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 purpose and even dropping a freestyle rap, this episode proves that money, meaning, and innovation can go hand in hand.

In this episode, we chat about…

• Joshua's journey from Army Infantry Soldier to Chaplain to Financial Advisor

• Exponential Advisors serves primarily Army veterans, busy parents, and Christian leaders, blending faith, values, and innovation

• The case for Bitcoin as a once-in-a-generation innovation

• How AI tools are transforming the way advisors and investors make decisions

• Joshua's Ayahuasca retreat in Peru and its impact on mental health and family life

• What discipline and integrity mean in business and money management

• An unexpected freestyle rap about tech, wealth, and freedom

1. Bitcoin isn't hype, it's a historic innovation worth understanding.

2. AI can amplify human decision-making, not replace it.

3. Faith and finance can align to create deeper purpose and sustainability.

4. Healing leads to better leadership, mental clarity drives financial clarity.

5. Character and credibility are the real currency in business.

6. Veterans' discipline and resilience mirror the mindset needed to thrive in investing and entrepreneurship.

Resources from Joshua

LinkedIn | Exponential Advisors | Exponential Purpose Newsletter

Books mentioned: Human Compatible by Stuart Russell | In Our Own Image by George Zarkadakis

Resources from Mike and Nichole

LinkedIn | Gateway Private Equity Group | Barcelona Hotel Fund | Nic's guide

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Richard Wilson, CEO of Family Office Club, the largest investor community for ultra-wealthy families with over 7,500+ members and 16+ in-person events every year. Richard has spent 18 years studying how the richest entrepreneurs protect and grow wealth, building a global social network of 17M+ followers and interviewing billionaires to decode what truly moves the needle.

In this episode, we chat about…

• What the ultra-wealthy are actually investing in right now

• Why investors are moving away from "spray and pray" diversification

• The rise of Bitcoin and collateral-backed deals

• Avoiding crowded, boring, and mediocre capital raises

• How mindset shifts as you level up net worth

• Why investors want to know you personally, not as a number

• The power of proximity and joining the right rooms

• Family Office myths vs. reality (fewer Rolex flexes than you think)

• Simple tools that make raising capital faster and more credible

1. Trust beats hype. Today's capital wants security, clarity, and in-person relationships.

2. Don't diversify blindly. Smart wealth plays offense where they know the game well.

3. Alignment matters. Investors gravitate to founders with shared industry expertise.

4. Materials make you investable. One-liner. One-pager. One-minute pitch video.

5. Environment is everything. The right room can accelerate opportunity overnight.

6. Be uniquely valuable. Say what no one else can say, that's how deals get attention.

Resources from Richard

LinkedIn | Family Office Club | Billionaires.com (interviews & billionaire book lists)

Centimillionaire Strategies YouTube channel

Resources from Mike and Nichole

LinkedIn | Gateway Private Equity Group | Barcelona Hotel Fund | Nic's guide

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today, Mike and Nichole break down how U.S. investors can tap into Spain's booming tourism market, including opportunities to buy historic boutique hotels and castles at surprisingly accessible prices.

If you've ever dreamed of owning a cash-flowing property you can also vacation in… this one's for you.

In this episode, we chat about…

• Why Spain beats the U.S. in current hotel economics

• The hidden world of affordable castles and estates

• The challenges of buying overseas (and how to solve them)

• How the fund model protects investors

• Turning investments into bucket-list experiences

1. International hotels can outperform U.S. assets in today's high-rate market

2. Spain's boutique hotel space is undervalued and gaining major tourism traction

3. Local experts are crucial for navigating regulations & renovations

4. A fund approach gives flexibility when competition scoops up deals

5. Lifestyle investments create stronger community and long-term retention

6. Refinancing later unlocks investor capital while keeping the property

7. Yes…you can vacation at the castle you invested in (CPA-approved trip)

Resources from Mike and Nichole

LinkedIn | Gateway Private Equity Group | Barcelona Hotel Fund | Nic's guide

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast. Today we are joined by Brad Johnson, Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of Vintage Capital. Brad shares how mobile home park investing is quietly outperforming traditional real estate. He breaks down why this niche is attracting serious investors, the powerful tax advantages that come with it, and how it helps solve America's growing affordable housing problem all while delivering steady, long-term returns.

