The Real Spill

In this engaging conversation, Katie Spillers and Cecilia Cossio explore the multifaceted world of multifamily housing, emphasizing the importance of community, leadership, and the emotional toll on property management teams. Cecilia shares her journey and insights on empowering team members, the impact of policy on housing, and the need for diversity in the industry. They discuss the stigma surro...

In this episode, Katie Spillers interviews Crystal Moya, a prominent figure in the property management and advocacy space. Crystal shares her journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a leader in the rental housing industry. The conversation delves into the importance of advocacy, building relationships with lawmakers, and the recent legislative changes in Texas that impact the housing ind...

In this episode, Katie Spillers discusses her recent experiences at the SMART Conference, legislative updates regarding housing policies, and the importance of advocacy in the multifamily industry. She shares insights on the Respect State Housing Laws Act and encourages listeners to get involved in local government affairs to influence housing legislation. 00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficul...

In this episode of The Real Spill, Katie Spillers returns from a hiatus to share insights from recent conferences and discuss pressing issues in the multifamily property management industry. Key topics include the impact of AI, the rise of fraud, community involvement, legislative engagement, and the challenges of affordable housing. Katie emphasizes the importance of being prepared for ICE issues...

Behind every thriving community is a leader who knows how to balance vision, people, and purpose. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Mark Scully Vaughn https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscullyvaughn/ , owner and president of Arleio Living, to uncover his inspiring journey from government affairs and healthcare into the dynamic world of property management. Mark doe...

What really happens behind the scenes on Capitol Hill? In this eye-opening episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with political veteran Lindsay Reusser to unpack a decade's worth of experience in Washington, D.C. From the unseen heroes known as caseworkers to the emotional impact of January 6th, Lindsay offers a compelling look into the triumphs, challenges, and human side o...

What does 45 years in property management teach you about affordable housing, advocacy, and the future of real estate? In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with industry trailblazer Dawn Ford, founder of Smart Apartment Solutions, for a powerhouse conversation on what it really takes to serve communities, stay compliant, and leave a legacy in the multifamily space. From...

The housing crisis in America isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, communities, and the policies that shape their futures. In this eye-opening episode of The Real Spill, we dig deep into the Choice in Affordable Housing Act—what it is, why it matters, and what it reveals about the power of collaboration in advocacy. You’ll hear from seasoned experts who bring firsthand experience from the f...

What happens when government affairs, legal counsel, and housing advocacy come together at one table? In this candid episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Bryan Holladay https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-holladay-10003219/ and Todd Whitlow https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-whitlow-b7800529/ —two powerhouses in the multifamily housing industry—for a wide-ranging conversation...

Homelessness isn’t just a crisis—it’s a test of what kind of community we choose to be. In this must-listen episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Cody Carver, https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-carver-mpa-0098821b4/ Director of Greenville Together at United Way, to explore the escalating homelessness crisis in Greenville—and what’s being done about it. With the city poised to...

What happens when you take two decades of retail experience and apply it to the world of property management? For Shane Raby https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-shane-raby-cam-caps-notary-79a65ba9/ , it sparked a transformational journey—one filled with new challenges, unexpected wins, and a renewed passion for mentorship and leadership. In this episode of The Real Spill, Katie Spillers sits down with S...

What happens when fitness, mental health, and multifamily careers collide? In this episode of The Real Spill, Katie Spillers sits down with the inspiring Celia Smart https://www.linkedin.com/in/celia-smart-0b9b5111/ —recently named one of NAA’s 20 on the Rise—to dive deep into her unique journey from the fitness world to the frontlines of the multifamily industry. Celia opens up about starting her...

What does it really take to grow in the multifamily housing industry—from the leasing office to becoming a thought leader? In this powerful episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with the dynamic Candice Manning, founder of the Leasing Training Academy, to unpack the heart of professional growth in property management. Candice shares her journey from an unexpected opportunity to...

The multifamily industry is evolving faster than ever—so how do you stay ahead? In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Dana Duckworth https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-duckworth/ for a candid conversation on everything from leadership to layoffs, to finding humor in the midst of career challenges. Dana shares her journey from on-site management to supplier roles, the...

Affordable housing—it's one of the most debated topics in real estate, but do we really understand what it takes to make it work? In this episode of The Real Spill, we sit down with Bobby Griffith, Principal and CFO of J.O. Gray, to uncover the truth behind affordable housing, the power of advocacy, and why fundraising through PACs is essential for driving real change. Host Katie Spillers dive...

Black History Month and Women's History Month aren’t just moments on the calendar—they’re opportunities to celebrate the past, embrace the present, and shape the future. In this episode of The Real Spill, we’re diving into the evolving landscape of leadership, representation, and inclusion in the multifamily industry. Joining us is Liz Newkirk, https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-liz-n-79b76...

What happens when your career path takes an unexpected turn—and leads you exactly where you need to be? In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Shanae Auguste https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanae-auguste-32650090/, an attorney at Lopesack and Brownlee, to discuss her unique journey from aspiring journalist to legal powerhouse. Shanae shares how she found her calling in...

Advocacy isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Tess Vogler https://www.linkedin.com/in/heytessalanae/ to discuss the power of personal storytelling in shaping housing legislation. From their first meeting at the Advocate Conference to engaging with lawmakers on issues like good cause eviction, Tess and Katie share their f...

What does it take to break barriers in the legal industry while championing advocacy for the multifamily housing sector? In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with Ayiesha Beverly https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayiesha-b-62609a140/ , General Counsel for the National Apartment Association https://www.linkedin.com/company/naahq/ , to discuss her inspiring journey in law, the...

The multifamily housing industry stands at a critical crossroads. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers is joined by Sheri Druckman https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheri-druckman/ to unravel the complexities of housing policy, advocacy, and leadership development. Sheri, with over 30 years of experience, sheds light on the transformative power of mixed-use and Transit Oriented Develop...

Advocacy isn’t just about policies—it’s about people. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers dives into the vital role relationships play in driving meaningful change in the multifamily housing industry. From building strong connections with newly elected officials to launching successful PAC fundraising campaigns, Katie shares practical tips and strategies to amplify the industry&...

Affordable housing has never been more critical, and the multifamily housing industry is at the heart of this pressing issue. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers sits down with industry advocate Victoria Cowart to explore the intricate world of property management and housing affordability. Victoria shares her journey from an unplanned career in property management to becoming a...

Domestic abuse is a pervasive issue that often goes unnoticed, leaving survivors to navigate an uphill battle for safety, stability, and healing. In this powerful episode, host Katie Spillers is joined by Michelle Gilbert of Safe Harbor, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors and advocating for systemic change. Together, they unpack the multifaceted challenges survivors face, from finding s...

The multifamily industry is evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for those willing to grow and adapt. In this episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers welcomes Monica Begg to discuss the multifamily industry's pressing issues and potential solutions. From labor shortages to situational homelessness, Monica brings her personal experiences and deep insights to the table, emph...

Domestic violence is more than a personal issue—it’s a societal problem that demands awareness, education, and action. In this powerful episode of The Real Spill, host Katie Spillers teams up with Sam Amato to shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence. As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this conversation uncovers into the alarming statistics, the hidden forms of abuse, a...