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On this episode of Travis Makes Money, host Travis Chappell is joined in studio by his producer Eric for a candid conversation about ditching hustle culture and getting truly productive. They unpack how Travis learned to ruthlessly prioritize his time while launching a software company, and why shifting from “busy” to “effective” helped his team break seven figures in revenue. Along the way, they break down frameworks from EOS, Traction, The One Thing, and lessons from leaders like Sharan Srivatsa, Ed Mylett, and the Hormozis on using your time like a real CEO. On this episode we talk about: Why people confuse being busy with being valuable—and how that sabotages real progress. How Travis redefined his role as a CEO around talent, cash, and vision instead of doing everything himself. Using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Traction, and The One Thing to reverse engineer high‑leverage daily priorities. The real message behind Ed Mylett's “21 days a week” concept and why most people only work 2–4 truly productive hours a day. Practical ways solopreneurs can time‑block their day, audit their activities, and turn three “days” of output into one. Top 3 Takeaways Your worth is not measured by how busy you look; it is measured by the results you create from a few high‑leverage actions done consistently. A CEO's job is to recruit and retain talent, keep cash in the bank, and cast vision—everything else should be delegated or eliminated as fast as possible. Compressing time by stacking focused blocks of deep, productive work over months and years completely changes your business trajectory and quality of life. Notable Quotes “At some point, you have to ruthlessly prioritize what makes it onto your calendar or you'll do a bunch of stuff and get nothing done.” “The idea that more hours equals better output is false; it is what you do with the hours you actually work that moves the needle.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://www.travismakesmoney.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evan Marks is a Wall Street veteran with 25 years of experience in trading and market psychology, and the founder of M1 Performance Group. He helps high performers master decision-making under pressure, turning mindset and emotional control into consistent, measurable financial results. Known for his work on risk, discipline, and clarity, Evan has used his own performance frameworks to generate $50–100K months in realized income while coaching traders, hedge fund managers, and ambitious professionals. On this episode we talk about: How Evan went from hedge fund veteran to performance coach The difference between impulsivity and true intuition in decision-making Using emotions as data instead of trying to suppress them Why consistent decision frameworks beat random “gut feelings” over time The “callous building phase” and staying in the game long enough to see results Top 3 Takeaways You can't make great decisions by ignoring your emotions; you need to understand and use them as data inside a clear decision-making framework. High performers aren't magically decisive — they practice slowing down mentally, creating space, and then responding quickly with intention. Progress feels invisible at first, but if you stay consistent through the “callous building phase,” your evidence and confidence compound over time. Notable Quotes “We're always in the game of best decision-making — we don't know if it's right, only time tells you that.” “You can't tweak inconsistency; you need a repeatable model before you can improve it.” “There's a bridge between nervousness and excitement, and that bridge is belief based on evidence.” Connect with Evan Marks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarks-m1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emarks72/ Website: M1PerformanceGroup.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this solo episode, host Travis Chappell breaks down one of the core values that has transformed his life and business: radical responsibility. Drawing from his background in door-to-door sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Travis shares hard-earned lessons about refusing to blame circumstances and instead reclaiming control over outcomes. Through real stories—from struggling sales reps to young first-time employees and heavy life situations like health crises—he lays out a practical, mindset-first framework for taking ownership so you can actually change your results. On this episode we talk about: Why adopting your own values (instead of inherited beliefs) is essential to growth. What radical responsibility really means and how it differs from simple self-awareness. The difference between “producing results” and “producing excuses” in sales and business. How taking ownership (even when it doesn't feel like your fault) gives you power and control back. Why fault and responsibility are not the same—and how this applies to unfair or painful life circumstances. Top 3 Takeaways Radical responsibility is the starting point for becoming the person you want to be; if nothing is ever your fault, there is no path to improvement. You are always producing something—either results or excuses—and only those who own their mistakes can actually learn, adjust, and win long term. Something can be “not your fault” and still 100% your responsibility; you can't control the cards you're dealt, but you can control how you play them. Notable Quotes “Everybody produces. You're just either producing results or you're producing excuses.” “Blame feels good, but it destroys all agency. Responsibility gives you your power back.” “You can't control the cards that you get dealt, but it is your responsibility to play them to the best of your ability.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://www.travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with his co-host for a lively and surprisingly deep conversation that begins with TV banter and ends with some serious money talk. From dissecting White Lotus characters to breaking down what true financial security really means, Travis shares insights on why confidence in your ability to earn beats any number in the bank. Known for helping creators and entrepreneurs master income generation, Travis blends humor, vulnerability, and actionable advice that'll leave you rethinking your relationship with money. On this episode we talk about: Why confidence in your earning ability matters more than your savings balance The $10 million security number—does it really mean freedom? Why “comfortably” living in America now means a six-figure income How scarcity can actually fuel productivity and focus The mindset shift that keeps entrepreneurs resilient through financial risks Top 3 Takeaways Financial security isn't tied to a number—it's rooted in your confidence to generate income when needed. Comfort looks different today: for most families, living well now requires over $100K a year in virtually every U.S. state. Investing in yourself and your ability to earn is far more valuable than stockpiling money in a savings account. Notable Quotes “My security stems from my confidence that I can generate money out of nothing.” “If you can wake up tomorrow and know you can earn, you already have real financial security.” “Money only solves your money problems—but it's a lot easier to solve the rest when you've got some in the bank.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travischappell Instagram: instagram.com/travischappell Website: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with legendary NFL agent Ben Dogra, one of the most influential figures in modern sports representation. Over a three-decade career, Ben has represented a record-breaking 54 NFL first-round draft picks and helped build what Sports Business Journal once called the most dominant player-representation practice in the business. From immigrating to the U.S. as a five-year-old with hardworking parents to quietly shaping locker rooms and boardrooms at SFX Football and later CAA, Ben's story is a masterclass in work ethic, humility, and strategic thinking.​ On this episode we talk about: How Ben went from immigrant kid washing dishes at 10 to top NFL agent with 54 first-rounders The unconventional path: 52 law school rejections, one yes, and working for free to get in the door Why he chose to avoid the spotlight and build power through quiet influence, not personal fame How agents really make money, and why billionaires and athletes live in different financial universes Why athletes go broke, the power of the right team around you, and what it actually takes to win long term Top 3 Takeaways You do not need the “front man” role to make life-changing money; becoming the indispensable strategist behind the scenes can be just as lucrative and often more sustainable.​ Work ethic plus strategic positioning beats raw talent alone—Ben leveraged his mind, research, and persistence to win in a space where he had no traditional advantages.​ Whether you are an athlete, entrepreneur, or professional, chasing mastery and the right opportunities—not quick cash or fame—is what leads to lasting wealth and leverage.​ Notable Quotes “If I can outwork you and I love what I do, I should make money in any field.”​ “I didn't chase the limelight; I chased the work. I wanted to be the guy in the back room that nobody could replace.”​ “Don't try to keep up with the billionaires. They're rich; you can be wealthy in your own lane if you stop chasing their game.”​ Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis.​ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis breaks down the mindset and habits required to deserve the success you say you want, not just wish for it. Using stories from his early podcasting days and his transition out of door-to-door sales, he explains how shifting from “this is what I want” to “this is what I deserve” changes how you think, act, and build your environment. On this episode we talk about: Why the show now releases three episodes every day and how each format (solo, co-hosted, interview) serves listeners The difference between wanting success and actually deserving it The “rat race” of chasing success versus becoming someone success is drawn to The core question: “How can I become someone who deserves the success that I desire?” The three pillars of deserving success: beliefs, actions, and relationships The origin and impact of the quote “Be so good they can't ignore you” in Travis's career The role of “delusional optimism” and belief, especially for younger people Why your environment and closest relationships can quietly shape your results Top 3 Takeaways Success isn't just about setting big goals; it's about becoming the kind of person for whom those goals are a natural byproduct—someone who truly deserves them. Beliefs, actions, and relationships form a stack: powerful beliefs fuel massive action, and the right environment reinforces both, making your desired success far more likely. You must dramatically increase your volume of action—so much that it would be unreasonable not to get results—while staying flexible about how your dreams ultimately come to life. Notable Quotes “How can I become someone who deserves the success that I desire?” “Be so good they can't ignore you.” “In the absence of clarity, take action. The clarity comes from taking the action.