
PayPod: The Payments and Fintech Podcast
Welcome to PayPod, a show that explores the fast-changing world of payments and fintech. The show features interviews with leaders and entrepreneurs in the payments and fintech industries.
Each episode, you’ll hear an interview directly with a leader of the payments industry. We talk with fintech entrepreneurs, security experts, mobile developers, eCommerce pros, and more...
From credit card processing to bitcoin... from retail point of sale systems to cutting edge digital payments software… merchant accounts. mobile checkout, lending marketplaces, and beyond… we cover it all!
Latest episodes

Mar 24, 2025 • 31min
How Facilitation Transforms Teams & Drives Success with Therese Miclot
Episode Topic Effective leadership is more crucial than ever in today’s fast-changing work environment. But what does it truly take to lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion? In this episode of PayPod, we welcome leadership coach and facilitation expert Therese Miclot, who has spent over two decades helping individuals develop the skills to lead with impact. We explore how facilitation plays a key role in leadership, how leaders can cultivate the right mindset, and why mastering communication is essential for team success. Whether you’re managing a remote team, navigating difficult conversations, or striving to improve your influence, this conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your leadership skills. Lessons You’ll Learn Leadership is more than just managing people—it’s about guiding teams effectively, fostering engagement, and making strategic decisions that drive results. In this episode, you’ll learn how facilitation skills can make you a more effective leader, including active listening, storytelling, and navigating tough discussions. Therese shares why great leadership starts with mindset and how self-awareness can shape the way you interact with your team. We also explore practical ways to enhance meeting dynamics, prevent disengagement, and ensure your team feels heard and valued. Whether you’re leading in a traditional office, hybrid setup, or fully remote environment, these strategies will help you foster a culture of collaboration and accountability. About Our Guest Therese Miclot is an executive coach, leadership development expert, and the author of The Facilitation Advantage. With a background in industrial and organizational psychology, she has spent over 20 years working with top executives, helping them master the art of leadership through facilitation techniques. She has led global learning and development initiatives, worked closely with C-suite leaders on succession planning, and helped organizations enhance their team effectiveness. Through her coaching and workshops, she empowers leaders to communicate with confidence, delegate effectively, and create an environment where teams thrive. You can find her insights on leadership and facilitation at TheFacilitationAdvantage.com or follow her on LinkedIn. Topics Covered What facilitation really means in leadership and why it’s a critical skill.The impact of mindset on leadership effectiveness and team dynamics.The importance of active listening and how it can transform team engagement.How to run better meetings, avoid disengagement, and encourage meaningful participation.Why storytelling is a powerful tool for influence and communication.The challenges of remote and hybrid leadership and how to adapt for success.How leaders can balance psychological safety with accountability.Practical tips for developing facilitation skills to elevate your leadership.

Mar 24, 2025 • 29min
Simplifying F&I Products in Auto Finance with F&I Sentinel's Stephen McDaniel
Episode Topic In this episode of PayPad, we sit down with Stephen McDaniel, CEO of F&I Sentinel, to uncover the complexities of auto financing compliance and the hidden world of F&I products. From gap waivers to extended warranties, Stephen sheds light on how these financial products impact both consumers and lenders. We also explore how compliance regulations shape the car-buying experience, what role lenders play in ensuring fair practices, and how technology is revolutionizing auto finance compliance. Stephen shares his expert insights on what the future holds for car buying, digital retailing, and F&I product transparency. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode will provide a deeper understanding of F&I products, including what they are, why they matter, and how they can protect or potentially exploit consumers. You’ll learn how compliance in auto finance ensures fairness and transparency, why lenders need to be more vigilant about what they finance, and how technology-driven solutions like Citadel are reshaping the industry. If you've ever questioned the fine print on extended warranties, tire and wheel protection plans, or gap waivers, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge to make smarter financial decisions when purchasing a vehicle. About Our Guest Stephen McDaniel is a regulatory compliance expert with nearly two decades of experience in the F&I industry. Before founding F&I Sentinel, he worked as a regulatory attorney, helping craft legislation and compliance frameworks for automotive finance products. His deep industry knowledge and legal expertise led him to create Citadel, a platform designed to help lenders validate and approve F&I products before financing them. With a background in law and accounting, Stephen brings a unique perspective on the intersection of business, compliance, and consumer protection in the automotive sector. Topics Covered We cover a wide range of essential topics, including: What F&I products are and how they impact car buyers The importance of compliance in auto finance and why lenders must pay attention How F&I Sentinel's Citadel platform is transforming the industry The shift toward digital car buying and what it means for consumers Common misconceptions about dealership add-ons and how to protect yourself The future of auto finance and how technology is making the process more transparent and fair

