Podcast
The Kirsh Connection
Hosted by Andrew Kirsh · EN
Welcome to The Kirsh Connection. In each episode, Andrew Kirsh interviews real estate industry leaders. We'll hear their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry.
38episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Waiting Tables to Building a Global Media Empire to Re-Investing in the Travel Industry w/Jon Skogmo
1w ago00:44:44Summary readyIn this episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirsh sits down with Jon Skogmo, CEO of Way Capital and founder of Jukin Media, to discuss his journey from waiting tables in Hollywood to building Jukin Media into a global company and achieving a nine-figure exit. Jon also shares why he started over with Lost In, a travel media company focused on inspiring travelers through authentic storytelling—not telling you where to go, but why to go. Episode Highlights:Jon's Hollywood story: moving to LA from Chicagoand needing a headshot just to get a waiter job. Building Jukin Media from his apartment into a 300-person global company. The current state of the travel industry. Why Jon launched Lost In and the growing demand for premium, experience-driven travel content. Learn more about Jon Skogmo: Connect with Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jskogmo/Lost In: www.lostin.com ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryBetting on Yourself: Benji Miller's Journey from Institutional Real Estate to Entrepreneurship
2w ago00:41:26Summary readyOn this episode of The Kirsh Connection, I sit down withBenji Miller, Founder of Negresco Property Group, to discuss the realities of making that leap while still in your 30s. Benji shares the lessons he learned transitioning from the institutional real estate world at Hackman Capital to entrepreneurship—what gave him the confidence to take the risk, the challenges of building a company from the ground up, and the advice he would give to others considering the same path.We also dive into the industrial outdoor storage (IOS) sector,why Negresco has focused exclusively on IOS opportunities throughout Southern California, and how the market has evolved since the frenzied investment environment of 2021–2023. Benji explains why transaction activity has slowed, where he sees opportunities today, and what investors should be watching as the market continues to mature.Finally, Benji shares an incredible personal story about how heplayed a role in helping launch the college coaching career of Dan Hurley, who would go on to become a two-time NCAA Men's Basketball National Champion at University of Connecticut.Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, an institutional realestate professional contemplating your next move, or simply interested in the evolution of today's commercial real estate market, this episode offers practical insights from someone who recently made the leap—and hasn't looked back. Learn more about Benji Miller: Connect with Benji on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benji-miller-133aa519/Negresco Property Group: https://www.linkedin.com/company/negresco-property-group/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryThe Walking Dead Blueprint: How Skybound Rewrote the Rules of Hollywood, My Conversation with David Alpert, CEO and Co-Founder of Skybound Entertainment
3w ago00:46:16Summary readyThe Walking Dead Blueprint: How Skybound Rewrote the Rules of Hollywood, My Conversation with David Alpert, CEO and Co-Founder of Skybound Entertainment. We discuss:From comic book startup to worldwide phenomenon:the inside story of The Walking Dead.How Skybound built a global entertainment empirewhile rewriting the rules of Hollywood. Why Hollywood's old business model is broken—and what comes next. The shocking lack of government support for one of Los Angeles’ signature industries. Learn more about David Alpert: Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-alpert-skybound/Skybound Entertainment: https://www.skybound.com/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryBuilding a National Branded Condo Platform with Meg Epstein, Founder of CA South Development
Jun 1600:36:23Summary readyBuilding a National Branded Condo Platform with Meg Epstein, Founder of CA South Development. We discuss:The Airbnb side hustle that helped Meg pay her rent and ultimately sparked the vision for CA SouthThe unique condo model that allows owners to live in their unit or monetize it through short-term rentalsWhy condo development is attracting more capital than multifamily in today's market Learn more about Meg Epstein: Connect with Meg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megepstein/CA South Development: https://www.casouthdevelopment.com/team/megan-epstein/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnU Andrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryCelebrating 100 Episodes with David Schwartzman, Founder of Harridge Development
Jun 901:00:02Summary readyCelebrating 100 Episodes with David Schwartzman, Founder of Harridge Development. We discuss:What the U.S. should do about Iran—and its impact on the real estate marketWhy the booming AI economy doesn't reflect whatmost Americans are experiencing right nowCalifornia says it wants more housing. David explains why new housing still isn't getting builtWhy City Council elections matter more than the Mayor—and how DSA policies are reshaping Los AngelesWhy David never chased Sunbelt yield despite theboom in markets like Phoenix and VegasWhy Miami and New York may be overvalued—and whyDavid is betting on Los Angeles CountyDavid opens up about filing personal bankruptcy in 2009—and the lessons that fueled his comebackLearn more about David Schwartzman: Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-schwartzman-8034784/Harridge Development Group: https://harridgedevelopment.com/about/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar KirshLLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en
SummaryForum’s Playbook for Winning in Any Market Cycle. My Conversation with Lee Beck, President of Forum Investment Group
