The Richer Geek
Today’s episode is different. This marks the final episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. After seven incredible years, Mike is signing off to focus fully on his growing business and new hotel investments in Spain. Thank you for listening, supporting, and being part of the journey. Mike remains active on LinkedIn and looks forward to staying connected there. Resources from Mike and Nichole | |
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Happy New Year and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Janna Scott, founder of DeFi Tax, to talk about one of the biggest risks crypto investors face today: inaccurate tax reporting. Janna explains why most crypto tax software is unreliable, how IRS audits really work, and what happens when reported numbers don’t match blockchain data. She shares how her research exposed major gaps in the system and why both individuals and businesses need audit-ready crypto records. In this episode, we chat about… The Software Variance Problem: Janna...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. It’s the last day of 2025, a perfect time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. Today, we’re joined by Pete Neubig, CEO of VPM Solutions, to talk about building virtual teams that actually support growth. If you’re planning to hire your first virtual team or scale smarter in 2026, this episode is for you. In this episode, we chat about… Pete’s journey from a 20-year employee to building and selling a property management company How virtual team members evolved from simple task roles to...
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Happy Holidays and welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, we are joined by Rod Khleif, a multifamily real estate investor, best-selling author, and host of a top 1% business podcast with over 20 million downloads. Rod shares his journey from growing up with very little, to losing $50M during the 2008 crash, and rebuilding a stronger, purpose-driven real estate business. This episode focuses on mindset, taking action despite fear, and why real estate continues to create opportunity during uncertain markets. If you tend to overanalyze or feel stuck waiting for the...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Fuquan Bilal, a seasoned real estate entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building wealth through multifamily and luxury real estate investments. As the CEO and Founder of NNG Capital Fund, Fuquan shares how creative strategies, strong investor communication, and community impact drive long-term success. We talk about market cycles, investor trust, and what it really takes to raise capital the right way. This episode is packed with practical insights for investors and operators at every stage. In this...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Chris Hervochon, CPA, CVA, a numbers-driven advisor who helps growth-minded entrepreneurs make smarter financial decisions. Chris shares how good accounting goes far beyond tax season, why advisory-based CPAs can save you tens of thousands, and the real difference between bookkeeping, controllers, and fractional CFOs. He also breaks down how to prepare your business for a future sale and the hidden risks most founders never check. If you're ready to run your business like the asset it should be, this episode...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, today we are joined by Christina Suter, a seasoned real estate investor, advisor, and educator. Christina shares her journey, starting with inheriting a paid-off house at 17, and explains why she views real estate as a vehicle for location, time, and choice freedom, not just money. Tune in as she discusses her shift from appreciation plays in California to high cash flow strategies like room shares , and how her "Live A Rich Life" coaching helps people find meaning and purpose beyond just achieving financial independence. In this...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today, we are joined by Daanish Azim, who built a $60K/month Airbnb business without owning a single property. He lost everything in 2022, took a chance on one rental unit, and turned it into a small empire. Now he teaches others how to do the same through Airbnb arbitrage. In this episode, we chat about… What Airbnb arbitrage is and how it works Why getting property owners’ permission matters How to check city rules and avoid issues with regulations Funding the business using 0% business credit cards What today’s...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Jon Ostenson, one of the top 1% Franchise Consultants in the U.S., respected author, investor, and leading voice in the world of non-food franchising. Jon breaks down how everyday professionals, corporate leaders, and real estate investors can use franchising to build wealth, diversify income, and create long-term stability even without quitting their day job. In this episode, we chat about… Jon’s career path from corporate leadership to franchise president and top franchise consultant Why non-food...
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Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! This week, as we honor Veterans Day, today’s guest brings both service and purpose to the mic. Joshua Brooks, founder of Exponential Advisors and an Army Reserve Chaplain, combines military discipline, faith, and forward-thinking tech to help families and organizations build real financial freedom. Joshua shares how he’s blending AI, blockchain, and Bitcoin into modern financial planning, why he believes everyone should take a second look at Bitcoin, and how faith and integrity shape his work. From overcoming PTSD to leading with...
info_outlineWelcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Our guest today is Spencer Howard, credit card royalty program and travel rewards expert and founder of Straight To The Points. Spencer shares his expertise on maximizing credit card points to unlock luxury travel experiences, from choosing the right cards to building a sustainable points strategy that won't damage your credit score.
In this episode, we chat about…
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Spencer's Journey from Politics to Points Expert - How working at the US Travel Association sparked his obsession with travel rewards and led to building a full-time business around credit card points strategy
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The Two-Sided Business Model - Spencer explains his newsletter service for finding business and first-class award space plus his travel advisor services for luxury ground experiences
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Transferable Points Strategy - Why starting with flexible points currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards and Capital One Miles beats airline-specific cards for most travelers
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The Three Approaches to Credit Cards - Breaking down the "Keep It Simple" (1-3 cards), "Hub and Supplement" (4-6 cards), and "Maximalist" (continuous new cards) strategies
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Credit Score Myths Debunked - How responsible points enthusiasts maintain 750+ credit scores while regularly opening new cards through strategic management
Key Takeaways:
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Start with transferable points programs rather than airline or hotel-specific cards to maximize flexibility and redemption options across 15+ different airlines
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Focus on bonus categories that align with your spending - Cards like Amex Gold (4x groceries) and Citi Premier (3x travel/gas/groceries) can accelerate point earning
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Maintain excellent credit hygiene - Keep oldest cards open, pay balances in full every month, and don't attempt this strategy unless you have a 700+ credit score
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Signup bonuses are the fastest way to earn points - New card bonuses typically offer more points than you can earn through regular spending over months
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Choose your involvement level - Whether you prefer a simple 1-3 card setup or become a maximalist earning machine, there's a points strategy that fits your lifestyle and effort level
Resources from Spencer
LinkedIn | Instagram | Straight To The Points
Resources from Mike and Nichole
Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide