The Women's Wellness Summit, held in November 2025, brought together 300 women to explore the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, and occupational. Founded by Carolynn Williams, with LuAnne Banks as Partner & Event Producer, the summit aimed to amplify women's voices, impact, and influence through comprehensive wellness educationThe event featured keynote speakers, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower women in all seasons of life. Attendees engaged in sessions that provided practical tools and strategies for personal and professional growth, aligning with the summit's mission to support women's wellness journeys.

Episode Highlights:

Event Vision and Mission: Carolynn and LuAnne share their inspiration for creating the summit and how it aims to provide a comprehensive approach to women's wellness.

Behind the Scenes: Insights into the planning and execution of the summit, including the selection of breakout sessions and keynote speakers.

Eight Dimensions of Wellness: A deep dive into how the summit addresses each dimension to support holistic well-being.

Community Building: The importance of fostering a supportive community for women at various stages of life.

Future Plans: What attendees can look forward to in upcoming events and how the summit plans to evolve.

About the Women's Wellness Summit:

The Women's Wellness Summit's mission is to amplify women's voices, impact, and influence through the eight dimensions of wellness. This summit brings women together to explore new outlets for their wellness journey

In this engaging conversation, Todd Porter and Steph discuss the current state of the real estate market, reflecting on the challenges and trends of the past year. They delve into Todd's personal journey in real estate, his transition from corporate America, and the emotional connection he has with his clients. The discussion also highlights Steph's podcasting journey, her growth in solo podcasting, and the importance of mindset in achieving goals. Finally, they touch on the implications of political changes on the real estate market and the responsibilities that come with freedom. In this conversation, Todd and Steph discuss their ambitious goals for podcasting in 2026, focusing on personal growth, mental health, and the importance of community. They explore the challenges faced in the podcasting journey and how overcoming these challenges has positively impacted their lives. The discussion shifts to market insights, particularly in real estate, where Todd shares surprising trends and dynamics affecting property values. They emphasize the importance of long-term investment strategies and the potential of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in real estate.

Key Takeaways

• Last year was one of the slowest in real estate history.
• Despite expectations, property values remained stable.
• Todd had a relatively good year compared to others in real estate.
• Podcasting has significantly improved Steph's skills and confidence.
• Setting goals can lead to unexpected growth and learning.
• Solo podcasting can be intimidating but rewarding.

In this engaging conversation, we dive into the transformative journey of entrepreneur Lauren Havens, a real estate strategist with a wealth of experience and wisdom. Lauren shares her path from managing Airbnb properties to pivoting in the real estate market and navigating life's unexpected challenges.

Hear how Lauren turned "idiot moments" into growth opportunities, built a thriving business, and eventually closed it on her terms—despite the backlash. From learning to embrace change to realigning her goals after a life-changing cancer diagnosis, Lauren's story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery.

Key Takeaways:

Lauren's journey reminds us that embracing change, learning from mistakes, and realigning our lives with our core values is okay. Her story is a powerful example of how resilience and self-discovery can lead to fulfillment and success. Don't miss this episode for actionable insights and inspiration. Subscribe to Idiot to Genius today for more stories that transform challenges into triumphs!

Connect with Lauren Havens:

Lauren is with Next Real Estate Inc.

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

Google Review: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lauren+Havens,+Real+Estate/@40.6050606,-111.675581,8z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x4fab4031f7fb3d75:0x9feb0440c68636ca!8m2!3d40.6050606!4d-111.675581!16s%2Fg%2F11k58fydxl?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Previous Episodes:

Listen to Lauren Havens on Stunning: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sWjtGvcIOTtibdrSMzd2f

It’s December, and we’re closing out the year with a fresh Pods and Properties segment on Idiot to Genius! Steph and Todd are tackling the big questions on everyone’s minds: What’s next for real estate in 2025, and how do you revive a podcast that’s been sitting on the sidelines?

Here’s what December’s episode brings to the table:

Don’t wait—hit play and get inspired!

Major first for Idiot to Genius—we’ve got a real-deal, published author on the show! Meet James Michaels, crime fiction pro and the mind behind the Ice Rising series. Known for his gritty storytelling and richly developed characters, James brings his real-life experiences into his novels, which include Ice Rising, Icebox, Ice Reign, The Ballad of Johnny Carlo, Life’s Dark Corners, and his latest thriller, The Melody of Shattered Gold, released just last month.

In this conversation, James shares how his journey from corrections officer to author has shaped his approach to storytelling. Growing up in Southeast Michigan and spending seven years as a corrections officer, he’s been on the inside—literally—and brings that intense, firsthand knowledge to his crime fiction. James dives into his creative process, the challenges of self-publishing, and why he believes in the power of marketing and reader engagement. Together, they discuss everything from creating fictional worlds and characters to balancing the demands of writing with family life.

Episode Highlights:

Key Takeaways:

In this episode of Idiot to Genius, we dive into the inventive journey of Shane Swanger, the mastermind behind the Teeth Down Snow Shovel, also known as the Shark Shovel. Shane, an engineer with a passion for problem-solving, took a standard snow shovel and transformed it into an innovative tool for tackling even the toughest snow. The shovel’s unique "teeth" design revolutionizes snow removal, adding extra power and making shoveling easier and more effective. Shane shares the story behind his invention, from his initial inspiration to overcoming manufacturing challenges, turning a simple idea into a genius-level solution.

