Epic Spotlight Podcast

Dante Royster
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Weekly

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. 14h ago

    Don Phin: Leading Through Rapid Change Without Losing Your Identity

    AI is changing work, but how do we keep it from changing how we think about ourselves? Explore the stories, habits, and leadership practices that can help us navigate uncertainty. In this episode, Dante and Don discuss: The accelerating pace of change and workplace anxietyPersonal stories, identity, and career clarityExpectations, agreements, and leadership alignmentThe “coax, encourage, inspire” model of leadershipAI, cognitive surrender, and human creativity Key Takeaways:  Stay grounded in the present instead of letting fears about an uncertain future take over.Write down the stories you carry to understand how they shape your reactions, decisions, and sense of identity.Replace assumptions and unspoken expectations with clear, mutual agreements.Make change less intimidating by starting with a small, safe step and building from there.Use AI to support your work and thinking, but retain your own judgment, creativity, and sense of identity.  “AI is a tool until you become the tool.” - Don Phin About Don Phin: Don Phin has spent 40 years at the intersection of employment law, leadership psychology, and organizational storytelling, serving as a trial lawyer, HR tech founder, keynote speaker, executive coach, and LinkedIn Learning author whose courses have reached over a million professionals. With more than 600 presentations delivered, many to Vistage CEO groups, Don now coaches multigenerational wealthy families through leadership transitions and advises organizations on how AI is reshaping the future of work and leadership. In this presentation, he explores how emotions can be the most challenging aspect of rapid change and what we can do to navigate them effectively. Don is based in sunny Juno Beach, Florida. Connect with Don Phin: Website: https://www.donphin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donphin/  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.

    Don Phin: Leading Through Rapid Change Without Losing Your Identity

  2. Nov 5

    Dante Royster: What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Are You Falling Behind?

    The habits that once helped you succeed can sometimes hold you back. Dante Royster explores how curiosity, openness to feedback, and learning new skills can turn change into growth. In this episode, Dante discusses: Adapting to new technology and using AI responsiblyFact-checking, questioning assumptions, and avoiding echo chambersActive listening, accepting criticism, and resolving conflictProfessional reinvention and transferable skillsBuilding genuine relationships, networking, and communicating your value Key Takeaways:  Stay curious about new tools and ideas instead of dismissing what you haven't taken the time to understand.Check whether information is evidence, a forecast, or an opinion, and be alert to sources that reinforce what you already believe.Treat constructive criticism as a chance to improve, and address disagreements before they become resentment.Reinvention means applying what you've learned in new ways, not discarding your experience.Build genuine relationships and make your value clear; qualifications alone may not open the next door.  “Change is inevitable. Change is constant. Growth is not. Growth is a choice.” - Dante Royster About Dante Royster: Dante Royster is a veteran mortgage broker, podcast host, and author of The Ultimate Mortgage Guide, committed to transforming lives through financial literacy and homeownership empowerment. Since launching his career in 2002, Dante has guided countless individuals through the complex world of real estate finance, always grounded by the values instilled in him by his parents’ unwavering support and wisdom. After weathering the turbulence of the 2007 real estate crash, Dante founded Full Court Services, gaining a firsthand education in resilience and strategic reinvention. Today, he leads as the founder of Epic Mortgage, a relationship-driven brokerage dedicated to putting people before paperwork. Licensed across multiple states as a Regional Mortgage Broker, he’s on a mission to make homeownership not just accessible, but deeply understood. Dante also hosts the Epic Spotlight podcast—a platform where real estate, mindset, and personal growth intersect. Through candid conversations and expert insights, he equips listeners with the tools to build wealth, make smart decisions, and lead empowered lives. Whether coaching clients through the mortgage process, authoring impactful guides, or sparking transformation through his podcast, Dante Royster is a trusted voice in a noisy industry—and your partner in building something epic. 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: What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Are You Falling Behind?

  3. Oct 29

    Lynne Williams: Stand Out in a Changing Job Market with LinkedIn, Resumes, and Career Reinvention

    Is your LinkedIn profile opening doors or quietly closing them? Get practical advice on personal branding, career reinvention, and using AI without losing your human voice. In this episode, Dante and Lynne discuss: LinkedIn as a digital reputation and personal-branding toolVirtual and in-person networking strategiesLinkedIn engagement, profile optimization, and analyticsTailored resumes, metrics, and cover lettersCareer reinvention and transferable skills Key Takeaways:  Networking matters because people hire people. Combine online outreach with in-person connections and make networking a habit.Thoughtful, value-adding comments can build visibility and credibility on LinkedIn, not just posts.Tailor each resume to the role, use relevant keywords, and include specific metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.AI can help with career materials, but your own perspective, experience, and voice should shape the final result.Career changes require continuous learning, strategic positioning, and highlighting transferable skills. Volunteering or taking a practical bridge job can also help during a transition.  “Keep learning and keep networking. You got to make networking a habit, and you need to be a lifelong learner because things are changing.” - Lynne Williams About Lynne Williams: Lynne Williams is a nationally recognized career strategist, resume writer, LinkedIn branding expert, author, and speaker with over 30 years of experience helping professionals advance their careers. As founder of Career News Today LLC and Executive Director of Great Careers Network, she specializes in resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, personal branding, and effective job search strategies. In this episode, Lynne shares her expertise on navigating today’s competitive job market, building a strong professional brand, and positioning yourself for long-term career success. Connect with Lynne Williams: Website: https://greatcareers.org/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnewilliams/  Substack: https://greatcareersphl.substack.com/  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.

    Lynne Williams: Stand Out in a Changing Job Market with LinkedIn, Resumes, and Career Reinvention

  4. Oct 22

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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 About Dante Royster: Dante Royster is a veteran mortgage broker, podcast host, and author of The Ultimate Mortgage Guide, committed to transforming lives through financial literacy and homeownership empowerment. Since launching his career in 2002, Dante has guided countless individuals through the complex world of real estate finance, always grounded by the values instilled in him by his parents’ unwavering support and wisdom. After weathering the turbulence of the 2007 real estate crash, Dante founded Full Court Services, gaining a firsthand education in resilience and strategic reinvention. Today, he leads as the founder of Epic Mortgage, a relationship-driven brokerage dedicated to putting people before paperwork. Licensed across multiple states as a Regional Mortgage Broker, he’s on a mission to make homeownership not just accessible, but deeply understood. Dante also hosts the Epic Spotlight podcast—a platform where real estate, mindset, and personal growth intersect. Through candid conversations and expert insights, he equips listeners with the tools to build wealth, make smart decisions, and lead empowered lives. Whether coaching clients through the mortgage process, authoring impactful guides, or sparking transformation through his podcast, Dante Royster is a trusted voice in a noisy industry—and your partner in building something epic. 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

  8. 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
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dante Royster
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    123
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dante Royster

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