Best MSR Productions Podcasts (2026)

1
FOMC Turnover, Labor Signals & Global Shockwaves + December 2025 Data | Jan. 5, 2026 33:11

Play Pause

2d ago33:11

33:11

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team dives into key developments shaping the mortgage industry as we enter 2026. They cover labor market stability, Fed leadership changes, geopolitical tensions following U.S. action in Venezuela, and what these mean for rates and originators. The discussion also includes the December Market Advantage revie…

1
MSRcast 316: 2025 Rewind 2:31:52

4d ago2:31:52

2:31:52

Before turning the page to a new year, Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon take a wide-angle look at everything that defined 2025. In this extended rewind episode, the guys reflect on the albums that dominated their listening over the past year—and admit they were genuinely surprised by which records ended up standing out the most, with u…

1
2026 Outlook: Rates, Jobs, and Industry Trends to Watch | Dec. 22, 2025 46:57

16d ago46:57

46:57

In this final episode of the year, Optimal Insights dives into critical market updates and a forward-looking preview of 2026. Host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner and James Cahill to analyze recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data, including unemployment trends and inflation surprises. They explore why job losses in government sectors and healt…

1
Metal Geeks 276: End of Year Geekery 1:35:54

18d ago1:35:54

1:35:54

Metal Geeks Episode 276: End of Year Geekery wraps up the year with Cary the Metal Geek alongside special guests Justin the Metal Detector from the Harsh Vocals podcast and Metal Mike Lawrence for an all-encompassing dive into metal, movies, TV, comics, and games. At the top of the show, the crew pays tribute to Rob Reiner, talks about Spinal Tap 2…

1
2025 Market Recap: Key Events and Policy Ripple Effects | Dec. 15, 2025 47:55

23d ago47:55

47:55

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Alex Hebner, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley discuss the Fed’s final rate cut of 2025, labor market uncertainty, and the biggest economic events shaping mortgage rates. They share expert insights on tariffs, tech-driven capital spending, housing trends, and regulatory changes, offering a clear …

1
Tariffs, Fed Cuts, and November 2025 Market Advantage Data | Dec. 8, 2025 29:14

30d ago29:14

29:14

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by James Cahill and Alex Hebner for a deep dive into the latest market trends and economic signals as we approach year-end. They discuss the impact of tariffs, inflation trends, and employment data, highlighting how these factors influence interest rates and mortgage activity. The conv…

1
MSRcast 315 - Nevermore Galore 2:10:28

1M ago2:10:28

2:10:28

Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon return with a monumental episode as we welcome special guest Will Bozarth to dive deep into the legacy of Nevermore—just in time for their long-awaited reunion and upcoming appearance at ProgPower next year. We break down their entire discography in a full tier-list showdown, and trust us…the rankings m…

1
Shutdown Aftershocks and the Fed’s Next Move | Dec. 1, 2025 19:50

1M ago19:50

19:50

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team analyzes the lingering effects of the recent government shutdown on economic data and market sentiment. With limited new data available, the conversation centers on the upcoming FOMC meeting, the evolving composition of the Federal Reserve, and the implications for mortgage rates and market confidence. Jim…

1
Fed Rate Outlook, MSR Market Shifts & Home Equity Trends | Nov. 24, 2025 30:02

1M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode of Optimal Insights, James Cahill, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley share the latest economic updates, covering mortgage rates, Fed rate cut probabilities, and unemployment trends. Then Jim Glennon and Vimi Vasudeva discuss key takeaways from the IMN MSR Conference, including MSR market dynamics, PennyMac’s push for recapture valuation …

1
Metal Geeks Podcast 275: Return to Geekery 2:07:36

2M ago2:07:36

2:07:36

The Geekery returns! In Episode 275, Cary the Metal Geek, Brutal Dave, and George Tripsas reunite to talk metal news, concerts, movies, TV, books, and games. We start with upcoming shows like Death To All with Gorguts, Iron Maiden, Helloween, and Micky Dolenz, along with recaps of the Devo/B-52s show, the Helstar release show, and the Judas Priest …

