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What if joy at work is less about perks and more about practice? I sit down with Berkeley entrepreneur and mentor Jerry Beckerman to trace a path from a bustling Telegraph Avenue cookie shop to Passion Spark, his Socratic-based program that helps people connect what they love to how they earn. We talk about the discipline of imagination, the real meaning of risk across body, feelings, and spirit, and simple ways to turn rote tasks into play so the work sustains you instead of draining you.

Jerry opens the hood on building a customer-first experience starting with imagination, and then scaling production with intention. He shares how a single editorial mention doubled sales overnight, why word of mouth outperforms ad spend. We dig into the hard part too: when excitement fades and routine creeps in. Jerry’s antidote is to choose play on purpose, set personal metrics, and measure success by alignment rather than assets.

We get practical about careers and midlife pivots. Jerry lays out four “realities” for mapping passion to income: direct entry, delayed payoff, part-time bridge, and lower materialism. We explore trusting your gut like an expert, then verifying with research, so you get the best of intuition and evidence. Goal-free evaluation helps avoid tunnel vision, and the Socratic method builds ownership in teams by asking better questions instead of prescribing answers. We close on civility: how micro-choices like a smile or hello shift culture, and how Jerry’s Kindness and Civility Polls use introspection to raise productivity and reduce burnout.

If this conversation sparks something, share it with a friend who needs a nudge toward “enough,” rate the show, and hit follow so you never miss an episode. And if Jerry’s work resonates, reach out, your next step might be one question away.

Jerry Beckerman is the President and Founder of Passion Spark.

To contact Jerry Beckerman please email him at [email protected]

To learn more about Civility Poll and Passion Spark please click here.

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

Jeff Lipton and I discuss how the January 1, 2026, changes to its Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO) are about to reshape how Berkeley homes change hands, and we wanted to make the path clear. We break down the upcoming changes, and explain exactly what sellers must do, what buyers can expect, and why smart planning can turn a compliance task into a market advantage.

First, we clarify what a Home Energy Report and HER score actually measure, how the score becomes part of the MLS remarks, and why that visibility matters for buyers. Then we map the new fork in the road: complete qualifying upgrades before listing, or defer them and send a combined $5,000 deposit to the City that the buyer can reclaim after earning six credits within two years. We detail how the credit system works, the $150 compliance filing, and practical timelines, plus the very real tradeoffs between doing the work now versus passing it forward.

From there, we get tactical. We share vendor recommendations for heat pumps, solar, and electrification projects; outline common electrical needs like adding 240-volt circuits; and point to rebate aggregators to stack local, state, and federal incentives. We talk through heat pump water heaters, mini splits, induction ranges, and even battery-backed cooktops that keep working during outages. Along the way, we highlight a simple strategy: plan upgrades before equipment fails, pre-wire where possible, and use BESO compliance as a selling point that reduces buyer friction and can boost demand.

If you work in Berkeley real estate or plan to buy or sell, this guide will help you navigate HER scores, credits, deposits, disclosures, and the new expectations at the point of sale. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor or client who needs to prepare, and leave a quick review to tell us which upgrade you’d tackle first.

 Jeff Lipton is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02139138, real estate strategist, operator, marketing expert, and business lead supporting his wife, Megan Micco, a top-producing broker associate with Compass, in Berkeley, CA

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Mentioned in the Show:

Berkeley Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)

The SwitchIsOn.org

ElectrifyMyHome.com

Albion (Solar)

Hassler Heating

Copper - An Induction Range Made in Berkeley

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What if your marketing got simpler, your leads got warmer, and your days felt lighter? That’s the promise behind our deep-dive with operations-minded strategist Jeff Lipton, whose approach turns a referral-first business into a steady, scalable machine. We start with the foundation most agents skip: ruthless focus. Pick a narrow geography. Define your ideal client persona. Choose the property type you’ll master. That clarity sets the course for everything—content, channels, intake, and even what you stop doing.

From there, we unpack the system that actually delivers: SEO built for humans and algorithms, not vanity. Jeff explains how to blend technical hygiene, local content that answers real questions, and credible backlinks earned through PR outreach. We also tackle the shift to AI-driven search and why the winners will write like experts in a conversation—specific, local, and genuinely helpful. AI can draft, but your judgment makes it trustworthy, and that’s what surfaces when someone asks a nuanced question about buying in Berkeley.

