Epic Spotlight Podcast

Dante Royster

Epic Spotlight is a self-improvement podcast focused on helping you build a healthier, wealthier, and more fulfilling life. Hosted by mortgage expert and author Dante Royster, the show explores the real-world lessons behind Health, Wealth, Love, and Happiness — delivering practical guidance, personal growth strategies, and mindset shifts that support long-term success. Through inspiring guest conversations and actionable insights, Epic Spotlight challenges listeners to think bigger, live more intentionally, and make smarter decisions in their personal and financial lives. Inside each episode, you’ll learn how to: Strengthen your mindset and personal disciplineBuild financial confidence and long-term stabilityImprove relationships, purpose, and life balanceCreate sustainable success in both life and businessWhether you’re focused on personal growth, financial empowerment, or living with greater intention, Epic Spotlight gives you tools, perspective, and motivation to grow in meaningful ways.

  1. 1d ago

    Allen Kopelman: Building Resilient Businesses from Hospitality to Fintech

    A great product isn’t enough if customers don’t pay and nobody knows how to sell it. Allen Kopelman shares why cash flow, sales planning, and operational know-how matter at every stage of business. In this episode, Dante and Allen discuss: Adapting to AI, automation, and changing technologyIdentity theft, fraud prevention, and document securityManaging business overhead, leases, and payment collectionSales strategy, marketing, and visibility in AI-powered searchCross-training, work ethic, career development, and the value of practical skills Key Takeaways:  Embrace new technology, but understand its capabilities, limitations, and costs before building your business around it.Monitor your credit and protect your personal and business information against identity theft.Develop a clear sales strategy and payment collection process before launching a product or service.Cross-train employees so teams can adapt, work more efficiently, and keep operations running smoothly.Build valuable skills, develop expertise, set realistic expectations, and aim to overdeliver.  “I always say, overdeliver and underpromise.” - Allen Kopelman About Allen Kopelman: Allen Kopelman is a fintech entrepreneur, payments industry expert, and Founder & CEO of Nationwide Payment Systems, with over 20 years of experience in payment processing and financial technology. He helps businesses across various industries reduce transaction costs, streamline operations, and implement scalable payment solutions. Through innovative pricing strategies, advanced technology, and personalized service, Allen promotes transparency and efficiency in payment processing. He also hosts B2B Vault: The Biz-to-Biz Podcast, where he explores business growth, fintech innovation, and the future of commerce. Connect with Allen Kopelman: Website: https://allenkopelman.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenkopelman/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Allen Kopelman: Building Resilient Businesses from Hospitality to Fintech
  2. Oct 15

    Dr. Debra Dupree: Turn Difficult Conversations Into Opportunities

    Small, unspoken concerns can grow into major conflicts. Learn how pausing, listening, and asking about another person’s perspective can help turn difficult conversations into a path forward. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Debra discuss: Small concerns and escalating conflictEmotional drivers and the brain’s threat responseActive listening and leadership communicationEmotional intelligence, hiring, and workplace culturePreparing for difficult conversations Key Takeaways:  Unaddressed concerns can grow into larger conflicts; raising them early creates a chance to understand what’s really at stake.When tension rises, a pause and a few deep breaths can help restore space for clearer thinking.Listening to understand, not simply preparing a response, helps people feel heard and reveals perspectives you might otherwise miss.Effective hiring looks beyond technical ability to consider emotional intelligence, mindset, values, and organizational culture.Before a difficult conversation, clarify what you fear, what matters to you, and what outcome you hope to reach.  “We don't listen to understand; we listen to respond.” - Dr. Debra Dupree About Dr. Debra Dupree: Dr. Debra Dupree, The MINDSET Doc®, is a workplace conflict and leadership expert with more than 30 years of experience in dispute resolution, leadership coaching, and workplace interventions. Using a neuroscience-based approach, she helps organizations address harassment, discrimination, workplace conflict, and mental health challenges while fostering psychological safety, respect, and inclusion. She served for 20 years as a Senior Mentor Mediator with the Department of the Navy and has developed leadership programs including Manager-as-Mediator® and Self-as-Mediator®. A TEDx speaker, international trainer, author, and thought leader, Dr. Dupree also hosts the podcasts Decoding the Conflict Mindset and Hot Topics in the Workplace: When Medical Conditions Flare Up, sharing practical strategies for healthier and more compassionate workplaces. Connect with Dr. Debra Dupree: Website: https://relationships-at-work.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debradupree/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dr. Debra Dupree: Turn Difficult Conversations Into Opportunities
  3. Oct 8

