Speaker Real

Welcome to "Speaker Real," the podcast where the journey to becoming a professional paid speaker is laid bare – REAL, unedited, and authentic. I'm Cheryl Knowlton, your dynamite host with over 20 years of experience captivating audiences - and making mistakes. As a Certified Speaking Professional, I've navigated the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of public speaking, and I’m here to share the real stories with you – the triumphs, the stumbles, and everything in between.Join me and my incredible guests, including other esteemed Certified Speaking Professionals and Hall of Fame Speakers from the National Speakers Association. Each episode of "Speaker Real" dives into genuine, unscripted conversations that reveal the true art and science of professional public speaking.We delve into techniques, strategies, and personal stories that highlight the raw, unpolished side of the speaking world. Our mission is to inspire and empower you to seize the stage with authenticity and confiden

Speaker Real is a business podcast hosted by Cheryl Knowlton, with 157 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Cheryl Knowlton hosts Speaker Real, a business show with 157 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Speaker Real

  Dan Mullen: Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning

  Aug 17, 202639 minS1

  Renting feels cheaper, until you do the math. In this episode, Dan Mullen and Cheryl Knowlton unpack the financial power of homeownership: appreciation, leverage, tax perks, and compound growth. Learn why buying can beat renting, how HECMs protect retirees, and what real estate pros must teach clients to build generational wealth. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Rent vs. own: full financial comparison Compound interest and long-term wealth impact Appreciation, leverage, and equity explained HECMs (reverse mortgages) for retirement housing Educating agents — financial literacy and mastery Key Takeaways: When you include appreciation, maintenance, taxes, and rent growth, buying often outperforms renting long-term by millions sometimes. Leverage amplifies returns because appreciation applies to the whole asset, not just your down payment, creating disproportionate wealth across decades for homeowners and their families. Rent tends to rise; homeowners gain forced equity, stability, and inflation protection. Compound interest and time dramatically increase homeownership's advantages; even modest annual appreciation compounded over decades can result in vastly greater net worth compared with renting and investing small differences consistently. Real estate pros must teach financial context, quantify scenarios, and collaborate with CPAs and advisors to serve clients. "In the example in the book... it's like $160,000 of wealth difference in favor of the owner just because they own the house versus renting." - Dan Mullen Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Grab a copy of Dan's book, Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning, HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Real-Decisions-Financial-Impact-Renting/dp/B0DRKCC7YB About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and pay stubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals. Dan is also the author of Real Decisions: The Financial Impact of Renting and Owning. Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #29

  [Classic Rewind] Dale Anderson: Surviving Violent Encounters in Real Estate

  Aug 14, 202652 minS1

  When your entire job revolves around meeting strangers in empty properties, safety isn't optional; it's survival. In this episode, retired detective Dale Anderson shares hard-earned, real-world tactics to help real estate agents recognize danger, trust their instincts, and make it home alive. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dale Anderson discuss: Why real estate is far more dangerous than most agents realize The tragic story and lasting legacy of Beverly Carter Situational awareness and trusting your gut Open house and showing safety strategies Using tools, habits, and training to prevent violence Key Takeaways: Good-hearted people often underestimate danger because they don't naturally think like predators, which makes proactive safety training essential. Violent criminals frequently target real estate professionals based on the perception that agents are wealthy and vulnerable. Simple preparation, like how you park, where you stand in a home, and knowing your exits, can dramatically change the outcome of a critical moment. Listening to your intuition and acting on it immediately, even if it feels "rude" or overcautious, may be the difference between surviving and becoming a headline. Safety tools and habits (avoiding driving clients, not working alone, choosing the right footwear) are not inconveniences; they are lifelines for you and the people who want you to come home. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you're ever in a situation where someone's going to pull you into a van or into a trunk, whatever is going to happen after you get stuffed in that van or that trunk is way worse than standing there and fighting to survive at that moment." - Dale Anderson About the guest, Dale Anderson: Dale Anderson is a retired police officer with roughly 30 years in law enforcement, including 20 years at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and 13 years as a detective focused on the most violent offenders in Clark County, Nevada. After retiring in 2019 and moving to North Idaho, he founded Frontline Training and Consulting, shifting from teaching cops to training real estate professionals and the general public in real-world safety, situational awareness, and surviving violent encounters. Now a national speaker, he draws on his extensive experience with violent criminals to help agents recognize danger, trust their instincts, and build habits that get them home safely at the end of the day. National Association of Realtors Safety Resources: https://www.nar.realtor/safety Forewarn App: https://www.forewarn.com/ Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Connect with Dale Anderson: Website: https://frontlinetrainingandconsulting.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-anderson-frontline-training-and-consulting-b82ab097/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontline_6363/ Email: dalespeaks@Frontlinetrainingandconsulting.com Phone: 702-439-1279 Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #28

  Classic Rewind: Dan Mullen: Stop Overpaying the IRS: Tax Strategies Every Realtor Must Know