Then we go inside the machine: intake checklists that evolved into smart forms, custom CRM fields, and automations that capture timelines, objections, and even gift preferences—followed by post-close surveys that make the process better every month. The result is more inbound, less chaos, and a client experience that feels personal without burning you out. We talk lifestyle design too: setting a ceiling for volume, working with people you like, and creating room for life by automating everything that doesn’t require judgment.

We close with a practical walk-through of Berkeley’s updated Building Energy Saving Ordinance (BESO): point-of-sale requirements, the end of buyer deferrals for the report, deposit mechanics, six-credit compliance options, and why getting compliant before listing can boost demand. Plus, vendor tips, rebates, and electrification insights from a team that’s done it at home and with clients.

Enjoy the conversation? Follow and share the show, and leave a quick review—your support helps more agents find thoughtful, no-fluff strategy.

 Jeff Lipton is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02139138, real estate strategist, operator, marketing expert, and business lead supporting his wife, Megan Micco, a top-producing broker associate with Compass, in Berkeley, CA

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Mentioned in the Show:

Berkeley Emissions Saving Ordinance (BESO)

The SwitchIsOn.org

ElectrifyMyHome.com

Albion (Solar)

Hassler Heating

Copper - An Induction Range Made in Berkeley

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

The quiet weeks of late fall decide your first quarter. We bring on Janine Hunt, team leader, past association president, and current MLS chair, to show exactly how to turn seasonal goodwill into a steady pipeline without feeling salesy or stretched thin. Think of this as your practical reset: a clear distinction between sphere and pipeline, the messaging each one needs, and a simple cadence you can keep even when life gets loud.

We dig into systems for relationship-based growth, why specificity beats generic marketing, and how to use events for a three-part touch sequence that compounds results. Janine shares how she time-blocks mornings to build and afternoons to manage, plus how to move social media reactions into real conversations that convert. 

If you’ve struggled to stay consistent, you’ll get a lightweight tracking approach to measure inputs and outcomes. We talk leverage too, when to bring on a coach, what good coaching looks like, and how accountability transforms team dynamics. Close the year with intention, build your own economy, and step into January with momentum you can feel.

If this episode sparks a plan, share it with a colleague who needs a boost, subscribe for more real estate strategy with heart, and leave a quick review to tell us which lead gen pillar you’ll commit to next.

Janine Hunt is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01909766

Follow Janine in Instagram @ilovemartinis

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when the noise gets louder than the work? I invited the ever-candid Herman Chan to cut through the hype and talk honestly about what it takes to build a meaningful real estate career right now, where brand still shapes outcomes, regulations keep shifting, and clients are more anxious than ever.

We trace Herman’s journey from corporate and TV pilots to a long, resilient practice, and why he ultimately chose local, personal, and sustainable over scale and spectacle. We unpack the three fronts agents feel most: regulatory pressure that rewrites playbooks, client dynamics frayed by post-2020 stress, and industry competition sharpened by scarcity. Along the way, we examine brand gravity, why the sign still matters at higher price points, and how broker wars and private listing platforms manufacture FOMO that most agents don’t need to carry.

Herman argues for a smaller, stronger tribe: fewer gimmicks, deeper trust, and the discipline to say no. That’s where the joy lives. He shares raw stories from the field; squatters, liens, break-ins, midnight security calls, the quiet, unglamorous work that protects clients and never makes the reels. We also talk AI without the buzzwords: where a co-pilot helps (drafts, structure, polish), where it crosses boundaries (privacy, ethics), and how to use it without feeding it your life. For new agents, Herman maps a practical on-ramp: apprentice with a strong producer, publish one consistent content lane, reduce expenses, and let your micro-community anchor your lead flow.

If you’ve felt exhausted by broker drama, algorithm churn, and the pressure to “be everywhere,” this conversation offers relief and a plan. Shrink your world, serve with precision, and measure wins by the people you help, not the likes you chase. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a reset, and leave a review to tell us where you’re finding real joy in the work.

