

Keeping It Real Podcast • Secrets Of Top 1% REALTORS ® • Interviews With Real Estate Brokers & Agents
D.J. Paris
Secrets of top 1% realtors and real estate agents!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2026 • 47min
Using AI to Assist With Negotiation • Tim Burrell
Tim Burrell shares the best and worst advice he’s received in real estate, emphasizing authenticity, empathy, and the value of working with the right clients. Tim discusses how cultivating rapport and trust can lead to more successful negotiations, and learn practical strategies for leveraging artificial intelligence to gain an edge in real estate deals. Tim also discusses collaborative negotiating and why trust and information-sharing are vital, and how empathy leads to better negotiation outcomes.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Tim Burrell can be reached at (919) 812-5111.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 30, 2025 • 46min
Gratitude is the Ultimate Mindset • Connie Mahan
Connie Mahan shares her inspiring journey from restaurant management to becoming Realtor of the Year in Central Florida. Connie talks about the value of building authentic community relationships, and her hands-on approach to leading and motivating her team. Connie also emphasizes the importance of mindset, gratitude, and resilience in overcoming industry challenges.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Connie Mahan can be reached at (352) 569-0233.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 22, 2025 • 44min
Should We Ditch NAR in 2026? • Unpopular Real Estate Opinions • Chris Linsell
Welcome to our monthly feature Unpopular Real Estate Opinions with Chris Linsell.
In this episode, Chris discusses bold predictions about the possible transformation or decline of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) by 2026. The discussion delves into what value NAR, as well as state and local associations, truly provide to agents amidst shifting industry dynamics. Chris and D.J. propose a new vision for NAR focused on lobbying, national data initiatives, and raising standards for agent entry and ongoing training. Last, Chris and D.J. highlight the need for agents and organizations alike to adapt, level up skills, and provide unique value in an evolving market.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
Please check Chris’ profile on LinkedIn.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 18, 2025 • 30min
When Everything Feels Like an Attack • The Inner Game of Real Estate Success • Paul Salter
Welcome to The Inner Game of Real Estate Success with high-performance hypnotherapist and mindset coach Paul Salter.
When Everything Feels Like an Attack: How to Defuse Anger, Reactivity, and Taking Things Personally in Business
In this episode, Paul unpacks why high-performing real estate entrepreneurs are so easily triggered by feedback, questions, and perceived criticism—and how those reactions quietly sabotage leadership, relationships, and results. Learn why your nervous system is wired to feel attacked, how unresolved doubt and identity gaps fuel anger and defensiveness, and how reframing triggers as teachers can help you respond with clarity, composure, and authority instead of reactivity.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Learn more about mindset and performance coaching for real estate agents here.
Book a Mindset Coaching Discovery Call here.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 16, 2025 • 57min
The Journey From Corporate America To Top 1% Real Estate • Michael Thornton
Michael Thornton shares his transition from corporate America to leading a top real estate team. Michael discusses the importance of resilience, professionalism, and systematic client service in building a trusted brand and sustaining steady business growth. Next, Michael highlights how structured team collaboration enables work-life balance and growth opportunities for all team members. Michael also reveals how leveraging social media can boost visibility and attract clients in today’s competitive market. Last, Michael talks about the importance of meaningful client relationships, building a strong team, and adapting to new technologies in real estate.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Michael Thornton can be reached at (630) 532-9246 and michaelthorntonteam@gmail.com.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h
40 Years Of Wisdom & Warmth • Jay Cannone
Jay Cannone talks about how he built his business in real estate. Jay discusses the evolution of his business from door-knocking and cold calling to the power of consistent marketing and authentic client relationships. Jay also discusses how family influence and personal challenges have shaped both his professional path and his outlook on life. Jay highlights his dedication to community involvement and the importance he places on giving back.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Jay Cannone can be reached at 203.209.2529 and jay@jaycannone.com.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 12, 2025 • 10min
The Must-Make Videos for Real Estate Pros in 2026 • Video Boot Camp for Real Estate Professionals • Kim Rittberg
In this episode Real Estate Video Coach Kim Rittberg talks about what content we should be making as soon as the new year comes around and where to start with video in 2026. Kim discusses the importance of the “about me” video and talks about her ABC method explaining what it stands for. At the end Kim shares a great bonus tip.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Please enroll for Kim’s Real Estate Video Kickstart and 10-Day Video Challenge here.
Sign up for Kim’s “5 Videos Every Real Estate Agent Must Make to Sell More Homes“.
Follow Kim on Instagram.
Subscribe to Kim on YouTube.
Listen to Kim’s 5 minute mini-master classes on marketing every Friday on The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg podcast.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 10, 2025 • 51min
From Division 1 Soccer To 40M in Year Six • Bari Mill
Bari Mill discusses her journey from collegiate athlete and educator to real estate success, highlighting the key advice and lessons that shaped her career. Bari emphasizes the importance of resilience, teamwork, and being coachable, drawing on her athletic background to explain how discipline and time management have anchored her business approach. Bari also shares her strategies for building a client base, including leveraging referrals and finding a professional niche. Last, Bari shares insights on mindset, motivation, and the importance of gratitude in both business and life.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Bari Mill can be reached at (847) 414-9944 and bari@dawnmckennagroup.com.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 9, 2025 • 45min
90 Referrals Each Year & Converting Motels Into Homes • Karina Chavez
Karina Chavez shares her journey from working with her father to transforming motels into affordable housing in Albuquerque. Karina shares how her commitment to honesty, client care, and local involvement has built a thriving, referral-based business. Karina also offers practical advice for agents about adapting to change and building authentic relationships.
Check out D.J.’s Listing Reviewer here.
If you’d prefer to watch this interview, click here to view on YouTube!
Karina Chavez can be reached at 505-220-7781 and Chavezteamabq@gmail.com.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.

Dec 8, 2025 • 10min
Try Out D.J.’s Listing Rewriter – Get More Showings! • D.J. Paris
In this episode D.J. Paris presents the tool he built to help agents write listing descriptions. DJ explains how he built this tool and what this tool does. We’d love the feedback on your experience using this tool.
Check out this Listing Reviewer here.
This episode is brought to you by Real Geeks and Courted.io.
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