    Eliene Augenbraun: How Truth Survives When Everyone Has a Microphone

    We see thousands of headlines, posts, and AI-made clips every day, so how do we know what to trust? Dr. Eliene Augenbraun explains why facts alone rarely change minds, and how context, familiarity, trusted relationships, and interpretation shape what people believe. In this episode, Dante and Eliene discuss: Competing narratives and how they shape beliefThe personal influence model and social media algorithmsScience as interpretation and Kuhn's scientific revolutionsHow media technology changed, from signal fires to online videoAI's risks and uses in science and medicine Key Takeaways:  The information environment shapes what people believe and what feels true to them. Messages that cross both sides of a divide and make sense within both narratives can help build peace.We trust what's familiar, and what's familiar spreads through the people we already trust. Modern algorithms are built on this.Science doesn't hand us final answers. It gives the best current explanation, and that explanation can be overturned when the exceptions pile up.AI can produce useful insights, but it can also carry biases from the data it's trained on and make mistakes that are difficult to catch because the output sounds so convincing.Read one in-depth article a day, and vary your sources.  “Everybody could understand it. You just have to find decent sources and read it and ask questions, and, you know, everybody's smart enough. There's nothing. Scientists are no smarter than anybody else. They're just more patient.” - Eliene Augenbraun About Eliene Augenbraun: Eliene Augenbraun, D.O., Ph.D., is an award-winning journalist, educator, multimedia producer, and science communicator with more than three decades of experience at the intersection of science, medicine, education, and media. A physician and Ph.D. biologist, she has led multimedia initiatives and produced science and health content for organizations including Scientific American, Nature, MIT, Forbes, and leading academic institutions. She co-founded ScienCentral, a pioneering science news organization, and has helped make complex scientific topics more accessible through storytelling, video, podcasts, and digital media. She also teaches medical communications at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and mentors medical and nursing students. Her work has received numerous national and international awards for excellence in science journalism and communication. Connect with Eliene Augenbraun: Profile: https://www.forbes.com/health/author/eliene-augenbraun/ Portfolio: https://www.sciencentral.net/video Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Eliene Augenbraun: How Truth Survives When Everyone Has a Microphone
  4. Oct 1

    Dante Royster: The Part of Success Nobody Warns You About

    What if you make it financially but lose something emotionally? Dante Royster looks back on three powerful conversations and runs an honest self-audit on what success is really costing us. In this episode, Dante discusses: Financial success vs. real fulfillmentYour calendar as a reflection of your valuesEmotional masks and hidden strugglesListening vs. just hearingRedefining the scoreboard and building a legacy Key Takeaways:  Money is a tool, not a destination. Reaching your number doesn't guarantee peace, fulfillment, or a close family.Want to know what you really value? Look at your calendar, not at what you say.Winning the game is not the same as realizing you've been playing the wrong one. Keep auditing which game you're in."I'm good" is rarely the whole truth. Real connection needs safe spaces, and sometimes it means asking "How are you?" a second time.Hearing is just noise. Listening builds the relationships that shape our happiness, our health, and the legacy we leave.   “Maybe legacy isn't people remembering what you've accomplished. Maybe it's people remembering how they felt when they were around you.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dante Royster: The Part of Success Nobody Warns You About
  5. Sep 24

