Best Joe Desjardins Podcasts (2025)

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E78: How I Would Start a Mortgage Tech Business TODAY 19:45

Play Pause

4d ago19:45

19:45

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I’m pulling back the curtain on everything I’ve learned building BluMortgage—and what I’d do differently if I were starting from scratch today. I’m walking you through how I’d think about: → Building a simple, addictive product → Structuring a freemium model → Leveraging referrals over paid ads → Using AI (th…

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Wildlife Photography Gone Wrong: Bear Spray, Bad Fashion & Flat Tires 38:35

5d ago38:35

38:35

Welcome to The 99.999% Show, where nature photography meets the hilariously unexpected.We’re The Nature Photo Guys – Joe and Chris – two seasoned photographers who spend 0.001% of our time getting "the shot"… and the other 99.999% dealing with flat tires, questionable fashion choices and yes — that one time a workshop peep accidentally caught a fac…

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E77: Desjardins, New CMA Features, and M3 VIP Trip 18:36

11d ago18:36

18:36

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom breaks down the biggest shifts happening in Canada's mortgage technology landscape — from major lender-platform disconnections to what AI could mean for the future of mortgage app development. We cover: Why top lenders are cutting ties with major tech platforms Real examples of platform incentives (like f…

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E76: Market Update- Brokerage Receivership, Interesting Analytics and Big Winners 17:39

18d ago17:39

17:39

If your brokerage went under tomorrow—would your business survive? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom breaks down a powerful video from Ron Butler that’s making waves across the mortgage industry. From ownership of your domain and CRM to warning signs your brokerage might be in financial trouble, this episode is a wake-up call for brokers …

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E75: The Most Practical AI Tool in 2025: AI Note Takers 19:38

25d ago19:38

19:38

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom dives deep into one of the most practical AI tools available to mortgage brokers today: AI-powered note-taking bots. You’ll learn how tools like Fathom, Fireflies, and Otter are transforming how brokers run client meetings, track follow-ups, and stay compliant — all while saving time and improving client …

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E74: The Secret That Drives All of Canadian Mortgage Tech 23:17

1M ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we pull back the curtain on a multi-million dollar secret most mortgage brokers never think about: your deal submission platform isn’t really free—and the reason why explains almost everything happening in the mortgage tech world today. You’ll learn how lenders fund the systems you use, how that affects your …

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E73: Pineapple+, Centum and RMA, New Government 19:30

1M ago19:30

19:30

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom dives into the future of Canadian housing—and shares a bold theory: government-built homes might just become a new asset class. He also breaks down the latest in mortgage tech innovation, including a deep review of Pineapple Plus, the all-in-one platform making waves in the broker space. Plus, he covers b…

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E72: How to Build Game-Changing Mortgage Tech with Finmo's Carter Zimmerman 39:47

2M ago39:47

39:47

A bloated feature list doesn’t mean better tech. In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom sits down with Carter Zimmerman, of Finmo, to unpack what actually makes mortgage software successful. Carter shares how Finmo went from idea to industry leader by focusing on user experience, simplicity, and doing fewer things better. They cover: – The myt…

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Dusty Cressey: From Slopes to Storytelling | Exploring Wilderness & Capturing the Adventure 1:27:05

2M ago1:27:05

1:27:05

In this episode of The Nature Photo Guys Podcast, we’re joined by Alberta-based creator Dusty Cressey, an adventure-seeking storyteller who went from competitive slopestyle skiing to capturing stunning travel, wildlife, and landscape content around the globe.From working with tourism boards to documenting breathtaking wilderness moments, Dusty brin…

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E71: How Scarlett's Joe Fakhri is living the "Entrepreneur's Dream" 47:42

2M ago47:42

47:42

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom Hall (BluMortgage) sits down with Joe Fakhri, founder of Axiom Innovations—the tech company behind Scarlett Mortgage, Scarlett Pay, and more. Joe shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he risked it all to build one of Canada’s most innovative mortgage tech platforms, and why machine learning—not just Cha…