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://x.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the all-in-one sales & marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis is joined by his producer Eric for an unfiltered, off-the-cuff conversation that was never planned to be an episode—but absolutely needed to be one. What starts as a story about being blocked by the Instagram account Baller Busters turns into a deeper discussion about truth, intellectual honesty, online call-out culture, platforming controversial voices, and the responsibility that comes with “exposing” people online. This episode pulls back the curtain on how narratives are formed, how echo chambers are built, and how creators can disagree without becoming destructive. On this episode we talk about: The rise of exposure accounts and the dangers of online echo chambers What happened after Eric was blocked by Baller Busters for a neutral comment Intellectual honesty vs. outrage-driven content When coaching, investing, or online business crosses into “scam” territory How Travis decides who to platform—and why good-faith conversations matter Top 3 Takeaways Truth requires multiple perspectives. Blocking dissenting voices doesn't protect people—it reinforces narratives without accountability. Not every failure equals a scam. Coaching, investing, and entrepreneurship involve risk, and outcomes vary widely. Good-faith conversations beat outrage every time. If the goal is growth, connection, and learning, intent matters more than agreement. Notable Quotes “If you're going to expose people, you owe it to their lives and families to be intellectually honest.” “Blocking everyone who disagrees with you doesn't create truth—it creates an echo chamber.” “Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest with money in the bank.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Cobello is the CEO and founder of Leverage with Media PR, a boutique public relations agency that helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders use media strategically to build authority, credibility, and growth. Before launching her agency, she spent nearly two decades building her own personal brand as a personal finance expert, becoming a three-time author and regular national TV personality on shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and Rachael Ray. After scaling her personal brand to seven figures, she sold that company and bootstrapped Leverage with Media PR from zero to a million-dollar agency in just 10 months.​ On this episode we talk about: How Lauren paid off 40,000 dollars in debt and built a personal finance brand from a couponing blog.​ How national TV appearances became top-of-funnel “ads” that fueled her seven-figure business.​ Why she sold her first company, downsized her lifestyle, and went all-in on starting a PR agency debt free.​ The truth about the PR industry, including low-quality agencies, profit-first models, and why so many founders feel burned.​ How traditional media, podcasts, and social platforms now work together to build authority in 2026.​ Why relationships and senior-level publicists are the real differentiators for landing meaningful TV and podcast placements.​ The realities of getting on top podcasts like Joe Rogan and why most entrepreneurs need a more strategic, ego-free media plan.​ Top 3 Takeaways Media is a multiplier: When used strategically, every TV appearance, podcast, or feature should act as top of funnel that drives people into a sales ecosystem and builds trust before you ever enter the room.​ Not all PR is created equal: Most agencies optimize for profit, staffing junior or outsourced teams, while the firms that actually move the needle rely on senior publicists with deep relationships and clear KPIs.​ Traditional media isn't dead—it's leveraged: In 2026, the strongest brands blend traditional TV, podcasts, social, and newsletters, using prestigious earned media (like major TV shows) for credibility and association that makes everything else easier.​ Notable Quotes "Every single TV appearance that I did became top of funnel—an ad that went into my sales funnel and got people to trust me before I even walked in the room."​ "PR is not marketing, and most PR agencies are full of it because they sell promises junior teams can't fulfill."​ "You probably aren't going on the top five podcasts you're dreaming about, but the right ‘smaller' shows can move the needle more than the ones with fake followers and vanity metrics."​ Connect with Lauren Cobello: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leveragewithmediapr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leveragewithmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_cobello Other: Leverage with Media PR  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis kicks off a new solo format for Travis Makes Money, focusing on personal development and how becoming your best self is the real foundation for making more money and living well. He draws on years of relentless self-education—hundreds of books and countless podcast episodes—to share lessons from his own growth journey as a dad, entrepreneur, and competitor. In this episode, he uses parenting as a lens to explore legacy, habits, and the kind of person you must become if you want your kids to thrive. On this episode we talk about: Why the show is shifting to three episodes a day and what each format will cover How solo episodes will focus on personal growth and lessons from Travis's own journey The core question: “Would I be proud if my kids became me?” How kids absorb behaviors instead of advice, and what that means for parenting Balancing competitiveness with learning how to lose well (and what UNO reveals about character) Why your true legacy is your values, habits, and self-talk—not your bank account The danger of trying to spare your kids from pain and the importance of their “adventure” The “live like you're being watched” mindset for becoming a better human Top 3 Takeaways Your kids won't become who you tell them to be; they'll become who you are. The most powerful parenting tool you have is your daily behavior. The best inheritance isn't money—it's your self-talk, habits, standards, and values. Those intangibles will serve your kids far longer than any cash you pass down. Live as if your life is being filmed and copied by a billion people. If everyone lived like you did today, would the world be better or worse? Let that question guide your choices. Notable Quotes “Kids absorb behaviors, not advice. Your kids won't do what you say—they'll do what you do.” “Would I be proud if my kids became me?” “The best inheritance your kids can get from you is your self-talk, your habits, the standards by which you live your life.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://x.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the all-in-one sales & marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and Eric unpack how “being the nice guy” can quietly cap your income, dilute your message, and keep you from standing up for what you really believe. They blend humor, personal stories, and hard-earned lessons from faith, content creation, and business to explore the difference between being nice and being truly kind. On this episode we talk about: Why “being too nice” can hurt not just your income, but your confidence and identity. Growing up unable to take credit for your wins and how that impacts self-belief as an adult. The shift from wanting to be “the nice guy” to focusing on being genuinely kind and honest. Navigating criticism, audience crossover, and the impossibility of making everyone like you. How to choose your “hills to die on” and stop suppressing yourself just to keep the peace. Top 3 Takeaways If your main goal is to be known as the “nice” person, you'll struggle to do anything meaningful that requires you to take a stand or risk disappointing people. You can't win the game of being liked by everyone; trying to do so forces you to hide parts of yourself and builds shallow relationships based only on curated versions of who you are. Healthy growth lives in the middle: care about what the right people think, interrogate feedback, but stop reshaping your life to please people who aren't truly invested in you. Notable Quotes "If you're known for being the nice guy, then you're not known for anything else." "You can never win the game of everybody liking you all the time." "Don't make being the nice guy your pursuit. Be kind to everybody, but if you're looking to be the nice guy, then that's all you'll ever be." Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric dive into the tradeoffs between fame, money, and relationships, sharing stories from content creation, comedy, sports, and their own careers. Their candid conversation explores why chasing status alone can backfire and how a smaller, highly engaged audience can be far more powerful than mass popularity.​ On this episode we talk about: Why being rich and anonymous can beat being poor and famous.​ How fame functions as a metric (not the goal) in Travis's business.​ The importance of consuming on a platform (like YouTube) before trying to create for it.​ The concept of “1,000 true fans” and building a small audience of the right people.​ How relationships and reputation open doors that money alone can't buy.​ Top 3 Takeaways Fame is only useful when it serves your larger goals—chasing attention for its own sake leads to compromises and status games you probably don't want.​ You don't need millions of followers; a focused group of true fans and the right relationships can build an excellent lifestyle and long-term career.​ Relationships, trust, and access to the right rooms often create more opportunity than a quick cash infusion, because they keep paying off over time.​ Notable Quotes "In terms of a metric for success, almost none." (on how much fame matters to Travis personally)​ "You don't have to be Joe Rogan famous."​ "It could be a small audience of the right people. And if you have that, then you have a foundation to build whatever you want to build."​ Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and Eric dive into a rapid-fire round of thought-provoking quotes — from business legends like Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Alex Hormozi, Thomas Sowell, and Grant Cardone. Each quote sparks a deeper conversation about work ethic, competition, mastery, and what it really means to “make money.” Expect sharp insights, playful banter, and surprisingly practical takeaways that'll change how you think about success, side hustles, and even home ownership. On this episode we talk about: Why “40 hours a week” isn't enough to change your life The balance between competition and collaboration Why most “solutions” are really trade-offs in disguise How to master new skills in 20 focused hours Why success often comes down to sheer reps and resilience Whether your house is actually an asset How luck, effort, and timing fuel long-term success Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Mastery comes from volume — do enough reps that failure becomes unreasonable.2.  Buying a house can be smart, but it's not always the golden ticket to wealth.3.  There's no one formula for success — just honest trade-offs and relentless effort. Notable Quotes *   “Nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week.” – Elon Musk*   “You can get good enough at almost anything in 20 hours; most people just never start.” – Josh Kaufman*   “Do enough reps that it's unreasonable for you to fail.” – Alex Hormozi*   “Houses are assets for asses.” – Grant Cardone (and why Travis disagrees) Connect with Travis Chappell: *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell*   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*   Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into the modern debate over side hustles — are they still the key to building wealth, or has the hustle culture gone too far? Travis shares how he's shifted from saying yes to everything to learning how powerful “no” can be, especially when focusing on what truly moves the needle. The conversation touches on money, fulfillment, and finding purpose both in and outside of work — with plenty of laughs along the way. On this episode we talk about: Why Travis stopped saying yes to every opportunity The truth about side hustles in 2026 — overhyped or necessary? How to build wealth and fulfillment without burnout When to trade free time for extra income (and when not to) The real difference between financial need and purposeful work Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Side hustles matter when they create freedom — not just when they create dollars.2.  Urgency drives progress. The future version of you is counting on what you do today.3.  Fulfillment beats hours worked; purpose counts more than overtime. Notable Quotes *   “What will I need to have done today to avoid the pain I'll feel five years from now?” – Travis Chappell*   “Doing something — even the wrong thing — beats doing nothing every time.” – Travis Chappell*   “You don't need to work 95 hours a week to be fulfilled. You just need to do work that matters.” – Travis Chappell Connect with Travis Chappell: *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell*   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*   Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric tackle an uncomfortable truth — most people don't have a money problem, they have an honesty problem. Drawing surprising parallels between tracking calories and tracking finances, Travis explains why awareness and discipline are the real keys to building wealth (and staying in shape). This one brings plenty of laughter, practical insight, and even a few food confessions along the way. On this episode we talk about: Why most “money problems” start with self-deception The dieting analogy that reveals your real financial habits How small, “invisible” expenses quietly sabotage your goals What lifestyle creep is — and how to stop it for good Why tracking every dollar is the first step to freedom Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Honesty beats income — you can't manage what you don't measure.2.  The “BLTs” (bites, licks, and tastes) in your diet are just like the untracked charges on your credit card.3.  More money doesn't fix bad habits; awareness and discipline do. Notable Quotes *   “You can't make progress until you're brutally honest about what's actually going in your mouth — or your bank account.” – Travis Chappell*   “It's not usually that you need more money, it's that you don't know where your current money is going.” – Travis Chappell*   “Before you build wealth, build awareness.” – Travis Chappell Connect with Travis Chappell: *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell*   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*   Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis talks with co-host Eric about how creators and entrepreneurs can confidently set and raise their prices — without losing clients or underselling themselves. Travis draws on lessons from three of the internet's most well-known business voices — Alex Hormozi, Chris Do, and Gary Vaynerchuk — breaking down what their pricing advice really means and how to apply it today. On this episode we talk about: How strong branding allows you to charge premium prices The pros and cons of building a clothing brand in 2026 Why hourly pricing punishes expertise How to handle client objections with confidence Proven strategies for raising your rates without losing loyal customers Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Strong branding creates pricing power — build trust and authority before you sell.2.  Your price reflects your skill, not your time. Don't undervalue experience that took years to build.3.  When raising prices, communicate early and confidently. Clients who value results will stay. Notable Quotes *   “Charging by the hour punishes me for being good.” – Chris Do*   “You can charge whatever you want when you can overdeliver on the result.” – Travis Chappell*   “Your clients don't care about saving a few hundred bucks; they care about solving a big problem.” – Travis Chappell Connect with Travis Chappell: *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell*   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*   Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level – the all-in-one sales and marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals — all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When it comes to money, status, and stuff, the line between “progress” and “pointless flex” can get blurry fast. In this episode, Travis and Eric break down the psychology behind big purchases, status signaling, and those subtle (and not-so-subtle) money games people play at dinners, events, and in their DMs. From buying a truck that literally lost a wheel to splitting a $400-per-head Vegas dinner he barely ate, Travis shares the real lessons behind spending, signaling, and staying sane around wealthy people. On this episode we talk about: The truck purchase that felt like “making it” but really wasn't Why some “level-up” buys are actually just expensive distractions Chasing status in high school with phones, Beats, and gadgets How rich dinners, bottle service, and bill-splitting mess with your head What Travis would actually hate to sell if he had to clear out his life Top 3 Takeaways The feeling from a flashy purchase is temporary; the money you spent is gone forever. It's better to pursue the ability to buy anything you want than to obsess over specific status items. Generosity at the table (picking up the bill, being fair about splitting) builds real social capital that outlasts any flex. Notable Quotes “That feeling was fleeting, but the money was gone forever.” “I stopped caring about the thing and started caring about my ability to go buy the thing.” “If I have the money, I don't need the company to bless me with a trip to The Bahamas—I can just go to The Bahamas.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell Website: travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into the wild world of door-to-door selling—reacting to some of the most painfully awkward sales videos on the internet. From cringe-worthy “Karen” interactions to clueless pitches, the two unpack what not to do when trying to close a deal. With laughter, role-playing, and a little sales therapy, they uncover why emotional intelligence still beats any script. On this episode we talk about: The worst door-to-door sales tactics caught on camera Why self-awareness matters more than a sales pitch The art of knowing when to walk away from a “no” How not to represent your business online The hilarious (and humbling) lessons from Travis and Eric's own early sales days Top 3 Takeaways Confidence is good—persistence without awareness is just annoying. Filming your bad interactions doesn't make you authentic; it makes you unhireable. Good sales come down to respect, timing, and tone—not endless rebuttals. Notable Quotes “There's a difference between bugging the hell out of people and doing your job right.” “If someone tells you to leave, just move on—there's another door next to it.” “If your whole sales pitch goes viral because it's bad, that's not marketing, that's a red flag.