    Julienne Ryan: The Gift of Listening in a World That Won't Stop Talking

    We've never had more ways to communicate and never felt further apart. This conversation unpacks why and what it actually takes to connect again. In this episode, Dante and Julienne discuss: Communication vs. genuine connectionHearing versus listeningVulnerability as a leadership traitCommunicating under stress and crisisStorytelling, authenticity, and the 68-draft book Key Takeaways:  More communication channels haven't produced more connection; they've produced more places to lose each other.Hearing is reacting to noise while writing your own script; listening is being present without projecting yourself onto the other person.Two prompts do most of the work in any conversation: "Tell me more" and "Give me some context."The strongest leaders admit what they don't know, ask for help, and show up without making false promises. Vulnerability and honesty can build stronger connections than trying to appear like you have all the answers.Waste time to save time. Rushing conversations and jumping to conclusions creates the nightmare you were trying to avoid.Listening costs nothing, and its ripple effects are usually invisible; the person you heard out may not snap at someone else two minutes later.  “I think listening is about waiting and not filling it with your own voice.” - Julienne Ryan About Julienne Ryan: Julienne B. Ryan began her professional career at age five through TV commercials, where she learned early lessons like “the teamsters always eat first,” her Social Security number, and how to endorse checks for bank deposit. She later studied psychology to better understand people, conducting her “fieldwork” across various professional roles and navigating countless mergers, reorganizations, and downsizing initiatives. After earning a graduate degree from an Ivy League school, Ryan transitioned into Talent Management, where she used creativity, storytelling, humor, and even snacks to motivate teams despite limited resources. Over time, she discovered that her greatest strength was not applying fancy theories or traditional HR practices, but connecting with people through stories and humor. Encouraged by those she worked with, Ryan shifted her focus toward storytelling and continues to help people find their “true selves in the world of work.” She is also a guest contributor to The Procurement Foundry, LifeBlood, Women in Media, Blended Pledge, and the global storytelling community. Connect with Julienne Ryan: Website: https://jryanpartners.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julienneryan/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Julienne Ryan: The Gift of Listening in a World That Won't Stop Talking
  6. Sep 17

    Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Healing Invisible Wounds from Firefighters to Heartbreak

    From 9/11 firefighters to everyday heartbreak, Dr. Suzanne Lachmann shares raw, practical insights on managing trauma in a world that’s more connected and more emotionally isolated than ever. In this episode, Dante and Dr. Suzanne discuss: Talking through trauma vs. numbing, distraction, and avoidance9/11 firefighters, group processing, and cohesive trauma narrativesStoicism, “I’m fine” culture, and societal expectations of strengthBreakups, heartbreak, and grief as serious forms of traumaLimits of AI in therapy and the irreplaceable role of human connection Key Takeaways:  Talking about painful experiences repeatedly, until they lose some of their emotional charge, is one of the most effective ways to reduce trauma’s power.Trauma is highly individual, shaped by personality, upbringing, biology, identity, and life history, so there is no universal timeline or formula for healing.Breakups and heartbreak can be as devastating as other major losses and should be treated as real trauma, not minimized or rushed through.In a distracted, time-starved, screen-driven culture, one of the greatest gifts you can offer someone in pain is focused, uninterrupted time and genuine presence.AI may offer useful general guidance, but it cannot replicate the depth of individualized understanding that comes from knowing a person's unique history, experiences, and emotional world.  “But the most important thing that you can do in trauma is to continue to talk about it, to talk about it to the point at which it starts to dilute its power.” - Dr. Suzanne Lachmann About Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Dr. Suzanne Lachmann is a licensed clinical psychologist, trauma expert, author, and nationally recognized mental health thought leader. Based in New York, she specializes in trauma, grief, relationships, resilience, and personal growth. Since the aftermath of 9/11, she has served as a consulting psychologist for the FDNY, supporting firefighters and first responders through trauma, loss, and recovery. Her expertise has been featured in TIME, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, and Cosmopolitan. Through her clinical practice, writing, and speaking, Dr. Lachmann advocates for authentic human connection and helps individuals and leaders build resilience and emotional well-being in an increasingly complex world. Connect with Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Website: https://www.drsuzannel.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannelachmannpsychologist/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Dr. Suzanne Lachmann: Healing Invisible Wounds from Firefighters to Heartbreak
  7. Sep 10

    Paul Hutchinson: Building Billions, Fighting Trafficking, and Redefining True Wealth

