The Spiro Podcast: Managing your Real Estate Photography & Videography Business

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100

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Spiro Podcast covers the business of Real Estate Media. There’s a large volume of fantastic information on the creative aspect of the Real Estate Media Industry, but not as much on how to run the business side of a real estate media company. We’re here to help you grow and manage the business side of your business!

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June 10, 2026Episode 17346 min

Don't Lose the Human Touch: What A.I. Can't Replace

What happens when your systems get better—but your client experience gets colder? In this episode, Craig and Shannon explore how to simplify your business without removing the human element that keeps clients connected. Using ideas from The Human Element and the famous instant cake mix “add an egg” story, they break down why people resist change, why clients still need to feel involved, and how better communication can make new systems easier to accept. Relevant Links: Spiro: https://www.spiro.media/ Contact Spiro: hello@spiro.media The Human Element: Overcoming the Resistance That Awaits New Ideas: https://www.humanelementbook.com/ Spiro Super User Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spirosuperusers/ Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Cold Open – Why Agents Stick with What They Know 0:49 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 1:24 Craig and Shannon Introduce the Episode 2:03 Spiro Updates: API Beta Testing and @Mentions 7:49 Automation and the Human Element 9:46 The Four Types of Friction That Create Resistance 15:12 The Instant Cake Mix Story: Why You Still Need to “Add an Egg” 18:29 Where Automation Helps—and Where Agents Need Input 23:08 Don’t Use Automation to Disappear from the Relationship 25:32 Forced Change, Self-Service, and Customer Friction 31:48 Guiding Clients Through New Systems and Technology 34:38 Why Technology Shouldn’t Replace Human Relationships 36:01 Personal Follow-Up, Thank-You Notes, and Client Appreciation 41:31 Final Takeaway: Let Systems Simplify, Not Replace 44:20 Episode Wrap-Up

June 3, 2026Episode 17256 min

Using Video to Build Brands, Not Just Listings - James Bottomley

Todd and Shannon welcome James Bottomley of Haven Creatives to the Spiro Podcast for a conversation about creating more intentional, effective real estate video content. James shares how he got started in real estate media as a teenager, how Haven Creatives grew into a luxury real estate media agency, and why great video is not just about gear or flashy visuals. The heart of the episode is James’ approach to building video content around a clear purpose. He explains why agents often try to make one video do too many things at once — sell the listing, grow their brand, generate leads, and get views — and why that usually weakens the result. James breaks down how media companies can think through awareness, education, and conversion content, while also helping agents build stronger personal brands through intentional, authentic content. The conversation also touches on content strategy, filming average homes well, brand development, AI, and the future of real estate video. Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://repplaunch.com/repp2026 James Bottomley on YouTube: https://www.instagram.com/thejamesbottomley_/ Haven Creatives on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haven.creatives/ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Intro 0:47 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 1:27 REPP Reminder, Spiro Updates, and Introducing James Bottomley 4:55 James’ Start in Real Estate Media 7:40 Haven Creatives, Luxury Video, and Why Gear Isn’t the Point 11:46 Helping Agents Understand the Purpose of Video 14:04 Awareness, Consideration, and Conversion Content 20:34 What Listing Content Looks Like at Each Stage 25:53 MLS Videos, Social Videos, and Filming Average Homes Well 31:45 Using Video to Build an Agent’s Brand 42:16 James’ Brand Development Framework 49:16 Staying Creative, AI, and the Future of Real Estate Media 55:30 Episode Wrap-Up

May 27, 2026Episode 17150 min

No Filter: 20 Questions We Probably Shouldn't Answer (Let alone ask)

