Laugh, Lend and Eat

Fobby Naghmi
  • 5.0 (5)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Laugh, Lend, and Eat is where business meets banter. Hosted by Fobby Naghmi the show explores mortgage lending, leadership, fintech, and sales—with a side of humor and food talk. Known for his ability to ask candid, thought-provoking questions, Fobby creates a space where guests open up and real insights shine through. It's smart, relaxed, and made for professionals who want to grow, lead, and laugh along the way.

  1. FEB 16

    What the Kitchen Taught Chef JJ About People, Pressure, and Leadership

    What does a peanut butter and jelly sandwich have to do with leadership? In this episode, we sit down with James Beard Award–winning chef JJ Johnson to explore leadership lessons learned not in boardrooms—but in kitchens. From managing high-pressure teams to creating safe spaces for employees, Chef JJ shares how the chaos of a restaurant teaches what corporate environments often miss: leadership is about people, culture, and emotional intelligence. We dive into: Why kitchens build better leaders than offices The emotional side of big decisions—food, money, and life A vulnerable leadership mistake that changed everything What respecting culture really means in business Why food is never just food Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, creative, or just someone trying to lead better in your own life, this conversation will shift how you think about leadership. Because at the end of the day, you’re not managing files. You’re leading people. 🎙️ Subscribe for weekly conversations on leadership, money, culture, and the human side of success.

    44 min

  2. FEB 2

    The Real Reason Deals Are Stalling in This Market

    The one contingency killing real estate deals right now isn’t interest rates—it’s the home-sale contingency.In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby Naghmi sits down with Nick Friedman, President of HomeLight, to explain why buyers are still losing bids even as mortgage rates come down—and how solutions like Buy Before You Sell are helping buyers win in today’s housing market.Nick breaks down how HomeLight helps buyers unlock home equity, remove the home-sale contingency, and compete like cash buyers without waiting to sell first. The conversation covers buyer psychology, loan officer challenges, AI in mortgage approvals, and why certainty matters more than rates when sellers are choosing offers.If you’re a home buyer, loan officer, or real estate agent looking for ways to win more deals, this episode explains what’s really stalling transactions—and how HomeLight helps move them forward.👍 Support the ChannelLike, comment, and subscribe for weekly conversations on lending, leadership, and winning in today’s real estate market.⏱️ Episode Timestamps00:00 – Why lower mortgage rates haven’t fixed the market02:10 – Why the refi boom still isn’t coming05:05 – The real deal-killer: home-sale contingencies07:40 – Why buyers lose bids even with strong financing10:20 – Buy Before You Sell explained14:10 – How HomeLight helps buyers win bids18:00 – Why HomeLight is not an iBuyer21:30 – The loan officer problem: DTI, timing, and stalled deals25:20 – Certainty vs uncertainty in real estate offers28:40 – AI’s role in mortgage approvals and risk assessment33:30 – Founder lessons: mistakes, pivots, and leadership38:00 – Real-world deal nightmares and what they taught HomeLight41:20 – What’s next for HomeLight and home equity solutions🔑 Keywords mortgage rateshousing market 2025buy before you sellhow to win a home bidhome sale contingencyHomeLightreal estate podcastloan officer strategiesbuyers losing offerscash buyer alternatives

    41 min

  3. JAN 28

    The Fed, Politics, and a 10% Credit Card Cap — This Could Wreck Your Mortgage Pipeline

    In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, we break down what’s really driving today’s mortgage market—and why the headlines aren’t telling the full story. We talk mortgage rate volatility, political pressure on the Federal Reserve, and the proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap that could unintentionally shut millions of consumers out of credit. We also explore how uncertainty impacts buyer psychology, why some markets are holding steady, and whether this moment actually presents opportunity for prepared buyers. The conversation shifts into loan officer reality—when producers really make moves, why frustration beats timing, and what top performers think about transitions differently. We wrap with a candid leadership discussion on accountability, improvement, and why “perfect” is the wrong target in mortgages. If you’re a loan officer, leader, or mortgage professional trying to make sense of the noise and protect your pipeline, this episode delivers real-world perspective without the hype.

