Idiot to Genius

In this engaging conversation, we dive into the transformative journey of entrepreneur Lauren Havens, a real estate strategist with a wealth of experience and wisdom. Lauren shares her path from managing Airbnb properties to pivoting in the real estate market and navigating life's unexpected challenges. Hear how Lauren turned "idiot moments" into growth opportunities, built a thriving business, an...

It’s December, and we’re closing out the year with a fresh Pods and Properties segment on Idiot to Genius ! Steph and Todd are tackling the big questions on everyone’s minds: What’s next for real estate in 2025, and how do you revive a podcast that’s been sitting on the sidelines? Here’s what December’s episode brings to the table: 2025 Real Estate Market Predictions: Todd breaks down the trends a...

Major first for Idiot to Genius —we’ve got a real-deal, published author on the show! Meet James Michaels, crime fiction pro and the mind behind the Ice Rising series. Known for his gritty storytelling and richly developed characters, James brings his real-life experiences into his novels, which include Ice Rising , Icebox , Ice Reign , The Ballad of Johnny Carlo , Life’s Dark Corners , and his la...

In this episode of Idiot to Genius , we dive into the inventive journey of Shane Swanger, the mastermind behind the Teeth Down Snow Shovel, also known as the Shark Shovel. Shane, an engineer with a passion for problem-solving, took a standard snow shovel and transformed it into an innovative tool for tackling even the toughest snow. The shovel’s unique "teeth" design revolutionizes snow removal, a...

Welcome to November’s Pods & Properties segment! Steph and Utah Todd are back to explore two key topics: the growing influence of HOAs and how podcasts are reshaping political campaigns. Whether you’re a homeowner, future buyer, or just curious about these trends, this episode has insights you won’t want to miss. HOAs are now standard in many new developments, as cities shift responsibilities...

In this episode of Idiot to Genius, we welcome back our very first guest, Ryan Johnson! As our first repeat guest, Ryan shares exciting updates since his debut, discussing the evolution of his new company, Filmount. From lessons learned in house flipping to launching a real estate media brand, Ryan takes us through the challenges and successes that have shaped Filmount’s journey. Ryan reflects on...

In this episode of Idiot to Genius, Gina Luke opens up about her remarkable journey in real estate and how personal loss shaped both her career and outlook on life. Now a thriving professional with Berkshire Hathaway, Gina shares how the challenges she faced—including the devastating loss of her son—fueled her passion for helping others. “I need to protect people from bad realtors,” Gina explains,...

In this monthly series, Steph Shoell and Utah Todd merge their passions for real estate and podcasting , unpacking key trends, sharing personal insights, and offering actionable advice. Whether you’re a homeowner , realtor , podcaster , or simply looking for growth and connection, this episode has something for you. From interest rates to podcast strategy , get ready for a conversation that inspir...

Hey Utahans! Looking for fun things to do that won't break the bank? Tune in as we chat with Kaysie and Tosh, the dynamic duo behind EXPLORINGNOTBORING . Discover how their journey led to the creation of an innovative platform designed to help locals and visitors find unique, affordable, and enriching experiences. Show Highlights: In this episode, we dive deep into the origins of EXPLORINGNOTBORIN...

Feeling discouraged? Tune in to this eye-opening episode of Idiot to Genius, where we sit down with John and Crystal of Bugay Investments to uncover their remarkable journey. John bravely shares his deeply personal story about overcoming a challenging period in his life, including time spent in jail, and how he turned his life around despite having nothing to his name. Today, they boast an impress...

Todd is in the hot seat as Steph picks his brain about the current real estate market and all its surprising twists. In this engaging discussion, Todd Porter from The Sure Group at eXp Realty breaks down the unexpected growth trends and how supply and demand dynamics are affecting prices. One of the standout insights Todd shares is the importance of timing. He advises that waiting for interest rat...

Are you itching to do more with real estate but are at a standstill, unsure where to begin? Dive into this episode of "Idiot to Genius," where Devin Hubbard shares his transformative journey from a stable 9-to-5 job to making a mark in the real estate investing world and how a pivotal phone call propelled him into the realm of development. Discover the insights, struggles, and victories...