Mar 18, 2025 • 35min
Optimizing Subscription Payments with Revolv3's Robert Podlesni
Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Robert Podlesni, Chief Product Officer of Revolv3, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of subscription-based payment processing. As businesses increasingly shift to subscription models, optimizing payment approval rates and minimizing involuntary churn has never been more critical. Robert shares insights into the cutting-edge technology Revolv3 is leveraging to streamline payment processing, reduce transaction failures, and enhance revenue retention. Beyond payments, we dive into his passion for motorsports, drawing parallels between racing and the fast-paced world of fintech. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain a deep understanding of the challenges businesses face with payment declines and how strategic payment routing can significantly improve approval rates. Robert also breaks down Revolv3’s innovative pricing model, which only charges for successful transactions, making it a game-changer for merchants. Additionally, he shares his perspective on the future of payment technologies, from real-time payments to the evolving role of alternative payment methods and blockchain. His unique background in racing offers valuable lessons on handling pressure, agility in decision-making, and the importance of adaptability—essential qualities for navigating the fintech industry. About Our Guest Robert Podlesni is the Chief Product Officer of Revolv3, a company at the forefront of optimizing subscription billing and payment orchestration. With a career rooted in payments, he previously worked at Experian, where he spearheaded internal billing initiatives. Beyond fintech, Robert has an impressive background in motorsports, having won multiple championships in Formula F2000 and competed in endurance racing. Today, he not only drives innovation in payment processing but also coaches aspiring racers in the USF Pro 2000 series. His ability to balance the high-speed demands of both industries makes him a fascinating guest with a wealth of knowledge to share. Topics Covered The role of payment optimization in reducing involuntary churn How Revolv3 achieves industry-leading transaction approval rates The impact of real-time payments and alternative payment methods Lessons from the motorsports world that apply to fintech The future of subscription-based payment models The importance of security in payment processing without adding friction Robert’s journey from auto racing to payments and fintech leadership

Mar 18, 2025 • 24min
Exploring AI-Powered Financial Data Governance with Safebooks AI's Ahikam Kaufman
Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, we explore the future of financial data governance with Ahikam Kaufman, co-founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. As financial data management becomes more complex, businesses must ensure accuracy, compliance, and security in real time. Ahikam shares insights on how AI-powered automation is revolutionizing the industry, allowing enterprises to seamlessly validate and substantiate their financial data. From navigating large-scale transactions to ensuring financial integrity, this episode provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of fintech and how Safebooks AI is pioneering change. Lessons You’ll Learn Listeners will gain a better understanding of financial data governance and the challenges enterprises face in managing financial records across multiple platforms. Ahikam explains the role of AI in automating reconciliation, reducing errors, and improving financial oversight. He also shares insights into the entrepreneurial mindset, discussing the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in fintech. Whether you’re a CFO, startup founder, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on leveraging AI for financial compliance and making data-driven decisions with confidence. About Our Guest Ahikam Kaufman is a seasoned fintech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Safebooks AI. With a background that includes co-founding Check Inc. (now Intuit Mint Bills), Ahikam has been at the forefront of fintech innovation for over 15 years. His expertise in financial technology, AI-driven automation, and data integrity has helped transform how enterprises manage financial data. At Safebooks AI, he is leading efforts to bridge the gap between finance professionals and data experts, ensuring businesses have the tools to maintain financial accuracy and compliance at scale. Topics Covered This episode covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of financial data governance, how AI is reshaping financial reporting, and the challenges of scaling a fintech company. Ahikam shares his journey as a founder, the lessons he has learned from building successful startups, and the impact of AI on financial data security and compliance. We also discuss how businesses can maintain financial integrity while adapting to evolving regulatory standards. Tune in to discover how AI-powered solutions are helping enterprises streamline operations and reduce financial risks.

