• Ep 84: John Donnelly Summits Kilimanjaro!
    Sep 3 2025

    In this episode of Building Bigger Lives, Michael and Kathryn welcome back John Donnelly, a returning guest and Executive Director of Sales at Service First Mortgage, to discuss his continued journey of learning and growth. John shares that after reading "The 12 Hour Walk" by Colin O'Brady, he embarked on a similar challenge, which marked a significant turning point in his personal and professional development. John shares his preparation for and completion of a solo climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. He describes his experiences with training, team support, and the challenges faced during the climb, emphasizing the importance of taking small steps and building confidence. John's adventures have led to unexpected opportunities and connections, and he encourages others to explore new experiences and discover their potential through gradual progress. He emphasizes his passion for continuous learning and adventure, highlighting how these experiences have shaped his leadership style and approach to challenges in the housing industry.

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    38 mins
  • Ep 83: Kelly Zitlow - The Sunshine Warrior!
    Aug 27 2025

    Kelly Zitlow is our guest in this episode of the Building Bigger Lives podcast. Kelly has developed the “Sunshine Warrior” community, movement, and podcast. Kelly shares her personal journey and the origins of the "Sunshine Warrior" concept, which evolved from a source of comfort during her mother's battle with cancer into a trademarked brand focused on positivity and support. She discusses her own challenges as an introvert, particularly her struggles with public speaking, and how she overcame them through determination and practice. Kelly also shares insights about her parents' contrasting personalities and her vision for the mortgage industry's future, emphasizing the importance of embracing personal identity while adapting to technological changes. Kelly emphasizes that the Sunshine Warrior movement is not about death or tragedy but about lifting people up in challenging times, and she recently launched a podcast to spread this message further.

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    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    31 mins
  • Ep 82: Clayton Collins - HousingWire CEO
    Aug 20 2025

    Clayton Collins, CEO of HousingWire, shares his career journey from financial services to acquiring the company in 2016, driven by his family's background in housing and his passion for working with entrepreneurs. He outlined Housing Wire's transformation from a print magazine to a digital media company, including strategic acquisitions and expansion into new segments while emphasizing the importance of providing timely and accurate information to housing professionals. The discussion covered the company's approach to media and events, highlighting their role in fostering relationships and serving as a neutral platform in the housing ecosystem, with a focus on continuous improvement and strategic growth.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

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    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    34 mins
  • Ep 81: A.I. in your Role Reflection
    Aug 13 2025

    In today’s episode, Kathryn and Michael discuss the role of AI in personal and professional development, exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can enhance creativity, productivity, and problem-solving. Kathryn shares her experiences using AI for tasks such as summarizing podcasts, creating meal plans, and generating content ideas, while Michael highlights how AI can serve as a creative companion and a tool for capturing and analyzing information during coaching sessions. They emphasize the importance of asking strategic questions to leverage AI effectively and encourage listeners to reflect on how AI can support their unique needs and skills. The episode concludes with plans for future discussions on AI's evolving role.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

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    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    25 mins
  • Ep 80: Joe Thompson is a Man on a Mission!
    Aug 6 2025

    Joe Bob Thompson, a former client and long-time friend of Michael, shares his life story on the podcast. Growing up in a small, rural town in northeast Texas, Joe faced challenges due to his unique name, which led to fights in the 5th grade. Despite this, he developed thick skin and learned to stand up for himself. Joe attributes his positive outlook to his mother and stepfather, who were significant influences in his life. He shares insights on positivity, team leadership, and the importance of integrating personal passions into professional roles, drawing from his experiences in football, music, and his current role at Movement Mortgage. The episode highlights Joe's creative approach to leadership and his commitment to serving others through his work. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive, energetic people and carrying that positivity through life's challenges.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

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    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    33 mins
  • Ep 79: New Hires & the Training Process
    Jul 30 2025

    Michael and Kathryn discuss the importance of thoughtful hiring and proper training for new hires. They emphasize the need to assess current team capacity and productivity before deciding to hire, suggesting that addressing inefficiencies and considering technology or outsourcing solutions may be more beneficial. When hiring is necessary, they advise creating a clear job description, understanding the priority of tasks, and evaluating the cost-benefit of different solutions. They stress the importance of regular industry trend monitoring to stay informed about technology and outsourcing options.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

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    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    31 mins
  • Ep 78: Ryan Grant – His Leadership Journey
    Jul 23 2025

    Ryan Grant, President of Neo, shares his personal and professional journey in the mortgage industry, including his background growing up in a small rodeo town near Yosemite, and his transformation into a more visionary leader through experiences in competitive sports and business. The discussion explores Ryan's leadership style, emphasizing his approach to decisive action, team empowerment, and continuous learning, while highlighting his journey from being results-focused to prioritizing team growth and development. He expresses his passion for redefining the mortgage industry and providing value in his role, reflecting on his nearly 20 years of experience as a mortgage professional. Ryan's conversation with Kathryn and Michael touches on his introverted nature, the importance of a growth mindset in the housing industry, and his commitment to fostering a culture of learning and adaptability.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

    https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives

    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

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    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    32 mins
  • Ep 77: Book Club - The Let Them Theory
    Jul 16 2025

    In this episode of Building Bigger Lives, Kathryn and Michael discuss the concepts of “The Let Them Theory, ” a book by Mel Robbins, focusing on the natural human desire to control others and the challenges that arise when others resist this control. They explore how this theory applies to various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships, and how recognizing and addressing these control issues can lead to more effective communication and collaboration. The discussion highlights the importance of letting go of control and embracing different perspectives, with Kathryn sharing how she has implemented these ideas in her work and personal life.

    Building Bigger Lives Podcast-

    https://www.instagram.com/buildingbiggerlives

    Contact Coach Michael Regan-

    www.facebook.com/CoachMichaelRegan

    www.instagram.com/coachmichaelregan/

    www.linkedin.com/in/mregan/

    Contact Kathryn Pedersen-

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    26 mins