Around The Block

Welcome back to season 2 of Around The Block, the official podcast of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®! In this episode, our host Jenn Hawkins joins Joanne Levy of the Rainbow Center! Joanne and Jenn sit down to talk about Tacoma Pride Month and working with local organizations to bring housing education and fair access to all.  Listening to this episode will help you: Gain a fres...

Welcome back to season 2 of Around The Block, the official podcast of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®! In this episode, our host Jenn Hawkins joins author and Business Coach Sloan Hunter to talk about her book, “Recoding the Real Estate Experience: The Mindful Guide for Buyers & Sellers.” Listening to this episode will help you: Learn how to recode your business strategy for...

Welcome back to season 2 of Around The Block, the official podcast of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®! In this episode, 2025 TPCAR Past President Jenn Hawkins sits down with TPCAR Government Affairs lobbyist Jim Henderson to talk about the 2026 legislative sessions and the impacts of these sessions for those in the housing space. Together, they discuss: 2025 wins and what’s alrea...

Welcome back to season 2 of Around The Block, the official podcast of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®! In this episode, 2025 TPCAR President Jenn Hawkins sits down with Lowell Wyse, PhD: The Tacoma Tree Foundation's Executive Director, to explore the connections between housing, community, and tree equity.   Together, they discuss: How trees directly impact home value and livabil...

Season 2 of Around The Block, the official podcast of the Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS®, is here!   In this first episode, 2025 TPCAR President Jenn Hawkins sits down with newly installed 2026 President Jenah Mahan-Williams to reflect on the major wins of 2025 and outline the priorities shaping the year ahead.   Together, they discuss: Key advocacy and organizational wins from 2025...

What does housing justice really look like in practice? In this episode of Around the Block, host Jasmyn Jefferson is joined by Michael Brown, Civic Architect of Civic Commons, for an in-depth conversation about the Black Home Initiative (BHI) and the regional effort to expand Black homeownership across the Puget Sound. Michael shares the origins of BHI, the data behind the racial wealth gap, and...

The Around The Block Podcast returns with a new episode! In this conversation, host Jasmyn Jefferson, immediate past president and DB of Windermere Central Sound, sits down with Tacoma real estate agent Marguerite Martin (https://movetotacoma.com/) of Windermere Professional Partners. Marguerite is the creator of Move to Tacoma, a national speaker, coach, and trainer who built a nontraditional, 10...

Fresh off TPCAR’s sold-out Economic Forecast Event, the Around The Block Podcast features one of the most trusted voices in real estate economics: Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS®. Host Jasmyn Jefferson sits down with Dr. Yun for an exclusive, in-depth conversation that builds on the insights he shared live in Tacoma. This episode breaks down what REALTOR...

The Around The Block Podcast returns with a powerful new episode, proudly sponsored by Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 Podcast Room Sponsor. Host Jasmyn Jefferson sits down with Tacoma Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Joshua Garcia for an insightful conversation about the unique strengths of Tacoma’s school district, the groundbreaking Maritime253 program, and how REALTORS® can partner with l...

In this bonus episode of Around the Block, we sit down with Amy Remington, Branch Manager at Guild Mortgage, for a timely market update focused on what REALTORS® need to know right now in the Pierce County area. Amy shares valuable insight into current lending trends, buyer behavior, and where the market may be headed in the months ahead. From interest rate movement to affordability challenges and...

We're celebrating one full year of Around The Block with a special “Best Of” episode—featuring highlights and insights from every guest who joined us this season. It’s a look back at the conversations, ideas, and people who helped shape our community through storytelling and connection. To our listeners: thank you for being part of this journey. Your support, shares, and feedback have helped this...

In this bonus episode of Around the Block, 2025 TPCAR President Jennifer Hawkins shares an inside look at how your TPCAR leadership represented Pierce County REALTORS® at the 2025 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings in Washington, D.C. From capital gains tax reform to flood insurance, ADU exemptions, and housing supply solutions like Home in Tacoma Phase II, Jennifer breaks down the key issues TPCAR me...

