Episodes

  • John Harrison: How to Get Off the Sidelines and Into Homeownership Now

    John Harrison: How to Get Off the Sidelines and Into Homeownership Now
    Apr 20 2026

    In a market full of fear, headlines, and high rates, this episode breaks down exactly how buyers, sellers, and agents can still win. Learn practical strategies to get into a home sooner, structure powerful buy-downs, and help the next generation achieve the American dream of homeownership.

    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and John Harrison discuss:

    • Current mortgage landscape, rates, and global events

    • Buyer misconceptions about crashes, timing, and affordability

    • First-time buyer financing tools and 100% financing programs

    • Temporary vs. permanent rate buy-downs and seller concessions

    • Helping adult children buy homes and using non-occupying co-borrowers

    Key Takeaways:

    • Waiting endlessly for a "perfect" market or another 2008-style crash can cost far more in lost appreciation than it saves in rate.

    • Creative, well-structured financing tools like state housing programs and FHA-backed products can dramatically lower the cash needed to become a homeowner.

    • Temporary buy-downs can ease buyers into payments without wasting money, especially when rates are likely to drop, and refinancing will be an option.

    • Parents can strategically support their adult children's homeownership journey through co-signing, down payment help, and smart use of FHA guidelines, without permanently tying up their own borrowing power.

    • Strong collaboration between knowledgeable lenders and proactive real estate agents is essential to prevent failed transactions and protect clients from becoming unintentionally "homeless" between homes.

    "The best time to buy is always yesterday." - John Harrison


    About the guest, John Harrison:

    Clients looking for a smart mortgage consultant and a company that really cares go to John Harrison and Guaranteed Rate Affinity for all their home financing needs. They can count on him to listen and understand their vision, and stay committed to doing what's in their best interest. John knows that every client has different financial goals, so he takes the time to understand their vision in order to recommend smart mortgage solutions. As a consultant, he is backed by a dedicated team of loan assistants, processors, underwriters, and closing specialists. He and his team consistently deliver smart choices because they're highly trained and well-versed in all aspects of the industry. To find a smart home-financing solution, give John a call today!

    Connect with John Harrison:

    Website: https://www.grarate.com/loan-officers/john-harrison-310820

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-harrison-47948524/

    Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/johnhgra/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

    Connect with Cheryl Knowlton:

    Website: www.cherylknows.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/



    Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    42 mins
  • Ginni Field: The Purpose Factor Behind Top 1% Real Estate Success

    Ginni Field: The Purpose Factor Behind Top 1% Real Estate Success
    Apr 17 2026
    Unlock what truly separates top performers from everyone else: in this episode, you'll discover how deeply understanding your purpose can transform your real estate business, your leadership, and your long-term success. Cheryl and elite performance strategist Ginni Field break down the mindset, business fundamentals, and "Purpose Factor" framework that help agents and leaders thrive in any market. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Ginni Field discuss: Early journey into real estate and building a business from scratch Treating real estate as a true business (numbers, profit, planning) Leadership, brokerage management, and accountability The Purpose Factor assessment and understanding personal purpose Connecting purpose, fulfillment, and high performance in work and life Key Takeaways: Long-term success in real estate comes from treating it as a real business, with clear plans, consistent work habits, and an owner's mindset. Many professionals struggle because they lack basic business literacy—such as understanding expenses, overhead, and profitability—and this gap isn't filled in traditional pre-licensing education. Clarity on personal purpose, strengths, and fulfillment drivers can transform how someone chooses roles, leads others, and measures success. When people operate out of alignment with their true purpose, they often feel stuck, underutilized, or frustrated, even if they appear successful from the outside. Tools like the Purpose Factor assessment can catalyze courageous change—helping individuals and organizations realign roles, leadership, and culture so both people and businesses can thrive. "I have corporate clients, real estate brokerages, who don't know how to run a company, who hire me to teach them. When I finally teach them how to look at their numbers, there are questions like, well, what's a general ledger?" - Ginni Field About the guest, Ginni Field: With more than four decades in business leadership, management, consulting, and coaching, Ginni Field helps small companies clarify direction, strengthen systems, and build leaders who know how to execute. After years in corporate real estate leadership, Ginni transitioned into strategic consulting, working with companies of all sizes to strengthen recruiting, profitability, and operational structure. She partners with company leaders and managers, and team members to clarify goals, implement measurable systems, improve financial performance, and build structure into daily operations. Her focus is simple: align leadership actions with business objectives to create sustainable growth. Ginni designs and implements performance-based training programs for leadership and teams, aligning development, standards, and measurable results. Connect with Ginni Field: Website: https://www.ginnifield.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginni-field-3b45527 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinniFieldTrainingAndConsulting Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginnif/ YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ginnif1950 Email: ginni@ginnifield.com Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    35 mins
  • Wayne Levinson: AI, Tax Appeals, and Trust: What Modern Agents Really Do

