked to seven lenders. He also answers the Million Dollar Drop: new state, no clients, no agents. He would run the same playbook. Brady Thomas is a producing Branch Manager at LaSalle Mortgage in Oakland, California, and has ranked among the top 100 originators in the country over a 16-year career. Comment GRAVITY on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: Key Person of Influence — Daniel Priestley The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e09-brady-thomas/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
02:34 Sixteen years in Oakland, and a move to Boston 06:08 What is referral gravity? 10:49 Pillar one: clarity and the Two Home Tango 14:37 A sign, not a fence 17:14 Pillar two: authority and a point of view 19:13 Two newsletters on two clocks 22:25 How he got 1,000 five-star reviews 23:50 $250 to charity at every closing 26:01 Where the business comes from 30:27 Inside a team of eight 33:04 Your office is in Times Square 34:20 Pillar three: operational excellence 41:43 Staying with the client after closing 47:03 "I couldn't cold call either" 48:54 The Round: lightning questions 54:22 The AI tool that changed how he works 59:13 "I can get a better rate somewhere else" 1:05:03 Favorite book, his ethos, and the Million Dollar Drop 1:12:12 Consistency: 700 posts later Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Consultation That Makes Loan Officers Unshoppable with Sosi Avila | 21 Sep 2026 | 01:16:43 | |
Most loan officers try to win a client in the first three minutes. Sosi Avila runs a 30-minute first meeting, and he says it is the reason he closes almost everyone he talks to. In this episode Sosi opens his consultation slide by slide and walks Dino through what he says, in what order, and why. He explains the one question he asks before anything else, why the phrase "walking into equity" is a myth, how a VIP pre-approval makes a financed offer read like cash and closes in 15 to 17 days, and the doorbell camera trick that gets an offer in the seller's inbox before the buyer gets home. Then in The Round: why he gives every consultation on video, why he says relationship is last place, and what the right answer is when a client asks for a better rate. He also answers the Million Dollar Drop: no database, no network, one unfamiliar city. His plan has three targets and one of them is a CPA. Sosi Avila is a $100 million producer and the President of Mamba Capital Lending. This is his second time on The Way. Comment CONSULT on any clip and we will send you the playbook. Books mentioned: $100M Offers — Alex Hormozi The Way with Dino Katsiametis https://DinoKatsiametis.com/podcast/s2e08-sosi-avila/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
01:37 Welcome back, Sosi Avila 03:50 The one thing he does differently 05:33 Eight planning meetings, one consultation 09:38 Three parts: engage, options, decide 12:48 Setting the objective of the call 15:23 What's your learning style? 16:56 Handing the client the scoreboard 18:44 The market as a story with dates 28:32 Building one scenario live 30:43 The walking into equity myth 33:50 Temporary buydowns 37:20 Regular pre-approval or VIP 39:50 The Ferrari and the doorbell camera 46:19 Slow down so you can speed up 48:36 The Round 01:05:32 Favorite book 01:07:10 The Million Dollar Drop 01:13:36 People sleep on stories 01:17:00 Close Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The 5 Rituals That Keep Loan Officers From Burning Out with Michael Decker | 14 Sep 2026 | 01:09:32 | |
Michael Decker thinks burnout in this business is misdiagnosed. Not a talent problem. Not a volume problem. A rhythm problem. Michael is EVP & Director of Sales at Great Plains Bank Home Lending and hosts the podcast Winning Publicly, Losing Privately. In this episode he lays out the five rituals he runs every week — morning, pre-work, pre-leave, nightly, and Sunday night. None of them cost anything. His phrase for it: fancy fails, simple scales. Also in this episode: why Sunday night decides the week, the referral move that beats any follow-up text, and The Round — fifteen questions, no prep, the first time we have run it. Free playbook: https://DinoKatsiametis.com/five-rituals/ Michael: linkedin.com/in/michaeldeckerstw Views expressed are the individual's own and do not represent their employer. 00:00 | Cold open Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Loan Officers: Why Best Known Beats Best with Arjun Dhingra | 07 Sep 2026 | 01:21:07 | |
Grey Goose is not the best vodka. It is not even close. But it is the one people name, and it is the one that wins. That is Arjun Dhingra's whole argument, and he has been making it for eight years: best known beats best, ten out of ten times. In this episode Arjun breaks down why loan officers who are genuinely good at the job keep losing business to people who are simply easier to remember. Opportunity is visibility multiplied by value, and a zero on either side zeroes the whole thing. He covers what to post and how often, why marketing to everyone connects with no one, the hundred-dollar camera setup that looks like five thousand, and why he thinks the phrase "loan officer" is costing the industry its respect. He also answers the Million Dollar Drop: no database, no network, no name recognition, one unfamiliar city. What he does on day one is not what most people would guess. Arjun is the founder of LFG Society and LFG Energy, and hosts the LFG Energy Podcast, which debuted at number 12 on Apple's Careers list. He is also a two-time TaeKwon-Do world champion. Get the free playbook, Best Known Beats Best: https://dinokatsiametis.com/best-known-beats-best/ #WhoCanWeServeToday
00:12 Dino's intro, recorded after the conversation 05:02 A family business, San Francisco, and a jumbo market 11:00 Selling to agents who do not like you yet 15:33 "I forgot you're in loans" — the worst thing a friend can say 19:40 Three a week, and violently consistent 24:11 You will suck. It will be cringe. 28:20 Market to everyone, connect with no one — pick a tribe 32:30 Where the audience actually is 34:41 The $100 setup that looks like $5,000 38:40 Best known beats best — the Grey Goose story 41:00 You control 100% of your visibility 47:22 Stop calling yourself a loan officer — the three proficiencies 52:23 Split my Zillow leads — what the asks reveal 57:02 Be the person your clients call first 1:04:41 Favorite book: The Alchemist 1:05:43 The Million Dollar Drop 1:07:22 The digital mayor of Columbus 1:10:21 Take your jacket off — twenty comments a day 1:19:00 Where to find Arjun Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Six Channels Loan Officers Need When AI Answers First — Alec Hanson | 31 Aug 2026 | 01:13:15 | |
