The Malibu Podcast

If you live in Malibu, you know the name. Skylar Peak is a staple in Malibu, with wide-ranging influence from surf lineups to city hall. Born and raised on Point Dume, Skylar has played a prominent role in Malibu's history and continues to be one of the most prominent voices in Malibu. In this episode of the people's history of Malibu, Skylar goes into growing up on "poverty point," his father Dusty's legacy, localism, his entry into Malibu politics, and more. Skylar remains one of the area's most trusted electricians, and Peak Power Electric has proudly served the community for over 40 years. For honest and trustworthy electrical work, visit peakpowerelectric.com and give them a call.

With Summer looming before us, Tony and Justin review a difficult winter and spring for the Malibu real estate market. Single-family home sales are roughly cut in half, however, other segments are on track and even outperforming the same window during 2024. In this episode, we review the Malibu market year to date, compare it with last year, and make our predictions as we head into Summer.To view listings or get more information about our team, visit: malibubeach-realestate.com

In this special episode, we're thrilled to share an exciting new chapter: Tony and Justin have officially launched the Mark Real Estate Group! After years of helping clients navigate the market and build their dreams, it's time to take things to the next level with a dedicated team built on trust, results, and real relationships. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind the group, the mission driving it forward, and what clients can expect when working with Mark Real Estate Group. Whether you're buying, selling, investing, or just love the behind-the-scenes of real estate, our team is proud to offer our expertise to Malibu locals of past, present, and future. | For more information, email markrealestategroup@compass.com

In our annual first market update, we reflect on Malibu's real estate trends, comparing past and present markets. This year, amid recent fires and road closures, we analyze 2024 market segments alongside 2023. With no beach homes sold just 1.5 months into 2025, we also assess current inventory and the challenges of this uncertain start.

The Malibu Podcast is back for 2025, though with heavy hearts. In the wake of the recent wildfires and the devastation they have left behind, we asked insurance guru Robert Feldman back on the show for an insurance update and tips for those whose homes were lost or damaged. Robert breaks down the five steps of recovery for fire victims, discusses home hardening, dangerous misinformation, and what made the Palisades and Eaton fires so catastrophic. | To reach Robert Feldman at WOWS Insurance regarding home insurance, email robert@wowsinsurance.com or visit wowsinsurance.com and follow him on Instagram @bob.b.que

Over the past decade, home and fire insurance in California has become an issue for current and new homeowners alike. Finding an insurance provider who will write a policy that adequately insures property against risk can now be incredibly difficult, particularly in areas like Malibu. Enter Robert Feldman, an insurance veteran with nearly 25 years of experience who specializes in fire zones and hard-to-place risks. Robert and his team have founded WOWS Insurance services, designed to deliver solutions for homes that previously were exceedingly difficult to insure. In this episode, Robert discusses the current state of the industry, the California Fair Plan and some of its alarming loopholes, and more! | To reach Robert Feldman at WOWS Insurance regarding home insurance, email robert@wowsinsurance.com or visit wowsinsurance.com

In this episode, Tony interviews the legendary Malibu architect, Doug Burdge, AIA. Doug and his firm have designed and built over 300 custom residences in the Malibu region alone in varying styles, all of which are breathtaking. His projects have been widely featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, Veranda, Robb Report, Luxe, and Traditional Home. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics including Doug's beginnings and draw to Malibu, permitting masterpieces with the City of Malibu, Woolsey Fire rebuilds, and his work in other regions including Sun Valley and Montana. | To learn more about Doug Burdge and his firm, as well as see their portfolio of amazing homes in Malibu and elsewhere, visit: www.buaia.com

Last month, we covered the widely publicized 2024 NAR Settlement and what it means for sellers. In Part 2, we focus on the implications for Home Buyers: what has changed, and what hasn't. These changes are still evolving, however, now that the dust has settled we wanted to address the changes and what buyers should know as they navigate purchasing real estate under the new rules and regulations. | To read the NAR Home Buyer summary, visit: bit.ly/NARBuying

Can real estate updates be spooky? We're willing to try, mostly because we didn't have a better idea for our yearly Halloween episode. In this market update, we analyze 2024 through October and look back at years past. Haunted by huge sales numbers of the past and ever-increasing inventory, Tony and Justin analyze single-family homes, condos, mobile homes, land, and more in this (spooky) episode.