Mar 18, 2025 • 20min
Unlocking Embedded Finance with Green Dot’s Renata Caine
Episode Topic Embedded finance is revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers interact with financial services. In this episode of PayPod, we dive into this transformative trend with Renata Caine, General Manager of Banking as a Service (BaaS) at Green Dot Corporation. Renata shares her insights on how embedded finance seamlessly integrates banking solutions into non-financial platforms, allowing brands to enhance customer engagement and drive business growth. With digital banking becoming a core component of many industries, businesses are increasingly adopting embedded finance solutions to create more streamlined, user-friendly financial experiences. Tune in as we explore why embedded finance is not just a trend but the future of fintech. Lessons You’ll Learn What makes embedded finance a game-changer in fintech? In this episode, you'll learn how businesses are leveraging banking-as-a-service (BaaS) to offer integrated financial solutions. Renata highlights how companies are using embedded finance to increase customer loyalty and streamline payment processes. You'll also gain insights into the role of trust and security in financial technology, as well as the regulatory landscape shaping this evolving space. Whether you're a fintech enthusiast or a business leader exploring financial integration, this episode will help you understand why embedded finance is here to stay. About Our Guest Renata Cain is a seasoned fintech leader with nearly two decades of experience in payments and embedded finance. As General Manager of BaaS at Green Dot Corporation, she oversees the company’s embedded finance brand, Arc, which helps businesses integrate seamless banking and payment solutions. With a background in psychology and a passion for financial technology, Renata brings a unique perspective to the industry. She has played a key role in developing embedded finance solutions that empower businesses and enhance customer experiences. Topics Covered Embedded finance is reshaping how businesses integrate financial services, with BaaS playing a critical role in this transformation. In this episode, Renata Cain discusses how companies are embedding digital banking into their platforms to increase user retention and improve payment processing. We explore how trust and compliance influence fintech adoption and why businesses are prioritizing seamless financial solutions. Other topics include consumer behavior, security concerns, and the future outlook of embedded finance in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Mar 11, 2025 • 26min
The Future of Edge Data with StorMagic’s Bruce Kornfeld
Episode Topic Edge computing is transforming how businesses manage and secure data, particularly in industries like banking, retail, and fintech. In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Bruce Kornfeld, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at StorMagic, about why edge data solutions are becoming critical for modern enterprises. As businesses continue their digital transformation, they face increasing challenges related to data latency, cost, and security—issues that traditional cloud storage may not fully address. Bruce explains how edge computing enables real-time data processing closer to the source, reducing delays, improving efficiency, and offering greater reliability for mission-critical applications. Whether you’re an IT expert or simply curious about the future of data management, this episode will give you a comprehensive look at how edge solutions are reshaping business operations. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode dives deep into the differences between cloud and edge computing and why businesses need to rethink their data strategies. Bruce highlights how companies often underestimate the importance of local data processing and explains why relying solely on cloud storage may not be cost-effective or efficient. You’ll learn about key factors influencing IT decision-making, from performance limitations and network latency to the hidden expenses of cloud services. Additionally, Bruce shares valuable insights on data security risks at the edge and how encryption plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive financial information. As the demand for AI-driven analytics grows, Bruce also discusses how businesses can prepare for a future where edge computing and AI work together to enhance decision-making. About Our Guest Bruce Kornfeld is an industry veteran with extensive experience in storage, data management, and edge computing. As the Chief Marketing and Product Officer at StorMagic, Bruce is responsible for driving innovation and helping businesses implement simple, cost-effective solutions for managing data at the edge. Before joining StorMagic, he held leadership roles at Dell, where he played a pivotal role in building the company's external storage business. He also worked with several successful tech startups, gaining firsthand experience in product development, customer engagement, and business strategy. With a deep understanding of IT infrastructure, data security, and edge computing, Bruce has become a recognized thought leader in the industry. Passionate about simplifying complex technologies, he is committed to helping organizations optimize their IT strategies for the next era of data storage and management. Topics Covered This episode explores the growing importance of edge computing and its advantages over traditional cloud solutions. Bruce explains how businesses can use local data processing to reduce network latency, enhance performance, and lower costs. He also discusses the security challenges of edge computing, particularly in industries handling sensitive financial data, and how encryption technology is essential for protecting digital assets. The conversation covers AI-driven analytics, the evolution of IT decision-making, and how companies can prepare for a future where edge computing and cloud services coexist. Finally, Bruce introduces StorMagic's latest innovations, including solutions designed to make edge storage more accessible, efficient, and scalable for businesses of all sizes.

