The Promote Podcast

ten31 Media
  • 4.9 (77)
  • INVESTING

Your Commercial Real Estate Insider guide. From profiles of the biggest dealmakers to skyline-shaping transactions, we bring you the deals, breakdowns and war stories that move the market — for insiders, by insiders. From bad-boy guarantees to CMBS tranche warfare to syndicator sins, we cover it all. Each week, The Promote Podcast explores three of the most interesting and consequential stories in CRE, taking you well beyond the headlines and into the heart of the action. Hosted by the award-winning “Bard of CRE,” Hiten Samtani, founder of ten31 media and author of The Promote newsletter, along with no-BS institutional insider Will Krasne. Also check out our 3x/week newsletter for industry insiders at https://www.thepromote.com/

  1. 1D AGO

    Aman’s Dirty Laundry & Atlanta’s Phantom Megaproject

    This week, we have the this-is-too-weird-to-be-real tale of Forge Atlanta, a $3.8 billion megaproject with the most bizarro development team and history we’ve ever come across for a project of this scale. We know ground-up is smoke and mirrors even on a good day, but this is NEXT LEVEL. We then slip into linen trousers and head to the embattled sun-kissed shores of hospitality giant Aman, where the involvement of a mysterious international fugitive has caused all sorts of drama between Aman and key partners Cain International and PIF. And finally, a quick wardrobe change into earnings-call appropriate attire, as CBRE absolutely crushes the AI boom. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com3) This week's Punch List is brought to you by Real Property Captive, the first group captive insurance for mid-market owners. Check out their platform at RPCaptive.com to tap into the same insurance framework used by the market’s biggest players. For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.For brand partnerships: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: Mysterious Developer Is Pushing Billions In Georgia MegaprojectsDeveloper Defaults On Mortgage For Planned $3.8B Atlanta MegaprojectWebstar Seeks Tax Break For $750M Forge Atlanta Development The Aman Infiltration: How a Global Money Laundering Kingpin Tainted a $3 Billion Hotel BrandThe Aman Connection: How a Transnational Fugitive Became a Pillar of Dubai’s Most Elite AddressCain International Invests in Aman Group to Support Global Expansion StrategyPod: Behind the Deal - One Beverly HillsCain and AbleBillion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World Meta partners with CBRE to train data center techniciansCBRE Profit Jumps 95%, Fueled By Data Centers High Rise: How 1,000 Men and Women Worked Around the Clock for Five Years and Lost $200 Million Building a Skyscraper

    37 min

  2. APR 22

    The Frum Fraudfather & Pied à Terre Purgatory

    This week, we finally tackle the story of Mark Nussbaum – the real estate attorney who became the nexus of the underground Orthodox CRE dealmaking world, facilitating hundreds of millions of dollars in deals and "show capital" before it all collapsed spectacularly in a wave of lawsuits, criminal fraud allegations, and even the suicide of a close collaborator, Mendy Steiner. Nussbaum's tale is a lens into the gray economy of the frum, where huge deals are often done on a handshake and under the aegis of a close-knit community. We also explore New York's new push for a pied-a-terre tax, which has serious momentum with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul in lockstep. Finally, we look at how Dubai billionaire developer Hussain Sajwani's luxury condo at the site of the Surfside tragedy has yet to sell a single unit – a new development launch is like an IPO - you only get one shot at setting the narrative. Plus, our Punch List rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: SREIT's $1.7B refi, SL Green's Hyundai Tribeca rescue, more Stargate troubles and Ares' C-PACE bet. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Here's 10% off on annual subscriptions: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: The Nussbaum-Steiner Escrow TrailDealmacher Nussbaum Charged W/ Grand LarcenyHush MoneyNussbaum's Firms File Ch. 11(Ephraim) Diamond in the Rough The Pied-à-Terre Tax Has Failed Before. Could This Year Be Different?Tax The Rich: A Brief New York History Habibi Come to Dubai Miami‘Donald of Dubai’: real estate mogul rubbing shoulders with TrumpTupac vs Biggie, CRE Edition

