NAMB Podcast

Ginger Bell

The NAMB Podcast brings you the voices that drive the mortgage industry, with expert insights from top brokers, lenders, regulators, and innovators. Hosted by Ginger Bell and Matt Shields, each episode delivers real conversations that inform, inspire, and elevate mortgage professionals nationwide.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 54: NAMB’s New President Mike Farrell and His Vision for MORE

    What does Mike Farrell want mortgage professionals to know on his first day as NAMB President? The door is open—and he wants more people to walk through it. In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcome Mike Farrell, the new President of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB). Released on October 1, 2026, the conversation marks the first day of Mike’s term and offers a look at his priorities for the year ahead. Mike shares how NAMB plans to strengthen its state associations, improve education and member resources, and invite more mortgage professionals into leadership. He also discusses NAMB’s advocacy work, including issues affecting veterans, and why preparing the next generation is his number one priority. Matt shares how getting involved with his state association helped him build relationships and become a stronger originator. For Mike, that’s what membership is about: gaining the knowledge and connections to better serve clients and shape the profession. In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ What Mike is focused on as he begins his term as NAMB President.✅ Why strong state associations matter to a strong national association.✅ How NAMB is working to make education and resources more accessible.✅ Why advocacy for veterans remains a priority.✅ How newer mortgage professionals can get involved and have a voice.✅ What Matt gained by volunteering at the state level.✅ Why Mike believes mortgage brokers must look beyond the closing to serve their clients. Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/ Listen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namb_stagram Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, licensing, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MikeFarrell #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #MortgageAdvocacy #MortgageLeadership #MortgageEducation

    Episode 54: NAMB’s New President Mike Farrell and His Vision for MORE
  2. 4d ago

    Episode 53: Leaving NAMB Stronger: Kimber White on Leadership, Advocacy & What Comes Next

    What does it really take to make sure mortgage brokers have a voice where the biggest industry decisions are being made? In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, host Ginger Bell welcomes Kimber White, President of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), for a candid conversation about advocacy, leadership, housing affordability, industry relationships, and the future of the mortgage broker community. As Kimber reflects on his year as NAMB President, he shares what he is most proud of: helping bring the mortgage broker voice to Washington, D.C., and making sure NAMB has a seat at the table when important issues affecting brokers and homeowners are discussed. Kimber also takes listeners behind the scenes of advocacy. Big changes rarely happen overnight. They require relationships, education, follow-up, collaboration, and mortgage professionals who are willing to get involved. His message to the industry is clear: NAMB is there for everyone, and getting involved can help you learn more, build stronger relationships, grow your business, and help shape the future of the mortgage profession. In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why having the mortgage broker voice represented in Washington, D.C. matters.✅ What NAMB advocacy work really looks like behind the scenes.✅ Why building relationships with lawmakers, agencies, and industry leaders is critical to long-term progress.✅ How NAMB has worked on issues involving trigger leads, housing affordability, appraisals, condos, and other industry initiatives.✅ Why getting a seat at the table can be an important step toward meaningful change.✅ How volunteering and getting involved with NAMB can help mortgage professionals learn, build relationships, and grow their businesses.✅ Why the next generation of mortgage professionals is so important to the future of the industry.✅ Why Kimber believes mortgage brokers should never lose sight of the basics—especially customer relationships. Learn more about our guest:Kimber White, President, National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB) Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/ Listen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namb_stagramDisclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, licensing, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #KimberWhite #MortgageAdvocacy #MortgageLeadership #HousingAffordability #MortgageEducation #Homeownership #MortgageBrokers #NAMBNational

    Episode 53: Leaving NAMB Stronger: Kimber White on Leadership, Advocacy & What Comes Next
  3. Sep 22

