The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

By Stephen HustedBusiness
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The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted episodes

  • EP 51: From Money Talk to Media with Matt Bontrager

    Stephen sits down with Matt, a creative entrepreneur who’s no stranger to reinvention. From battling identity crises and burnout to learning how to lead with honesty and intention, Matt opens up about the raw, behind-the-scenes journey most people won’t show you online. Two creatives talking real life, real business, and what it takes to keep showing up when nothing makes sense.

    Stephen and Matt talked about:

    📌Pivoting your brand when your identity evolve

    📌Burnout, breakdowns, and rebuilding from scratch

    📌Feeling invisible even when you’re “doing the work”

    📌Leading a team when you don’t feel like a leader

    📌Untangling your worth from your work

    📌Learning to rest without guilt

    📌Managing the mental chaos of growing in public

    📌Grieving past versions of yourself

    📌What most people get wrong about healing and success

    📌Permission to be in-process, even while helping others

    Find Matt’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/mattbontrager/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbontrager2/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    55 min
  • EP 50: Feeling Stuck in Business? The Coaching Advice You Actually Need with Jason Drees

    In this powerful episode, Stephen sits down with mindset performance coach Jason Drees for an unfiltered, high-impact conversation on personal transformation, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to “crush it” — even when life hits hard. From surviving layoffs with a pregnant wife to becoming the #1 coach at Tony Robbins, Jason shares how one gut-wrenching challenge (yes, involving dog food) became a defining moment in his career.

    Whether you’re a real estate investor, a founder in burnout, or a high performer stuck in plateau, this episode gives you practical mindset strategies that go beyond motivation. If you’re looking to scale your business and evolve past the old version of yourself, Jason drops real coaching insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

    Stephen and Jason talked about:

    📌How Jason transitioned from tech sales to elite-level coaching

    📌The dog food accountability challenge that changed everything

    📌The core mindset blocks high-level entrepreneurs face

    📌What makes a good coach vs. a friend

    📌Scaling a business without losing yourself

    📌Coaching strategies that drive rapid transformation

    📌Integrating past trauma to reach new levels

    📌Owning your identity and stepping into mentorship

    📌Why most people stay stuck on the sidelines

    Find Jason’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/thejasondrees?igsh=MTFzc3l0Yzhld3hpNA==

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasondrees?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    41 min
  • EP 49: Why Khorey Kilgore Believes Kansas City Is a Real Estate Goldmine

    If you think real estate is all numbers and contracts, this conversation will shift that. It’s about people, patterns, and the power of owning your story.

    In this powerful and inspiring episode, Stephen sits down with Khorey Kilgore, real estate broker, mentor, and investor based in Kansas City to unpack his unconventional journey from football fields to flipping properties. Khorey shares how a Google search led him to real estate wholesaling, what it takes to do it with integrity, and how his brokerage, RMS, is reshaping the investment real estate landscape in KC.

    This episode goes beyond business and dives into mindset, trauma, leadership, and the gritty truth about building something from the ground up. Whether you're a new investor, a seasoned entrepreneur, or just someone trying to find your lane, Khorey's story will light a fire in you.

    Stephen and Khorey talked about:

    📌Khorey’s leap from college football to real estate wholesaling

    📌How a $400 course changed his mindset and career path

    📌The difference between retail real estate and wholesale real estate

    📌Why Kansas City is a goldmine for real estate investing

    📌Building a brokerage with integrity and long-term investor relationships

    📌The psychology behind seller and investor behavior

    📌Navigating childhood trauma and how it shaped his drive

    📌The importance of mentorship and community in business

    📌Fatherhood, legacy, and defining success beyond the numbers

    📌What it really takes to build wealth through real estate in Kansas City

    Find Khorey’s  IG here:  https://www.instagram.com/khoreyk/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khorey-kilgore/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1 hr 2 min
  • EP 48: The New Way to Market Real Estate (That Actually Works) with Michael Hudson

    Ever wondered why your “just listed” post isn’t hitting like it used to, and what actually makes content connect in today’s real estate game?

    In this episode, Stephen sits down with Michael Hudson, founder of Praise Media and the creative mind behind countless real estate content strategies that actually convert. From building video habits like reps at the gym, to tackling imposter syndrome, to the surprising power of an ice bucket and a 10-second story—this convo goes beyond surface-level advice and into the mindset, rhythm, and creativity it takes to stand out in a saturated space.

    Stephen and Michael talked about:

    📌The power of showing up online even when it’s messy

    📌Why “views” don’t equal value

    📌Imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur

    📌Authenticity over algorithms

    📌How content became the new business card

    📌The psychology behind creating content that lasts

    📌Music, ice baths, and relatability

    📌Storytelling in real estate: beyond ‘just sold’

    📌Starting ugly and improving later


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    Find Michael’s  IG here: https://www.instagram.com/officialmichaelhudson/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaellewishudson/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    58 min
  • EP 47: No Safety Net, No Plan B: How Connor Jean Flipped His Way to a New Life

    In this episode, Stephen sits down with Connor Jean, a former college basketball player turned NBA trainer turned accidental real estate investor. Connor’s story is one wild pivot after another—from chasing hoops in L.A. to building a $14 million Geico insurance agency from scratch… only to get blindsided and lose it all in a company-wide shutdown.

