Realty Life

Stories and Strategies

Veteran realtor and industry leader Ken McLachlan talks with real people about their passions, their accomplishments and the moments that changed their lives. Realty Life is an inspirational and powerful look at how life turns and the journeys that follow.

  1. 2025-11-04

    What Mindset Helps People Thrive Through Uncertainty? | Jean Pearson

    Send us a text What happens when an actor, philosopher, and real estate agent walk into one life? Ken McLachlan welcomes long-time friend Jean Pearson — a professional actor turned realtor with a profound story of transformation, purpose, and self-discovery.  From spontaneous motorcycle dreams in LA to Cirque du Soleil in Tokyo, and eventually real estate in Toronto, Jean shares his remarkable journey of reinvention.  But what truly binds the episode together is their mutual exploration of stoicism, the power of Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, and the life-changing impact of daily journaling.  This episode isn’t just about careers or transitions — it’s about learning to be gentle with yourself, embracing life’s imperfections, and living with intention.  Listen For 2:31 Who is Jean Pearson — and how did a par-3 golf shot spark a 20+ year friendship? 5:20 What inspired Jean to leave Quebec at 18 and head for LA? 12:31 What was Jean’s life like living in Tokyo with Cirque du Soleil? 20:56 How did Marcus Aurelius and journaling change Jean’s life?   33:14 What advice does Jean give to those feeling stuck? Connect with Guest: Jean Pearson Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook  Connect with host Ken McLachlan, Broker of Record and Co-Owner of RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Email |

    38 min

  2. 2025-09-30

    Building a Real Estate LEGACY | Mark Arnstein

    Send us a text What happens when a West Coast realtor reinvents himself in the heart of Toronto?  Ken McLachlan sits down with longtime friend and top-producing agent Mark Arnstein for an inspiring journey through personal transformation, business perseverance, and community impact.  From restarting a thriving career in a new city to dropping 70+ pounds, coaching hockey, and running half-marathons, Mark shares candid stories about what drives him—both in real estate and in life.  It’s not just about open houses and marketing strategies (though there’s plenty of that); it’s about how one man turned vision into reality, and how the same discipline that built his business also reshaped his body, his mindset, and his future.  Listen For: 1:13 From Vancouver to Toronto: A Realtor’s Leap of Faith 7:50 Dog Walks, Open Houses, and Hustling From Scratch 12:28 Farming for Clients: 21 Years of Patience Pays Off 18:58 The Cabo Wake-Up Call: Mark’s 70-Pound Weight Loss Journey 31:37 Vision 2030: Mark’s Future, Goals, and Granddad Predictions   Guest: Mark Arstein Website | YouTube | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    36 min

  3. 2025-09-16

    Building a 20-Agent Real Estate Team

    Send us a text What if chaos was your greatest motivator?  In this high-octane episode of the Realty Life Podcast, host Ken McLachlan sits down with Steven Sarasin, a powerhouse realtor and team leader whose life story is as intense as his daily drive.  From leaving home at 16 to care for his girlfriend’s family, to building one of the fastest-growing real estate teams in Ontario, Steven opens up about trauma, tenacity, and transformation.  They explore how adversity can be fuel, how ADHD shaped Steven's career path, and what it's really like to lead a 20-person team in a tough market.    Listen For: 7:10 The Deathbed Promise That Changed Everything 13:55 Planning vs. Flow: How Steven Sets Goals He Never Re-Reads 20:03 What It Really Takes to Run a 20-Person Real Estate Team 22:53 From Supercars to Simplicity: Redefining Success 31:25 Burning the Boats: Betting 100% on Himself” Guest: Steven Sarasin Website | YouTube | X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    38 min

  4. 2025-08-05

    Intentionality in Real Estate and Life | Ralph Ciancio

    Send us a text What does it take to balance a thriving real estate business, family life, and personal growth without losing focus?  Ken McLachlan sits down with powerhouse realtor Ralph Ciancio, whose career is built on intention, service, and relentless adaptability.  Ralph shares how his purpose-driven approach—shaped by early life challenges, lessons from his teens, and a clear commitment to family—guides his success.  From gym sessions with his son to navigating a changing real estate landscape shaped by AI and shifting markets, Ralph offers candid insights, practical strategies, and a refreshing perspective on thriving in business and life.   Listen For 05:09 A life-changing story before birth 09:49 Lessons learned at age 13 16:04 Compartmentalizing challenges in tough times 23:01 The future of real estate in 10 years 25:50 Driverless cars, AI, and human connection     Guest: Ralph Ciancio Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email  Ken can be reached at: KEN@REMAXHALLMARK.COM

