The Intelligent Borrower Podcast

In this episode of The Intelligent Borrower , Todd Stichler dives into one of the most common, and costly, traps borrowers fall into: believing promises that aren’t actually documented. From “starter loans” to verbal guarantees about future funding, Todd unpacks how lenders can use the idea of “phase two capital” or “graduation funding” to get borrowers into loans that may never lead anywhere else...

In this episode of The Intelligent Borrower , Todd Stichler breaks down the key differences between traditional bank financing and non-traditional lending options. From SBA loans to alternative funding sources, he walks through how small businesses actually access capital today—and what borrowers need to understand to choose the right path. It’s a practical, no-fluff look at how financing really w...

Everyone asks, “What’s the rate?” But very few people ask the more important question: “What’s the total cost?” In this episode of The Intelligent Borrower, Todd Stichler breaks down the true meaning of interest rate and how it impacts borrowers over time. Using a simple car loan example, he explains the three components that determine the real cost of borrowing — balance, rate, and time — and sho...

This episode of The Intelligent Borrower breaks down the uncomfortable truths most people never hear about debt, taxes, and lending. We unpack why borrowing doesn’t cause financial problems — it exposes them — and how the system quietly trains people to think like desperate borrowers instead of strategic decision-makers. From why tax refunds aren’t the “win” they’re sold as, to the brutal question...

Episode 3 dives into Credit Scores — what they are, why they matter, and how they directly impact the cost of your borrowing. We break down why people often think their credit is “good” until a lender pulls it, what makes up your score, and why different lenders see different numbers. You’ll learn the Five Pillars that shape every credit score, the difference between FICO and VantageScore, how gov...

What Thought Is Driving Your Borrowing Decisions? This episode explores the idea that borrowing isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a psychological one. While most people focus on rates, terms, and monthly payments, this conversation digs deeper into the why behind borrowing and how mindset, motivation, and self-awareness often determine whether a loan leads to growth or struggle. Through a simpl...

Welcome to The Intelligent Borrower , the show that cuts through the noise, dismantles the stigma around debt, and teaches you how to borrow with purpose—not panic. In every episode, we break down the mechanics of debt in a way that’s strategic, empowering, and actually makes sense for real businesses and real people. You’ll learn why debt isn’t a sign of failure, but a tool—one that, when used in...