By now, you have probably heard about the class action lawsuit that resulted in the widely publicized 2024 NAR Settlement. These changes are still evolving, however, now that the dust has settled we wanted to address the changes and their impact on real estate agents, sellers, and buyers. In Part 1, we focus on the implications for Home Sellers: what has changed, and what hasn't. | To read the NAR Home Seller summary, visit: bit.ly/NARSelling

In this mega-market update, Tony and Justin recap 2024 thus far, compare it with the sales last year, and analyze the Summer real estate market trends in Malibu. Spoiler alert, it's not as bad as you've heard and several segments are outperforming last year. 

In our first Malibu local business spotlight, we are honored to feature Dane Skophammer, founder of Iron Sand Malibu and crafter of incredible custom knives! Born and raised on the same street as his current workshop, Dane has carved out a nitch of his own, forging knives that are both beautiful and functional. From meat cleavers to dive knives and everything in between, Iron Sand Malibu creates one-of-a-kind pieces of art meant to be handed down for generations. In this episode, we discuss Dane's beginnings as a chef, his customized hands-on process, and much more! Tune into our YouTube channel for a tour of his workshop. | Visit ironsandmalibu.com to learn more or call Dane at (310) 266-8273 to get your custom knife started.

What's going on with mortgage rates? In this episode, we called our friend Grant Sedlak at Origin Point for an update on the lending world. 2024 began with the promise of three rate cuts. Nearly halfway through the year, we are now hoping for just one rate cut as the country battles inflation. Grant elaborates on the planned rate cuts, current mortgage rates, what buyers in Malibu will need to put down on a home depending on the price point, and more! | Grant Sedlak is Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Origin Point and can be reached at 310.924.0777

For the first time, Tony finds himself in the shoes of a seller. In preparing to sell one of his family beach homes, he went through the pre-listing preparation, questions, and emotions that many of our clients experience with every sale. In this episode, Tony, Justin, and Nikki discuss what he has learned through the process, the approach from initial evaluation to doing work, and his strategy utilizing the Private Exclusive "Coming Soon" platform that Compass has pioneered. | For a pre-listing home evaluation and market strategy in Malibu and beyond, please get in touch! Call or text 310.230.5771, or email russellandtony@compass.com

In this episode, we are joined by co-founder of The Mark & Grether Group and land specialist, Russell Grether, for a dive into the complex world of Malibu land. Land in the Malibu coastal zone is not as simple as it would appear, and having a basic understanding of the factors that make a lot desirable is essential for any buyer or seller. We get into key attributes to look for, pricing, ESHA, and more! | Each parcel in Malibu offers unique attributes. If you would like help evaluating a specific property, please get in touch with our team at (310) 230-5771 or russellandtony@compass.com.*Disclaimer: always consult the appropriate professionals including, but not limited to, biologists, geologists, Malibu City, LA County, architects, engineers, and expeditors.*

In this episode, we are joined by local legend and fellow Compass agent, David Carter, to dive into the history and an insider's guide to Paradise Cove! One of Malibu's most iconic areas, the Cove is steeped in rich history. We dicsuss it's origins as a Chumash Village, later becoming a fishing community based around the famed pier, and finally it's current status as the most desirable mobile home park in the entire Country. | For more information David and the Carter family business, visit www.malibumobilehomes.com

Our yearly look-back at the year prior is here! And, since it's a little late, we've gone big. In the first segment, we review national trends and data of what was widely considered an unattractive real estate market throughout the country. After the break, we dive into Malibu's 2023 numbers, compare them to the booming years prior, and make our predictions for 2024.

We are proud to be back in the studio and recording our 6th season of the Malibu Podcast. 2024 has begun with a few hard things in Malibu including the passing of several hometown heroes, lots of rain, and a few landslides. What began as an introduction became a preamble, but we'll be back soon with a full 2023 real estate recap, a tribute to Matt Rapf, and more episodes of The People's History of Malibu. To follow our friend Dave's journey through ALS or donate, visit the link below:https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/daveludwig3/support

Happy Holidays, Malibu! In the last episode of 2023, Tony and Justin review the last quarter of the year and touch on market trends on and off of the beach. Thank you for tuning in and we will back with new episodes in 2024!

