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UnderDog

UnderDog

Written by: Pamela Bardhi
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In this podcast you’ll be inspired as you hear real stories, hustle and journeys of people who have overcome challenges to succeed against all odds as an underdog. Your host Pamela Bardhi will pull back the curtains to reveal how you too can overcome ANY obstacle to succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

UnderDog Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • From Setbacks to Revelution: Pamela Bardhi’s Bold Rebuild Through Real Estate

    From Setbacks to Revelution: Pamela Bardhi’s Bold Rebuild Through Real Estate
    May 8 2025

    In this episode of The Underdog Podcast, Pamela Bardhi shares her powerful evolution from a pizza delivery driver and single mom to a thriving real estate investor, coach, and entrepreneur. Raised in an environment where higher education wasn’t a priority, Pam charted her own course with grit, self-education, and unshakable determination—balancing multiple jobs while raising her children and learning business fundamentals on her own.


    Her foray into real estate took root in the aftermath of the 2008 housing crash, following early experience in the mortgage industry. Despite facing obstacles and moments of doubt, Pam stayed the course—investing in her knowledge, forming strategic relationships, and taking bold, calculated risks. A standout moment in the episode is her work with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—compact secondary homes that serve as an answer to housing shortages and a pathway to long-term wealth and passive income.


    Pam also emphasizes the importance of financial independence, especially for women, and the power of self-reinvention. Now a mentor and coach, she inspires others to back themselves, break away from the expected, and leverage real estate as a gateway to freedom, purpose, and lasting success.


    Key Takeaways:

    • Resilience Leads to Breakthroughs: Life’s challenges don’t have to be roadblocks—they can be fuel for personal growth and transformation when met with determination.
    • Self-Education is Powerful: Success doesn’t require a traditional path. Learning through experience, mentorship, and personal development can be just as impactful as formal education.
    • Reinvention is Always Possible: Whether prompted by career shifts, life changes, or personal growth, it's never too late to redefine your path and pursue new opportunities.
    • Action Builds Confidence: You don’t have to wait until you feel fully prepared—taking small, bold steps forward is often what creates the confidence you’re looking for.
    • Lift as You Climb: True success includes helping others rise. Sharing knowledge, offering support, and empowering others creates a ripple effect of positive change.


    Pamela’s story shows how unwavering determination, self-belief, and a willingness to start from scratch can transform even the most difficult circumstances into a path of purpose and prosperity—proving that with resilience and the right mindset, anyone can rise, rebuild, and redefine what’s possible.


    Listen to this exciting episode. Join us for the conversation! Listen to the full episode here:


    Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underdog/id1534385651

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FbSDu0aNtuxAEiderUAfB

    Website: https://theunderdogshow.com


    If you found this story worth your time and made changes in your life, we'd love to hear from you! Subscribe and leave a review ⭐⭐⭐⭐


    The Underdog Podcast host is none other than Pamela Bardhi. She's rocking the Real Estate Realm and has dedicated her life as a Life Coach. She is also in the Forbes Real Estate Council. To know more about Pam, check out the following:


    Website: https://pamelabardhi.com

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_bardhi

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pamela_bardhi

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatethroughrealestate
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    17 mins
  • From Hearing "No" to Raising Millions: Dr. Jon Hogue on Revolutionizing Homeless Support Through North Star Revolution

    From Hearing "No" to Raising Millions: Dr. Jon Hogue on Revolutionizing Homeless Support Through North Star Revolution
    Mar 20 2025
    In this episode of The Underdog Podcast, Dr. Jon Hogue shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to creating lasting change for at-risk youth and homeless families. Growing up in a rural Massachusetts town with a population of just 450, he developed resilience and a deep sense of community—qualities that would later define his mission. With a background in psychology, he spent decades working in residential treatment facilities, mentoring troubled youth, and eventually stepping into nonprofit leadership at NorthStar Family Services.Dr. Hogue recounts the challenges of transforming North Star, inheriting a shelter in a dangerous neighborhood with little funding and limited resources. Refusing to accept the status quo, he launched an ambitious plan to secure a safe, dignified space for homeless families. With remarkable tenacity and faith, he convinced a benefactor to purchase and renovate a building, laying the foundation for a model shelter. But his vision extended beyond temporary housing—he set out to tackle the root cause of family homelessness by developing affordable housing, a seven-year endeavor that raised $9 million for 15 subsidized apartments despite constant skepticism.Throughout the interview, Dr. Hogue emphasizes the power of persistence, strategic thinking, and treating every family with dignity. His journey is a testament to the impact of unwavering determination, strong leadership, and a relentless commitment to providing not just shelter, but hope and a pathway to self-sufficiency.Key Takeaways:The Power of Persistence: When faced with obstacles, find a way to go "over it, around it, or through it" rather than giving up.Strategic Networking: Building relationships and coalitions is essential for accessing resources and creating sustainable change.Vision Beyond Limitations: Don't let current resources or experience define what's possible; start with what's needed and figure out the path.The Importance of Housing Security: Safe, stable housing is fundamental to human development and family well-being.Maintaining High Standards: Never settle for "better than nothing" when serving vulnerable populations.Jon's story demonstrates how one person's refusal to accept impossibility can create lasting solutions to complex social problems, showing that with enough determination and the right team, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.Listen to this exciting episode. Join us for the conversation! Listen to the full episode here:Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underdog/id1534385651Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FbSDu0aNtuxAEiderUAfBWebsite: https://theunderdogshow.comIf you found this story worth your time and made changes in your life, we'd love to hear from you! Subscribe and leave a review ⭐⭐⭐⭐Follow and connect with Dr. Jon Hogue:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hogue-ed-d-bb7a7ba/ Website: https://northstarfs.org/ The Underdog Podcast host is none other than Pamela Bardhi. She's rocking the Real Estate Realm and has dedicated her life as a Life Coach. She is also in the Forbes Real Estate Council. To know more about Pam, check out the following:Website: https://pamelabardhi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_bardhiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pamela_bardhiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatethroughrealestate
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    43 mins
  • From Mountain Slopes to Luxury Properties: How Realtor Athena Brownson is Redefining Client-Focused Real Estate in Colorado

    From Mountain Slopes to Luxury Properties: How Realtor Athena Brownson is Redefining Client-Focused Real Estate in Colorado
    Mar 13 2025
    In this episode of The Underdog Podcast, Athena Brownson, Colorado real estate expert, shares her journey of transformation and resilience. From growing up as a professional skier to becoming a successful real estate broker, Athena has mastered the art of turning challenges into opportunities. Despite facing nine ACL surgeries, breaking her neck twice, and battling chronic Lyme disease for over eight years, she maintains a thriving real estate career while developing properties with her father.Athena explains how her background as a competitive athlete provided the discipline and work ethic that fuels her success today. She candidly discusses her transition from interior design to real estate after a pivotal meeting with her mentor, who showed her how the profession could align with her values of helping people and building meaningful relationships.She discusses her passion for health-conscious real estate, educating clients about potential environmental hazards in homes, from radon gas to mold issues. Athena also reveals her extreme sensitivity to electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs), which at one point forced her to live in an RV without electricity while still managing million-dollar real estate deals wearing lead gloves.Key Takeaways:The Power of Resilience: Athletic training provides transferable skills that build mental toughness for facing life's challenges.Finding Purpose Through Pain: Adversity can clarify what truly matters and inspire you to help others.Finding Purpose Through Pain: Adversity can clarify what truly matters and inspire you to help others.Building Authentic Community: True support comes from a small circle of deeply connected people rather than superficial relationships.Health-Conscious Living: Our physical environments significantly impact our wellbeing, making informed real estate decisions critical.Athena's story is a powerful reminder that success is not a matter of luck but a result of relentless effort and unwavering commitment, even in the face of extraordinary health challenges.Listen to this exciting episode. Join us for the conversation! Listen to the full episode here:Apple iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/underdog/id1534385651Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FbSDu0aNtuxAEiderUAfBWebsite: https://theunderdogshow.comIf you found this story worth your time and made changes in your life, we'd love to hear from you! Subscribe and leave a review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Follow and connect with Athena Brownson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenabrownsonrealtor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athenabrownsonrealtor/ Website: https://athenabrownsonrealtor.com/ The Underdog Podcast host is none other than Pamela Bardhi. She's rocking the Real Estate Realm and has dedicated her life as a Life Coach. She is also in the Forbes Real Estate Council. To know more about Pam, check out the following:Website: https://pamelabardhi.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pamela_bardhiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pamela_bardhiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatethroughrealestate
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    46 mins
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