In this special episode of Around the Block, we sit down with former Seattle Seahawks linebacker Lofa Tatupu and Packy Rieder to talk about leadership, mindset, and what it takes to succeed—on the field and beyond. From NFL locker rooms to business boardrooms, Lofa shares his powerful philosophy on discipline, authenticity, and preparation. You’ll also hear highlights from TPCAR’s June General Mem...

The Around The Block Podcast is back with an exciting new episode, proudly sponsored by Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 Podcast Room and Podcast Sponsor. In this episode, host Jasmyn Jefferson, 2024 TPCAR President, sits down with Jessica Smith, Director of the Tacoma Historical Society, to explore one of Tacoma’s most beloved traditions—the upcoming Historic Homes Tour. Jessica shares the his...

The Around The Block Podcast is back with a powerful new episode, proudly sponsored by Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 Podcast Room and Podcast Sponsor. In this episode, host Jasmyn Jefferson, 2024 TPCAR President, sits down with Mindset & Success Coach Rita Marie Mendez following her high-impact appearance at TPCAR’s latest Speaker Series event in Puyallup. Rita shares her signature no-fl...

Don’t miss this special episode of Around The Block with NAR President Kevin Sears. We’re diving into the power of advocacy at every level of the REALTOR association, the positive changes happening at NAR, and what’s ahead for 2025. Tune in for an insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Check out the full video on YouTube. Thank you once again to our amazing sponsor Sterling Inspection!

The Around The Block Podcast kicks off the new year with an exciting episode, proudly sponsored by Sterling Inspection Group, our 2025 Podcast Room Sponsor and Podcast Sponsor. Host Jasmyn Jefferson, 2025 TPCAR President, welcomes incoming TPCAR Board President Jennifer Hawkins to share her vision for the year ahead. In this Episode: Jennifer’s top priorities for TPCAR and the real estate industry...

Around The Block is back with an exciting year-end episode! Join TPCAR Association Executive Sean Martin as he sits down with TPCAR President Jasmyn Jefferson to reflect on 2024’s highlights. They cover advocacy wins, member value initiatives, and community engagement successes, and even offer a glimpse into what’s on the horizon for 2025. Whether you’re a REALTOR® or passionate about the real est...

Around The Block is back with a must-listen episode! Join TPCAR President Jasmyn Jefferson as she sits down with Alyssa Torrez, Senior Planner for the City of Tacoma, to discuss Tacoma’s Home In Tacoma initiative. They dive into Phase 2 of the program, the future of middle housing, and what homeownership will look like in Tacoma’s evolving landscape. Whether you're a REALTOR® or simply interested...

Around The Block is back with a new episode featuring TPCAR President Jasmyn Jefferson in conversation with Mike Halliday and Katie Arthur from the Pierce County Department of Emergency Management. In this episode, they dive into the crucial topic of emergency preparedness, sharing practical tips for REALTORS® and residents alike. Learn how to create your emergency prep bucket and get signed up fo...

Welcome to Episode 3 of Around The Block, A TPCAR Podcast! Don't miss out on this one! Hosted by Jasmyn Jefferson, TPCAR President, this episode features NAR Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research Dr. Jessica Lautz. This episode featured topics about the NAR settlement, an economic outlook on home buying now and beyond, provided light on the advocacy work at the national level, and...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Around The Block, A TPCAR Podcast! Hosted by Jasmyn Jefferson, TPCAR President, this episode features Jim Henderson, TPCAR's Government Affairs Lobbyist. Tune in as they explore the crucial advocacy efforts that TPCAR undertakes to ensure that REALTOR® members and the Tacoma-Pierce County community have a strong voice in government affairs. This episode features updates on...

Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Around The Block, A TPCAR Podcast," hosted by Jasmyn Jefferson, TPCAR President! We are thrilled to announce our first guest, Nathan Gorton, CEO of @washrealtors. Jasmyn and Nathan dive into an engaging conversation about member benefits, NAR and the DOJ updates, and other essential topics for our members. This podcast is dedicated to providing cutting-edge ind...