    But that setback? It was just the beginning.

    Connor opens up about how he picked himself up, leaned on grit and curiosity, and found his new lane flipping houses and building a life on his own terms. If you’re into real talk about business, resilience, learning by doing, and building a life by design—this one’s for you.

    Connor and Stephen talked about:

    📌How Connor went from college basketball to training over 65 NBA players in just a few months.

    📌The rise and fall of his $14M Geico agency—and what it taught him about risk, resilience, and ownership.

    📌Why real estate became his path to autonomy, and how he flipped 10 houses in 18 months.

    📌The mindset shift from chasing hustle to building a life by design.

    📌How embracing discomfort and “suffering well” can fuel your growth as an entrepreneur.

    Find Connor’s  IG here: https://www.instagram.com/connorrjean/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connor-jean-371b35b0/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com

    ⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠


    55 min
  • EP 46: Scaling Real Estate with Intention: Systems, Goals & Mother-Daughter Partnerships with Lauren Curry

    Have you ever written down a goal and watched it manifest in real time—like the universe literally emailed you back?

    In this episode, Stephen sits down with Lauren Curry, a dynamic real estate investor, former PR pro, and the co-visionary behind a growing empire with her mom, Ann Curry. What started as a Q1 goal to “be on a podcast” became a reality when Lauren’s inbox lit up with an invite to this show. But that’s just the beginning.

    Their conversation dives into everything from momentum, morning routines, and burnout to building systems, helping others, and finding mentors who don’t even know you exist. Whether you’re deep in the trenches of your first investment property or quietly plotting your next pivot, this one’s packed with relatable gems and actionable inspiration.

    Lauren and Stephen talked about:

  • 1. Manifesting goals through intentional action Lauren shares how a simple Q1 goal—"be on a podcast"—unfolded into reality through focus, mindset, and momentum.

  • 2. Why momentum often feels invisible until you look back Stephen and Lauren explore how growth feels slow in the moment, but suddenly evident in hindsight—and why consistency matters more than motivation.

  • 3. Building real estate wealth with family and intention From flipping fire-damaged homes to co-investing in DADUs, Lauren talks about partnering with her mom and redefining what success in real estate looks like.

  • 4. The value of morning routines and protecting your energy Waking up at 5AM changed Lauren’s mindset and productivity—and she explains why that quiet time is essential for clarity and self-leadership.

  • 5. Turning personal growth into a platform to help others Lauren reveals her plans to expand beyond real estate with her new weekly newsletter, Reset, and her vision to one day speak and write to empower others on their growth journeys.


  • Find Lauren’s  IG here: https://www.instagram.com/lgcurry/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurengcurry/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com

    ⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1 hr 6 min
  • EP 45: Curating Homes, Not just Houses - The Creative Lens of Coco Silver

    What happens when creativity and hustle meet in the world of real estate and staging?

    In today’s episode, Stephen Husted sits down with the incredible Coco Silver for a long-overdue conversation. Coco, the heart behind Coco Home, shares her journey from stay-at-home mom to one of the most sought-after stagers in the Bay Area. From hauling furniture in her dad’s truck to owning a nearly 9,000-square-foot warehouse, Coco’s story is all about creativity, resilience, and pure love for design.

    Highlights: 1. Coco’s unexpected journey into staging From stay-at-home mom to running a 9,000 sq ft warehouse, Coco shares how passion and hustle built Coco Home.

    2. Pivoting through a tough real estate market With inventory dropping by 50%, Coco had to shift strategies fast to keep her business thriving.

    3. The art of storytelling through design Coco and Stephen reflect on how thoughtful staging — like preserving an original arch — creates emotional connections with buyers.

    4. The challenge of balancing creativity and business They discuss the reality that true success means pairing artistic vision with strong business discipline.

    5. Lessons from a dream project that slipped away Stephen opens up about losing a property he was emotionally invested in — and the powerful role story plays in real estate deals.

    Find Coco’s  IG here: https://www.instagram.com/love.cocohome/

    Website: https://lovecocohome.com/about

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1 hr 12 min
  • EP 44: How Stephanie Bernal went from Corporate Queen to Community Builder

    In this unforgettable episode, Stephen Husted reconnects with an old friend from his DJ days — Stephanie Bernal, a former Apple and eBay powerhouse turned luxury real estate agent in Roseville, CA. It’s been 19 years since they last saw each other, and their reunion is packed with nostalgia, personal growth, and unfiltered reflections on life, sobriety, success, and community building.