Jun 200:42:28Summary readyForum’s Playbook for Winning in Any Market Cycle. My Conversation with Lee Beck, President of Forum Investment Group. We discuss:Forum’s “secret sauce” for sourcing off-market deals through the “Forum Funnel”Why diversification across the capital stack is critical in volatile marketsThe massive opportunities emerging from today’s value-add “dumpster fire”Why political uncertainty in coastal markets concerns Lee more than Sunbelt oversupplyLearn more about Lee Beck: Connect with Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leebeck2020/Forum Investment Group: https://forumig.com/team-member/lee-beck/******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryInside LaTerra’s $455 Million Chicago Portfolio Multifamily Acquisition -
May 2000:46:48Summary readyInside LaTerra’s $455 Million Chicago Portfolio MultifamilyAcquisition - A behind-the-scenes look at LaTerra Development’s massive $455 million Chicago multifamily acquisition with Charlie and Chris Tourtellotte of LaTerra Development. We discuss:Why Chicago is suddenly one of the hottestapartment markets in AmericaHow the deal delivers double-digit cash-on-cashprojectionsWhy even elite sponsors sometimes need 100meetings before landing the right capital partnerHow we are in a generational buying opportunityfor apartments Learn more about Chris Tourtellotte: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-tourtellotte-3257224 Learn more about Charlie Tourtellotte:Connect with Charlie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-tourtellotte-a1890119 https://laterradev.com/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirsh interviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and is the Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryWhy the Westside Always Wins: Ron Smith & David Berg on LA Residential Real Estate, Relationships & the Future of the Pacific Palisades
May 1300:51:59Summary readyWhy the Westside Always Wins: Ron Smith & David Berg on LA Residential Real Estate, Relationships & the Future of the Pacific Palisades. We discuss:Why the Westside is almost always a seller’smarketHow Smith & Berg built a white-glove team tomake the home selling/buying process seamless from start to finishBuilding a “client for life” real estatebrokerage businessThe current state and future of the Palisades marketLearn more about David Berg: Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebergla/ Learn more about Ron Smith:Connect with Ron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/f-ron-smith-07935416/ https://smithandberg.com/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutiquelaw firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment,bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryThe Turnaround Playbook: How Sandeep Mathrani Saved General Growth Properties and WeWork
May 500:56:10Summary readySandeep Mathrani has built a career stepping into chaos—andfixing it. From leading General Growth Properties out of bankruptcy during the Global Financial Crisis to taking over WeWork after the board removed Adam Neumann, he’s become one of the most respected turnaround CEOs in real estate. In this episode, Sandeep delivers a true masterclass on running companies and fixing broken ones. If you’re in real estate, private equity, or leadership in any industry, this episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a playbook. We cover: His “glass completely full” mentality—reframingproblems as opportunities instead of problemsHow he rebuilt GGP one asset at a time, despitemassive complexityThe 50–30–20 rule: which assets to sell, scale,and optimizeHis disdain for the word “busy”—and what itreally signalsThe 3 keys to loan workouts: reputation, plan,and exitWalking into WeWork and realizing the mathdidn’t work—and cutting $2.5B in expenses to surviveLearn more about Sandeep: Connect with Sandeep on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandeep-mathrani ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
SummaryFrom Frenzy to Reality, The Industrial Market Rest Explained w/Howard Schwimmer
Apr 2800:48:40Summary readyFrom Frenzy to Reality, The Industrial Market Rest Explainedwith Howard Schwimmer, Founder and Former Co-CEO of Rexford Industrial and Founder of S5 Industrial Realty Inc. We discuss:Why small bay industrial is becoming the mostcompetitive sector in real estateWhy the best deals never hit the market—and howproactive outreach still beats AI and algorithmsWhy finding quality real estate is too nuancedfor AI to replaceWhat the “post-COVID hangover” in industrialreally means—and whether this is a correction or an opportunity Learn more about Howard: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-schwimmer-b0100414/ ******************************************* In each episode of The Kirsh Connection, Andrew Kirshinterviews industry leaders to learn their real-time opinions on today's market, their background and unique career highlights, and guidance for newcomers to the industry. Don't miss an episode of The Kirsh Connection: • Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3GT1hoM• Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OQrd6j• Listen on Anchor: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...• Listen on Listen Notes: https://lnns.co/7ICHmPQyXnUAndrew Kirsh is a founding partner of Sklar Kirsh LLP and isthe Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Sklar Kirsh LLP is a boutique law firm providing services in corporate law, real estate, entertainment, bankruptcy, and litigation. • Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewkirsh/• Connect with Andrew on Twitter: https://x.com/atkirsh • Visit Andrew's business website: https://www.sklarkirsh.com/profession...• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sklar-kirsh-llp• Follow Sklar Kirsh LLP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sklarkirsh/?hl=en The Kirsh Connection is produced and edited by Ashley Thays
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