House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans

Maria and Mary
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House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans is where design, real estate, renovation, business, and lifestyle collide. Hosted by Maria Perketa and Mary DaRosa of the Aspire Collective Group of Companies, each episode features engaging conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, designers, builders, artists, musicians, and special guests who share insights, experiences, and perspectives shaping today’s world. From market trends and interior design to entrepreneurship and luxury living, we cover the topics that matter most—then wrap things up with a dose of pop culture shenanigans and real-life conversations. Thoughtful. Informative. Entertaining. Welcome to Season 3. Where Design, Real Estate & Real Conversations Meet.

  1. Jul 28

    More Than a Mortgage: Smart Strategies for Every Stage of Homeownership

    Send us Fan Mail A mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments most people will ever make, but how much do you really know about yours? In this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, hosts Maria Perketa and Mary Da Rosa welcome Jesse Hazen Mallery, Mortgage Broker with BRX Mortgage, for an informative conversation that goes far beyond interest rates. Serving clients across Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, Jesse shares why working with a mortgage broker can open doors to more options, greater flexibility, and long-term financial strategies tailored to your goals. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned homeowners, investors, and self-employed entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with practical advice that can help you make smarter mortgage decisions. Together, they discuss:  • How a mortgage broker differs from your bank  • Essential advice for first-time homebuyers  • Why qualifying can be more challenging for self-employed Canadians  • The biggest mortgage mistakes homeowners make  • What every homeowner should know about their mortgage—but many don’t Then it’s time for Daily Shenanigans, where Jesse reveals his unexpected passion for reality TV and true crime. As it turns out, solving mortgage puzzles and solving murder mysteries have more in common than you might think! Whether you’re buying your first home, renewing your mortgage, refinancing, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make confident financial decisions. 🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

    More Than a Mortgage: Smart Strategies for Every Stage of Homeownership

  2. Jul 14

    Intentional Outdoor Living: Craftmanship, Stewardship & Luxury Landscapes

    Send us Fan Mail Luxury outdoor living has evolved far beyond patios and gardens. Today’s exterior spaces are thoughtfully designed extensions of the home—places to gather, entertain, recharge, and create lasting memories. In this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, Maria Perketa and Mary DaRosa welcome returning guest Peter Bonanno for a conversation about the future of landscape design, luxury outdoor environments, and the craftsmanship required to bring extraordinary spaces to life. Together, they explore what homeowners are asking for today, from outdoor kitchens and wellness retreats to integrated lighting, privacy features, and resort-style experiences at home. They discuss why timeless design is replacing trend-driven projects and what it truly means to create intentional outdoor living spaces that reflect how people live. Peter also shares valuable insight into the evolving role of stewardship in high-end residential projects—explaining the difference between simply completing work and protecting the integrity of a vision from concept through execution. Whether you’re planning a backyard transformation, building a custom home, or simply appreciate thoughtful design, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on creating outdoor spaces that age beautifully and function exceptionally. Topics include:  • Luxury outdoor living trends  • Intentional landscape design  • Outdoor kitchens, wellness spaces, and resort-inspired features  • Stewardship versus traditional contracting  • Material selection and timeless design  • The hidden infrastructure that determines long-term success  • Practical guidance for homeowners planning outdoor projects Because great outdoor spaces aren’t just built—they’re thoughtfully crafted, curated, and experienced.

    Intentional Outdoor Living: Craftmanship, Stewardship & Luxury Landscapes

  3. Jul 7

    Opening New Doors: Welcome to Season 3 of House Party

    Send us Fan Mail Season 3 is here! Join Maria Perketa and Mary Da Rosa as they kick off a brand-new season of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans. This season, we’re opening the door to inspiring conversations with celebrity artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and creative minds from across a variety of industries. In this premiere episode, Maria and Mary explore what’s influencing the worlds of design and real estate as we look ahead to 2026 and beyond. From evolving styles and consumer preferences to market shifts, innovation, and the growing connection between how we live, work, invest, and create, the conversation offers insight, perspective, and plenty of food for thought. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a showing, managing a project, or simply looking for an engaging conversation to accompany your day, House Party brings together industry expertise, real-world experience, inspiration, and a healthy dose of shenanigans. Pull up a seat, turn up the volume, and join us as we open new doors, share new perspectives, and kick off our most exciting season yet. “Where great design, smart real estate, and unforgettable conversations all come together under one roof.” 🎙️🏡✨