Alec Hanson has a colleague who just got his first client referral from ChatGPT — a stranger in another state, sent by a machine. That's the shift this episode is about. When consumers stop calling their loan officer to ask what rates are doing and start asking AI instead, the relationship doesn't disappear. It just has to already exist before the question gets asked. Alec, SVP of Production for the West Division at loanDepot and the author of Bypassed, walks Dino through his complete playbook for staying relevant: quarterly calls, quarterly texts, a monthly email you actually wrote yourself, physical mail, a community event every ninety days, and showing up online every single day. The surprise is how little of it is new. As Alec puts it, the game we're playing hasn't changed — the places we're playing it have. Also in this episode: why drip campaigns are actively hurting you, the loan officer who was terrified of public speaking and hosts a "think and drink" instead, the piece of mail that produced Alec's biggest month ever, and why your referral partner has no idea you were working all weekend. Get the free playbook, Known Before Needed: https://dinokatsiametis.com/known-before-needed/ #WhoCanWeServeToday 00:00 Relevancy in a world about to be run by AI 04:03 Empower, Equip, Educate — and the way lending should be done 08:01 Why a mortgage is still the most emotional transaction there is 13:29 AI is becoming a referral source — and that is disruptive 20:22 What the machine already knows about you 24:01 Record everything — transcripts on every conversation 29:22 Lunch and learn, think and drink, or a charity event 31:58 Client events twice a year, and why cost is not the objection 36:02 Posting little Timmy's soccer goal — showing up in their life 40:06 The digital strategy: care about others, then show up every day 44:29 Put yourself out there and you attract your tribe 51:40 Thank-you cards and broker previews 56:06 Be yourself — everybody chameleons and everybody can tell 1:02:39 The big dogs in their forties who could not adapt 1:04:16 The Million Dollar Drop 1:07:59 Content, content, content — then hit the streets Saturday and Sunday Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Open House You Never Attend — Sean Herrero | 24 Aug 2026 | 01:17:54 | |
Sean Herrero is the first returning guest in the history of The Way — and he earned it. Episode 13 in Season 1, back for Season 2, Episode 4 with a 30-unit month at more than $30 million behind him and a team of exactly two people. This one is a masterclass in intentionality. Sean breaks down the open house engagement kit — the system that captures buyer relationships at open houses he never attends. Why the standard flyer offers nothing and therefore earns nothing. Why contact information is a transaction, and what you have to trade for it. And the reframe that runs underneath his whole business: it's not what the house costs, it's what the house costs you. We also get into why "the market is bad" is an excuse wearing a costume, the difference between reasons and excuses, what a Navy SEAL taught him about decisive action, applying deliberate pressure with non-refundable deposits, why he caps his training events at eight people, and how "I wonder if" became his entire AI strategy. Sean answers the Million Dollar Drop — and he's the first guest who could answer it from memory, because he already lived it in 2017. Sean Herrero is a Regional Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage. Find him on Instagram at @adventurelender. Get the free playbook with Sean's complete open house system at dinokatsiametis.com/open-house-you-never-attend The Way with Dino Katsiametis — Empower. Equip. Educate. The way lending should be done. #WhoCanWeServeToday Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How AI, Branding & Relentless Execution Built One of Mortgage's Fastest-Growing Teams with Abdel "The Gorilla" Khawatmi | 17 Aug 2026 | 01:18:32 | |
What does it take to stand out in today's mortgage industry? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino welcomes back mortgage leader and Abdel "The Gorilla" Khawatmi for an in-depth conversation on branding, artificial intelligence, client experience, leadership, and building systems that consistently outperform the competition. Abdel explains why today's mortgage professionals must stop thinking like loan officers and start acting like trusted advisors. From mastering KPIs and tracking every stage of the sales process to creating an unforgettable personal brand and using AI as a productivity multiplier, this conversation is packed with practical strategies that can immediately improve your business. Whether you're a mortgage advisor, real estate professional, sales leader, or entrepreneur, you'll walk away with actionable ideas on creating systems, serving clients at a higher level, and building a business that thrives in any market. In This Episode
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Impossible To Forget with Wade Betz | 10 Aug 2026 | 01:10:22 | |
What separates the average loan officer from a top-producing mortgage advisor? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with mortgage industry leader Wade Betz, a producer responsible for helping over 2,000 families, generating nearly $1 billion in mortgage volume, and building one of the industry's strongest client-retention systems. Rather than chasing the next transaction, Wade reveals how disciplined daily habits, structured prospecting, long-term client care, and consistent follow-up have created a business where 65% of his annual closings come from past clients. This isn't theory. It's a practical blueprint that every mortgage advisor, loan officer, broker, sales professional, and entrepreneur can implement immediately. From creating a winning morning routine to leveraging YouTube, AI, SEO, CRM systems, annual financial reviews, and accountability tracking, Wade shares the exact strategies that have helped him build a sustainable business that continues to grow year after year. If you're tired of constantly hunting for your next deal, this episode will completely change how you think about growing your business. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Never Wait for the Close with Guest Dino Katsiametis | 03 Aug 2026 | 01:06:42 | |
