The Key Hour Podcast

Triple J Sports Podcast – Episode 19

🎙️ Featuring Scott Marsh

Host Phil Rasmussen is joined by longtime broadcaster and media veteran Scott Marsh, the voice behind more than 1,500 UC Davis games, for a deep dive into sports media, college athletics, and the evolving landscape of the game.

Scott shares his unconventional path into broadcasting, from volunteering at a college radio station to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in Aggie athletics. He reflects on the full-circle moments in his career, the preparation behind the microphone, and why the energy of live sports never gets old.

The conversation explores:

• The craft of sports broadcasting and what separates great play-by-play voices

• Building long-term relationships with teams, coaches, and athletic departments

• The evolution of college athletics in the NIL and transfer portal era

• What makes successful coaches and programs stand out today

• The balance between development, opportunity, and business in modern sports

Phil and Scott also dive into Sacramento Kings history, from the electric Arco Arena days to the ongoing challenge of building consistency in a small market, and what those moments meant to the city and its fans.

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at sports through the lens of someone who’s lived it from the microphone, blending storytelling, insight, and a deep appreciation for the people who make the game what it is.

Episode 41 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia sit down with Ricky O’Neal, real estate agent and certified Exactly What to Say guide, for a powerful conversation on communication, influence, and what actually builds trust in today’s market.

Ricky breaks down why most professionals struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they don’t practice what to say or how to say it. This episode is packed with practical frameworks and mindset shifts that can immediately elevate how you connect with clients.

In this episode, we cover:

🗣️ What Exactly What to Say really means, and why words matter more than you think

🎯 The danger of “winging it” and why practicing your language is a game-changer

✨ “Charisma attracts, character retains”, and how to build both

🧠 The mindset of mega agents and high performers

🤝 Coaching vs. consulting vs. mentorship, and when each matters

❓ Leading with curiosity to better understand and deliver value

💡 Why connection is the new currency in business

🔺 The Curiosity Triangle: curiosity, empathy, and courage

📱 The biggest mistake in content creation: content before context

🔄 Changing perspectives instead of trying to change minds

⚡ Why simplification is the ultimate superpower

Plus, a quick Mortgage Market Update from Buzz and a social media tip from Julie to help you stay relevant and top of mind.

If you want to communicate more effectively, build deeper relationships, and stand out in a crowded market, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one phrase or question that’s changed the way you connect with people?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Welcome & Introducing Ricky O’Neal

00:03:11 - What Is ’Exactly What to Say’?

00:05:35 - The Problem With Not Practicing What You Say

00:12:51 - Charisma Attracts, Character Retains

00:18:08 - The Mega Agent Mindset

00:25:54 - Coaching vs. Consulting vs. Mentorship

00:34:27 - Leading With Curiosity & Understanding Value

00:44:19 - Connection Is the New Currency

00:53:25 - The Curiosity Triangle: Curious, Empathy, Courage

01:01:07 - Content Before Context: The Biggest Mistake

01:02:23 - Changing Perspective, Not Minds

01:06:07 - Simplification Is the Superpower

01:10:39 - Closing Thoughts, Mortgage Update & Social Media Tip

Episode 40 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia are joined by Leslie Reed of RE/MAX Luxury for a conversation that blends market insight, personal story, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s real estate landscape.

Leslie shares her unique upbringing, from Danville to Incline Village to Maui, and how her family’s deep roots in real estate shaped her career. The conversation takes a powerful turn as she reflects on the devastating Lahaina fire and the impact on the community she once called home.

From there, the episode dives into the evolution of real estate and what agents must do to stay relevant in a shifting market.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 Leslie’s journey into real estate and rise as a top producer

🌺 A heartfelt conversation on the Lahaina fire and what was lost

🏡 Why staging is more important than ever, and how to position listings like a model home

🤖 AI in real estate, virtual staging, disclosures, and staying competitive

📉 Today’s market challenges: pricing, days on market, and why homes aren’t selling

📬 Old-school vs. new-school marketing: newsletters, social media, and what actually works

📱 The rise of social media agents and why exposure + expertise wins

💡 Real stories from the field: foreclosures, flips, and tough transactions

🤝 What makes a great lending partner and the foundation of long-term success

This episode is a mix of heart, strategy, and real talk, a must-listen for agents, lenders, and anyone navigating today’s market.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone in the industry.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s changed the most in your business over the last year?

Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome & Introductions

00:00:46 – Leslie’s Background

00:04:08 – The Lahaina Fire

00:08:10 – Into Real Estate

00:11:51 – Staging Strategy

00:10:35 – Market Conditions

00:19:45 – AI & Modern Listing Tools

00:30:10 – Agents Evolving

00:35:20 – Social Media & Younger Agents

00:39:38 – Foreclosure Stories

00:43:44 – Social Media Tip of the Day

00:46:56 – Market Update & Wrap-Up

Season 2, Episode 18 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️

Host Phil Rasmussen is joined by returning co-host Bennett Davison and special guest Quinn Tebbs, a guard on the legendary 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament championship team, for a powerful and reflective deep dive into one of college basketball’s most unique title runs.

Quinn shares his unconventional journey to Arizona, growing up in Salt Lake City and being discovered by Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson at an AAU tournament. After committing, he stepped away from basketball for two years to serve a mission, returning to the game and redshirting while battling every day in practice against future NBA talent like Mike Bibby, Jason Terry, Miles Simon, and Michael Dickerson.

The group revisits the ups and downs of that Arizona season, an inconsistent regular year that turned into an unforgettable tournament run. From surreal moments like witnessing Vince Carter’s iconic play in person, to visiting the practice facility of the Chicago Bulls and being around Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson, the episode is packed with behind-the-scenes stories that bring the era to life.

They also break down what made that team so special, a roster full of elite talent that bought into roles, a locker room built on humility and competitiveness, and a coaching style from Lute Olson that created both structure and freedom. The group reflects on why Arizona’s historic run, beating three No. 1 seeds, still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.

Quinn also opens up about the personal side of his journey, the difficult decision to leave Arizona for Weber State amid family health challenges and personal hardship, and how that chapter shaped the rest of his life. From there, he shares his path into business, building a successful insurance company with his brothers, raising a family, and the full-circle moment at the 2025 Final Four when the impact of the ‘97 team truly hit him.

This week we dive into:

🏀 Quinn Tebbs’ unique path to Arizona and mission journey

🔥 Practicing against future NBA stars every day

🎯 The highs, lows, and underdog mentality of the ‘97 season

👀 Behind-the-scenes stories from the tournament run

🐐 Encounters with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls

🧠 Lute Olson’s leadership and team culture

💬 Life after basketball, adversity, and perspective

This episode is a mix of nostalgia, honesty, and perspective, a deeper look at the people, moments, and mindset behind one of the most remarkable championship runs in college basketball history.

📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations each week on the Triple J Sports Podcast!

Chapters:

00:00:00 Intro & Episode Overview

00:02:01 Introducing Quinn Tebs

00:03:40 Quinn’s Background: Growing Up in Utah

00:06:22 Getting Recruited by Lute Olson

00:07:48 Serving a Mission & The Adjustment Back

00:09:37 Arriving at Arizona: Competing in Practice

00:15:35 Preseason, Team Chemistry & Finding His Role

00:21:05 How Good Were They? Reading the Regular Season

00:24:01 Memorable Moments: Vince Carter, MJ & Meeting Legends

00:31:26 What Made That Team Special: Lute Olson’s Coaching Philosophy

00:42:29 The Tournament Run & Legacy of the 1997 Championship

00:47:49 Reflecting on the Championship: What It Meant

00:54:56 Leaving Arizona & Finishing at Weber State

01:00:37 Life After Basketball: Family, Business & Gratitude

Episode 39 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Justin Ingolia sit down with Tara Anaya, a top 1% producing branch manager with CrossCountry Mortgage and a nationally recognized top female originator by Scotsman Guide, for a powerful conversation on reinvention, resilience, and what it takes to stay elite in any market.

After more than 30 years in the mortgage industry, Tara made a bold move, relocating from Crescent City to the Sacramento/Roseville area and rebuilding her business from the ground up. What followed is a masterclass in mindset, consistency, and relationship-driven growth.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 Reinventing your business in a brand new market, and starting from zero

🧠 The mindset of a top 1% producer, ignoring noise and focusing on what actually matters

🏡 How Tara has delivered over $4M in down payment assistance in 2025 through California programs

📚 Educating buyers and partners through classes, credit counseling, and long-term pipeline building

📊 Appraisal insights every agent and loan officer should understand

💡 Creative problem-solving, including a VA loan success story for an 18-year-old service member overseas

🤝 Building the right partnerships, and why not all business is good business

📱 Lead generation in today’s world, from TikTok and Instagram to an unforgettable Tinder success story

🤖 Why AI may be the biggest opportunity (and separator) for mortgage professionals moving forward

Plus, Buzz’s Mortgage Minute, breaking down recent market movement, with a fun twist you won’t expect.

