Coffee and Questions - Instagram, Realtors, Loan Officers

Hosted by Michelle Berman - Mikel

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Jun 2026

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Michelle Berman-Mikel, who brought you Beyond The Method™️ brings you the podcast all about Instagram, Realtors and Loan Officers! Coffee and Questions, with Michelle Berman-Mikel!

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60 recent

June 12, 202644 min

Episode 88: AI, Authenticity, and Building a Brand That Sounds Like You w/ Katie Shive

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with one of my favorite people in the industry, Katie Shive—Founder of KS Marketing, brand strategist, AI expert, and someone who has become a trusted friend over the years.With AI becoming more prevalent in business, marketing, and content creation, Katie and I tackle an important question: How do we leverage AI without losing the very thing that makes us unique?One of the most powerful moments in our conversation centers around the idea that information is no longer a competitive advantage—human connection is. Katie shares why so many professionals are struggling to stand out online and how the answer isn't creating more content, but creating content that actually sounds, feels, and connects like YOU.We also dive into the dangers of outsourcing your voice, the importance of understanding your personal brand before implementing AI tools, and why relationships remain the foundation of successful prospecting regardless of how technology evolves.This episode is a reminder that AI should be a tool that amplifies who you are—not a replacement for the person behind the business.Connect with KatieWebsite: https://katieshive.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieshive/Instagram: @katieshiveConnect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram: @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

February 13, 202648 min

Episode 87: Female business ownership in the mortgage world w/ Claire Barber

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Claire Barber, Founder and Managing Attorney of Barber Law, for a heartfelt and deeply honest conversation about female leadership—and what that journey has looked like for both of us in the mortgage space.One of the standout moments is our discussion around delegation. As founders and creators, letting go of the “sales” role can feel especially challenging when you are the face of the company. Claire shares how she navigated that transition, and together we unpack how delegation ultimately became a catalyst for smarter prospecting, sustainable growth, and true leadership evolution.This episode is a powerful reminder that relationships will always reign supreme—and that how we leverage them in our prospecting is critical to building companies that actually last.Connect with ClaireLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-barber-32a3a399/Website: https://www.barberlawpllc.comConnect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

January 2, 202639 min

Episode 86: What Storytelling On Social Does For Your Prospecting w/Corrina Carter

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, I sit down with Corrina Carter, founder of CMS Mortgage, for an honest conversation about leadership, storytelling, and showing up authentically in business. We reflect on year-end goals, scaling impact, and the intentional planning behind serving over 1,800 families this year.We also talk candidly about leadership under pressure, including navigating unexpected moments and trusting preparation and support when things don’t go as planned. Corrina shares how she uses storytelling—supported by AI tools without losing her voice—to build deeper connection, strengthen team culture, and create inbound opportunities without chasing attention.This episode is a reminder that relatability, consistency, and trust are still the strongest drivers of growth—both online and inside your organization.Connect with CorrinaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/corrina.carter.75Website: https://corrinacarter.com Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

December 5, 202558 min

Episode 85: Reactive vs. Proactive A.I use on Social w/Melissa Langdale

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, we dive into the real role AI should be playing in today’s sales and social prospecting landscape. In this episode I get to sit down with Melissa Langdale, a woman I have long admired in the mortgage space as being a woman of movement who truly gets her audience, gets it done, and it was an honor to have her on!Instead of viewing AI as a replacement for human effort, we break down how it should function as a tool—especially for research, content ideation, and even practicing sales conversations—while drawing a hard line at using it for outbound prospecting, where automation can quickly erode trust.We explore why authentic connection is still the ultimate differentiator in a noisy, increasingly automated world. Personal outreach, real conversations, and genuine follow-through are what build long-term trust—and they’re exactly what AI can’t replicate. The episode also highlights the importance of training your AI tools the same way you would a human assistant: feeding it your voice, your data, and your context to get output that moves the needle.Connect with MelissaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-langdale/Website: https://www.praxislendingsolutions.com/ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com 