  4. Jun 30

    Timeless by Design: 2026 Trends, Lasting Style & the Art of Creating Home Featuring Edy Rodriguez, Principal of Rose & Stone Interiors

    Send us Fan Mail What makes a home feel timeless in a world of ever-changing trends? In this episode of House Party: Design & Real Estate, hosts Maria Perketa  & Mary DaRosa sit down with Edy Rodriguez, Principal of Rose & Stone Interiors, for an inspiring conversation about the future of design and the principles that never go out of style. Together, they explore the trends shaping homes as we move into 2026—from emerging colours, textures, and materials to the growing desire for spaces that feel authentic, functional, and deeply personal. The conversation goes beyond what’s trending to examine what truly creates lasting value in a home and how thoughtful design can enhance both lifestyle and longevity. In this episode, you’ll discover: ✨ The design trends gaining momentum for 2026  ✨ What “timeless design” really means in today’s homes  ✨ How to balance current trends with lasting appeal  ✨ The inspiration behind great design and creative vision  ✨ Features and finishes that continue to stand the test of time  ✨ Why thoughtful design is one of the best investments you can make Whether you’re renovating, building, decorating, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode offers valuable insights into creating spaces that are beautiful today and relevant for years to come. Because while trends come and go, great design never goes out of style.

    Timeless by Design: 2026 Trends, Lasting Style & the Art of Creating Home Featuring Edy Rodriguez, Principal of Rose & Stone Interiors

  5. Jun 16

    Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building

    Send us Fan Mail Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building On this episode of House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans, we sat down with a mortgage specialist to unpack one of the most powerful — yet often misunderstood — wealth-building strategies available to Canadian real estate investors: Rental Cash Damming. For many landlords, increasing cash flow, reducing taxes, and accelerating mortgage repayment can feel like competing priorities. Rental cash damming is a strategy designed to help investors optimize all three by restructuring how rental income and expenses flow through their finances. During our conversation, we explored: What is Rental Cash Damming, and Why Do So Many Canadian Landlords Use It? We discussed how the strategy works, why it has become increasingly popular among real estate investors, and how it can help convert non-deductible personal debt into tax-deductible investment debt while improving overall financial efficiency. Who is the Ideal Candidate? Not every investor will benefit equally from cash damming. We reviewed the types of property owners and borrowers who may be best positioned to take advantage of the strategy and what financial circumstances make it most effective. What Does the Setup Process Look Like? From banking structure and mortgage products to working alongside qualified mortgage and tax professionals, we walked through the key steps required to properly implement a rental cash damming strategy. Common Misconceptions Landlords Should Know Many investors assume cash damming is complicated, risky, or only suitable for large portfolios. We addressed some of the most common myths and clarified what landlords need to understand before considering this approach. Why This Matters In today’s market, successful investing isn’t just about acquiring real estate—it’s about making your existing assets work harder. Understanding strategies like rental cash damming can help investors improve cash flow, build equity more efficiently, and create long-term wealth. Whether you’re a first-time investor or a seasoned landlord, this episode offers valuable insights into how strategic financial planning can enhance your real estate portfolio. 🎙️ Tune in to hear the full conversation and discover whether rental cash damming could be a smart addition to your investment strategy.

    Rental Cash Damming Reimagined: A Guide to Smarter Wealth Building

  6. 12/16/2025

    Let’s Capture Pure You: The Power of Authentic Branding

    Send us Fan Mail Get ready for an inspiring conversation with Agnes Kiesz, the creative mind and photographer behind Pure Studios — where capturing the “pure you” is more than just a motto. Agnes has a simple but powerful philosophy: we should show up as the version of ourselves that aligns with our dream career and dream clients. Her motto, “Let’s capture pure you,” perfectly sums up her approach — helping people express who they truly are, both personally and professionally. Over the years, Agnes has photographed more than 1,000 people, and for many of them, the experience has been completely transformative — not just for their brand or business, but for how they see themselves. From helping clients translate their values into compelling visuals to creating content that feels both polished and real, she knows how to turn personality into a powerful marketing tool. She’s all about blending authenticity, confidence, and creativity through the lens, and I can’t wait to dive into her story and her process. Agnes Kiesz, welcome to the show! ---------- Agnes Kiesz, Creative Director & Brand Photographer at Pure Studios www.purestudios.co IG: @pure.studios