This episode is packed with real strategies, bold thinking, and a clear message: top producers don’t wait for the market, they build through it.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone ready to level up.

💬 Drop a comment: Could you rebuild your business from scratch in a new market?

Chapters:

00:00:00 Intro & Episode Kickoff

00:00:19 Meet Tara Anaya: From Crescent City to Sacramento

00:07:35 Building a Business from Scratch in a New Market

00:13:30 Top 1% Mindset: Relationships Over Rate Shopping

00:17:53 Down Payment Assistance & Being a Specialist

00:23:15 Educating Buyers & Delivering Value Before the Transaction

00:25:32 Appraisal 101: What Every Agent Needs to Know

00:36:23 Going Above & Beyond to Close the Deal

00:41:43 Building the Right Partnerships

00:48:33 How Tara Got Into Mortgage & Life on the Rodeo Circuit

01:08:42 Creative Lead Gen: Social Media, TikTok & the Tinder Story

01:16:43 The Future of Mortgage: AI, Market Outlook & Staying Ahead

01:27:38 Mortgage Minute & Wrap-Up

Episode 38 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, Phil Rasmussen, Julie Shroyer, and Justin Ingolia sit down with Aaron Ralls, a top 25 real estate agent in the Greater Sacramento region, eXp Realty leader, and former corrections officer turned entrepreneur.

Aaron’s story is anything but typical. From spending over a decade in California prisons to being fired, fighting back, and rebuilding his life, he went on to launch one of the busiest barbershops in Sacramento County before ultimately going all-in on real estate. His journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and betting on yourself.

In this episode, we dive into:

🔥 Aaron’s transition from corrections to entrepreneurship to top-producing agent

✂️ Building Lucky’s Barbershop into a local powerhouse before pivoting to real estate

🤝 Why abundance beats competition, and how collaboration fuels growth

🏡 The strategies that helped him break into the top 25 (referrals, open houses, and zero paid leads)

📦 Creative tactics like sending branded moving boxes before listing appointments

💡 How to win deals through authenticity, flexibility, and client-first thinking

🚀 Advice for new agents: stop overthinking, take action, and sharpen your skills

📊 Industry insights on brokerage shifts and why top producers will continue to dominate

💨 A deep dive into cigar networking and Aaron’s growing business mixers at Cigar City Lounge

📱 Julie’s social media tip: short, solution-based videos that actually convert

This episode is packed with real-world strategies and a powerful reminder that success isn’t about guarding opportunities, it’s about creating more of them.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who’s ready to level up their business.

💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating from scarcity, or abundance?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome

00:02:27 Aaron’s Career in Corrections

00:03:54 Opening Lucky’s Barbershop

00:07:14 Transitioning to Real Estate

00:08:26 Abundance Mindset & Collaboration

00:19:46 Top 25 & Commitment to Constant Learning

00:33:25 Listing Appointment Strategies & Moving Boxes

00:37:57 Lessons Learned & Advice for New Agents

00:55:32 Industry Consolidations & the EXP Model

01:01:57 Qualifying Partners & Guarding Your Time

01:09:45 Cigars, Community & Networking

01:15:33 Social Media Tip & Wrap-Up

Episode 37 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, it’s just Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard, no guests, just a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to win in today’s mortgage market.

Building off recent episodes featuring powerful stories like Success Redefined, From Darkness to Redemption, and Break the Ceiling, Phil and Buzz reflect on the common thread of vulnerability, failure, and growth, and why those same principles apply directly to business.

From there, the conversation turns to the reality of the 2026 market: too many loan officers are sitting back, waiting for rates to drop instead of building the habits, relationships, and systems that will separate them when the market shifts.