    Episode 52: NMLS Licensing Made Clear: Renewal, CE & More with Rich Madison

    What if a few minutes today could save you major headaches during NMLS renewal? In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, host Ginger Bell welcomes Rich Madison, Senior Vice President with NMLS, for a practical conversation about licensing, renewals, continuing education, NMLS modernization, and what mortgage professionals need to know as they prepare for the year ahead. Rich has been part of the licensing journey since the implementation of the SAFE Act. He explains how the industry has changed over the past 17-plus years and why mortgage professionals need to take ownership of their licenses. His message is simple: “Your license is your business.” For MLOs, that starts with logging into NMLS, checking your dashboard, addressing outstanding information requests, completing continuing education, and making sure the renewal is actually submitted. Rich also explains why state-specific requirements matter, especially for mortgage professionals expanding into new states. In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why “your license is your business” should be every MLO’s mindset.✅ What MLOs should check before starting the renewal process.✅ Why completing continuing education does not automatically mean your renewal is finished.✅ Why state-specific education and licensing requirements can create challenges for MLOs expanding into new states.✅ What mortgage brokers and company owners should review before company renewal.✅ How mortgage professionals can provide feedback and become more involved with NMLS. Learn more about our guest:Rich MadisonSenior Vice President, NMLShttps://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/ Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/Join the NAMB Hive Facebook Group: https://nambhivenow.com Listen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Brought to you by: National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB)https://www.namb.orgContact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namb_stagram Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, licensing, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with NMLS, their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #RichMadison #NMLS #MortgageLicensing #NMLSRenewal #SAFEAct #ContinuingEducation #MortgageCompliance #MortgageAI #MortgageEducation

    Episode 52: NMLS Licensing Made Clear: Renewal, CE & More with Rich Madison
  4. Sep 15

    Episode 51: Mortgage Compliance Should Be Guardrails, Not Brakes

    What if compliance didn’t have to slow your mortgage business down? What if it could actually help you grow? In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcome Scott Geisel, Director of Compliance at Strategic Compliance Partners, for a practical conversation about building a compliance program that protects your business while giving you room to grow. Scott explains why mortgage professionals need to think beyond simply “checking the compliance box.” With state regulators playing a major role in examinations, brokers operating across multiple states may face different requirements, interpretations, and exam expectations. Scott shares practical advice for preparing for a state exam, including why brokers shouldn’t panic, the importance of assigning one person as the point of contact, communicating with the examiner early, and having your compliance program organized before the examination notice arrives. From state exams and compliance management systems to social media, advertising, AML programs, policies, procedures, and AI, Scott’s message is simple: compliance works better when it becomes part of your business—not something you scramble to fix when a regulator comes calling. As Scott puts it, compliance should be “guardrails for growth, not brakes for your business.” In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why state regulators are an important focus for mortgage brokers.✅ How to prepare your business for a state examination before the notice arrives.✅ The first steps to take when a regulator tells you an exam is coming.✅ Why establishing a professional relationship with your examiner can help the process.✅ Why multi-state growth can create new compliance challenges.✅ Why building a Compliance Management System (CMS) can make compliance more manageable.✅ Where AI creates new opportunities—and new compliance concerns. Learn more about our guest:Scott GeiselDirector of ComplianceStrategic Compliance Partnershttps://www.strategiccompliancepartners.com 🌐 Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org🎯 Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/Join the NAMB Hive Now Facebook Group: https://nambhivenow.comListen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Brought to you by: National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB)https://www.namb.org Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namb_stagram Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #ScottGeisel #StrategicCompliancePartners #MortgageCompliance #StateExam #StateExamination #ComplianceManagement #MortgageAI #MortgageMarketing #MortgageEducation