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Nature Photography Tips with The Nature Photo Guys! 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode, we're sharing some of our favourite nature photography tips, the kind that make the difference between a good shot and a great one. From light and composition to backgrounds and patience in the field, we cover it all in our usual laid-back style. Grab your coffee and join us! 📸 Got a question or tip of your own? Drop it in the comm…

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E70: Market Update- Canadian Tech, US Loan Officers Hurting, Pinch-DLC Partnership 17:33

2M ago17:33

17:33

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we break down some huge developments happening across the mortgage industry — both in Canada and the U.S. From the shocking downsizing of U.S. mortgage brokers, to how Canadian mortgage tech companies are adjusting their strategies, to a deep dive into the latest partnership news between Pinch Financial and D…

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E69: How a $100M+ Broker Jumped into Commercial and Built His Own Tech with David Mayrand 40:17

2M ago40:17

40:17

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I sit down with David Mayrand, a former residential broker who transitioned into the multifamily commercial space—and then took it a step further by building a tech solution designed to streamline complex multifamily deals. We talk about: Why residential brokers struggle to break into commercial The tech void…

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Alister Benn: Photography as a Path to Healing, Presence, and Creative Freedom 1:39:13

2M ago1:39:13

1:39:13

He’s a Scottish artist, writer, musician, and educator whose work blends visual art with deep emotional resonance.Together with his wife, he runs a company dedicated to helping others find their own voice through expressive photography—a practice deeply connected to personal growth and mental well-being.His powerful book, Out of Darkness, explores …

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EP 68: From Lending to Tech & Back Again: Lawrence Schwartz on Playing the Long Game 40:37

3M ago40:37

40:37

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom sits down with Lawrence Schwartz—Co-Founder of Mortgage Automator and now back in the lending game with Golden Bell Capital. They dive into: Why trade shows are massively undervalued The behind-the-scenes story of how Mortgage Automator was built (and sold) Balancing lending with tech startup life How gre…

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E67: Canadian Mortgage Summit, Velocity 3.0, New Tech-Lender Partnership 15:58

3M ago15:58

15:58

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom recaps his recent panel at the Canadian Mortgage Summit in Vancouver and dives into three of the biggest themes shaping the mortgage tech space right now: The massive edge brokers have when adopting new tech like AI The rollout of Velocity 3.0 and why it matters Why B deals, reverse mortgages, and commerc…

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Trav in the Bush | Laugh, Learn & Shoot Better Bird Photos! 2:01:53

3M ago2:01:53

2:01:53

Wildlife photography can sometimes feel intimidating, but our guest today has made it fun, accessible, and downright entertaining. He’s a bird photography content creator who has built a thriving community on social media by blending humour with education.Through his funny and relatable videos, he highlights the real struggles of wildlife photograp…

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E66: Is Zapier Worth It? 17:18

3M ago17:18

17:18

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we break down one of the most common questions mortgage brokers have: Should you be using workflow automation tools like Zapier, Make (Integromat), or N8n in your business? Here’s the thing—automation tools can save time and boost efficiency, but most brokers either avoid them entirely or hire someone to buil…

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Industry Update: Rocket, Bond Yields, Canadian Mortgage Awards 16:34

3M ago16:34

16:34

🚨 Rocket Mortgage Canada is out! What does this mean for brokers, lenders, and mortgage tech? 🚨 In episode 65 of Mortgage Tech Talks, we dive into the latest industry updates, including: ✅ The exit of Rocket Mortgage Canada and its impact on the mortgage landscape. ✅ The downward trend of bond yields and how it affects mortgage rates. ✅ The Canadia…

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Jenny Wong: A Nikon Ambassador’s Journey of Resilience, Exploration & Storytelling 1:44:52

3M ago1:44:52

1:44:52

Born in Canada but shaped by a lineage of resilience, Nikon Ambassador Jenny Wong carries the spirit of three generations of strong women—refugees who fled from China to Vietnam before finding home in a culturally rich new land. Perhaps it was always in her blood to never settle, to always seek out the next adventure.A global traveler fluent in bot…

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The Ultimate Churchill Adventure into The Polar Bear Capital of the World! 56:33

