Rebuild and Rise Show

Rebuild and Rise Show

Welcome to the Rebuild and Rise Show podcast with Micah Smith – Your Trusted Podcast for Credit, Finance, Wealth & Real Estate Insights! This podcast is dedicated to demystifying complex financial topics, offering listeners clear, actionable steps to take control of their financial future. Each episode delves into key areas such as credit scores, personal finance, wealth-building strategies, and real estate investing. The content is designed to help individuals make informed decisions and build lasting financial freedom. So stay tuned and watch out for more episodes.

  1. 1d ago

    550 to 750: How She Bought a Brand-New Car With $0 Down

    In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sitting down with Danni Richardson, one of the incredible members of the Micah Abigail team, to hear a story that is deeply personal, inspiring, and proof that your circumstances do not have to define your future. Danni grew up in a small town in Georgia, raised by a hardworking single mother who did everything she could to create a beautiful life for her family. She once believed that her options were limited by her circumstances and even planned to join the U.S. Navy to help pay for college—until an unexpected ankle injury completely changed her plans. But that unexpected detour eventually led her to a career in sales, and ultimately to Micah Abigail, where she discovered something that would change her own financial life: understanding how credit actually works. When Danni joined our team, her credit score was around 550. In just a few months, through paying down her credit card balances, addressing collections, using a pay-for-delete strategy, and becoming an authorized user, she was able to reach a 750 credit score and qualify for a brand-new 2026 Nissan Sentra with zero down. But this conversation isn't just about a credit score. We talk about the misconceptions surrounding credit repair, why simply Googling your credit questions can leave you more confused, why paying your bills on time and managing your card balances matter so much, and why there is no universal timeline for rebuilding your credit. Most importantly, Danni shares the message I hope everyone takes away from this episode: don't give up. I’ve seen firsthand how financial hardship, broken relationships, unexpected circumstances, and life’s hardest seasons can impact someone’s credit. But I’ve also seen what can happen when someone decides to keep going, gets the right guidance, and takes the next step forward. Danni has now gone from experiencing the struggle herself to helping other people navigate theirs. Her story is a reminder that you are not your credit score, you are not your past, and you are not too far gone to rebuild. If you're struggling with your credit or wondering if it's even possible to turn things around, this episode is for you.  Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor Follow Danni Richardson Instagram: @danniatmicahabigail She also offers consultations through the link in her Instagram bio. And if this episode encouraged you, like, save, subscribe and share it with someone who needs the reminder that there is still hope on the other side of where they are today.  Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio   New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST

    550 to 750: How She Bought a Brand-New Car With $0 Down
  2. Aug 12

    Credit Score vs Life Expectancy: The Shocking Science Linking Debt to Longevity

    What if your credit score is telling you more about your health and future than you ever realized? In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m breaking down the research that stopped me in my tracks: studies linking credit, financial stress, debt, wealth shocks, and even longevity. I’m not here to create fear or sell you a credit repair solution—I’m here to show you the facts and help you understand what the numbers may be reflecting about your financial habits and overall well-being. I dive into research showing connections between credit scores and mortality risk, including findings that a 100-point increase in credit score was associated with roughly a 4.4% decrease in the risk of dying, while rising unsecured debt was associated with a significantly higher risk of dying in midlife. But here’s the part I really want you to hear: your credit score is not your destiny. I share my own experience with financial stress, overwhelming debt, high interest rates, and even putting off my own health care when money was tight. We’ll talk about how financial pressure can affect decision-making, sleep, stress, access to health care, and the choices we make every day. Most importantly, I want you to see your credit report as a mirror, not a sentence. The habits reflected in your credit can change—and the discipline you build while rebuilding your finances can become the same discipline that helps you build a healthier, more intentional life. Your number is not your identity. It’s your starting line. If you've been avoiding your credit report, overwhelmed by debt, or feeling like your financial situation is controlling your life, this episode is your reminder that you can face it, change it, and rebuild. Because you don't just live once—you live every day. Make every day worth the exchange. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder that their credit score is not their destiny, their number is not their identity, and it’s never too late to face your finances, change your habits, and rebuild your life.    Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor   Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio  New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST

    Credit Score vs Life Expectancy: The Shocking Science Linking Debt to Longevity
  3. Aug 6

