The Loan Officer Podcast

Agentic Agents & AI Tools Every Loan Officer Needs for 2026 | Ep. 594

D.O. sits down with Legendary Mortgage President Mike Fitzpatrick for an in-depth conversation about technology and AI in the mortgage industry. Fitzpatrick shares his personal career journey from humble beginnings to leading a thriving mortgage division, including the pivotal role of operational mentors, leveraging social media, and how positivity drives success.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

D.O. and Mike dive into the future of lending, highlighting the rise of agentic agents and automation, crucial advice for loan officers, and specific AI tools already transforming their business. The second half of the episode is packed with actionable insights for integrating AI, prompt engineering, creative curiosity, and embracing tech-forward practices for industry growth up to 2030.

Unleashing Your Inner Athlete: How Endurance Sports Fuel Business Success | Ep. 593

In this engaging episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with Laura Zuluaga, a dynamic Central Florida-based endurance athlete and accomplished real estate investor originally from Medellin, Colombia. Laura shares her inspiring journey from immigrant to Ironman competitor, her high-level water polo experience, and how she and her husband built a mortgage-free real estate portfolio - offering valuable lessons on financial independence and property investment. Laura also provides practical tips for making the most of corporate travel and business conferences, drawing from her expertise as a successful travel agency owner. The conversation includes actionable strategies for maximizing networking and streamlining travel, plus an exciting announcement: a mortgage industry cruise set for 2026, inviting listeners to join this unique networking event at sea.

The episode highlights Laura’s remarkable background and delivers practical advice for mortgage and real estate professionals. Dustin and Laura wrap up by discussing future podcast collaborations, promising more expert guests and insightful content. Whether you’re interested in endurance sports, real estate investing, or professional growth, this episode offers inspiration and actionable takeaways for all.

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/?utm_source=TLOP&utm_medium=Description&utm_id=YouTube

 

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

How to Thrive During Mortgage Mergers & Acquisitions | Ep. 592

D.O. sits down with Selene Kellam, COO of Lower Mortgage, for an insightful conversation on The Loan Officer Podcast. In this episode, Selene shares her unique journey from starting as a temp in the mortgage industry to becoming the CEO of Thrive Mortgage and now leading at Lower.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

She discusses navigating mergers and acquisitions, tips for thriving during major transitions, the significance of mentorship and coaching, and her vision for the future with new technology and AI in mortgage lending. This episode is packed with strategies for mortgage professionals and inspiring stories of rising through the ranks.

JC Walks Out! & 4 Ways to Make More Money in 2026 | Ep. 591

In this episode of the Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen kicks off 2026 with an exciting new format and a dynamic team lineup. Dustin introduces key team members, including marketing expert Mike Siciliano (“Marketing Mike”), who brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and branding for mortgage professionals, and producer Karina Mojica (“Special K”), whose technical expertise and creative vision help shape the show’s engaging content and seamless production. Together, the team unveils a series of innovative podcast features designed to provide even more value to listeners, such as interactive Q&A segments, deep dives into industry trends, and exclusive interviews with top-performing loan officers and industry leaders. The episode also highlights a calendar of upcoming industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities that loan officers won’t want to miss in 2026. Dustin, Mike, JC, and Karina discuss the importance of ongoing education and professional development, emphasizing how coaching and mentorship can accelerate career growth and help mortgage professionals stay ahead in a competitive market. Listeners are treated to a wealth of actionable strategies aimed at boosting income and business success as a Loan Originator in 2026. The team shares proven techniques for generating high-quality leads, improving conversion rates, and strategically targeting higher-value loan opportunities. They break down practical steps for building stronger referral networks, leveraging technology for efficiency, and enhancing client relationships to drive repeat business. Throughout the episode, the team’s camaraderie and lighthearted banter create an energetic and welcoming atmosphere. Their authentic conversations set a positive tone for the year ahead, inspiring listeners to take action and engage with the growing Top community. The episode serves as both a roadmap for success in 2026 and an invitation for mortgage professionals to connect, learn, and thrive together.

How to Build a Top Company from Scratch | Ep. 590

In this episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, D.O. sits down in Nashville with mortgage industry powerhouse Vernon Miles. Vernon shares his journey from buying his first home and getting burned by a broker, to running Milestone Mortgage Solutions, now a top competitor in the nation. They discuss the sacrifices needed to succeed, the importance of spousal support, building the right team, and striving for both personal and professional growth.