Five years after the Woolsey Fire changed Malibu forever, Tony sits down with local legend, Point Dume resident, and purveyor of Malibu crystals and fossils, Stephen Hurd. In this episode, they begin by continuing our People's History of Malibu series covering Steve's early days on Point Dume and the rough and rowdy surf culture. During the second section, Steve recounts his harrowing experience with the Woolsey Fire including the loss of his Latigo Canyon ranch, saving his family home on Point Dume (as well as Tony's), and the powerful lessons that came with tragedy. Please note that in addition to explicit content, this episode may be triggering for those who have suffered loss or trauma from wildfires.

Sometimes, real estate can be haunting... Especially the markets and properties of years past. In this year's annual Halloween episode, Tony and Justin are visited by the ghosts of property values past. With special guests Jay Rubenstein, the ghost of the 80's and 90's, Russell Grether, the ghost of the 2008 financial crisis, and Tony Mark as himself, the ghost of the present. Happy Halloween! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves Malibu residents in buying, selling, and leasing. Visit themarkandgrethergroup.com to view our listings and learn more about our team.

We were honored to sit down with our associate partner and team member, Patti Palafox, for our first-ever realtor interview! Patti is a bright star in the industry, with an eclectic international background and a wide range of experience that contribute to her success. In this episode, we dive into her origins in Mexico, vast experiences across the globe, and what sets her apart in the world of Malibu real estate.

It's official. The kids are back in school and summer is fading into the rearview mirror. In this installment of the Malibu Real Estate update, Tony and Justin look at the past three months' breakdown of sales in Malibu and draw comparisons to years past. The market is changing, but those waiting for the "crash" may be disappointed. While the market has changed, an improving supply of listing inventory and several record sales tell a different tale.

In this special episode, Tony is joined by legendary actor, longtime Malibu local, and friend, Michael Madsen. Known for his starring roles in Quentin Tarantino films including Kill Bill, The Hateful Eight, Reservoir Dogs, and countless other classics, Michael has been a force in the entertainment industry for decades and is renowned for his electrifying presence on and off screen. Before jetting off to his next project, Michael stopped by the studio and covered a wide range of topics including his unlikely rise from pumping gas to becoming a cinema icon, his long-lasting love for Malibu, and his more recent journey overcoming the Woolsey Fire and recovering from personal loss. Decades after his arrival, Michael still calls Malibu home and is proud to be a fixture in the community.

Prime lease season is upon us here in Malibu, and it's looking a little more gray this year than usual. After months of foggy and cloudy weather, the team dives into the current lease market and its performance so far this year. While the lower end continues to move steadily, the air gets thinner as prices increase. Tune in for our local analysis of the current lease market in Malibu and predictions heading into summer with special Millennial guest, Nikki Hutcheson.

Dreams really do come true. In this episode, Tony and Justin interview Ryan and Jill Ahrens, the owners of Malibu's newest and most delicious restaurant, Malibu Brewing Company. Located in Trancas Country Market, MBC brews amazing beer that incorporates Malibu's rich history, iconic locations, and locally sourced ingredients that pair perfectly with their chef-created menu. In this episode, they discuss the origins of the brewery, the journey of opening a restaurant in Malibu, what sets their establishment apart, and a taste test of a few of their best-selling beers along with the latest release. | Malibu Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery whose mission is to elevate the craft beer experience through quality ingredients, exceptional hospitality, and a commitment to supporting the community. Learn more at www.brewmalibu.com

Spring has sprung in Malibu, and it's time for an in-depth update on the Malibu real estate market. In this episode, Tony and Justin recap the happenings on and off the beach in Malibu during 2023 through the end of April. With just half of the sales of last year and extremely limited inventory, prices remain strong in Malibu despite dropping sale prices across the larger SoCal markets and some of the highest mortgage rates in recent years, which, in a historical context, may not be as bad as they seem. Listen for our full market recap and some new listings coming soon!

