Epic Spotlight Podcast

• Kent Nichols: The Sacred Trust of Financial Stewardship

  Kent Nichols is the Treasurer and CFO of the Lake Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, a faith-based organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, that has been uplifting communities since 1945. With over two decades of experience in finance and pastoral ministry, Kent oversees all financial operations, ensuring transparency, integrity, and efficiency. He treats donated funds as a sacred trust and is committed to using every dollar to support meaningful programs, outreach, and education. Under his leadership, the conference honors its mission to serve with purpose, accountability, and a deep commitment to glorifying God through sound financial stewardship.In this episode, Dante and Kent discuss:Journey from financial consulting to pastoral ministry and CFO leadershipThe Lake Region Conference’s funding structure, including tithes and community outreachChallenges in managing budgets for a nonprofit ministry across five statesStrategic efforts to promote financial literacy and generational wealth within the churchThe vision to launch an endowment fund and expand grant-based community impactKey Takeaways: Kent blends pastoral ministry with financial leadership, bringing both compassion and structure to his role as CFO. His unique background allows him to lead with integrity while supporting spiritual and operational goals.Overseeing finances for more than 120 churches demands a careful balance of transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs of diverse communities. Kent and his team ensure resources are allocated to maximize ministry impact.With today’s unpredictable economic climate, Kent emphasizes the need for thoughtful budgeting and strategic planning. Adapting to shifts in income and donor behavior is critical for long-term stability.Financial literacy isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. Kent is co-authoring a book and developing a curriculum to equip church members with tools for budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.His vision for the future includes creating an endowment fund that provides free Christian education and expanding grant programs that directly serve the community. Legacy giving and trust development are also key to sustaining the ministry’s reach for generations to come.“I want to create an endowment fund so that any child who wants a Christian education can get it for free. That’s the vision—to use our blessings to bless others, now and for generations to come.” - Kent NicholsConnect with Kent Nichols:Website: https://www.lrcsda.com/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: [email protected] Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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• Olivia White: Get Home. Own It.

  Olivia White, an Aurora, Illinois native and seasoned realtor, understands the trust her clients place in her and strives to exceed their expectations. With over 15 years in the real estate industry, Olivia is dedicated to making each transaction smooth and transparent. Before pursuing her career as a realtor, Olivia spent over 7 years in the mortgage field, working as a loan processor, closer, and funder. This experience has given her a unique insight into her clients' needs and the entire home-buying process. As a homeowner herself, Olivia is familiar with the challenges and excitement of buying a home. She takes pride in helping local buyers and sellers navigate the real estate market with confidence.In this episode, Dante and Olivia discuss:How Olivia’s mortgage background enhances her work as a realtorThe emotional journey of first-time home buyers and how she supports themThe importance of education in easing buyer anxietyStrategies for preparing homes for sale in a competitive marketOlivia’s mission to educate her community about homeownershipKey Takeaways: Olivia’s mortgage background gives her a unique edge in real estate—she doesn’t just sell homes; she translates the entire financing process in a way that clients can easily grasp and feel confident navigating.She makes education a top priority, walking clients through everything from managing their credit to understanding inspection reports and timelines, ensuring they’re never left in the dark.The emotional impact of a home purchase is just as meaningful as the transaction itself—especially when a first-time buyer realizes their dream is becoming a reality.When working with sellers, she leans on data and market insight to build trust and guide pricing conversations, knowing that transparency is key in today’s information-heavy landscape.Her mission goes beyond closings—Olivia is actively working to bring real estate education into schools, churches, and communities to demystify homeownership for those who may think it’s out of reach.“Seeing the moments where people realize it's actually happening—the dream of homeownership is coming true. You're gaining a high level of security for yourself and your family. Those are my high moments.” - Olivia WhiteConnect with Olivia White:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OliviaWhiteRealtor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownwitholivia/ Phone: 630-532-1539Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: [email protected] Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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• Raina Kilgore: Empathy Over Judgment—The ZEM Way

  Raina Kilgore is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor with over a decade of experience in human and social services. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Marriage & Family Counseling from Adler School of Professional Psychology and Human Service Administration from Spertus College. Raina is also certified in DBT Therapy and has led impactful work in corrections, mental health hospitals, and child welfare. She’s developed and led programs addressing mental health and substance abuse, including teen prevention initiatives and family reunification efforts. Passionate about breaking down barriers, Raina is committed to helping individuals and families build healthier, more empowered lives.In this episode, Dante and Raina discuss:The origin and mission behind ZEM TherapyWhy therapy shouldn't wait for a crisisThe difference between CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed therapyCommon communication breakdowns in relationshipsThe evolving role of love languages and emotional connection in couples counselingKey Takeaways: Therapy isn’t just for when something’s broken—it’s also a powerful tool for growth. Even those in a good place can benefit from therapy to strengthen what’s already working and create new possibilities.Many communication issues arise not from disagreement, but from misaligned interpretations of the same topic. Couples may be discussing the same subject—but not in the same way.Loving your partner effectively means understanding their needs, not just expressing your own. It’s about discovering what truly resonates with them and showing up in ways that matter most.Through DBT and CBT, clients can challenge limiting beliefs and reshape harmful thought patterns. These evidence-based methods help bring clarity and control to emotional experiences.Nothing replaces face-to-face conversations when it comes to emotional connection. While texting offers convenience, meaningful dialogue thrives on presence, tone, and undivided attention.“I am not a judge, and so this is not—you’re not on a trial here. Even if a person is doing something that is not favorable, they still need empathy, they still need compassion, they still need someone to hear them.” - Raina KilgoreConnect with Raina Kilgore:Website: https://zemtherapy.org/ Phone: 708-414-6842Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: [email protected] Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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• Nicole Barton: Her Story. Her Light. Her Lens.

