The Padernacht Podcast

Hosted by Steven Padernacht

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Steven Padernacht delivers a weekly podcast focused, on Real Business, Real Topics, Real People and Real Estate! Come and follow the journey!

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60 recent

August 25, 2026Episode 5257 min

EP52 — Anthony Raimo: From Selling Drugs to Housing MLB Teams

Anthony Raimo sold drugs as a teenager at Fordham Prep, walked in on his uncle's overdose at age 5, and watched his grandfather die of cancer at 14. Today, at 25, he runs Trident Corporate Housing — a rental arbitrage business currently working with the Houston Astros and in talks with the New York Yankees — and Raimo Renovations, a full-scale general contracting firm. Topics covered: 0:00 — Season 2 intro and episode preview 2:28 — Who Anthony was before he became a business owner 4:04 — Where the self-development mindset actually came from 6:01 — His father, a union carpenter, and lessons learned working with his hands 8:17 — The party years: alcohol, weed, and finding control 11:21 — Give yourself grace 12:35 — Social media: the gift and the curse 13:53 — Creator or consumer: rebuilding your own algorithm 15:52 — What happened in his life to bring him here 16:43 — Death and addiction: walking in on his uncle at age five 17:23 — Watching his grandfather die of cancer at 14 17:43 — Growing up around family dysfunction and substance use 20:43 — The truth behind everyone’s highlight reel 22:18 — You never know who’s watching 22:36 — His first failed business: real estate wholesaling 24:13 — The Florida flip that went wrong: a water line nobody could find 25:20 — Going $30K into debt to learn commercial real estate 25:57 — Raising $5 million in pledges that never actually closed 26:57 — Meeting his business partner and pivoting to corporate housing 27:15 — Why traveling construction crews and sports teams, not vacation renters 28:16 — What rental arbitrage actually is 29:09 — Already working with the Astros, in talks with the Yankees 29:35 — Why “failure” might be the wrong word for any of this 32:21 — When he decided to share his trauma publicly 34:47 — Is God using him as an instrument? 36:04 — His roller-coaster relationship with faith 40:28 — When he felt furthest from God 41:47 — The moment things started to turn around 43:15 — Choice, consequence, and why it’s not God’s fault 45:33 — The one book he’d recommend: The Daily Stoic 46:49 — His biggest fear: letting himself down 47:17 — What he wishes he knew years ago: build genuine relationships 47:46 — Legacy: what he wants people to say about him 51:06 — Raimo Renovations and the roof giveaway 55:00 — How to reach Anthony Raimo Connect with Anthony: Instagram: @anthony.raimo Websites: raimorenovations.com | tridentcorporatehousing.com Book a free real estate consultation with Steven: 📞 (607) 669-3361 🌐 Visit Website 📸 Instagram: @steve_pad Support the show

August 25, 20261 hr 0 min

EP53 — Michelle Sultanaj: Flight Attendant, Belly Dancer, Tarot Reader & Death Doula in Training

In this episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven sits down with Michelle Sultanaj — known professionally as Sultana Taj — a former flight attendant turned professional belly dancer of nearly 20 years, a tarot card reader, and someone currently training to become a death doula. This one goes everywhere: from a chance encounter with a dancer on a study-abroad trip in Spain, to hustling for gigs in hookah lounges before social media existed, to a live tarot reading on camera, to an honest conversation about planning for death as an act of love for the people you leave behind. Topics covered: [9:22] How she discovered belly dancing [11:04] The greatest joy of performing [15:26] Live band vs. playlist [24:16] Her mentor Jihan and "sacred belly dance" [25:52] Hustling for gigs before social media existed [30:24] The database she's never had — and the dream that told her to build one [31:53] Steven's business lesson: building an email list from scratch [36:59] What tarot actually is (and isn't) [38:22] A live reading on the future of the podcast: the 10 of Cups [44:52] Training to become a death doula [46:15] What a death doula actually does [49:03] Steven's own ethical will [52:19] Why planning for death matters [55:53] Legacy: how she wants to be remembered Connect with Michelle (Sultana Taj): Website: sultanataj.com | Instagram: @sultanataj | Facebook: Sultanataj Belly Dancer Book a free real estate consultation with Steven: 📞 (607) 669-3361 🌐 Visit Website Support the show