Artificial intelligence has been one of this years most talked about and debated topics. Its implications are far-reaching, and it is already changing the way that real estate agents work. Rather than replacing the agent, Compass believes AI will empower agents to work better, smarter, and faster. In this episode, Compass Marketing member Rachel Russell-Clark joins Tony and Justin to discuss the wide range of applications that ChatGPT has for the real estate industry and we put it to the test in a Tony vs. computer speed round.

It's time to start planning for Summer 2023! Special guest Jessica Mark, founder of the Malibu Mom's Facebook group and team member of The Mark & Grether Group, joins us on the podcast to discuss the many different Summer Camps that are available in Malibu this year. Spoiler alert, it's time to start planning if you haven't already. For a list of the camps available and links, please visit: https://malibuluxuryrealty.com/the-malibu-podcast-malibu-moms-guide-to-summer-camps/

Our favorite series is back! In an effort to preserve the history of Malibu and its most well-known characters, we are proud to bring you the People's History of Malibu and our second guest, Travis Walker. Travis is a legendary 3rd generation Point Dume local, keeper of mystical secrets and lore, Malibu historian, and teller of astounding tales from behind the Zumirez gates of the infamous Wall house. In this episode, Travis discusses the old Malibu and growing up on Point Dume, the Wall House raid, surf localism then and now, and his famous masked appearance on the cover of the classic Malibu surf film, Runman 69. Travis still calls Point Dume home and makes badass jewelry under the Double Cross label with a local showroom in Agoura. Learn more at www.doublecrossjewelry.com

Two months into 2023, Tony and Justin recap the Malibu Real Estate market. In a shifting market and in a time of intense speculation, they unpack current trends and go through the last two months of data on and off the beach in Malibu. Our special guest, Tony's daughter's unicorn, also makes its first-ever (and maybe last) appearance. 

To start off 2023, we're going back to look forward. In this first episode of Season 5, Tony and Justin look at the 2022 Malibu Real Estate market and compare it with years past, which are likely some of the best local housing markets in history. They also discuss what was nearly the team's best year ever, with over $177 million in sales and leases. Tune in for 2023 predictions, plenty of housing data, and a few classic stories. 

Catch up with the latest in Malibu Real estate! With up-to-date stats for 2022 through November, Justin and Tony break down market trends and offer expert insights into the shifting, but surprisingly strong real estate market. With the Woolsey Fire officially four years ago this month, they also discuss the rebuilding efforts and the percentages of homes approved, permitted, and completed. Tune in for some great information and some unplanned tangents including the empty cities of China, click bate headlines, and some Thanksgiving gratitude. 

Malibu real estate can be a scary place, and this Halloween, we're going in with a flashlight in hand. In this episode, Justin and Tony discuss some of the strangest and scariest stories from the world of real estate, including shrunken heads, a murder house, devious scams, and a nightmare listing appointment. We are also proud to be featuring stories from two industry veterans, Jay Rubenstein and Damon Skelton. Warning: some of this material and language is explicit. Happy Halloween everyone! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves Malibu residents in buying, selling, and leasing. Visit themarkandgrethergroup.com to view our listings and learn more about our team.

Welcome back to the Malibu Beaches guide, part two. Tony and Justin pick up where they left off, at Latigo beach in Malibu, and head west all the way to County Line. As a local real estate team, we like to view a good portion of our work as Malibu tour guides, showing the ins and outs of the different areas and homes. In this episode, we cover the nuances of each area, real estate sales, and a few unplanned tangents. Join us as we discuss Point Dume, Paradise Cove, Broad Beach, Encinal Bluffs, and more in this episode!

Welcome to the Malibu Beaches guide, part one of two! As a local real estate team, we like to view a good portion of our work as Malibu tour guides, showing the ins and outs of the different areas and homes. The beaches of Malibu are particularly nuanced, each offering its own benefits across a wide variety of price points and properties. In this episode, Justin and Tony start at the Eastern end of Malibu abutting Topanga and work their way west to Corral Canyon, covering each beach along the way with pros, cons, and recent sales history. Stay tuned for episode two covering the western end of Malibu!

For the better half of a century, Malibu has been synonymous with surfing. However, in the last few years, lineups have become more crowded worldwide and Malibu is certainly no exception. Frustrating locals and visitors alike, the unwritten rules of surf etiquette have gone largely unlearned or simply ignored... And we want to get things back on track. In this episode, Tony and Justin get into Malibu's rich surfing history, discuss some of its most well-known characters, and the best practices for happy lineups in Malibu (and everywhere else).