Herman Chan is a Broker Associate and licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 001988025

Follow Herman Chan on Instagram @hermanity

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

Two twenty-somethings, high stakes, and a market that refuses to sit still. I sit down with Emma Dolgin (The Grubb Company) and Ellen Martinez (Compass) to unpack what it really takes to build a real estate career in your early 20s. No TV gloss, just the moves that matter. From first deals during the 2021 frenzy to the humbling slowdown that followed, Emma and Ellen share how they learned fast on strong teams, built trust through consistency, and kept cash flow sane when commissions went quiet.

We dig into the East Bay’s unique rhythm, upfront disclosures, multiple offers, and the kind of local nuance that renders automated pricing laughable. They explain why buyer representation agreements filter for serious clients, how open houses and sphere marketing still work when you’re patient, and where social media shines as a credibility layer rather than a magic lead faucet. The Oakland realities come into focus: price declines, tougher insurance in the hills, and the lock-in effect of 2–3% mortgages that keep sellers put and inventory uneven. 

And yes, we challenge the AI narrative. Emma tested disclosure summaries with a model and watched it miss vital details. Helpful for drafts and checklists? Absolutely. A stand-in for local judgment, negotiations, and on-the-spot problem solving? Not even close. If you’re an aspiring agent, you’ll hear hard-won advice about choosing teams, asking for help early, and treating real estate like a pro, because the moment you show up with care and competence, people notice.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, share with a friend who loves the East Bay market, and leave a quick review—your feedback helps more curious listeners find the show.

Follow Emma Dolgin on Instagram @emma.dolgin 

Follow Ellen Martinez on Instagram @ellenmartinezre

Emma Dolgin is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02113494

Ellen Martinez is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#02135069

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

When the Federal Reserve announces a rate cut, why do mortgage rates sometimes go up instead of down? This puzzling financial paradox sits at the heart of my insightful conversation with mortgage expert Evelyn Freitas of Guaranteed Rate.

Drawing from over two decades of industry experience, Evelyn takes us behind the curtain of how mortgage rates actually work. She reveals the crucial distinction between the Fed's backward-looking policy decisions (made eight times yearly) and the real-time bond market activity that determines your mortgage rate. "The bond market already did it," Evelyn explains, illuminating why rates had already decreased weeks before the September 17th Fed announcement.

We explore the inner workings of the Federal Reserve Board itself—the 19 participants, 12 voters, and the mysterious "dot plot" that forecasts future rate movements. Evelyn breaks down why Chairman Powell's post-meeting press conference often impacts markets more than the rate decision itself, especially as the Fed navigates tensions between its inflation and employment mandates.

For homebuyers navigating today's market, Evelyn shares invaluable strategic advice. She compares temporary rate buydowns with permanent ones, outlines when adjustable-rate mortgages make sense, and explains why locking your rate early provides stability—like "standing on the ground while watching a turbulent plane fly by." With conventional rates currently in the low 6% range and some government-backed loans dipping below 6%, we discuss why crossing that psychological "5-handle" threshold could stimulate market activity.

Whether you're actively house-hunting, considering a refinance, or simply wanting to understand the economic forces shaping today's housing market, this episode delivers clarity on one of real estate's most misunderstood relationships: the dance between Fed decisions and the mortgage rates that impact millions of homeowners.

Evelyn Freitas is a licensed Mortgage Lender NMLS# 247578

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when you combine authentic passion for unique homes with consistent content creation? Roland Osage's journey from barber to real estate powerhouse with over 220,000 TikTok followers provides a masterclass in building a thriving business through social media.

Roland's path to real estate success began unexpectedly when he purchased his first home at just 19 years old. After witnessing significant appreciation without making improvements, his curiosity was piqued. While working as a barber in San Francisco, he began exploring property flipping, eventually obtaining his license in 2018 to better understand the terminology and processes. Fast forward to 2021, and a simple decision to create walkthrough-style property tours on TikTok would transform his business forever.

What makes Roland's approach unique is his commitment to showcasing homes he genuinely finds interesting – properties with natural elements, wood features, and distinctive character rather than the ubiquitous white-gray aesthetic dominating recent years. His consistent schedule generates a steady stream of quality content while respecting the collaborative spirit of the East Bay real estate community by always featuring other agents' listings with proper credit.

The results are remarkable: beyond his massive social media following, Roland earns real money directly from TikTok and has built an automated lead generation system that seamlessly funnels potential clients from social media into scheduled consultations. Most importantly, he's created an authentic brand that resonates with clients and colleagues alike – proving that in real estate, "you will get back exactly what you put into it."