July 25, 2026Episode 5056 min

#51 Michael Chernick: From Candy Bouquets to Business Development

In this episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven sits down with a friend of over 20 years Michael Chernick, Business Development Director in the energy industry. Before any of that, Michael ran a struggling candy bouquet franchise, coached high school basketball, and dabbled in vending machines and Amway — until a customer connection led him into inside sales at a family-owned heating oil company. 15 years, a company acquisition, and a full CRM rebuild later, he's telling the whole story including the real estate crossover most people never think about: buried oil tanks, ESCO scams, and what actually stalls a closing. Topics covered: [0:15] How the candy bouquet franchise started [1:52] The $1,000 magazine ad that generated 2 sales [3:23] Biggest lessons from running the candy franchise [6:00] Making the leap into inside sales [8:52] Why he hired mostly women for phone sales [11:10] Becoming the top salesperson — and the friction that came with it [14:38] Coaching new realtors: the #1 trait that matters — coachability [17:11] Self-education: books, mentors, "university on wheels" [20:20] The Magic of Thinking Big — the role of mindset [24:04] The company sale — losing 3 of 7 team members in year one [26:55] Choosing a smaller, family-owned company over more money [29:01] Building a CRM and marketing foundation from scratch [30:56] What an ESCO is and how people get bait-and-switched [36:19] Why realtors call him about buried oil tanks and biofuel [37:33] ProGuard tank insurance and $100K remediation coverage [38:56] A real $250,000 remediation story that stalled a closing [40:56] The teacher appears when the student is ready [41:56] Two types of people: excuses or making it happen [48:15] Legacy: what he wants to be remembered for [49:56] Advice to a new college grad figuring out their path Reach Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbchernick/ Book a free real estate consultation with Steven: 📞 (607) 669-3361 🌐 smprealty.com Instagram: @steve_pad Support the show

July 16, 202659 min

#50 Jessica Galeas: The Book She Waited 20 Years to Write | Tia is My Mami

In this episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven Padernacht sits down with Jessica Galeas — a Bronx-raised early childhood and special education teacher who spent 20 years carrying a story she was finally ready to tell. Her debut picture book, Tia is My Mami, is 95% autobiographical — the story of a little girl raised by her aunt after losing her mother. It's on kindergarten shelves now. And it almost never got written. Jessica talks about teaching K–2nd grade for 15+ years, what social emotional learning really means for young kids, why blended and non-traditional families rarely see themselves in children's books, and what it took to finally stop being in her own way. Topics covered: [0:08] Introducing Jessica Galeas: teacher, mother, debut author [2:48] What teaching early childhood and special ed actually looks like [4:25] Social emotional learning (SEL) — what it is and why it matters [7:03] Why SEL surged after COVID [11:02] The books kids gravitate toward and why [14:03] Parent-teacher relationships and why they matter [17:03] How much extra work goes into being a teacher [18:52] "You don't leave at 3:00. We earned those summers." [21:22] Tia is My Mami — where the title comes from [23:37] Writing about grief and loss for young children [25:01] Steven reads the book — and the page that hits different [26:18] Why she decided to put her story out into the world [27:16] Writing as therapy and healing [28:18] How she made time to write with three boys, a husband, and a 15-year career [31:21] How her boys and husband reacted to reading the finished book [35:49] What she would tell her younger, fearful self [40:25] Growing up Puerto Rican and Dominican: strength, silence, and culture [44:50] Her Tia and Abuela: the women who raised her [48:22] Giving the book to her Tia over Thanksgiving [52:08] Triple Hearts Books: why the name matters [53:22] Are more books coming? [55:34] What success looks like [51:13] Who deserves credit nobody will think of: Jose [54:17] The book description read aloud Find the book on Amazon: search "Tia is My Mami" by Jessica Galeas Instagram: @tripleheartsbooks | Email: triplehearts@gmail.com Book a free consultation with Steven 📞 (607) 669-3361 Instagram: @steve_pad Support the show

