The Key Hour Podcast

Episode 34 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Justin Ingolia, and Julie Shroyer welcome Michele Zaragoza, author of Break the Ceiling, for an inspiring conversation on mindset, faith, and what it really takes to grow — both personally and professionally.

Michele shares the powerful story behind her book, how years of journaling turned into a published work, and the lessons she’s learned about letting go of control, embracing authenticity, and stepping fully into your purpose.

In this episode, we cover:

📖 The story behind Break the Ceiling and Michele’s journey to becoming an author

🧠 Why “control less, achieve more” can be a game-changing mindset shift

✍️ Turning personal journals into a message that impacts others

❤️ Real stories from readers and the ripple effect of sharing your truth

🙏 The role of affirmations, faith, and mindset in personal growth

🔥 Grit, authenticity, and the importance of consistently showing up

📱 Social media strategies for real estate professionals looking to stand out

🤖 AI, industry trends, and how to stay relevant in a changing landscape

🚀 What’s next for Michele and her advice for anyone ready to break through their own ceiling

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone looking to grow with more intention, this episode is packed with encouragement, perspective, and actionable insight.

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

Want to learn about how you can break your ceiling? Find Michele’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Break-Ceiling-Lead-Like-Built/dp/B0GC68CYL5

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one belief you’ve had to break through to grow?

Chapters

1 Introductions & Guest Welcome 00:00:00

2 Meet Michelle: Author of Break the Ceiling 00:01:12

3 The Story Behind the Book 00:02:49

4 Key Takeaways: Control Less, Achieve More 00:08:47

5 From Journals to Published Book 00:09:57

6 Impact, Reader Stories & Coaching 00:17:25

7 Affirmations, Faith & Mindset 00:27:30

8 Grit, Authenticity & Showing Up 00:31:27

9 Social Media Strategy for Real Estate 00:34:11

10 AI, Industry Trends & Staying Relevant 00:36:54

11 What’s Next for Michelle + Final Advice 00:49:54

Episode 33 | The Blitz Break 🎙️ This week on The Blitz Break, producer Justin Ingolia steps into the host seat alongside Julie Shroyer, welcoming back Liz Andersen from American Pacific Mortgage Retirement Lending for a fun, honest, and insight-packed conversation. From career beginnings to mindset shifts, this episode blends practical advice with personal perspective, highlighting how gratitude, authenticity, and consistency can shape both your business and your life. In this episode, we cover: 🚀 How Liz and Julie got their start in the mortgage industry and what helped them grow 🙏 The power of gratitude, and why Liz refuses to say she’s “busy” 🧠 Overcoming impostor syndrome and building confidence in your voice 📱 Social media tips for showing up authentically and consistently 💡 Why mindset matters just as much as strategy in long-term success 🍽️ Rapid-fire fun: favorite restaurants around Sacramento and dream jobs Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or just working on showing up more confidently in your business, this episode is full of relatable moments, actionable tips, and a reminder to stay grounded in gratitude. 👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share with someone who needs a confidence boost. 💬 Drop a comment: What’s one mindset shift that’s helped you grow? Chapters: Welcome & Introductions: 00:00:00 Liz’s Origin Story: From Bartender to Mortgage: 00:01:54 Julie’s Origin Story & How Their Paths Crossed: 00:05:14 Current Roles & The Power of Retirement Lending: 00:09:27 Learning on the Job: New Products & Challenging Files: 00:14:49 Saying No & Creating Community: 00:17:23 Purpose, Impact & Affirmations: 00:22:24 Finding Your Voice on Social Media: 00:37:50 Rapid Fire: Food, Dream Jobs & Heels vs. Flats: 00:47:47

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard are joined by Patrick Woods of Keller Williams and Jesse Garcia of Maverick Real Estate for a high-level conversation on leadership, risk-taking, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s evolving real estate market.

From career-defining decisions to the growing role of AI, this episode blends mindset, strategy, and real-world experience from professionals who are actively shaping the industry.