D.O. pulls out lessons on purchase vs. refi business, mentorship, recruiting philosophy, and financial literacy—ending with practical advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers trying to break into the business. Inspiring stories, actionable strategies, and a few laughs make this a must-listen episode.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

The Best Strategies for Modern Loan Originators to Succeed Today | The D.O. Show

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association’s highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry.

Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today’s fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change. A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth.

The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development.

This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Success Secrets from an In-House Loan Officer | Ep. 589

D.O. sits down with Shawn Miller, one of Florida’s most productive loan originators, with over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry and a 15-year run as an in-house lender for Keller Williams. Shawn shares insights on building successful realtor relationships, the pros and cons of being an in-house lender, and how to create systems that lead to top producer results.

Loan officer looking for a new place to call home? 👉 https://specials.lower.com/tlop

Whole Life Insurance: A Tool for Legacy or a Costly Mistake?

In this episode of "The D.O. Show," host Dustin Owen—drawing on his two decades of expertise in the financial and mortgage industries—dives deep into the often misunderstood world of insurance. With his signature "321 format," Dustin breaks down the essentials of disability, term life, and whole life insurance, making complex topics accessible for listeners at every stage of their financial journey. Dustin kicks off the episode by answering real audience questions, addressing common concerns such as: "Do I really need disability insurance if I’m young and healthy?", "How much term life coverage is enough for my family?", and "Is whole life insurance a smart investment or just a sales pitch?"

He then transitions into a discussion of recent headlines and trends in the insurance industry, highlighting regulatory changes, new product offerings, and shifts in consumer behavior that could impact listeners’ decisions. Throughout the episode, Dustin offers an in-depth perspective on whole life insurance, explaining how it differs from term life, the mechanics of cash value accumulation, and the scenarios where it might make sense—or not—for different individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the true purpose of each insurance product, dispelling myths such as "insurance is only for the wealthy" or "whole life is always a bad deal."

Dustin also shares real-life stories from his career, illustrating how proper insurance planning has protected families and individuals during unexpected life events. Importantly, Dustin stresses that insurance should be viewed as a foundational element of a sound financial plan—not as an exciting investment or a way to chase returns. He encourages listeners to approach insurance decisions thoughtfully, focusing on protecting their income, loved ones, and long-term financial stability.

By the end of the episode, listeners will have a clearer understanding of how disability, term life, and whole life insurance work, why they matter, and how to evaluate their own coverage needs. Dustin’s practical advice and candid insights empower the audience to make informed, confident decisions about their insurance, ensuring they’re prepared for whatever life may bring.

Insights on Leadership, AI Technology, and Relationship Building - Live Q&A w/Jason Purcell

In this special live episode of The Loan Officer Podcast, host Dustin Owen sits down with renowned mortgage industry leader Jason Purcell at the Central Florida Mortgage Bankers Association’s highly anticipated year-end event. Surrounded by a dynamic live audience comprised of mortgage professionals, real estate agents, and prospective homebuyers, Dustin and Jason engage in an in-depth conversation that explores the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry.

Throughout the episode, they delve into the qualities and strategies that define effective leadership in today’s fast-paced market, sharing personal experiences and actionable advice. The discussion highlights the transformative impact of technology and artificial intelligence on lending practices, underwriting, and customer service, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of the industry. They also address the challenges and opportunities presented by shifting market cycles, providing practical tips for navigating periods of uncertainty and change.

A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to the importance of coaching, mentorship, and building strong partnerships, emphasizing how collaboration and continuous learning can drive both personal and professional growth. The interactive format allows for real-time audience participation, with a lively Q&A session that brings forth practical questions and insightful answers. These exchanges offer valuable, real-world perspectives on topics such as client communication, regulatory changes, and business development.

This mastermind session, enriched by the collective wisdom of industry experts and audience members alike, serves as an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to achieve lasting success and resilience in the mortgage business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode delivers inspiration, education, and actionable takeaways to help you thrive in a competitive marketplace.

TLOP's Originator Coaching: https://tloponline.com/mlo-coaching-programs/

How Mortgage Rates REALLY Work: Inside the Secondary Market | Ep. 587

Join D.O. as he sits down with Optimal Blue executive Mike Vough to pull back the curtain on how mortgage interest rates are really set in today’s industry. This episode is a must-watch for loan originators, mortgage brokers, homebuyers, and real estate agents who want to truly understand the mysteries behind the secondary mortgage market—including rate locks, hedging, pricing engines, and the latest trends in non-QM lending.

You'll learn why rates move independently of the Fed, how lenders use hedge strategies, and get actionable insights on the future of mortgage rates. If you’re in the mortgage space and want to better advise your clients and grow your business, this is the episode for you.