The Cover Story

Hosted by National Mortgage Professional

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Jan 2026

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About the show

Listen to the cover stories from National Mortgage Professional. Hear the most compelling stories from NMP Magazine, Mortgage Banker Magazine, Mortgage Women Magazine, California Broker Magazine, Lone Star LO Magazine, and Florida Originator Magazine.

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60 recent

January 16, 202622 min

Terminator Tech

As the refinance cycle begins to stir, mortgage lenders are quietly building AI systems capable of calling borrowers, analyzing credit, and identifying refi opportunities at record speed. This cover story examines how United Wholesale Mortgage, Lendware, and frontline originators are using “Terminator tech” to defend refi recapture against servicing giants — and why industry leaders like GoRascal CEO Scott Valins warn that the real threat may not be servicers at all, but how quickly AI is learning the loan officer’s job.

December 12, 202515 min

Building Trust With Borrowers: Streetfighter vs. Digital Dreammaker

This story follows Jonathan Fry of My Community Mortgage and Daryl Lionnet of West Capital Lending, two high-producing loan officers whose paths couldn’t be more different — one powered by community, visibility, and relentless networking, and the other by digital funnels, automation, and precision follow-up. Together, they reveal how the next generation of originators is rebuilding trust with borrowers and rewriting the playbook for success in today’s market.

December 5, 202513 min

Stop, Drop, And Close

This story follows Houston firefighter and co-owner of Firehouse Mortgage, Aaron Clark, who built a thriving mortgage business by treating every loan like an emergency response. His firehouse training and service-first mindset helped him solve bottlenecks, earn client trust, and navigate two demanding careers at once. Learn how Clark chooses partners, mentors new LOs, and leverages flexibility to build a business grounded in integrity and teamwork.

November 14, 202515 min

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered

This issue highlights two mortgage pros who excel at building human connection. Jaime Rhude — a former casino worker who became a dedicated VA loan advocate — helps close communication gaps for deaf clients and veterans. Meanwhile, John Pavlakovich demonstrates how mentorship and gratitude can shape a career, and why paying it forward remains essential.

November 7, 202510 min

AI Reality Check

Everyone’s talking about AI, but few are delivering real transformation. In this story, we unpack why generic chatbots fall short in mortgage lending — and how deterministic, transactional AI is setting a new standard for compliance, accountability, and borrower experience.

October 31, 202525 min

Deal Or No Deal

Inside the mortgage industry’s new wave of broker acquisitions with Jonathan Haddad, David Lykken, Samir Dedhia, and Jamie Cavanaugh — where deals are as much about alignment and identity as they are about dollars.

September 19, 202527 min

Games Builders Play… And How To Beat Them

In today’s high-rate housing market, builders are luring buyers with rate buydowns, closing credits, and upgrade perks. The Incentive Era shows loan originators how to compete — not on flash, but on strategy, service, and long-term value.

September 12, 202529 min

The Fight Of The Century

It’s a heavyweight fight for the future of mortgage lending: Mortgage Bankers vs. Mortgage Brokers. Industry leaders Rick Roque and Jason duPont go head-to-head in the debate that could reshape the market for the next decade.

September 5, 202514 min

You Have The Right To Remain Pre-Approved

Anthony Marone clocks out of the police department at dawn and heads into the mortgage office by noon — living a double life fueled by discipline and drive. From night shifts to national awards, he’s proof that structure, hustle, and a little Jersey grit can build an empire.

August 29, 202521 min

Tech Me Home Tonight

Legacy platforms like Encompass and Calyx once ruled mortgage tech, but their reign is slipping. Tech Me Home Tonight tells the story of scrappy challengers building their own tools and redrawing the map for the entire industry.