In this episode, we cover:

🔥 “Burning the ships” and the mindset required to fully bet on yourself

⛓️ Breaking free from “golden handcuffs” and learning when to say no

💥 Why failure can be a superpower, and how to kill bad deals quickly

🏡 The shift from salesperson to trusted real estate consultant

🤝 A new approach to attracting (not recruiting) agents through value

🤖 AI in real estate: where to start, how to prompt, and building tools in minutes

🎥 Why showing up consistently with content builds trust and connection

Whether you’re a real estate agent, loan officer, or business professional navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insight, mindset shifts, and strategies you can apply right now.

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

💬 Drop a comment: What’s one risk you’ve taken that changed your trajectory?

Chapters:

0:00:00 Intro & Guest Introductions

0:04:13 Patrick’s New KW Regional Director Role

0:14:26 Jesse’s Origin Story: From Sheriff to Real Estate

0:19:03 Burning the Ships: Betting on Yourself

0:21:42 Golden Handcuffs, Fear & the Discipline to Say No

0:31:21 Failure as a Superpower & Killing Bad Deals Fast

0:40:33 The Value of Expertise & Real Estate as a Consulting Role

0:50:51 Introducing Compare: Attracting vs. Recruiting Agents

1:01:04 AI in Real Estate: Where to Start

1:04:28 Prompting AI & Building Tools in Minutes

1:08:27 AI Agents, Adoption & Getting People Engaged

1:16:35 Showing Up: Content, Trust & Being Human

1:26:09 Mortgage Update: Iran Conflict, Oil & Rising Rates

1:34:01 Rate Timing, Buyer Opportunity & Market Reality

1:40:40 The Cream Rises: Top Producers in a Tough Market

1:43:53 Closing Reflections & Outro

Episode 31 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard take the mic for a wide-ranging conversation that dives deep into leadership, resilience, relationships, and the philosophy behind building a business centered on value.

What starts with some lighthearted banter quickly turns into an honest discussion about what it truly means to serve clients well, not just as mortgage professionals, but as trusted advisors throughout the entire homeownership journey.

Phil and Buzz share the vision behind the Give Value Program, a curated network of trusted home service providers designed to help homeowners find reliable professionals long after the loan closes. The conversation expands into why delivering value, building relationships, and staying connected with your community will always outperform transactional sales.

Along the way, both hosts open up about their personal journeys, from Phil’s college athletics career and difficult business setbacks to Buzz’s decades-long career training lenders across the country before joining Big Valley Mortgage.

In this episode, we cover:

👟 The philosophy behind the Give Value Program and becoming a true trusted advisor

🎥 Why video and podcasting are essential tools for building authentic connections today

🏀 Phil’s athletic journey, career pivot, and lessons learned through adversity

🧠 The identity crisis many athletes (and professionals) face after major life changes

🤝 Buzz’s career path from Texas basketball coach to nationally recognized mortgage trainer

📈 The new “Done For You, Done With You, Done By You” model for supporting loan officers

💡 Why focusing on value, not just interest rates, transforms client relationships

📊 Buzz’s latest market update and what’s driving interest rate movement right now

🏡 Why waiting for the “perfect rate” might cost you the home you actually want

This episode is equal parts business insight, personal story, and leadership philosophy, a reminder that success in any industry ultimately comes down to serving people well and building genuine relationships.

👉 If you enjoyed this conversation, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share it with someone who believes business should always be built on trust and value.

#TheBlitzBreak #Mortgage #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #TrustedAdvisor #VideoMarketing #RealEstate #PersonalGrowth