1
Government’s Back, Fed’s Talking, FHFA’s Buzzing + Market Advantage | Nov. 17 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner and James Cahill to unpack the latest developments in the mortgage and macroeconomic landscape. The team discusses the reopening of the U.S. government, the delayed release of September jobs data, and the implications of widespread layoffs in October. They explore the ev…

1
Metal Geeks 274: A Conversation with Sawblade 666 1:03:34

2M ago1:03:34

1:03:34

Join your hosts Cary the Metal Geek and Brutal Dave as they sit down with the legendary artist Sawblade 666 for an in-depth, no-holds-barred conversation. The trio dives into their experiences at the Rock Art Poster Show, explores Sawblade’s early cover work with Mainstream Resistance, and talks about collaborating with heavyweights like Anthrax, I…

1
October 2025 Data Highlights - Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue 11:59

2M ago11:59

11:59

Welcome to the Market Advantage! Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O’Connell, and Mike Vough break down October’s mortgage market data, highlighting production trends, rate environment shifts, and secondary market insights. Special Announcement: Market Advantage is merging with Optimal Insights! This move will allow us to deliver timely mortgage data …

1
Shutdown Signals, Affordability, and the Future of Mortgage with Anita Padilla-Fitzgerald | Nov. 10, 2025 45:02

2M ago45:02

45:02

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest market developments, including the potential resolution of the government shutdown, consumer sentiment data, and the controversial proposal of a 50-year mortgage. The team discusses affordability challenges, LLPAs, and the broader implications for first-time homebuyers. Special guest …

1
MSRcast 314: Never Stop Metaling 1:58:04

2M ago1:58:04

1:58:04

In Episode 314 of MSRcast, titled Never Stop Metaling, Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon dive headfirst into a packed discussion celebrating all things heavy! The duo breaks down the latest in the metal world, from the massive Iron Maiden, Megadeth, and Anthrax tour announcement to Helloween’s long-awaited return and Megadeth’s bold cov…

1
Metal Geeks 273: Rock Art Poster Show of Geekery 1:07:20

2M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Join Cary the Metal Geek as we sit down with Chaz Von Graves and Flynn Préjean, the founders of the Rock Art Poster Show, for an inside look at one of the most exciting events celebrating music, art, and metal culture. We dive into the story behind the show, the artists, and the posters that bring live music to life on the wall. Catch the Rock Art …

1
Macro Crosscurrents: Inflation, Interest Rates, and International Relations | 11.3.25 30:49

2M ago30:49

30:49

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team dives into the latest macroeconomic developments shaping the mortgage industry. Topics include the recent Fed rate cut and Chairman Powell’s unexpected commentary, which sent shockwaves through the markets. The team explores the implications of rising interest rates, the evolving labor market, and the i…

1
The Calm Before the Fed: MBA Annual Recap, FHFA Pricing & Sparse Data | Oct. 27, 2025 45:55

2M ago45:55

45:55

In this episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon is joined by Alex Hebner, Kevin Foley, and Vimi Vasudeva to discuss the latest developments shaping the mortgage industry. The team explores the implications of sparse economic data, including CPI and labor trends, and previews the upcoming Fed meeting. They also dive into the FHFA’s potential pricin…

1
Economic Crossfire: Shutdowns, Trade Tensions & Banking Jitters | Oct. 21 22:36

3M ago22:36

22:36

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the economic turbulence surrounding the ongoing government shutdown, trade tensions with China, and emerging concerns in the banking sector. With limited data releases due to the shutdown, the team discusses the implications for mortgage rates, the upcoming Fed meeting, and CPI projections. They…

1
Metal Geeks 272: Turbo Geekery 1:54:35

3M ago1:54:35

1:54:35

Cary the Metal Geek and Brutal Dave are back and firing on all cylinders in Turbo Geekery! The guys dive into Rush’s upcoming tour and ticket pricing, the Armored Saint/Michael Schenker UFO show, and pay tribute to legends Tomas Lindberg of At The Gates and iconic artist Drew Struzan. In What We’re Gaming, they tackle the Xbox Game Pass price hike,…

