Home Turf with Jesse Carlson

Jesse Carlson

Every community has people worth knowing. Home Turf is where those conversations happen. Hosted by Jesse Carlson, the show brings together real estate professionals, business owners, industry experts, and community voices from across the Twin Cities for thoughtful, unscripted conversations about the work they do, the challenges they face, and the ideas shaping the places we call home. Some episodes dive into housing and entrepreneurship. Others explore local history, leadership, or the stories behind the people making a difference. The common thread isn't the topic; it's the people.

Episodes

  1. 6d ago

    Video Games and Starting Over | Matthew “Theology” Bentley

    What if video games could teach us when to keep going and when it’s time to start over? On Home Turf with Jesse Carlson, St. Paul real estate agent Jesse Carlson sits down with Matthew “Theology” Bentley, a video game music DJ and mental health activist. Theology explores how games like Tetris, Persona 5, The Legend of Zelda, and Final Fantasy can offer unexpected lessons about purpose, choices, and mental health. They also discuss gaming addiction, Guild in St. Paul, condo living, walkability, public transit, and how lifestyle choices shape the way we live. 🎙️ HOST & GUEST Host: Jesse Carlson Jesse Carlson is a St. Paul, Minnesota real estate agent and host of Home Turf with Jesse Carlson, where he explores housing, entrepreneurship, and community across the Twin Cities. Guest: Matthew “Theology” Bentley Matthew “Theology” Bentley is a video game music DJ and mental health activist. His work connects gaming, music, storytelling, and mental health advocacy, including his long-term Theology of Mana project. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How video game stories can offer real-life lessons. Why starting over can sometimes be the better choice. How Theology connects gaming, music, and mental health advocacy. How Guild supports mental health, housing, and employment. Why condo living, walkability, and transit can reshape lifestyle priorities. ❓ KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q: Is video game addiction real? A: Matthew “Theology” Bentley says gaming becomes a problem when it interferes with normal life, even though he finds the term “video game addiction” complicated compared with substance addiction. Q: Are video games good for kids? A: Matthew “Theology” Bentley says games can build skills like hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, teamwork, creativity, and resource management, while also noting concerns about casino-like game mechanics. Q: Can video games be good for your mental health? A: Matthew “Theology” Bentley says video game stories can offer meaningful lessons and open conversations about mental health. He points to Expedition 33, which explores death, grief, loss, and overcoming challenges together. Q: Is a condo better than a house? A: For Matthew “Theology” Bentley, condo living was a better fit. He and his wife travel frequently for work, downsized to about 800 square feet, and found that a smaller, walkable home suited their lifestyle better. ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) - Intro (00:26) - Meet Matthew “Theology” Bentley (05:19) - Travel & Learning Dutch (08:06) - Becoming a Video Game Music DJ (12:22) - Finding Meaning in Video Games (17:04) - What Tetris Can Teach About Life (18:46) - Gaming & Mental Health Advocacy (20:50) - Guild: Mental Health, Housing & Jobs (23:11) - Homeownership & Condo Living (26:46) - Walkability & Public Transit (29:28) - Healthy Gaming vs. Gaming Addiction (32:49) - Travel, History & the Prado Museum (33:45) - Theology of Mana & Where to Follow 💼 Connect with Matthew “Theology” Bentley : 🌐 Website → http://www.theologymusic.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/theologyvgm/?hl=en 💼 Connect with Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #StPaulMN #TwinCities #MinnesotaRealEstate #MovingToMinnesota #CommunityRealEstate #Homeownership #RealEstatePodcast #MinnesotaRealtor

