The MLO Project
Dismantling the Status Quo, One Episode at a Time.
The MLO Project is THE podcast for loan officers and industry professionals who are ready to evolve. We’re here to disrupt the old guard, break free from outdated norms, and deliver insights that actually matter.
Hosted by mortgage industry veterans Jason Frazier & Michael McAllister, The MLO Project promises No fluff. No clichés. Just real talk, fresh ideas, and actionable takeaways to elevate your career and the industry.
The MLO Project is presented by Empower LO
The MLO Project
Why AI Won’t Save Bad Loan Officers w/Luke Shankula | Ep. 38
After months of build-up, calendar mishaps, and playful trash talk, Luke Shankula finally joins Frazier and Michael on The MLO Project. This episode delivers on all fronts: insights, shade, real talk on AI, marketing, lead gen, and why most loan officers are misusing the tools that should be helping them win.
The trio dives into why AI isn’t a magic wand, how bad sales habits get amplified by tech, and how Luke’s transition from “Loans on Demand” to marketing fundamentals is reshaping how LOs show up online. You’ll also get behind-the-scenes stories from Luke’s AI Summits, a brutally honest take on what’s actually working in lead gen, and why YouTube and SEO are still kings in a short-form-obsessed world.
Topics Covered:
- Why AI won’t save bad loan officers
- The myth of "replacing yourself" with tech
- Luke’s shift from DFY to teaching real marketing strategy
- Behind the scenes of hosting an AI Summit
- Why most short-form content flops—and how to fix it
- The power of YouTube, SEO, and long-form content
- How to audit and improve your lead flow
- “Done-for-you” vs. “Done-with-you” marketing
- The problem with skipping fundamentals
- Fuse, Mortgage Con, and the next face-off showdown
Key Takeaways:
- AI without strategy is just faster failure.
- Long-form content builds brand and authority over time.
- You don’t need new tools—you need to master the old ones.
- Shortcuts are killing your conversions.
Connect with Luke:
- Facebook: facebook.com/lshankula
- Website: loansondemand.io
- Upcoming AI Summit: October 14-15 (Free 2-day AI + Marketing Event)
Events Mentioned:
- AIME Fuse 2025 – Nashville
- Mortgage Con 2026 – Florida (Frazier vs. Luke: The AI Battle)
Want to Be on the Show?
If you're in the mortgage industry, doing big things (and you don’t suck), hit us up. The guest bar is low, so we let Luke in.
Email us at themloproject@empowerlo.com