    Wayne Levinson: AI, Tax Appeals, and Trust: What Modern Agents Really Do
    Apr 10 2026
    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Wayne Levinson discuss: Wayne's unconventional path into real estate and investing Using AI to streamline property tax appeals Challenges of Utah's non-disclosure status and mass appraisal system Practical ways agents can leverage AI in daily workflows Redefining the agent's role around trust, service, and "magical" client experiences Key Takeaways: Wayne's commitment to buy out his employees' homes could have ruined him, yet careful contract planning turned that risk into the launchpad for a 68‑property portfolio—showing that courage backed by strategy can create massive upside. When you operate from "win–win–win or no deal," you filter out bad business, attract better clients, and build a reputation that compounds far beyond any single commission check. The real power is in handing repetitive workflows to machines like AI, so you can spend your human energy on judgment, relationships, and strategy. By digging into Utah's non‑disclosure rules and mass appraisal flaws, Wayne shows that specialists who master the hidden mechanics of taxes, law, or policy create value others can't touch. The most memorable "real estate work" often isn't about houses at all; it's about solving human problems so completely that clients never question who to call next time. "Utah sets its residents up for failure when it comes to their taxes, because Utah, being a non-disclosure state, is almost impossible for any consumer to access the information that they need in order to make a solid argument that they're being overcharged for taxes." - Wayne Levinson About the guest, Wayne Levinson: Wayne Levinson is a multidisciplinary entrepreneur, licensed REALTOR®, real estate investor, and logistics executive whose career spans real estate, supply chain analytics, transportation brokerage, and investment advisory. Based in Park City, Utah, Wayne operates at the intersection of data-driven analysis, lifestyle-oriented real estate strategy, and complex market negotiation. Wayne began his professional career in logistics and supply chain management, where he developed a deep expertise in transportation economics, risk management, and operational optimization. In December 2011, he founded Bulk FR8 LLC, a national freight brokerage specializing in liquid and dry bulk transportation. As Founder and President, Wayne has overseen brokerage operations across North America, working with industrial shippers, carriers, and compliance-sensitive freight environments. In parallel with building Bulk FR8, Wayne expanded into real estate investing, completing over 100 transactions across multiple Midwestern and Pacific Northwest markets, including Washington, Indiana, and Illinois. His experience includes long-term rental portfolios, value-add acquisitions, and renovation-focused projects, giving him direct operator-level insight into asset performance, cash flow, and risk across market cycles. Connect with Wayne Levinson: Website: https://www.waynelevinson.com/#hero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynelevinson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waynelevinson/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    37 mins
  • Sean Carpenter: Build Relationships, Solve Problems, Have Fun

    Sean Carpenter: Build Relationships, Solve Problems, Have Fun
    Apr 3 2026

    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Sean Carpenter discuss:

    • Relationship-based real estate

    • Prioritization and daily habits

    • Database and sphere of influence

    • The 4H Club follow-up system

    • Consistent business development (conversations and appointments)

    Key Takeaways:

    • Relationship-first businesses require intentionally making relationship-building your daily work, not treating it as an afterthought.

