The Key Hour Podcast

Episode 14 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

Host Phil Rasmussen is joined once again by Julie Schroyer, Buzz Howard, and returning guest Michelle Kinkaid of Kinkaid Insurance, all in costume for a special Halloween edition of The Blitz Break! 🎃

This week’s conversation dives into:

🤖 How AI is changing the way we work (and think)

📱 Why some generations embrace technology while others hesitate with newer tools

💬 The surprising shift: how younger people are putting more value on real human connection and authenticity

🎬 Favorite Halloween movies and a few laughs along the way

From tech talk to timeless lessons about connection, this episode mixes insights and fun in classic Blitz Break style.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you’re enjoying the show! Drop a comment with your favorite Halloween movie — we might add it to next year’s watch list.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Halloween Costumes

02:23 Halloween Plans and Activities

06:14 Michelle’s Experience with AI and Chat GPT

10:59 Getting Started with AI as a Realtor or Loan Officer

21:19 Comparing Different AI Models

26:50 Will AI Take Jobs, or Make Them?

34:35 How AI Can Increase Your Productivity

41:16 What Holds Some People Back When it Comes to AI?

47:13 Technical Difficulties and Anxiety

54:30 Do Young People Hate AI?

56:20 Halloween Movies and Scary Films Discussion

1:05:35 Why do Women Love True Crime?

1:11:50 Social Media Tips

1:15:57 Market Updates

1:18:50 Outro

#TheBlitzBreak #Podcast #Mortgage #RealEstate #Leadership #AI #Authenticity #Technology #Halloween

Episode 13 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

Host Phil Rasmussen sits down with Julie Schroyer and Buzz Howard for another thoughtful (and funny) conversation that hits everything from mindset to morning habits.

This week, the crew dives into:

🌅 How The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod can reframe your mindset and set the tone for success

🏀 The latest NBA scandal and what it reveals about character and accountability

🎬 Why people love blooper reels and the power of authenticity in a polished world

🦇 How every challenge can teach you something if you’re paying attention

Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or just chasing personal growth, this episode is a reminder that the best lessons often come from the unexpected.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share if you’re enjoying The Blitz Break! Drop your favorite takeaway in the comments; we’d love to hear your perspective.

#TheBlitzBreak #Mortgage #RealEstate #Mindset #Leadership #Authenticity #podcast

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

0:59 The Challenges of Modern Travel

04:53 Breaking Down The Miracle Morning’s SAVERS

12:52 Morning Exercise and Productivity

20:45 The Power of Visualization

31:17 The Hardest and Easiest Changes to Implement

52:34 Trust in Business and Sports

1:22:27 Closing Thoughts

Episode 12 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard sit down with Michelle Kinkaid, owner of Kinkaid Insurance Services, for a powerful and inspiring conversation that blends resilience, innovation, and a few hilarious insurance stories.

From her early days as a makeup artist to becoming a trusted insurance professional after the loss of her husband, Michelle shares her journey of rebuilding, learning, and leading with authenticity. She opens up about how AI tools are helping her stay efficient while still creating personal connections with every client, proving that technology can enhance, not replace, the human touch.

In this episode, we dive into:

💪 Michelle’s incredible career transformation and lessons learned along the way

🤖 How she’s using AI to personalize service and streamline her business

🚗 The surprising ways customers are adapting to changes in the insurance world

🐻 A few unforgettable insurance mishaps, including a car break-in by a bear!

Whether you’re navigating big life changes, growing your business, or just love stories about grit and gratitude, this episode is packed with wisdom, warmth, and plenty of laughs.

👉 Like what you hear? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share your favorite takeaway in the comments!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Guest Michelle Kincade

05:12 Transition to Insurance Industry

07:25 Challenges in California Insurance Market

11:06 Building an Independent Insurance Agency

28:47 Social Media Success & Teaching Others

40:32 Insurance Coverage Stories & Lessons

1:01:15 Working with Real Estate Partners

1:10:31 Market Updates & Closing Thoughts

Host Phil Rasmussen returns with co-hosts Julie Shroyer and Justin Ingolia for an inspiring, wide-ranging conversation on business, authenticity, and personal growth in this week’s episode of The Blitz Break.