What if everything you've been taught about building a mortgage business is wrong? In this special Season 2 premiere of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, the tables are turned as industry legend Dave Savage interviews Dino about the principles, systems, and mindset that built one of the most relationship-driven mortgage businesses in America. This isn't just another conversation about closing loans. It's a masterclass on creating Mortgages Under Management (MUM), building clients for life, developing an unforgettable customer experience, and using generosity, consistency, and leadership to create a business that continues to grow long after the transaction ends. From creating raving fans with strategic gifting to embracing AI without losing the human connection, Dino shares the philosophies that have shaped his career and now drive the mission of Ethos Lending. Whether you're a mortgage advisor, entrepreneur, business owner, or simply looking to build a life centered on purpose and impact, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can apply immediately. In This Episode✅ Why "Mortgages Under Management" changes everything ✅ How to turn every client into a client for life ✅ The gifting strategy that transformed Dino's business ✅ Why relationships always outperform transactions ✅ Building a referral-based business without chasing leads ✅ The mindset of the nation's top mortgage advisors ✅ How AI should support—not replace—the human experience ✅ Why consistency beats talent every time ✅ The importance of creating your own personal ethos ✅ Books that changed Dino's life and business ✅ Lessons on faith, family, leadership, gratitude, and legacy ✅ The Million Dollar Drop: How Dino would rebuild from scratch Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Why Rocket Keeps Winning | Heather Lovier on Leadership & Reinvention | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:51:31 | |
Can a loan processor become the COO of one of the largest financial companies in America? Heather Lovier proves the answer is YES. In this powerful episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Heather Lovier, Chief Operating Officer of Rocket Companies, to discuss her incredible 23-year journey from entry-level loan processor to executive leadership. But this conversation goes far beyond mortgages. Heather shares the leadership principles that have fueled Rocket's growth, why company culture matters more than ever, how AI is reshaping the future of homeownership, and what it really takes to build organizations that continue to innovate after decades of success. They also dive into Rocket's acquisitions of Redfin and Mr. Cooper, the broker channel, customer experience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and why "falling in love with the problem" is the secret behind long-term innovation. Whether you're a mortgage professional, entrepreneur, CEO, sales leader, or someone passionate about building great businesses, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won't want to miss. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Anthony Casa's Incredible Journey: From Dropping Out at 13 to Building a Mortgage Empire | 13 Jul 2026 | 01:22:35 | |
What does it take to build one of the most influential companies in the mortgage industry? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Anthony Casa, CEO & Founder of UMortgage, Founder of AIME (Association of Independent Mortgage Experts), and one of the most recognizable leaders in the mortgage industry. Anthony opens up like never before... From dropping out of school at just 13 years old, working 100-hour weeks in a restaurant after his father suffered a stroke, to building multiple companies that transformed the mortgage broker channel—this conversation is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Anthony shares the lessons that changed his life, why culture matters more than rapid growth, how AIME reshaped the mortgage industry, the story behind Arrive, building UMortgage, and why success means far more than money. Whether you're a mortgage professional, entrepreneur, business owner, sales leader, or someone striving to build a meaningful legacy, this episode delivers practical lessons you can apply immediately. In This Episode✅ Anthony Casa's journey from leaving school at 13 to becoming a mortgage industry leader ✅ Growing up in poverty and the work ethic that shaped his success ✅ Why leadership looks completely different today than it did 20 years ago ✅ The rise of AIME and how it changed the mortgage broker industry ✅ Behind the scenes of building Arrive Technology ✅ How UMortgage became one of the fastest-growing mortgage companies ✅ The importance of company culture over rapid growth ✅ Why systems and processes outperform talent alone ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when scaling and much more... Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Mortgage Marketing Playbook: AI, Social Media & Personal Branding That Actually Works | Drew Gillett | 06 Jul 2026 | 01:12:46 | |
What separates average loan officers from mortgage advisors who build businesses that thrive for decades? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Drew Gillett, marketing executive and one of the industry's leading experts on mortgage branding, digital marketing, AI, and social media strategy. If you've ever wondered... • Why your marketing isn't producing referrals • How top mortgage advisors dominate social media • What AI actually means for your business • How to create content people trust and share • Why consistency beats talent every time ...this episode delivers the blueprint. Dino and Drew break down the exact strategies today's mortgage professionals should be using to build authority, create trust, attract Realtor partners, grow referral relationships, and establish a personal brand that keeps generating business long after the post is published. This isn't theory. It's a practical roadmap for loan officers, mortgage advisors, real estate professionals, and entrepreneurs who want to future-proof their business. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The AI Revolution Every Loan Officer Needs to Understand with Ryan O'Kane | 29 Jun 2026 | 01:08:03 | |
What happens when a top-producing mortgage leader stops asking whether AI is coming—and starts building with it? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Ryan O'Kane, CEO of Arbor Financial Group, mortgage industry veteran, technology innovator, and one of the most forward-thinking leaders in lending today. Ryan shares how he grew Arbor Financial from a small operation into a company with hundreds of loan officers while continuing to originate loans himself. He pulls back the curtain on the systems, technology, automation, leadership principles, and AI strategies that are transforming the future of mortgage lending. But this conversation goes much deeper than technology. Ryan and Dino tackle one of the biggest questions facing the industry: Will AI replace mortgage professionals—or will it make great advisors even more valuable? From automation and operational efficiency to relationship-building, database marketing, scaling teams, and the future of real estate referrals, this episode delivers practical insights for mortgage professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve. If you're serious about growing your business, leveraging technology, and future-proofing your career, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Mortgage Industry Is About to Change Forever (Most LOs Aren't Ready) - Rich Weidel | 18 Jun 2026 | 01:13:44 | |
