In this episode of the Coffee & Questions Podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker, leadership expert, author, and founder of the Audacious Woman Summit, Erika Rothenberger, for one of the most powerful conversations we've had on the show.

What begins as a discussion about leadership, entrepreneurship, and raising confident children quickly evolves into a deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose, and choosing to thrive after unimaginable trauma.

Erika shares the life-changing story of surviving a brutal assault that became the catalyst for discovering her true calling. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her, she transformed her pain into purpose—launching a movement centered around courage, meaningful connection, and helping others live boldly.

We also dive into the importance of authentic human connection in an AI-driven world, why relationships will always outperform transactions, how simple conversations create extraordinary opportunities, and the leadership principles that have shaped both of our businesses.

If you've ever wondered how to turn your hardest moments into your greatest mission, this episode is for you.

In This Episode:

• Why authentic human connection matters more than ever in the age of AI
• How to create deeper relationships through simple conversations
• Erika's incredible story of surviving a violent attack—and how it changed her life
• Turning trauma into purpose instead of remaining stuck in victimhood
• The BOLD Method: Believe, Ongoing Process, Lean on Others, Develop Others
• Why serving others is the fastest path to personal and professional growth
• Raising entrepreneurial children through example
• Building resilience through adversity
• Why meaningful relationships are the foundation of lasting success

Connect with Erika Rothenberger

Website: https://www.erikarothenberger.com

Instagram: @erikarothenberger

LinkedIn: Erika Rothenberger

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaSocial

Need a Dynamic Speaker for Your Next Event?

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with entrepreneur, speaker, and Founder of Kingdom Alliance, Michelle Schaffer, for one of the most heartfelt conversations we've had on the show.

Michelle's entrepreneurial journey spans more than 25 years—from building a thriving career in the beauty industry and earning millions in network marketing to creating a faith-based leadership company centered around purpose, identity, and serving others.

One of my favorite takeaways from this conversation is Michelle's perspective on prospecting. Rather than viewing it as selling or convincing people, she challenges us to see prospecting as an opportunity to connect, serve, and build genuine relationships. It's a simple shift in mindset that has the power to completely transform how we approach business.

We also dive into the role faith plays in entrepreneurship, why authentic human connection will always outperform automation, and how AI should enhance relationships—not replace them. Michelle shares why becoming a better communicator starts with understanding the person you're speaking to, and how serving first creates stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a greater impact.

This episode is a powerful reminder that the best businesses aren't built on transactions—they're built on trust, service, and a genuine desire to help people.

Connect with Michelle Schaffer

Website: https://kingdomalliance.com/

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with keynote speaker, author, and podcast host TJ Sweet for a conversation that reminds us why authentic human connection will always matter—especially in a world increasingly driven by technology.

TJ shares his incredible journey from spending more than two decades leading teams in healthcare to making the courageous decision to leave corporate leadership and pursue his calling as a full-time speaker. Along the way, we unpack the role faith, gratitude, and purpose have played in shaping both of our careers and why some of the greatest opportunities in life begin with one intentional conversation.

One of my favorite moments in this episode is TJ's "Parking Lot Penny" story—a simple but powerful reminder that what we choose to focus on changes what we're able to see. We also discuss why people aren't scrolling social media looking to be sold to—they're looking for someone they can relate to.

We dive into the difference between building relationships versus chasing transactions, how authentic prospecting creates lasting opportunities, and why leading with curiosity instead of an agenda is the key to meaningful connection.

If you're an entrepreneur, sales professional, leader, or simply someone looking to create deeper relationships both personally and professionally, this episode will challenge the way you think about connection, purpose, and the impact you have on the people around you.

Connect with TJ

Website: https://tjsweet.com/

Instagram: @thetjsweet

Podcast: The Sweet Truth

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaPD

In this special takeover episode of Mortgage Marketing Radio, I sit down with my good friend Jennifer Butcher, a 25+ year mortgage industry veteran and host of the She Talks Money podcast, to discuss one of my favorite topics: outbound prospecting through social media.

Jennifer shares how she went from consistently creating content without seeing a measurable return on investment to building a prospecting system that filled her calendar with meaningful meetings, podcast opportunities, strategic partnerships, and referral relationships—all by making one intentional connection each day.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation is hearing Jennifer break down the results from completing the Drivers & Levers 30-Day Challenge. We discuss why most professionals are focused on generating leads instead of creating opportunities, how personalized messaging dramatically increases conversion rates, and why relationships—not viral content—are still the greatest driver of business growth.

We also dive into the importance of identifying your ideal audience, creating content that builds trust instead of chasing views, and how AI can help support your content strategy without replacing authentic human connection.

If you're a loan officer, real estate professional, entrepreneur, or salesperson looking for a more intentional and sustainable approach to prospecting, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Connect with Jennifer

Instagram: @jenniferbutcherofficial

Podcast: She Talks Money

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BermanMediaPD

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Abdel Khawatmi, Founder of Got Mortgages, for an energizing conversation about what modern prospecting really looks like in today's AI-driven world.