Chapters

00:00:00 – Welcome, Shoe Banter & Give Value Intro

00:11:00 – Trusted Advisors: Why It Takes More Than a Loan

00:20:30 – Phil’s Athletic Journey: College Basketball & Adversity

00:30:18 – Rock Bottom to Renaissance: Building Triple J Studios

00:38:11 – Overcoming the Fear of Video

00:48:11 – 2D vs. 3D: Why Authenticity Wins

00:56:21 – The Athlete’s Identity Crisis

01:10:32 – Storytelling, Authenticity & the BVM Mission

01:18:51 – Phil Introduces Buzz Howard

01:25:48 – Buzz’s Journey: Texas to Sacramento

01:32:00 – Buzz’s Career in Mortgages & Mentorship

01:40:51 – Done For You, Done With You: The New Model

01:47:54 – Why Loan Officers Must Deliver Value First

01:53:47 – Market Update: Rates, Oil & What to Do Now

02:01:15 – Final Thoughts, Shoutouts & Subscribe

Episode 30 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome Mustafa Abdul, founder and owner of Jaguar Heating & Air Conditioning, for a deep dive into the HVAC industry, home maintenance, and what it takes to build a successful family-owned business in Sacramento.

Mustafa shares the story behind starting Jaguar Heating & Air in 2013 with just himself in the field and his wife answering phones, right as they were preparing to welcome their first child. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a thriving company with dozens of technicians and installers, earning recognition as SMUD’s Top Contractor for 2025.

In this episode, we cover:

🏠 Why HVAC inspections are critical when buying or selling a home

⚠️ Common safety risks homeowners should know about, including gas leaks and carbon monoxide concerns

🔧 What actually happens during a professional HVAC tune-up and why maintenance matters

💡 How dirty coils, clogged filters, and closed vents can quietly damage your system

🔌 The future of home heating and cooling, including California’s shift toward heat pumps and electric systems

🌡️ Smart thermostat tips, multi-zone comfort solutions, and when DIY works (and when it doesn’t)

📈 The realities of running a growing local business and the importance of customer education

Mustafa also shares insights into the future of home energy efficiency, the benefits of new HVAC technology, and why working with trusted, local professionals can make all the difference for homeowners.

👉 Connect with Jaguar Heating & Air:

Visit JaguarHeatingAir.com or search Jaguar Heating & Air on Google to learn more about their services and Sacramento showroom.

Whether you’re a homeowner, real estate professional, or simply interested in entrepreneurship and home systems, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insight, and real-world experience.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share the episode with someone who wants to keep their home comfortable and efficient year-round.

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction & Welcome

0:02:53 Mustafa’s Journey - Starting Jaguar Heating & Air

0:08:22 Building the Business & Winning Awards

0:18:21 Industry Challenges & Home Inspections

0:26:04 Common HVAC Problems & Misconceptions

0:28:56 Trust & Safety in HVAC Services

0:33:21 HVAC Maintenance & Tune-Ups Explained

0:41:49 The Future of HVAC - Heat Pumps & Electric Systems

0:46:59 System Lifespan & Efficiency

1:03:13 Mini-Splits & Zoning Solutions

0:53:34 Financing Options & Customer Education

1:14:49 Market Update & Partnership Discussion

1:24:37 Closing Thoughts & Thanks

Episode 29 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer welcome Ryan Lundquist of the Lundquist Appraisal Company and the Sacramento Appraisal Blog for a thoughtful, grounded conversation that blends market insight, technology, and the human side of housing.

Ryan brings his appraiser’s perspective to a wide-ranging discussion on how AI can be a powerful tool when paired with genuine humanity, why boots-on-the-ground expertise still matters, and what the current market is really telling us beneath the headlines.

In this episode, we cover:

🤖 How AI can support (not replace) human judgment in real estate

🏠 Appraisal techniques and what appraisers are actually looking at in today’s market

📊 A clear-eyed look at current housing conditions and buyer behavior

❤️ Homeownership stories that have stuck with us and why they matter

🐾 Plus: some lighter moments, including pet stories and who on the show is (and maybe isn’t) an animal person

Whether you’re in real estate, mortgage, appraisal, or just love honest conversations about housing and people, this episode offers insight, perspective, and a few laughs along the way.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and let us know in the comments:

What’s one housing story or market moment that’s stuck with you?

Episode 28 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome Jason Mata, top-producing loan officer at American Pacific Mortgage, for a deep dive into the 2026 housing market, buyer psychology, and what it really takes to win in today’s lending environment.