    Watch the Exit, Not the Entrance: How Character Really Shows Up

    In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I'm sharing one of the toughest leadership lessons I've learned: character isn't revealed by how someone enters your life—it’s revealed by how they respond when things don't go their way. Through a recent experience in my own business, I learned the importance of trusting my discernment, protecting what God has entrusted to me, and never compromising my standards. I talk about why "trust but verify" has become one of the most important principles in my leadership, how to recognize red flags before they become costly mistakes, and why your standards are never the problem. We'll also explore the power of guarding your peace, leading with integrity, and understanding that grace and accountability can exist together. If you're a business owner, leader, entrepreneur, or simply trying to build healthier relationships, I hope this conversation encourages you to trust your instincts, protect your values, and remember that character always reveals itself—especially when the answer is "no."    Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to protect their peace, trust their discernment, and never compromise on character.   Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast @fitcreditdoctor   Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio   New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST    Visit: micahabigail.com

    Watch the Exit, Not the Entrance: How Character Really Shows Up
  4. Jul 29

    He Spent a Decade at America's Largest Lender. Then He Left to Build What Was Missing

    In this episode of Rebuild & Rise Show, I sit down with my dear friend Rogelio Goertzen II, who spent nearly a decade helping build the nation's largest wholesale mortgage lender before answering a calling he couldn't ignore. What began as a career in mortgage operations became a mission to create greater access, opportunity, and leadership for underserved communities. Rogelio shares the lessons he learned from being mentored by industry leaders, the pivotal moments that shaped his faith and leadership, and why he left behind a thriving career to launch the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME). Together, we talk about how his upbringing instilled a deep appreciation for homeownership, the invaluable leadership lessons he gained during his ten years at the nation's largest wholesale mortgage lender, and the mentors who helped shape both his personal and professional life. We also explore why he felt called to leave corporate success behind, the importance of expanding language access and inclusion in the mortgage industry, his passion for developing future leaders instead of followers, and what it truly means to trust God's calling—even when it leads you into unfamiliar territory. This conversation isn't just about mortgages—it's about purpose, obedience, servant leadership, and building something that outlives you. If you've ever felt called to leave comfort behind to pursue the work you know you're meant to do, this episode will challenge and encourage you. If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who's ready to build a life of purpose, impact, and legacy.  Follow Micah Smith on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor Follow Rogelio Goertzen II on Instagram: @rogelio.home  Follow Tu Nuevo Home on TikTok, YouTube, & on Instagram: @tunuevohome  Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.  New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

  5. Jul 22

    Stop Making "Desperation Hires": Why Bodies in Seats Erode Your Culture

    In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I’m sharing research that completely reframes how we look at credit. Your credit score isn't just a gatekeeper for getting a mortgage, buying a car, or securing a business loan—it acts as a vital sign for your actual physical health, stress levels, and overall longevity. Throughout the show, I walk through published studies demonstrating how financial strain, debt, and credit score drops directly impact your heart, stress chemistry, and lifespan. Most importantly, I discuss why a credit score is simply a mirror of underlying habits, meaning you have the power to change it and take back control of both your financial future and your physical well-being. We dive deep into the data behind this connection, starting with why a low credit score reflects chronic, low-grade stress that physically wears on your body over time. I share a landmark Duke University study that tracked over 1,000 people to reveal a direct connection between higher credit scores and younger heart age. We also examine findings from the University of Colorado Denver and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta showing that a 100-point score increase correlates with a roughly 4.4% drop in mortality risk, while moving from zero delinquent accounts to just one raises death risk by about 5%. Furthermore, research from Columbia University shows that rising unsecured credit card debt carries an 89% higher risk of midlife mortality, and data from the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrates that major wealth loss is tied to a 50% higher risk of death. We also unpack how subprime interest rates act as a constant financial drain, stealing money that could otherwise fund healthcare, healthy living, or savings. So, whether you're ready to face your credit file, start building healthier habits, or simply take control of your financial future and protect your health, I hope this episode gives you the clarity and motivation you need to stop bleeding money to interest and start adding years back to your life. Remember: what you do today is worth an exchange of one day of your life, so make it count. Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes of Rebuild & Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

