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Epic Spotlight Podcast

Epic Spotlight Podcast

By: Dante Royster
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About this listen

Welcome to the Epic Spotlight Channel — where real estate meets real life.


Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, Epic Spotlight is your guide to building wealth, creating legacy, and living a life that’s nothing short of EPIC.

We go beyond mortgage rates and home deals — our podcast shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and financial freedom, all so you can build your most Epic Life.

This channel gives you step-by-step advice, expert interviews, and motivational game plans to help you WIN in real estate and in life.


Inside, you’ll find:

Real estate investing tips & tools

Market trends & wealth-building strategies

Financial Freedom Blueprints

Honest talks on mindset, purpose, and growth


Join the Epic Community and take control of your financial future —

Because you’re not just building equity in a property…

You’re building equity in your life.

2023 Dante Royster Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Paula Jenkins: Leading Authentically, One Conversation at a Time

    Paula Jenkins: Leading Authentically, One Conversation at a Time
    Jun 19 2025
    Paula R. Jenkins is the dynamic Founder & CEO of LFS Consulting LLC, specializing in Leadership and Financial Success. A certified coach, DISC and EI consultant, and Licensed DEI Trainer, she empowers individuals and organizations to lead with authenticity. Known for her charisma and communication expertise, Paula inspires leaders to grow through empathy, clarity, and purpose. With over 20 years of experience in HR Outsourcing and Benefits, she’s partnered with numerous Fortune 500 companies. Now a sought-after speaker and trainer, Paula is writing a book on authentic leadership and is driven by her mission to change the world one conversation at a time—building stronger leadership, financial success, and inclusive workplaces everywhere.In this episode, Dante and Paula discuss:A health crisis pushed Paula to leave corporate life and launch LFS ConsultingWhat it means to lead authentically in today’s workplaceThe biggest challenges leaders face in Fortune 500 companiesThe critical role of communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence in leadershipHow diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply tied to everyday leadership, not just checkboxesKey Takeaways: Leadership is not about power—it’s about service. You don’t need a fancy title to lead; influence comes from how you show up and support others.A severe health scare became Paula’s wake-up call. It forced her to reevaluate her priorities and ultimately inspired her to launch LFS Consulting with a focus on purpose and well-being.Trust, respect, and clarity all begin with communication. More than just exchanging information, effective communication builds the foundation for meaningful leadership.Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t optional extras—they’re central to real leadership. When practiced intentionally, they shape healthier, more dynamic organizational cultures.Emotional intelligence and self-awareness separate good leaders from great ones. Understanding your strengths and growth areas equips you to lead with authenticity and resilience.“Everything begins and ends with communication.” - Paula JenkinsConnect with Paula Jenkins:Website: https://lfsconsult.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulajenkinslfsconsulting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LFSConsultingLLC/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paula.racquel1/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    18 mins
  • Brandon Harrington: Real Estate Wins with Fix-and-Flip Strategies

    Brandon Harrington: Real Estate Wins with Fix-and-Flip Strategies
    Jun 12 2025
    Brandon Harrington is a native of Broadview, Illinois, and a proud Chicagolander. He graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Shortly after, he embarked on his career in the mortgage industry. Since 2004, this seasoned professional has navigated the dynamic world of real estate financing, building a wealth of experience at renowned institutions like HSBC, Chase, and PNC. Now specializing in private money lending, Brandon empowers real estate investors pursuing fix-and-flip projects and acquiring rental properties. His deep understanding of market nuances and financial intricacies makes him a valuable resource for those navigating the ever-changing landscape of real estate investing.In this episode, Dante and Brandon discuss:The evolving landscape of real estate investing and private money lendingKey investment strategies, including fix-and-flip, short-term rentals, and long-term rentalsOvercoming challenges in today’s market, such as high interest rates and low inventoryCreative financing options for real estate deals, like leveraging retirement accounts and HELOCsPractical tips on analyzing investment deals and managing rental propertiesKey Takeaways: Real estate investment emerges as a strategic pathway to financial independence, with countless millionaires attributing their wealth to property ownership. This underscores the timeless appeal of real estate as a cornerstone of long-term financial planning.Private money lending takes center stage as a practical solution for investors looking to swiftly acquire and renovate properties. In competitive markets, it serves as a dynamic tool to secure deals that would otherwise be lost to traditional financing delays.Short-term rentals, like Airbnb, redefine profitability in real estate by generating income significantly higher than traditional long-term leases. This trend highlights a shift in consumer preferences, where unique and flexible living experiences are in high demand.Deal analyzers and platforms stand out as essential resources for real estate investors. By offering structured ways to evaluate potential deals, they minimize risk and empower informed decision-making, even for beginners.Creative financing methods, such as leveraging retirement accounts or using home equity lines of credit, can unlock potential deals that might otherwise seem unattainable.“You can definitely be successful and generate some income for yourself and wealth for your family by doing fix and flips. The key in this market today is definitely analyzing your deal, making sure that you have a good deal that's going to produce the profits that you need at the end.” - Brandon HarringtonConnect with Brandon Harrington:Website: https://fmsinvestor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-harrington-71189677/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    15 mins
  • Juan Pardo: The Accounting Edge for Real Estate Success

    Juan Pardo: The Accounting Edge for Real Estate Success
    Jun 5 2025
    Juan Pardo is a bilingual CPA and expert in accounting services tailored for real estate investors. With over 20 years of experience, Juan helps clients navigate the complexities of their finances with precision and clarity. As a real estate investor himself, he understands the unique challenges of the market and ensures his reports are easy to understand, empowering clients to analyze what’s working and what needs attention. His deep industry knowledge and collaborative approach set him apart, offering clients a clear financial picture for informed decision-making. Juan holds an MBA in International Business and a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Florida International University. Originally from Venezuela, he has lived in Florida for nearly 30 years and currently resides in Orlando with his family. In his free time, Juan enjoys running, playing tennis, and spending time outdoors.In this episode, Dante and Juan discuss:Why is clear accounting essential for real estate investorsHow marketing expenses can eat into your ROI if not tracked properlyDifferent investor mindsets and how expectations shape financial planningBookkeeping strategies tailored to how clients think and talkEmerging trends and opportunities in Florida’s real estate marketKey Takeaways: Accounting isn't just about numbers—it's a strategic anchor that ensures real estate investors stay aligned with the financial projections they set at the start of each deal.This episode explores how marketing, often overlooked, can silently become the second-highest cost after renovations, making it vital to track each channel individually for smarter scaling.Defining one’s personal goals—whether long-term equity or immediate cash flow—is the true starting point of any meaningful investment journey.Customizing reports using a client’s language transforms financial documents from confusing data sets into powerful decision-making tools.While Florida’s market still brims with opportunity, lasting success belongs to those who enter with not just ambition, but a clear financial game plan and structured support system.“Real estate investors are great at making projections before they buy, but too often, they don’t follow through once the deal is done—and that’s where accounting makes all the difference.” - Juan PardoConnect with Juan Pardo:Website: https://pardocpa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pardocpa/ Email: Juan@Pardocpa.com Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageMission Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
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