Episodes

Lisa and Fred dive into the idea that you don’t have to love 100% of a home to buy it. 👀 They talk through the reality that most buyers fall in love with about 80% of a house — and how a renovation loan can help you transform the other 20% into exactly what you want. From outdated kitchens to awkward layouts, they break down how these loans work, when they make sense, and why they can be a total game changer. It’s an honest, empowering conversation about buying smarter, seeing potential, and tu...

Lisa flies solo this week and is joined by two incredible Realtors, Sharon Johnson & Sarah Laaser-Webb from RE/MAX Real Estate Center for an honest & refreshing conversation! They dive into what truly makes a great agent, what the real estate market is doing right now, and how they balance busy careers with family life — without losing their sanity. It’s equal parts insight, encouragement, and real-world advice. Whether you’re in real estate, thinking about buying or selling, or just love a go...

In this episode, Fred and Lisa kick off the new year with some real talk straight from the inspiration tub. No resolutions. No waiting for Monday. Just the Five-Second Rule, a little discipline, and the reminder that motivation shows up after you start — not before. They dive into their own detox journey, what’s working (and what definitely isn’t), and how the G Series sake is helping them stay intentional without losing the fun. Expect laughs, honesty, and the kind of “make it happen” energy w...

In Episode 6, Lisa and Fred slip into the hot tub to stir up two of their favorite topics: sake and mortgages. This week they break down: The surprising conversation around a 50-year mortgage The delicious differences between nigori (cloudy) sake and clear, filtered sake How the sake-filtering process shapes flavor, texture, and vibe Plus, a special shoutout to Jewell Market for keeping their sake selection chef’s kiss. Grab a cup, dip your toes, and enjoy another round of warm laughs and s...

In this episode, we hop into the tub with the radiant Cyndi Gryte — a woman who somehow manages to mix community, creativity, and craft cocktails with pure magic. 🍸✨ We dive into what inspires her, how she brings people together, and why sharing a drink can turn simple moments into meaningful connection. Expect heart, humor, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of good vibes as we chat about the power of community and the joy of raising a glass together. Pull up a seat, pour something fun, and so...

Things get sizzling in the hot tub as we welcome our first guest — the one and only Brooks Reynolds, founder of BaconFest and all-around good-time guy. From bacon grease to big laughs, we talk about community, connection, and Des Moines' sister City in Japan. Expect plenty of stories, some questionable ideas, and the perfect mix of sizzle and sip. --------- Japan America Society of Iowa present “Sake - The Way of Japanese Arts” - Buy your tickets today and join us for a great experience of cul...

Grab your sake and settle in — this week we’re diving into Lisa’s story! From lesson plans to loan plans, she shares how her background in education shaped the way she connects, teaches, and champions her clients in the mortgage world. Spoiler: she still grades everything… including interest rates.

Grab a drink, dip your toes in, and get to know your co-host Fred—lover of sake, master of tub talk, and the soul behind the steam. In this episode, we dive into Fred’s story: how he got here, what keeps him bubbling, and why sake & hot tubs are the perfect combo. Expect laughs, a few unexpected turns, and just maybe… a hot take or two

Welcome to Sake & Hot Tubs with Fred and Lisa. Where big ideas start small, just like conversations shared over a glass of sake and a soak in the hot tub. This isn’t just another real estate podcast. We’ve created our own incubator of inspiration. A space where guests can step away from the noise, relax, and explore their next idea, whether that’s in business, community, or personal growth. So, pull up a chair, pour a glass, and let’s dive in. Because in this hot tub, ideas don’t just float, the...