    39 min

  5. 2025-06-10

    From Curtain Calls to Closing Deals | Laura Catalano

    Send us a text What does it take to pivot from Broadway to buying and selling homes?  Ken McLachlan sits down with Laura Catalano, a former professional dancer and Broadway performer turned successful Toronto real estate agent.  Laura shares her extraordinary journey—from disciplined years at a brutal ballet boot camp to performing at Lincoln Center and sharing jokes with Mel Brooks, all before seamlessly transitioning into real estate.  She discusses how her intense background in the performing arts prepared her for the rigors of real estate, the power of mentorship, and why taking action always beats waiting for perfect conditions. Listen For 2:09 Why She Watched the Same Broadway Show Four Times 4:53 When She Knew: The Childhood Moment That Sparked It All 7:07 A Brutal Ballet Boot Camp in Belleville 16:40 Dinner with Mel Brooks and Pinching Herself in the Washroom 20:31 Ten Minutes to Real Estate Her Sudden Career Pivot 25:11 Why Relationships with Colleagues Matter Just as Much 29:27 Her Advice to Struggling New Agents Just Take Action Guest: Laura Catalano Website | Instagram | LinkedIn  Ken McLachlan can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    35 min

  6. 2025-05-27

    How a Bad Realtor… Inspired a Great One | Dorothy Harrison

    Send us a text What if the worst experience of your life became the foundation for your greatest success? In this inspiring episode of Realty Life, Ken McLachlan sits down with top Durham region realtor Dorothy Harrison, who shares the real and raw journey behind her 16-year real estate career.  From humble beginnings as a young, underestimated homebuyer to becoming a sought-after agent known for her grounded service and unwavering professionalism, Dorothy dives deep into what shaped her ethos.  She reveals how a negative experience with a dismissive realtor became her greatest motivator, how journaling keeps her centered through the chaos, and how authenticity—not flash—sparked her career’s quantum leap.  Listen For 6:57 Pregnancy, Commutes & Pivots: The Leap into Real Estate 8:43 The Realtor Who Didn't Care—and Why That Changed Everything 10:48 Early Days, No Confidence: What Every New Agent Should Hear 18:59 The Quantum Leap: What Changed After 10 Years 29:41 Who You Are in a Crisis: Lessons in Service   Guest: Dorothy Harrison Instagram | Website | YouTube  Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    34 min

  7. 2025-04-22

    From Olympic GOLD to Real Estate ROCKSTAR | Chris Cook

    Send us a text What does it take to go from Olympic athlete to top-tier real estate leader?  Ken McLachlan sits down with Chris Cook, a former Olympic sailor turned successful real estate professional, to explore the winding path of discipline, self-discovery, and personal growth.  From his humble beginnings in subsidized sailing lessons to the world stage at the Olympics, Chris shares how life’s hardest lessons shaped his mindset and leadership style.  With candor and clarity, he reflects on building a real estate career, raising grounded kids in a tech-obsessed world, and why nothing great is ever done alone.  Listen For 04:14 – Representing Canada in the Olympics 11:17 – The Hardest Part: Keeping the Right People Around 17:27 – A Desire to Coach and Share Knowledge 29:28 – Real Estate Requires Early Sacrifice and Intention  Guest: Chris Cook | Sales Representative | RE/MAX Hallmark - The Halyard Group Website | Email | 416-435-8324 Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    34 min

  8. 2025-04-01

    Yannick Dagenais' 24/7 Real Estate Hustle

    Send us a text What fuels a 10-year-old boy to become a real estate powerhouse by 29?  Ken McLachlan sits down with Yannick Dagenais, a young agent from Ottawa who turned childhood adversity into entrepreneurial fire.  From launching a community basketball league at 14, to building a window-washing empire through university, to owning 24 doors in real estate and ranking among the top solo agents in his company, Yannick’s journey is packed with hustle, heart, and hard-won wisdom.  They explore the power of discipline, the impact of early-life challenges, and why Yannick tracks everything from his protein intake to property investment ROI with military precision.  Listen For 10:10 – How a Window Cleaning Biz Funded His Empire 16:55 – Fear vs. Discipline: His Guiding Forces 21:01 – A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Machine 30:06 – The Real Dream? Helping Others Become Millionaires   Guest: Yanick Dagenais Instagram | Phone | Email Ken can be reached at: ken@remaxhallmark.com

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Veteran realtor and industry leader Ken McLachlan talks with real people about their passions, their accomplishments and the moments that changed their lives. Realty Life is an inspirational and powerful look at how life turns and the journeys that follow.

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