The 73rd episode of What the M is a tribute to Kent McPhail's law partner, Brooke Sanchez, and a re-broadcast of Episode 29, which Brooke co-hosted in Kent’s stead with Steve Hladik.

Brooke Ellen Sanchez attended the University of South Alabama and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Communication. After graduation, Brooke attended Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama, from which she graduated in 2005.

Brooke joined McPhail Sanchez, LLC in 2018. She was licensed under the Florida Bar, the Alabama Bar, and the Tennessee Bar. Brooke served as Treasurer for the International Women’s Insolvency Restructuring Confederation Gulf Coast and was a member of the Special Initiatives Working Group of Legal League 100. She was the Chair of the Bankruptcy Section of the Mobile Bar Association.

Brooke and her husband, Chris, have one son and she enjoyed living in Midtown Mobile.

Brooke was loved and admired by all who knew her, and is greatly missed.

The 72nd episode of What the M features Steven Nesmith, CEO of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority.

In this episode, Kent and Steve sit down with Steven to talk about the affordable housing shortage and how public housing is changing. They discuss mixed-income communities, modular construction, converting commercial buildings into housing, and new ways to finance redevelopment. Steven also shares how his experience in public service, law, and mortgage servicing, along with his own upbringing in public housing, shaped his approach to helping residents build a path toward homeownership and greater opportunity.

Welcome to What the M, Steven!

The 71st episode of What the M features Mark McArdle, Senior Vice President of Regulatory Relations, Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement at Newrez, LLC.

In this episode, industry veteran Mark McArdle shares his unique perspective on the evolving regulatory landscape in mortgage servicing, the impact of state and federal enforcement priorities, and the role of technology and AI in compliance. Before turning to the servicer side, Mark worked for the United States Treasury Department and was the Assistant Director of Mortgage Markets at the CFPB from 2017 to 2025, where he led a team that worked closely with industry and other stakeholders to help inform the Bureau and the public on current and future trends in the mortgage origination and servicing markets. He also led efforts to modernize HMDA reporting and spearheaded the Bureau’s mortgage response to COVID-19. At Newrez, he leads initiatives to shape mortgage policy, partnering closely with regulators, trade groups, consumer groups and other stakeholders. Having worked in all facets of the industry, Mark has invaluable insights to share on navigating the complex environment of mortgage regulation and how industry players can adapt.

Welcome to What the M, Mark!