    39 min

  3. APR 15

    Multifamily's Icarus: Alan Stalcup On the Record

    "Property management companies made my spreadsheets lie." "We're gonna move the pref to a 17. Okay, okay, Tom. You're f*****g me right now. You know that, right?" This week, we break protocol to bring you a no-holds-barred interview with the poster child of the Sunbelt syndicator boom/bust, Alan Stalcup of GVA Management. Fueled by OPM, ZIRP, and an insatiable appetite for deals, Stalcup rode to the very top of the multifamily mountaintop, amassing 30,000 units in an acquisition spree for the ages. When rates turned, however, his firm became one of the highest-profile casualties, setting off a wave of defaults, investor & lender lawsuits, and explosive allegations of fraud. In this unplugged conversation with The Promote, Stalcup talks through his rise – how a software salesman became one of the biggest landlords in the country through savvy fundraising, rapid acquisitions and fast exits – his butting heads with the likes of Fortress Investment Group and his lenders, and the aftermath of GVA's collapse. We talk through property management, syndicator raises and what happens when you become Patient Zero of a much broader reckoning. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple.To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: The Alan Stalcup Interview Apartment Landlords Bleeding Cash Imperil $47 Billion of Loans Real Estate Investors Are Wiped Out in Bets Fueled by Wall Street Loans Austin real estate owner under federal investigation as lawsuits allege $100M fraud GVA and Alan Stalcup “cooking the books,” lawsuit alleges

    34 min

  4. APR 8

    Mass Alt-luence & There's Something About Rabsky

    This week, we chop it up on how God is Smiling Upon Alts: The federal govt has put forward much-anticipated regulation that creates a smorgasbord of investment options for retirees – with major implications for CRE. Next, we discuss how Manhattan office has broken the $300 a foot barrier – twice in a month! And finally, we bust out our Marley Slims and head to Brooklyn, where Orthodox dealmaker Simon Dushinsky's unorthodox playbook at the Rabsky Group is dominating the development landscape. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: New York real estate succession with Andrew Chung coming in to lead Extell; the Q of federal govt. usage of its real estate footprint; DHS' in-limbo $38B warehouse purchase plan; and RXR's recap of a prominent office-resi project. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple. Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, exclusive online events, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: Dept. of Labor proposes landmark rule to democratize access to alternative investments in 401(k) plansJon Gray Is Reshaping Blackstone Into Everybody's Investing MegastoreNot-So-Private Equity’s Retail Push Irks Traditional Clients Single-Malt Buildings Record-Breaking Lease at Soloviev Group's 9 West 57th StreetThe Rabsky Riddle

    38 min

  5. APR 1

    From BSDs to DSTs & a Lakewood Lad's SNF Summit

    This week, we talk some takeaways from institutional real estate’s March Madness, the PREA conference – we’ve got the latest on what the industry's biggest allocators & fund managers are thinking about. Then, we SNF around that quirky asset class’ latest megadeal - Chuny Herzka’s $1.7B acquisition of the Centers healthcare portfolio. And finally, the changing of the guard at Camden Property Trust  and BGO's takeover of Bell Partners are great excuses to discuss 2 of our favorite themes – AUM Gobbling & the private-leaning shift in the capital markets. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: Apollo HQ2; tenants pouncing on distressed buildings dies; and the Dubai real estate scene. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple. Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: Ethan Penner on the changing nature of the CRE capital markets Hiten on Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast chatting about Dubai real estate and the GCC allocator Q The New Distress Play: Buy Your Own Building Apollo Teases HQ 2 Meet the AUM Gobblers Podcast: Sixth Street's AUM Gobbling Nursing Home Power Roster Podcast: SNFing out Megadeals Podcast: Talking Tycoons: Tom Cousins