This week we dive into:

🤖 How AI can empower professionals, not replace them, with insights from Jason Flory’s groundbreaking book Empowered Aigents

💡 Why authenticity and vulnerability are the real competitive edges in business and social media

📈 Strategies for 2026 business planning, honest self-assessment, and finding mentorship that fuels success

☕ The power of morning habits, mindset, and small wins that build lasting growth

📱 Practical ways to leverage AI and social media for smarter workflows and stronger connections

🏀 Local sports, leadership lessons, and the role of coaching and mentorship in building confidence

🚗 Plus: First car poll results, community shoutouts, and plenty of laughs along the way

Buy Jayson’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Empowered-AiGents-Tactical-Playbook-Leverage-ebook/dp/B0FHFPYCWY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

Give Culture: https://www.shopgiveculture.com/

Center Cork Wine: https://centercork.com/ (Promo code: TBB)

Whether you’re planning your next big business move, looking to level up your mindset, or just love real talk about growth and being yourself, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and heart.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share if you’re loving The Blitz Break!

And tell us in the comments: What’s one authentic move you’ve made in your business or life lately? We’d love to hear your story.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:18 AI Implementation and Business Strategy

07:33 2026 Business Planning and Growth

15:32 The Value of Mentorship and Relationships

30:59 Social Media Strategy and Monetization

60:06 First Cars Poll Results and Business Promotions

76:01 Closing Thoughts and Thank Yous

Episode 10 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen and Buzz Howard welcome two dynamic guests: Jayson Flory from Realty One Group and Chelsey Mowbray from Placer Title Company.

With years of combined experience in real estate and title services, Jayson and Chelsey bring a powerful perspective on how collaboration, trust, and innovation are reshaping the industry. From the latest AI tools to the growing importance of building strong, strategic teams, they break down what it takes to stay ahead in today’s market.

In this episode, we dive into:

🤖 How AI is changing the real estate game

🤝 Why strong teams and partnerships are more important than ever

🌐 The hidden value of networking and expanding your professional circle

🔑 What it really takes to build trust with clients and collaborators

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned pro, this episode is full of practical insights, real talk, and takeaways you can apply today.

👉 Like what you hear? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and drop your favorite takeaway in the comments!

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

00:02:30 AI and Book ’Empowered Aigents’ Discussion

00:06:46 Building Teams and Support Networks

00:35:32 Value of Client Relationships

00:41:46 Military Background and Path to Real Estate

00:45:27 Future of Real Estate Teams and Market Trends

01:16:47 Building Trust Through Client Relationships

01:16:47 Market Updates and Show Wrap-up

Host Phil Rasmussen returns with Buzz Howard and new guest Justin Ingolia for another energetic and insightful episode, blending real talk, expert strategy, and plenty of laughs.

This week we dive into:

📉 How changes in interest rates are shifting the game for buyers and sellers

🏠 The realities (and surprises) of buying your first home

💬 What it really takes to inspire as a coach or manager in today’s market

🚗 First cars, big lessons — and how they compare to your first home

😂 Hilarious and humbling stories from pros who’ve been at this a long time

Whether you’re navigating your first home purchase, leading a team, or just love stories that hit close to home, this episode is packed with practical insight and personality.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share if you’re loving The Blitz Break!

And don’t forget to let us know: What was your first car? How many square feet was your first home? Drop your answers in the comments — we’d love to hear your story!

Chapters

0:00:00 Introduction and Welcome

0:02:10 Interest Rates & Fed Update

0:07:54 Consumer Confusion & Communication

0:20:52 Affordability & Home Buying Challenges

0:24:15 Housing Inventory & Building Issues

0:26:38 New Regulations & Taxes

0:30:37 Personal Home Buying Stories

0:44:07 First Cars & Generational Expectations

0:54:40 Market Trends & Mobility

1:01:31 Leadership, Habits & Industry Coaching

1:22:36 Automation, AI, and the Future

1:34:57 Wrap-up & Closing Remarks

#Mortgage #RealEstate #Mindset #Podcast #TheBlitzBreak #FirstHome #InterestRates #Coaching #RealEstateStories

Episode 8 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

This week on The Blitz Break, hosts Phil Rasmussen, Julie Schroyer, and Buzz Howard sit down with Nick Gonzales: a Northern California native who’s built his real estate career on passion, perseverance, and putting people first.