Another market update?! Technical difficulties postponed our latest amazing topic but undeterred, we are releasing our market update through July 1 of 2022. We have some great things on the way in the coming weeks so stay tuned. For now, enjoy as Justin and Tony recap the year in Malibu real estate so far, discuss a few major recent sales, and more. 

Tony Mark is joined by Justin Cumbee in our latest market update for June 2022! In this podcast, we dive into year-to-date Malibu statistics and Tony shares his insights into the question we have been getting daily, "what is going on in the market?" They cover beachfront homes, Malibu's landside single-family market, condos, mobile homes, land, and more. Plus, Tony reveals his favorite character from the new Top Gun... | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves the community of Malibu's neighborhoods from the coast to the canyons. For more information about our team, current listings, blog posts, and more, please visit www.themarkandgrethergroup.com

Tony and Justin sit down with the one and only Amy Adams of Malibu Staging. Amy is renowned for staging houses in Malibu and beyond with impeccable style custom-tailored to bring out the best in every home. They discuss her beginning in the staging world, how she thrived (instead of survived) during the pandemic, their full-service approach to preparing real estate for sale, and the nuances of staging luxury real estate. | Amy boasts 5 years of staging experience and a background in design and construction. Her company, Malibu Staging, prides itself on excellent attention to detail, creativity, and customer satisfaction. You can learn more or get in touch at malibu-staging.com.

The Malibu Podcast is back for its 4th Season! We are kicking off 2022 with a look back at 2021, which saw the strongest local real estate market that Malibu has ever seen. In this episode, Tony Mark and team member Justin discuss the record-breaking year, highlight noteworthy and record-breaking transactions, and look at the current real estate market here in Malibu. Tony makes his market predictions for 2022 and shares his insights for sellers and buyers alike. All this and more to kick off Season 4!

Welcome to Malibu Mysteries, 2021 edition. In the spirit of Halloween, Tony and Justin sit down to go through a few of Malibu's most spooky mysteries. The wide range of topics includes some talk of aliens, Malibu's most haunted restaurants, and a Nazi base on a ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica Mountains. We also are joined by Suzanne Guldimann to discuss the mysterious and unsolved death of Hollywood starlet, Thelma Todd, and her ongoing haunting at a building on Pacific Coast Highway. Happy Halloween everyone! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves Malibu residents in buying, selling, and leasing. Visit themarkandgrethergroup.com to view our listings and learn more about our team.

Tony and Justin sit down with local Malibu history buff, Suzanne Guldimann, to discuss the Rindge Railroad in Malibu! Suzanne provides amazing insight into one of Malibu's most fascinating stories, "The Train to Nowhere." May Rindge, the patriarch of Malibu before it was divided and sold, built a railroad along the cliffs and on the beach of Malibu to keep other companies, and the public, out of her beloved Malibu. Also covered in this episode, they discuss the origins of the "Mahou Riviera," the marina that never happened at Paradise Cove, Nike Missile bases in Malibu, and more! | Suzanne Guldimann is an author, artist, and musician who lives in Malibu and loves the Santa Monica Mountains. She has worked as a journalist reporting on local news and issues for more than a decade, and is the author of nine books of music for the harp. Suzanne's newest book, "Life in Malibu II", explores local history and nature. She can be reached at suzanne@topanganewtimes.com and you can purchase her books on Amazon!

The Malibu Neighborhoods series is back for a third installment! Tony Mark sits down with team member Justin to discuss the beautiful, rural neighborhood of Malibu Park. The guys talk about Malibu Park's humble beginnings as farmland, the abundant natural resources that surround it, the ranch homes beside mega-mansions, and more! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves Malibu Park residents in buying, selling, and leasing. Visit themarkandgrethergroup.com to view our listings in Malibu Park, properties throughout the rest of Malibu, and learn more about our team.