In this episode, we chat about…

• Brad's journey from small rental properties to managing $3B+ in real estate deals

• Why mobile home parks deliver high yield and low default rates

• The five classes of mobile home parks and where the best opportunities are

• How bonus depreciation and cost segregation boost investor returns

• Smart due diligence tips when buying mobile home parks

• Why Brad shifted from operator to allocator and what that means for investors

• How investing in affordable housing creates both profit and purpose

1. Mobile home parks are an underrated, recession-resistant real estate play.

2. The stigma keeps competition low and returns strong.

3. Tax incentives can offset a major portion of taxable income.

4. Long-term ownership builds wealth faster than quick flips.

5. Reliable local partners make or break success in this space.

6. You can invest in affordable housing and still achieve strong financial growth.

Resources from Brad

LinkedIn | Email | Vintage Capital

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Can trees really grow your wealth? In this episode, Mike talks with John Brenard, Founder and Managing Director of Southview Timberland Investments, about how timberland and farmland offer strong returns, steady cash flow, and natural inflation protection. John explains why this overlooked asset class is gaining traction with investors who want something real, stable, and sustainable.

In this episode, we chat about…

• From Wealth Management to Timberland: How John turned a family land purchase into a thriving investment strategy.

• Why Timberland Works: A proven inflation hedge that's uncorrelated to the stock market.

• The Power of the Southeast: Why this region now leads global timber production.

• More Than Just Trees: Multiple income streams from harvesting, farmland leasing, and recreational use.

• Sustainable by Nature: How responsible forestry adds both environmental and financial value.

• Investor Access: How Southview's five-year fund makes timberland investing accessible through Schwab.

• Tariffs and Opportunity: How U.S. trade policies are fueling domestic timber growth.

1. Timberland is a true alternative asset, it's uncorrelated to traditional markets and historically stable.

2. The Southeast U.S. is now the global timber powerhouse, offering strong mill infrastructure and high demand.

3. Investors can access institutional-quality deals through Southview without the massive minimums of traditional TIMOs.

4. Timberland offers multiple income channels, from harvest revenue to farmland and recreational leases.

5. Sustainability drives returns, good forestry practices directly increase land value and resale potential.

6. Southview's fund model is transparent and investor-friendly, offering regular reporting, on-site visits, and digital onboarding.

7. New trade and tariff policies are strengthening American timber markets, creating additional upside for domestic investors.

Resources from John

LinkedIn | Southview Timberland Investments | Email

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

In this week's episode of The Richer Geek Podcast, Mike and Nichole sit down for a quick but insightful chat about their first hotel investment, a deal they almost passed on. They share how a mismanaged Arizona property turned into a 3X return and what it taught them about timing, partnerships, and spotting value where others don't look.

In this episode, we chat about…

• How Mike transitioned from multifamily to hotels

• Meeting Vic and forming a strong investment partnership

• Finding opportunity in a mismanaged Arizona hotel

• Why location and local "drivers" matter more than luxury

• The strategy behind selling at the right time

1. Don't ignore unglamorous deals, they often perform best

2. Location + economic drivers = hotel success

3. The right partner can make or break your investment

4. Manage smart, not flashy, focus on fundamentals

5. Timing your exit can multiply your returns

6. Learn through partnerships before going solo

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

What if your family's greatest stories could live on like a Netflix documentary? In this episode of The Richer Geek, today we are joined by filmmaker and storyteller Chance McClain, founder of Heritage Films. With over 800 documentaries produced, Chance has made it his mission to capture family histories, founders' journeys, and life legacies in cinematic style. From Army veteran to Broadway musicals to award-nominated filmmaking, Chance shares how storytelling preserves values across generations and why every story, big or small, matters.

In this episode, we chat about…

• How Chance transitioned from Army service and radio to founding Heritage Films.

• The story behind the very first Heritage Film and how it sparked a movement in legacy storytelling.

• Why businesses and family farms are "characters" in founder films.

• Surprising, real-life stories captured on film from WWII heroes to architects with secret pasts.

• The evolution of filmmaking technology, from VHS tapes to drones and iPhones.

• The emotional impact of preserving legacies and how families actually use and rewatch these films.

• Why talking to older generations unlocks wisdom, humor, and life lessons we often overlook.

1. Everyone has a story worth telling: whether you're a founder, veteran, or grandparent, your life holds lessons for future generations.

2. Technology makes legacy preservation possible: from high-end Sony cameras to simple iPhones, storytelling tools are more accessible than ever.

3. Hard work, grit, and values outlast success stories: the true legacy isn't just the narrative, it's the wisdom passed down.

4. Stories change how we see people we thought we knew: a "regular" grandparent may have lived an extraordinary life.

5. Businesses and land carry their own legacies: a company or farm often becomes a living character in family films.

6. Connection matters more than production: while high-quality films are stunning, the heart lies in authentic conversations and memories preserved.

