Happy Hour with HatchMan

Budgeting with ADHD doesn’t have to suck.

In this episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, Braden sits down with Julian “Jewlz the Budget Nerd” Kohlbrand, a certified financial coach who knows firsthand that knowing what you’re supposed to do with money and actually doing it are two very different things.

Despite having a degree in Economics and studying personal finance for years, Jewlz and her husband found themselves more than $107,000 in consumer debt. After being diagnosed with ADHD, a lot of her struggles with money started to make sense.

We get into why traditional budgeting advice doesn’t work for everyone, the connection between ADHD, dopamine and impulse spending, how to manage money when your income changes every month, getting out of debt without becoming completely overwhelmed, and why shame might be one of the biggest things keeping people stuck financially.

Jewlz also shares the system she and her husband used to eliminate $107,000 in debt and why she now helps other families build financial systems around the way their brains and lives actually work.

We also talk about something bigger than budgeting: what does being financially successful actually mean? Because eventually, making more money isn't necessarily the goal. Having more control over your time and the freedom to make choices that align with the life you actually want might be worth a whole lot more.

TOPICS WE GET INTO:

• Why an Economics degree didn't prevent $107,000 in consumer debt
• ADHD, dopamine and impulse spending
• Removing shame and guilt from money conversations
• Why buying coffee isn't necessarily ruining your financial future
• The 15-minute weekly money check-in
• Budgeting when you're self-employed or work on commission
• Why you shouldn't build your lifestyle around your best income month
• The 24-48 hour rule before spending a big commission check
• Spending money on convenience without feeling guilty
• ADHD hyperfocus and buying everything for a new hobby
• How to start when you're overwhelmed by debt
• The debt snowball and why small wins matter
• Why asking for help can completely change your financial trajectory
• Progress over perfection
• Emergency funds and dealing with life's inevitable curveballs
• Why financial success is ultimately about having choices and control over your time

USEFUL TIMESTAMPS:

04:42 - Meet Jewlz the Budget Nerd
05:00 - Economics degree + $107,000 in consumer debt
08:27 - Recognizing your spending triggers
11:57 - ADHD, dopamine and overspending
12:17 - The first step to getting control of your money
14:12 - How often should you actually check your finances?
17:26 - How to budget with irregular or commission income
20:27 - The 24-48 hour rule for commission checks
23:44 - Stop feeling guilty about spending money on food
27:41 - Take one step away from convenience
31:23 - Why there isn't a one-size-fits-all budget
36:06 - ADHD hyperfocus and spending money on new hobbies
40:56 - How to start tackling a mountain of debt
42:00 - The debt snowball and why it works
43:45 - A client who became debt-free five years early
44:00 - Why asking for help is an underrated life hack

LATER IN THE CONVERSATION:

• Why emergency savings are meant to be used
• Taking the next step when you can't see the whole path
• Celebrating small financial wins
• Why progress matters more than perfection
• Redefining financial success around family, freedom and time
• Why money is a tool, not the goal

CONNECT WITH JEWLZ THE BUDGET NERD:

Website:
https://www.jewlzthebudgetnerd.com/

Threads:
https://www.threads.com/@jewlzthebudgetnerd

If budgeting has never worked for you, especially if you have ADHD, this conversation might help you realize that you don't necessarily need more discipline. You may just need a system that actually works with the way your brain works.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Associate Broker and Team Lead Nate Knight joins Braden Hatch for an honest conversation about what success really looks like. Nate shares his journey from crime scene investigator to building one of the East Valley's top real estate teams, the lessons he's learned from entrepreneurship, and why "Work Hard. Be Good to People." has become the philosophy behind both his business and his life.

The conversation goes far beyond real estate as they discuss fatherhood, work-life balance, overcoming adversity, navigating today's Arizona housing market, and why the biggest wins in life often have nothing to do with money.

00:00 Why every Realtor thinks about quitting at least once a month

00:34 Welcome to Happy Hour with HatchMan

01:00 How many 12-year-olds could you beat in a fight?

01:35 How Braden ended up joining Nate's real estate team

03:50 From Crime Scene Investigator to top-producing Realtor

04:55 "Work Hard. Be Good to People."

