In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with my good friend and trusted mortgage lender, Kei Kullberg—powered by GoRascal. Kei shares his inspiring journey in the mortgage and real estate industry, starting back in 2017 and working his way up from processing and underwriting to becoming a successful loan officer helping families achieve the dream of homeownership.
We dive into how understanding loan guidelines on a deeper level allows Kei to guide clients toward smarter financial choices, build generational wealth through real estate, and navigate today’s competitive housing market with confidence. Kei also talks about the power of pre-screening, how business development and coaching shape professional success, and why credit education is key to every real estate journey.
He shares actionable real estate tips for first-time homebuyers, including why starting with multi-family properties is one of the smartest ways to begin investing. Whether you’re in the industry or just starting your real estate journey, this conversation is packed with insight, motivation, and practical advice to help you rise in business and in life.
If you’re ready to learn what it truly takes to build wealth through real estate and make confident financial decisions, this episode is for you.
Comment below — what part of Kei’s story inspired you most?
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who’s ready to take the next step toward building wealth through real estate investing!
Follow Kei Kullberg on Instagram: @kei_themortgageguy
Website: keikullberg.com
Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc | @rebuildandrisepodcast | @fitcreditdoctor
Visit: micahabigail.com
In this special episode of Rebuild and Rise Show, I sit down with Isis Richardson—a proud military veteran and social worker with a Master’s from Fordham University—who shares her powerful journey of rebuilding her credit and achieving her dream of homeownership.
Isis opens up about the emotional and financial challenges she faced, the lessons she learned along the way, and how seeking help from a credit repair team became the turning point in her story. Together, we talk about resilience, financial education, and the importance of community when you’re rebuilding from the ground up.
If you’ve ever faced financial setbacks, felt overwhelmed by debt, or wondered if it’s too late to start over—this episode will remind you that redemption is possible and it’s never too late to rise again.
Follow Isis Richardson on Instagram: @surgery411official
Connect with me: @micahabigailllc, @rebuildandrisepodcast, @fitcreditdoctor
Visit: micahabigail.com
In this solo episode, I get real about one of the hardest seasons of my life — facing financial irresponsibility and the consequences that came with it. I talk about what it was like to go from enjoying the highs of young adulthood to hitting a wall of debt, bad credit, and denial. But this isn’t just a story about struggle — it’s about rebuilding. I share how I slowly learned to take ownership of my finances, educate myself, and rebuild my credit piece by piece. I’ll walk you through the lessons, the humility, and the small wins that eventually led me toward freedom and confidence. If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or overwhelmed by money, this one’s for you.
Tune in as I open up about what it really takes to rise again — with honesty, grace, and determination.
In this episode of Rebuild and Rise Show, I sit down with Lindsay Stevens, one of Hudson Valley’s leading voices in real estate and leadership. Lindsay’s been in the industry since 2009, and what she’s built is nothing short of inspiring — a thriving team, a powerful mindset, and a deep commitment to personal growth.
We dive into what it really means to show up, lead with purpose, and overcome the fears and challenges that come with building something great. Lindsay also opens up about the importance of financial literacy, developing people, and creating lasting impact through service and leadership.
This conversation is packed with wisdom, heart, and real-life lessons that go far beyond real estate.
Tune in, get inspired, and remember — no matter where you’re starting from, you have the power to rebuild and rise.
In this inspiring episode of Rebuild and Rise, I have the privilege of sitting down with Alexander Zakharin — a driven and accomplished real estate agent who’s made his mark in the heart of New York City.
Alexander takes us through his incredible journey — from growing up in Russia and Ukraine, navigating life across different countries, to finding success in one of the most competitive real estate markets in the world. We dive deep into the challenges of adapting to new cultures, the power of hard work, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.He also opens up about his passion for ballroom dancing and fitness, and how those interests have shaped his mindset, discipline, and approach to business. With over a million followers on social media, Alexander shares powerful insights on building a personal brand, staying consistent, and staying motivated even when things get tough.
This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to push boundaries — whether you’re a real estate agent, entrepreneur, or simply someone striving to rise above challenges and chase your dreams.
In this inspiring episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sit down with my incredible friend Corrie Beth— a multi-faceted entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, and woman of unwavering faith.
As the co-owner of Pure Physique, Corrie shares her powerful journey from personal hardships and health struggles to becoming a successful business owner, devoted wife, and mother grounded in purpose. Her story is one of perseverance, faith, and the determination to rebuild stronger than ever.