    Episode 51: Mortgage Compliance Should Be Guardrails, Not Brakes
  5. Sep 9

    Episode 50: Frank Garay Talks the Real-World Side of Mortgage Compliance

    What happens when you ask someone who admits compliance isn’t exactly his favorite topic to talk about mortgage compliance? You get a real-world conversation every loan officer can relate to. In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcome Frank Garay of Loan Officer Breakfast Club to talk about the side of compliance mortgage professionals deal with every day. From social media and AI-generated content to videos, marketing campaigns, NMLS information, and old databases, Frank shares his perspective on where loan officers need to slow down, pay attention, and know when it’s time to call compliance. The conversation also explores one of the biggest opportunities—and potential challenges—for mortgage professionals today: AI. Frank believes loan officers should be deeply invested in learning AI because of how much easier it can make their work. But creating 30 days of marketing content in minutes doesn’t mean you should publish 30 days of content without reviewing it first. And just because another loan officer is doing something online? That doesn’t automatically mean you should do it too.In This Episode You’ll Learn:✅ Why AI-generated mortgage marketing still needs human review.✅ Why loan officers should be learning how to use AI.✅ When social media, videos, rates, ads, and marketing campaigns may require a compliance check.✅ Why your NMLS information and social media profiles matter.✅ Why “everybody else does it” isn’t a good compliance strategy.✅ How loan officers can market themselves without making every post about mortgages.✅ Why compliance teams can be valuable partners in protecting your business.✅ How Loan Officer Breakfast Club helps mortgage professionals learn, grow, and improve their business. Learn more about our guest:Frank GarayLoan Officer Breakfast Clubhttps://www.loanofficerbreakfastclub.com 🌐 Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org 🎯 Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/Join the NAMB Hive Now Facebook Group: https://nambhivenow.comListen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Brought to you by: National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB)https://www.namb.org Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/namb_stagram Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #FrankGaray #LoanOfficerBreakfastClub #MortgageCompliance #MortgageMarketing #MortgageAI #MortgageEducation

    Episode 50: Frank Garay Talks the Real-World Side of Mortgage Compliance
  6. Sep 1

    Episode 49: What Mortgage Brokers Need to Know About NMLS & Compliance Changes

    Are you ready for the latest changes in mortgage compliance? For mortgage brokers and loan officers, compliance isn't always the most exciting part of the business—but it is one of the most important. Changes to NMLS, licensing requirements, audits, disclosures, documentation, and even social media can have a real impact on your business. In this episode of The NAMB Podcast, hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcome Valerie Saunders, Chief of Staff at the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), for a timely conversation about mortgage compliance, NMLS updates, state examinations, audits, continuing education, and the simple habits that can help mortgage professionals stay prepared. Valerie explains why mortgage professionals need to pay attention to communications from NMLS and avoid waiting until the last minute to review changes or complete required updates. She discusses new disclosure questions, the MU4 process, and why staying ahead of licensing deadlines can help prevent problems that could affect your ability to do business. The conversation also explores audits and state examinations, including efforts to create more uniformity for mortgage companies licensed in multiple states. Valerie explains why documentation matters, how regulators may review social media activity, and why communications with consumers—whether through email, text, chat, social media, or phone—should be properly documented. In This Episode You'll Learn:✅ Why mortgage professionals should pay attention to NMLS emails, updates, and deadlines.✅ What brokers and loan officers need to know about NMLS disclosure questions and the MU4 process.✅ How greater uniformity between state examinations could make audits easier for mortgage businesses licensed in multiple states.✅ Why regulators may review both your business and personal social media activity.✅ Why emails, texts, chats, phone conversations, and other consumer communications should be documented.✅ Why a simple compliance checklist can help brokers stay consistent and prepared. Learn more about our guest:Valerie SaundersChief of Staff, National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB)https://www.namb.org 🌐 Learn more about NAMB:https://www.namb.org  Take Action:Become a Member: https://secure.namb.org/forms/membershipInstall the NAMB App: https://namb.org/resources/Listen Now: https://www.nambpodcast.com Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20004 Follow us:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nambprosFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NAMBProsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-association-of-mortgage-brokers Disclaimer: This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or compliance advice. Mortgage professionals should verify current requirements with their compliance team, legal counsel, applicable regulators, and other appropriate professional resources. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageProfessionals #MortgageBrokers #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #NAMBHive #MortgageCompliance #NMLS #ComplianceMonth #MortgageEducation

    Episode 49: What Mortgage Brokers Need to Know About NMLS & Compliance Changes
  7. Aug 25

    Episode 48: How Mortgage Brokers Can Win with Authentic Marketing, AI & Automation