From market predictions to daily disciplines, this episode is packed with insight for loan officers, real estate professionals, and homebuyers trying to make smart moves in a shifting market.

In this episode, we cover:

📈 2026 Market Outlook & Trends

Why optimism is rising, increased buyer activity despite steady rates, pent-up demand, and how limited supply continues to impact pricing.

🧠 Home Buyer Psychology

Why buyers are jumping in before rates drop, normalizing today’s interest rates, debunking the 20% down myth, and understanding the true cost of waiting versus building equity.

🎓 Education & Value-First Strategy

Jason’s homebuyer education program (serving 10,000+ attendees annually), rent vs. buy analysis, and how to build trust before talking about rates to avoid becoming a commodity.

🚀 Business Strategy & Daily Disciplines

High-value consultations, quarterly goal setting, and the tools powering his business (Salesforce, Mortgage Coach, Total Expert, Jungo). Plus, preferred realtor partnerships and a strong direct-to-consumer model.

🤝 Client Relationships & Aftercare

Customized consultations, rate watch programs, serving all credit levels equally, and community-driven initiatives like Give Value.

🤖 AI & Technology

Using ChatGPT for planning and content, testing AI outbound calls with transparency, and why authentic AI use matters more than shortcuts.

📊 Market Minute Update

Weekly rate trends, key economic indicators, and updates on the CalHFA Dream For All program enrollment window.

Whether you’re a loan officer looking to level up, a realtor navigating buyer hesitation, or a consumer trying to understand the current market, this episode delivers practical strategy, mindset shifts, and forward-looking insight.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tell us in the comments:

Are you bullish on 2026 — or still waiting on rates?

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome

00:04:52 2026 Market Outlook & Buyer Activity

00:08:48 Home Buyer Education Program

00:16:18 Common Home Buyer Misconceptions

00:21:18 Tools & Systems for Success

00:23:12 AI in Mortgage Business

00:30:00 Database Management & Email Campaigns

00:31:00 Give Value Program & Community Events

00:33:08 Jason’s Journey & Motivation

00:36:04 Daily Disciplines & Business Planning

00:43:00 Real Estate Market & Preferred Partners

00:53:03 Client Aftercare & Rate Watch Program

00:57:00 Mortgage Minute Market Update

01:02:39 Closing & Wrap-up

Episode 27 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, it’s just the core crew, Phil Rasmussen, Buzz Howard, and Julie Shroyer, for a focused, practical conversation on relationships, consistency, and how to build a business that lasts.

From the power of a well-managed database to networking with intention, this episode is all about giving value first and trusting that the business will follow.

In this episode, we cover:

🤝 Why networking still matters (and how to do it without feeling salesy)

📇 The importance of maintaining and actually using your database

🎁 Ways to give real value to your clients and partners without constantly selling

📊 Buzz’s market update and what’s happening right now in the housing and lending world

📱 Julie’s Social Media Tip of the Week you can start using immediately

Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or any relationship-driven industry, this episode is a reminder that the best businesses are built on consistency, service, and genuine connection.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tell us in the comments:

What’s one way you’re giving value to your network this month?

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction & Give Heart Event

00:03:38 - Networking Events Strategy

00:07:20 - The Art of Networking

00:10:48 - Follow-Up & Building Relationships

00:15:14 - Being Memorable at Events

00:20:56 - Standing Out from the Crowd

00:24:01 - Give Value Philosophy

00:27:01 - Client Appreciation Events

00:31:01 - Creating Memorable Experiences

00:34:57 - Giving Without Expectations

00:37:02 - Database Management

00:42:08 - Building Your Database

00:44:13 - The Threat of AI & Staying Relevant

00:47:18 - Consistency & Systems

00:48:54 - Overcoming Sales Paralysis

00:50:54 - Don’t Quit Too Early

00:54:10 - Confidence Through Knowledge

00:56:30 - Providing Value to Homeowners

00:59:03 - Mortgage Minute - Market Update

01:03:10 - Social Media Tip - Consistency

Episode 26 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome Noel and Shauna Felix, founders of GiVE Culture, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation about unity, empathy, and the impact of choosing to lead with grace in a divided world.