In this episode, we cover:

📉 Why waiting on rates is the biggest mistake loan officers can make right now

🏁 The danger of competing on price, and why it’s a race to the bottom

📇 How to consistently deliver value to your database 365 days a year

🎉 Client appreciation events that actually drive connection (and results)

🤝 The impact of the Give Value Program in creating long-term client trust

📞 Overcoming call reluctance and breaking the “solo operator” mindset

🏡 Common homeownership misconceptions and how to educate your clients better

📊 Buzz’s weekly market update and what’s driving current rate volatility

This episode is a clear reminder: the market doesn’t create top producers, their habits do.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who’s serious about leveling up.

💬 Drop a comment: Are you building relationships right now, or waiting on the market to change?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro & Welcome

00:07:16 Lessons from Guest Stories & Books

00:17:18 Why Social Media & Human Connection Matter

00:21:19 What Separates Top Loan Officers Today

00:26:13 Competing on Value, Not Price

00:32:15 Call Reluctance & Staying Connected to Clients

00:34:55 Client Events & Creating Real Value

00:43:00 The Give Value Program

00:49:55 Scale, Teamwork & Growing Market Share

01:01:25 Doubling Your Business in Any Market

01:05:02 Home Ownership Misconceptions

01:09:11 Fun Rapid Fire

01:12:23 Mortgage Market Update & Closing

Episode 36 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Mike Miklaus, owner of Integrity Mortgage and a 50-year industry veteran, for a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and what it truly means to be a mortgage advisor in today’s market.

From humble beginnings to building a decades-long career, and now stepping into a new chapter, Mike shares the lessons, philosophies, and standards that have defined his success.

In this episode, we cover:

🚀 Mike’s Journey & Big Announcement

From nearly flunking out of UCLA to becoming a branch manager at 24 and building Integrity Mortgage, plus his transition to Success Mortgage Partners to expand into Northern California.

⚖️ Broker vs. Banker Debate (Settled?)

Why the real competition isn’t between brokers and bankers, it’s between relationship-driven professionals and faceless online lenders.

🤝 The Advisor Mindset

Why fewer than 20% of loan officers truly operate as advisors and how shifting from “rates and products” to life-based consultation changes everything.

📉 Trigger Leads & Relationship Business

What the elimination of trigger leads means, and why those without strong client relationships are now exposed.

🤖 Technology & AI in Mortgage

Using digital tools to enhance, not replace, real conversations and connection.

🏡 Realtor Partnerships Done Right

The importance of the warm handoff and positioning loan officers as trusted advisors, not commodities.

🎁 Give Value & Holistic Client Care

Why serving clients goes far beyond the loan, and how connecting them with trusted professionals builds lifelong relationships.

🧠 Mindset, Discipline & Legacy

Mike’s philosophy: “I do it anyway.” Plus lessons on consistency, standards, and building something that lasts.

📊 Market Update

Buzz breaks down recent rate improvements tied to oil price shifts and global market movement.

⚾ Bonus: Baseball Talk

A fun close with favorite baseball movies and stories from Mike’s time as an umpire.

This episode is packed with decades of wisdom, practical strategy, and a clear message: the future belongs to those who build trust, not transactions.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone ready to level up their business.

💬 Drop a comment: Are you operating as a salesperson, or a true advisor?

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome

00:02:45 Meet Mike Nicholas: 50 Years in Mortgage

00:03:36 Baseball, Umpiring & Life Philosophy

00:11:11 Closing Integrity Mortgage & Joining Success Mortgage Partners

00:12:00 Broker vs. Banker: Ending the False Battle

00:16:35 Trigger Leads, Relationships & the Relational Database

00:22:04 The Mortgage Advisor vs. Loan Officer Mindset

00:26:23 Technology, AI & the Consultive Conversation

00:29:22 Realtor Partnerships & the Warm Handoff

00:36:10 Helping Clients Beyond the Loan: A Holistic Approach

00:36:19 Abundance Mindset, Social Media & Learning from the Best

00:42:39 Jack Canfield, the Book & Mike’s Personal Story

00:44:04 Standards Over Motivation: Living with Intention

00:47:13 Mike’s Upcoming Book & the Mindset of Success

00:56:14 Building & Transitioning a Client Base

01:01:29 Team Integrity: Mentoring Michelle & Sean

01:06:49 What Separates the Top 1%: "I Do It Anyway"

01:10:02 Mortgage Market Update

01:13:00 Baseball Movies & Closing Thoughts

01:17:24 Outro

Episode 35 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Albert Chavez, mortgage professional, coach, and author of From Darkness to Redemption: Unfinished Work 2.0, for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the show.