We dive deep into the lessons that have shaped her journey — from the power of words and the importance of discipline to the vital role of faith in both life and business. Corrie also opens up about her passion for financial literacy and education, drawing from her background as a teacher and her belief that strong values start at home.
This episode is a heartfelt reminder that with faith, focus, and community, you can overcome life’s toughest challenges and rise even higher.
Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share the Rebuild and Rise Show for more stories of resilience, growth, and transformation.
In this heartfelt episode of Rebuild and Rise, I welcome my dear friend Josie, a third-generation McDonald's owner-operator, who shares her incredibly inspiring journey. Josie's story is one of resilience and hope as she challenges what's expected and shows us what's possible. From her humble beginnings, personal hardships, and health challenges, to managing an empire of 50 McDonald's franchises, Josie exemplifies how to balance motherhood and business with grace.
By rising above the noise, she is opening doors for women to become franchise owners, devoted mothers, and leaders in their communities and faith. We delve into her strategies for building generational wealth, her involvement with the Ronald McDonald House, and the significant role faith has played in her life. This episode is packed with valuable insights on financial literacy, personal growth, and the power of resilience.
Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share the Rebuild and Rise Show so you never miss an episode filled with resilience, hope, and real-life inspiration.
I’m so excited to share this special episode with you — a front-row seat to my keynote in Georgia where I break down the truth about credit, money, and financial mastery.
In this talk, I explain how the new Vantage 4.0 and FICO 10T scoring models are transforming the mortgage industry, why “trended data” matters, and how it could help approve more loans while lowering risk. I also dive into the real story behind collections, medical debts, inquiries, and Credit Karma scores — and why one missed payment can have such a big impact on your financial future.
My passion is helping people take control of their credit, understand the algorithms behind lending decisions, and build real financial confidence. Speaking in Georgia gave me the opportunity to connect with professionals, homebuyers, and families eager to understand how credit really works — and now you can listen in too.
If you’ve ever wondered why your Credit Karma score looks different from your mortgage score or how to set yourself up for success before applying for a home loan, this episode is full of practical tips, real stories, and eye-opening truths.
Tune in now to gain key insights on credit, money moves, and the mindset shifts that can help you build long-term wealth.
Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on credit and financial empowerment!
Follow me on Instagram: @micahabigailllc & @fitcreditdoctor for more financial tips and encouragement.
Streaming now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio
New episodes drop every Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST
In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I am diving deep into the world of credit scores and unravel the complexities surrounding them. We cover the crucial differences between various credit scoring models and how each industry uses its own algorithms to assess your risk. I share insider tips from the mortgage industry, highlighting the importance of soft pulls versus hard pulls and how they impact your credit score.
We also explore why paying off certain debts might actually lower your credit score and discuss strategic ways to manage your credit cards effectively. Throughout this episode, I emphasize the mindset shifts necessary to take control of your financial future, including the importance of living below your means and making well-informed decisions.
Join me as we uncover strategies to not only improve your credit score but also set you on a path toward long-term financial stability and freedom.
Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on credit and financial empowerment!
In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, join me, Micah Smith as I dive deep into the most common myths and misconceptions about credit repair. Drawing from over a decade of experience and real-life stories, I reveal the truth behind credit counseling, the emotional traps of debt, and the practical steps you can take to regain control of your financial future. Whether you’re facing credit challenges or just want to better understand how credit really works, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice to help you move forward with confidence.
Don’t miss this episode if you’re ready to clear the fog around credit, avoid costly mistakes, and start building a path toward true financial freedom.
Be sure to listen, subscribe, and share this episode with anyone who could benefit from a fresh perspective on credit and financial empowerment!
In this heartfelt episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I sat down with Amanda Wilcox, a true powerhouse in foreclosure prevention. Amanda shares her incredible mission to prevent foreclosures and her unwavering commitment to helping families rebuild their lives and find financial peace.
We dive into the real challenges homeowners face, the practical steps families can take to protect themselves, and the lasting impact Amanda has made through her life’s work. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to bring hope in the middle of financial hardship, this conversation is for you.
If you know someone navigating foreclosure or financial struggles, share this episode with them.
