Shannon & Gerry Connell: Why Staging Changes Everything

Shannon & Gerry Connell: Why Staging Changes Everything

n this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve and Diana, we sit down with Shannon and Gerry Connell of The Staging Boutique to talk about what really happens when you treat staging as a strategy—not an afterthought. Shannon draws on 13 years as a real estate agent to explain how the way a home looks on day one can mean the difference between top dollar and a price cut, and why so many buyers simply cannot visualize a space without professional staging. We get into real stories of listings that sat stale, then moved quickly after a full “rebrand” with staging, new photos, and the right pricing, plus what actually goes into staging vacant vs. occupied homes. Gerry breaks down the systems and logistics behind the scenes—inventory, trucks, timelines, and processes—that let their team stage dozens of homes at once while still hitting photography deadlines for agents. We also get the inside scoop on what the day‑to‑day looks like—Diana is a key member of The Staging Boutique team, helping bring homes to life through thoughtful, strategic staging. Whether you’re a seller, agent, or just obsessed with before‑and‑afters, this episode shows how thoughtful design and a dialed-in process can help homes sell faster and for more money in any market. Get in touch with The Staging Boutique! Phone: (321) 866-8321 Website: https://thestagingboutique.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestagingboutique Studio 321 is powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend and leave us a review. Your support in this journey means the world to us! Stay connected with us! YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Studio321Podcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio321podcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/studio321podcast] Website [https://www.studio321podcast.com/]

Mark Codgen: To Write Love On Her Arms

In this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve and Diana, we sit down with Mark Codgen, Chief Marketing Officer at To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a global mental health nonprofit based right here on the Space Coast. Mark shares the story of how TWLOHA grew from a single act of showing up for a friend into a 20‑year movement reaching people in over 100 countries who are struggling with depression, addiction, self‑injury, and suicide. We talk about TWLOHA’s mission to bring hope and help—meeting people where they are at concerts and festivals, creating safe spaces for conversation, and serving as a bridge to counseling, treatment, and financial assistance. Mark explains how the team has funded millions of dollars in care, why they set a bold goal of 20,000 hours of counseling support in their 20th year, and how something as simple as a T‑shirt or a kind word can start a life‑changing conversation. The episode also gets personal as Steve opens up about losing a childhood friend to suicide, and together they unpack the guilt, grief, and reminder that people really do need other people. Brightway Insurance is matching up to $2,000 in donations to TWLOHA. Click the link to donate and support this incredible cause: https://give.twloha.com/fundraiser/7273453 [https://give.twloha.com/fundraiser/7273453] Learn more and follow along with TWLOHA Website: https://twloha.com/ [https://twloha.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twloha/ [https://www.instagram.com/twloha/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms [https://www.facebook.com/towriteloveonherarms] Studio 321 is powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your support in this journey means the world to us! Stay connected with us! YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Studio321Podcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio321podcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/studio321podcast] Website [https://www.studio321podcast.com/]

Darcy Manning: Building a Beauty Brand With Heart

In this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Angela and Diana, we sit down with professional makeup artist and founder of DARCYMM, Darcy Manning, to talk about turning passion, artistry, and grit into a full-time beauty business. From makeup school in downtown LA to leading a 16-artist agency on the Space Coast, Darcy shares how her love for glam, storytelling, and serving women evolved into DarcyMM Makeup Artistry, The DarcyMM Collective, and her own vegan beauty line. Darcy opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship—eating, breathing, and sleeping the work—while staying obsessed with quality and only putting her name on products she can stand behind 100 percent. We dive into confidence, aging, beauty standards, and how listening deeply to clients shapes everything she creates, from bridal looks to SPF 50 skincare collabs. You’ll also hear how she uses her gifts to give back through projects like Operation Superhero with Candlelighters of Brevard, helping kids in cancer treatment feel like true heroes for a day. Shop Darcy’s product line: https://darcymm-makeup-artistry.myshopify.com/ [https://darcymm-makeup-artistry.myshopify.com/] Book Darcy’s services: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/darcy_mm_makeup_artistry_207318/cf_id/61e4b6ca132f4722f61b96fa [https://www.honeybook.com/widget/darcy_mm_makeup_artistry_207318/cf_id/61e4b6ca132f4722f61b96fa] Email: aloha@darcymm.com [aloha@darcymm.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeupbydarcymm [https://www.instagram.com/makeupbydarcymm] Studio 321 is powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your support in this journey means the world to us! Stay connected with us! YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Studio321Podcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio321podcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/studio321podcast] Website [https://www.studio321podcast.com/]

Lindsey Ruschak: Leading REALTORS® and Serving the Space Coast

In this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve, Angela, and Jason, we sit down with Lindsey Ruschak, Chief Executive Officer of the Space Coast Association of REALTORS®, to talk about leadership, advocacy, and the future of real estate on the Space Coast. Lindsey shares how she went from “fun employment” after her family business closed to walking into the association in 2011 as Education Director—and, twelve years of showing up later, stepping into the CEO role in 2023. We dig into what the association actually does for local REALTORS® and consumers, from running the MLS and professional standards to legislative advocacy and protecting private property rights. Lindsey breaks down how tech and portal sites fit into the ecosystem, why she believes people still want to work with people, and how a unified association voice helps shape policy at the local and state level. She also shares candid insights on culture, low staff turnover, collaboration with neighboring associations, and her passion for serving housing‑insecure kids here in Brevard. Get in touch with Lindsey! Phone: 321-242-2211 Website: https://www.spacecoastmls.com [https://www.spacecoastmls.com/] Email: Lindsey.Ruschak@Space321.com Studio 321 is powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your support in this journey means the world to us! Stay connected with us! YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Studio321Podcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio321podcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/studio321podcast] Website [https://www.studio321podcast.com/]

Zack Spurlock & Mike Saggese: Affordability, Strategy, and Market Shifts

In this episode of the Studio 321 Podcast, hosted by Steve and Angela, we sit down with Zack Spurlock of Carpenter Kessel at Compass and Mike Saggese of New American Funding to talk about where the Space Coast real estate market is headed. From affordability and interest rates to buyer behavior, insurance trends, and the power of data, this conversation breaks down what’s really happening in today’s market. Zack and Mike share practical insight on pricing strategy, mortgage options, and why expertise matters more than ever in a challenging market. We also get into how social media, lifestyle marketing, and strong local relationships are changing the way homes are sold and buyers are reached. Get in touch with Zack and Mike! Zack Spurlock – Carpenter Kessel / Compass * Phone: 321-544-9237 [tel:(321)%20544-9237] * Email: zack@carpenterkessel.com [zack@carpenterkessel.com] * Website: https://teamspurlock.com/ [https://teamspurlock.com/] Mike Saggese – New American Funding * Phone: 516-467-6354 [tel:+1-516-467-6354] * Email: mike.saggese@nafinc.com [mike.saggese@nafinc.com] * Website: https://www.newamericanfunding.com/mortgage-loans/mikesaggese [https://www.newamericanfunding.com/mortgage-loans/mikesaggese] Studio 321 is powered by Brightway Insurance – The Steve Trout Agency. If you enjoyed the episode, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your support in this journey means the world to us! Stay connected with us! YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@Studio321Podcast] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/studio321podcast/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/studio321podcast] Website [https://www.studio321podcast.com/]