EP. 115 - Bryce Mayer | Can We Still Afford the American Dream or Have BlackRock and 50 Year Mortgages Changed Everything?

In this episode, Bryce sits down with real estate guru, entrepreneur, and beach volleyball enthusiast Bryce Mayer to explore one of the biggest questions of our time:
Is the American Dream still alive, or has the landscape changed so drastically that young people are being priced out before they even get started

From the realities of fifty year mortgages and institutional buyers like BlackRock entering the housing market, to property taxes, entrepreneurship, family legacy, coaching volleyball, and qualifying for the Manhattan Beach Open on the day his first child was due, Bryce Mayer brings humor, clarity, and lived experience to one of the most complex conversations of 2025.
This episode blends mindset, economics, sport, and real world wisdom in a way that empowers listeners to stay intentional, stay curious, and build a life that reflects their values.
If you care about business, buying a home, money, adventure, sport, family, or the future of our society, this conversation is for you.

SHOW NOTES AND TIMESTAMPS

0.00
Opening message: Why this episode matters now more than ever

2.01
Introducing Bryce Mayer and the crossroads of entrepreneurship and sport

5.14
Being “above average at most things” and why that mindset works

8.22
How H and B’s Guac Shac became the first real entrepreneurial spark

11.45
Running Urban Sands Realty with family, structure, and intention

15.32
The truth about buying a home in 2025 and why young people feel locked out

18.10
Institutional buyers like BlackRock and Vanguard: leveling the field or tilting it

22.40
The rise of the fifty year mortgage: band aid or long term risk

27.55
Property taxes, affordability, and what people misunderstand

31.18
What every first time homebuyer should know right now

35.04
Volleyball, competition, and the mindset of staying in the arena

38.26
Qualifying for the Manhattan Beach Open while your child is due the same day

42.00
Coaching, connection, and building confidence in others

45.45
Family, fatherhood, and the real legacy we hope to leave

49.20
Food, joy, and why food is the most universal love language

51.55
Travel, perspective, and staying curious in a busy world

54.40
Final reflections: redefining the American Dream on your own terms

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• The American Dream is shifting, but intentional people can still build wealth
• Young buyers are facing systemic challenges never seen before
• Fifty year mortgages change the psychology of home buying and generational wealth
• Institutional buyers are reshaping pricing, availability, and access
• Family businesses thrive on communication, boundaries, and shared values
• Volleyball teaches resilience, communication, and staying calm under pressure
• Entrepreneurship often starts with small sparks like the Guac Shac
• Fatherhood reframes ambition in the best possible way
• Presence is more valuable than trophies or profit
• Curiosity and consistency will always outperform perfection

CALL TO ACTION
If this conversation moved you, challenged you, or expanded your perspective, make sure to follow both Bryce’s on Instagram:
-Follow Bryce Smith @therealbrycesmith
-Follow Bryce Mayer @bmayer55
-Follow ALLSMITH
@allsmithco
And be sure to subscribe to the ALLSMITH Podcast.
New episodes drop every week on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
Rate the show, share it with someone who needs it, and join

Thank you for Listening! Learn more below.

ALLSMITH IG
ALLSMITH YouTube
Bryce Smith IG