In this high-octane episode, John Kitchens, Jay Kinder, and Al Stasek are joined by Brent Gove, for a powerhouse conversation that throws it back to the early days, unpacks the current state of real estate, and challenges every agent to rise up. From legendary stories of 2010 open house energy to the hard truths about today's market correction, this episode is a wake-up call to get in the right rooms, master lead generation, and paddle for the wave that’s building now.

Brent Gove delivers pure fire—talking about energy, vision, and how frustration is the real precursor to breakthrough. You’ll hear raw truths, real stats, and timeless principles that apply whether you're struggling to survive or ready to dominate.

• Success Leaves Clues:
  The secret to breaking through isn’t a secret—it’s getting in the room with people playing bigger than you and doing what they do until it works.

• The Force of Average Is Real:
  Every time you commit to a higher level, the universe tests you. Expect resistance. Push anyway. That’s how transformation happens.

• Lead Gen or Die:
  The #1 skill in real estate—bar none—is lead generation. If you’re not mastering it, you’re not going to make it through this market.

• Big Goals Drive Big Growth:
  Brent shares how setting a goal to close 30 homes in a month—when he’d never done more than 7—led to him doubling his personal record.

• Real Market Talk:
  77% of LOs didn’t renew last year. Most agents are struggling. But the pruning is creating massive opportunity for those willing to step up now.

• Events and Energy Matter:
  The biggest shifts come when you’re around high-energy, high-belief people. From Build to Cabo to Cleveland—you need to show up.

• Cabo25.com – Get your tickets before it sells out!

• JohnKitchens.coach – Resources and coaching to help you scale

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Gear, recognition, and agent growth community

“Frustration is the precursor to breakthrough. If you're frustrated right now, you're ready.” – Brent Gove

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this powerhouse episode, John Kitchens is joined by Kendall Bonner, a dynamic leader at eXp Realty and a force behind driving innovation and strategic growth in the real estate industry. Kendall unpacks the power of thinking differently, how eXp evaluates opportunities, and why looking at the true addressable market is key to future-proof business decisions.

They dive deep into how eXp is "stacking the deck" by building intentional systems, fostering client-centric innovations, and leveraging AI to dominate the evolving landscape. Kendall shares her leadership journey, the importance of value alignment, her approach to partnerships, and how top performers separate themselves by being relentless about mindset, skillset, and toolset mastery.

The conversation touches on:

• The critical shift from customer service to client experience.

• Why AI will not replace agents — but agents using AI will dominate.

• How eXp is building the number one brand through tech and global expansion.

• The overlooked dangers of confirmation bias with AI.

• The necessity of continuous personal and professional growth.

Kendall also reflects on her leap from law to real estate, the lessons from the short sale market, and what it really takes to scale a modern brokerage. A must-listen for anyone serious about becoming a CEO in real estate and future-proofing their business.

• Strategic Decision Making:
  Focus on the addressable market — not just agent count, but transaction volume and unit potential.

• Client Experience vs. Customer Service: Shift from reactive service to proactive, intentional client experiences that create loyalty and drive referrals.

• The Power of Core Values: How transparency, agility, and sustainability guide decision-making at eXp.

• AI as a Skillset: Leveraging AI is no longer optional. The future belongs to those who view AI mastery as a daily skill, not a random tool.

• Environment Matters: Surround yourself with growth-minded people and systems that continually challenge and upgrade you.

• Leadership Lessons: True leaders plant seeds and trust their teams to operationalize vision with freedom and accountability.

• Growth Mindset: Continuous learning, strategic planning, and developing mindset-skillset-toolset are non-negotiables for long-term success.

• Book Mentioned: Stacking the Deck by David S. Pottruck

• Book Mentioned: Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell

• Book Mentioned: The AI-Driven Leader by Andrew Leigh

• Learn more at johnkitchens.coach

"Client experience isn’t random; it’s intentional, documented, systematized, and scalable." — Kendall Bonner

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this episode, John Kitchens together with Al Stasek and Jay Kinder tackle one of the most overlooked truths in real estate growth: sustainable momentum doesn’t happen by accident — it’s engineered. They break down the real levers that drive success — belief, environment, and systems — and show you how to harness them in a shifting real estate market.

They unwrap why most agents stall out, how to identify the hidden “boat anchors” dragging you down, and why cutting them is the non-negotiable move if you want real growth. This is a deep dive into execution, mindset shifts, strategic planning, and how to leverage AI to not just survive but scale faster than ever.

