John Kolenda doesn’t just know the mortgage broking industry — he helped shape it.

A powerhouse of Australian mortgage broking, John’s career stretches from the early days of Aussie Home Loans to building, scaling and backing major businesses across finance, property and beyond.

But we’re not here to talk about the highlight reel.

We’re talking about what it really takes to build something big — the risks, the failures, the pressure, the people, the leadership and the mindset required to keep going when things don’t go to plan.

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? What makes a great leader? And after decades at the top of his game, what does John know now that he wishes he knew at the beginning?

For mortgage brokers, real estate agents and entrepreneurs, this isn’t theory.

This is business from someone who has built it, backed it, scaled it — and lived it.

Millions of views. Viral videos. Headlines around the world. And absolutely ZERO interest in being polished or scripted.

Meet Heatha from Harcourts — the Central Hawke’s Bay real estate agent who has spent more than 32 years selling property… and somehow became a social media sensation simply by being completely herself.

In this episode of 25 Hours, Heatha joins Lisa Novak and Immy Callister to talk about how her hilarious, fast-paced and brilliantly unfiltered property videos exploded online — reaching millions and turning her into one of New Zealand’s most recognisable real estate personalities.

We talk viral fame, crazy comments, selling houses, her advertising and radio background, and why buyers are loving content that feels REAL rather than ridiculously rehearsed.

And for agents wondering whether they need the perfect script, perfect lighting or perfect take?

Heatha might just convince you to forget all of it.

Press record. Have some fun. Be yourself.

Because sometimes the best marketing strategy isn’t a strategy at all. 🎙️🏡😂

AI IS COMING FOR REAL ESTATE… OR IS IT?

Will AI replace real estate agents? Maybe the bad ones. 😂

This week, Imogen Callister and Lisa Novak are joined by social scientist and former REA Group CIO Nigel Dalton to separate the AI hype from what’s actually coming.

We unpack AI, Google vs the major portals, the future of property search, Australia’s ageing population and why being genuinely local could become an agent’s biggest weapon.

Nigel’s message is simple: AI can make you faster and smarter, but it can’t fix a crap business, build trust or replace human connection.

Technology is changing real estate.

People aren’t.

And that might just be the biggest opportunity of all. 🎧🔥

Is Google about to change the way the world searches for property?

For decades, property search has been dominated by major portals like realestate.com.au, Domain and Zillow.

But something big is happening in the US.

Google is now showing residential property listings directly in search results, with HouseCanary playing a key role in bringing it to life.

In this episode, Chris Rediger, Chief Revenue Officer of HouseCanary, shares what is really happening behind the scenes. We discuss how the Google partnership is evolving, how consumers and agents are responding and what this could mean for the future of property search.

What does the next era of real estate look like — and are agents ready for it?

On this episode of The 25 Hours Podcast, Immy Callister and Lisa Novak sit down with Danny Grant — one of Australia’s leading real estate coaches and a key force behind REALTAIR, later acquired by REA Group.

We unpack how AI, Google, changing consumer behaviour and personal brand are reshaping the way agents are discovered, chosen and trusted.

Danny shares what agents need to stop relying on, what they should be doing differently, and where the biggest opportunities are for those prepared to move early.

We unpack:

How AI is changing the way people find and choose agents

Why Google’s next moves matter

Why personal brand is becoming more powerful

How to stay visible in a rapidly changing digital world

What agents should stop relying on

Where the biggest opportunities are emerging

The way people find and choose agents is changing fast. The question is — are you changing with it?

In this episode of 25 Hours, we sit down with Dr Sarah Bell, one of real estate’s most influential voices in technology, AI and innovation.

Sarah shares her thoughts on where the industry is heading, how agents should be using AI, what technology can never replace, and how the best agents of the future will balance automation with genuine human connection.

In this episode of 25 Hours with Lisa Novak and Immy Callister, Lisa and Immy dive into the changes shaking up real estate — and let’s just say, the industry’s favourite grey areas are getting a lot harder to hide.

From incoming AML obligations for agents, to Victoria’s push for greater transparency around disclosed sale prices (and the ongoing debate about auction reserves), they unpack what these reforms really mean for vendors, buyers, agents, and the future of the market.

With regulators demanding more accountability and consumers demanding more transparency, are we witnessing the end of underquoting, hidden numbers, and “trust me” real estate?

A candid, thought-provoking conversation about compliance, consumer confidence, and whether the industry is ready for a new era where transparency isn’t optional.

At just 28 years old, Jess Doolan has become one of Australia's highest-performing female real estate agents, selling more than 70 homes in a year and building a reputation founded on trust, resilience, and hard work. In this episode, Jess shares her journey from a small country town to the top of the industry, the sacrifices behind her success, the reality of working alongside her husband, who is also her competition, and why patience, humility, and staying true to yourself are the ultimate competitive advantages. 🎙️✨

What if your success is costing you your happiness?

Behind the awards, sold stickers, and million-dollar months lies a reality few agents talk about — burnout, anxiety, pressure, and sacrifice.

In this raw episode of 25 Hours, Lisa Novak and Imogen Callister explore the hidden cost of high performance and why success should never come at the expense of your health, relationships, or happiness.

Because what’s the point of winning if you lose yourself along the way?

HOW TO CREATE BUYERS IN A SLOWER MARKET

When markets boom, almost every agent looks good.

But when buyers disappear, confidence drops and listings become harder to move… skill matters again.

From Sydney’s ultra-competitive Lower North Shore to becoming a founding shareholder of Realtair, Danny Grant has spent decades studying what actually makes agents win in difficult markets — not booming ones.

In this episode, Danny breaks down:

* How elite agents create urgency in softer conditions

* Why some agents grow while others disappear

* The biggest mistakes agents make in slower markets

* The psychology of cautious buyers and stubborn vendors

* Whether social media is creating better agents — or just louder ones

* What separates true operators from agents who only succeeded during the boom

This is not a conversation about hype.

It’s about what actually works when the market gets harder.