What if the biggest threat to your mortgage business isn't rates, inventory, or the economy? What if it's your unwillingness to change? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Rich Weidel, CEO of Princeton Mortgage, entrepreneur, former Goldman Sachs investment banker, and one of the industry's most forward-thinking leaders. Rich shares the incredible journey from Wall Street to building a top mortgage company, surviving one of the toughest markets in industry history, and reinventing his business through technology, operational excellence, and AI-driven innovation. This isn't another conversation about rates. It's a conversation about survival, adaptation, leadership, and why many mortgage professionals are unknowingly building businesses that won't survive the next decade. Rich breaks down how technology is changing loan origination, why operational efficiency is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage, and why personal branding may soon matter more than company branding. Whether you're a loan officer, branch manager, broker, or business owner, this episode will challenge how you think about growth, profitability, and your future in the mortgage industry. In This Episode:• Why market cycles expose the difference between operators and opportunists • The leadership lesson Rich learned from a top mortgage industry CEO • How Princeton Mortgage rebuilt itself during the toughest market in decades • Why cost structure is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in lending • The dangerous mindset keeping many mortgage companies stuck • How AI is eliminating inefficiencies across the mortgage process • Why technology is making scaling easier than ever before • The real reason many loan officers struggle despite working hard • How top producers are using automation to increase production • Why personal branding may become more important than company branding • The future of self-sourced business and referral relationships • Why social media is the most underutilized lead-generation tool in mortgage • The truth about broker vs IMB and why most people ask the wrong question • How to build a company that grows revenue faster than expenses • Why adaptability—not experience—may be the most valuable skill moving forward • The role courage plays in business transformation • What mortgage professionals need to do today to stay relevant tomorrow Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Mortgage Advisor Playbook: Season 2 Will Change Your Business | 16 Jun 2026 | 00:06:24 | |
After a year of explosive growth, thousands of monthly downloads, and conversations with some of the brightest minds in the mortgage industry, Dino is taking everything he's learned and turning it into a practical roadmap for one purpose: Helping loan officers transform into mortgage advisors. Season 2 will feature the best minds in the country, each bringing mastery in one critical pillar of a successful mortgage business. Every episode will include actionable frameworks, tactical playbooks, and real-world strategies designed to help you build a business that creates consistency, freedom, and long-term success. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How a Father-Daughter Mortgage Team Built a Referral Machine with Bill & Victoria Clayton | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:56:49 | |
Can old-school relationship building still outperform modern lead generation and AI-driven sales? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with father-daughter mortgage team Bill Clayton and Victoria Clayton to break down the real strategies behind building a sustainable referral-based mortgage business. With over 30 years in the mortgage industry, Bill shares timeless principles around trust, financial planning, and client retention, while Victoria explains how she built a thriving business in just a few short years through relationships, consistency, open houses, and social media networking. This conversation dives deep into:
👉 If you want to build a long-term mortgage business without relying on cold leads and rate shopping, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why relationship-based business models still outperform lead buying Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Leads Are for Losers? Steven Ross Explains What Actually Builds a Business | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:45:22 | |
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Steven Ross, author of Doors Open When You Knock, to break down the mindset, discipline, and consistency required to build a long-term referral business in real estate. Steven shares how he built his career by knocking on more than 125,000 doors over 16 years—even though he considers himself introverted, antisocial, and completely unsuited for traditional sales tactics. This conversation goes far beyond door knocking. Dino and Steven dive deep into:
If you’re a realtor, loan officer, entrepreneur, or sales professional struggling with lead generation, burnout, or inconsistency, this episode delivers practical frameworks and timeless sales wisdom that still work in today’s market. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why Steven Ross believes introverts can become elite salespeople Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Secret World of Luxury Lending That Most Loan Officers Never See With Alan Mack | 25 May 2026 | 00:56:38 | |
What separates average loan officers from elite advisors trusted by affluent and celebrity clients? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Alan Mack, a mortgage industry veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, over $1 billion in personal production, and deep expertise in luxury and complex financing. Alan shares how he reinvented himself after leaving the big-bank world and built a high-end advisory platform serving affluent clients, athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives. He explains the hidden strategies banks use, why wealthy clients often get dramatically better financing terms, and how relationship banking really works behind the scenes. But this episode goes far beyond mortgages. Alan and Dino dive deep into discipline, work ethic, branding, networking, customer service, personal growth, and what it truly takes to become elite in sales and business. If you’re a loan officer, entrepreneur, sales professional, or business owner looking to level up your mindset and income, this episode delivers practical wisdom you can apply immediately. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• How Alan Mack built a career spanning nearly 40 years in mortgage banking Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The 4AM Routine That Built a 9-Figure Portfolio with Joshua Mettle | 18 May 2026 | 01:24:46 | |