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell YouTube: Travis Makes Money Website: travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric turn up the heat as they break down the real vs. fake side of the business influencer world. From internet gurus to billion-dollar founders, they ask the tough questions most podcasts avoid—like who's pretending, who's giving bad advice from their ivory tower, and who would actually survive starting over from zero. On this episode we talk about: The difference between a real entrepreneur and an online persona Why so much business advice only works if you're already rich The influencers who couldn't rebuild if they lost everything The fine line between helpful inspiration and harmful messaging How flashy “success stories” twist the meaning of ethics and authenticity Top 3 Takeaways Many creators give advice that sounds profound—but only makes sense once you've already made your millions. Real entrepreneurs lead with integrity and consistency. Their offline life should match their online brand. Before acting on anyone's advice, ask yourself: “Does this apply to my current reality?” Context matters more than charisma. Notable Quotes “It's easy to say ‘just be happy' when you've already got millions in the bank.” “Too many people copy characters they built online and forget who they really are.” “I filter everything through two questions: Is it useful, and does it hurt other people?” Connect with Travis Chappell:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell• Other (Website): https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is brought to you by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and Eric dive deep into the minds of today's top business influencers and creators — Gary Vaynerchuk, Alex Hormozi, Naval Ravikant, and Sharran Srivatsaa. Eric shares his take on what makes each one powerful, influential, and sometimes… a little overrated. With humor, hot takes, and honest reflection, this episode uncovers the truth behind influencer hype and what actually creates long-term business success. On this episode we talk about: Which business influencers truly earn their hype Why copying creators like Alex Hormozi misses the real point The underrated genius of Sharran Srivatsaa How context matters when following Gary Vee's advice The psychology behind imitation, credibility, and influence Top 3 Takeaways Imitating someone's style—like Alex Hormozi's yellow-text captions—won't make you successful. Imitate their work ethic and strategy instead. Gary Vee's “hustle” mindset only works if you understand the deeper message of self-awareness and finding what you love. True influence doesn't come from virality. It comes from credibility, consistent value, and playing the long game. Notable Quotes “Copying someone's font or video format doesn't build authority—it's the thousand hours of mastery behind it that matter.” “It's dangerous to take any advice out of context, especially if you haven't done the real work behind the scenes.” “When Alex Hormozi came on the scene, it wasn't luck. It was a grenade of credibility, volume, and great content all hitting at once.” Connect with Travis Chappell: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell • Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell • Other (Website): https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level — the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis and Eric have a fun, insightful conversation about their personal “Mount Rushmore” of business influencers and how those voices have shaped the way they think about work, money, and success. From early inspirations like Gary Vaynerchuk to deep thinkers like Naval Ravikant, plus polarizing giants like Grant Cardone, they unpack what these leaders get right, what people copy wrong, and which ideas are actually worth modeling in your own life. On this episode we talk about: Why Gary V is still a no-brainer top spot on Travis's business influencer Mount Rushmore How Naval Ravikant blends real-world success with philosopher-level clarity The difference between thinkers (like Adam Grant) and doers (like operators and founders) Why people misunderstand Alex Hormozi and Grant Cardone—and what they actually do well How Travis and Eric each define their own Mount Rushmore of business and productivity mentors Top 3 Takeaways The best influences are a mix of operators and thinkers—people who've actually built businesses and can clearly explain how they did it. Copying someone's routines, style, or “persona” rarely works; the real leverage comes from adopting their principles, not their aesthetics. You should build your own Mount Rushmore based on what truly shifts your behavior and mindset, not on who is the most popular or least controversial. Notable Quotes “You're looking in the 20% of their productivity for your 80%, and that's not where the real results come from.” “You can order Chipotle all you want, but it's not going to make you Alex Hormozi.” “Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest when you've got money in the bank.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other (Website): https://travischappell.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis sits down with Eric in the studio for a hilarious and insightful deep dive into the world of online sales training. Together, they react to viral clips from well-known sales coach Andy Elliott—an infamous personality whose aggressive methods, animated delivery, and controversial reputation make him one of the most polarizing figures in modern sales culture. On this episode we talk about: The fine line between confidence and cringe in sales training videos Why aggression and fake enthusiasm rarely work in real sales How “high empathy” and curiosity can instantly make you a better communicator The viral rise (and fall) of Andy Elliott and what that says about social media influence Practical, down-to-earth ways to handle objections and keep people talking Top 3 Takeaways The best salespeople don't shout—they listen longer and ask better questions. Controlling your tone and energy is more persuasive than trying to “dominate a room.” Modern buyers recognize authenticity—if it feels scripted, it won't work. Notable Quotes “It's your only job to keep the conversation going. Just keep asking more questions.” – Travis “People buy from real humans, not caricatures of confidence.” – Eric “Before you became who you are online, you were probably a really good salesperson.” – Travis Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is powered by HighLevel – the all-in-one sales and marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and his producer Eric break down a powerful Quentin Tarantino clip about being “dream adjacent” and how that concept applies to chasing your own ambitions. Through Tarantino's story of leaving a comfortable-but-stagnant video store job and moving closer to Hollywood, Travis unpacks what it really takes to stop circling your dream and start living it. The conversation hits on environment, networking, brutally honest self-audits, and why changing your surroundings might be the most practical first step toward the life you actually want. On this episode we talk about: What it means to be “dream adjacent” instead of truly living your dream How Tarantino's story shows the danger of staying in “good enough” environments Why your environment quietly shapes your future more than your intentions do The power of brutally honest self-reflection (the “Detest Fest”) How changing rooms, cities, and inputs can fast-track your growth Top 3 Takeaways Being “dream adjacent” feels comfortable, but it can quietly put your ambition to sleep if you stay there too long. Your environment will either reinforce your current identity or pull you toward the person you want to become—changing it is often the fastest lever you can pull. Radical honesty about where you are, paired with decisive action (moving, changing rooms, changing inputs), is what turns vague dreams into real progress. Notable Quotes “It's not my dream what I'm doing, but it's dream adjacent.” – Quentin Tarantino (clip discussed in the episode) “You can have any life you want, but you can't have every life you want.” – Travis “Your outputs are directly influenced by your inputs, so if you can't change your environment yet, change what you're feeding your mind.” – Travis Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/traviscchappell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sara Blackmer is not your typical CEO. A decorated U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel turned award-winning tech executive, Sara brings battlefield precision and boardroom credibility to her ventures. As a senior partner at Salaiko Capital and CEO of FluidLogic, she blends her passion for service, technology, and leadership to create cultures of excellence and drive innovation. On this episode we talk about: What 15 generations of military service taught Sara about leadership and resilience How she transitioned from the Air Force to high-level tech entrepreneurship Building a problem-solving mindset that thrives in both combat and corporate environments Why following your curiosity can lead to your dream career—one you didn't even know existed The science of hydration and why most people aren't “doing water right” Top 3 Takeaways Your career path doesn't need to be linear—focus on your “why,” give 110%, and opportunities will find you. True leadership starts with service, whether it's for your country, your team, or your customers. Hydration is a simple yet overlooked performance multiplier—mastering it can dramatically improve focus and recovery. Notable Quotes “You can have any life you want, but you can't have every life you want.” “There is no one right path—your job is to bring 110% to whatever you're doing right now.” “If you just do water right, you'll be amazed at how much better your body performs.” Connect with Sara Blackmer: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarablackmer Website: fluidlogic.com Company: solycocapital.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this co-hosted episode, Travis and Eric riff on TED vs. TEDx, the evolution of “thought leadership,” and why people love to critique things that have genuinely helped millions. They also dig into how ideas spread today, the difference between real credibility and checkbox credentials, and why simple, boring actions still beat fancy labels when it comes to actually making money. On this episode we talk about: *  Whether TED and TEDx talks still matter for credibility in 2026*  Why not all “bestselling author” or “TEDx speaker” titles are created equal*  How great ideas rise above the noise regardless of the label on them*  Why people love to criticize helpful platforms instead of doing the work themselves*  When a TEDx talk or self-published book is actually worth doing for your brand Top 3 Takeaways 1.  There's a massive difference between a TED talk and a TEDx talk—one is a global, highly curated stage, the other is much more accessible and variable in quality.2.  Labels like “TEDx speaker” or “bestselling author” can help, but only if the underlying work is excellent; the best ideas and books win because they're good, not because of the stamp.3.  Time spent tearing down platforms that help millions is usually better spent creating something great yourself and letting the market decide its value. Notable Quotes *  “If you don't like it, just don't watch it—you don't need a Reddit thesis about why something that helps people is dumb.”*  “It's the difference between an Amazon bestseller and a New York Times bestseller—same label, wildly different signal.”*  “You have to earn the right not to do the things you don't like to do.” Connect with Travis: *  Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*  Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*  Podcast: Travis Makes Money on all major podcast platforms - leave a review and we'll love you forever!*  Website: https://travischappell.