V-Man and Barko Podcast

03/13/2026

The V Man and Barko Podcast was in the house. A and N  put on another great event! ☘️  

03/12/2026

Location. Location. Location. 📍

The oldest rule in real estate still hits different. 🏡

from joined us on the V-Man & Barko Podcast and dropped some real talk about house flipping, the numbers, the risks, and why your buffer fund is non-negotiable.

This is just a short clip! The full conversation is live now 🎙️



👉 Link in bio, listen on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts at VManAndBarko.com

💬 Have you ever flipped a property? Tell us in the comments 👇

03/03/2026

This episode of the V-Man and Barko Podcast welcomes Realtor and Real Estate Investor Collins Bonnema who shares his philosophy on building long-term wealth through real estate, why he loves the UIC area for rentals, and what first-time flippers need to know before opening up a wall.

Here’s what we cover 👇

🔑 Why the national rate average only tells PART of the story
🏦 The real factors that determine YOUR rate (credit, DTI & loan-to-value)
🏢 Why condo rates are always higher than single-family homes
💊 The new Physician’s Loan program — perfect for doctors carrying med school debt
💰 IHDA Down Payment Assistance — now up to $15,000 for Illinois buyers!
⚾ Mount Carmel vs. Brother Rice at WRIGLEY FIELD — April 23rd (yes, really!)
🚛 And our guest Collins Bonnema of Kale Realty drops in to talk house flipping, building a rental portfolio near UIC, and why he imported a 1996 Daihatsu Hijet mini truck from Japan

Whether you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or investing, this episode has something for you. Link in bio to listen or visit VManAndBarko.com! 🎧

11/22/2025

10/20/2025

From the rugby field to the mortgage world, teamwork and toughness go hand in hand. 💪 Neena shares how her experience in sports shaped her approach to leadership and building culture, pushing through challenges, and always having your team’s back. Barko and V-Man dive into how those lessons show up every day at A&N Mortgage.

Brian Barkowski
Mike Vlamis

Watch the full episode wherever your get your podcasts or visit VManAndBarko.com.

https://vmanandbarko.com/

10/15/2025

In this episode of The V-Man & Barko Podcast, we sit down with Neena Vlamis, Founder and CEO of A & N Mortgage, to talk about her journey from almost being a teacher to leading one of Chicago’s most respected woman-owned mortgage companies.

She also discusses what drives her leadership philosophy, and how she built a company culture that celebrates individuality and empowers others to grow.

We also dive into:
• The latest Fed meeting news and what rate cuts could mean for buyers and homeowners
• Neena’s leadership secrets for hiring great people and creating a collaborative, driven team
• Her passion for philanthropy, including the A & N Mortgage golf outing that raised $48,000 for the American Cancer Society, and support for the Infant Welfare Society
• A little Chicago Catholic League football talk and community highlights

Whether you’re in real estate, lending, or just love a good local success story, this episode is packed with inspiration, mortgage insight, and plenty of laughs.

🎧 Listen now on YouTube, Spotify or Apple and nominate someone doing good in the community at https://vmanandbarko.com/

https://www.youtube.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/v-man-and-barko-podcast/id1839663655

https://open.spotify.com/show/0uarcY57NIa83oFhSZT37n?si=O_O6NcHtRjiZzAiMPHYqlg&nd=1&dlsi=f1922de676454f8a

09/24/2025

🎙️ Super excited to launch The V-Man & Barko Podcast!

A couple of mortgage pros with deep Chicago roots, beaming with Brother Rice and Mt. Carmel pride, teaming up to bring you mortgage education and industry news, and communities. Expect guest interviews, laughs, stories, and conversations about our neighborhoods and learn more about the real estate industry.

👉 First episode drops next Wednesday. Subscribe, follow, and join us every couple of weeks for valuable insights, meaningful connections, and much more.

https://vmanandbarko.com/