The Real Austin Podcast

E25: Tyler Bliha - Helping Homeowners Save Thousands w/ Abode

CHECK OUT ABODE NOW!
In this episode of The Real Austin Podcast, we sit down with Tyler Bliha, the founder of Abode, a groundbreaking company revolutionizing homeownership, particularly in the financial aspect. Drawing on his extensive experiences as a homeowner himself and his past endeavors in Wall Street, private equity in Chicago, and a Harvard Business School degree, Tyler takes us on a deeper exploration into the world of home finance. This episode will greatly benefit current homeowners seeking to make the most out of their financial journey in homeownership as well as potential homeowners looking to smoothly transition from renting to owning.
Tyler thoroughly discusses property taxes, home insurances, and utility costs – the three key areas that Abode is designed to address. He shares astonishing statistics such as 80% of homeowners in Texas not appealing their property taxes, leading to significant potential savings being lost. Moreover, he points out the common issue of overpaying for homeowner's insurance due to lack of understanding and visibility of the costs involved. Abode has been built specifically to target these problems and ensure homeowners pay only for what they need.
Furthermore, we advance the conversation to the overlooked components of homeownership costs, majorly insurance, property taxes, and energy expenses. Leave behind the troublesome forms and persistent insurance agents, as Abode takes the reins to get the necessary information and get the best deals suited for you. Abode ensures you're not underinsured while not modifying your insurance plan, and also aids homeowners switch utility providers in deregulated markets to maximize their savings.
Abode is more than just a platform for homeowners to minimize their property taxes, secure appropriate insurance coverage, and consume energy more optimally. Besides these, we discuss how Abode makes home finances management effortless. It's a homeowner's tool, providing valuable insights, centralizing all home-related financial data, and ensuring the best homeownership experience. Whether you've just purchased your first home, are a long-term homeowner, or manage multiple rental properties, this episode helps you comprehend how Abode can make home-management less challenging. So tune in and discover how to make the obviously complex, surprisingly simple!
 

E24: Jacoby Plunges - How Barton Springs Changed His Life

Join us in this episode of the Real Austin Podcast, as our guest, Jacoby Kang, shares his transformation from a software developer to a prominent figure in the Austin wellness industry. Hear how a series of life events changed his perspective and led him on an exciting journey from corporate computing to cryptocurrency, mental health advocacy, and finally to his passion - community wellness events. 
In this episode, we explore how Jacoby turned early morning visits to Barton Springs into a thriving wellness community, and how he adapted when the city limited his events due to public space concerns. Learn about the expansion of his wellness events into larger spaces, attracting eager wellness enthusiasts and eventually, offers from social members clubs in Austin. Discover the introduction of an innovative 'mobile' wellness solution—a sauna and cold plunge setup that could be taken anywhere.
We delve into practical wellness equipment advice, providing useful tips for those looking to set up their home wellness devices. This podcast is a guide to making informed wellness decisions, challenging brand disclosures, and avoiding common pitfalls.
Jacoby shares an honest perspective on community building activities centered around wellness, focusing on cold plunge and sauna experiences. 
The podcast also answers questions about what to expect when participating in community wellness events and provides platform suggestions for connecting with like-minded individuals. Hear about @jacobyplunges on Instagram or jacobyplunges.card.co for a deeper peek into his journey.