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Christiane Schroeter is a TEDx speaker, leadership strategist, and host of the top 1% ranked Happy Healthy Hustle podcast, where she helps leaders think clearly, speak with conviction, and take bold, aligned action during times of change. With roots in Germany, a PhD in applied economics from Purdue, and a career spanning academia, innovation, and entrepreneurship, she brings a unique blend of research-backed insight and real-world hustle to help people grow without burning out. On this episode we talk about: *  How early money lessons from her grandmother shaped Christiane's hustle and savings habits*  Leaving free university in Germany to study in the U.S. on a Fulbright scholarship*  Why you should never put a hard monetary cap on education and personal growth*  The difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset (and why “you're so smart” can be harmful)*  How to speak to your kids (and yourself) in ways that encourage effort, curiosity, and resilience*  The unexpected ways podcasting sharpens your thinking, communication, and professional network Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Small, consistent actions—like saving a few dollars a week—compound into meaningful results over time, whether in money, skills, or opportunities.2.  A growth mindset is built by praising effort, curiosity, and problem-solving, not innate “smartness,” which keeps you from avoiding challenges out of fear of failure.3.  Creating content, such as a podcast, is a powerful way to clarify your thinking, expand your global reach, and organically deepen your professional network. Notable Quotes *  “It doesn't need to be a lot, but if you save it every single week, it really compounds into quite a nice sum of money.”*  “First we fail and then we sail.”*  “You can't put a monetary value on the people you meet in life and the opportunities you have to build your network.” Connect with Dr. Christiane Schroeter: *  Podcast: Happy Healthy Hustle (available on all major podcast platforms)*  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@doctor.christiane*  Books: https://doctorchristiane.com/books/*  Other: https://doctorchristiane.com/  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Travis and Eric break down some of the most common “popular” pieces of advice in entrepreneurship and personal development—and why blindly following them can keep you broke and stuck. Through stories, examples, and a lot of banter, they unpack how to actually think about risk, focus, multiple income streams, and the balance between working smart and working hard in 2026's economic reality. On this episode we talk about: *  Why “just quit your job and follow your dreams” can be both powerful and dangerous depending on your life situation*  The truth about “multiple streams of income” and why you should usually master one thing first*  Why “work smarter, not harder” is incomplete—and how combining both is where real money is made*  How simple, boring advice (like calorie deficits and cold calls) still beats sexy hacks and magic bullets*  Why there is never just “one way” to succeed, despite what many gurus preach from the stage Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Pursuing your dream is worth it—but timing, responsibilities, and cash flow matter; the path looks very different at 21 with no obligations than at 44 with a family and a mortgage.2.  Most wealthy people have multiple income streams, but they usually earn that diversification by going all-in on one vehicle first, then expanding within their lane.3.  Success is almost always a mix of working smart and hard, consistently doing the unsexy, high-ROI activities (like cold calling or outreach) that everyone else avoids. Notable Quotes *  “Putting off your dreams for the sake of safety and security can end up being the biggest risk you take.”*  “You have to earn the right not to do the things you don't like to do.”*  “It's always the most boring, simple advice that actually works—and that's exactly why most people ignore it.” Connect with Travis: *  Travis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell*  Travis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*  Podcast: Travis Makes Money on all major platforms - leave a review and we'll love you forever!  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pete Poggi is the founder and CEO of John Galt Insurance Franchising, where he scaled his property and casualty insurance agency from $3 million to $150 million in premiums in under seven years. A seasoned entrepreneur who once helped grow a chain of family salons before jumping into insurance, Pete is on a mission to teach everyday people—many with zero experience—how to build seven- and eight-figure insurance agencies through his proven system. He's also the author of PNC Insurance Accelerator and creator of the Million Dollar Producer program. On this episode we talk about: *  How Pete transitioned from family business to building one of Florida's fastest-growing insurance firms*  The flaws of traditional insurance franchise models and how John Galt flips the script*  Why independent agencies have the upper hand in today's market*  Pete's “relationship-first” business model that fuels 95% of his agency's growth*  How to build recurring income and financial freedom through property and casualty insurance Top 3 Takeaways 1.  The insurance industry offers unmatched recurring revenue potential—once you build your client base, income compounds year after year.2.  Focus on relationships, not transactions. Partnering with mortgage brokers and real estate agents can create a steady referral pipeline.3.  You don't need sales aggression to win in insurance—being genuine, consistent, and coachable drives long-term success. Notable Quotes *  “I don't really know any poor insurance people. Let me check this insurance thing out.”*  “If you follow the system and put in the work, I can almost make anybody successful.”*  “The insurance business is the best-kept secret to financial freedom ever invented.” Connect with Pete Poggi: *  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petepoggi*  Website: https://www.johngaltinsurancefranchising.com*  Training Program: https://www.petepoggi.com*  Learn more: https://www.myjgi.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special episode, Travis flips the script and becomes the guest on his own show—handing the hosting reins to his AI co‑host “Charlie.” What starts as an experiment in automating one more part of his life turns into a rapid‑fire conversation about mindset, focus, myths about money, viral content, and why podcasting is still his favorite networking tool. You'll hear Travis break down how to think about income in 2026, what skills really matter now, and where he believes the entrepreneurial world is headed. On this episode we talk about: Why focusing on who you become matters more than the income target The #1 skill you need to juggle multiple income streams: focus The myth that you need formal qualifications to make more money Travis's top 5 underrated skills every entrepreneur should master Why he believes in-person events and connection are about to make a big comeback How starting a podcast can be the ultimate relationship and income-building tool Top 3 Takeaways Identity beats income goals. Instead of obsessing over a dollar amount, design the kind of person who can consistently earn that level of income—and build the habits that match. Focus is a superpower. Most wealthy people didn't start with seven income streams; they mastered one thing deeply before diversifying. Relationships scale revenue. Strong business friendships, often built through platforms like a podcast, open doors and opportunities that no cold outreach or random networking event can match. Notable Quotes “Stop asking, ‘How do I make a million dollars?' and start asking, ‘Who do I need to become to be the person who makes a million dollars?'” “The average millionaire might have seven income streams—but they didn't start with seven.” “You don't need more qualifications; you need to be the person who's willing to take the first step.” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/traviscchappell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Website: https://www.travischappell.com Podcast: “Travis Makes Money” on all major platforms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lynn Smith is a former national news anchor for NBC, MSNBC, and CNN who now serves as an executive communication strategist and CEO of Lynn Smith Media & Communications, where she helps enterprise leaders become revenue-driving communicators. Drawing on 15 years inside top newsrooms, she coaches Fortune 500 CEOs to transform fear into confident communication that protects productivity, investor trust, and market value, and she is also the author of the children's book Just Keep Going, designed to teach kids resilience and courage from an early age. On this episode we talk about: How fear quietly sabotages CEOs, communication, and company performance Why Lynn wrote Just Keep Going as a children's book inspired by her work with executives A simple framework for assessing risk with best and worst-case scenarios The difference between real confidence and arrogance in leadership How to prepare for high-stakes communication moments without sounding scripted Why presence, energy, and human connection are irreplaceable in the age of AI Top 3 Takeaways Fear is a signal, not a stop sign. The most successful leaders learn to “metabolize” fear, assess risk clearly, and move forward with smart, courageous decisions instead of staying stuck in their comfort zone. Preparation is the fastest path to confidence. When you prepare the right way—refining your message, practicing soundbites, and taming your inner critic—you show up calmer, clearer, and far more influential. Your communication and presence are your new competitive edge. As automation and AI expand, the leaders who win will be those who communicate with clarity, empathy, and energy that other humans actually want to follow. Notable Quotes “The greatest indicator of success is your ability to metabolize fear and assess risk without being reckless.” “Confidence isn't believing you're good at everything—it's knowing you'll figure it out even if you fail.” “If you don't communicate your vision effectively, it doesn't exist.” Connect with Lynn Smith: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnsmithtv Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/lynnsmithtv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnsmithtv Website: https://www.lynnsmith.com Just Keep Going Book & Resources: https://www.justkeepgoingbook.com  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unique episode, Travis flips the script and “interviews” an AI financial