July 13, 2026Episode 491 hr 4 min

#49 9 Years, $300K Lost, No Ruling: Brooklyn Landlord on NYC Housing Court

In this episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven Padernacht sits down with Thomas — a Brooklyn landlord and engineer who has been fighting a squatter tenant in New York City housing court for nearly a decade, losing close to $300,000 in unpaid rent along the way. Disclaimer: This show is built for open conversation. The views expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Padernacht Podcast. Thomas shares exactly how the system works, why judges can't seem to make a ruling, how legal aid funded by taxpayer money is being used to stall the case, and what two simple reforms would end the majority of these housing battles overnight. A raw, honest conversation about what small landlords in New York City are actually dealing with. Topics covered: [0:08] The "8-Year Squatter" t-shirt — what it means [0:58] The tenant: no rent paid since 2019 [2:07] The math: nearly $300,000 in lost rent [2:40] How Tom is covering the bills — savings, 401k, his kids' jobs [3:08] The reality of expenses vs. profits for a small NYC landlord [4:31] Free market vs. rent-stabilized units explained [9:03] The 516-page legal document filed one week before court [13:00] Legal aid costs and who's actually paying for them [18:05] "Your tax dollars are paying to fight against you" [19:01] Five or six judges — and no ruling [24:28] How Tom bought the building in 1988 and gutted it from scratch [29:36] The political agenda behind NYC housing policy [30:36] Politicians who refused to help — and one who stepped up [34:21] How the case has affected his family, his kids' college funds, his retirement [37:44] Professional tenants — people who never intend to pay rent [44:03] Linda: the tenant Tom supported for years without charging rent [54:00] How Linda's death turned everything sideways [56:14] What Tom wants the public to understand [57:42] The two-year eviction process — how the courts stack against owners [1:00:41] Two reforms that would end 80% of housing cases Book a free real estate consultation with Steven 📞 (607) 669-3361 🌐 Visit Website Support the show

June 29, 202652 min

#48 From Fanfiction to Published Author: Robert Roche’s WWII Fiction Journey

In this episode of The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick, Steven Padernacht sits down with Robert Roche — author of a published trilogy and actor from Westchester — who built his writing career from emails to friends all the way to three novels available on Amazon. Recorded on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, this conversation weaves together Robert's love of history (both grandparents were WWII veterans), the creative journey behind his debut novel A War on Two Fronts, and his philosophy that comfort is the most toxic relationship you can have with yourself. Topics covered: [0:07] How three books started with a challenge from a friend [1:28] What fanfiction actually is — and why it's a legitimate creative training ground [10:20] Writing A War on Two Fronts — blending WWII history with original fiction [15:09] The book's symbolic double meaning: the war outside and the war within [17:05] How COVID became the turning point that finally got the book published [19:18] The trilogy universe — three standalone books with hidden Easter eggs [25:37] Fear, rejection, and why Robert keeps taking the shot anyway [34:24] Practical step-by-step advice for aspiring authors [40:37] Building a story brick by brick — and building a property the same way [41:01] Legacy: what Robert wants to be remembered for Find Robert's books on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram: @BreakingPointBook Book a free real estate consultation with Steven 📞 (607) 669-3361 🌐 Visit Website Support the show

June 23, 2026Episode 471 hr 19 min

#47 From Caddie to CRO: Sales Lessons with John Zanzarella

Welcome back to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick. In this episode, Steven Padernacht sits down with John Zanzarella, Chief Revenue Officer at Performline. John built his career from answering phones at his dad's Westchester media business as a kid, to caddying at private golf clubs, to co-founding a digital marketing agency, navigating a company acquisition by private equity, and earning his way to the C-suite — one intentional move at a time. This episode covers: • The Pinehurst golf event that launched John's entrepreneurial career • Why "your network is your net worth" — and how to put yourself in the right rooms • The intrapreneurship mindset — treating yourself like a business owner inside a company • Why AI won't take your job if you can sell • Building a financial team from scratch: planners, tax strategists, and life insurance • Parenting three kids while chasing professional goals — perfectly imperfect • The handwritten letters John's father left him — before his first job, before his sales career, and in the final months of his life "Your network is your net worth." "AI is not coming for your job — if you can sell." "My kids are my best legacy right now." Connect with John: LinkedIn — John Zanzarella ═══════════════════════════════════ Connect with Steven Padernacht: 📱 Instagram: @steve_pad 🌐 Website: smprealty.com 📞 Phone: (607) 669-3361 📧 Email: smprealty@gmail.com Book a free real estate consultation The Padernacht Real Estate Team | Keller Williams Realty NYC Group Support the show

June 11, 20261 hr 18 min

#46 Creativity, Faith & Finding Your Voice with Jeffrey Seitz | The Padernacht Podcast