  6. Jun 24

    How One Buyer Turned a Doctor's Office Into a $1.6 Million Dream Home

    In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with renovation and construction lending expert Barry Koven to explore how the right financing strategy can unlock opportunities most buyers never see. Barry shares his incredible journey from the music industry to becoming one of the nation's top mortgage professionals and explains how renovation and construction loans are helping people create wealth through real estate. We discuss FHA 203(k), Fannie Mae HomeStyle, VA renovation loans, and the inspiring story of a buyer who transformed an outdated doctor's office near Central Park into a stunning home valued at $1.6 million—creating over $600,000 in equity before moving in. This conversation is packed with practical real estate insights, leadership lessons, and a powerful reminder that sometimes the best opportunities are hidden in places others overlook. If this episode inspired you or helped you see new possibilities in homeownership and real estate investing, don't keep it to yourself. Share it with someone who needs encouragement, guidance, or a fresh perspective on what's possible. Make sure you're subscribed to Rebuild and Rise so you never miss a conversation designed to help you grow in faith, business, leadership, and life.  Follow Micah Smith on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor Follow Barry Koven on Instagram: @therenopro Learn more: BarryKoven.com Contact Barry: 833-RENO-NOW  Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and wherever you listen to podcasts.  New episodes of Rebuild and Rise drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST.

  7. Jun 17

    From Sneaking Out at 1 AM to Financial Freedom: The Truth About the Rebuild

    In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with author, speaker, coach, and real estate leader Kendra Cooke for a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from the inside out. Introduced by the incredible Amberly Lago, Kendra and I instantly connected as kindred spirits with a shared passion for helping people rise through life's hardest seasons. We talk about the woman behind the accomplishments—the small-town girl with big dreams, the lessons hidden in heartbreak and setbacks, and the courage it takes to keep showing up when life doesn't go according to plan. Kendra opens up about her journey into leadership, the power of journaling as a tool for healing and clarity, and why success isn't about becoming someone else—it's about rediscovering who you've always been. This conversation is a reminder that resilience isn't built overnight. It's forged through faith, perseverance, and the willingness to keep moving forward even when the path isn't clear. Kendra's story will encourage you to embrace every chapter of your journey and trust that growth often comes from the moments that challenge us the most. If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs a reminder that they are stronger than they think. Follow the Rebuild and Rise Show for weekly conversations on faith, persistence, leadership, and rebuilding stronger through life's unexpected turns.  Don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more powerful stories of resilience, purpose, and personal growth.  Follow Kendra Cooke on Instagram to stay connected with her journey and the work she's doing to inspire and empower others.  Follow me for more at @micahabigailllc @rebuildandrisepodcast and @fitcreditdoctor on Instagram for financial tips, credit strategies, encouragement, and motivation.  Streaming now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio.  New episodes drop every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST. #RebuildAndRise #MicahSmith #KendraCooke #FaithOverFear #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #RiseStronger

  8. Jun 10

    Weaponizing "Expensive" Money: The Strategic Play for Business Growth

    In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I'm challenging one of the biggest misconceptions I see among business owners: that expensive money is always bad money. For years, I would have looked at a high-interest funding offer and immediately walked away. But what I've learned is that when used with intention and the right strategy, short-term, high-cost capital can become one of the most powerful tools for building a bankable business. I'm taking you behind the scenes of our framework to show you how "expensive" money can be leveraged to pay down personal debt, improve credit scores, strengthen your bank rating, establish business credit, complete lender compliance requirements, and ultimately position you for the long-term financing opportunities you couldn't access before. We'll break down the real numbers, explore the difference between reactive borrowing and strategic borrowing, and uncover why the true cost isn't always the interest rate—sometimes it's staying stuck because you never made the move that could have changed everything. If you've ever said "no" to an opportunity because the terms seemed too costly, this episode will challenge the way you think about leverage, risk, and growth. Because the goal isn't to borrow more—it's to borrow smarter, build strategically, and create a business that rises stronger than before.  Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep going and rise again.  Connect with me: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor  Listen now on: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio  New episodes every Wednesday at 5:00 AM EST  Visit: micahabigail.com

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Rebuild and Rise Show podcast with Micah Smith – Your Trusted Podcast for Credit, Finance, Wealth & Real Estate Insights! This podcast is dedicated to demystifying complex financial topics, offering listeners clear, actionable steps to take control of their financial future. Each episode delves into key areas such as credit scores, personal finance, wealth-building strategies, and real estate investing. The content is designed to help individuals make informed decisions and build lasting financial freedom. So stay tuned and watch out for more episodes.

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