    48 min

  4. JAN 14

    Why Most Mortgage Leaders Will Struggle in 2026

    Most mortgage leaders won’t struggle in 2026 because of interest rates, regulation, or technology. They’ll struggle because they fail to evolve how they lead people. In the Season 7 premiere of Laugh, Lend & Eat, the conversation challenges conventional thinking around leadership, retention, and AI in the mortgage industry. Instead of chasing trends or blaming the market, this episode focuses on the behaviors, decisions, and blind spots that will separate leaders who thrive from those who fall behind. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Why traditional management approaches are breaking down The hidden cost of ignoring retention How leadership behavior impacts stability and growth Why coaching and mentorship matter more than control The real role of AI in exposing value—not replacing people The mindset shift required to lead confidently into 2026 Key Leadership Insights As markets tighten, leadership gaps become obvious. The episode draws a clear line between managers who react and leaders who build systems that work. It explores why organizations focused only on recruiting often struggle with turnover, burnout, and inconsistency—and why long-term growth requires clarity, accountability, and trust. AI Isn’t the Threat—Weak Leadership Is AI is framed as a tool for leverage, training, and clarity. Used well, it amplifies strong leadership. Used poorly, it exposes the absence of direction, culture, and authentic value. Notable Quotes from the Episode “Managers blame people. Leaders fix processes.” — Fobby Naghmi “Retention is harder than recruiting—but it’s where real growth happens.” — Justin Neal “AI doesn’t replace people; it exposes who actually brings value.” — Ginger Bell “Fear is irrelevant and unhelpful.” — Eleni Theodorakis Why This Episode Matters 2026 will reward leaders who build people, not just pipelines. Those who fail to adapt will feel it first—in retention, trust, and performance. This episode sets the tone for Season 7 with honest leadership conversations rooted in experience, accountability, and long-term thinking. Follow Laugh, Lend & Eat on Spotify for more conversations on leadership, mortgage lending, and what it really takes to grow in changing markets.

    50 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    What Gen Z Wants from Us: A Conversation with Raquel Boras

    For the final episode of Season 6, we close out an incredible year with someone who has always brought her own rhythm, truth, and energy to the show—Raquel Boras. No longer in the mortgage industry yet more impactful than ever, Raquel steps in with a message that directly challenges how we connect, communicate, and lead. This episode centers around one powerful question: What does Gen Z really want from us? From her upcoming documentary "I Hear You Gen Z" to her experiences traveling across 13 states in an RV, Raquel shares a raw and revealing look into what young people are thinking, feeling, and expecting from the adults in their lives—and why so many professionals are missing the mark. It’s the perfect way to end a season focused on adaptation, authenticity, and leadership. Standout Moments A Gen Z teen telling Raquel: “Stop posting brain rot. We want real advice.”The emotional weight of watching early cuts of her documentary.Stories from her cross-country RV journey filming nearly 30 young adults.The reminder that authenticity is the actual brandHumor around honey diets, RV life, and who still does Gen X dance moves. About Raquel Boras Raquel is a storyteller, mentor, and filmmaker helping bridge the gap between generations. Her documentary I Hear You Gen Z explores what young people truly think—and what they want from the adults around them. Formerly in the mortgage space, she now leads with creativity, heart, and a commitment to authentic voices. Final Reflection If this season has taught us anything, it’s that leadership isn’t about knowing all the answers—it’s about connecting with the people who need us most. And as Raquel reminds us, Gen Z isn’t waiting for us to entertain them. They’re waiting for us to lead them. Season 6 ends with clarity, conviction, and a challenge: Be the adult they can trust. Be the voice they want to hear. See you in Season 7.

    52 min

  6. 11/23/2025

    Foreclosure headlines look terrifying—but are they telling the truth?