November 28, 202541 min

Episode 84: Boundaries as a business strategy w/Austin Linney

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, we dig into a powerful conversation with business consultant and master networker Austin Linney about redefining your business, setting real boundaries, and elevating the way we prospect in today’s market.We talk openly about what it looks like to rebuild your identity after years of helping everyone else build theirs, and why establishing true personal and professional boundaries becomes the turning point for creating clarity and momentum. Instead of relying on passive referrals or outdated habits, we’re choosing a far more intentional, relationship-driven approach.We break down exactly how we’re prospecting right now — networking upstream, leveraging reputation, following up with discipline, and creating genuine human connection instead of chasing algorithms or noise. It’s the same “back to basics” commitment we both share: execution over ego.A big takeaway from this episode is how this shift toward clarity, consistency, and intentional outreach is strengthening results across the board. Instead of spraying effort everywhere, we focus on targeted, personal conversations that actually move our businesses forward.Connect with Austin:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austin_linney/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-linney-9576b6181/ Website: https://www.austinlinney.com/ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

September 12, 202543 min

Episode 83: What does prospecting look like for an in person event w/Don Goettling & Gino Fronti

In this episode of the Coffee & Questions podcast, Don & Gino share how they’re approaching marketing for their upcoming in-person event, highlighting a deliberate shift away from relying on Facebook ads — a first for them. Instead, they emphasize the power of organic prospecting and relationship-driven strategies to fill the room.They discuss the tactical ways they’re prospecting, from leveraging their existing networks and past attendees to tapping into referral partners and personal outreach. The conversation underscores the value of consistency, authenticity, and direct connection as alternatives to paid advertising.A big takeaway is that this approach has actually strengthened their event promotion, allowing them to create more meaningful engagement with potential attendees. It’s less about broad paid reach and more about targeted, personal conversations that drive higher quality participation.Connect with Don & Gino:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dongoettling24/ , https://www.instagram.com/ginofronti/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-goettling-8ba05a50/ , https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginofronti/Sales Mastery Event: https://www.salesmasteryevent.com/ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

September 5, 202553 min

Episode 82: Breaking Free from the Someday Trap w/Jerrid Sebesta

In this episode of the Coffee and Questions podcast, host Michelle Berman-Mikel interviews Jerrid Sebesta, a former weatherman turned breakthrough maker. They discuss Jerrid's journey from television to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of alignment, overcoming the 'someday trap', and the role of fear in personal growth. Jerrid shares insights on surrendering to faith in business, the significance of authenticity in building connections, and the balance between inner work and strategic action. The conversation culminates in Jerrid's announcement of an upcoming live event aimed at helping others find their breakthrough.Connect with Jerrid:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerridsebesta/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerridsebesta/ The Breakthrough Effect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-breakthrough-effect/id1807211899   Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/ Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQNeed a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

August 8, 202535 min

Episode 81: The Power of Social Media for member engagement w/Ashley Inman of the MBA

In this episode of the Coffee and Questions podcast, Michelle Berman-Mikel interviews Ashley Inman, the Director of Member Relations at MBA. They discuss the importance of social media in building relationships within the mortgage industry, particularly the often-overlooked role of processors in the loan process. Ashley shares her journey in the industry, the significance of transparency and authenticity on social media, and how MBA engages with its members to provide value and foster connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for all team members, not just loan officers, to be visible and engaged on social platforms to enhance member retention and satisfaction. Connect with Ashley:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyinman92/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyeinman/Website Links: https://www.mba.org/ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

August 1, 202549 min

Episode 80: Where does A.I belong in prospecting w/ Jake Vermillion

We all know this business is built on relationships. But with so much emerging tech and shiny new tools, how do we make sure the human part doesn’t get lost?In this episode, I had the chance to sit down with someone who genuinely feels like a mogul—Jake Vermillion. He’s sharp, forward-thinking, and we unpacked some powerful conversations: Are we automating ourselves out of real connection? How should AI be used in prospecting? And what’s behind the growing lack of intentionality in the space?If delivering a powerful, thoughtful consumer experience actually matters to you—this episode is full of gut checks that might just make you pause and rethink your approach. Connect with Jake: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakebvermillion/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakevermillion/Website Links: https://mortgagechampions.com/ Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com

July 18, 202544 min

Episode 79: w/ Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco

Marketing is senior to sales  Transactional versus transformational business  If you are just selling all the time, you are going to be transactional and then they w Connect with Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikeycroc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-ciorrocco/That 1 Agency Website: https://that1agency.com Connect with Michelle:Website: https://bermanmediapd.com/Instagram @BermanMediaSocialYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTgG-BvwWOQ_jEYDZ-gKVxQ Need a Dynamic Speaker for an Event or Group? Duh...Me!Email: Michelle@bermanmediapd.com