On this episode, I sit down with Jake Arey of Verity Mortgage, a loan officer who makes mortgages actually make sense.

We break down, in plain language:

• Why “waiting for rates to go down” usually costs you more than it saves
• Renting vs buying: how long you should plan to stay before buying makes sense
• Local lender vs big box: what really matters (and red flags to watch for)
• VA loans: multiple VA loans, Guard/Reserve rules, disability, and myths that won’t die
• USDA and the truth about “first‑time homebuyer programs”
• How self‑employed people, creators and cash‑heavy businesses can still get approved
• What not to do during the loan process (job changes, cars, credit cards, hiding info)
• How Jake uses content and personal brand to stand out in a “boring” industry

If you’re renting, in the military, self‑employed, or just confused by the noise around rates and the housing market, this conversation will give you clear, no‑BS answers and a better way to plan your next move.

Guest – Jake Arey (Jake Arey Mortgage Team, Verity Mortgage)

• Website (apply or book a discovery call): jakearey.com
• Phone: (501) 326‑2700
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 101 N East St, Benton, AR 72015
• Instagram: @jakeareyteam

Jake serves buyers across Arkansas, with options in nearby states, and helps with VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA, bank‑statement and asset‑depletion loans.

What happens when a talented musician turns down a life-changing opportunity… and ends up shaping a whole generation instead?

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Farr, a dynamic music educator, performer, and community leader, whose journey defies expectations at every turn. From growing up in church choirs to commanding stages at Carnegie Hall, Matt shares how key decisions — including turning down opera training — led him down a unique path blending music education, theater performance, and leadership

We dive deep into his evolution as a trombone player, choir member, and eventual musical theater performer, exploring how early hesitations gave way to unexpected achievements. Matt reflects on his experiences as a principal, adjunct professor, and state-level choir association president, offering rare insight into how he balances creative passion with educational leadership 

Key takeaways include:

• How writing a three-page letter in high school led to his first stage role.

• Why he said no to opera—and what that decision revealed years later.

• How time discipline and structured reflection shaped his career trajectory.

• What it takes to lead in both classroom and community while pursuing artistic goals.

• The power of mentorship, networking, and stepping into opportunities even when they don’t look like the “traditional path.”

Whether you’re a musician, creative professional, educator, or someone chasing a dream that doesn’t fit the mold, this episode delivers practical wisdom, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

🌟 In this episode of Stealing From Friends, Thomas sits down with Brooke, a graphic designer and photographer who turned her creative talents into a thriving business. Brooke shares how Unsplash jumpstarted her career, her work with brands like Google and Nike, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. What You’ll Learn:💡 How to leverage tools like Unsplash to grow your brand. 💡 Tips for creatives to break into photography and design. 💡 Brooke’s personal insights on building relationships with clients. 🎯 Topics Covered:

• Brooke's journey from design to photography.
• The importance of platforms like Unsplash for creatives.
• Building a business while staying true to your passion.

🖥️ Follow Brooke: Instagram: [@brookeandcagle](  / brookeandcagle  ) Website: [Tributary Studio](https://tributarystudio.com)-------------------------------------------------👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!GO SUBSCRIBE to the STEALING FROM FRIENDS Podcast!-------------------------------------------------Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AX0Rat...-------------------------------------------------OpenPhone: https://get.openphone.com/stealingfro...Manage your business calls and texts in one simple app. OpenPhone offers a lightweight CRM, collaboration features, and integrates with the tools you already use.Try it free for 7 days!-------------------------------------------------Follow me here:Instagram: @firstnamethomasTikTok: @firstnamethomasFacebook: facebook.com/firstnamethomass-------------------------------------------------Gear I Recommend: https://kit.co/firstnamethomas-------------------------------------------------About the Podcast:Stealing From Friends brings on amazing guests to talk about business, creativity, and personal growth. Every episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

🎙️ Welcome to another episode of Stealing from Friends!This week, we sit down with the inspiring Alishia Freeman, a real estate powerhouse who’s redefining what it means to succeed in one of the most competitive industries. From juggling multiple careers to building deep relationships with clients, Alishia shares her secrets to staying authentic and providing exceptional service.In this episode, we cover:✅ Breaking stereotypes in real estate✅ Balancing a dual career with excellence✅ Creative marketing strategies for agents✅ Why relationships matter more than the saleAlishia’s journey, work ethic, and commitment to client success are filled with actionable insights for aspiring agents, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to excel in their field.

🎧 Welcome to another episode of Stealing from Friends! 🎧

This time, I sit down with the one and only @thealiapope Alia Pope – a TikTok sensation with over 1 million followers combined on social media. From being a teacher to becoming a viral star, Alia shares the real story behind her success, the funny moments that blew up her accounts, and how she juggles life as a content creator and educator.

We talk about her first viral video, what it's like getting recognized in public, and the real work that goes into her social media empire. Plus, we laugh about the haters and share some behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t quite make it on camera.

You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re curious about:

🎤 How to grow your social media following

🏆 Dealing with viral fame as a teacher

💡 Creative tips for TikTok success

📱 Finding balance between real life and online life

Watch now and get inspired! 💥

0:00 – Intro

2:00 – Alia’s Social Media Journey

5:30 – The Viral Teacher Moment

10:00 – Dealing with Haters

15:00 – Content Creation Process

20:00 – Working with Brands

25:00 – Why Alia Loves Facebook

30:00 – Building a Community Through TikTok

35:00 – Managing a Viral Account

40:00 – Advice for Aspiring Creators

45:00 – What’s Next for Alia Pope

50:00 – Final Thoughts and Outro