Whether you're trying to get unstuck or push from six to seven figures, this episode is loaded with real talk, powerful frameworks, and tactical advice that will challenge you to think — and act — bigger.

• Belief drives momentum: Without belief in your vision, everything else collapses. Your level of belief determines your level of action — if belief fades, momentum dies.

• Environment is a growth hack: Who you surround yourself with either fuels or fractures your belief system. Success leaves clues — proximity matters more than ever.

• Momentum is math: It’s not luck. It’s tracking the leading indicators — like quality conversations per day — and understanding what fuels your flywheel.

• Boat anchors must go: Identify the habits, people, and distractions weighing you down. Understand the true cost of inaction and commit to cutting what no longer serves you.

• Results > Education: People don’t want another course; they want a problem solved. Whether selling homes or recruiting agents, the offer must deliver a clear, desired outcome.

• Strategic Planning every 90 days: Escape overwhelm and pivot faster by installing a 90-day strategic cycle. If you’re stuck, your next breakthrough will come from clarity and prioritization, not hustle.

• AI is your leverage tool: Learn how Jay and the team use ChatGPT, Grok, and custom GPTs to automate communication, summarize meetings, and enhance follow-up without sacrificing personalization.

• Master marketing, not just cold calls: Outbound is dying. The best online marketers will outpace the best cold callers. Build inbound systems that attract and convert.

• Customer-focused, not competitor-obsessed: Stop worrying about the competition. Winning businesses obsess over solving customer problems — and that’s where domination happens.

• Sustainability over short-term wins: Systems, processes, and retention-focused strategies ensure you’re building something that lasts beyond today’s market conditions.

• Clarity Report — Get clear on the biggest constraints holding your business back.

• Honey Badger Award Nominations — Nominate a leader driving impact.

• JohnKitchens.Coach — Access coaching, masterminds, and resources to scale your business.

"Belief drives everything. When belief dips, so does momentum." - Jay Kinder

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this high-impact episode, John Kitchens welcomes Kenny Truong back to the podcast. Kenny leads a powerhouse team based in the Bay Area, and they dive deep into how his team not only survived but thrived through volatile markets, maintaining 90% retention of top producers and innovating with AI and tech to stay ahead.

They unwrap why deeper relationships, authentic leadership, and smart execution are non-negotiable in today's market. Kenny shares his real-world insights on agent retention, the evolution of marketing and social media strategies, AI integrations for real estate, and how high-velocity decision-making can 10X your business growth.

If you’re ready to lead through change, dominate market shifts, and build a real estate business for the future — you’ll want to listen to this one all the way through.

• How Kenny’s team kept 90% of top agents during a market downturn.

• Why scaling back events and going deeper with the team created explosive growth.

• How to reframe retention as re-recruiting your agents daily.

• Practical systems for agent communication, coaching, and performance tracking.

• Why authentic, raw content beats polished marketing on social platforms.

• How AI (like ChatGPT and tools like Fixer.ai) is reshaping client experience and productivity.

• Kenny’s decision-making framework: move fast, learn faster.

• How to anticipate future consumer behavior and stay market-relevant.

• The power of creating a “culture of execution” inside your real estate business.

• Focus on the Fundamentals: Deeper personal connections > mass recruiting.

• AI is Here: Use it to elevate client experiences and agent workflows.

• Authenticity Wins: Raw, real content creates stronger consumer bonds than polished, scripted media.

• Move Fast: High-velocity decision-making beats over-planning every time.

• Retention is Re-Recruiting: The agents who stay are the agents you consistently pour into.

• Kenny Truong on Instagram (@Kenny_Fast)

• John Kitchens Coaching

• Tools Mentioned: ChatGPT, Fixer.ai, Slack, Mighty Networks, Monday.com

"I take action fast — I'd rather make 60 good decisions and 40 bad ones than sit and overthink." - Kenny Truong

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this power-packed episode, John Kitchens is joined by Joel Perso for a real talk on one of the most underrated weapons in your business: your calendar. If you're feeling scattered, stuck in low-value activities, or just exhausted from chasing everything but achieving nothing—this conversation will snap you out of it.

They dive into the mindset, frameworks, and daily habits that create momentum—not chaos. From the Productivity Pyramid to MVPs, the 168-Hour Rule, and the power of strategic thinking time, this episode is a masterclass in taking control of your time so you can finally move the needle in your life and business.

Whether you're a solo agent, team leader, or entrepreneur juggling multiple roles, this episode will help you re-align, re-focus, and reclaim your week—one rock-solid calendar block at a time.