    • The real power of a database comes from depth, not size, because when you know people's families, pets, schools, careers, and interests, you suddenly have dozens of natural, non-real-estate reasons to reach out and stay top of mind.

    • Top connectors don't just make to-do lists; they prioritize the tasks that move them closer to a closing and tackle those first.

    • Sean's "4H Club" (handwritten notes, hot sheet touches, happy birthdays, and high fives on social and text) turns vague "stay in touch" advice into a concrete, repeatable daily system, and by planting small seeds with 40+ people every morning, he creates a steady future pipeline instead of waiting for random luck.

    • Conversations and appointments are the true drivers of a real estate business, while most "busy work" lives in the support category.

    "My philosophy of business is, build relationships, solve problems, have fun." - Sean Carpenter

    About the guest, Sean Carpenter:

    Originally licensed as a REALTOR® in 1998, Sean Carpenter is the former Agent Development Director for the Ohio NRT companies. He jumped back into a sales role with Coldwell Banker, serving buyers and sellers throughout Central Ohio. He founded Sean Speaks in 2018 to expand his speaking, consulting, and facilitation opportunities. His most popular sessions focus on creating memorable customer experiences, maximizing social and digital media, as well as business planning, leadership, and sales.

    Previously recognized by Inman News as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Leaders in Real Estate, Sean was named as one of the "Top 20 Most Influential People in Social Media for the real estate industry" by The Swanepoel Report for the third year in a row. Sean is a former recipient of the Joseph McKinnon Award from the Columbus Realtors, given annually to the Instructor of the Year.

    CONNECT WITH SEAN:

    Website: https://www.carpscorner.net/sean-speaks/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancarp/

    Company: https://www.coldwellbanker.com/

    CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

    Website: www.cherylknows.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    37 mins
  • Jason Hewlett, CSP, CPAE: Promises, Politics, and the Price of Taking a Stand

    Jason Hewlett, CSP, CPAE: Promises, Politics, and the Price of Taking a Stand
    Mar 30 2026
    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Jason Hewlett discuss: Career pivot to Cardio Miracle leadership Building a promise‑driven company culture High‑profile tour with Tucker Carlson and Trump Backlash, cancellation, and political stance Voice, promises, and the modern hero's journey Key Takeaways: Jason's shift from solo performer and mentor to president of Cardio Miracle shows how transferable leadership, coaching, and "signature moves" can be inside a rapidly growing family business. The Cardio Miracle story highlights both a mission and a model: a health supplement focused on nitric oxide, cardiovascular wellness, and an affiliate structure that rewards people for sharing something they believe helps others. Jason's involvement in the Tucker Carlson Live tour—and eventually opening for Donald Trump—illustrates how a single opportunity can massively increase exposure while simultaneously detonating existing perceptions and relationships Jason lost gigs, referrals, and even support within the speaking industry for aligning himself politically. Both Jason and Cheryl keep returning to "promise" and "voice" as guiding ideas—keeping promises to oneself, standing for something, and refusing to stay silent out of fear, and their stories frame disagreement not as a reason to end relationships, but as a call to listen deeply, seek compromise, and still love people who vote, pray, or live differently. "I would love to say that it exploded my career, and I have all these opportunities, and I made all this money… I didn't make one cent for any appearance." -Jason Hewlett Episode References: Jason Hewlett: Getting Started in Speaking - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/jason-hewlett-getting-started-in-speaking/id1574240679?i=1000659008080 About the guest, Jason Hewlett: Jason Hewlett, a renowned CSP and CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame inductee, is a sought-after keynote speaker for top global corporate events, delivering his transformative message, "The Promise." With a focus on the ICM Process (Identify * Clarify * Magnify), he guides audiences through profound mindset shifts in leadership, sales, teamwork, and engagement. Beyond the stage, Jason, a family man and father of four, shares his insights and humor through blogs, videos, and live performances. As a Stage and Performance Coach, Jason elevates C-Level executives' conference presentations, ensuring they shine on stage, captivating their audiences with newfound confidence and charisma. CONNECT WITH JASON: Website: https://jasonhewlett.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXOMJ4Kwl1b3c7ij8Y5FNng Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonhewlettentertainer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhewlett/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonhewlett/ X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/jasonhewlett CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Brandon Cobb: From Medical Sales to Seven-Figure Land Development