Mar 11, 2025 • 27min
Simplifying DeFi and Cross-Chain Solutions with Tidus Wallet’s Dan Mulligan
Episode Topic Decentralized finance (DeFi) is reshaping the financial landscape, but its complexity often hinders mainstream adoption. In this episode of PayPod, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Dan Mulligan, founder of Tidus Wallet, about making DeFi more accessible. Mulligan shares how his background in marketing and SaaS startups led him to develop a crypto wallet that prioritizes simplicity, security, and innovation. The conversation delves into how user experience (UX) can bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi, making digital assets more user-friendly and intuitive. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or a newcomer, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of Web3. Lessons You’ll Learn This episode explores the biggest UX challenges in DeFi and how to overcome them. Mulligan explains how reducing friction in crypto transactions, eliminating unnecessary steps, and integrating decentralized finance into everyday applications can accelerate adoption. You’ll also learn about the psychology behind DeFi users—why skepticism exists and how platforms can build trust through transparency and education. Additionally, the discussion covers DeFi’s evolution, its potential for mass adoption, and the role of decentralized wallets in bridging the gap between financial freedom and security. About Our Guest Tidus Wallet, a next-generation crypto wallet designed to simplify decentralized finance for everyday users. With a background in marketing, SaaS startups, and big data analytics, Mulligan pivoted to the Web3 space in 2016. He previously held a director role at a top ten centralized exchange before fully committing to building Tidus. His goal is to create a seamless, user-friendly experience that integrates DeFi into daily financial transactions while maintaining decentralization and security. Mulligan is passionate about fostering innovation and making crypto more accessible for mainstream adoption. Topics Covered The conversation explores Mulligan’s transition from marketing to Web3 entrepreneurship, shedding light on the challenges of DeFi adoption and the crucial role of user experience in making decentralized finance more accessible. He discusses why traditional finance still dominates and what DeFi can learn from its strategies to enhance user retention and trust. The psychology behind DeFi users and the barriers preventing mass adoption are also examined, along with solutions like social recovery to improve security and ease of use. Mulligan provides insight into the future of cross-chain transfers and their role in streamlining DeFi interactions, as well as the growing importance of crypto wallets in integrating DeFi into everyday financial transactions. Finally, the episode touches on the volatility of the crypto market, the potential impact of regulations, and what the future holds for decentralized finance as it moves toward mainstream adoption..