    Stephanie opens up about her journey from the Bay Area’s corporate grind to starting over in a new town, creating her own lane in real estate, and becoming the heartbeat of her neighborhood. She’s not just selling homes — she’s building community events, guiding families from the Bay to Roseville, and helping her neighbors find peace and belonging.

    Stephen and Stephanie talked about:

  • - Stephanie shares how she transitioned from a decade-long career at Apple and eBay to becoming a luxury real estate agent in Roseville.

    - Stephen opens up about his 19-year sobriety journey and the overdose experience in Seattle that changed his life.

    - They talk about how house music unexpectedly reconnected them after nearly two decades.

    - Stephanie reveals how being laid off became the push she needed to go all-in on real estate — closing $5.5M in sales in her first year.
    - She breaks down the exact community-building strategies and social media playbook that helped her stand out and grow her brand.
    - The moment Stephen realized who Stephanie was — after a full year of following her online without recognizing her.


  • Find Stephanie’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/homes_by_stephanie/Website: https://homesbystephaniebernal.com/

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    59 min
  • EP 43: How to Win with the Right Mindset and Mentors with Antoine Martel

    What if the secret to real estate success isn’t just strategy, but mindset?

    In this episode, Stephen sits down with Antoine to dive deep into the mindset shifts that separate successful real estate investors from those who struggle. Antoine, a seasoned investor and mentor, shares his personal journey, from setbacks to multimillion-dollar deals, revealing the habits, lessons, and strategies that helped him thrive in the competitive world of real estate.

    Mindset & Resilience

    • How Antoine’s early struggles shaped his drive for success in real estate

    • The biggest mindset shifts every investor needs to make

    • Why failure is inevitable—and how to turn it into your greatest asset

    Mentorship & Growth

    • The role of mentorship in scaling a real estate business

    • How to build the right network and find people who elevate your success

    Real Estate Strategies & Business

    • The most common mistakes new investors make and how to avoid them

    • The power of persistence and calculated risk-taking in real estate

    This episode is packed with practical wisdom, personal stories, and actionable insights for anyone looking to break into or scale in the real estate industry. Whether you're a new investor or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with game-changing perspectives on wealth, resilience, and success. Tune in now!

    Find Antoine’sIG here: https://www.instagram.com/martelantoine/?hl=en

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW1ONg8DDny43xpRf3LAy4w

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠

    Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠

    Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠

    and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    56 min
  • EP 42: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly of Real Estate Partnerships with Joe Tran and Tony Ngo

    Would you go into business with your best friend?

    On this episode of Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, we’re diving deep into the world of real estate investing and business partnerships with Joe Tran and Tony. Joe, a former pharmacist turned full-time investor, and Tony, a master deal-maker, share their journey of building a thriving real estate business together—without killing each other in the process.

    Joe and Tony didn’t start as business partners; they met through a real estate networking group and quickly realized they had complementary skills. Joe, with his analytical approach, and Tony, the deal-making visionary, found the perfect balance. But not all partnerships are smooth sailing—Stephen and the guys dive into what makes a great partnership, the mistakes they’ve made, and how they navigate disagreements while growing their portfolio.

    Joe, Tony and Stephen talked about:

    How Joe and Tony Met – The power of networking and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters.

    Joe’s Transition from Pharmacist to Full-Time Investor – The moment he realized he wanted more than a 9-to-5 career.

    The Halfway Home Investment Strategy – How they turned traditional rental properties into high-cash-flowing assets.

    The Realities of Business Partnerships – What makes a good partner, common mistakes, and how they navigate challenges.

    Why They Stopped Working with Outside Investors – The hidden struggles of raising capital and dealing with investor expectations.

    How to Spot Bad Wholesale Deals – Red flags to watch for and why some wholesalers overprice their deals.

    Knowing When NOT to Buy – The importance of patience, analyzing deals properly, and avoiding FOMO in real estate investing.

    The Future of Their Business – Scaling their portfolio, new strategies for 2025, and their vision for the next big moves.

    If you're serious about real estate investing or thinking of partnering with someone on your next deal, this episode is a must-listen!

    Find Tony’s IG here: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/tonyrealtorpdx/?hl=en Find Joe’s IG here: https://www.instagram.com/jaytreezy/ 

    Follow Stephen on IG: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stephenhusted/⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠www.stephenhusted.com⁠Follow our Podcast on IG: ⁠@thebreakthrough.podcast⁠and YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsdNkau-5DUE9rGUIHrpfXA⁠

    1 hr 4 min

About The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Breakthrough with Stephen Husted, the show that takes you behind the scenes with successful entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and other movers and shakers in the business world. In each episode, we'll sit down with our guests to explore their personal and professional journeys, including the challenges they've faced, the breakthrough moments that propelled them to success, and the strategies and tactics they've used to get there.