Episode Summary What happens when Todd and Craig throw out the script and answer the kinds of questions that usually stay behind the scenes? In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, the conversation gets more candid, personal, and unpredictable as they work through a mix of business, industry, mindset, and opinion-based questions. From entrepreneurship and client relationships to burnout, growth, mistakes, and hot takes within the real estate media world, this episode offers a more relaxed and unfiltered look at the people behind the business. Some answers are practical, some are funny, and some probably shouldn’t have been said out loud. Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:15 Question #1 – Biggest Early Business Mistake? 3:40 Question #2 – What’s Harder Than People Think? 5:55 Question #3 – Most Common Cause of Burnout? 8:20 Question #4 – Biggest Waste of Time for Media Pros? 10:50 Question #5 – When Should You Raise Prices? 13:15 Question #6 – Biggest Client Red Flag? 15:45 Question #7 – What Do Clients Actually Value Most? 18:20 Question #8 – Best Way to Stand Out? 20:50 Question #9 – Biggest Team Mistake? 23:15 Question #10 – What Should People Stop Overcomplicating? 25:35 Question #11 – Thoughts on Social Media Consistency? 28:00 Question #12 – What Helps Build Long-Term Clients? 30:25 Question #13 – Biggest Industry Frustration? 32:50 Question #14 – Most Underrated Skill? 35:15 Question #15 – Best Investment You Made in Business? 37:40 Question #16 – Something You Changed Your Mind About? 40:05 Question #17 – What Holds Most Businesses Back? 42:35 Question #18 – Advice for New Media Pros? 45:10 Question #19 – Biggest Opportunity Right Now? 47:45 Question #20 – Final Hot Take 50:15 Episode Wrap-Up

May 20, 2026Episode 17044 min

Why Agents Breakup With You - Heather Haase

Todd and Craig welcome Heather Haas, realtor, speaker, influencer, and keynote speaker from Spiro Sync 2026, to the Spiro Podcast. Heather shares how networking, intentional relationships, and authentic content creation helped grow her business and personal brand. The conversation dives into social media, mindset, mindfulness, branding, and why trying to “be yourself” online is often the most effective marketing strategy. Heather also talks about speaking, creating meaningful connections at events, and helping people simplify systems so business growth feels more natural and sustainable. Relevant Links Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media Repp 2026: https://repplaunch.com/repp2026 Chapter Timestamps 0:37 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 1:15 REPP 2026 Announcement 3:15 Spiro Updates: Internal Mentions 4:36 Introducing Heather Haas 5:35 Heather’s Background and Speaking Journey 7:40 Social Media, Branding, and Being Yourself 9:00 Understanding the Realtor/Affiliate Relationship 14:00 Solve the Realtor’s Actual Problem 16:25 Creative Ways to Celebrate Your Best Clients 20:00 Why Realtors “Break Up” with Vendors 24:00 Empathy, Boundaries, and Red Flags 26:10 Questions Media Pros Should Ask Realtors 28:15 The Dating, Honeymoon, and Seven-Year Itch Analogy 30:00 AI, Content Days, and Staying Relevant 33:45 Becoming More Than Just a Photographer 36:45 Getting in the Room with Realtors 38:15 Using YPN and Realtor Events to Build Relationships 40:20 Referrals, Social Presence, and Office Influencers 42:30 How to Reach Heather 44:00 Final Takeaways

May 13, 2026Episode 16952 min

Supercharge Your Business with VAs

At some point, doing everything yourself becomes the bottleneck. In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Todd and Craig dive into how virtual assistants can help real estate media businesses create more consistency, free up time, and scale more effectively. From editing workflows and admin tasks to communication and client experience, they break down where VAs can provide the biggest impact and how to successfully integrate them into your business. The conversation also covers delegation, training, and the mindset shift required to stop trying to control every detail yourself. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by day-to-day operations, this episode will help you understand how the right support can supercharge your business. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:10 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 2:35 Spiro Updates 5:20 Why VAs Are a Game Changer 11:10 Tasks You Should Stop Doing Yourself 18:45 Hiring the Right VA 26:20 Training, Communication, and Expectations 34:05 Delegation and Letting Go of Control 41:50 Building Systems Around Your Team 49:30 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media

May 6, 2026Episode 16853 min

The Compliance Side of Real Estate Media No One Warned You About

Compliance can feel intimidating—but understanding it is becoming more important than ever for both agents and media companies. In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Shannon Landers and Steve break down the major compliance topics that impact real estate media businesses today. From fair housing and MLS rules to branding, drone regulations, and the growing role AI plays in marketing content, they discuss practical ways media professionals can protect themselves while helping agents stay compliant. The conversation also explores why being “compliance aware” can actually become a competitive advantage and help build stronger relationships with brokerages and clients. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:10 Shannon Introduces Steve & the Topic 4:05 Why Compliance Matters in Real Estate Media 8:00 The Risks of Ignoring Compliance 13:40 The Four Buckets of Compliance 14:00 Fair Housing Rules & Common Mistakes 18:40 Marketing Language & Compliance Awareness 23:45 MLS Rules, Branding, and Media Restrictions 27:20 Drone Regulations & Part 107 Requirements 34:10 AI, Editing, and Emerging Compliance Concerns 41:50 Best Practices for Media Companies 48:30 Final Thoughts & Why Compliance Awareness Matters Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media