Want to revolutionize your own real estate marketing? Follow Roland on Instagram and TikTok to witness firsthand how consistency, authenticity, and a willingness to share the spotlight can create extraordinary results in today's digital landscape.

Follow Roland Osage on TikTok @rolandosage

Follow Roland Osage on Instagram @roland_osage 

Roland Osage is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02055089

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

Dive into the captivating underbelly of East Bay history with Liam O'Donoghue, the passionate storyteller behind the acclaimed podcast East Bay Yesterday. From corrupt political beginnings to cultural transformations, this conversation unveils the hidden forces that shaped Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, and beyond.

Did you know Oakland's first mayor essentially stole the town? Horace Carpentier, a shrewd lawyer turned politician, manipulated his way into ownership of Oakland's valuable waterfront before selling it to railroad barons for personal profit. This foundation of opportunism set a precedent that would echo through generations of East Bay governance – a reminder that today's political challenges have deep historical roots.

The struggle for housing equity takes center stage as we explore Byron Rumford's groundbreaking Fair Housing Act of 1963 and the fierce backlash it faced from the real estate industry and a pre-gubernatorial Ronald Reagan. This pendulum of progress and resistance reveals how neighborhood demographics shifted over decades – from Italian immigrants moving up from West Oakland to Temescal, to the complex dynamics following Japanese American internment during WWII.

Emeryville's transformation from a vice-filled "gambling hell" (complete with corrupt police chiefs driving DeLoreans and taking bribes) to today's shopping destination demonstrates how quickly a place's identity can change. Meanwhile, the once-thriving warehouse art scenes that defined East Bay counterculture in the 1990s and early 2000s have largely disappeared, raising questions about where tomorrow's cultural innovations will emerge in an increasingly expensive region.

Whether you're a longtime resident or recent arrival, these stories provide crucial context for understanding the East Bay's present challenges and future possibilities. Join us for this illuminating journey through the colorful, complicated history that continues to shape one of America's most dynamic regions. Follow Liam's work through East Bay Yesterday's podcast, Substack, or join one of his popular boat tours for an immersive historical experience.

Click here for the East Bay Yesterday podcast front page and tour info

Follow East Bay Yesterday on Instagram @eastbay_yesterday

Click here for information about the book Hella Town by Mitchell Schwarzer

Click here for information about the book The Pacific Circuit by Alexis Madrigal

Click here for a prior episode with Liam O'Donoghue from 2021 

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898

Ideas for the show or to want just to support us? Send us a text!

What happens when you combine in-depth construction knowledge, real estate expertise, and authentic social media content? For Ellie Ridge, it created a phenomenon that transformed her from a recently laid-off Meta employee to a successful realtor with 234,000 Instagram followers in just two years.

This conversation takes us through Ellie's fascinating journey, beginning with her unique background. As the daughter of a master roof framer (and later home inspector), Ellie grew up absorbing valuable knowledge about building structures that would eventually become her professional superpower. When her family lost their home, 13-year-old Ellie developed a fierce determination for financial security that would shape her future decisions.

Ellie shares the pivotal moment when, at age 24 while working in tech, she purchased her first home. She approached this not as her dream home but as a strategic investment – a mindset she now passes on to her first-time homebuyer clients. After being laid off from Meta two years ago, she joined her mother's real estate business, bringing a fresh perspective and emphasis on construction knowledge.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Ellie's candid discussion about social media success. She reveals how her construction-focused content unexpectedly went viral, the mental health challenges that came with sudden internet fame, and her approach to creating sustainable, authentic content. Rather than focusing on algorithms or growing followers, she emphasizes the importance of genuine passion: "Make videos about stuff you love talking about. People can feel when you care about it."

For real estate professionals and anyone interested in building an online presence, Ellie offers practical insights about lead generation, conducting effective open houses, and maintaining multiple business channels rather than relying solely on social media. Her journey demonstrates how specialized knowledge and authentic communication can create a unique path to success in a competitive field.

Ready to learn how someone turned construction knowledge into social media gold? Listen now and discover strategies you can apply to your own business and online presence.

Follow Ellie Ridge on Instagram @ellieridgerealtor 

Ellie Ridge is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE# 02217753

Declan Spring is a licensed CA REALTOR® DRE#01398898