4M ago56:33

56:33

Join us on an unforgettable adventure to Churchill, Manitoba – the Polar Bear Capital of the World! From the journey itself to the incredible wildlife encounters, this trip had it all – stunning landscapes, epic photography moments, and unforgettable experiences.We’ll take you behind the scenes on how we got there (yes, it’s an adventure in itself!…

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E64: How a 20-Year Veteran Uses Tech to Have AMAZING Conversions w Russ Morrison 44:01

4M ago44:01

44:01

In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, we're joined by 20-year mortgage industry veteran Russ Morrison, who shares game-changing insights on how brokers can shift from transactional selling to strategic advising. 🔍 Russ breaks down why brokers must move beyond rate-focused discussions, how to optimize lead conversion ratios, and the power of surro…

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E63: How to Beat AI at Marketing 19:26

4M ago19:26

19:26

🚀 As AI takes over more marketing tasks, where does that leave mortgage brokers? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, Tom Hall breaks down the hidden gaps AI leaves in the market and how mortgage brokers can stand out in an increasingly noisy digital world. 🔍 AI is revolutionizing marketing—big banks and Fortune 500 companies are doubling down o…

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2024 Wildlife Photography Recap | Our Best Shots & Biggest Adventures 44:47

4M ago44:47

44:47

2024 was a year of epic adventures, unforgettable wildlife encounters… and Chris proving that no amount of hand warmers is ever enough.From breathtaking wildlife encounters to rugged outdoor adventures, this year had it all. Join Joe Desjardins and Chris Gibbs as they look back at some of their most memorable moments, favourite images, behind-the-s…

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E62: How to actually make tech work for your business with WBS' Sara Hynes 38:04

4M ago38:04

38:04

Why do so many mortgage brokers struggle with tech adoption, while others thrive? In this episode of Mortgage Tech Talks, I sit down with Sara Hynes from Western Brokers Services to break down the tech dilemma in the mortgage industry. We discuss: ✅ The biggest barriers brokers face when adopting CRM and automation (00:00:59) ✅ How delegation (or "…

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Mike Mezeul II: Chasing Nature’s Fury & Beauty | Nikon Ambassador & Visual Storyteller 1:57:21

4M ago1:57:21

1:57:21

A Nikon Ambassador, adventurer, visual storyteller, and educator with an unrelenting passion for capturing the sheer power and beauty of our natural world.A self-proclaimed nerd for everything nature, his journey has taken him across the globe, from the frozen Arctic to the depths of Earth’s most intense landscapes, seeking the most awe-inspiring a…

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Dave Brosha: Capturing the Beauty of the World Through Photography & Storytelling 1:35:21

4M ago1:35:21

1:35:21

Based in Prince Edward Island, Canada, he is a photographer, dreamer, and storyteller on a continual journey to seek out and capture the beauty of this world. His passion spans a wide spectrum of photographic genres, refusing to be confined by labels.Whether it’s the most extreme and pristine environments or the profound beauty of humanity, his wor…

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61: How to Build Your Social Media Empire 20:48

5M ago20:48

20:48

In this episode, I share how mortgage brokers can transform their social media presence with a powerful three-pillar strategy, breaking down the intimidating world of social media marketing into manageable, actionable steps. In this episode I cover: → Production: Over-coming camera shyness, how to come up with content, and outsourcing content creat…

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60: Market Update - Renewal Cliff, Stargate, Tariffs 15:26

5M ago15:26

15:26

In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada. In this episode I cover: → The upcoming "renewal cliff" in the Canadian mortgage market, where over 50% of mortgages will be up for renewal in the next two years, presenting both challenges and opportunities for mor…

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David duChemin: Exploring Light, Space & Time in Photography 2:25:07

5M ago2:25:07

2:25:07

A photographer and author based on Vancouver Island, Canada.With 40 years behind the camera, he’s captured breathtaking moments from swimming with humpback whales in Tonga to photographing the elusive Spirit Bear in Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest.His travels have spanned seven continents and 58 countries, but he prefers to immerse himself deeply in…

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59: How to Disrupt 20-Year Legacy Software with FundMore.AI's Chris Grimes 30:16