  Aug 7, 202641 minS1

  Most agents work their adorable little guts out… then get crushed by taxes and surprise IRS bills. This week on Real Estate Elevated, Cheryl sits down with Dan Mullen, CPA & mortgage pro, who has literally built his career saving realtors from tax disasters. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Dan Mullen discuss: Planning ahead to avoid self‑employment tax "surprises." Using S‑corp elections to reduce self‑employment taxes Properly documenting travel, meals, and vehicle deductions Regular, proactive check‑ins with your accountant Investing in your own product: real estate for long‑term wealth Key Takeaways: Proactive tax planning is non‑negotiable for agents who don't want to be blindsided at tax time. The S‑corp election can dramatically cut self‑employment taxes when structured correctly, and setting a reasonable salary and letting the rest flow as distributions is where much of the savings happens. Travel, meals, and vehicle deductions are powerful but highly audited, so documentation is everything; but clear board minutes, mileage logs, and receipts turn "red flag" categories into audit‑proof benefits. Treat quarterly taxes like a standing business appointment rather than an optional chore, with calendar reminders and regular check‑ins with your accountant keeping you out of panic mode and in control of cash flow. Truly wealthy agents don't just sell real estate—they own it. "Real estate builds so much wealth. It does for even people living in their own homes. It certainly does for investors." - Dan Mullen About the guest, Dan Mullen: Dan Mullen is a mortgage advisor and a partner at a tax firm, a combination that gives him a unique advantage in helping self-employed clients qualify for mortgages. Because these borrowers are underwritten using tax returns rather than W-2s and pay stubs, Dan's deep understanding of tax documentation allows him to navigate the process more effectively. Having seen firsthand the pain and frustration caused by mortgage letter requests, he is on a personal crusade to help tax preparers avoid them and to bridge the gap between mortgage underwriters and tax professionals. Connect with Dan Mullen: Website: https://www.futureandmain.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielbmullen/ CONNECT WITH CHERYL: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #27

  Mark Peebles: Why Hustle Was Killing His Business (and His Marriage)

  Jul 17, 202642 minS1

  Burnout doesn't have to be the price of real estate success. In this episode, second-generation broker and top producer Mark Peebles shares how a hard truth from his wife, a faith reset, and a new time management model helped him build a $20M+ business that still puts family, clients, and sanity first. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Mark Peebles discuss: Second-generation real estate journey and building NavX Realty Breaking the "work harder, longer hours" success myth Faith, counseling, and confronting workaholism Time management framework: four work modes and "best life" appointments Client care, Chick-fil-A-level service, and relationship-based lead generation Key Takeaways: Working more hours doesn't guarantee better results. Treat family and personal time as non-negotiable appointments, because protecting your relationships is just as important as growing your business. Delegating to assistants, transaction coordinators, and trusted partners doesn't mean sacrificing quality; it often improves the client experience while giving you the freedom to focus on your highest-value work. People remember how you made them feel long after they forget the details of the transaction. Using a structured framework for connective, performance, deep, and essential work can help you earn more, avoid burnout, and build a business that supports the life you actually want to live. "If we connect with people every single day. It will lead to performance work." - Mark Peebles About the guest, Mark Peebles: Mark Peebles is passionate about helping people build lives and businesses that last. A seasoned real estate leader, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and coach, Mark guides agents, business owners, and teams toward greater clarity, purpose, and lasting success. Mark's passion is making an impact and inspiring people to be World Changers. His mission is to help people live their best life and achieve ultimate success. Mark has been recognized as a Dayton Area Board of Realtors Pinnacle of Performance Award Winner, performing at the highest level among his peers. Discover how you can look 'poor' to the IRS and rich to a lender. Check out my sponsor, GTG Tax Planning, at gtgtax.com to book a short discovery call. Connect with Mark Peebles: Website: https://itsmarkpeebles.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/itsmarkpeebles Monday Mindset Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/monday-mindsets-with-mark-peebles/id1652699436 The Ultimate Success Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ultimate-success-podcast-with-mark-peebles/id1663931943 Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #26

  Cassy Williamson: Belief Before Confidence: Breaking Self-Doubt

  Jul 10, 202642 minS1

  If you've been waiting to "feel confident" before you launch, speak up, or go bigger in your business, this episode will flip that script. Discover how unapologetic belief, tiny daily moves, and fierce boundaries can shatter self-doubt and change the way you show up in life and real estate. In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Cassy Williamson discuss: Belief vs. confidence: decision before proof The Unapologetic Belief Framework Self-doubt, overthinking, and the hamster-wheel loop Boundaries, time, and "best yes" priorities Real estate as a life improvement and service Key Takeaways: Confidence is not the entry ticket; it's the result of action and evidence, and that cycle can only start when you choose belief first. Even the tiniest daily move can interrupt the loop of self-doubt. Saying yes only to your "best yes" protects your most valuable asset—time—and keeps you building the life and business you actually want. Authenticity means refusing to tone down the parts of you that are good and powerful just to make other people more comfortable. The most effective professionals in real estate focus on relationships and serving as "life improvers," not just on transactions or price points. "I think belief is the decision before proof." - Cassy Williamson About the guest, Cassy Williamson: Cassy Williamson is a leadership coach passionate about helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through heart-centered leadership, innovation, and confidence. With a background in the music industry, healthcare, sales, and marketing, she brings a unique perspective on how strong leadership and positive company culture can transform organizations. Cassy has coached professionals at all levels, empowering them to create lasting personal and professional growth through trust, collaboration, and actionable strategies that inspire meaningful change. Connect with Cassy Williamson: Website: https://www.cassywilliamson.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassywilliamson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cassy__williamson Connect with Cheryl Knowlton: Website: www.cherylknows.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/ Show Notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Speaker Real. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.