1
The Future of Home Equity Lending With Andria Lightfoot | Sept. 2025 Data - Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue 40:25

3M ago40:25

40:25

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough kick off the show with a review of September’s mortgage data, highlighting a strong rate rally and notable trends in purchase and refinance activity. The team then welcomes Andria Lightfoot, VP of client success at FirstClose, for a tim…

1
Trade Tensions Reignite: China and the U.S. Back in the Ring | Oct. 13, 2025 36:50

3M ago36:50

36:50

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and Kevin Foley discuss the renewed trade tensions between China and the U.S., the ongoing government shutdown, and their combined impact on the mortgage and financial markets. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the indus…

1
MSRcast 313: Burning Metal 2:03:42

3M ago2:03:42

2:03:42

The flames of metal burn bright in this episode of MSRcast as Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon dive into the latest happenings from the heavy music world! The duo discuss the blistering new Megadeth single, the powerhouse Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne “War Pigs” charity collaboration, and the brand-new Ozzy Osbourne documentary on Par…

1
Tradeweb’s Justin Monahan on MBS Liquidity | Market Update: Shutdown & Fed Policy 34:12

3M ago34:12

34:12

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley explore the effects of the government shutdown on market data, the Fed’s evolving stance on rate cuts and quantitative easing, and the mechanics of MBS pricing and trade execution. Special guest Justin Monahan from Tradeweb offers a deep…

1
Inside the Fed’s Mind: Taylor Rule Talk + ACUMA Highlights | Optimal Insights | Sept. 29, 2025 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

In the first half of this episode, Jim Glennon is joined by Jeff McCarty, Kevin Foley, and Alex Hebner to discuss current market conditions, the potential government shutdown, and the Taylor Rule – a formula used to estimate the ideal federal funds rate. The team analyzes Stephen Miran’s public application of the rule and his controversial suggesti…

1
Metal Geeks 271: Doom and Geekery with Paul Kuhr 1:17:39

3M ago1:17:39

1:17:39

Welcome to a very special episode of the Metal Geeks Podcast! Cary the Metal Geek and MSRcast co-host Sean the Metal Pigeon are joined by none other than Paul Kuhr from Novembers Doom. We dig into the band’s brand-new album Major Arcana, talk ProgPower memories, Falling Leaves, and plenty of metal musings before diving into Paul’s Star Wars fandom—…

1
The Third Mandate and the Fed's Latest Moves | Optimal Insights | September 22, 2025 27:30

4M ago27:30

27:30

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff McCarty is joined by Alex Hebner, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley to unpack the Fed’s recent 25-basis-point rate cut and its ripple effects across the mortgage and treasury markets. The team explores the implications of rising interest rates despite the cut, investor sentiment, and the looming deb…

1
Metal Geeks 270: The Order of Geekery 1:55:09

4M ago1:55:09

1:55:09

In this episode, Cary the Metal Geek and crew dive deep into a packed slate of metal and geekery. We kick things off with highlights and stories from ProgPower 2025, then pay heartfelt tributes to three legends we’ve recently lost: Robert Redford, Brent Hinds, and Tomas Lindberg. On the film and TV front, we unleash our thoughts on upcoming and cul…

1
The Pulse of the Market: Interest Rates & Forum Reflections | Optimal Insights | September 15, 2025 44:23

4M ago44:23

44:23

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss inflation trends, labor market revisions, and expectations for the Fed’s upcoming rate decision. Later in the episode, Vimi Vasudeva joins Jim, Jeff, and James to share insights from the recent Optimal Insights Forum, including MSR pricing d…

1
MSRcast 312: ProgPower 2025 Rewind 1:58:11

4M ago1:58:11

1:58:11

Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon are back with a brand-new episode of MSRcast, and this time Cary brings stories straight from ProgPower 2025! Joining the conversation are returning guests Metal Mike and Kim the Voice from the Other Room as the crew dives deep into the festival—sharing favorite bands, debating the best opener, midcard,…