Abdel shares the systems, strategies, and mindset that have helped him build one of the most recognizable personal brands in the mortgage industry—all while proving that technology should enhance relationships, not replace them.

One of my favorite parts of our conversation is how Abdel and his team combine AI with authentic human connection. From using AI to research prospects and personalize outreach to leveraging social media as a relationship-building tool, Abdel explains why the future belongs to professionals who know how to blend innovation with genuine connection.

We also discuss why consistency will always outperform hype, how to identify your ideal client avatar, the importance of tracking prospecting metrics, and why picking up the phone is still one of the most valuable skills you can develop.

If you're a loan officer, entrepreneur, salesperson, or business owner looking to improve your prospecting while staying authentic, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement immediately.

Connect with Abdel

Website: https://gotmortgages.com/

Instagram: @gotmortgages

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdelKhawatmi/

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite people in the industry, Katie Shive—Founder of KS Marketing, brand strategist, AI expert, and someone who has become a trusted friend over the years.

With AI becoming more prevalent in business, marketing, and content creation, Katie and I tackle an important question: How do we leverage AI without losing the very thing that makes us unique?

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation centers around the idea that information is no longer a competitive advantage—human connection is. Katie shares why so many professionals are struggling to stand out online and how the answer isn't creating more content, but creating content that actually sounds, feels, and connects like YOU.

We also dive into the dangers of outsourcing your voice, the importance of understanding your personal brand before implementing AI tools, and why relationships remain the foundation of successful prospecting regardless of how technology evolves.

This episode is a reminder that AI should be a tool that amplifies who you are—not a replacement for the person behind the business.

Connect with Katie

Website: https://katieshive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieshive/

Instagram: @katieshive

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram: @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Claire Barber, Founder and Managing Attorney of Barber Law, for a heartfelt and deeply honest conversation about female leadership—and what that journey has looked like for both of us in the mortgage space.

One of the standout moments is our discussion around delegation. As founders and creators, letting go of the “sales” role can feel especially challenging when you are the face of the company. Claire shares how she navigated that transition, and together we unpack how delegation ultimately became a catalyst for smarter prospecting, sustainable growth, and true leadership evolution.

This episode is a powerful reminder that relationships will always reign supreme—and that how we leverage them in our prospecting is critical to building companies that actually last.

Connect with Claire

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-barber-32a3a399/

Website: https://www.barberlawpllc.com

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Corrina Carter, founder of CMS Mortgage, for an honest conversation about leadership, storytelling, and showing up authentically in business. We reflect on year-end goals, scaling impact, and the intentional planning behind serving over 1,800 families this year.

We also talk candidly about leadership under pressure, including navigating unexpected moments and trusting preparation and support when things don’t go as planned. Corrina shares how she uses storytelling—supported by AI tools without losing her voice—to build deeper connection, strengthen team culture, and create inbound opportunities without chasing attention.

This episode is a reminder that relatability, consistency, and trust are still the strongest drivers of growth—both online and inside your organization.

Connect with Corrina

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corrina.carter.75

Website: https://corrinacarter.com

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, we dive into the real role AI should be playing in today’s sales and social prospecting landscape. In this episode I get to sit down with Melissa Langdale, a woman I have long admired in the mortgage space as being a woman of movement who truly gets her audience, gets it done, and it was an honor to have her on!Instead of viewing AI as a replacement for human effort, we break down how it should function as a tool—especially for research, content ideation, and even practicing sales conversations—while drawing a hard line at using it for outbound prospecting, where automation can quickly erode trust.

We explore why authentic connection is still the ultimate differentiator in a noisy, increasingly automated world. Personal outreach, real conversations, and genuine follow-through are what build long-term trust—and they’re exactly what AI can’t replicate. The episode also highlights the importance of training your AI tools the same way you would a human assistant: feeding it your voice, your data, and your context to get output that moves the needle.

Connect with Melissa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-langdale/

Website: https://www.praxislendingsolutions.com/

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/

Instagram @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, we dig into a powerful conversation with business consultant and master networker Austin Linney about redefining your business, setting real boundaries, and elevating the way we prospect in today’s market.

We talk openly about what it looks like to rebuild your identity after years of helping everyone else build theirs, and why establishing true personal and professional boundaries becomes the turning point for creating clarity and momentum. Instead of relying on passive referrals or outdated habits, we’re choosing a far more intentional, relationship-driven approach.

We break down exactly how we’re prospecting right now — networking upstream, leveraging reputation, following up with discipline, and creating genuine human connection instead of chasing algorithms or noise. It’s the same “back to basics” commitment we both share: execution over ego.

A big takeaway from this episode is how this shift toward clarity, consistency, and intentional outreach is strengthening results across the board. Instead of spraying effort everywhere, we focus on targeted, personal conversations that actually move our businesses forward.

Connect with Austin:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_linney/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-linney-9576b6181/ 

Website: https://www.austinlinney.com/ 

Connect with Michelle:

Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ 

Instagram @BermanMediaSocial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ

Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!

Email: [email protected]