What separates top producers from everyone else—and why do so many loan officers stay stuck? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Josh Mettle, a 25+ year mortgage veteran who built a 9-figure real estate portfolio and a highly scalable lending business. Josh breaks down the real drivers of success and it’s not what most people think. From waking up at 4AM to mastering outbound calls, building teams, and creating leverage through marketing, this episode is a blueprint for anyone serious about growth. You’ll learn why success is attracted not chased, and how your daily habits, mindset, and discipline determine your future outcomes. 👉 If you’re stuck, burned out, or inconsistent—this episode will challenge how you think and operate. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why “doing the work” still beats technology and marketing hacks Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Loan Officer vs Mortgage Advisor: The Skill Gap That’s Costing You Millions | Carl Streicher | 11 May 2026 | 01:13:00 | |
What does it really take to build a long, successful career in the mortgage industry and why are so many loan officers missing the fundamentals? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Carl Streicher, a 30+ year mortgage veteran, former top producer, and now Director of Mentorship & Growth at Ethos Lending. Carl shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the business—from closing massive volume to leading teams and breaks down the critical difference between being a loan officer and becoming a true mortgage advisor. This conversation dives deep into:
👉 Bottom line: If you don’t master the fundamentals, technology won’t save you. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned originator looking to level up, this episode delivers a blueprint for sustainable success. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• The difference between a loan officer vs a mortgage advisor (and why it matters) Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Broker vs Banker: What No One Tells You About the Mortgage Industry with Mike Hardy & Rick Mount | 04 May 2026 | 00:46:40 | |
Are loan officers better off in the IMB world—or is the broker/hybrid model the future? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with returning guests Rick Mount and Mike Hardy to break down one of the biggest debates in the industry today. After transitioning from a traditional IMB to a hybrid model, Rick and Mike share a transparent look at:
This episode goes beyond surface-level opinions and dives into real-world strategy, leadership, and what it takes to build a sustainable mortgage business in today’s evolving market. 👉 Bottom line: The model you choose doesn’t determine your success—but it can either limit or unlock your potential. If you’re a loan officer, team leader, or entrepreneur trying to figure out where the industry is heading, this conversation is essential. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• The real difference between IMB vs Broker/Hybrid models Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The #1 Mistake Loan Officers Make and How to Fix It Fast with Scott Nicholson | 27 Apr 2026 | 01:04:36 | |
What’s actually causing loan officers to lose deals in today’s market—and how do top performers consistently win? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Scott Nicholson, mortgage industry veteran and co-founder of Housing Link, to break down the real gap between average originators and top producers. Scott shares how his journey—from professional golfer to 26+ years in the mortgage industry—shaped a philosophy centered on education, adaptability, and modern client experience. This conversation goes deep into:
👉 Bottom line: The market didn’t get harder—you just haven’t adapted yet. If you’re a loan officer, real estate agent, or sales professional trying to stay competitive in a shifting market, this episode gives you a clear, tactical roadmap to stand out and scale. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why education beats selling in building long-term client trust Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Stop Hiding Behind Tech: The Truth About Growth in Today’s Market with Natalie Overturf | 20 Apr 2026 | 01:09:22 | |
What actually separates top producers from everyone else in today’s market? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Natalie Overturf, CEO and Founder of Ethos Lending, to break down the real drivers behind long-term success in the mortgage and real estate industry. From starting as a 19-year-old receptionist to becoming a top-producing leader, Natalie shares hard-earned lessons on scaling a business, building elite teams, and mastering relationships in a tech-driven world. This conversation challenges the industry obsession with tools and automation—and replaces it with a simple truth: 👉 The people who win are the ones who execute, build relationships, and stay disciplined. If you're a loan officer, entrepreneur, or sales professional looking to grow in a competitive market, this episode is a blueprint for sustainable success. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why relationships—not technology—are still the #1 driver of business Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The Future of Mortgage Is Here: AI, Data & Human Connection Explained with Austin Niemiec | 13 Apr 2026 | 01:16:43 | |
What actually separates top-producing loan officers from everyone else? It’s not rates. It’s not luck. And it’s definitely not working harder. In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Austin Nemic, Chief Revenue Officer at Rocket Pro, to break down the real drivers of success in today’s mortgage market. From his early days as a 22-year-old loan officer during the 2008 financial crisis to leading one of the most influential platforms in the industry, Austin shares a masterclass on leadership, AI, sales psychology, and scaling a mortgage business in a rapidly changing world. This conversation dives deep into why most loan officers struggle, how AI is reshaping productivity, and why human connection, not technology, is still the ultimate competitive advantage. If you want to grow your business, stay relevant, and outperform your competition… this episode is required listening. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why loan officers focus too much on rates—and why that’s a mistake Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Why You’re Stuck and How to Break Through with Jerrid Sebesta | 06 Apr 2026 | 01:14:25 | |