    He built a multibillion-dollar real estate fund, lived a life of extraordinary wealth, then redirected his skills and resources toward undercover child rescue operations. In this episode, Paul Hutchinson reveals how his definition of “wealth” and purpose radically changed. In this episode, Dante and Paul discuss: Building and selling an anxiety/trauma recovery businessCo-founding Bridge Investment Group and the power of vision and teamsUndercover child rescue operations and the moment that changed everythingIntuition, integrity, and choosing the right partnersHealing trauma, plant medicine, and redefining true wealth and purpose Key Takeaways:  Vision and team-building can outweigh technical expertise when creating large-scale business success.True impact often comes when wealth is treated as a tool for service rather than a finish line.Intuition, “listening with the heart”, can be a powerful strategic advantage in both business and life.Paul explores how unresolved trauma and subconscious patterns can influence behavior, and why meaningful change requires addressing deeper roots.Dissolving the illusion of separation from others leads to greater compassion, a redefined sense of wealth, and a more purpose-driven legacy.  “We're never going to fix it pulling children out of hell. We've got to pull the hell out of humanity.” - Paul Hutchinson About Paul Hutchinson: Paul Hutchinson is a successful entrepreneur, investor, humanitarian, and international speaker whose work has impacted millions worldwide. He is the founder of the Child Liberation Foundation, leading efforts to protect thousands of children from trafficking and personally conducting over 70 rescue missions across 15 countries. He served as the primary investor and Executive Producer of Sound of Freedom, helping raise global awareness about child trafficking. Beyond humanitarian work, Paul built and sold a mental health company for $20 million and co-founded Bridge Investment Group, which grew to over $20 billion in assets under management. Today, he inspires global leaders through transformational retreats, keynote speeches, and his work on conscious leadership, entrepreneurship, and creating positive impact. Connect with Paul Hutchinson: Website: https://liberating-humanity.com/, https://childliberation.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulhutch/  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    Paul Hutchinson: Building Billions, Fighting Trafficking, and Redefining True Wealth
  8. Sep 3

    You're Building Wealth Backwards with Dante Royster

    What if you’ve been building wealth backwards? In this episode, Dante Royster explores why building yourself comes before building your portfolio, and how redefining wealth around fulfillment, relationships, freedom, and purpose can change the way you approach success. In this episode, Dante discusses: Personal development as the foundation of wealthLearning, curiosity, and “failure as tuition”Comfort vs. discomfort and embracing the grindRedefining wealth: fulfillment, relationships, and timeGenerational wealth, wisdom, and legacy Key Takeaways:  Lasting wealth is built on personal growth, discipline, resilience, and curiosity, rather than on income, assets, or net worth alone.Discomfort is often a signal of growth; staying too comfortable can quietly limit your potential and your options.Mistakes and losses are not just setbacks; they are “tuition” that teaches you what not to repeat and where to refine your strategy.Wealth without meaningful relationships, purpose, and internal fulfillment is incomplete, no matter how large the portfolio becomes.True financial freedom includes emotional freedom: not tying your worth to money, other people’s opinions, or the next big achievement.  “The goal isn't simply to become wealthy. The goal is to become someone capable of creating wealth without losing your health, your happiness, your relationships, and your family, and your integrity.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/ Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086 Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631  LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster YouTube: Epic Spotlight  Email: dante@epic.mortgage   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

    You're Building Wealth Backwards with Dante Royster

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Epic Spotlight is a self-improvement podcast focused on helping you build a healthier, wealthier, and more fulfilling life. Hosted by mortgage expert and author Dante Royster, the show explores the real-world lessons behind Health, Wealth, Love, and Happiness — delivering practical guidance, personal growth strategies, and mindset shifts that support long-term success. Through inspiring guest conversations and actionable insights, Epic Spotlight challenges listeners to think bigger, live more intentionally, and make smarter decisions in their personal and financial lives. Inside each episode, you’ll learn how to: Strengthen your mindset and personal disciplineBuild financial confidence and long-term stabilityImprove relationships, purpose, and life balanceCreate sustainable success in both life and businessWhether you’re focused on personal growth, financial empowerment, or living with greater intention, Epic Spotlight gives you tools, perspective, and motivation to grow in meaningful ways.

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