In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we sit down with James Tostevin, one of Australia’s most respected real estate agents, to explore what continues to fuel his passion for the industry.

James has built an extraordinary career, but at the core is his genuine love for real estate.

We talk about the mindset that keeps him motivated, the joy he finds in going to work each day, and why he never missed an AREC over the last 25 years.

“It ain’t over yet.” – James Tostevin

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

James' profile: https://www.marshallwhite.com.au/agent/james-tostevin

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Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we chat with Brendan Allen, Sales Agents and Auctioneer at Elders Euroa, about his return to the country after having a successful career in inner-city Melbourne for 10 years.

Brendan grew up near Euroa, Country Victoria, and took the big leap into real estate sales working in the inner suburbs of Melbourne. When the pandemic hit, his family decided to head back 'home' and start selling real estate in the Strathbogie Shire.

We chat through the differences of selling property in the city vs. country towns, and why he felt confident in making the move back to the country.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Brendan's profile: https://euroa.eldersrealestate.com.au/team/brendan-allen/

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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we chat with Matthew Scafidi, Founder of Abode Advocacy Group, about his unconventional path into real estate, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

Matt started out in the packaging industry and entered real estate sales at 36, quickly rising through the ranks and winning awards such as the 2010 REIV Rising Star and 2017 Salesperson of the Year.

Matt shares how his journey took an unexpected turn and now sits on the other side of the transaction.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Matt's profile: https://abodeadvocacygroup.com.au/meet-the-team/

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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of The Real Estate Circle, we sit down with Lisa Pennell, CEO of Barry Plant, to talk about her decades-long journey in the industry, including a moment where she nearly walked away altogether.

After 20 years at Ray White and now 2.5 years in senior leadership at Barry Plant, Lisa shares the frustrations that almost pushed her out of real estate, and the values that pulled her back in.

We also explore what she believes needs to change in the industry, from adopting strengths of other states, to having true balance and diversity across the industry.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Lisa's profile: https://www.barryplant.com.au/our-team/lisa-pennell/

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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of the The Real Estate Circle, Matthew John - Director of Buxton Inner-West, joins us to talk about his journey from DJ to Director.

Matthew opens up about starting in the industry later than most, how he made up for lost time, and the mindset that helped him succeed. He also shares why he was determined not to take shortcuts on his way to becoming Director, and why he believes starting a career in real estate should be compared to a trade apprenticeship.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Matthew's Profile: https://buxton.com.au/inner-west/matthew-john/

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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of the The Real Estate Circle, Elizabeth Kelly - Director of Jellis Craig Brunswick, joins us to talk about her rise from Saturday reception shifts to Director at Jellis Craig.

Elizabeth shares how being ultra-organised, and building authentic rapport with the community helps her manage 30+ vendors at a time. Elizabeth also reflects on living and selling in the same neighbourhood, what drives her competitive edge, and how being herself is her biggest strength.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Elizabeth's Profile: https://www.jelliscraig.com.au/agents/elizabeth-kelly

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Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

Fresh from AREC 2025, Emily and Matt sit down to unpack the highlights from this year’s conference. They share their favourite speakers, key takeaways, standout moments, and the reasons why they attend AREC every year.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson

In this episode of the The Real Estate Circle, we’re joined by Tom Georgiou from Beckett, who brings an honest take on buyer advocacy. From lending at NAB to working across London and Dubai, Tom’s journey led him back to Melbourne, where he’s built a lean, high-performing business focused purely on results.

Tom talks about the power of word-of-mouth, why they don't have any digital marketing, and how staying hands-on with a large amount of property deals a year keeps him sharp.

This episode was powered by Delta by Design: https://www.deltabydesign.com.au/

Tom's Profile: https://www.beckettproperty.com.au/about/thomas-georgiou/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.real.estate.circle/
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Email: therealestatecircle.podcast@gmail.com

Podcast edited by Tom Stephenson