What if the thing holding you back… isn’t your market, your strategy, or your circumstances, but your belief system? In this powerful episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Jerrid Sebesta, former TV weatherman turned keynote speaker and coach to explore the deeper truth behind success, fulfillment, and breakthrough. From humble beginnings in rural Minnesota to building a life centered on purpose, faith, and impact, Jerrid shares a transformative framework built on desire, belief, and surrender and how these principles apply to business, relationships, and personal growth. This conversation challenges the traditional “grind harder” mentality and introduces a new paradigm: you don’t need to do more, you need to become more aligned. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or like you’re capable of more… this episode will shift your perspective in a profound way. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why success starts with desire + belief—not just action Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Why Most Loan Officers Stay Stuck and How to Fix It with Eric Levin | 30 Mar 2026 | 01:25:27 | |
Most loan officers are working harder than ever… but not getting ahead. Why? Because they’re guessing instead of using data, systems, and strategy. In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Eric Levin, co-founder of Model Match, to break down how top producers are using data-driven decision making to scale their businesses faster—without burning out. Eric shares his journey from a 100% commission recruiter to building one of the most powerful data platforms in the mortgage industry—and why most loan officers are still stuck operating without systems. This conversation dives deep into how to identify the right agents, build meaningful relationships, and protect your book of business like a true asset. If you’re still relying on hustle alone… this episode will change how you think about growth. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why your “database” is actually your most valuable financial asset Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The AI Marketing Blueprint for Loan Officers — Luke Shankula on The Way | 23 Mar 2026 | 01:15:55 | |
Artificial intelligence is changing the way loan officers market, generate leads, and grow their businesses, but most professionals are still barely scratching the surface. In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Luke Shankula, founder of Loans On Demand, to break down how AI can transform the way mortgage professionals attract and convert clients. Luke shares his journey from working in reverse mortgages to helping loan officers scale their businesses through digital marketing, paid traffic, and AI-powered systems. What started as a Facebook ads experiment turned into a full marketing platform helping originators generate direct-to-consumer leads. Now, Luke is focused on the next evolution: using AI to amplify a loan officer’s voice, automate content creation, and build scalable marketing systems. If you're a loan officer looking to generate more leads, build authority online, and stay ahead of the AI revolution, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why most loan officers struggle with marketing and lead generation Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| AI, Personal Branding, and the Future of Mortgage Marketing, Katie Shive Explains | 16 Mar 2026 | 01:25:19 | |
In a world where AI can generate endless information, what actually makes a mortgage professional stand out? In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Katie Shive, a marketing strategist with over 15 years of experience and nearly a decade working inside the mortgage industry. Katie shares how personal branding, storytelling, and AI-powered content strategies are reshaping the way loan officers build trust and attract clients. From her early days learning the mortgage business from the ground up at Guild Mortgage to launching her own consulting practice focused on brand strategy and AI integration, Katie breaks down the practical strategies professionals can use today to stand out in an increasingly crowded and commoditized industry. This conversation goes far beyond marketing tactics — exploring authenticity, trust, and how AI can amplify human connection rather than replace it. If you're a loan officer, real estate professional, or business owner trying to stay relevant in the AI-driven economy, this episode delivers a blueprint for building a brand people trust. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points• Why personal branding is becoming essential for loan officers and realtors Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| AI for Loan Officers: The Tools, Prompts, and Systems You Need to Know with Ben Tasker | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:57:53 | |
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with AI and workforce transformation expert Ben Tasker to break down what AI actually means for business owners, mortgage professionals, and entrepreneurs. Ben’s background spans AI research, data science, healthcare analytics, and higher education, including launching AI certification programs for over 225,000 learners and building predictive tools that improved real-world outcomes. Together, Dino and Ben explore how AI can:
But the conversation also dives deeper into the philosophical side of AI — asking the question many people are wondering: Is AI a threat… or the most powerful productivity tool ever created? If you want to understand how AI can actually improve your work, your business, and your life, this episode delivers practical insights and real-world examples you can start using immediately. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How to Scale a Mortgage Brokerage 78% in One Year — Scott Valins Explains | 02 Mar 2026 | 01:14:45 | |
What does it take to grow a mortgage brokerage to $3.7 billion in annual volume with 350+ loan officers — while still personally producing over $100 million? In this powerhouse episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Scott Valins, founder of GoRascal, to unpack the real systems, mindset shifts, and leadership strategies behind explosive — yet controlled — growth. Scott shares:
This conversation goes deep into time management, recruiting philosophy, culture-building, AI adoption, coaching, and high-performance habits. If you’re a mortgage broker, branch manager, or loan officer looking to scale — this episode is a blueprint. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How Great Leaders Attract Talent - Richard Milligan’s Framework for Recruiting Top Producers | 23 Feb 2026 | 01:24:23 | |
