What’s it really like working at the Oppenheim Group? Is reality TV helping or hurting real estate agents? How do you balance personal life and high-level networking in a luxury-driven industry?

In this episode of The Lion of Loans Podcast, host James McKibban sits down with Jen Castaneda, a seasoned real estate professional with a background in PR and a thriving career at the Oppenheim Group in Newport Beach. They dive into:

🏡 The Reality of Real Estate on Reality TV – Does being featured on Selling the OC bring in more business, or does it create challenges with high-profile clients? Jen shares her firsthand experience.

💼 Working in a Luxury-Driven Market – From Beverly Hills to Newport Beach, Jen reflects on transitioning between top-tier real estate firms like Nest Seekers, Douglas Elliman, Compass, and the Oppenheim Group.

📺 The Public vs. Private Balance – Jen discusses the unique challenges of dating in the spotlight, maintaining professionalism, and handling clients who want to stay out of the public eye.

🤝 Why Relationships Matter – Real estate is a people business. Jen and James explore the power of networking, building trust with clients, and why referrals can make or break your career.

🐶 A Love for Pets & Personal Passions – Jen opens up about her 14-year-old dog and how her love for animals ties into her real estate journey. Learn how passions outside of work can enhance your brand.

🎤 From PR to Real Estate – Before selling homes, Jen worked with major brands like Victoria’s Secret and Universal Music. She explains how her background in entertainment PR helped shape her real estate career.

Plus, James and Jen get candid about:
🔹 The unpredictability of real estate deals and last-minute client demands
🔹 The competitive nature of working with a spouse or partner in real estate
🔹 How agents can leverage luxury branding while still staying relatable
🔹 Whether being part of an elite brokerage is worth the hype

💡 Key Takeaway: Whether you’re in real estate, finance, or entrepreneurship, success comes from hard work, adaptability, and the ability to balance personal and professional growth.

🎧 Hit play now to hear exclusive insights from one of the most dynamic agents in Southern California!

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• 📺 YouTube: @thelionofloans
• 🎙️ Spotify: The Lion of Loans Podcast
• 🍏 Apple Podcasts: Listen Here
• 📸 Instagram: @jamesmckibban

🏆 Ready to dominate in real estate? Listen in now and take your business to the next level!

Kick off The Lion of Loans Podcast with a deep dive into the story of your host, James “Lion of Loans” McKibban. Marketing Director Keegan leads an illuminating interview that uncovers James’s earliest days pounding the pavement—literally dodging dogs and stumbling into backyards—to eventually closing multi-million-dollar deals across all 50 states.

Discover how James built a relentless work ethic from door-hanger marketing in 100-degree heat, all the way to structuring an $8.3 million foreign-national loan that pushed every boundary of mortgage creativity. His motto? “Beast mode every day.” Learn how that unwavering drive led to $2.25B in funded loans, multiple top rankings at major lenders, and a reputation as a fearless problem solver for clients of every size.

Beyond spreadsheets and phone calls, James reveals how he fused hard work with big ideas—think Newport Beach yacht meetups and private Sprinter sessions—to create unforgettable networking opportunities. If you’ve ever wondered why building authentic relationships and keeping pace with new technology are musts in real estate, James breaks it down with candor and humor.

In this premiere episode, you’ll also hear why the “Lion of Loans” brand stands for more than closing deals—it’s about nurturing genuine connections. James recalls mentors who fueled his rise from novice loan officer to the top tier of his craft, sharing lessons like “earn the business, don’t ask for it” and never overlook a small loan that might open the door to something huge.

Highlights include:

• Tales of dog chases, accidental backyard intrusions, and the early grind of door-to-door marketing.
• The game-changing foreign-national loan that tested every ounce of creativity.
• Insights on Newport Beach’s competitive real estate scene—where mega-producers and reality TV stars thrive.
• Staying humble, consistent, and ready to pivot, even if it means working on Sundays.
• Practical tips for Realtors, loan officers, and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to up their game.

Tune in to hear James and Keegan set the tone for future episodes—a blend of eye-opening mortgage insights, real-world success stories, and lively banter about the people behind the transactions. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned pro, or just love a good underdog-turned-champion narrative, Episode 1 delivers fresh inspiration and actionable advice for going all-in on your dreams.

Subscribe now and follow James on Instagram and YouTube (@JamesMckibban) for behind-the-scenes content and sneak peeks of upcoming episodes. Welcome to The Lion of Loans Podcast, where each success story proves that grit, passion, and genuine relationships can transform any underdog into a real estate champion.