5M ago30:16

30:16

In this episode, we're joined by Chris Grimes. Chris is the Co-Founder & CEO of FundMore.ai, and has worked in the financial industry for 20 years. Gaining experience in wealth management, credit lending, and mortgage origination, he is passionate about advancing the mortgage industry through technology and forward-thinking initiatives. FundMore.ai…

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58: What eSign Should I Use? 21:21

5M ago21:21

21:21

In this episode, I do a deep dive on the different electronic signature platforms, and what my recommendation is if someone is looking to use this tool. In this episode I cover: → Comparing and contrasting the top e-signing platforms. → How deal submission platforms are integrated and who they're integrated with. → What you need to consider when de…

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Viktoria Haack: Nikon Ambassador Inspiring Creativity Across Photographic Genres 1:23:37

5M ago1:23:37

1:23:37

A Nikon Canada Ambassador, originally from the UK and a proud resident of British Columbia Canada since 2007.Deeply inspired by the stunning environment she calls home, she brings a unique perspective to her photography, shaped by her background in fine art and anthropology. Her guiding philosophy is to tread lightly, observe thoughtfully, and capt…

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57: Top Mortgage Tech Tools I'm Paying Attention To 14:11

5M ago14:11

14:11

In this episode, I share 3 specific tech tools I have my eye on for 2025, and why you should also be considering them for your business. In this episode I cover: → Smart scheduling with AI-powered calendar, Reclaim.ai. → Document scanning tools, if they should be done by third party companies or deal submission platforms, and who should be paying f…

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56: 2025 Mortgage Tech Predictions 15:30

6M ago15:30

15:30

In this episode, I try to forecast 3 big trends that we will see in Canadian mortgage tech in 2025, and what that says about the state of the industry and where it's headed. In this episode I cover: → How the pendulum has swung with how people think of software in the mortgage industry and is moving towards consolidation. → Brokers & Agents shiftin…

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Michelle Valberg: Nikon Ambassador, Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer and Storyteller 1:40:04

6M ago1:40:04

1:40:04

A photographer who has truly shaped the art of storytelling through the lens of her camera. With an extraordinary career spanning 40 years, she has mastered the ability to capture not just images but the very essence of life, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.Her work has been celebrated with accolades such as the wildlife gold medal at the Wor…

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55: 100x Your Mortgage Business with Rocket's Bekim Merdita 40:37

6M ago40:37

40:37

In this episode, we're joined by Bekim Merdita. Bekim is the EVP and a Founding Team Member of Rocket Mortgage Canada from Windsor, Ontario, which originally launched as Edison Financial in 2020. Edison Financial rebranded to Rocket Mortgage Canada on August 8, 2022, doing business under the brand Rocket Mortgage™️ throughout the country. In 2023, …

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Peter Mather: Yukon Photographer’s Journey with Wildlife, Adventure & ‘Kings of the North 1:19:44

6M ago1:19:44

1:19:44

He is an adventurer, storyteller, and photographer who has spent his life capturing the spirit of the Wild North.Based in Whitehorse, Yukon, his work focuses on long-term storytelling, bringing to life conservation stories about wildlife, the environment, and northern communities.From documenting the impact of climate change on wolverines to highli…

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54: My TOP Email Templates with 70%+ Open Rates 11:15

7M ago11:15

11:15

In this episode, I deep dive into my top 3 email templates that have the highest open rates, between 70-90%, what they look like, and how you can use them. In this episode I cover: → Templates for a referral source. → Templates for meetings/in-person events. → Templates for new leads. *** WATCH ▶️ Watch this episode on Youtube *** CONNECT ▶️ Connec…

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53: Dong Lee's Secrets to Success in Mortgage and Tech 34:53

7M ago34:53

34:53

In this episode, we're joined by Dong Lee. Dong is the CEO of Axiom Innovations Inc. from Mississauga, Ontario, who has over 25 years of experience in the mortgage lending and brokering industry. His career extends from bank management with TD, being a BDM with Scotiabank & CMHC, VP of Mortgage Architechs, COO of DLC, and even the 26th Chair of the…