Recruiting isn’t about scripts, pitches, or job postings — it’s about who you are as a leader. In this deep, unfiltered episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Richard Milligan, one of the most respected recruiting coaches in the mortgage industry, to unpack what actually attracts top talent — and why most leaders struggle to recruit at scale. Richard shares his personal journey from loan originator to elite recruiter and coach, revealing how identity, vision, systems, and personal brand matter far more than compensation plans or company decks. This conversation goes far beyond recruiting tactics, diving into leadership psychology, faith under pressure, resilience, and what it truly means to become an “attractive leader.” If you’re trying to grow a team, scale a company, or lead at a higher level — this episode delivers clarity, frameworks, and hard-earned wisdom. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How Matt Adler Closed $250M with a Small Team — Systems, Niches, and Mortgage Discipline Explained | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:57:30 | |
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Matt Adler, a top-producing loan officer at Lake Michigan Credit Union, to break down the exact systems, niches, and mindset behind his extraordinary production. Matt walks through his full journey — from music major and tuba performance student to becoming one of the most efficient producers in the country — and explains why discipline, focus, and saying “no” are the real growth levers in mortgage. This is not hype or theory. 🔑 Key Takeaways & Bullet Points
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Building Trust at Scale: Kristin Messerli on Financial Literacy, AI, and the Modern Mortgage Advisor | 09 Feb 2026 | 01:04:45 | |
Trust in financial institutions is declining — and the mortgage industry is feeling it more than most. In this in-depth episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Kristin Messerli, CEO and Founder of First Home IQ, to unpack why consumer trust is eroding — and exactly what mortgage professionals can do to rebuild it. Kristin shares her journey from social work and community outreach to becoming one of the leading voices on financial literacy, trust-building, and next-generation homebuyers. Drawing from data, psychology, and real-world experience, she explains how education, empathy, and transparency outperform rates, ads, and automation alone. This episode goes deep on:
If you’re a mortgage advisor, loan officer, or industry leader navigating today’s skeptical consumer landscape, this episode delivers practical frameworks you can apply immediately. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Zero to 70M a Month — Dustin Owen’s Mortgage Success Playbook | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:57:42 | |
What if your biggest breakthrough comes after you’re broke, scared, and ready to quit? In this powerhouse episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Dustin Owen — founder of TLO (The Loan Officer Podcast), mortgage coach, industry influencer, and endurance athlete — to unpack the real journey from struggling loan officer to building one of the most recognized mortgage media and coaching platforms in the industry. Dustin opens up about: • Going $10K into credit card debt his first year in mortgages Along the way, he reveals why love, structure, and discipline are the foundation of elite teams, thriving families, and high-performance businesses — and why investing in yourself delivers a higher return than the stock market. If you’re a loan officer, team leader, or entrepreneur navigating today’s market, this episode delivers real tactics, real mindset shifts, and real strategy you can apply immediately. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Five-Mile Famous: Geoff Zimpfer's Blueprint for Becoming the Go-To Mortgage Lender in Your Market | 26 Jan 2026 | 01:17:03 | |
What if the fastest way to grow your mortgage business isn’t more cold calls… In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Geoff — veteran originator, host of a 400-episode mortgage podcast, and creator of one-to-many marketing systems — to break down exactly how loan officers can stop chasing realtors and start attracting referral partners through authority and visibility. Geoff shares how he: • Built his mortgage business in ultra-competitive Orange County If you’re a loan officer tired of being treated like a commodity, this episode delivers real tactics to rise above the noise and become the obvious choice in your market. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How to Scale from Solo LO to Billion-Dollar Leader with Shayla Gifford | 19 Jan 2026 | 01:14:55 | |
What does it really take to go from a broke 23-year-old cold-calling strangers… In this powerful episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with Shayla Gifford — mortgage industry icon, Rainmaker strategist, and creator of the Rainmaker Archetype system. Shayla’s journey is raw, real, and deeply tactical: • Dropping out of college This isn’t just motivation. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How Top Mortgage Advisors Stay Relevant When Markets Break with Ken Perry | 12 Jan 2026 | 01:10:23 | |
Markets rise. Markets crash. In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Ken Perry, founder of Knowledge Coop, longtime mortgage educator, speaker, and industry truth-teller, for a deep conversation about identity, confidence, systems, and leadership in volatile markets. Ken shares hard-earned lessons from decades in lending — including why misplaced confidence destroys careers, how lack of knowledge erodes trust, and why most loan officers struggle not because of the market, but because of poor preparation and broken systems. This episode goes far beyond tactics. It’s about becoming the kind of professional clients trust, teams follow, and markets can’t shake. If you want to build a mortgage career that lasts through every cycle, this is a must-listen. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| The AI-Powered Consumer Is Coming: How Mortgage & Real Estate Pros Stay Relevant in the New Economy with Eric Post | 05 Jan 2026 | 01:01:49 | |