In this episode of Rebuild and Rise, I sat down with Veronica Galucci, a powerhouse entrepreneur with an incredible story. Veronica opens up about her journey from working in corporate product development to becoming a stay-at-home mom and launching multiple successful businesses. She shares the real challenges she faced, the lessons she learned, and why community support was so crucial along the way.
We dive into her passion for empowering women through her boutique, Nolita, and the importance of creating inclusive sizing in fashion. Veronica also talks about financial preparedness, how her faith has guided her business decisions, and what it truly takes to build something meaningful.
This conversation is all about resilience, faith, and the beauty of making women feel confident in their own skin. Trust me, you’ll be inspired by her story!
In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I sit down with Katherine Hernandez — a financial strategist whose story begins with lack but transforms into legacy. Katherine opens up about growing up in a family without financial education, the struggles that shaped her perspective on money, and the powerful moment she decided to break the cycle.
Her journey is not just about numbers — it’s about breaking barriers, shifting mindsets, and using knowledge as a tool to empower others. Together, we talk about what it means to take ownership of your financial story and how true freedom comes from education, persistence, and purpose.
If you’ve ever felt stuck because of your background or limited by what you didn’t know, Katherine’s story will remind you that it’s possible to rise above and build a new path forward.
Tune in, be inspired, and remember — your starting point doesn’t define your destination
Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.
Follow the Rebuild and Rise Show for weekly conversations on faith, persistence, and rebuilding stronger.
In this episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I share a powerful lesson I learned from John Maxwell at the Life Surge event in Newark, NJ — and how it completely shifted my perspective on failure.
We often talk about return on investment, but have you ever thought about your return on failure? I break down the difference between a good miss and a bad miss, why excuses keep you stuck, and how keeping your successes close to your failures keeps you humble and grounded.
I open up about my personal journey to sobriety, the hard truth about the excuses that were holding me back, and the exact moment I decided enough was enough. I also share how embracing challenges, building uphill habits, and taking full accountability have transformed my life, my business, and my relationships.
You’ll learn how to identify whether a failure is a good miss or a bad miss, and why your excuses might be the biggest obstacle between you and your goals. I talk about the mindset shift that helped me rebuild my life from the ground up, and why having uphill hopes means you need to match them with uphill habits. And I’ll remind you why you’ll never “accidentally” reach the top of the mountain — you have to climb your way there, step by step.
If you’ve ever felt trapped by setbacks, struggled with excuses, or wondered how to turn your failures into fuel for your future, this episode is for you.
I promise — you can rise from anything. Let’s talk about how.
If this episode resonates with you, please like, share, and subscribe so more people can rebuild and rise.
In this episode, I dive deep into the increasingly popular "Buy Now, Pay Later" trend—and why I believe it might become the next major credit disaster. After a recent interview with Fox Business, I realized there was so much more I needed to share with you—things I couldn’t say in just a few minutes on TV.
We’re talking about financing fast food, missing payments that can crush your credit score for up to seven years, and the ripple effect of habits most people don’t even realize they’ve formed. I am breaking down how these seemingly harmless purchases can spiral into long-term damage—and why this shift to reporting BNPL to credit bureaus is such a game-changer.
If you’ve ever thought Buy Now, Pay Later was a harmless convenience — this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on what BNPL really means for your credit, how it could quietly wreck your financial future, and what you need to know before you make your next purchase. Whether you’re just getting started with credit or trying to rebuild, this episode will help you make informed, empowered financial decisions.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, I sit down with my dear friend — entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and one of the most resilient women I know — Michelle Elise.
From childhood bullying to heartbreak and identity loss as an adult — all while eight months pregnant — Michelle takes us on a raw, faith-filled journey of pain, purpose, and transformation. What started as a tear-soaked journal entry became Ronnie the Rhino, a children’s book rooted in faith, healing, and self-worth.
Now a thriving CEO and a passionate voice for women’s empowerment, Michelle shares how losing herself in love led her to rebuild her life, her business, and her identity — and how God used her breaking point to reveal her divine purpose.
If you’ve ever felt like you weren’t enough, questioned your worth, or struggled to find yourself after loss… this episode is for you.
Because sometimes, God’s greatest calling comes through life’s greatest disruption.
In Part 2 of this incredibly powerful episode, I continue my heart-to-heart conversation with Dr. Greg Williamson—lead pastor of Valley Church, global mentor, and someone I’m honored to call a dear friend.