Are you soaking up every bit of knowledge, eagerly awaiting the moment to leap into action? This episode is precisely the spark you need, affirming you're on the right trajectory. Kaylie Faucette, alongside her husband Garrett, invested twelve years in deeply understanding the realm of real estate flipping. They absorbed foundational principles and intricate strategies through meticulous study...

In this episode, Diego Cortez, Department Head at Other Side Movers, shares his journey from a life of crime and addiction to finding purpose and redemption. We explore the transformative programs offered by the Other Side Academy and discuss the importance of second chances in breaking the cycle of negativity. Episode Highlights: Diego's personal journey from gang life to rehabilitation. The...

Have you ever wondered how some real estate investors manage to flip homes so efficiently? Join us as we explore Caleb Rigby's entrepreneurial journey into real estate flipping. Discover how Caleb and his wife Becky at RHB Capital have flipped over 100 homes by adopting a unique approach that eliminates decision fatigue and ensures high-quality, consistent designs. Dive into the world of real...

Are you an entrepreneur facing the challenge of your business growing faster than your plans? This episode of "Idiot to Genius" features Lanee' Miller of Renew Home Staging & Design, who shares her compelling journey of navigating through rapid business expansion without a clear strategy. Discover how taking a step back to evaluate and redefine her business's direction, with...

Imagine launching a business from a modest office equipped with a few computers and three people, then witnessing it transform into a leading force in the Title and Escrow Services sector, clinching the Prestigious Best in State award. This encapsulates the extraordinary evolution of Title One over its 30-year span; a company celebrated not only for its trailblazing homeowner Colossal Closing cele...

Curious about turning a side hustle into a thriving success? Explore Jaiden Olsen's inspiring journey. Before becoming the owner of Ballpark Engineering, Jaiden navigated the challenges of his 9 to 5 job while nurturing a bold ambition in real estate. Determined to demonstrate its viability, not just to himself but also to his wife, he dedicated every spare moment - evenings, weekends, any tim...

In real estate flipping, success hinges on more than just savvy renovations; it's about entrepreneurial grit and a deep understanding of the market. This episode of 'Idiot to Genius' features the inspiring journey of Brett and Ashley Johnson. Brett, a seasoned general contractor, alongside his partner Ashley, has navigated the challenging waters of real estate flipping with remarkable...

The real estate industry is not just about buying and selling properties, but it's deeply intertwined with understanding human psychology and providing exceptional customer service. Thiepisodede dives into the heart of real estate beyond the bricks and mortar with Christine Anderson from Coldwell Banker. With over 20 years of experience, Christine brings a wealth of knowledge, emphasizing the...

In this engaging episode, we discuss the intricacies of the current real estate market with two seasoned experts: Aaron Butler, a knowledgeable loan officer at Academy Mortgage, and Todd "Utah Todd" Porter from eXp Realty. Boasting a collective experience spanning over five decades, Aaron and Todd provide profound insights into the nuances of market trends, the influence of critical econ...

Imagine you could peek into a crystal ball and see the future of your industry—how would that shape the decisions you make today? Well, for business owners, innovation isn't just a buzzword; it's your crystal ball. It's the difference between leading the pack and playing catch-up. In this episode, we sit down with Neal Bingham, the strategic co-owner of Altius Mortgage. He unveils the...

In this captivating episode, we journey to the core of the American Dream. This vision encompasses the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of property. Todd & Christopher Porter with Exp Realty, an exceptional father-son team in the real estate world, embody this ethos. Following his father's footsteps, "Utah Todd" has been a cornerstone in the real estate industry for over...

In this episode, we converse with Eddie Garcia, the owner of Xcel Financial. Eddie's unique perspective on the American dream, combined with his relentless pursuit of excellence, has led Xcel Financial to become a frontrunner in mortgage services. Discover Eddie's journey, the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the secrets behind the success of his company. Episode Highlights: The inc...

In this episode, we journey with Nikola Arandjelovic , owner of Cash & Card Leather Company. As we delve into the intricacies of leather craftsmanship, Nikola takes us through his quest to uphold tradition while catering to modern demands. Listen in to discover the blend of stories, skills, and determination embedded in each product he crafts. Episode Highlights: The birth and growth of Cash &...