Albert opens up about the emotional journey of writing his book and the moment that changed everything, a 9am wake-up call in 2019 that forced him to confront his reality and begin the process of rebuilding his life from the inside out.

From there, the conversation goes deep into trauma, accountability, faith, and what it truly takes to create lasting change.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 Albert’s rock bottom moment and the decision that changed his life

🧠 Generational trauma, how it’s formed, and how it gets passed down

⚖️ Accountability vs. victimhood and why radical ownership is the only path forward

👨‍👧 The shift from self-respect to self-esteem in modern parenting

💪 Building discipline through small daily habits and identity shifts

🙏 Albert’s sobriety journey and the challenges of facing life without numbing

🧊 “The devil don’t take checks”: the philosophy behind true commitment

📖 Faith, suffering, and how pain builds character

🤝 How these lessons translate into business, leadership, and relationships

Julie also shares a powerful social media tip of the week, highlighting the rapid growth of AI-driven search and why platforms like YouTube and Instagram matter more than ever for professionals. Buzz wraps with a market update, breaking down recent rate movement tied to global oil uncertainty.

This episode is a deep reminder that growth isn’t easy, but it’s always worth it.

👉 Join Albert at his upcoming book signing on April 23rd (6–8pm) at Encanto Cocina & Tequila Bar in El Dorado Hills.

👉 If this episode impacted you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one hard truth that changed your life?

00:00:00 Intro & Welcoming the Guest

00:03:08 Meet Albert Chavez: From Darkness to Redemption

00:06:49 The Moment Everything Changed

00:09:26 Generational Trauma: What’s in Our DNA

00:17:28 Breaking the Cycle: Radical Accountability

00:22:28 Society, Parenting & Self-Respect

00:32:37 The Road to Sobriety: Awareness & Decision

00:46:07 Building New Habits: Laying the Foundation

00:52:35 The Devil Don’t Take Checks

01:02:13 Applying Lessons: Business, Relationships & Vulnerability

01:04:38 Social Media Tip & Mortgage Market Update

Season 2, Episode 17 | The Triple J Sports Podcast 🎙️

Host Phil Rasmussen continues the deep dive into the legendary 1997 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, welcoming back Bennett Davison and introducing his frontcourt teammate A. J. Bramlett, a key contributor on that championship team who went on to become an All-Pac-10 player and an NBA Draft pick.

The conversation opens with reflections on today’s Arizona program under Tommy Lloyd, as AJ and Bennett draw comparisons between the current team and the culture built under Lute Olson during their era.

From there, they rewind to their own journey, being thrown into the fire as young bigs, battling in practice against NBA-level talent, and developing through long hours in the gym with coaches like Phil Johnson. They share how their off-court friendship helped shape the identity and chemistry of a team that would go on to make history.

The episode walks through the full tournament run, from early scares against South Alabama and College of Charleston to the turning point win over Kansas that gave the team unshakable confidence. Along the way, they revisit unforgettable moments: Miles Simon’s leadership, Biggie’s “Hypnotize” echoing through the hotel, and the presence of Arizona legends like Sean Elliott and Steve Kerr before the championship game.

They also reflect on the title game itself against Kentucky, including AJ’s battle with foul trouble and the clutch free throws from Donelle Harris that sealed the win in overtime.

The conversation closes with stories from the celebration, from a quiet late-night search for food to a massive homecoming in Tucson, and a reminder that nearly 30 years later, the bond between teammates remains just as strong.

This week we dive into:

🏀 Reflections on today’s Arizona program vs. the ‘97 team

💪 Development, adversity, and earning a role as young players

🔥 Behind-the-scenes moments from the championship run

🎯 The turning point games and rise in team confidence

🏆 Final Four and title game memories

🤝 Brotherhood, chemistry, and lifelong friendships

It’s a nostalgic, story-filled episode that captures the heart of a championship team, and the relationships that made it special.

📢 Listen, subscribe, and stay tuned for more great conversations each week on the Triple J Sports Podcast!

Chapters

00:00:00 – Intro & AJ Bramlett Introduction

00:02:55 – Welcome Back + Current Arizona Team Talk

00:15:41 – Freshman Year, Development & Team Chemistry

00:21:22 – The Tournament Run Begins

00:24:33 – Advancing Through the Bracket

00:42:57 – Final Four, Championship Game & Celebration