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In Conversation with Jacquie Matechuk | Canon Canada Ambassador | Nature Photographer #canoncanada 1:19:29

7M ago1:19:29

1:19:29

In her 23-year career, this Canon Canada Ambassador has earned a remarkable reputation for capturing 'the moment'—creating images that convey the journey and successes of her subjects.Driven by a profound love for storytelling, she strives to give her subjects a voice that resonates, producing visuals that are both thought-provoking and emotionally…

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52: AML Fallout, Deepfakes + Fraud, Major Platform Feature Drop 16:19

7M ago16:19

16:19

In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada. In this episode I cover: → How AML is shaking up the tech used by brokerages and agents alike. → Tech themes from recent mortgage conferences including AI, deepfakes & fraud, and password management. → Scarlett doub…

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51: How to Build a Technology as a Broker with NETTRAKK's Wendy Meier 33:49

7M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode, we're joined by Wendy Meier. Wendy is a Mortgage Agent at The Mortgage Centre Sky Financial and a National Sales Executive at NETTRAKK from Edmonton, Alberta. Taking inspiration from products in the US, Wendy combined her background as a Strategic Sales Executive selling tech and 15 years of experience in mortgages to create NETTRA…

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50: Top DLC Team in Canada to Broker Owner with ABW Mortgages' Dean Lawton 31:45

8M ago31:45

31:45

In this episode, we're joined by Dean Lawton. Dean is a Partner at A Better Way Mortgage Group within the DLCG Network from Vancouver, BC, and has been in the industry since 2013. A Better Way Mortgages is one of the largest brokerages in Western Canada, producing over $3 billion in mortgage volume annually, and is also the only brokerage in Canada…

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49: Journey from Broker to Dominant Tech Player with Newton's Geoff Willis 37:19

8M ago37:19

37:19

In this episode, we're joined by Geoff Willis. Geoff is the President & CEO at Newton Connectivity Systems from Vancouver, BC, who's been in the mortgage business for 35 years, with the past 10 focused on Fintech. Newton Connectivity Systems delivers flexible and innovative mortgage technology solutions to some of Canada’s most successful lenders a…

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48: Inflation is Dropping, Amortization Simulator, National Mortgage Conference 14:55

8M ago14:55

14:55

In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada. In this episode I cover: → The new tool from Mortgage Logic News, an amortization simulator and term calculator, if it's worth the ROI, and if I think it will become mass adopted among Brokers. → The drop in inflati…

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In Conversation with Lee Nordbye | Fine Art Landscape Photographer 1:13:50

8M ago1:13:50

1:13:50

The Nature Photo Guys, Joe Desjardins & Chris Gibbs, welcome Lee Nordbye to the show.A landscape photographer, speaker, and teacher based in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, Canada.He is an award winning and published photographer, known for a bold photographic style that highlights the intimate details and nuances of the natural world.A fine art ph…

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47: Deep Dive on AML Solutions 19:18

8M ago19:18

19:18

In this episode, I deep dive into 3 different deal submission platforms, Scarlett, Finmo, and Velocity, and how they stack up against each other in regards to tools for the new AML (anti-money laundering) regulations. In this episode I cover: → What platforms are being featured and why. → 3 criteria of assessment for each platform - risk assessment…

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46: New Stress Test Rules, AI Panel at CMS, Top Growing Companies, & Executive Moves at Tech Companies 13:21

9M ago13:21

13:21

In this episode, I am back with another "Market Update" solo show, where I go over some of the latest news in mortgage tech in Canada. In this episode I cover: → Being a part of a technology & AI panel at the recent Canadian Mortgage Summit (CMS), and how the shine of AI is coming off. → BluRoot being on the recent Globe & Mail list of the top grow…

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In Conversation with Adam Gibbs | Nature & Landscape Photographer 1:59:08

9M ago1:59:08

1:59:08

The Nature Photo Guys, Joe Desjardins & Chris Gibbs, welcome Adam Gibbs to the show.A nature photographer who has been capturing the world of photography since 1992. With over two decades dedicated primarily to garden photography, and hundreds of images published in magazines across North America, his impressive portfolio doesn’t stop there.For him…