April 29, 2026Episode 16749 min

Top Things to Remember During Busy Season

Busy season can be a great problem to have—but it also brings pressure, stress, and easy mistakes. In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Shannon, Todd, and Craig break down the key things to keep in mind when business ramps up. From managing stress and leaning on your team to maintaining clear communication and not neglecting client acquisition, they walk through practical reminders that help you stay grounded and operate effectively. They also touch on making smart financial decisions during high-revenue periods and learning to let go of control so your team can step up. If you’re in the middle of a busy stretch—or preparing for one—this episode will help you handle it the right way. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:05 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 2:30 Spiro Updates 5:10 Pt. 1 – Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself 10:20 Pt. 2 – You Have a Team—Use Them 18:40 Pt. 3 – Closed Loop Communication 26:15 Pt. 4 – Don’t Forget Client Acquisition 34:05 Pt. 5 – Be Smart with Money During Busy Season 41:50 Pt. 6 – Let Go of Control to Grow 50:30 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Relevant Links Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media

April 22, 2026Episode 16652 min

Overcoming Objections: Turning a "No" Into Next Steps

Objections are part of every sales conversation, but how you handle them can make or break your business. In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Todd and Craig break down the most common objections real estate media professionals face and how to respond to them with confidence. From pricing pushback to hesitation around value, they share practical ways to reframe conversations, build trust, and position your services more effectively. If you’ve ever felt caught off guard or unsure what to say in the moment, this episode will give you a clearer path forward. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:05 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 2:30 Spiro Updates 5:10 Why Objections Happen 10:40 The Most Common Client Objections 18:20 Handling Pricing Pushback 26:05 Communicating Value More Clearly 34:15 Reframing the Conversation 42:30 Building Confidence in Sales Conversations 50:10 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media

April 15, 2026Episode 16559 min

Create AI Workflows that Work for Your Business

AI is only as powerful as the workflows behind it. In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Todd and Craig welcome Matt Gia, Founder of AutoHDR, to break down how to actually implement AI in a way that improves your business—not complicates it. The conversation focuses on building practical, repeatable AI workflows that save time, increase consistency, and support growth. From identifying where AI fits into your process to avoiding common pitfalls, Matt shares how media businesses can use automation intentionally to create real efficiency. If you’ve been curious about AI but aren’t sure how to apply it, this episode will help you turn ideas into systems that actually work. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:05 Todd and Craig Welcome Matt Gia (AutoHDR) 2:40 Spiro Updates 5:15 What AI Actually Means for Media Businesses 10:30 Building AI Workflows That Save Time 18:20 Where AI Fits Into Your Current Process 26:10 Avoiding Overcomplication with Automation 34:25 Creating Consistency Through AI Systems 42:40 Practical Use Cases for AI in Media 50:10 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media AutoHDR: https://www.autohdr.com

April 8, 2026Episode 16457 min

Avoiding Burnout - Clay Whisler

What if your business actually supported your life instead of running it? In this episode of the Spiro Podcast, Craig and Todd are joined by Clay Whisler to talk about building a real estate media business with intention. Clay shares his approach to structuring his business around his personal goals, creating systems that reduce stress, and making decisions that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term hustle. The conversation dives into boundaries, workflow design, and how to avoid burnout while still growing. If you’re looking to build a business that gives you more freedom—not less—this episode will help you rethink how you operate. Chapter Timestamps 0:00 Episode Open & Introduction 1:10 Welcome to the Spiro Podcast 2:30 Spiro Updates 5:00 Introducing Clay Whisler 8:15 Building a Business Around Your Life 15:40 Setting Boundaries and Avoiding Burnout 23:20 Designing Workflows That Reduce Stress 31:45 Growth Without Sacrificing Freedom 40:10 Long-Term Thinking vs Short-Term Hustle 48:30 Final Thoughts & Episode Wrap-Up Spiro Software Platform: https://www.spiro.media/ Spiro Contact Email: hello@spiro.media