We go even deeper into the intersection of faith and finances, unpacking biblical truths that speak directly to real-world struggles—like living within your means, overcoming the pressure to “look rich,” managing debt with wisdom, and embracing generosity as a pathway to peace.
You’ll hear personal stories, both from Dr. Greg and from my own life, about moments of financial testing, God’s unexpected provision, and the power of pivoting when life doesn’t go according to plan. One of the most moving parts of this conversation is when we talk about what to do when you feel like you’ve been too far from God to pray. Greg’s response to that broke me—in the best way—and reminded me that no matter how far we wander, God never turns His back on us.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money stress, or like you’re too far gone to ask God for help, this episode is for you. It’s filled with truth, compassion, and practical encouragement that will meet you exactly where you are.
In this powerful and heart-centered episode of Rebuild and Rise Show, I have the absolute honor of welcoming Dr. Greg Williamson—lead pastor of Valley Church, global mentor, leadership coach, and someone I truly consider a close personal friend. Together, we dive into a deeply inspiring conversation about faith, finances, marriage, and how to find lasting contentment through biblical wisdom.
With over 35 years of experience in ministry and leadership, Greg brings incredible depth and clarity to the conversation. He shares powerful truths from scriptures like Ecclesiastes 7:8 and 1 John 2:15, helping us reflect on how we view money, possessions, and our greater purpose.
Throughout our conversation, we talk about why finishing well matters more than simply starting strong, and why having a long-term vision is so important in both life and finances. We also explore the difference between wants and needs, how godly stewardship can completely transform the way we manage money, and how prayer plays a key role in making big financial decisions.
One of the most meaningful parts of our conversation was diving into how money can impact marriages—and how unity, trust, and spiritual alignment can bring peace and breakthrough where there’s been tension or fear.
This episode is filled with real stories, practical takeaways, and timeless spiritual insight. If you’re looking for encouragement in your financial life, your faith walk, or your relationships—this one is truly for you. I know it will bless you as much as Greg’s wisdom has blessed me.
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Stay tuned for Part 2, this coming Wednesday @ 5:00 AM EST
When life shattered in a single moment, Linda didn’t fall apart—she rebuilt, redefined, and rose stronger than ever. In this powerful episode, Linda shares how a devastating accident, financial uncertainty, and single motherhood became the catalyst for building a life of strength, wisdom, and legacy.
From ICU nurse to top-producing real estate professional, Linda walks us through her journey of overcoming heartbreak, reclaiming financial control, and teaching her children how to reframe life’s hardest moments.
She dives deep into how to prepare for life’s unexpected 0.1% moments—the ones no one sees coming but change everything. Rather than playing the odds, Linda shares why she plans for the worst-case scenario and how that mindset has been her greatest asset. She opens up about the financial discipline it took to rebuild from the ground up, the role credit played in her comeback, and how the compounding effect of small, consistent actions created long-term security. Linda also reveals how her faith and early life lessons built the foundation of her resilience, and how, over time, her definition of wealth has evolved from chasing income to living with intention, legacy, and purpose.
Whether you're rebuilding after a crisis or looking to future-proof your life, this episode is a must-listen. Because real success isn’t just about the money—it’s about mindset, mission, and being ready when life doesn’t go according to plan.
Connect with Linda
For real estate inquiries or to connect with Linda directly, email her at: lindarica@compass.comHere’s how you can reach us:
Website: micahabigail.com
Instagram: @fitcreditdoctor
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Rebuild and Rise Show, host Micah Smith sits down with Amanda Hanquist, a financial powerhouse and co-founder of Fit Wealth Advisors, widely known as The Fit Financial. With over 15 years of experience helping women take control of their money and build long-term wealth, Amanda brings real, raw, and relatable insight to the conversation. Together, they unpack why people with the most income often face the biggest financial messes and explore Amanda’s viral “No-Spend Year,” along with the powerful, life-changing lessons it revealed. They dive into the emotional toll of survival mode, the roots of a scarcity mindset, and the money lies many of us were taught to believe. Amanda also shares how she balances motherhood, marriage, entrepreneurship, and financial confidence—all while navigating real-life challenges. The conversation highlights why earning more doesn’t automatically lead to financial freedom, the pivotal role credit plays in both personal and business success, and the small but impactful first steps anyone can take to start rebuilding financial strength—no matter how overwhelmed or stuck they feel. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next move. Whether you're rebuilding from financial chaos or ready to rise into your next level, this is the real talk you didn’t know you needed.