expert—ChatGPT—about making money in 2026, diversification, live social shopping, and building a personal brand. Alongside in-studio producer Eric, Travis uses the conversation to highlight what AI gets right, where it still falls short, and how listeners can practically use these tools without losing their own voice or strategy. The result is a fun, meta, and surprisingly insightful look at the future of money-making in an AI-powered world. On this episode we talk about: Why the “best” financial advice in 2026 is turning what you already know into multiple income streams The right order of operations: master one core offer before you diversify Emerging money-making trends: niche communities, AI-powered tools, and micro-education How to “sell shovels in the gold rush” of AI instead of chasing every new shiny use case What live social shopping is and why big voices (like Gary Vee) are obsessed with it How to make money with live shopping even if you don't have your own products Platforms enabling live shopping (including Amazon Live) and how they work at a basic level Simple, kid-level breakdown of using Amazon's fulfillment plus live streams to sell products How to build trust from scratch so people will actually buy from your lives and content Recommended voices to follow for making money and building a personal brand How Travis can double down on his unique stance against toxic hustle culture The limits of AI as a podcast guest—what it's great at and where it still feels vague and “too nice” Top 3 Takeaways Multiple income streams only work if they're built on a strong, proven core offer—focus, then diversify. AI is a massive opportunity not just to “use,” but to build tools, training, and services that help others use it better. The next wave of making money combines authenticity, community, and live interactive selling on platforms people already use. Notable Quotes “Before you diversify, you really do need a strong core…get that one income stream really solid and then you can add on and diversify from there.” “If AI is the gold rush, the real opportunity is being the one selling the shovels—tools, platforms, and education that help others use AI effectively.” “Go bold without being divisive—challenge hustle culture, put lifestyle design and relationships first, and show people there's another way to win.” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Coaching & podcast help: https://travischappell.com/coaching  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marisa Wong is a self-made entrepreneur who turned zero dollars into a multimillion-dollar business, leading over 250 corporate events for Fortune 1000 companies and managing contracts worth up to $32 billion. She blends leadership, mindfulness, and adventure to help teams and organizations thrive. A sought-after speaker at TEDx, Deloitte, KPMG, and other global summits, Marisa's mission is to transform cultures through meaningful experiences that connect people, spark growth, and drive results. On this episode we talk about: Marisa's first taste of independence—and income—working retail at 16 How early roles in hospitality and golf taught her the value of people and service The moment she realized business can be both strategic and human The tug between career comfort and entrepreneurial curiosity Why it's worth exploring the urge to build something of your own The power of changing your state and environment when you feel stuck The importance of defining success on your own terms How to integrate happiness, purpose, and freedom into your work Why retreats and shared experiences create lasting professional growth Marisa's approach to designing transformative encounters for teams and leaders Top 3 Takeaways You don't need to have it all figured out to start—a small step of exploration can change the course of your life and career. True success isn't just financial; it's about freedom, fulfillment, and waking up excited to live your day. Sometimes, the simplest shift—changing your environment, your state, or your perspective—can reignite your purpose and creative power. Notable Quotes “If you even have that tiny little feeling, explore it. Nothing's permanent—try it and see where it takes you.” “Where are you happiest? You only get this one life, so spend it doing what lights you up.” “Change your state, change your environment, change your mindset—then life opens up in ways you couldn't imagine.” Connect with Marisa Wong: Instagram: @experiencewithMarisa LinkedIn: Marisa W. Website: Experiences with Marisa  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and Eric, his producer, take the mic to explore the skills that actually move the needle when it comes to making more money and keeping it. Blending sharp humor, AI-generated “comedy,” and real-world experience from his days in door-to-door sales, Travis breaks down why skills like sales, discipline, and learning itself matter far more than traditional schooling when it comes to building wealth. On this episode we talk about: *   Why AI still can't beat real human humor (yet) when it comes to money jokes*   The number one money-making skill Travis credits for changing his life: sales*   How discipline works like a muscle and why most people misunderstand it*   Why trying to change “everything at once” almost always fails*   The crucial meta-skill schools don't teach: how to actually learn Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Sales is one of the highest-leverage skills you can learn because it increases your confidence to take financial risks and bounce back if things don't work out.2.  Discipline is not a personality trait; it is a skill built over time through habits and systems that reduce how much “willpower” you need each day.3.  The most important skill missing from traditional education is the skill of learning itself—knowing how to acquire, process, and apply new information quickly. Notable Quotes *   “Sales is the thing that enables you to have more confidence to take more risks—which is also something that can make you good money.”*   “Discipline is a skill. People think some are just ‘super disciplined,' but they've simply worked on that skill long enough to install better habits.”*   “School is great at giving you information, but it's terrible at teaching you how to actually learn.” Connect with Travis Chapell: *   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell *   Other: https://travischappell.com *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell*   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Travis sits down with Lorraine Marchand, acclaimed consultant, author, educator, and innovation leader. Lorraine has spent her career shaping how organizations—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—approach problem solving and sustained growth. She's co-author of No Fear, No Failure: Five Principles for Sustaining Growth Through Innovation and brings decades of experience from roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, IBM, and on advisory boards for Johnson & Johnson and Hewlett Packard. On this episode we talk about: How Lorraine's father sparked her curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit at age 12 The invention of the “Sugar Cube” and her first lesson in innovation and royalties The difference between convergent and divergent problem solving Why fear of failure cripples innovation—and how to overcome it How Lorraine's new book helps leaders build a culture that encourages experimentation Top 3 Takeaways Curiosity and problem solving can be taught early—and they're the foundation of building wealth and innovation. The biggest barrier to innovation isn't lack of ideas; it's fear of failure and organizational rigidity. Success comes from reframing failure as learning, taking consistent risks, and staying commercially focused on solving real customer problems. Notable Quotes “Parents have a powerful role in cultivating curiosity and developing future innovators—don't take it lightly.” “The only problems worth solving are the ones customers will pay you to fix.” “Fear of failure stops innovation before it starts. Reframe it as learning, and you'll open up entirely new possibilities.” Connect with Lorraine Marchand: LinkedIn: Lorraine Marchand on LinkedIn Website: lorrainemarchand.com Book: No Fear, No Failure – available for preorder on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the all-in-one sales & marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down one of society's most enduring myths — that rich people are inherently “bad.” Drawing from his personal experiences interviewing and interacting with some of the wealthiest individuals in the world, Travis explores how wealth amplifies who we already are, rather than changes us. This episode turns humor, perspective, and real-world insight into an honest look at what it really means to be rich — in money and in mindset. On this episode we talk about: *   Why people often assume the wealthy are corrupt or unethical*   How money amplifies character rather than defining it*   The portrayal of rich people in Hollywood and popular media*   Why “new money” behavior differs from generational or extreme wealth*   The richest guest ever to appear on Travis Makes Money—and what he learned from him Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Money doesn't determine morality—it simply magnifies who you already are.2.  Hollywood often portrays the wealthy as villains because it sells, not because it reflects reality.3.  True wealth reveals itself through generosity, humility, and discipline, not flashiness or status symbols. Notable Quotes *   “Money is almost never the indicator of what kind of person you are—it's an amplifier of who you already are.”*   “It's easy to vilify the people we envy most…and that's why so many assume rich equals bad.”*   “The guy in the Lamborghini and the $5,000 suit is probably not the wealthiest person in the room.” Connect with Travis Chapel: *   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell *   Website: https://travischappell.com *   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell *   Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.  Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amy Leneker is a former C-suite executive turned leadership advisor, “recovering workaholic,” and author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead & Live with Less Stress & More Joy, where she teaches leaders and teams how to break the cycle of burnout and overwhelm. She has trained over 100,000 leaders, including those at Fortune 100 companies, and now serves as a Joy Strategist helping organizations thrive with less stress and more energy. On this episode we talk about: Amy's two burnout experiences and how her body forced her to stop The belief that “stress is the price of success” and why it's wrong Eustress vs. distress and how to tell which one you're in The “stress ruler” tool and how leaders can use it with their teams The Stockdale Paradox, toxic positivity, and bringing real joy back into work Top 3 Takeaways Stress is inevitable, but burnout is not—most high achievers are trapped in the story that stress is the price of success, when in reality chronic distress quietly kills performance and joy. You can and should use “good stress” (eustress) as fuel for growth while actively monitoring when it tips into “bad stress” (distress) that drains energy, health, and relationships. Simple practices—like rating your stress on a 0–10 “stress ruler,” defining clear seasons of hard pushes, and intentionally weaving joy into your normal days—create sustainable success instead of cycles of crash and recover. Notable Quotes “Stress isn't the price of success—it's the thief that steals it.” “My body shut down before my brain was willing to admit I was burned out.” “Joy isn't something you schedule once a quarter; it's something you protect and practice in the middle of real life.” Connect with Amy Leneker: Find out more about her book here: https://www.amyleneker.com/book LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyleneker Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/amy_leneker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy.leneker Other: https://www.amyleneker.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis is joined in the studio by his producer Eric for a candid and funny conversation about bad takes, wrong predictions, and the life lessons learned the hard way. Together, they break down the importance of adapting your views, learning in public, and staying self-aware as a creator and entrepreneur. From podcasting vs. YouTube debates to overthinking sales and chasing the wrong kind of success, this one's packed with real talk and self-reflection. On this episode we talk about: How Travis's early anti-YouTube stance held him back and what he's doing about it now. Why 40% of podcast listeners now prefer video, and what that means for creators. The shift from “never take advice from someone you wouldn't trade places with” to a more nuanced approach to mentorship. The danger of overthinking—and why being too smart can actually hurt your ability to sell. How people confuse “inspiration” with “imitation” when following others' success paths. Top 3 Takeaways Video has become inseparable from audio—if you're not publishing your podcast on YouTube, you're missing half your audience. You can't separate success in one area from the habits that shape an entire life—find role models whose full lifestyles you'd actually want to live. Intelligence doesn't equal impact: action and consistency outwork smarts almost every time. Notable Quotes “If you're not putting your podcast on YouTube, you're missing out on a huge audience.” “Pick fewer people to listen to—ones who live the kind of full life you actually want.” “You don't need to be the smartest person in the room; you just need to do the work the smart people overthink.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Clare Baukham is a global wealth architect, alternative investment curator, and creator of the Billionaire Women platform who helps clients go beyond traditional portfolios into higher-upside asset classes like blue-chip art. She rose as an award-winning financial advisor in Canada before expanding into media as an executive producer on TV series about wealth, power, and business, and eventually built her own firm around the idea that wealth is identity, structure, and seduction. On this episode we talk about: How Clare went from a family machine shop to floral design, acting, professional options trading, and finally top-tier wealth planning. What she learned shadowing one of Canada's leading advisors and later a billionaire mentor—then why she left the traditional bank-controlled model. Why she believes budgeting alone won't make you rich, and why most households need “alpha” (high-upside) bets alongside safer “beta” investments. The logic behind using fine art as an asset class, including examples of paintings appreciating from a few million to tens of millions of dollars. How her team acquires, stores, and plans to tour a curated collection, while allowing investors to buy fractional ownership instead of full pieces. Top 3 Takeaways You don't need to reinvent the wheel to build wealth. Attach yourself to people who already have the results you want, copy their playbook, and then adapt it to a vehicle you actually care about. High-net-worth investors think in “alpha” and “beta,” not just savings accounts. A small, risk-tolerant slice of your portfolio in alternative assets can meaningfully accelerate your path to freedom. Alternative assets can be both financial and lifestyle plays. For the right investor, owning a fraction of museum-worthy art (instead of more index funds) is as much about story and identity as returns. Notable Quotes “You're their trophy—they want you to win so they can say, ‘Look what I can do.'” “Most advisors white-knuckle market crashes. I wanted clients positioned to want the crash because everything's on sale.” “You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Take the billionaire's blueprint and lay it over something you actually believe in.” Connect with Clare Baukham: Website: https://www.clearwealthgroup.com/ Instagram: instagram.com/clarebaukham ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, Travis and his producer use everything from Avatar and A24 movies to office space and social media trends to explore a simple question: what actually matters for making more money—and what's just ego and aesthetics? They break down titles, office space, optics, and “being first” versus being consistent, and show where each one really fits in a practical business strategy.​ On this episode we talk about: Why job titles (“CEO,” “founder,” etc.) rarely matter to customers—and how they're often used in corporate settings to extract more work without more pay.​ How Travis changed his mind on office space, and why in‑person teams can still beat fully remote setups for culture, communication, and output.​ The difference between healthy brand perception (optics that match reality) and fake positioning that can backfire when you can't deliver.​ Whether you really need to be “first” in a new trend, space, or platform—or if you're better off being second and more consistent.​ Why copying every new “expert” pivot (Web3, NFTs, AI, etc.) is usually worse than staying in one lane and compounding your skills over time.​ Top 3 Takeaways Titles are mostly internal theater. Clients care about results, not whether you call yourself founder, CEO, or “bull”; focus on competence and clarity, not status.​ Optics matter—but only if they're true. Brand, image, and perception can open doors, but if they don't match your real capabilities, they create refunds, resentment, and reputation damage.​ Consistency beats trend chasing. You don't need to be first to a new platform or idea to win; you need to be good, reliable, and around long enough for your work to compound.​ Notable Quotes “You can't escape perception; brand is just what people think when they hear your name.”​ “If people perceive you as great and you're not, that's bad for business. If you are great and nobody perceives it, that's bad for business too.”​ “Most people would have made more money sticking with one skill for ten years than ‘reinventing' themselves every eighteen months.”​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Megan Spencer, better known online as Meg the Creator, is a content creator and mentor who helps introverts and “everyday people” earn real money online without becoming influencers. Through her Anti Influencer Method™, she teaches practical side hustles like Amazon Onsite Commissions (“Amazon reviews”), UGC freelancing, and TikTok Shop so students can build sustainable income streams without relying on follower counts or virality.​ On this episode we talk about: How Megan went from local government and social media management to building a multi–six-figure online business as a creator and mentor.​ The exact early steps of her social media agency: landing first clients on Upwork, charging low retainers, then scaling to $5K/month per client with a niche in holistic doctors.​ How Amazon Onsite Commissions works (horizontal product-review videos on Amazon product pages, no follower minimum) and why it can become “magic money” once you have enough videos live.​ Beginner-friendly UGC platforms (like JoinBrands and Billo), typical starter rates ($50–$80 per video, paid product photos), and how to turn that into recurring brand work.​​ What's inside her Anti Influencer Method™ Skool community: training on Amazon Onsite, UGC, TikTok Shop, freelancing, and a steady stream of brand opportunities for students.​ Top 3 Takeaways You don't need an audience to get paid. Models like Amazon Onsite Commissions and UGC let you piggyback on Amazon's traffic and brand audiences instead of building your own following.​ Start small, then level up. Early UGC jobs might pay $50–$80 per video or $15 for a quick photo set, but they build your portfolio, skills, and confidence—so you can later charge much more.​​ Community and environment matter. Being in a group of people all learning the same skills (and sharing brand deals) accelerates your progress and makes the whole process far less intimidating—especially if you're introverted.​ Notable Quotes “I didn't want to be famous—I just wanted to be paid.”​ “Courses changed my life. That first $997 course led to my first $2,400 client and proved I could make money online.”​ “You have to build what people want, then give them what they need on the back end. That's true for brands and for creators.”​​ Connect with Meg the Creator: Website & resources: megthecreator.com​ Anti Influencer Method™: antiinfluencermethod.com​ Instagram: @megthecreator__​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, Travis and his producer get brutally honest about the offers, products, and business models they would never build again—and why that matters if you want to make more money with less stress. From overpriced courses to overbuilt software and Travis's hard “no” on ever starting a restaurant from scratch, this conversation focuses on pattern recognition: how to spot red flags earlier, avoid expensive mistakes, and build offers people actually want to buy.​ On this episode we talk about: Why Travis's early webinar-to-course funnel “worked” on paper but could never scale without a real backend offer.