E23: Bill Murphy - WILLPOWER Mezcal Fresca + Austin Based Wellness Events

Discover how Bill Murphy, former corporate worker turned entrepreneur, shunned the strenuous demands of the corporate world to create the healthiest possible alcoholic beverage on this episode of The Real Austin Podcast. Starting with an inspiring journey of self-reflection and change, find out how Bill ended up in Mexico and learned about the spirit Mezcal. Uncover the intriguing process of his Mezcal production, from importing from Oaxaca to canning it himself.
Listen in as Bill ventures into creating his refreshing beverage, Mezcal Fresca. This drink, packed with healthful ingredients like zero sugar and electrolytes, marks his mission to shift alcohol consumption towards a more mindful culture. Get a glimpse into how his brand, Willpower, creates this healthy change through various wellness events geared at initiating meaningful conversations about mindful drinking.
Dive into the innovative approach of introducing Wellness Water, a refreshing alternative to alcohol. Explore how the onset of a venue predicament transformed into a strategic pivot and helped establish the brand even further. Listen in to find out how time constraints amplify creativity and enable entrepreneurs to overcome regulatory hurdles.
Bill also shares experiences with weight management. From debunking diet myths to managing dopamine levels to understanding true dehydration, gain insights into an unconventional path towards a balanced and nutritious lifestyle. Finally, explore how Willpower encourages monthly fasts and promotes healthier eating habits to foster a community-driven nutrition revolution.
Join us in this enriching episode of the Real Austin Podcast and prepare to be inspired and motivated to make healthier lifestyle choices while appreciating the significance of entrepreneurship and innovation.

E22: Ravelle Laurette - Austin Based Clairvoyant/Psychic

Ravelle Laurette recently launched her business offering Clairvoyant/Psychic services and is on a mission to heal more and more people through the power of the tools she's acquired over the years.  Ravelle found healing in psychic therapy earlier in her life and decided to spread the power of healing to her inner circle and beyond!  Join us to hear Ravelle's story from working a tech sales job to launching  her own business.
Ravelle's Mission is "to help people feel empowered and fully sovereign in how they show up in life so they can accomplish their goals and desires. To be fully sovereign is to be conscious, fully capable of detaching from a reaction, with the ability to choose how you want to show up, how you want to respond, and ultimately how you want your life to turn out. "
Book a session with Ravelle Here!

E21: Sam Hendel - "The Nudge" Weekly Text w/ Things To Do In Austin

In this exciting episode of The Real Austin Podcast, gives us a guide to discovering the hidden gems and best entertainment spots in Austin. Sam Hendel, a crucial member of 'The Nudge' team, shares her unique experiences in Austin and gives an insider’s scoop on this innovative service. Learn how The Nudge is revolutionizing the way Austinites explore their city using AI technology and short-form video content inspired by TikTok culture.
Expand your understanding of The Nudge platform with its unique offering, the Nudge Plus subscription. This personal guide to Austin not only recommends unique events and experiences but also hosts its exclusive gatherings for its users. Catering primarily to millennials, Nudge also has plans to include kid-friendly events in the future, ensuring it has something for everyone. Listen to how Nudge assists newcomers to blend into Austin's vibrant environment and forge connections with local businesses and communities.
Our Austin City Director at The Nudge shares her personal recommendations—for places to dine, scenic hiking trails, unique coffee shop experiences—and valuable tips on hidden gems in Austin. The episode wraps up by shedding light on how to download The Nudge app and become part of a community passionate about exploring Austin.
Tune in to our interesting episode and explore Austin like a local, meeting fellow fans of the city, and even maybe making some new friends along the way!

E20: Deep Dive into the Austin Real Estate Market in 2023

In this episode of The Real Austin Podcast, we closely examine the Austin real estate market in 2023, taking a look at market trends, discussing the implications of changing home values, and sharing predictions for what the year 2024 might hold. Despite the rumors of a market crash, 2023 brought a decrease in overall home prices with a 10% decrease in median sales prices from the previous year.Other interesting trends we observed include a 9% decrease in closed sales, a rise in average days on market to 70 days, and a 7% reduction in new listings. These changes were largely influenced by interest rates that peaked at around 8% in October 2023, high enough to deter potential home sellers from trading in their low-rate mortgages for higher ones. This resulted in fewer new listings and increased active listings by 49%, causing many homes to remain on the market for an extended period. However, despite all these changes, pending sales only decreased by a marginal 3%.Our analysis also delves into the challenges faced by first-time homebuyers in 2023, with rising mortgage rates making it difficult for new entrants to the housing market, especially those with the median income in the Austin area. As a result, many prospective homebuyers have chosen to continue renting, contributing to the increase in active listings. Despite these obstacles, the drop in median sales prices in December 2023 was only 1%, indicating that buyers were still active in the market.We also take a look at the trends in different areas of the Austin Metropolitan Statistical Area, noting the varying responses in different counties. Regardless of the changes in the market, one thing remains consistent - the need for education. Both prospective buyers and sellers should seek knowledge and guidance from trustworthy resources to navigate the fluctuating real estate market. This episode serves as an insightful resource for anyone looking to understand the Austin real estate market in 2023 and beyond.