05:30 Building a business through relationships instead of sales

07:25 Breaking down today's Arizona housing market

12:25 Why Nate built a real estate team instead of staying solo

13:45 Entrepreneurship, burnout, and filling your own cup

17:00 Fatherhood, priorities, and redefining success

19:45 When money stopped being the motivation

22:10 Why every entrepreneur wakes up unemployed

22:50 Losing a $35,000 commission overnight

25:50 Why real estate is still worth it

26:55 Advice for today's homebuyers

28:20 Learning through adversity and failure

30:10 Cold plunges, discomfort, and mental resilience

32:00 Rapid-fire questions

32:35 The best advice that sounds completely wrong

🌐 https://www.knightandassociatesaz.com/

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

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/14wa2o1n5JP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Knight & Associates:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E4Dwp2Gkz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🌐 https://bradenhatch.com

📖 Free Buyer Guide:

Instagram:

TikTok:

Facebook:

YouTube:

Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hour-with-hatchman/id1536863107

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Happy Hour with HatchMan on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe on YouTube for full video episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and new conversations every week.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, Braden Hatch sits down with Matt the Mortgage Guy for a candid conversation about what it really takes to buy a home and build wealth through real estate in today's market.

From house hacking and investment strategies to mortgage myths, debt consolidation, and the power of working with the right professionals, Braden and Matt break down complex mortgage topics into practical advice that anyone can understand. They also discuss how AI is changing the mortgage industry, why so many buyers underestimate their options, and how small financial decisions today can create long-term wealth.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, homeowner, investor, or simply curious about real estate, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world stories to help you make more informed financial decisions.

The difference between mortgage brokers and traditional banks

Why many buyers think they can't afford a home (and why that isn't always true)

House hacking strategies for building long-term wealth

Using rental properties to create passive income

Common mortgage myths that hold buyers back

Debt consolidation and when refinancing still makes sense

Down payment assistance programs and first-time buyer misconceptions

DSCR loans and financing investment properties

Why cash flow matters more than interest rates alone

How AI is changing the mortgage industry

Parenting, business, and building a life with intention

00:00 – Credit card debt vs. mortgage rates
00:27 – Meet Matt the Mortgage Guy
02:00 – Mortgage broker vs. bank: What's the difference?
08:00 – Is housing really unaffordable?
15:10 – House hacking strategies that build long-term wealth
20:45 – Why timing the market isn't the answer
22:35 – Debt consolidation and when refinancing still makes sense
33:00 – First-time buyer expectations and affordability
42:30 – Unique loan scenarios and creative financing solutions
49:25 – Down payment assistance programs explained
53:00 – AI, ChatGPT, and the future of mortgages
1:02:45 – Lightning Round
1:06:00 – Fatherhood, perspective, and life lessons

Website
https://www.barrettfinancial.com/matthew-ballantyne

MortgageShrub AI Mortgage Assistant
https://mortgageshrub.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/p/MortgageMatt-61576638669458/

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/mortgage.matt/

LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-ballantyne-5b878468/

Everything Braden
https://linktr.ee/HatchMan

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Happy Hour with HatchMan on your favorite podcast platform, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who's thinking about buying a home, investing in real estate, or simply wants to make smarter financial decisions. Every share helps us reach more people and continue bringing honest conversations with experts who are passionate about educating and empowering others.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Success isn't just about building a business. It's about building a life the people you love actually get to enjoy.

In this episode of Happy Hour with Hatchman, Braden sits down with entrepreneur Mitchell Jasper, co-founder of Hexeh, creator of the Chillsynth music movement, and an outspoken advocate for embracing ADHD as a strength rather than a limitation. Together they explore what it means to build a business around your values, why family should be at the center of success, and how creativity, failure, and curiosity can become your greatest competitive advantages.

The conversation dives into everything from launching a board game inspired by chess, to raising emotionally intelligent kids, navigating entrepreneurship with ADHD, leveraging AI, and why the future belongs to people willing to think differently.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, parent, creator, or simply someone trying to design a more meaningful life, this episode is packed with practical insights and refreshing perspective.