    Video Games and Starting Over | Matthew “Theology” Bentley

  2. Oct 5

    Why Great Networking Still Doesn’t Get You Referrals

    You can be likable, memorable, and well-connected and still be hard to refer. On Home Turf with Jesse Carlson, Jesse talks with Mercedes Forslund of the Oliver White Team at Fairway Mortgage about authentic networking, clear value propositions, follow-through, and building relationships that lead to trust and referrals. They also cover the FORD framework, stress regulation, and Mercedes’ community work with the MAR Foundation. 🎙️ HOST & GUEST Host: Jesse Carlson Jesse Carlson is a St. Paul real estate agent and host of Home Turf with Jesse Carlson, a Twin Cities real estate podcast featuring conversations about housing, entrepreneurship, business, and community. Guest: Mercedes Forslund Mercedes is a mindset expert and business developer for the Oliver White Team at Fairway Mortgage. Her background includes title work, networking, real estate business development, and community involvement with the MAR Foundation. 💡 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Turn networking anxiety into more authentic conversations. Make your value proposition easier to understand and refer. Start conversations without relying on a sales pitch. Build relationships beyond the real estate transaction. Strengthen trust through consistency and follow-through. Use the FORD framework to uncover genuine common ground. Reset during stressful moments with simple grounding techniques. ❓ KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED Q: How do you make yourself easier to refer in real estate? A: Make your value proposition clear so people know who you help, what problem you solve, and when to refer you. Q: How can Realtors grow their business outside the transaction? A: Realtors can stay connected through client events, social media, marketing, and database engagement between transactions. Q: What should you do after a networking event? A: Follow up quickly on promised contacts, resources, or introductions. Consistent follow-through builds trust. Q: How can real estate professionals network without sounding salesy? A: Lead with curiosity, ask open-ended questions, and find genuine common ground instead of forcing a sales pitch. Q: What is a simple way to manage stress during a busy real estate day? A: Mercedes recommends grounding through your feet and using a longer exhale to reset during stressful moments. Want stronger relationships without the awkward pitch? Follow Home Turf with Jesse Carlson and connect with Mercedes for more mindset and business-development insights. ⏱️ CHAPTERS (00:00) - Intro (00:57) - Meet Mercedes Forslund (05:19) - From Teaching to Title (08:45) - Networking Without the Ick (11:09) - Networking Goals & Openers (14:50) - Become Easier to Refer (16:47) - Beyond the Transaction (18:56) - MAR Foundation & Community (23:27) - Shared Values & FORD (25:23) - Consistency Builds Trust (26:50) - Managing Real Estate Stress (28:27) - Feel Your Feet (30:01) - Mindset & Discipline (33:03) - Connect With Mercedes Forslund  💼 Connect with Mercedes Forslund : 🌐 Website → https://mercedesconnects.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/m_forslund 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedes-forslund 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Mercedes-Forslund/100077416290289/ 💼 Connect with Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #StPaulMN #TwinCities #MinnesotaRealEstate #CommunityRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast #MinnesotaRealtor

    Why Great Networking Still Doesn’t Get You Referrals

  3. Sep 28

    Real Estate Marketing: Use the Right Media | James Austin & Marshall Saunders

    More real estate media doesn’t automatically mean better marketing. The real question is whether every photo, video, or tour has a purpose. In this episode of Home Turf with Jesse Carlson, Jesse Carlson talks with Marshall Saunders and James Austin of WonOver Images about listing photography, staging, video, Matterport, Zillow tours, and social media. From cleaner listing photos to more authentic content, the takeaway is simple: use the media that fits you instead of chasing every trend. 🎤 Host & Guests Jesse Carlson is a St. Paul real estate agent and host of Home Turf with Jesse Carlson. Marshall Saunders brings experience in film, photography, and real estate and helped build WonOver Images. James Austin has a background in digital marketing, social media, and real estate photography. ✅ What You’ll Learn Prepare a home for better listing photos without over-staging. Use cleaner sight lines, lighting, and furniture placement to improve photos. Create more natural real estate videos without overproducing every clip. Know when professional photography adds value beyond an iPhone. Use Matterport, Zillow tours, video, and virtual staging with a clear purpose. Choose media that fits your business instead of copying other agents. 🔎 Key Questions Answered Q: How should sellers prepare for real estate photos? A: Focus on clutter, countertops, cords, furniture placement, and making key rooms easy to understand. Q: Do real estate agents need highly polished social media videos? A: Not always. Simple, genuine phone videos can feel more natural and relatable. Q: Is an iPhone enough for listing photography? A: It can take good photos, but professional photographers add composition, equipment, efficiency, and experience. 📣 CTA Buying, selling, or building your real estate business in the Twin Cities? Follow Home Turf with Jesse Carlson for more practical conversations from the St. Paul real estate community. ⏱️ Chapters (00:00) - Cold Open: Sell the Home or the Agent? (00:48) - Intro & Meet James and Marshall (02:40) - FPV Drones & Flight Restrictions (04:58) - Marshall’s Real Estate Journey (09:11) - James Austin’s Marketing Journey (11:55) - What Makes WonOver Images Different (15:34) - Selling the Home vs. Agent Brand (18:17) - Preparing a Home for Listing Photos (21:54) - Decluttering & What to Clean (23:35) - Staging & Furniture Placement (26:54) - Lamps, Plants & Sight Lines (29:39) - Social Media Strategy for Agents (33:55) - Authentic vs. Polished Video (36:23) - Stop Selling, Build Curiosity (38:40) - Making Social Media Fun (40:04) - iPhone vs. Professional Photography (42:49) - More Challenging Properties (44:45) - Photographers Spot a Market Shift (45:47) - How Agent Strategy Is Changing (47:25) - iPhone Listing Photos vs. Pros (48:43) - Why a Photographer’s Eye Matters (50:53) - Use the Media That Fits You   💼 Connect with Marshall Saunders & James Austin : 🌐 Website → https://wonoverimages.com/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/wonoverimages/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/wonover-images 💼 Connect with Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ 📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below! ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #StPaulMN #TwinCities #MinnesotaRealEstate #MovingToMinnesota #CommunityRealEstate #Homeownership #RealEstatePodcast #MinnesotaRealtor

