Umansky and Haber Launch ARA Talks Podcast on Housing

Lucía Torres · 2026-05-21

The American Real Estate Association (ARA) has officially launched ARA Talks, a brand-new podcast co-hosted by ARA Co-Founder Jason Haber and The Agency's own Mauricio Umansky. This show is built to bring together policymakers and thought leaders to tackle one of the biggest challenges families are facing right now: housing affordability. ### A Bold Start with Governor JB Pritzker The debut season kicks off with a candid, no-holds-barred conversation with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. His recently unveiled BUILD Plan (Building Up Illinois Developments) is being called one of the most ambitious state-level housing reform initiatives in the country. The plan proposes sweeping changes to zoning laws, permitting processes, and capital investments. The goal? To dramatically expand the supply of affordable and middle-income housing across Illinois. For Haber, starting the podcast with Governor Pritzker sets the perfect tone. "He sat down with us and walked through what it takes to move legislation like this, what the resistance looks like, and why he believes Illinois can be a model for the country," Haber said. "That's the episode you want to hear first." ### Why This Podcast Matters Now Let's be real: the housing market is tough right now. Home prices have jumped nearly 50 percent over the last five years. Rents are climbing faster than incomes, and inventory is at historic lows. It's a mess, and families are feeling the squeeze. ARA Talks aims to cut through the noise and lead direct discussions with the people who are actually driving change. Umansky put it simply: "No filter. No spin. Just the real conversation." That's the whole point. This isn't about polished talking points or political posturing. It's about getting honest answers from the people making decisions that affect where we live and how much we pay for it. ### What to Expect from the Show Here's what makes ARA Talks different: - **Real policy discussions** - Not just surface-level chatter, but deep dives into what works and what doesn't. - **Diverse voices** - Expect to hear from policymakers, developers, community leaders, and maybe even a few skeptics. - **Actionable insights** - The goal is to help listeners understand the landscape and what can be done about it. ### Where to Listen ARA Talks is available to stream on Spotify and YouTube. If you're a professional in the housing industry or just someone who cares about where you live, this is a show worth adding to your rotation. ### The Bigger Picture This podcast isn't just about one state or one plan. It's about starting a national conversation. With the BUILD Plan as a potential model, the hope is that other states will follow suit. But that only happens if people understand the issues and push for change. ARA Talks is designed to be that bridge between policy and the public. So whether you're a real estate agent, a developer, or just someone trying to buy a home without losing your mind, this podcast might give you the clarity you've been looking for.