With a deep knowledge of the market, unwavering patience, and a client-first approach, Nick has earned a reputation for delivering results and personalized service—no matter the market conditions.

In this episode, we unpack:

🔮 What real estate could look like in the next 5 years

📈 How top producers are consistently generating high-quality leads

📱 The most effective social media platforms (and content!) for real estate success

😂 Real-world lessons, laughs, and stories from the field

Whether you’re in real estate, mortgage, or just love hearing how top producers do things differently, this episode is packed with value and heart.

👉 Like what you hear? LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and share your favorite moment in the comments!

Chapters:

0:00:00 Introduction and Welcome

0:01:48 Nick’s Journey into Real Estate

0:03:40 Keys to Success in Real Estate

0:06:04 The Importance of Consistency

0:10:41 Team Elevate Overview

0:13:03 Value Proposition and Programs

0:30:52 Lead Generation and Business Development

0:42:02 Social Media Strategy

0:57:44 Current Market Trends

1:01:23 Market Updates and Interest Rates

1:15:34 Closing Remarks

#TheBlitzBreak #NickGonzales #RealEstate #Mortgage #Leadership #PlacerCounty #SacramentoRealEstate #ClientExperience #Podcast

Episode 7 | The Blitz Break 🎙️

Host Phil Rasmussen is back with Julie Schroyer and Buzz Howard for another lively conversation full of strategy, perspective, and laughs.

This week we dive into:

💡 Mindset shifts needed to capture the windfall of changing markets

⚡ Building scale and agility before the opportunities arrive

🛠️ Leveraging tools & tech to expand your comfort zone and maximize capacity

🏡 Buyer perspectives in today’s market

😂 Funny (and real) transaction stories from the field

Whether you’re in mortgage, real estate, or just love hearing behind-the-scenes stories from the industry, this episode is packed with insights and humor you don’t want to miss.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you’re enjoying the show. Drop a comment with your biggest takeaway—we’d love to hear from you!

#Mortgage #RealEstate #Mindset #Podcast #TheBlitzBreak

This week on The Blitz Break, we sit down with Katie MacDiarmid — the powerhouse publisher behind Sacramento Real Producers. Katie shares how the magazine and community bring together the region’s top Realtors, lenders, and business partners to celebrate success, build authentic relationships, and elevate the real estate industry.

In this episode, Katie talks about her journey into publishing and how she built Sacramento Real Producers into one of the most influential real estate communities in the region. She explains how storytelling and community events connect the top 300+ Realtors across Sacramento, what qualities truly set top-producing agents apart, and the biggest opportunities and challenges she sees in today’s market. We also dive into her leadership style, her passion for connecting people, and what’s next for Sacramento Real Producers.

As always, we mix in laughs, perspective, and a fast-paced conversation connecting business, leadership, sports, and life.

Connect with Katie MacDiarmid & Sacramento Real Producers:

https://www.realproducersmagazine.com/home/sacramento

📌 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week!

Episode 5 – Demystifying Reverse Mortgages with Liz Anderson

This week on The Blitz Break, host Phil Rasmussen and co-host Buzz Howard welcome Liz Anderson from American Pacific Reverse Mortgage for an eye-opening conversation about one of the most misunderstood financial tools in the mortgage world — the reverse mortgage. Liz breaks down how reverse mortgages actually work, who they’re designed for, and the ways they can be used strategically for retirement planning, housing stability, and legacy goals.

Phil and Buzz also dive into the week’s business headlines, sports hot takes, and their signature mix of insight and humor. Whether you’re a mortgage professional, a homeowner exploring your options, or just here for the banter, this episode brings clarity, laughs, and actionable knowledge.