• There is no middle market anymore. The divide in the industry is real—agents are either thriving or freezing. There’s no in-between.

• Distraction is the new pandemic. From AI overwhelm to lawsuits and brokerage drama, agents are more paralyzed than ever. Here’s how to break the drift.

• Get grounded with the 168 Rule. You have 168 hours a week—what you do with it will determine your freedom or your frustration.

• Start with big rocks. Health, relationships, and mental clarity go in the calendar first. Business fills in second.

• Use the Productivity Pyramid. Focus on high-lifetime and high-dollar value activities. Delegate or delete the rest.

• Build an Ideal Week, not a fantasy one. Success is inevitable when you block the time, stick to your MVPs, and treat calendar time like million-dollar listing appointments.

• Leverage strategic thinking time. Ask: Where are we winning? What’s breaking? What do we need to stop doing?

• Say no more often. If it’s not a 9 or 10 in priority—it’s a no. Protect your calendar like it’s your equity.
  
  

• The 168 Calendar Framework

• The Productivity Pyramid

• Strategic Thinking Time (3 Key Questions)

• Top 5 + Gotta Minutes Daily Execution Sheet

• The SAVERS Morning Routine (Hal Elrod)

• Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish

• Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
  
  

• Free Sunday Planning Process PDF

• Kitchen Table Mastermind

• Agent to CEO Coaching

• Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish

• Outwitting the Devil – Napoleon Hill

“The most successful people spend 80% of their time in their zone of genius—high-lifetime, high-dollar value work.” – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this powerhouse episode, we welcome legendary broker Chuck Fazio to unpack the massive shifts happening in real estate brokerages today. With over 900 agents and $2 billion in annual production, Chuck shares the pivotal moment when he and his wife Angela left it all behind to join eXp—and why thousands are now following suit.

They dig into the real reason 6,800 agents switched brokerages in Q1, why top producers are leading the migration, and what that means for the future of independent brokerages. Plus, the conversation takes a powerful turn into mindset, decision-making, and the pursuit of financial, time, and location freedom.

Whether you're a team leader, independent broker, or solo agent wondering what’s next—this episode is packed with real talk, real numbers, and real advice on how to build a sustainable, scalable real estate business.

1. Legacy Brokerages Are Fading Fast
Chuck shares why even the most profitable independent brokerages can't compete with the systems, scalability, and community at eXp. The industry is shifting—and fast.

2. Decision-Making in High Stakes
Chuck explains the emotional and logical steps he and Angela took to move 900 agents to eXp, emphasizing the role of faith, risk tolerance, and surrounding yourself with bigger thinkers.

3. The Real 3 Freedoms in Business
It’s not just about money. Chuck highlights the overlooked importance of time freedom and location freedom—and how most agents are trading those for income with no exit.

4. The Agent Migration is Real
Q1 saw a record 6,800 agents change brokerages—a 66% YoY increase. And it’s the top producers who are leading the exodus.

5. Value Is the New Recruiting
With traditional lead gen drying up and client behavior changing, agents aren’t chasing splits—they’re chasing value, systems, and predictable income.

6. Community Is the X-Factor
The biggest benefit Chuck didn’t see coming? The eXp community. When high performers collaborate, innovation accelerates—and isolation disappears.

• Why most agents make decisions out of fear—and how to break that cycle.

• How eXp has evolved from “chaotic startup” to a proven platform with complete infrastructure.

• Why agent attraction is no longer about hype—it’s about solving the “job to be done.”

• HoneyBadgerNation.com – Get your merch and nominate the Honey Badger of the Month

• JohnKitchens.coach – Coaching and resources to grow your business

• Beyond a Million by Jim Dew – Book recommended for business tax strategy

• Agent to CEO: Cleveland – Event announcement coming soon!

“It’s not about having more tools—it’s about having the right system that gives you back your life.” – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

Originally recorded at the top of 2025, this episode marks the sixth year John Kitchens and Gogo Bethke have kicked off the year together and it’s their most powerful conversation yet. What started as a yearly pulse-check on social media has evolved into a masterclass on building a real estate business with true leverage, systems, and freedom. Gogo unpacks how she scaled her life and business by reclaiming her time, hiring before she was ready, and stacking multiple income streams. From tactical hiring moves to automation, marketing, and mindset, this episode is both a strategic blueprint and a call to step fully into the CEO role your business demands in 2025.

• How to calculate your true hourly rate (and why it changes everything).

• The mindset shift from "saving money" to "buying back time."