Resources from Chance

LinkedIn | Heritage Films | farmandranchfilms.com

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Welcome back to another episode of The Richer Geek Podcast! Today our guest is David Flores Wilson, founder of Sincerus Advisory and named an Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor. He helps entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and business owners maximize wealth, optimize equity compensation, and exit businesses the smart way. In this episode, David breaks down tax-saving strategies, the power of donor-advised funds, how to use real estate for wealth building, and why exit planning should start on day one, not the day you're ready to sell. If you want to keep more of what you earn and create a lasting financial plan, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode, we chat about…

• How David's early experiences with family businesses shaped his career in financial planning.

• Why entrepreneurs need a different approach to financial planning than traditional employees.

• Strategies for deferring taxes and leveraging state residency for long-term savings.

• Understanding Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) and how it can save millions in taxes.

• The role of charitable giving strategies (like DAFs and charitable buyouts) in wealth preservation.

• Why exit planning should start when you form your business, not when you're ready to sell.

• How to balance wealth-building in real estate vs. stocks based on personal skills and opportunities.

• The emotional and identity shifts entrepreneurs face when selling a business.

1. Entrepreneurs often need customized financial planning because most of their wealth is tied to their business.

2. Tax deferral strategies can provide huge advantages, especially when combined with residency planning.

3. QSBS can exempt up to $10 million in capital gains if structured correctly, an often-overlooked opportunity.

4. Charitable giving can be structured to maximize both impact and tax benefits (e.g., bunching, DAFs, charitable redemptions).

5. Real estate offers unique tax advantages but requires clear strategy and sometimes specialized partners.

6. Exit planning isn't just about money, it's about legacy, lifestyle, and identity after the sale.

Resources from David

LinkedIn | Sincerus Advisory | Blog: Planning to Wealth

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Patrick Grimes, CEO of Passive Investing Mastery and internationally bestselling author, shares how accredited investors can diversify like the ultra-wealthy. In this episode, Patrick explains why litigation funding, rare earth metals, and other alternative investments can protect your wealth, create passive income, and thrive during any economic cycle.

In this episode, we chat about…

• Patrick's shift from robotics engineering to building wealth through real estate and alternative assets

• Why litigation finance is a powerful, non-correlated investment strategy

• How accredited investors can access opportunities usually reserved for hedge funds and institutions

• The role of AI and automation in scaling real estate and investment operations

• Lessons from losing everything in 2009 and why proper diversification matters more than chasing returns

• The future of alternative investing: rare earth metals, strategic commodities, and commercial acquisitions

• Don't wait for a downturn, true security comes from diversified, recession-resilient assets.

• Non-correlated investments (like litigation finance or healthcare-related industries) provide stability beyond real estate and stocks.

• Tax efficiency is important, but it shouldn't drive your entire portfolio strategy.

• AI is transforming operations in property management and deal sourcing, freeing time for higher-value decisions.

• Scaling requires partnering and outsourcing, trying to do it all yourself limits growth.

• The wealthy build portfolios with balanced allocations, not by betting everything on one asset class.

Resources from Patrick

LinkedIn | Website | Get Patrick's bestselling book (free copy for listeners)

The Alternative Investment Almanac by Denis Shapiro | The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide

Curiosity can change the way we lead, work, and grow. In this episode of The Richer Geek, operations professional and entrepreneur Jon Bassford shares how curiosity shaped his career and why it's the key to building stronger teams, smarter businesses, and better results.

In this episode, we chat about…

• How Jon went from law school to operations leadership.

• What it means to be a curious leader.

• The three shifts leaders need: mindset, operations, and culture.

• Google's study on psychological safety and why it matters.

• Stories from Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos that show the impact of curiosity.

• Why founders should hire outside their strengths instead of trying to do it all.

• How curiosity shows up in both business and co-parenting.

• Curiosity helps leaders move past habits and try new approaches.

• A culture of curiosity starts with making people feel safe to speak up.

• Leaders need to ask questions and not settle for "this is how it's done."

• Founders often waste time by hiring in their strengths instead of their gaps.

• Delegating low-value tasks saves energy for the work that matters most.

• Curiosity is not just for business, it can also improve family and personal life.

Resources from Jon

LinkedIn | jonbassford.com | Lateral Solutions

Grab your free chapter of The Curious Leader by texting "chapter" to 33777

Resources from Mike and Nichole

Gateway Private Equity Group | Nic's guide