    Brandon Cobb: From Medical Sales to Seven-Figure Land Development
    Mar 20 2026
    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Brandon Cobb discuss: How getting unexpectedly fired from medical device sales pushed Brandon into entrepreneurship and real estate The progression from flipping houses to new construction and ultimately large-scale land development Brandon's biggest land development mistakes, including a seven-figure loss and buying land before approvals A practical, high-level walkthrough of how raw land becomes an entitled, buildable community Why mindset, documentation of failures, and strategic relationships are non-negotiable for long-term success Key Takeaways: Career-ending moments—like Brandon being abruptly fired from his "dream" medical device job—can become the catalyst for more aligned, lucrative paths when you're willing to reassess your identity and take calculated risks. Brandon's journey from selling his retirement accounts to fund a first flip, to doing 35–40 flips a year, to building and then entitling land, shows how following the profit and "lightbulb moments" can naturally lead you into higher-value segments of real estate. One of Brandon's most painful lessons was breaking the "golden rule" of development—never buy the land before you have all approvals in place—resulting in a seven-figure loss that now anchors his teaching to students. Systematically documenting failures through project post-mortems and revisiting those lessons on every new deal helps prevent repeating mistakes and forges operators who can survive market shocks, rate hikes, and downturns. In land development, relationships and mindset are just as critical as technical knowledge: building with the end buyer in mind, aligning with city vision, cultivating strategic partners, and refusing to quit are what ultimately separate successful developers from those who burn out or give up. "The real key to being a successful entrepreneur, from what I've seen in my own experience, is you just never quit. You have to continue to stay in the game. And by default, if you stay in the game, you will win." - Brandon Cobb Want to learn the land development process step-by-step? Grab Brandon's free Land Development 101 course at LearnLandDevelopment.com and start understanding how to find, evaluate, and structure your first land deal. Links & Resources: Investor Waitlist: https://hbgcapital.net/waitlist Free eBook – "100 Questions Business Owners Ask Before Investing": https://hbgcapital.net About the guest, Brandon Cobb: Brandon Cobb is the founder of HBG Capital and a land development expert who oversees more than $22 million in annual projects. A former medical device sales representative, Brandon turned a career setback into an opportunity to build a thriving business in land development. He is known for his focus on mindset, strategic partnerships, and learning from failure, as well as his disciplined approach to due diligence—securing approvals and aligning projects with city plans before acquisition. Brandon is also the creator of the free course Learn Land Development, where he shares practical guidance for aspiring developers, and is passionate about helping others succeed through education, networking, and community. Connect with Brandon Cobb: Website: http://www.hbgcapital.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbgcapital/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hbgcapital CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Arlou Argoncillo Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    36 mins
  • Pamela Love: Hustle, Burnout, and the Cost of Being Always On