Mar 7, 2025 • 24min
Simplifying Software Integrations with Merge's Shensi Ding
Episode Topic In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of software integrations and how businesses can leverage unified APIs to streamline connectivity. Shensi Ding, co-founder of Merge, shares her journey from computer science researcher to entrepreneur, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of API integrations and why they remain one of the biggest bottlenecks in tech. We explore the hidden complexities of data flow, security risks, and the burden of maintaining integrations—challenges that many companies underestimate. Shensi Ding also explains why traditional approaches to software connectivity are outdated, how unified APIs are reshaping the industry, and the key lessons startups need to consider when scaling. Whether you’re a founder, developer, or tech enthusiast, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on the future of digital infrastructure. Lessons You’ll Learn API integrations present a significant challenge for businesses due to their complexity, ongoing maintenance, and security risks. Traditionally, integrating software required custom-built connections, which not only consumed engineering resources but also created long-term tech debt. Many companies mistakenly assume that once an integration is deployed, it requires minimal upkeep, but in reality, APIs frequently change, leading to unexpected failures and compatibility issues. Poorly managed integrations can expose businesses to security vulnerabilities, such as unmonitored API keys and data leaks, creating risks that many organizations fail to anticipate. However, the rise of unified APIs is transforming the landscape, allowing businesses to connect multiple applications with a single, standardized API, eliminating redundancy and reducing maintenance burdens. For startups, balancing speed and scalability is crucial—moving too fast can lead to messy code and short-term fixes, while over-engineering can slow growth. Shensi Ding, co-founder of Merge, shares her insights on hiring top talent and maintaining high standards in leadership, emphasizing that a strong team is key to sustainable success. As businesses become increasingly interconnected, AI, automation, and data security will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of software, requiring companies to stay agile and proactive in their integration strategies. About Our Guest Shensi Ding is the co-founder of Merge, a fintech startup revolutionizing API integrations with its unified API solution. With a background in computer science and finance,Shensi Ding has built a company that simplifies software connectivity for businesses of all sizes. Her entrepreneurial journey is one of innovation, perseverance, and tackling the "unsexy" problems in tech that often go unnoticed. Before founding Merge, she worked in investment banking, an experience that shaped her approach to problem-solving and leadership. Passionate about tech infrastructure, hiring the right people, and building scalable solutions, Shensi Ding offers valuable insights for startups navigating complex technical challenges. Through Merge, she’s helping businesses integrate seamlessly without the pain of building custom solutions in-house. Topics Covered The evolution of software integrations has been marked by increasing complexity, as businesses rely on a growing number of tools that must seamlessly communicate. Despite advancements, integrations remain a technical headache due to inconsistent APIs, fragile connections, and ongoing maintenance challenges. For startups, navigating API connectivity requires a strategic approach—focusing on scalable solutions rather than quick fixes. Many companies fall into the trap of building custom integrations for each new software, leading to inefficiencies and long-term maintenance burdens. This is where unified APIs offer a game-changing alternative, allowing businesses to connect multiple applications through a single integration, simplifying development and reducing overhead. However, scaling a tech company also means hiring the right team—finding top engineering talent is difficult, and lowering hiring standards can compromise product quality. Poorly managed integrations introduce security risks, such as unmonitored API keys and unauthorized data flows, making security a growing concern. Looking ahead, AI, automation, and data security will redefine software infrastructure, enabling smarter, more adaptive integrations. Interestingly, some of the best business opportunities lie in “unsexy” industries, where solving overlooked yet critical problems—like integration infrastructure—can lead to massive success, as demonstrated by companies like Merge.

Mar 7, 2025 • 31min
Transforming Urban Mobility with Ubirider’s Paulo Ferreira dos Santos
Episode Topic Public transportation is evolving, but accessibility, payments, and integration remain significant challenges. In this episode, we dive into how Paulo Ferreira dos Santos, co-founder of Ubiride, is revolutionizing urban mobility by simplifying transportation payments and streamlining multi-modal travel. From buses to trains, bikes, and taxis, Paulo and his team are making seamless commuting a reality through innovative technology. By leveraging contactless payments, digital solutions, and data-driven infrastructure, Ubiride aims to remove barriers that make public transport frustrating. We explore how fragmented mobility systems, outdated technology, and bureaucratic inefficiencies slow down progress—and how Paulo’s approach is changing the game. Lessons You’ll Learn What if transportation payments were as simple as tapping a smartphone? Paulo shares insights into the challenges of urban mobility, why traditional systems fail, and how technology-driven payment solutions can make commuting faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Learn how public transit agencies can adopt digital transformation to better serve riders, why mobility as a service (MaaS) is the future, and how real-time data and interoperability can create smarter, more efficient urban transport networks. If you’ve ever been frustrated by transit inefficiencies, ticketing complexity, or lack of seamless travel options, this episode will give you practical insights into how mobility is evolving worldwide. About Our Guest Paulo Ferreira dos Santos is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Ubiride, a company dedicated to transforming urban mobility through smart transportation solutions. Inspired by the inefficiencies of public transit, Paulo set out to create a seamless mobility experience that integrates various modes of transport while making payments effortless. With deep expertise in digital payments, transportation infrastructure, and fintech solutions, Paulo has partnered with companies like Mastercard and Viva Wallet to scale Ubiride across multiple countries. His mission is clear: make transit as accessible and efficient as possible while bridging the gap between transport providers and commuters. Topics Covered Public transportation is often fragmented, making it difficult for commuters to navigate different modes of travel seamlessly. In this episode, we explore how Ubiride is transforming urban mobility by integrating multi-modal transportation—from buses and trains to bikes, taxis, and ride-sharing services—into a single, user-friendly platform. A major focus is on the challenges of transit payments, where outdated systems still rely on closed-loop cards, vending machines, and manual ticketing. Paulo discusses how contactless payments, real-time data, and digital solutions are making commuting more convenient and efficient. The conversation also highlights the role of fintech in mobility, how smart city initiatives are reshaping urban landscapes, and why reducing reliance on private cars is key to improving congestion and sustainability. By leveraging advanced payment technologies and strategic partnerships with companies like Mastercard and Viva Wallet, Ubirider is leading the charge toward a more connected, accessible, and eco-friendly future in transportation.