00:00 Welcome & Meet Mitchell Jasper
01:00 From Chillsynth to creating Hexeh
05:10 Why Hexeh was designed for fast thinking and strategic minds
09:20 Leaving corporate life to bet on entrepreneurship
12:00 Homeownership, budgeting, and creating a home your family loves
18:40 Becoming a father and how children change your perspective
24:20 Raising confident, curious kids in the digital age
26:10 Why everyone is creative (even if they don't think they are)
30:20 Learning through failure and the story behind Hexeh's growth
35:00 ADHD, identity, and embracing how your brain works
42:00 Optimism, setbacks, and trusting the journey
44:30 Entrepreneurship, Dungeons & Dragons, and finding your people
51:00 Going all-in on one idea instead of chasing every opportunity
55:00 Inside the Hexeh board game and how it works
1:02:30 Why imperfect action beats perfect planning
1:05:30 AI, education, and the future of work
1:13:00 Building smarter systems with AI
1:25:00 Marriage, partnership, and building a shared vision
1:29:00 Compound growth, legacy, and final thoughts

🎲 Hexeh Board Game
https://www.hexehgame.com/

🧪 Join the Hexeh Beta
https://hexehappbetatesting.subscribepage.io/

🧵 Threads

https://linktr.ee/HatchMan

🎙️ Happy Hour with Hatchman

Whether we're talking entrepreneurship, real estate, AI, mindset, or life, the goal is always the same: helping you build a life you're excited to wake up to.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

What does it really take to build a successful career in real estate that lasts more than 20 years?

In this episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, I sit down with Mara Benson, owner of Bliss Realty, to talk about how the industry has transformed from carbon-copy contracts and fax machines to AI, automation, and social media. But despite all the technology, one thing hasn't changed: real estate is still a people business.

Mara shares her incredible journey into real estate, including the perseverance it took to pass the licensing exam after 12 attempts, how she built a career while raising a family, and why she believes agents are part salesperson, part counselor, and part problem solver.

We also dive into how both lenders and agents can leverage AI responsibly, why authenticity is becoming more valuable than ever, and practical advice for new agents trying to build a sustainable business in today's competitive market.

Whether you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or someone who simply enjoys hearing the stories behind successful people, this episode is full of practical insights, honest conversation, and a few laughs along the way.

00:00 – Why real estate agents become "part therapist"

02:15 – From carbon-copy contracts to digital transactions

07:40 – How technology changed the real estate industry

13:10 – The emotional side of buying and selling homes

18:30 – AI in real estate: opportunities and concerns

26:00 – ChatGPT vs. Claude and using AI responsibly

33:20 – Why Arizona is such a great place to live

40:15 – Mara's journey into real estate

44:50 – Passing the licensing exam after 12 attempts

49:10 – Why real estate is an incredible career for working parents

55:20 – Advice for new agents entering today's market

1:01:30 – Social media, authenticity, and building your personal brand

1:07:15 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Mara Benson

📱 Phone/Text: 480-215-6658

🏡 Bliss Realty & Mara Benson

https://blissrealestateaz.com/

🌐 Linktree

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🎵 TikTok

💼 LinkedIn

🎙️ Subscribe to Happy Hour with HatchMan for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business owners, and inspiring people who are making an impact in their communities.

Enjoying the show? Please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would enjoy the conversation. Your support helps us continue bringing on amazing guests and sharing stories that educate, inspire, and entertain.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

What do you do when a podcast guest doesn't show up?

In this solo episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, Braden found himself facing exactly that situation. After a guest he connected with through Threads failed to join the recording session, he decided to turn an unexpected setback into an opportunity for a different kind of conversation.

Rather than canceling the episode, Braden asked himself a simple question:

If I could interview anyone in the world, who would it be?

The answer was Greg Harden.

Greg Harden was a renowned peak performance coach, counselor at the University of Michigan, motivational speaker, and executive consultant who spent decades helping some of the world's highest achievers unlock their potential. His influence can be seen in the lives of individuals such as Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard, Jim Harbaugh, Olympic athletes, business leaders, and countless others. Although Greg is no longer with us, his teachings continue to impact people through his book, Stay Sane in an Insane World.