Key Points:

Links and Contact Information:

Discover how Shane Swanger turned an everyday tool into a groundbreaking invention that’s perfect for anyone ready to take on winter’s toughest snow with ease!

Welcome to November’s Pods & Properties segment! Steph and Utah Todd are back to explore two key topics: the growing influence of HOAs and how podcasts are reshaping political campaigns. Whether you’re a homeowner, future buyer, or just curious about these trends, this episode has insights you won’t want to miss.

HOAs are now standard in many new developments, as cities shift responsibilities like parks and maintenance to builders. This increases costs, which are passed on to homeowners through HOA fees—resulting in residents effectively paying twice, once through taxes and again through dues. "Cities are offloading their responsibilities," Todd notes, highlighting the financial burden this creates.

Meanwhile, podcasts are changing the way candidates connect with voters by offering direct, unfiltered communication. “Podcasts might determine the election,” Steph suggests, pointing out how this medium allows politicians to bypass traditional media and engage niche audiences. The ability to control messaging makes podcasts a powerful campaign tool.

The conversation wraps with insights on podcasting success. Steph shares that metrics like downloads no longer define success for her. “The numbers don't matter to me anymore,” she says, focusing instead on meaningful content and connections. Todd and Steph encourage fellow podcasters to experiment with booking strategies and build strong networks for lasting growth.

In this episode of Idiot to Genius, we welcome back our very first guest, Ryan Johnson! As our first repeat guest, Ryan shares exciting updates since his debut, discussing the evolution of his new company, Filmount. From lessons learned in house flipping to launching a real estate media brand, Ryan takes us through the challenges and successes that have shaped Filmount’s journey.

Ryan reflects on how his photography and videography services have expanded, with a focus on enhancing the home-buying experience through tools like Matterport virtual tours and professional staging. He also opens up about personal growth, learning from "idiot moments" (like flying a drone into a tree) and transforming those experiences into "genius" breakthroughs.

This episode dives into the importance of adapting to market needs, leveraging coaching, and embracing human interaction in the real estate space. Whether you’re in real estate or running a business of your own, Ryan’s story will inspire you to keep evolving.

Connect with Ryan Johnson and Filmount:

00:00 – Introduction: Ryan Johnson’s Return

03:12 – Reflecting on Episode One: Lessons Since Launch

07:30 – The Birth and Growth of Filmount Media

12:45 – New Services: Matterport Tours and Staging

18:00 – Idiot Moments: Drone Crashes and Learning Curves

25:40 – Genius Moments: Embracing Growth and Success

34:55 – Coaching, Accountability, and the Power of Adaptation

40:00 – The Future of Filmount and What’s Next for Ryan

In this episode of Idiot to Genius, Gina Luke opens up about her remarkable journey in real estate and how personal loss shaped both her career and outlook on life. Now a thriving professional with Berkshire Hathaway, Gina shares how the challenges she faced—including the devastating loss of her son—fueled her passion for helping others.

“I need to protect people from bad realtors,” Gina explains, reflecting on her decision to enter real estate. She discusses how her personal experiences gave her a deeper understanding of the importance of empathy, community, and putting clients’ needs before her own. Through her journey, Gina has found ways to make real estate not just a business but a means of making a difference.

Gina also dives into the significance of continuous education. “Real estate has enabled me to help others,” she says, emphasizing that staying informed is essential to serving clients effectively. Her commitment to learning and growth has allowed her to provide meaningful support, not only to her clients but also to her community.

Grief is an integral part of Gina’s story, and she discusses how it has influenced her life and work. “Grief is a personal journey,” she says, acknowledging that everyone processes loss differently. Gina opens up about the importance of allowing yourself to feel and process emotions while also finding joy in small things along the way.

"Living intentionally honors those we have lost," Gina shares, encouraging listeners to embrace self-care and purpose, even during hard times. Her story is a powerful reminder that healing is a journey—and so is success.

Key Takeaways

This heartfelt conversation will leave you inspired by Gina’s resilience and wisdom. Whether you're navigating personal challenges or striving to better serve others, Gina’s insights remind us that compassion and education are the keys to success, both in business and in life.

Connect with Gina:

Webiste: hhttps://ginaluke.com/https://ginaluke.com/

In this monthly series, Steph Shoell and Utah Todd merge their passions for real estate and podcasting, unpacking key trends, sharing personal insights, and offering actionable advice. Whether you’re a homeowner, realtor, podcaster, or simply looking for growth and connection, this episode has something for you. From interest rates to podcast strategy, get ready for a conversation that inspires and informs.

💬 "If 90% of the population is saying something, it’s probably the wrong thing to do."
💬 "Follow the money. Podcasting is exploding with more investments pouring in."
💬 "Not everything needs to be business. Sometimes, it’s just about connection."
💬 "Introverts need a break. I’m the 'I need a break' guy."

00:00 – Interest Rates and Real Estate Trends
04:22 – The Growing Potential of Podcasting
10:45 – New Real Estate Rules and Their Impact
13:18 – Motivation, Goals, and the Pursuit of Passion
20:02 – Why Community Engagement Matters
22:09 – Podcasting Tips for Beginners
24:24 – Building Connections that Matter
27:21 – Networking through Podcasts
32:29 – The Value of Home Ownership
37:07 – Real Estate as a Long-Term Investment