Welcome back to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick. In this episode, Steven Padernacht sits down with Jeffrey Seitz — a writer, creative, and storyteller whose journey sits at the intersection of faith, discipline, brotherhood, and personal transformation. Jeffrey is currently editing his debut novel, A Dragon from Heaven — a 300+ page portal fantasy set in a world called Yondera that he began building at age 18. He holds a Master's in English from SUNY New Paltz and a Brand Storytelling certification from Cornell University, and is also working on a creative video dramatization of T.S. Eliot's The Wasteland with filmmaker Mike Press. This episode covers: • Overcoming insecurity, perfectionism, and the fear of putting your story into the world • A Dragon from Heaven — the novel, the world of Yondera, and why this project has been 15 years in the making • The Wasteland Project — how a 100-year-old poem became a deeply personal creative mission • Growing up homeschooled K–12 and what it really shaped • The ACE Summit wood-chopping moment — one of the most emotional stories ever told on this podcast • Faith as an acronym: Forsaking All, I Trust Him "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story within yourself." Follow Jeffrey on Instagram: @jseitz ═══════════════════════════════════ Connect with Steven Padernacht: 📱 Instagram: @steve_pad 🌐 Website: smprealty.com 📞 Phone: (607) 669-3361 📧 Email: smprealty@gmail.com Book a free real estate consultation: smprealty.com The Padernacht Real Estate Team | Keller Williams Realty NYC Group Support the show

June 11, 2026Episode 446 min

#45 Building Moving Elites Brick by Brick with Ozzy | The Padernacht Podcast

Welcome back to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick. In this bonus episode, Steven Padernacht sits down with Ozzy, founder of Moving Elites, for an unplanned but real conversation about growing a business in the Bronx, expanding from moving into junk removal, building a team that genuinely cares, and what real networking and community support actually looks like. This episode covers: • How Moving Elites expanded from moving into junk removal — and took off faster than expected • The challenge of scaling a business while maintaining quality and culture • Why treating your team like family is the real reason some businesses grow and others don't • The word association lesson every business owner needs to hear about staying top of mind • What real networking and warm introductions look like in the Bronx • An exclusive 15% listener discount from Moving Elites This conversation is about community, loyalty, hustle, and what it actually means to keep building brick by brick. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this story. Connect with Ozzy / Moving Elites: Website: movingelites.com Instagram: @movingelites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=795748630015251 Connect with Steven Padernacht: Instagram: @steve_pad Website: smprealty.com YouTube: Steven Padernacht #bronxrealestate #PadernachtPodcast #brickbybrick #bronxnyc #BronxBusiness #entrepreneurship #MovingElites #communitystories #networking #localbusiness #smallbusiness Support the show

May 25, 2026Episode 4356 min

#43 What to Know Before You Call a Personal Injury Attorney | Tom Stufano | Padernacht Podcast

Welcome to The Padernacht Podcast: Brick by Brick. In Episode 43, Steven Padernacht sits down with Tom Stufano — a Yonkers-born personal injury attorney and solo practitioner — for a conversation about the legal profession, what everyday people get completely wrong after an accident, and how legal knowledge can actually protect your future in business and in life. Tom shares his journey from wanting to play for the New York Mets to becoming an attorney guided by his 100-year-old grandfather's advice. He breaks down the personal injury system in plain English — no legal jargon — and delivers information that could save you thousands of dollars and protect your rights. In this episode: • What to do (and what NOT to do) immediately after a car accident • Why you should never say 'I'm sorry' at the scene of an accident • Why you should never speak to an insurance company without an attorney • The $25,000 minimum insurance problem in New York and how to protect yourself • What UM and SUM coverage is and why everyone in New York needs it • Comparative negligence — you can be partially at fault and still recover • Tom's ambitious goal: a pro bono division for the wrongfully convicted • What justice actually means — and what legacy means — to an attorney who fights for everyday people Tom Stufano is a solo practitioner who intentionally keeps his case-load small so every client gets real, personal attention. If you or someone you know has been in an accident or needs a free consultation, reach out to Tom directly. Connect with Tom Stufano: Instagram: @tstufanoesq Phone: 914-752-7746 Free consultations — you'll speak directly with Tom, not an intake specialist Connect with Steven Padernacht: Instagram: @steve_pad Website: smprealty.com YouTube: Steven Padernacht If you enjoyed this episode, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear this. #bronxrealestate #PadernachtPodcast #BrickByBrick #PersonalInjury #LegalTips #BronxNY #Yonkers #LegalAdvice #CarAccident #KnowYourRights #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneur #Law Support the show