Introducing our new series, The People's History of Malibu! The Malibu of today and the Malibu many of it's resident's grew up in are very different places. In this series, we'll be talking with influential and interesting people who have insights into Malibu's rich history. Our first guest, Matt Rapf, is a local legend who grew up in the famous Malibu Colony next to Surfrider Beach in the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. In this episode, Matt discusses his upbringing in the Colony, surfing and localism, the generational divide of his time, and some highlights from his forthcoming book, “Tres Parties.” Matt also brought amazing photos for this recording, head to our youtube to see the video with the pictures! | Matt Rapf is a renowned local realtor in Malibu with Pritchett Rapf and lives on Point Dume with his wife and children. To learn more about Matt, visit www.MattRapf.com

We are excited to have our first, two-time guest on The Malibu Podcast! In this episode, Tony and Justin chat with our friend, endurance athlete, personal fitness coach, and Malibu yoga studio owner/teacher, Ted McDonald. This year, the Malibu Triathlon is back and we wanted to get Ted's inside tips for training, from first-timers to experienced athletes.  The wide range of topics covered includes how to get start training, events to focus on, how to diversify your regiment, nutrition, and more! | The 2021 Malibu Triathlon is September 25-26 and there is still plenty of time to sign up and train! The Compass team trains with Ted at Zuma beach weekly and all are welcome to join. For more information and to get involved, please email russellandtony@compass.com | To learn more about Ted and his coaching services visit teddymcdonald.com & check out his local yoga studio at 5pointyoga.com

Tony, Justin, and Jessica sit down with the creator of Organizing by Krystal, Krystal Guinn, to take a deep dive into the topic of home organization. Keeping a well-organized home can be a challenge, but provides huge benefits for our personal and professional lives. In this episode, we discuss the origins of Krystal's organization coaching business, home organization hacks, real estate listing preparation, Tony's very cluttered shelf, and more! | Krystal's business, Organizing by Krystal, focuses on helping others live productively as possible, with a mission to help individuals achieve peace of mind through space maintenance. To learn more about Krystal's philosophy and amazing services, visit organizingbykrystal.com

In this episode, Tony and Justin sit down with Chris Brossard, the newly appointed Fire Liaison for the City of Malibu! Fires are part of living in Southern California, and Malibu is no exception. Since the Woolsey Fire in 2018, fire preparedness and the City's response to these fires have been in the spotlight. Chris discusses his experience fighting the Woolsey Fire in Malibu as a part of a strike team and what made it so devastating, how to harden your home against wildfires, Chris' role with the City of Malibu, free home assessments for Malibu residents, and more! | To learn more about fire safety in Malibu, contact Chris, or schedule a free home ignition zone assessment, visit www.malibucity.org/952/Fire-Safety

The Malibu Podcast is back for Season 3 in 2021! In this episode, Tony Mark sits down with team member Justin Cumbee to discuss one of our favorite Malibu Neighborhoods, Broad Beach. They dive into the regions star-studded past and present, the disappearance (and slowly recovering) beach sand, the rock wall, Broad Beach GHAD, the sand replenishment project, and more! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves the community of Broad Beach and the rest of Malibu's neighborhoods from the coast to the canyons. For more information about our team, current Broad Beach listings, blog posts, and more, please visit www.themarkandgrethergroup.com

Part one of the Malibu Neighborhoods series! Tony Mark sits down with team member Justin to discuss the part of Malibu he calls home - Point Dume. They dive into the history of Point Dume, from an unattractive windblown bluff and World War II training area to one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Listen for tales of local legends, the skyrocket of real estate values, the all-important deeded beach keys, and more! | The Mark & Grether Group proudly serves Point Dume residents in buying, selling, and leasing. Visit themarkandgrethergroup.com to view our listings on Point Dume, properties throughout the rest of Malibu, and learn more about our team.

Tony sits down with Michael Epstein, the race director and executive producer of the legendary Malibu Triathlon! They discuss Michael's inspiration, the triathlon's humble beginning as a hobby, the charities and people that the race benefit, this year's virtual race, and some powerful individual stories including Tony's own journey inspired by the Tri. Michael is the president of MESP, an Ironman Triathlon Finisher, and an avid exercise enthusiast. | Register for the 2020 Malibu Triathlon virtual race! It's free to participate, you can race anywhere on September 26 or 27, and you can raise money for Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Visit malibutri.com for more information.