    Real Estate Marketing: Use the Right Media | James Austin & Marshall Saunders

  4. Sep 21

    Beyond the Transaction: Twin Cities Real Estate with Shana Schaffer

    What does great real estate service look like beyond the transaction? Jesse Carlson talks with Grant Johnson Group Realtor Shana Schaffer about supporting Twin Cities buyers and sellers through emotional guidance, inspections, flexible scheduling, team coverage, and Follow Up Boss. Learn how client-first systems and clear market strategies can reduce uncertainty in a changing Twin Cities housing market. 🎤 Host and Guest Host: Jesse Carlson Jesse Carlson is a St. Paul real estate agent who combines five years of Twin Cities residential experience with a tech-savvy, data-driven approach to housing and community real estate. Guest: Shana Schaffer Shana Schaffer grew up in Roseville, Minnesota, and earned a business management degree after attending Century College and Metropolitan State University. Before entering real estate in 2022, Shana managed European Wax Center locations. She now works with the Grant Johnson Group, using team collaboration and client-management systems to support buyers and sellers across the Twin Cities. 💡 What You’ll Learn Match buying or selling plans to price, speed, repair, and as-is goals. Price listings for higher inventory and fewer active buyers. Protect visibility by avoiding low-attendance holiday weekends. Explain inspection options, including sewer scopes. Organize prospecting, showings, and client work into flexible blocks. Maintain service through trusted team coverage. Prevent missed deadlines with Follow Up Boss, calendars, reminders, and centralized records. ❓ Key Questions Answered Q: How should Twin Cities home sellers price their property in a changing market?A: Twin Cities home sellers need tighter, more market-specific pricing as inventory increases and buyer demand decreases. Shana Schaffer recommends aligning the listing price with the seller’s priorities, expected closing timeline, current competition, and local buyer demand. Q: When should Minnesota sellers avoid listing a home?A: Minnesota sellers should consider avoiding low-attendance holiday weekends such as Labor Day and the Fourth of July, when many potential buyers may be traveling. Shana recommends using that time for staging and photography, then launching the listing when buyers return. Q: What inspections should Twin Cities homebuyers consider?A: Twin Cities homebuyers should understand the full range of available inspections before deciding what fits their comfort level. Shana recommends a general home inspection and specifically highlights sewer scopes as a valuable option for buyers. ⏱ Chapters (00:00) - Intro (00:59) - Meet Shana Schaffer (02:38) - From Beauty to Real Estate (06:35) - Finding the Right Team (09:09) - First-Year Mindset (10:52) - Scheduling and Prospecting (13:35) - Supporting Buyers and Sellers (15:29) - Defining Client Goals (18:53) - Listing Around Holidays (23:50) - Follow Up Boss Systems (27:03) - Motivation in a Shifting Market (30:55) - Training, Negotiation, and AI (34:41) - Response Times and Family 💼 Connect with Shana Schaffer: 🌐 Website → https://www.zillow.com/profile/shana-koland 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/shanaschafferrealestate 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/shana-schaffer-0145941a0 🎧 Follow Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ Follow Home Turf with Jesse Carlson on Spotify for more Twin Cities real estate conversations. ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #StPaulMN #TwinCities #MinnesotaRealEstate #CommunityRealEstate #Homeownership #RealEstatePodcast

    Beyond the Transaction: Twin Cities Real Estate with Shana Schaffer

  5. Sep 14

    Finding Your Identity in Real Estate with Wyatt Lemon

    🚀 What does it take to find your identity in real estate - and build a career that fits you? Jesse Carlson sits down with Wyatt Lemon, a Twin Cities real estate professional with the Grant Johnson Group, to talk about mentorship, personal growth, client relationships, and building a career in real estate. Wyatt shares how he went from four homes in his first two years to 31 transactions the following year, what he learned from different mentors, his philosophy on following up with clients, and how he now helps other agents grow. 🎧 Hosted by: Jesse Carlson👤 Guest: Wyatt Lemon - Real Estate Professional, Grant Johnson Group Wyatt Lemon is a Realtor® with the Grant Johnson Group, serving clients across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. He brings experience across a range of price points, prioritizing tailored, client-focused service and data-backed guidance to help buyers and sellers navigate every stage of their real estate journey. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Building confidence after a slow start ✔️ Finding your identity in real estate ✔️ Learning from mentors and experienced agents ✔️ Why genuine care matters in follow-up ✔️ Putting the client's journey ahead of your ego ✔️ Helping people who know they're capable of more  🎧 Listen now to Wyatt's journey through Twin Cities real estate.  💼 Connect with Wyatt Lemon: 🌐 Website → http://wyattlemon.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/wyatt.lemon/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/wyattlemon/ 🎧 Follow Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #MinnesotaRealEstate #RealEstatePodcast