    In this breakdown, Fobby Naghmi and Justin Neal cut through the noise and unpack what the numbers actually say. We look at today’s foreclosure activity side-by-side with the peak of the housing crisis, revealing a very different—and far less frightening—story than the headlines suggest. Drawing from decades of front-line mortgage leadership and data trends, Fobby and Justin explain how foreclosure filings, delinquencies, and REO levels compare to historical norms. Their insight makes sense of the market pressure points without the hype, giving real estate pros the clarity they need to guide clients with confidence. If you want to understand the real trajectory of the housing market—not just the viral headlines—dive into the full conversation. You’ll walk away with perspective, data, and a grounded view you can use in your business today.

    3 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    Kristin Messerli: How to Fix Losing Gen Z Homebuyers (Before It’s Too Late)

    In this episode of Laugh, Lend & Eat, Fobby brings on one of the most respected voices in housing research, Kristin Messerli, to tackle a problem the mortgage industry can’t afford to ignore: 👉 Loan officers are losing Gen Z homebuyers — fast. 👉 And most LOs don’t even realize it’s happening. Gen Z is the most educated, tech-native, socially connected generation in history — yet they’re also the most overwhelmed, distrustful, and financially anxious buyers the housing market has ever seen. Kristin breaks down exactly why Gen Z is walking away from traditional lenders, where they’re getting their information instead, and the specific strategies LOs must adopt right now to win these buyers back before it’s too late. This episode is a blueprint for any mortgage professional who wants to stay relevant in 2025 and beyond. Top Takeaways for Mortgage Pros: Gen Z homebuyers trust individuals, not institutions. The days of automatic credibility are over.Education only works when paired with emotional validation.If buyers feel overwhelmed, they shut down. LOs must simplify, not complicate.AI is now part of the homebuying journey. The smartest LOs integrate it.Consistency outperforms charisma. Showing up regularly matters more than being perfect.You can absolutely win Gen Z — but only if you adapt. About Our Guest — Kristin Messerli Kristin Messerli is a nationally recognized researcher and speaker specializing in consumer psychology, generational trends, and financial behavior. She is the author of the NextGen Homebuyer Report, founder of FirstHome IQ, and a leading voice on the emotional and behavioral realities shaping today’s homebuyers.

    47 min

  8. 11/15/2025

    50 Year Mortgage and Dual Licensed Real Estate Agents

    In this segment, Fobby sits down with James Kleimann, Editor of the Mortgage Scoop, to tackle two of the most talked-about trends shaking the mortgage industry right now. 👉 The 50-Year Mortgage: Real Solution or Just Noise? Everyone’s buzzing about it, but does a half-century loan actually fix affordability? Fobby and James break down: Who it might help (and who it won’t) Why the idea exploded online The implications for securitization and regulation Why affordability can’t be solved by simply adding 20 more years to a loan A sharp, straight-talk look at the reality behind the headline. 👉 Dual-Licensed Realtors: Innovation or Compliance Nightmare? James shares insights from his recent reporting on agents who are becoming both the Realtor and the LO. Together, they explore: Why some companies are pushing this model Whether agents can realistically handle both roles The compliance risks no one is talking about How compensation structures are being pitched And whether this is the “future of lending” — or a shortcut with long-term consequences 🔥 Why This Conversation Matters Both topics reveal big shifts happening in the mortgage landscape. Fobby and James cut through the hype with clarity, humor, and real industry perspective. If you want the unfiltered truth about where the business is heading, you’ll want to hear this.

    11 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Laugh, Lend, and Eat is where business meets banter. Hosted by Fobby Naghmi the show explores mortgage lending, leadership, fintech, and sales—with a side of humor and food talk. Known for his ability to ask candid, thought-provoking questions, Fobby creates a space where guests open up and real insights shine through. It's smart, relaxed, and made for professionals who want to grow, lead, and laugh along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Fobby Naghmi
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    221
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fobby Naghmi
  • Show Website
    Laugh, Lend and Eat