In this episode, Braden shares why Greg Harden is someone he would have loved to interview and discusses one of his favorite sections from the book: Seven Things to Remember. Each lesson serves as a framework for improving self-awareness, building resilience, overcoming fear, and developing a healthier relationship with yourself.

Along the way, Braden offers his own perspective on how these principles apply to entrepreneurship, parenting, personal growth, business, and everyday life.

Happy Hour with HatchMan is a podcast featuring authentic conversations about life, business, family, entrepreneurship, homeownership, mindset, and the experiences that shape who we become. Some episodes feature guests from all walks of life, while others are solo reflections designed to share lessons, ideas, and perspectives that can help listeners grow both personally and professionally.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from Greg Harden's timeless wisdom. His message continues to inspire people to stay grounded, stay resilient, and keep striving to become the best version of themselves.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

What makes a home feel like home?

In this special episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, Braden welcomes his youngest and most honest guest yet, his 11-year-old daughter, Lily. What begins as a conversation about home quickly turns into a fun, heartfelt, and sometimes surprising discussion about family, childhood memories, growing up, and the little things that matter most to kids.

Together, Braden and Lily explore what makes a house feel safe, comfortable, and welcoming from a child's perspective. Lily shares her thoughts on family life, favorite memories, and the qualities that make a home special, while also turning the tables and asking Braden a series of questions about his own childhood, life experiences, and hypothetical scenarios.

The result is a genuine father-daughter conversation filled with laughter, perspective, and reminders about what truly matters when building a home and raising a family.

Whether you're a parent, a homeowner, navigating life after a major transition, or simply looking for a wholesome conversation, this episode offers a refreshing look at home through the eyes of a child.

Happy Hour with HatchMan is a podcast focused on authentic conversations about life, business, family, homeownership, and the experiences that shape who we are. Each episode brings together unique perspectives, meaningful stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Connect with Braden Hatch:

Thanks for listening, and if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might appreciate a reminder of what truly makes a house a home.

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

In this episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, Amber Parker joins the show for a conversation about life, family, personal growth, and her journey into real estate. Amber shares how her experiences have shaped the way she serves her clients, the importance of building genuine relationships, and why helping people find a place to call home is about so much more than a real estate transaction.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with relocating, the value of community, and how life experiences often prepare us to help others navigate similar situations. Amber also shares insights into balancing family life, business, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Whether you're considering a move, building a business, or simply looking for a conversation about growth, relationships, and serving others, this episode offers plenty of valuable perspective.

https://linktr.ee/amberparkerRE?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

https://linktr.ee/HatchMan

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Matt Williams made a massive life change, leaving Baltimore, Maryland for Arizona and stepping into an entirely new career in real estate after working in government IT. In this episode of Happy Hour with HatchMan, we talk about what it really looks like to start over, adapt to a new environment, and build a new future from scratch.

We get into the realities of moving across the country, the culture differences between the East Coast and Arizona, everything from the people and pace of life to driving, weather, and day-to-day lifestyle changes. Matt shares what pushed him to make the leap, the challenges of entering a new industry, and what it’s been like transitioning into real estate while learning an entirely new skillset and market.

This conversation is part life transition, part career pivot, and part real talk about what happens when you decide to take a chance on yourself.

Topics Discussed:

Connect with Braden Hatch / Happy Hour with HatchMan:
https://linktr.ee/HatchMan

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]

Guest: Robert Alexander Doran

What We Cover:

Key Takeaways:

Where to Find Robert:

🎙 Happy Hour with HatchMan – Where No Topic is Off Limits! 🍻

🔗 Follow & Connect with Me:
Instagram: @HatchManLoans
YouTube: HatchManLoans Channel
Website: www.HatchManLoans.com

💡 Want to Buy a Home? Get My Free First-Time Homebuyer Guide Here: Download Now

🎬 Produced, Edited & Mixed By: Half Soul Media, Eric Stahl
🎨 Podcast Cover Art By: HatchMan with the help of Canva

📩 For sponsorships & business inquiries, contact: [email protected]