Real Estate Beyond Selling: Investing, Growing, and Taking Risks with Shannon and James
Release Date: 05/29/2025
Lessons from a Former Teacher Turned Real Estate Investor with Corey Milner
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Corey Milner never set out to become a real estate investor, but one bold move changed everything. In this episode, she shares how life, marriage, and business collided on the road to building a lasting legacy. It’s a story of structure, grit, and the kind of grace that keeps you going. Press play to hear how a teacher’s mindset turned into a real estate game plan. Key takeaways to listen for How one commercial property launched Corey’s real estate journey Lessons from investing in restaurants and walking away Why lead chasing led to burnout and the need for structure The power...
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Smart Defense Tactics for Work and Life with Scott Bryson
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Personal safety isn’t just for law enforcement, it’s essential for everyday life, too! In this episode, former Secret Service agent Scott Bryson joins us to share real-world tactics for staying safe on the job. With 25+ years of experience, Scott reveals how to think ahead, read danger, and stay in control. Listen in and learn how to protect yourself without living in fear. Key takeaways to listen for The “triangle tactic” for loading groceries safely How to create a safety plan when meeting strangers for work Why distance is your best friend in any physical threat scenario How...
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Buying in the Big Apple: Everything You Need to Know with Lisa Lippman
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
What does it really take to buy a home in New York City? Veteran broker Lisa Lippman pulls back the curtain on Manhattan’s high-stakes residential real estate market - from $17M co-ops to hidden boardroom politics. In this episode, we dig into how deals get done in the city that never sleeps, what buyers need to know, and the personal connections that make it all matter. Key takeaways to listen for What makes co-ops in NYC so complicated and why buyers still want them How Lisa turned Zoom showings during the pandemic into lasting friendships The critical difference between co-ops and...
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Saying Yes to Service Transforms Your Real Estate Career with Tonya Murfin and Angie Mullings
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Most people play it safe in real estate, but Tonya Murfin and Angie Mullings did the opposite. In this episode, they join Leigh Brown to share how stepping outside the norm led to unexpected partnership, personal growth, and a podcast that’s changing conversations. Hit play to hear what happens when you stop competing and start showing up real. Key takeaways to listen for How authentic leadership starts with transparency The surprising emotional aftermath of board service Why Tonya and Angie started their podcast, and how it changed their relationship Ways mentorship, legacy, and...
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The Private Village Solving Homelessness in Austin with Kent Redding
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Homelessness isn’t just about lacking a roof, it’s about losing connection, dignity, and community. In this episode, Kent Redding shares the powerful story of Community First Village, a privately funded neighborhood in Austin, TX, that’s redefining how we care for our neighbors on the margins. With tiny homes, job training, mental health services, and deep personal relationships, it’s a model rooted in love and built to last. Listen now to learn how you can be part of the solution! Key takeaways to listen for Why homelessness is more about the loss of community than the lack of...
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Are You Measuring Square Footage Correctly? with Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
What’s the real value of a home and who gets to decide? Joining us this episode are Bill Whitaker and Hamp Thomas for a deep dive into the surprisingly complex world of square footage, floor plans, and property valuation. From legal liabilities to LiDAR tech, this episode pulls back the curtain on how real estate professionals can either protect or endanger their clients. Key takeaways to listen for Why agents (not tax records) are responsible for square footage accuracy How LiDAR technology is changing the way homes are measured What “ANSI standards” mean for buyers, sellers,...
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Why Small-Town America Gets Left Behind After Disasters
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Small towns don’t just recover slower after disaster—they’re often forgotten altogether. In this episode, Leigh Brown exposes the deep inequalities she’s witnessed firsthand in Western North Carolina’s long road to recovery. From government red tape to rising property taxes, this is a raw look at what happens when working-class communities are pushed to the margins. Key takeaways to listen for Why disaster relief often favors urban areas over rural ones The hidden financial toll of rebuilding for low-income, generational homeowners How property tax hikes after disaster can...
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VA Home Loans in 2025: Myths, Facts, and Game-Changing Updates with John Bell III
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
VA loans are faster, smarter, and more competitive than ever, so why are real estate pros still missing the mark? John Bell III, head of the VA Home Loan Program, joins us to drop major updates, debunk industry myths, and explain why VA buyers are winning in today’s market. If you serve Veterans or want to dominate the real estate game in 2025, this episode is for you! Key takeaways to listen for Why 2025 is the strongest year yet for VA Home Loan volume How the VA’s digital platform is enabling agents to advocate for Veterans Ways the VA completes appraisals in under 7 business...
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We’ve Rebranded! Say Hello to Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
Crazy Sh*t in Real Estate just got a glow-up - welcome to Real Talk with Leigh Brown! From deals that go off the rails to lessons you didn’t see coming, Leigh brings you unfiltered conversations with pros who’ve been deep in the trenches. Same wild stories. Same hard-earned wisdom. Same bold personality. Just with a name that’s a little easier to say out loud. Subscribe now to keep hearing the stories real estate pros talk about behind closed doors. Connect with Leigh Please subscribe to this podcast on your favorite podcast app at , and never miss a beat from Leigh by visiting ....
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Real Estate Restart: Systems, Referrals & CRM That Actually Work with Bob Percesepe
Real Talk with Leigh Brown
He left without telling anyone and still came out on top. In this episode, Bob Percesepe shares the wild story behind his unexpected real estate reset and the systems that helped him rebuild from scratch. From tough calls to smart CRM plays, it’s equal parts strategy and survival. Press play if you're ready to restart, scale, or shake things up. Key takeaways to listen for How Bob rebuilt his real estate business from scratch in a new state The system behind listing 76 properties in one year Why your CRM must be clean, personal, and saleable How REALTOR® advocacy creates real local...
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: [email protected]
- 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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