    Pamela Love: Hustle, Burnout, and the Cost of Being Always On
    Mar 13 2026
    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Pamela Love discuss: Building a real estate career while raising children as a single mother The hidden dangers of constant hustle in the real estate industry Recognizing early warning signs of nervous system burnout Pamela's personal journey through severe burnout and long-term recovery How families can support loved ones navigating addiction and recovery Key Takeaways: High-performing professionals often normalize constant stress and overwork, especially in industries like real estate, where responsiveness is expected around the clock. Over time, failing to rest and regulate the nervous system can silently push the body toward burnout and collapse. Burnout rarely happens suddenly; the body often sends early warning signals such as irritability, brain fog, and physical tension. Ignoring these signs is similar to ignoring a vehicle's dashboard warning lights until the engine finally stops running. Pamela's experience demonstrates the extreme impact of nervous system burnout, including losing the ability to recall simple words and needing years to recover. Her story highlights why prevention and early awareness are critical for professionals working in high-stress environments. Addiction not only affects the individual struggling with substance use; it deeply impacts the entire family system. When families understand the dynamics of enabling, boundaries, and recovery support, they can play a powerful role in helping their loved one move toward healing. Recovery, whether from burnout or addiction, is not a quick fix but a long-term process that requires education, accountability, and consistent support structures. True healing happens when both individuals and families commit to understanding the underlying issues and creating healthier systems. "If I can take away the fear of what it, how it creates such chaos, and breaks down families, then, then education is power." - Pamela Love About the guest, Pamela Love: Pamela Love is a transformational coach, inspirational creator, and the founder and CEO of The Love Frequency, a platform dedicated to helping people cultivate self‑love, resilience, and emotional well‑being. Based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Pamela blends coaching, creative storytelling, and spiritual insight to guide working adults through the challenges of burnout and inner disconnection. At The Love Frequency, she produces content—including a podcast and literature—designed to inspire healing and personal growth, inviting her audience to explore a deeper relationship with themselves and others. Pamela's work centers on the idea that emotional transformation begins with self‑awareness, compassion, and daily practices that raise one's energetic and emotional "frequency." Through her coaching and creative projects, she encourages listeners and readers to tune into love, resilience, and authentic living as pathways to greater fulfillment. Connect with Pamela Love: Website: https://thelovefrequency.me/ & https://thelovefrequency.me/social Facebook: https://facebook.com/CoachPamelaLove Instagram: https://instagram.com/coachpamelalove YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachPamelaLove Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/CoachPamelaLoveOfficial/?actingBusinessId=667166269707166788 Email: yes@thelovefrequency.me CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    31 mins
  • Clay Johnson: From Myths to Mortgages: Buy Now Before You're 'Ready'

    Clay Johnson: From Myths to Mortgages: Buy Now Before You're 'Ready'
    Feb 27 2026

    In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Clay Johnson discuss:

    • "Invisible buyers" and down payment myths

    • Alternative income documentation for self‑employed borrowers

    • Specialized loan programs for medical and other high-skill professionals

    • DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans for investors

    • Risk of wire fraud in real estate transactions

    Key Takeaways:

    • Many "invisible buyers" are actually qualified or close to qualified but self-disqualify because they assume they need 15–20% down or perfect, W‑2 style income, and modern lending programs allow for low or even no down payment in certain cases, especially for first-time buyers and specific professions.

    • Self-employed and entrepreneurial borrowers can leverage 12‑month bank statement loans where income is based on actual cash-flow deposits instead of tax returns.

    • Specialized programs exist for medical professionals, particularly doctors, dentists, and nurse anesthetists, that can go up to about $2M with no down payment.

    • DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans let investors qualify primarily on the property's rental income rather than their personal debt-to-income ratios, and if the projected or actual rent covers roughly the mortgage payment (often even at less than a 1:1 ratio), investors can acquire properties without traditional income documentation hurdles.

    • Working with a true mortgage specialist (not just a generic bank or credit union) is critical, because many of these creative options aren't widely offered or understood.

    "They think you have to have this big down payment, so they're just sitting on the sidelines while home values continue to go up… and they're losing out on that phenomenal investment opportunity."

    -Clay Johnson


    About the guest, Clay Johnson:

    Clients looking for a smart mortgage consultant and a company that really cares go to Clay Johnson and Guaranteed Rate Affinity for all their home financing needs. They can count on him to listen and understand their vision, and stay committed to doing what's in their best interest. Clay knows that every client has different financial goals, so he takes the time to understand their vision to recommend smart mortgage solutions. As a consultant, he is backed by a dedicated team of loan assistants, processors, underwriters, and closing specialists. He and his team consistently deliver smart choices because they're highly trained and well-versed in all aspects of the industry. To find a smart home-financing solution, give Clay a call today!

    Connect with Clay Johnson:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clay-johnson-a899989a/

    Website: https://www.grarate.com/loan-officers/clay-johnson-33422

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayJ.GRA/

    CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

    Website: www.cherylknows.com

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez


    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    27 mins