Real Estate Beyond Selling: Investing, Growing, and Taking Risks with Shannon and James
Release Date: 05/29/2025
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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...
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The Silent Trap of 50-Year Fixed Mortgages
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The Conversation REALTORS® Aren’t Allowed to Have, But Must | With Leigh Brown & Notorious ROB
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
What happens when two of real estate’s most outspoken truth-tellers stop tiptoeing and start saying the quiet part out loud? Buckle up. Leigh Brown and Rob Hahn dive into the conversations the industry avoids—crime, public safety, fair housing realities, failing cities, the MLS shake-up, and what it really means to be a REALTOR® in a post-settlement era. This crossover episode from Under All Is The Land is raw, unfiltered, and guaranteed to challenge the way you think about your role, your industry, and your duty to the communities you serve. If you care about the future of real...
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Estate Planning: Legal Tips Families Need To Know with Atty. Lin Wang
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Estate planning isn’t just about money, it’s about protecting the people you love. In this episode, we sit down with Atty. Lin Wang for a candid conversation about what really happens when families don’t plan ahead. From trusts and guardianship to the hidden costs of probate, you’ll walk away with questions you didn’t know you needed to ask. Listen in to uncover what’s at stake and what you can still do about it. Key takeaways to listen for Reasons probate can be more costly than most people realize What really drives family conflict after someone dies The key difference...
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The Long Road Home for a Vietnam Veteran with Mike Stubbs
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Mike Stubbs went to war at 18 and came back with medals, scars, and stories most never hear. In this episode, he opens up about a moment that changed his life and the decades-long mission that followed, plus we’ll shed light on the parts of military service that don’t make the history books. Listen in for a raw, real conversation that honors courage, connection, and the fight to be remembered. Key takeaways to listen for What the Purple Heart really means Why Mike volunteered for Vietnam and what happened the day he was shot The story behind Mike’s Silver Star and how it was...
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How Spiritual Home Alignment is Changing Property Sales with Tara Mychelle
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Tara Mychelle doesn’t just walk into homes, she listens to them. In this episode, she chats with us to share how intuition, empathy, and unseen energy can shape what happens in real estate. Tune in and you’ll never look at a “stuck” listing the same way again! Key takeaways to listen for How emotional energy can affect the sale of a home Why certain homes feel “off” and how to clear that energy The role of intuition in guiding both buyers and agents How Tara blends biotech and spiritual consulting in her practice What agents can do to help homeowners move forward...
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What Most Agents Get Wrong About AI (and How to Fix It) with Alejandra Teran
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
What happens when a real estate investor turns AI strategist? From content to client care, Alejandra Teran chats with us to share how AI is already transforming the business. If you're wondering how to use AI without losing your voice (or your value), this conversation is your starting line. Key takeaways to listen for Why agents who resist AI are about to fall behind What “training a GPT” actually means, and how it can save you hours every week Surprising ways AI is reshaping how buyers and sellers find and trust agents Common mistakes agents make with AI tools Real examples of...
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Mindset, Mission, and Mentorship in Real Estate with Travis Perry
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A Global Take on Real Estate Success with Chris Webb
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
You think real estate in the U.S. is wild? Wait until you hear how it works in the UK. With sharp wit and zero fluff, Chris Webb unpacks what U.S. agents can learn from the UK model and why being “unscalable” might be your biggest advantage. Tune in for stories you won’t believe and insights you didn’t know you needed! Key takeaways to listen for How real estate compensation works in the UK The surprising differences in mortgage approval between the US and UK How self-employed agents in the UK are disrupting the traditional model What it means to “make yourself...
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The Human Side of Real Estate with Gretchen Schmidt
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
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...
info_outlineShannon Watkins doesn’t just run a brokerage, with 23 years in the game, she runs an empire. James Clark joined her team after a full career in insurance, and together, they dish on time management, real trust, and why real estate is definitely not part-time work. And if you think your last project was a mess, wait until you hear about the lake house with a hex, a missing contractor, and a seller whose legal spouse was “out of state” for very suspicious reasons. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Key takeaways to listen for
- How Shannon’s team gives agents the chance to invest instead of just transact
- The one color on Shannon’s calendar that keeps her from burning out
- What drew James from corporate insurance into a thriving second career
- Why trust is the currency behind Shannon’s team dynamic
- Brutally honest advice Shannon gives new agents
Resources mentioned in this episode
About James Clark and Shannon Watkins
Shannon is a 23-year real estate veteran based in Georgia. After surviving the 2008 crash and pivoting into landlording, she went on to build a powerhouse brokerage with in-house property management, an investment fund, a staging company, and a team-first culture. Shannon’s passion is growing business owners, not just agents, and she’s committed to helping every team member become an investor.
James is a Georgia-based agent and former insurance professional who transitioned into real estate after semi-retirement. Since joining Shannon’s team, James has closed over $12 million in volume in just three years and now serves as both a trusted agent and project manager for team flip properties. Known for his relationship-first approach and calm under pressure, James thrives on trust, teamwork, and client care.
Connect with James and Shannon
- Instagram: @debaldguy
- Facebook: James Clark
- Email: james@shannonsellsteam.com
- Phone Number: (678) 435-6285
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.
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