1
Maximizing Returns on AI Investments With Seever Sulaiman | August 2025 Data - Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough kick off the show with a review of August 2025 mortgage data, covering rate lock and secondary market activity. The hosts then sit down with Optimal Blue Chief Technology Officer Seever Sulaiman to unpack a recen…

1
Lower Rates Ahead? Breaking Down the Economic Signals | Optimal Insights | Sept. 8, 2025 33:00

4M ago33:00

33:00

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Alex Hebner unpack the latest jobs report, inflation trends, and the Fed’s rate outlook. They share their expert opinions and insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape. Key Topics Discussed: Jobs Report Analysis:…

1
Post–Labor Day Market Watch: Fed Drama and Economic Signals | Sept. 2, 2025 21:39

4M ago21:39

21:39

Is the FED Cook’d? A look at rate cuts, political pressure, and market reactions. In this episode, the Optimal Insights team dives into the latest market dynamics, including the upcoming unemployment report, inflation trends, and the growing political pressure on the Federal Reserve. The conversation explores the implications of Lisa Cook’s legal b…

1
MSRcast 311: We Are Metal 2:02:33

4M ago2:02:33

2:02:33

Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon are back with another heavy dose of metal talk and tunes! In this episode, we dive into a full Bruce Dickinson concert review, explore the reimagining of More Balls to Picasso, and discuss the gothic chaos of Cradle of Filth. We’ll also cover the exciting Power Quest reunion and debate WatchMojo’s lates…

1
Shifting Tides: Rates, Jobs, and AI Momentum | Optimal Insights | Aug. 25, 2025 40:08

4M ago40:08

40:08

In this week’s episode of Optimal Insights, Jim Glennon, Jeff McCarty, James Cahill, and Kevin Foley discuss the evolving interest rate environment, labor market complexities, and the accelerating adoption of AI in mortgage technology. They share insight into how these factors are shaping the industry and the broader economic landscape. Key Topics …

1
MSRcast 310: Into the Doom: A Conversation with Larry Roberts of Novembers Doom 2:42:24

5M ago2:42:24

2:42:24

Welcome to MSRcast Episode 310: Into the Doom! In this special extended interview, Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon sit down with Larry Roberts of Novembers Doom to dive deep into the band’s upcoming album Major Arcana. We explore their highly anticipated appearance at ProgPower 2025, reflect on the lasting influence of Celtic Frost, a…

1
Market Trends, Consumer Sentiment & Optimal Blue’s Exciting Rebrand | August 18, 2025 33:46

5M ago33:46

33:46

Welcome to this week’s episode of Optimal Insights. In this episode, our experts discuss the economic landscape and Optimal Blue’s big rebrand announcement from last week. Main Topics: Economic indicators and market analysis Federal Reserve policy and interest rate expectations Labor market trends and consumer sentiment Optimal Blue's new brand and…

1
Metal Geeks 269: The Art of Geekery 1:53:08

5M ago1:53:08

1:53:08

Join Cary the Metal Geek, Brutal Dave, and George we dive headfirst into a wild mix of metal, movies, TV, and games! We kick things off with a review of the Weird Al concert before breaking down the first wave of Hell’s Heroes 2026 band announcements. Then we geek out over the latest in pop culture, including The White Lotus Season 3, It’s Always S…

1
Julian Hebron on Lending Trends and Tech Innovation | July 2025 Data - Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue 55:22

5M ago55:22

55:22

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey, Brennan O'Connell, and Mike Vough open the show with a discussion on July 2025 mortgage data, highlighting trends in rate lock volumes, refinance activity, and non-agency lending. Later in the episode, Olivia and Mike sit down with Julian Hebron,…

1
Tariffs, Rate Cuts, and the Fannie-Freddie IPO: Parsing Market Signals | August 11, 2025 23:03

5M ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jeff McCarty, Alex Hebner, and James Cahill discuss the latest market developments. The team explores the economic implications of newly implemented tariffs, the Federal Reserve’s evolving stance on interest rates, and speculation surrounding a potential IPO for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Key topics includ…

