On this week’s The Big Picture, James Dwiggins, Co-CEO of NextHome and one of the most outspoken voices in real estate today, joins the show to break down the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. A third-generation real estate entrepreneur and founder of the tech platform Rayse, James brings a data-driven, no-fluff perspective on everything from buyer-agent compensation to the future of brokerage models in a post-settlement world.

We dig into what the next two years could look like for agents, lenders, and consumers, why the industry’s “middle” may be shrinking, and how technology and transparency will define the winners of the next cycle. With his trademark clarity and candor, sharpened through years of leading a 600-office franchise and hosting Real Estate Unfiltered, James offers a forward-looking, highly practical conversation about where real estate is headed and what leaders should be preparing for right now.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Mike Yu, co-founder and CEO of Vesta, joins the show to unpack the future of mortgage technology and why the loan origination system is finally getting its long-overdue overhaul. An early product leader at Blend turned fintech founder, Mike shares how years spent building mortgage infrastructure inspired him to take on one of the industry’s toughest challenges: creating a true end-to-end, next-generation LOS designed for the digital age.

We explore how AI and modern platform design can simplify complex workflows, reduce friction across processing, underwriting, and closing, and ultimately improve both lender efficiency and borrower experience. From scaling Blend into a major banking partner to raising more than $55 million for Vesta from top venture firms, Mike offers a candid look at what it takes to modernize legacy systems and a big-picture perspective on how infrastructure innovation will shape the next decade of lending.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Diane Yu, co-founder and CEO of TidalWave, joins the show to talk about how AI is transforming the mortgage experience from the inside out. A veteran technologist and former CTO of Better, Diane has built one of the industry’s most innovative platforms with SOLO™, TidalWave’s AI-powered solution that streamlines loan origination while expanding access to homeownership.

We explore how automation can create both efficiency and inclusion, the real-world potential of AI in mortgage operations, and what it takes to build technology that lenders trust and borrowers love. From her early success co-founding FreeWheel (acquired by Comcast for $400 million) to leading a new wave of fintech innovation, Diane brings sharp insight and big-picture perspective on the future of AI, housing, and human connection.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Eddy Perez, Founder and CEO of Equity Prime Mortgage, joins the show to talk about leadership, purpose, and how culture can redefine an entire organization. A first-generation Cuban American and industry trailblazer, Eddy shares his journey from top-producing originator to leading a national lender recognized on the Inc. 5000, and how his father’s story of resilience continues to shape his mission today.

We dig into what it means to build a values-driven mortgage company, the power of advocacy in affordable housing, and how leaders can empower people more both inside and outside the industry. With characteristic candor and passion, Eddy offers lessons on growth, integrity, and why success means more when it lifts others along the way.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Patrick O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of LenderLogix, joins the show to talk about what it really takes to build technology that lenders actually love using. A former loan officer turned fintech founder, Patrick brings 15 years of frontline mortgage experience to his mission of creating smarter, simpler tools for lenders, loan officers, and real estate agents.

We dig into the evolution of borrower expectations, how automation can enhance rather than replace human connection, and what’s next for mortgage technology as the industry moves toward digital maturity. With a product-first mindset and a grounded understanding of lender pain points, Patrick offers a sharp, real-world perspective on innovation, customer experience, and the future of origination.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Natalie Overturf, Divisional Vice President of the Northwest Division at CMG Financial, joins the show to talk leadership, growth, and what it takes to build teams that last in today’s mortgage market. With more than 20 years in the industry, Natalie leads CMG’s largest division, overseeing billions in annual production across six states and hundreds of professionals.

We dig into how she balances performance with culture, why retention and mentorship matter more than ever, and what keeps her motivated as both an executive and entrepreneur. From leading a $3 billion division to co-owning a med spa in Coeur d’Alene, Natalie shares a candid, inspiring look at success, balance, and the business of building people, not just pipelines.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Real Estate Research at the National Association of REALTORS®, joins the show to unpack the latest housing market trends and what they mean for affordability, migration, and demand heading into 2025. With her deep background in forecasting and policy analysis, Nadia offers a clear-eyed look at how shifting demographics and federal actions are shaping local housing markets nationwide.

We dig into where affordability pressures are most acute, what’s driving cross-state migration, and why some regions are poised for recovery sooner than others. Known for translating complex data into actionable insights, Nadia brings a grounded, data-driven conversation about the road ahead for housing, and what it means for lenders, real estate professionals, and homeowners alike.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Dottie Sheppick, Founding Partner of Specialty Mortgage Product Solutions, joins the show to talk with Rob and Rich about the future of affordable housing and the products designed to make it possible. With three decades of experience across Fannie Mae, Bank of America, and the broader lending landscape, Dottie brings unmatched expertise in building programs for first-time buyers, builders, and underserved markets.

We explore how lenders can balance innovation with accessibility, what’s next for affordable housing policy, and why niche lending is becoming a mainstream growth opportunity. Known for her entrepreneurial approach and deep industry insight, Dottie offers a grounded, forward-looking conversation on how inclusive lending can shape the next chapter of housing finance.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Meredith Whitney, CEO of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group and one of the most influential voices in finance, joins the show to talk markets, housing, and what’s next for the banking sector. Dubbed the “Oracle of Wall Street” for her prescient 2007 call on Citigroup, Meredith brings a rare combination of deep macro insight and candid perspective on how policy, credit, and consumer trends are shaping the economy in 2025 and beyond.

We dig into her latest outlook for regional banks, the housing market’s structural imbalances, and why she believes the next cycle could look very different from the last. From Wall Street forecasts to Main Street realities, Meredith offers a sharp, forward-looking conversation that cuts through the noise—and reminds us why her analysis continues to move markets.

On this week’s The Big Picture, Dustin Owen, veteran mortgage executive and host of The Loan Officer Podcast, joins the show to share what he’s seeing from the front lines of origination and where the industry goes next. As the co-founder of a $1 billion retail production operation and one of the most recognized voices in mortgage education, Dustin blends practical experience with a clear-eyed view of the challenges loan officers face today.

We dig into how technology, coaching, and market cycles are reshaping the role of the loan officer, why financial literacy is central to the industry’s future, and what it really takes to build a sustainable career in mortgage banking. With over a million annual downloads on his podcast and a career spanning top production, capital markets, and leadership, Dustin brings sharp insights and plenty of energy into a candid conversation about where the business is headed.