  Nicole Barton has been shooting professionally since 2009. Over the course of her career, she has earned Bronze and Silver in the Portrait Masters Competition and placed in international competitions. She is the creator of Crowned In Silver Magazine and the She Is Tulsa documentary, art exhibit, and magazine—as seen on the Oprah Winfrey Network, Channel 2 News, Channel 8 News, and Fox 23. She is also the creator of the She Is OKC documentary and magazine, as well as the Be|Tween documentary film and photo exhibit.Her work has been published in Forbes, Ebony Magazine, and other notable outlets. Empowering women of all sizes, shapes, shades, and ages through representation in beautiful imagery has been her mission for over a decade. What drives her passion is the bond she builds with the women she meets and witnessing their transformation as they see themselves in a new light.In this episode, Dante and Nicole discuss:Childhood inspiration from Vogue sparked Nicole’s love for photographyShifted mindset from starving artist to thriving creative entrepreneurEmpowers women 40+ through confidence-boosting portrait sessionsOvercame challenges around pricing, value, and redefining professionalism Launching Be|Tween and family legacy films to preserve untold storiesKey Takeaways: By intentionally highlighting overlooked individuals, Nicole creates imagery that validates and celebrates their experiences. Her work helps expand what society considers worthy of attention.Success in art isn’t reserved for a select few—it belongs to those willing to break traditional molds and redefine their value.Her portraits do more than capture faces—they shift mindsets, restore confidence, and affirm identity in ways that ripple beyond the studio.Nicole adapts to each client’s energy, creating a safe space that invites authenticity without pressure or performance.By intentionally choosing the voices and visuals in her daily life, Nicole stays connected to the issues and stories that fuel her creativity.“You got to be excited to get up and do it. Because, you know, the money part of it can be a little trickier, because it's art, and the way that you're going to be able to make it a sustainable career is because you love to get up and do it. And I think you really have to have tunnel vision about who you allow to influence your decision about your craft.” - Nicole BartonConnect with Nicole Barton:Website: https://www.nicolebartonphotography.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolebartonphotography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolebartonphotography/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolebartonphotography Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: [email protected] Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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• Benaiah Link: The Mental Side of Healing

  Benaiah Link, MA, MS, QMHP, is a Qualified Mental Health Professional with over 16 years of experience specializing in trauma, anger management, and holistic well-being. He combines therapeutic approaches such as CBT, client-centered, and solution-focused counseling with his background as a personal trainer to address issues like depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Benaiah currently serves as Senior Curriculum Specialist Supervisor at Youth Guidance's Becoming A Man (BAM) program and provides telehealth therapy through HELP, LLC. He holds degrees in Psychology, Sports-Exercise Psychology, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.In this episode Dante and Benaiah discuss:The connection between physical fitness and mental health recoveryWhy trauma is often misunderstood and how it shows up in everyday lifeCommonly misdiagnosed mental health issues like ADHD in childrenThe therapeutic intake process and how treatment goals are setHow journaling, deep breathing, and exercise help manage anxiety and depressionKey Takeaways: Trauma isn’t always dramatic or life-threatening—sometimes, even seemingly minor childhood experiences like punishments or emotional neglect can deeply affect adult mental health. Recognizing and addressing these hidden wounds is essential for true healing.One of the most powerful tools for calming the mind is also the simplest—deep breathing. Practicing it regularly can help reduce anxiety and bring clarity in overwhelming moments.ADHD is frequently over diagnosed, particularly in Black and Brown communities, due to a lack of cultural and environmental context in assessments. Before labeling behavior, it’s crucial to understand the broader circumstances influencing it.Effective therapy goes far beyond conversation. It involves setting specific treatment goals, regularly assessing progress, and actively working through emotional and behavioral patterns.Exercise isn't just for physical health—it can be a therapeutic tool for managing stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Incorporating movement into mental health routines can shift focus and elevate overall well-being.“Trauma doesn’t have to be dramatic—a near miss, a punishment, even a childhood scolding can quietly shape our anxiety as adults. One of the most important steps in healing is learning to debrief and seeking help when needed.” - Benaiah LinkConnect with Benaiah Link:Websites: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/benaiah-link-chicago-il/1041074 https://www.help-llc.org/benaiah-link Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: [email protected] Statement: Epic Spotlight shines a light on the truths behind love, happiness, health, and wealth. Hosted by America’s Mortgage Expert and author Dante Royster, this podcast delivers bold insights to help you grow and build your most epic life.The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed in are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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