1
Foggy Data, Clear Consequences | Market Updates | August 4, 2025 29:29

5M ago29:29

29:29

In this episode of Optimal Insights, host Jim Glennon leads a deep dive into recent economic developments. The team analyzes the fallout from a disappointing jobs report, revised employment data, and implications for Federal Reserve policy. They explore the growing use of imputed data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the potential impact of AI on…

1
Navigating the Non-QM Landscape | Market Updates | July 28, 2025 38:38

5M ago38:38

38:38

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team delivers a timely market update and welcomes special guest Mike Vough, Head of Corporate Strategy at Optimal Blue, for a deep dive into the evolving non-QM mortgage space. The discussion covers current economic indicators, Fed policy expectations, and the growing relevance of non-QM products in today’s …

1
MSRcast 309: Beginner's Guide to ProgPower 2:22:30

6M ago2:22:30

2:22:30

Join your hosts Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon as they're joined by Chris and Justin from the Metal Exchange Podcast for an in-depth beginner’s guide to ProgPower USA! We kick things off by paying tribute to the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, then dive into everything you need to know about attending the festival—from travel tips to band h…

1
Metal Geeks 268: Back to the Geekery 1:49:55

6M ago1:49:55

1:49:55

Join your hosts Cary the Metal Geek and Not-So-Brutal George as they're joined by friend of the show and Harsh Vocals host Justin Corbett for a jam-packed return to geekery! In this episode, the crew reflects on the recent passing of the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, dives into the Back to the Beginning show, and discusses a wild variety of geeky goodne…

1
Greg Sher on the Power of Connection in Lending | Market Updates | July 21, 2025 39:40

6M ago39:40

39:40

In this episode, the Optimal Insights team delivers a timely market update and welcomes Greg Sher, a leading voice in mortgage advocacy and digital influence. The conversation covers inflation trends, tariff impacts, housing affordability, and the evolving role of credit scoring. Greg shares the story behind the “All of Us” movement, his push for V…

1
From Vision to Reality: Joe Tyrrell on Embracing AI and Automation | Market Insights | July 14, 2025 1:01:12

6M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

In the July 14 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest market dynamics, including inflation expectations, tariff impacts, and the Fed’s rate trajectory. Jim and Alex unpack the administration’s pressure on the Fed, the resilience of jobless claims, and the looming August 1 tariff deadline. Later, Jim and Vimi sit down with Optima…

1
Smarter Hedging, Loan Sales, and Margin Management With Rob Kessel | June 2025 Data - Market Advantage - Mortgage Trends and Expert Insights - Optimal Blue 45:00

6M ago45:00

45:00

Welcome to this month’s episode of the Market Advantage podcast by Optimal Blue. Hosts Olivia DeLancey and Mike Vough discuss the June 2025 Market Advantage report, including notable shifts in loan sale execution and pull-through trends. They’re joined by Rob Kessel, founder of Panoramic Capital Advisory and Consulting, who brings decades of capita…

1
Fiscal Firepower and the Future of Interest Rates | Optimal Insights | July 7, 2025 37:28

6M ago37:28

37:28

In the July 7 episode of Optimal Insights, the team discusses the latest economic indicators and their implications for mortgage rates and the broader financial landscape. They analyze the recent jobs report, which showed strong headline numbers but revealed underlying weaknesses in private sector hiring. The discussion also covers the delayed impl…

1
MSRcast 308: Beyond the Metal 2:08:23

6M ago2:08:23

2:08:23

In episode 308 of MSRcast, we journey Beyond the Metal! Your hosts Cary the Metal Geek and Sean the Metal Pigeon return with a jam-packed episode featuring a recap of Comicpalooza 2025, reactions to the first band announcements for 70,000 Tons of Metal, and thoughts on Lux Terminus stepping in at ProgPower USA. We also discuss the recent Ozzy Osbou…

1
Do ARMs Have Legs in This Market? | Market Insights | June 30, 2025 34:49

6M ago34:49

34:49

In this episode of Optimal Insights, the team explores the current state of the mortgage market during a short holiday week, discussing economic indicators, consumer sentiment, and the Fed’s stance on rate cuts. The second half of the episode is a deep dive into adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) – what they are, how they work, and their potential re…