What starts with light banter and road trip stories quickly turns into a meaningful deep dive into the origins of GiVE Culture, the experiences that shaped its mission, and how a simple message can spark real change in schools, businesses, and communities.

In this episode, we cover:

🤍 The origin of GiVE Culture and the personal experiences that inspired the movement

🏫 How GiVE Culture is being implemented in schools to combat bullying and promote accountability

🏀 Why sports can be the ultimate equalizer and bridge between cultures and backgrounds

🧠 Emotional intelligence, judgment, and the importance of giving people grace

🎨 The intentional design behind the GiVE Culture brand and message

🤝 How Big Valley Mortgage’s “Give Value” philosophy aligns with the GiVE Culture mission

📈 A quick market update from Buzz and upcoming community events

This episode is a reminder that leadership, business, and life are all better when rooted in empathy, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, education, sports, or simply trying to make a positive impact, there’s something here for you.

👉 Connect with Noel and Shauna and get involved with GiVE Culture:

Visit https://www.shopgiveculture.com/ to learn more, support the mission, and bring GiVE Culture into your school, workplace, or community.

If this conversation resonated with you, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share the episode with someone who believes in building stronger, more connected communities.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction: Road Trip Stories & Life Lessons

00:10:14 The Origin of Give Culture

00:14:41 The "Got Milk" Campaign Inspiration

00:16:46 Give Culture in Schools

00:23:14 Big Valley Mortgage Partnership

00:37:34 Judgment, Race & Personal Experience

00:45:09 Sports as the Great Equalizer

00:47:40 Emotional Intelligence & Grace

00:55:44 Noel’s Basketball Journey

01:01:04 The Power of Sports to Unite

01:08:34 The Give Culture Brand Design

01:10:25 Economic Update & Interest Rates

01:13:43 Upcoming Events & Closing

01:14:23 Building Memories & Home

Episode 25 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Julie Shroyer, and Buzz Howard welcome Chris Airola from RentPros for a candid, experience-driven conversation that pulls back the curtain on property management, legislation, and the realities of running a high-responsibility business.

From navigating rent control laws to protecting your personal life from work stress, this episode is packed with perspective you don’t get unless you’ve been in the trenches.

In this episode, we cover:

🏢 Rent control rules, legislation, and what property owners need to understand

🛣️ Chris’s path into property management and building RentPros

🎯 Knowing when to specialize, what to say “no” to, and why focus matters

⚖️ Real talk on small claims court and dealing with legal friction in business

🧠 How to shut your mind off after a stressful day and keep work from bleeding into life

🔥 “If you’re not getting sued, you’re not doing enough business”, and what that really means

🤝 Why having a professional property manager can dramatically simplify your life

Whether you’re a property owner, real estate professional, or business owner learning to balance growth with sanity, this episode delivers honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight.

👉 Enjoying the show? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and tell us in the comments:

What’s one thing you’ve learned the hard way in business?

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:05:02 California Rent Control Laws

00:07:20 The $25,000 Notice Mistake

00:12:33 Single Family Home Trip Wire

00:15:39 Property Management Business

00:15:50 Chris’s Background Story

00:18:07 Starting Rent Pros

00:21:24 AI and Technology in Property Management

00:21:40 Why Specialization Matters

00:22:38 Specialization and Business Philosophy

00:25:38 Firing Your Biggest Client

00:32:17 Horror Stories and Lessons Learned

00:35:51 The $23 Million Mold Lawsuit

00:39:08 The $10,000 Lease Mistake

00:47:16 Oleander Plants and Hidden Dangers

00:47:36 E&O Insurance Requirements

00:50:05 Questions to Ask Your Property Manager

00:52:06 Advice for DIY Landlords

00:57:00 The Cost of Professional Management

01:00:37 Market Update and Closing

01:03:19 Getting Started in Real Estate Investing