AI isn’t coming for your job — but your clients are changing faster than most professionals realize. In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Eric Post, founder of Zi AI and a 20+ year real estate and mortgage industry veteran, for a deep, honest conversation about how artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer behavior, trust, and relevance in knowledge-based service industries. Eric explains why the biggest threat isn’t AI-powered competitors — it’s the AI-powered consumer having private conversations before they ever call a loan officer or agent. This episode goes far beyond tools and tactics. It’s about mindset, positioning, personalization at scale, and why the future belongs to professionals who shift from being information providers to trusted guides. If you want to stay indispensable in a world where knowledge is cheap and automation is everywhere, this conversation will change how you think about your business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Why Relationships Create Fortunes—and Transactions Don’t with Todd Duncan | 23 Dec 2025 | 01:44:04 | |
In this powerful episode of The Way, Dino sits down with the legendary coach, author, and industry icon to unpack over four decades of hard-won lessons on building a business that doesn’t just produce income — but creates freedom, longevity, and real wealth. Todd shares why most loan officers stay stuck trading time for money, how systems unlock scale, and why relationships — not transactions — are the real asset in any lasting business. The conversation dives deep into coaching, mindset, AI-powered learning, referral economics, and why slowing down is often the fastest way to grow. This is not theory. This is proven execution from one of the most trusted voices in lending. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Why Relationship-First Mortgage Advisors Win in Any Market with Guest Justin Padron | 16 Dec 2025 | 01:02:09 | |
In an industry obsessed with leads, rates, and automation, Justin Padron proves there’s a better — and more profitable — way to build a mortgage business. In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with Justin Padron of Neo Home Loans, a relationship-driven mortgage advisor producing nearly $70 million annually by focusing on community, collaboration, and long-term trust — not transactional shortcuts. Justin breaks down how treating clients like family, building deep local relationships, and partnering strategically with real estate agents and financial planners creates a sustainable, referral-driven business — even in challenging markets. This episode is a masterclass in old-school fundamentals executed at an elite level. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| How AI Is Rewriting the Mortgage Business with Gino Fronti | 09 Dec 2025 | 01:13:28 | |
Most businesses don’t fail because of bad products — they fail because they never build a scalable monetization and execution strategy. In this episode of The Way, Dino sits down with mortgage industry veteran and tech founder Gino Fronti for a deep, no-hype conversation on how AI, agentic automation, and operating systems are fundamentally reshaping lending, sales, and modern businesses. This isn’t about “using AI tools.” Gino breaks down why traditional CRMs, SaaS tools, and bloated tech stacks are failing loan officers… and how a new generation of sales-centric operating systems is eliminating bottlenecks, reducing human error, and giving professionals their time back. If you’re a mortgage advisor, entrepreneur, or business leader facing shrinking margins and increasing complexity, this episode is required listening. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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| The Key to Abundance: Rene Godefroy’s Journey from Haiti to the American Dream | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:33:19 | |
In this unforgettable episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, Dino sits down with internationally renowned motivational speaker and author Rene Godefroy, whose life began in extreme poverty in rural Haiti—abandoned as a baby, starving, ridiculed, and written off by everyone around him. Rene’s story isn’t just inspirational—it’s a masterclass in resilience, gratitude, sales mindset, and execution. From begging for food to detailing cars for $2… This episode connects personal transformation directly to business performance, showing why gratitude, consistency, and implementation—not talent—separate average producers from elite performers. If you work in sales, lending, entrepreneurship, leadership, or personal growth, this conversation will reset how you view rejection, opportunity, and success. Key Takeaways & Discussion Points
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| How Great Leaders Bounce Back — Lessons from Executive Coach Craig Davis | 25 Nov 2025 | 01:06:44 | |
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, executive coach and keynote speaker Craig Davis shares his remarkable journey from battling stage-three cancer to leading thousands as a “leader’s leader.” Dino and Craig dive deep into identity, mindset, and reinvention—discussing how to recover from career loss, rediscover purpose, and build businesses with heart and strategy. Craig reveals the frameworks he uses to help CEOs, branch managers, and mortgage professionals scale through clarity, leadership, and “faith plus grit.” 🎙️ Key topics:
👉 Tune in to learn how to build a thriving career, lead with integrity, and join the “Good Human Club.” Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| From Faith to Fintech: How Abdel Khawatmi Uses AI to 3X His Mortgage Business | 18 Nov 2025 | 01:12:19 | |
In this episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, top 1% mortgage producer Abdel Khawatmi shares how faith, discipline, and artificial intelligence helped him achieve a 262% increase in net revenue. Dino dives deep into Abdel’s mindset and methods for scaling a modern mortgage business with purpose and precision. You’ll Learn:
🎧 #TheWayWithDinoKatsiametis #AIForBusiness #MortgageInnovation #FaithDrivenLeadership 👉 Tune in to learn how to build a thriving career, lead with integrity, and join the “Good Human Club.” Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||
| Building Bigger Lives: Michael Regan on Coaching, AI, and Finding Balance in a Fast-Paced World | 05 Nov 2025 | 01:01:47 | |
In this inspiring episode of The Way with Dino Katsiametis, professional coach Michael Regan of Building Champions shares decades of insight on how to lead with purpose, balance work and life, and thrive in a rapidly changing mortgage industry. Dino and Michael explore:
This conversation isn’t just about mortgages—it’s about building bigger lives, stronger relationships, and a mindset that thrives through every season. 👉 Subscribe to The Way with Dino Katsiametis for more powerful conversations with top leaders who are redefining success in life and business. Thanks for listening to "The Way With Dino Katsiametis" | |||