• How to reallocate low-dollar tasks and focus only on high-leverage activities.

• Why Gogo hired her first personal assistant before she could afford one.

• What to delegate first (hint: start with what you're terrible at).

• The difference between in-person and virtual assistants, and where to find both.

• Building a 14-assistant operation that supports a lifestyle business.

• How to use your first VA to double down on what's already working.

• Why you should hire two VAs for every role to protect your business.

• Why Gogo never cold calls and how she built a 1,500+ agent downline.

• Her "button-based" funnel system that handles the heavy lifting.

• How EXP has changed her life and created financial peace and time freedom.

• Why social media isn't enough and what happens if it disappears.

• The numbers behind her 15,000-person list and over 4.7 million emails sent.

• How email marketing ties directly to income and brand longevity.

• Gogo's one-platform content strategy: create once, distribute everywhere.

• Why every agent needs to be on Instagram, Facebook Groups, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

• The easiest way to leverage a VA to manage your entire content ecosystem.

• Beyond buyers and sellers: the 6+ income sources Gogo recommends.

• Becoming a licensed loan officer (RE MLO) and how it adds $2,600 per transaction.

• Why every agent should be creating a digital product or course.

• Building long-term wealth through fractional real estate investing with RealBricks.

• Using Robinhood and Bitcoin to start small with stocks and crypto.

• The exact ChatGPT prompts Gogo uses to build marketing plans, campaigns, and funnels.

• The GoGetter Community as a launchpad for coaching, product building, and scale.

• How to access every resource mentioned using Gogo's Instagram automation keywords.

• ChatGPT Prompts: FREE, PROMPT (for business/marketing plans)

• VA Hiring Guide: Keyword VIRTUAL on Instagram

• Agent Attraction Funnel: Keyword ELEVATE

• Mortgage Licensing Info: Keyword REMLO

• Real Estate Investing with RealBricks: Keyword REALBRICKS

• GoGetter Community Access: Keyword COMMUNITY

• Gogo's Email List Strategy and Podcast: Keyword PODCAST or GOGOPRENEUR

"The only reason you should be in real estate is to uncover investment opportunities for wealth." – John Kitchens

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥

In this episode of One Big Fire, John Kitchens and Al Stasek sit down with former NHL pro and elite mindset coach Jacob Newton. Jacob takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in a small California desert town to the professional hockey stage, and ultimately into the world of mindset coaching. He unpacks how a lack of mental preparation kept him from sustaining his NHL career, and how the realization that "million-dollar legs need a million-dollar mindset" transformed not just his life, but the lives of the high performers he now coaches.

This is a powerful conversation about performance anxiety, negative self-talk, resilience, and the habits that separate amateurs from true pros. Whether you're a real estate entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone looking to upgrade your daily performance, this conversation delivers mindset shifts you can use immediately.

• Jacob's unconventional journey from roller hockey in the desert to pro ice hockey.

• The sacrifices his family made to help him chase his dream.

• What it felt like to play in a packed NHL preseason game — and what happened next.

• Why being sent to the second Italian league was the mirror moment.

• The book that changed everything ("Mind Gym").

• Realizing he was the problem—and also the solution.

• The mental patterns that held him back.

• Why talent without mental stamina isn't enough.

• How he began to build mental muscle through breath work, daily routines, and gratitude.

• The biggest blocker: negative self-talk.

• Why 90% of our thoughts are the same every day—and 70% of them are negative.

• Tools to shift into presence, mental control, and clarity.

• The breathwork protocol that regulates anxiety and resets emotional control.

• Why forgiveness isn't for them, it's for you.

• Healing childhood wounds that silently control adult performance.

• The power of releasing resentment to unlock your next level.

• Why your first 20-30 minutes set the tone for your entire day.

• How to use gratitude, breathwork, and visualization to create powerful inner shifts.

• The "wind" that moves the storm: How breathing re-centers you in chaos.

• Mind Gym (book recommendation)

• Newton’s Mind coaching practice

• Headspace app (John’s recommendation for mindfulness)

"We don't forgive others for them—we forgive for us. So we can drop that weight and step into a better version of ourselves." - Jacob Newton

• Instagram: @newtonsmind55

• Facebook: Jacob Newton

• LinkedIn: Jacob Newton

• Instagram: @johnkitchenscoach
• LinkedIn: @johnkitchenscoach
• Facebook: @johnkitchenscoach

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a review. Stay tuned for more insights and strategies from the top minds. See you next time! 🔥