REFRL podcast highlights business-savvy individuals, operational systems, entrepreneurs, and life moments that real estate professionals encounter daily.
This podcast is for general informational purposes only. The views, thoughts, and opinions of the guest represent those of the guest and not Keller Williams Realty, LLC and its affiliates, and should not be construed as financial, economic, legal, tax, or other advice. This podcast is provided without any warranty or guarantee of its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or results from using the information.
Episode 24 • From High School Project to Luxury Cake Brand with Michelle Scurio of Cake Monstah
A beautiful cake gets people talking. What turns that attention into a thriving business?
On this episode of Real Estate for Real Life, hosts Courtney Gauchman (https://www.instagram.com/courtneygauchman/) and guest host Rachael Smith (https://www.instagram.com/rachael.smith/) sit down with Michelle Scurio (https://www.instagram.com/cake.monstah/), owner and cake artist behind Cake Monstah, to explore her journey from a high school DECA project to building a luxury cake business.
From sculpted edible art to nationwide wedding cake tasting boxes, Michelle brings a creative perspective to entrepreneurship and the work of turning a personal passion into an experience clients remember.
We explore:
Building a distinctive brand in a competitive industry
Balancing creative ambition with profitability
Creating meaningful client experiences during life’s biggest celebrations
Finding opportunities to innovate and grow
The lessons that come with turning your craft into your career
Whether you’re growing a business, pursuing a creative passion, or rethinking your customer experience, this conversation offers inspiration and practical questions to bring back to your own work.
Meet the entrepreneur behind the cakes and discover what goes into building a business people celebrate.
Subscribe to Real Estate for Real Life for more conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders across industries.
Connect with Michelle/Cake Monstah:
Website: Cakemonstah.com (https://www.cakemonstah.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA85MzY2MTk3NDMzOTI0NTkAAac-uBrLscVuneyUua8zG22yp23VaAyemISF8GCPU-ysa9S1wLI0BUK8jJhGsw_aem_oJ0qzaNyff7ANiifxHg4Bg)
Instagram: @cake.monstah (https://www.instagram.com/cake.monstah/)
Email: hello@cakemonstah.com (mailto:hello@cakemonstah.com)
https://www.wilsongroupre.com/ (https://www.wilsongroupre.com/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0)
@wilsongroup
Produced by: Taylor Bono (https://www.instagram.com/taylor_bono/) and Andy DeMattio (https://www.instagram.com/andydemattio3/)
For inquiries or interest in becoming a guest on Real Estate For Real Life, email: Andy@WilsonGroupRE.com (mailto:Andy@WilsonGroupRE.com).
29 Sept 2026
Episode 23 • How the #1 Mortgage Originator in America Built a $10 Billion Business with Shant Banosian, President of Rate
What does it take to become the #1 mortgage originator in the United States?
In this episode of Real Estate for Real Life, Ryan Wilson and Courtney Gauchman sit down with Shant Banosian (https://www.instagram.com/shantbanosian/), President of Rate, to unpack the mindset, systems, and leadership principles behind one of the most successful careers in the mortgage industry.
After originally planning to attend law school, Shant discovered a passion for helping people navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, a journey that has since led him to help more than 40,000 families secure over $10 billion in home loans.
Together, they discuss:
How Shant built and scaled one of the highest-performing teams in the country
The habits and systems behind sustained success
Leadership lessons from growing a world-class business
Why "who you work with" matters more than ever in today's housing market
The real cost of waiting to buy a home
Advice for first-time homebuyers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders alike
Whether you're a Realtor, lender, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to level up your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights on leadership, execution, and building a business that lasts.
Connect with Shant:
Website: ShantBanosian.com (https://shantbanosian.com/)
Instagram: @ShantBanosian (https://www.instagram.com/shantbanosian/)
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shantbanosian (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantbanosian/)
https://www.wilsongroupre.com/ (https://www.wilsongroupre.com/%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0)
@wilsongroup
Produced by: Taylor Bono (https://www.instagram.com/taylor_bono/) and Andy DeMattio (https://www.instagram.com/andydemattio3/)
For inquiries or interest in becoming a guest on Real Estate For Real Life, email: Andy@WilsonGroupRE.com (mailto:Andy@WilsonGroupRE.com).
1 Sept 2026
Episode 22 • From Selling a Business to Building a New One: The Money, Mindset & Risks Behind Entrepreneurship with Mark Condon
Ryan Wilson interviews financial planner Mark Condon about the money, mindset, and risks involved in entrepreneurship and building new businesses.
Who has been a guest on Real Estate for Real Life
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Mark Condon
Jen Scully
Meg O’Leary
Matt Naimoli
Lauren Sherlock
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Contact Real Estate for Real Life
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Real Estate for Real Life
Who hosts Real Estate for Real Life?
Courtney Gauchman and Ryan Wilson host the show. Published by Wilson Group.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Real Estate for Real Life take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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