Idiot to Genius

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a viral product launch? Today, we dive into the world of high-stakes launches with Michael Dodsworth, the mastermind behind Fanfare. From witnessing the chaos of midnight meltdowns to creating a platform that turns hype into loyalty, Michael's journey is nothing short of genius. Discover how Fanfare is changing the game for brands and fans alike....

In this episode, McKay Salisbury, founder of Five Star Commerce, shares his journey from a music major to a successful entrepreneur in the e-commerce space. He discusses the myths surrounding selling on Amazon, the importance of product branding, and the lessons learned from early mistakes. McKay emphasizes the need for adaptability in business and shares his strategies for lead generation, includ...

What if your retirement plan was hiding in a trailer park? On this episode of Idiot to Genius , Mike Turner, the creator of Cash Flow Flips™ shares how he made a $2.6 million real estate “pension” in just two years. Mike reveals how mobile homes became his secret weapon for creating truly passive income, why partnering beats bank loans, and how he’s smashing the stigma around trailer parksall whil...

Ever wondered how you go from laying tile after work to building an empire of 500 flips and a giant self-storage facility? On this episode of Idiot to Genius Brandon Rickman, the investor who proves that real estate isn’t just about numbers it’s about solving real problems and creating lasting wealth. Brandon shares his journey from DIY tile-laying nights to running a high-volume business, explain...

This month on Pods and Property , Steph Shoell and Todd “Utah Todd” Porter tackle two major topics: why homeowners feel trapped by low mortgage rates, and how podcasting is emerging as a force on Hollywood’s main stage. Todd explains how low interest rates are keeping many Baby Boomers from selling, creating a tight housing market but he urges homeowners to run the numbers before assuming they’re...

In this episode of Idiot to Genius we chat with Bob Frady, co-founder of PropertyLens a tool described as the "Carfax for houses." PropertyLens pulls together a wealth of data about a home into one comprehensive report, helping buyers know what to look out for before stepping inside. From permits and roof conditions to weather risks, crime data, and even whether a house was once a meth l...

In this engaging conversation, Chris Champion, a successful entrepreneur and AI advocate, shares his insights on leveraging AI for business success, the importance of embracing one's failures, and the keys to effective leadership. He discusses his journey, the lessons learned from his 'idiot moments', and how AI can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs. The episode emphasizes the signif...

Most of us are great at creating space for others but when was the last time you created space for yourself ? In this powerful episode, commercial real estate broker and former nonprofit leader Caleb David shares what it’s really like to hit burnout, lose momentum, and claw your way back to clarity not through hustle, but by slowing down and listening. With a background in global humanitarian work...

Graphic designer. Podcaster. Mentor. Advocate. Ryan Pilkington wears many hats—and every one of them was shaped by pain, resilience, and a relentless drive to create. In this week's episode of Idiot to Genius , Ryan opens up about being bullied as a child, using art as his escape, and eventually building a thriving design career rooted in purpose. His story reminds us that our lowest moments o...

​In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Yasmine Austere, a seasoned Realtor and Relocation Specialist with The Agency East Bay. Our conversation began with insights into the real estate market but soon delved into Yasmine's rich life experiences, including her transition from Germany to California and the principles that guide her both personally and professionally.​ Key Takeawa...

Pods & Properties is back for April, and this episode is all about the power of your voice—especially if you're an entrepreneur or real estate professional. Steph shares the story behind her new course, Pod Savvy Guide , designed to help business owners confidently launch solo podcasts. She breaks down why solo episodes are one of the most underrated strategies for building real connection, sa...

In this episode of the Utah Fan Club, Steph sits down with Mars Teny, the dynamic founder of MarsCom, a Utah-based telecom company that helps businesses install, manage, and support professional phone systems. Mars shares the unexpected journey that led her from working in tech sales at Wells Fargo to starting her own business with just $76 in hand. Mars opens up about how her entrepreneurial spar...

What does it really mean to show up? I n this episode, we explore the journey of Julie Barnes, an entrepreneur who built more than just businesses she built opportunities for her community. Julie started Enterprise Doodles from her home, breeding golden doodles to help cover medical expenses for her family. But her reputation for showing up, being resourceful, and building strong relationships led...

In this episode, Todd Porter joins Steph Shoell to dive into the surprising parallels between podcasting and real estate . They explore how both industries thrive not through competition—but through connection, collaboration, and community . Todd offers timely insights into the current real estate market, including what declining sales numbers really mean, and why now might be a better time than e...

What if one simple question could change everything? For Jeremy Howlett, asking a question in a LinkedIn group set the wheels in motion for creating Altra Running, a brand that has redefined the running shoe industry. Jeremy shares how networking, identifying market gaps, and a willingness to embrace discomfort turned an idea into a global movement. “You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable...

The Women's Wellness Summit, held in November 2025, brought together 300 women to explore the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, and occupational. Founded by Carolynn Williams, with LuAnne Banks as Partner & Event Producer, the summit aimed to amplify women's voices, impact, and influence through comprehensive wellness educat...

In this engaging conversation, Todd Porter and Steph discuss the current state of the real estate market, reflecting on the challenges and trends of the past year. They delve into Todd's personal journey in real estate, his transition from corporate America, and the emotional connection he has with his clients. The discussion also highlights Steph's podcasting journey, her growth in solo p...

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...