    Let’s Capture Pure You: The Power of Authentic Branding

  7. 12/02/2025

    Hearing Without Seeing: Inside the World of Invisible Speakers

    Send us Fan Mail Joining us today is Keith Vanderkley — an audio pioneer who’s been redefining how we experience sound. Keith came to Canada back in the ’70s with a passion for music and an engineering mind. After studying mechanical engineering, he dove into electronics and found the perfect mix of art and science — professional audio. He spent over 20 years at the CBC, working his way up from studio tech to technical coordinator for CBC Radio in Toronto. From there, he took his expertise on the road — mixing live shows, recording bands, and designing sound systems for major venues and stadiums across North America. In 2005, a chance meeting with Richard Newlove, one of the creators of NXT soundboard technology, changed his path completely. That partnership led him to Amina Technologies — also known as the invisible loudspeaker company. Today, Keith is helping lead Amina as it redefines what great sound can look — and not look — like, with invisible speakers that are used around the world. These speakers are now used in homes, hotels, luxury retail, and architectural projects around the world, proving that high-performance audio doesn’t need to be seen to make an impact. Keith’s story is all about curiosity, creativity, and innovation — and I can’t wait to dive into it. Keith Vanderkley, welcome to the show! ---------- Keith Vanderkley, VP Engineering Solutions at Amina Technologies Ltd www.aminasound.com IG: @amina_invisible_speakers

    Hearing Without Seeing: Inside the World of Invisible Speakers

  8. 11/18/2025

    The Future Is Functional: Designing the Next Generation of Kitchens

    Send us Fan Mail Today, we’re really excited to welcome someone who’s been shaping the commercial foodservice and appliance world for more than 25 years — Amir Girgis. Amir is the President and Owner of Better Distribution, an independent distribution company that represents some of the top brands in the Canadian market — names like Kenyon Electric Cooktops & Grills, VarioCook, and RGX Kitchen Products. Through his leadership, Amir’s helped brands break into new markets, launch fresh product lines, and build strong partnerships that really move the needle. Before running his own company, Amir was the Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Tulip Cooking, a premium appliance manufacturer. There, he led a dynamic team focused on expanding distribution, strengthening brand presence, and driving serious growth. He also gives back to the industry as a member of the advisory board for RDRC, a residential dispute resolution center that helps people efficiently resolve construction and product-related disputes — so he’s not just focused on business growth, but also on helping the industry operate more fairly and effectively. At the core of everything Amir does is a passion for innovation, sustainable growth, and building meaningful relationships — whether that’s with manufacturers, partners, or clients. Kitchen appliances are evolving fast—getting smarter, more efficient, and designed to fit seamlessly into modern life. From connected cooking to sustainable features, these innovations are changing what consumers expect and how brands compete. So, let’s dive in and hear from someone who truly knows what it takes to grow brands and build success in a changing market. Amir Girgis, welcome to the show! ---------- Amir Girgis, President/Owner at Better Distribution www.betterdistribution.ca IG: @amstergee

    The Future Is Functional: Designing the Next Generation of Kitchens
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About

House Party: Design, Real Estate & Shenanigans is where design, real estate, renovation, business, and lifestyle collide. Hosted by Maria Perketa and Mary DaRosa of the Aspire Collective Group of Companies, each episode features engaging conversations with industry experts, entrepreneurs, designers, builders, artists, musicians, and special guests who share insights, experiences, and perspectives shaping today’s world. From market trends and interior design to entrepreneurship and luxury living, we cover the topics that matter most—then wrap things up with a dose of pop culture shenanigans and real-life conversations. Thoughtful. Informative. Entertaining. Welcome to Season 3. Where Design, Real Estate & Real Conversations Meet.

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