    Are you losing past clients simply because you're not staying in touch? For mortgage brokers, closing the loan shouldn't be the end of the relationship. Your past-client database can be one of your most valuable business assets—but only if you stay connected. The right email marketing and follow-up strategy can help you remain top of mind long after the closing table. The NAMB Podcast with hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcomes Lyndsay Magre, VP of Marketing at Aduvo, a NAMB strategic partner, for a conversation about email marketing, client retention, AI, automation, and building relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals. Aduvo helps mortgage professionals stay connected to their databases through automated email and text marketing. Lyndsay explains why consistent communication matters and how automation can make staying in touch easier without making your marketing feel robotic or impersonal. The goal isn't to send more messages just to send them. It's to create meaningful touchpoints that remind past clients who you are, how you helped them, and that you're still there when they need you. The discussion also explores how mortgage brokers can combine technology with the human side of the business. From personalized emails and annual mortgage reviews to birthday messages, anniversary reminders, and simple phone calls, they share ways to build a repeatable communication system that keeps relationships strong. They also discuss using AI without losing your authentic voice, identifying your ideal client, choosing the right marketing channels, and investing in a brand people remember. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why your past-client database could be one of your biggest opportunities for future business. ✅ How consistent email marketing can help mortgage brokers stay top of mind with past clients. ✅ How automation can make client follow-up easier while still keeping communication personal. ✅ Why the relationship shouldn't end when the mortgage closes—and how continued communication can help generate repeat business and referrals. ✅ Why personalized touches like birthdays, annual mortgage reviews, anniversaries, emails, and phone calls can strengthen client relationships. ✅ How to create repeatable marketing systems so staying connected doesn't fall through the cracks. Learn more about our guest:Lyndsay MagreVP of Marketing, Aduvohttps://www.aduvo.com 🎧 Listen and subscribe:https://www.nambpodcast.com 🌐 Learn more about the National Association of Mortgage Brokers:https://www.namb.org The NAMB Podcast is proudly brought to the mortgage industry by the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB). Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250 National Association of Mortgage Brokers601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900Washington, DC 20004 This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or compliance advice. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #MortgageBrokers #MortgageProfessionals #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #MortgageMarketing #BrokerIndependence #MortgageAI #ClientRetention #MarketingAutomation #NAMBHive

    Episode 48: How Mortgage Brokers Can Win with Authentic Marketing, AI & Automation
  8. Aug 18

    Episode 47: Who’s Protecting Mortgage Brokers in Washington? | Inside NAMB Advocacy

    The rules that shape the mortgage industry are being written every day. The question is: Are mortgage brokers in the room when those decisions are made? As NAMB continues Broker Independence Month, The NAMB Podcast with hosts Ginger Bell and Matt Shields welcomes Lauren Patterson, Government Affairs Chair for the National Association of Mortgage Brokers (NAMB), for an important conversation about advocacy, legislation, and protecting the future of the independent mortgage broker channel. Lauren shares why advocacy first drew him to NAMB and why mortgage professionals who work directly with borrowers need a voice in the legislative and regulatory process. Lawmakers and regulators may have good intentions, but without input from professionals working on the front lines, new rules can create unintended consequences for brokers and the consumers they serve. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✅ Why advocacy is a foundational part of protecting the independent mortgage broker channel. ✅ What can happen when legislation and regulations are created without input from mortgage professionals working directly with consumers. ✅ How NAMB works with lawmakers, regulators, housing organizations, and industry leaders to represent the mortgage broker community. ✅ Why understanding the "why" behind new regulations and guidelines can help mortgage professionals better serve their clients. ✅ How NAMB's relationships with organizations like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac give mortgage professionals greater access to information and industry conversations. ✅ Why getting involved in advocacy today can make a difference for mortgage professionals next year—and even ten years from now. Learn more about our guest:Lauren PattersonGovernment Affairs Chair, NAMBhttps://www.namb.org🎧 Listen and subscribe:https://www.nambpodcast.com 🌐 Learn more about the National Association of Mortgage Brokers:https://www.namb.org Contact: info@namb.org | (202) 434-8250 National Association of Mortgage Brokers601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, South Building, Suite 900Washington, DC 20004 This podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or compliance advice. #NAMB #TheNAMBPodcast #BrokerIndependenceMonth #MortgageBrokers #MortgageProfessionals #LoanOfficers #MortgageIndustry #MortgageAdvocacy #GovernmentAffairs #BrokerAdvocacy #IndependentMortgageBroker #NAMBHive

    Episode 47: Who’s Protecting Mortgage Brokers in Washington? | Inside NAMB Advocacy

About

The NAMB Podcast brings you the voices that drive the mortgage industry, with expert insights from top brokers, lenders, regulators, and innovators. Hosted by Ginger Bell and Matt Shields, each episode delivers real conversations that inform, inspire, and elevate mortgage professionals nationwide.