E19: Cory McKane - WeStrive & Just Push Record Podcast Studio

Check out Just Push Record Studios: JPR Studios
Check out Westrive: We Strive
Don't miss the latest episode of the 'Real Austin Podcast' featuring Corey McKane, the visionary founder of WeStrive. This all-encompassing platform has become a staple for fitness entrepreneurs, revolutionizing how they operate their businesses. Learn about Corey’s experience starting his first venture, and how it evolved into WeStrive - one of the most potent tools for health and fitness professionals today.
Get insights on how WeStrive optimizes every aspect of a fitness business, from customer acquisition to service management and enhancing client interactions. Take the opportunity to hear first-hand wisdom on overcoming entrepreneurial challenges, the importance of user feedback, and the role of customer reviews in your venture.
Indulge in a thought-provoking discussion about the mechanics and strategies that have positioned WeStrive as a leader in the health and wellness industry. This episode is sure to benefit business owners, ambitious start-ups, and anyone interested in learning more about the business side of health and fitness.
In the second part of this comprehensive episode, we take a closer look at WeStrive’s integrated services model. This ground-breaking platform provides a singular network connecting users to a range of health professionals including personal trainers, nutritionists, and physiotherapists. Find out how McKane’s platform is successfully bridging the gap between diverse fitness services, providing users with personalized, efficient health management.
 

E18: Answering Your BURNING QUESTIONS About The 2024 Real Estate Market

In this episode, we answer the most common questions we are getting about the 2024 real estate market.  There is so much uncertainty about what the short term and long term outlook is for real estate on a national and local (to Austin) level.  
 
We will address:
- What will interest rates do in 2024?
- Will priced continue to decrease in Austin?
- Is now a good time to buy or sell a home in Austin?
- Where can we find the best deals in Austin in 2024?
- What parts of Austin are best for long term investments?

E17: MOLD, MOLD, MOLD w/ Lance Maddoux, MAC (Mold Assessment Consultant)

Show Summary:
Lance Maddox, a certified mold assessor and consultant, joins the podcast to discuss the topic of mold in homes.
The episode covers various aspects of mold, including its prevalence in homes, the different types of mold, and common locations for mold growth.
Lance emphasizes the importance of vigilance and proactive measures for homeowners to protect their homes and health.
Tips for homeowners include regular maintenance, changing air filters, and performing a "caulk walk" to prevent water intrusion.
The episode dispels common misconceptions about mold, such as the belief that all mold is toxic or that bleach is an effective mold cleaner.
Overall, the episode aims to educate homeowners and buyers about the realities of mold and how to effectively deal with it to maintain a safe and healthy living environment.
Visit Lance's website at: https://www.lgminspections.com/ and schedule your home or mold inspection today!

E16: $1B Brodie Oaks Redevelopment in South Austin is HUGE News!

Austin City Council granted final approval for a $1 billion redevelopment of the Brodie Oaks Shopping Center on Sept. 21 after years of discussing the transformation of a decades-old strip mall into a space consisting of retail, housing and a park.
 
Developer Barshop & Oles announced plans for the space off South Lamar Boulevard in December 2020. The redevelopment could potentially include:
1.26 million square feet of office space
140,000 square feet of retail space
1,700 residential units
13.7 acres of outdoor green space
A 200-room hotel