What the M

Do you ever wonder who is behind the scenes collecting and processing all those monthly mortgage payments throughout the entire country? In the world of residential mortgages, the mortgage servicing industry is a critical but not always visible player in the lending and home ownership process. Unveiling how mortgage servicers manage the residential homeownership industry is the concept behind “What the M,” a new podcast that discusses the complex issues facing default services and the path forward for the mortgage industry and homeowners alike. The industry is comprised of more than 160 mortgage servicers representing more than 80% of the outstanding principal balances on mortgages in the U.S. Without the involvement of these vital mortgage servicers, obtaining and maintaining a home mortgage as we know it would not exist.“‘What the M’ features industry movers and shakers discussing the challenges faced by mortgage servicers, law firms and the American homeowner,” said Stephen Hladik, one of the co-hosts for the podcast and chair of the Advisory Council of the Legal League 100. “We will discuss trends in the economy, regulatory oversight, changes in the law, changes in technology and a myriad of other factors affecting the industry.”Hladik and co-host Kent McPhail are experienced attorneys with multistate practices in the default servicing industry. Both have decades of experience representing secured creditors; however, each host brings his own unique perspective to the podcast. McPhail hails from the Deep South (think boiled peanuts and shrimp & grits), while Hladik hails from the Northeast (think cheesesteaks and scrapple). “With this Yin and Yang, we hope to bring an entertaining and informative approach to the industry and those who make it hum,” McPhail said.Episodes of “What the M” begin airing mid-September and can be found wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What the M

Episode 58 - John Bell

November 03, 2025 • Kent D. McPhail and Stephen M. Hladik • Season 4 • Episode 58

For the 58th episode of What the M, Kent McPhail and Steve Hladik honor John Bell, a titan of the mortgage industry and dedicated public servant.

John Bell III attended Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee before spending more than 15 years in the private sector, including serving as the Vice President of VA Real Estate Management at Bank of America. John was a Navy Veteran who served in both the Gulf War and Operation Restore Hope. This background made John uniquely suited for his most recent position as Executive Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loan Guaranty program. Since 1945, the VA program has backed more than 25 million loans and currently holds a 12% share of the total single-family market in the United States. John’s passion for the program and its benefit to our servicemembers shines through in his conversation with Kent and Steve. Press “play” to meet the man John Dunnery calls “the most innovative person who has been at the VA in the last 40 years, AND the best government hire of the past 40 years.”

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A huge thank you to our Season 4 sponsor, Black Dome Services. Black Dome Services is a next-generation property services provider, offering a comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique needs of their clients. From property inspections, preservation, maintenance, renovations and various other interior and exterior property related services, you have a trusted leader dedicated to delivering exceptional results and maximizing the value of your properties. For more information, please visit their website at www.blackdomeservices.com or email Vic Draper at Victor.Draper@blackdomeservices.com.

Kent D. McPhail

Co-host

Stephen M. Hladik

Co-host