    Finding Your Identity in Real Estate with Wyatt Lemon

  6. Sep 14

    First-Time Homebuyers & Mortgage Lending | Billy Anstett

    🚀 What happens when a home deal gets complicated - and you need someone who can find a way forward? Jesse Carlson, a St. Paul real estate agent with five years of Twin Cities residential experience, talks with Billy Anstett of Luminate Bank about credit, mortgage lending, first-time homebuyers, and the problem-solving mindset behind difficult deals. They also get into Billy’s roots in Northeast Minneapolis, strategy games, travel, and what success means beyond work. 🎧 Hosted by: Jesse Carlson 👤 Guest: Billy Anstett - Mortgage Loan Officer, Angie Shear Team at Luminate Bank  Billy Anstett is a Mortgage Loan Originator with Luminate Bank based in Northeast Minneapolis. Bringing six years of specialized lending experience with Luminate Bank following a decade of working in Washington, D.C., he provides clear, transparent mortgage guidance, helping clients navigate the home-buying process with confidence. 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Navigate credit challenges toward homeownership ✔️ Find solutions when mortgage deals get difficult ✔️ Understand the lending process as a first-time buyer ✔️ Build backup strategies when plans fail ✔️ Strengthen agent-lender partnerships ✔️ Apply strategic thinking to real-life challenges ✔️ Turn setbacks into opportunities to keep moving forward ✔️ Define success beyond work and career  🎧 Listen now for insights on lending, credit, and homeownership.  💼 Connect with Billy Anstett: 🌐 Website → http://www.billyanstett.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/BillyAnstettMortgageLoanOfficer/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/billy-anstett-9088471a2/ 🎧 Follow Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ 📌 Follow the podcast and share this episode!  ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #MinnesotaRealEstate #Homeownership #MortgageLending #FirstTimeHomeBuyer

    First-Time Homebuyers & Mortgage Lending | Billy Anstett

  7. Sep 14

    Twin Cities Real Estate, Community & More | Jesse Carlson

    🚀 What if a real estate podcast could be about more than buying and selling homes? Welcome to Home Turf with Jesse Carlson. Jesse introduces the podcast and shares his vision for exploring Twin Cities real estate, Minnesota communities, and the interesting people and stories that make the area home. From real estate professionals and community leaders to unexpected guests, Jesse wants to ask deeper questions and go beyond the traditional real estate podcast. 🏡  Hosted by: Jesse Carlson  💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why Jesse created Home Turf  ✔️ What makes the show different from traditional real estate podcasts  ✔️ The guests and topics coming to future episodes  ✔️ The types of guests and topics coming to the show  ✔️ Why Jesse wants to ask deeper questions  🎧 Listen now and welcome to Home Turf with Jesse Carlson! 🎧 Follow Jesse Carlson: 🌐 Website → https://jessecarlson.com/ 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/JesseCarlsonRealEstate 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessecarlsonrealtor/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-carlson-0b296b205/ ⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/ Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is sponsored by WonOver Images - When potential buyers of your home see these photos when you go to sell, they will be... WonOver: https://wonoverimages.com/ #HomeTurfWithJesse #JesseCarlson #TwinCitiesRealEstate #StPaulRealEstate #MinnesotaRealEstate

    Twin Cities Real Estate, Community & More | Jesse Carlson

  8. Sep 3

    Intro

    Every community has people worth knowing. Home Turf with Jesse Carlson is where those conversations happen. Hosted by Jesse Carlson, the show brings together real estate professionals, business owners, industry experts, and community voices from across the Twin Cities for thoughtful, unscripted conversations about the work they do, the challenges they face, and the ideas shaping the places we call home. Some episodes dive into housing and entrepreneurship. Others explore local history, community issues, leadership, or the stories behind the people making a difference. The common thread isn't the topic; it's the people. Because the best opportunities, partnerships, and communities are built through relationships. And if Jesse doesn't know the answer, chances are he knows the person who does.

  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Every community has people worth knowing. Home Turf is where those conversations happen. Hosted by Jesse Carlson, the show brings together real estate professionals, business owners, industry experts, and community voices from across the Twin Cities for thoughtful, unscripted conversations about the work they do, the challenges they face, and the ideas shaping the places we call home. Some episodes dive into housing and entrepreneurship. Others explore local history, leadership, or the stories behind the people making a difference. The common thread isn't the topic; it's the people.

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