    38 min

  6. MAR 25

    Reubens on Rye and Apollo's Divine NNNtervention

    This week, we dive into the life & times of two quintessential Men with Deep Pockets: Billionaire British Brothers David & Simon Reuben have become some of the most aggressive buyers of trophy hotel and retail assets across the country – many of them in various states of undress & distress. We then look at Apollo’s new NNN partnership with Realty Income - an alliance that says much about how both AUM Gobblers and vanilla REITs are saying they’ve got what the other needs. And finally, failed mega-retailer JCPenney is now the scene of a bruising battle with a jilted would-be buyer. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: retail titan David Simon dies; Fannie & Freddie stocks freefall; Iran conflict raises questions about the Middle East's biggest CRE allocators. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple. Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: You May Never See Us Again: The Barclay Dynasty:The Reuben Brothers’ self-described “black sheep” steps upPack up your roubles ...Inside Reuben Brothers’ NYC shopping spreeApollo To Invest $1B In 500 Realty Income Single-Tenant PropertiesPrivate Credit’s Manifest Destiny From Investment to Savings: When Finance Feeds on ItselfBill Ackman Solved the Wrong ProblemGary Barnett: The Father of Billionaires' Row

    35 min

  7. MAR 18

    Savills Gobbles Eastdil & Ray Washburne's Second Helpings

    This week, we dive deep into the M&A deal that's all anyone in institutional CRE can talk about. Savills – yes Savills! – is buying Eastdil Secured for $1.1B. That gives the Brits some serious capital-markets firepower stateside, but the devil lies in the details of the golden handcuffs. Next, we strap on our Lucchese boots and head to Dallas, where legendary dealmaker Ray Washburne has grand plans for a convention center. We discuss his HoF deal for Highland Park Village and how he's part of a dying breed of CRE cowboy we’re obsessed with. Plus, our "Punch List" rundown of the newsiest industry happenings: JPM marking down private-credit portfolios; BTR neutering bill passes Senate; chaos at US Attorney's office hampers mortgage-fraud investigations; and Ben Ashkenazy's big LA deal.  Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com2) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple. Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: The Savills-Eastdil PostgamePaper Chasers on TopRoy March Leading Voices InterviewThe Liar's BallKing of Capital: The Remarkable Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Steve Schwarzman and Blackstone The New Emperor of Highland Park VillageRay Washburne on the Highland Park Deal

    38 min

  8. MAR 11

    Wartime Allocators & Rialto's Double Agent

    This week, we have no choice but to tackle the topic of war. The conflict with Iran continues to roil markets and CRE's biggest allocators are in sixes and sevens. Fewer young people are going to college, which puts a big question mark on what's historically been one of the biggest drivers of real estate activity. And finally, with special servicers like Rialto continuing to play an outsized role in the market, some of their more exotic strategies are coming under a pretty harsh spotlight. Sponsors: 1) This episode is supported by LoanBoss, the industry-leading debt management software. Featuring one-click covenant testing, instant cash flow forecasting, and our favorite nerdy delight: Live forward curves! Check them out at loanboss.com2) This episode is supported by Bravo Capital, a leading HUD and bridge lender. See how their precision underwriting means quicker approvals and higher proceeds for sponsors by visiting bravocapital.com To advertise: Reach out to partnerships@thepromote.com For feedback: Write us at podcast@thepromote.com And please rate us and write a review on Apple. Up your CRE game:  Consider becoming a premium subscriber to The Promote Insider to unlock access to expert CRE breakdowns, behind-the-deal stories, scoops, discounted swag and events and more. Take 10% off annual subscriptions by using this link: https://www.thepromote.com/upgrade?offer_id=b700858f-21e0-47a2-9695-a93055d3ed15 Further reading/listening: Real Estate Lobby Sounds Alarm Over Forced Sale Provision In Housing Bill What’s in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act? Games Lenders Play How Jeffrey Epstein secretly backed star-studded NoMad condo project

    36 min
See All (60)

4.9
out of 5
77 Ratings

About

Your Commercial Real Estate Insider guide. From profiles of the biggest dealmakers to skyline-shaping transactions, we bring you the deals, breakdowns and war stories that move the market — for insiders, by insiders. From bad-boy guarantees to CMBS tranche warfare to syndicator sins, we cover it all. Each week, The Promote Podcast explores three of the most interesting and consequential stories in CRE, taking you well beyond the headlines and into the heart of the action. Hosted by the award-winning “Bard of CRE,” Hiten Samtani, founder of ten31 media and author of The Promote newsletter, along with no-BS institutional insider Will Krasne. Also check out our 3x/week newsletter for industry insiders at https://www.thepromote.com/

Information

  • Creator
    ten31 Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Ten31 Media, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Promote Podcast

You Might Also Like