Feb 24, 2025 • 25min
Revolutionizing Customer Loyalty and Gift Cards with SwipeIt's Larry Rubin
Episode Topic In this episode of PayPod, Kevin Rosenquist sits down with Larry Rubin, founder of SwipeIt, to explore the evolving landscape of gift and loyalty card programs in today’s tech-driven marketplace. They discuss how gift cards have transformed from physical plastic cards to instant e-gift cards, integrated into digital wallets like Apple Wallet. Larry explains how SwipeIt is modernizing customer retention strategies by offering tailored gift and loyalty card solutions for both physical and digital platforms. They indulge into the challenges faced by small businesses in implementing loyalty programs and how technology can bridge the gap between large corporations and local merchants. Lessons You’ll LearnListeners will gain valuable insights into how gift and loyalty cards can drive customer engagement and boost revenue. Larry emphasizes the importance of offering both physical and digital gift card options, catering to different customer preferences and increasing gift card usage. He also shares strategies on how small businesses can compete with large corporations by using customized loyalty programs and leveraging data to enhance customer experiences. You’ll learn how offering bonus incentives (like spending $100 and getting a $25 bonus card) can attract more customers during the holidays. Additionally, Larry shares how gift cards can serve as powerful marketing tools—whether for employee rewards, corporate partnerships, or referral programs. The episode also addresses the challenges of loyalty app saturation and how to strike a balance between digital convenience and physical card appeal. About Our GuestLarry Rubin is the founder of SwipeIt, a company dedicated to enhancing customer engagement through innovative gift and loyalty card solutions. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Larry has helped thousands of businesses modernize their customer retention strategies by offering customized, tech-forward solutions. His company specializes in working with small to mid-sized businesses, helping them compete with larger corporations by simplifying and optimizing gift card and loyalty programs. Larry’s passion for customer loyalty and retention has led him to become a trusted expert in the payments and fintech space. From integrating gift cards into digital wallets to offering support for traditional physical cards, Larry has seen the industry evolve and has adapted his strategies to meet the changing demands of consumers and businesses alike. His company, SwipeIt, focuses on making loyalty programs accessible, efficient, and profitable for businesses of all sizes. Topics CoveredThis episode covers the evolution of gift and loyalty card programs, from physical paper certificates to digital gift cards integrated into mobile wallets. Larry and Kevin discuss the importance of offering both physical and digital options to meet varying customer preferences and how bonus incentives can drive sales during peak seasons. They explore how small businesses can leverage loyalty programs to compete with larger corporations, the role of personalization in loyalty marketing, and the challenges of loyalty app fatigue among consumers. Larry also shares creative strategies for using gift cards as marketing tools, including employee rewards, referral programs, and corporate partnerships. The episode touches on the future of loyalty programs in a rapidly evolving payments landscape, highlighting the potential integration of cryptocurrency and digital wallets into gift card ecosystems. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketer, or fintech enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights into the future of customer engagement through gift and loyalty programs.