​ How he would redesign that same funnel today: free or low-ticket course, then selling implementation (done-with-you and done-for-you).​ The expensive lessons from building a software company before validating demand—and why you must build what the market wants, then deliver what it needs.​ The hidden stress and complexity of certain business models (like restaurants) and why Travis would never launch one from scratch.​ How ego, perfectionism, and “romanticizing your idea” can cost you time, money, and opportunity.​ Top 3 Takeaways Courses aren't dead—but information isn't enough. Use courses as lead magnets and make real money on implementation offers (coaching, consulting, done-for-you services).​ Validate before you build big. Especially with software, ship the embarrassing V1, get feedback fast, and only scale what people are already using and asking for.​ Choose business models that match your life. Some ideas (like restaurants) can be wildly profitable for the right person, but come with low margins, high stress, and operational headaches Travis doesn't want.​ Notable Quotes “You have to build what they want—and then give them what they need on the back end.”​ “If you're not embarrassed by the first version of your product, you launched too late really hit home for me—because I launched way too late.”​ “I would never start a restaurant from scratch. One successful store isn't enough reward for all the headache it takes to get there.”​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Dr. Bradley Nelson is a holistic physician, USA Today bestselling author, and one of the world's leading voices in energy healing and root-cause wellness. As founder and CEO of Discover Healing, he created The Emotion Code®, The Body Code™, and The Belief Code®, and has now released The Heart Code, a book focused on dissolving “Heart-Walls” to unlock abundance, healing, and deeper purpose.​ On this episode we talk about: How Dr. Nelson went from chiropractor and former computer programmer to bestselling author and global teacher.​ The journey of self‑publishing The Emotion Code and later landing a six‑figure advance when St. Martin's republished it.​ Why he believes in doing “any show, anywhere” and how roughly 1,700 interviews have fueled book sales and brand growth.​​ How he built Discover Healing's main revenue engine through multi‑level certification in Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code.​ The launch strategy behind The Heart Code—preorders, bonus gifts, and bulk packages to hit the USA Today list.​ Top 3 Takeaways One book can be a business, not just a product. Dr. Nelson used his first book as a foundation for courses, certifications, an app, and live events—eventually certifying 15,000+ practitioners in 108 countries.​ Self‑publishing vs. traditional isn't either/or. He started by self‑publishing to move fast and keep margins, then later partnered with a major publisher for reach and credibility once demand was proven.​ Relentless visibility compounds. Years of consistent podcast, radio, and media appearances have created a global audience that now supports new book launches like The Heart Code.​​ Notable Quotes “When you self‑publish, you can make money from the very first copy—and you can change the book any time you need to.”​ “My policy has been to do any show, anywhere, at any time. That's how you build a movement.”​​ “I didn't know what it would look like; I just knew this information had to get out into the world.”​ Connect with Dr. Bradley Nelson: Website (books, about, speaking): drbradleynelson.com​​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Travis and producer Eric dig into a surprisingly relatable mix of topics: changing friendships, unexpected stress in adulthood, and yes, bringing earplugs to the movie theater without feeling like a complete boomer. Through humor and a little friendly roasting, they unpack what no one really warns you about when it comes to growing up, building a business, and trying to stay healthy in the process.​ On this episode we talk about: Why Eric is (apparently) the first Gen Z moviegoer planning to wear earplugs to every screening.​ How relationships—friends, collaborators, even co‑workers—naturally change over time as your life, geography, and goals evolve.​ The difference between avoiding stress and choosing the right kind of stress for the life you actually want.​ Why time management becomes one of the hardest—and most important—skills of adult life.​ How to intentionally keep connections alive with simple habits like periodic check‑in texts and DMs.​ Top 3 Takeaways Stress is inevitable—so pick your stress. Whether it's building a business, raising kids, or staying “comfortable” and broke, every path has stress. The goal is not to escape it, but to choose the stress that leads to the life you want.​ Relationships will change, and that's normal. Friends move, priorities shift, careers evolve—so build simple rhythms (messages, calls, shared workouts, trips) to keep the right people close on purpose.​ Self‑care isn't soft; it's strategic. From sleep to hearing protection to workouts, protecting your body and mind is what allows you to keep showing up for your goals long‑term.​ Notable Quotes “You're not going to avoid stress—if you want anything above average, stress is part of the deal.”​ “Most of the stress in my life is stress I welcomed because I wanted the challenge.”​ “If you don't choose the stress of being a good parent now, you get the stress of having kids who cause you more stress later.”​​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Jeremie Kubicek is a globally recognized speaker, author, and leadership expert who's helped shape some of the world's top organizational cultures. As co-founder of Giant Worldwide, he's dedicated to multiplying healthy influence, building trust-driven workplaces, and creating systems that combine peace and performance. Jeremie's the author or coauthor of several bestselling leadership books, including Making Your Leadership Come Alive, The 100X Leader, Five Voices, The Peace Index, and his latest release, The Voice Driven Leader. In this episode, Jeremie shares how he's built nine interconnected revenue streams—and why leaders should aim to multiply their impact across ventures by focusing on people, systems, and personality-driven leadership. On this episode we talk about: How Jeremie built nine businesses that complement each other under a single ecosystem. The difference between “diversified investments” and “diversified revenue.” Why some personalities thrive with multiple ventures while others need narrow focus. How he uses AI (and his own custom GPT) to evaluate market readiness before launching. The mindset and apprenticeship model he uses to train operators and step into the executive chair role. Top 3 Takeaways Think like a portfolio manager, not a hustler. You can grow wealth faster by building connected ventures with shared DNA, not random side hustles. Create people-first businesses. Knowing your team's personalities and leading them in their “language” accelerates both trust and productivity. Test before you invest. Use market-readiness testing—and a little AI help—to validate ideas before committing serious time or capital. Notable Quotes “I figured out how to diversify revenue, not just investments.” “I start businesses, but I don't run them. I build, apprentice, and multiply.” “If you speak the language of the people you lead, they'll fight for you.” Connect with Jeremie Kubicek: Website: jeremiekubicek.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, Travis and Producer Eric break down why most traditional networking advice is completely backwards for today's world. Travis reflects on his early “Build Your Network” days and how he's evolved past the outdated idea of “just showing up” to events with a business card and a smile. Now, his philosophy is about earning credibility first — because real relationships are built on competence, not empty confidence. On this episode we talk about: Why the phrase “networking” has gotten such a bad reputation. How Travis learned that “knowing a lot of people” doesn't mean having influence or opportunity. Why the best-connected people are both competent and confident. The difference between productive relationship-building and “conference junkie” habits. Sharon Srivatsa's reminder that “your network isn't who you know — it's who knows you can deliver.” Top 3 Takeaways Networking without value is noise. Focus first on learning, building skill, and doing great work — credibility comes from results. Competence creates confidence. Too many people try to project success before they've earned it, and it backfires. Relationships multiply your skills. The “who” and the “what” aren't opposites — the right people accelerate what you already know. Notable Quotes “Most networking advice is for people with nothing to offer.” “Too many people are focused on building confidence when they haven't built a base level of competence.” “People are the key to everything you want in life — but you have to bring real value to the table.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️

John O. McGinnis is the George C. Dix Professor of Constitutional Law at Northwestern University and one of the leading legal minds examining how wealth, influence, and democracy intersect in modern America. In this episode, he unpacks the core argument from his forthcoming book, Why Democracy Needs the Rich—that wealthy entrepreneurs and investors don't just drive economic growth, but also counterbalance left-leaning professional influencers and fund vital cultural, civic, and philanthropic institutions. The conversation dives into envy, academia, “professional influencers,” and why attempts to sideline the rich could unintentionally damage pluralism, innovation, and freedom. On this episode we talk about: Why critics like Bernie Sanders and big-city mayors argue that the rich are a problem for democracy—and how John dismantles that claim. How founders typically capture only a tiny fraction of the total value they create, and why innovations like Amazon massively increase “consumer surplus” for everyday people. The concept of “professional influencers” (academics, media, entertainers, bureaucrats), why they lean heavily left, and how wealthy individuals provide ideological and practical counterbalance. Historical and modern examples of the rich funding abolition, civil rights, environmental causes, education reform, museums, and other public goods that government is slow or incapable of providing. Why classical political thinkers feared static oligarchies, and how today's dynamic, constantly changing class of entrepreneurs is almost the opposite of that. The data and reality behind wealth creation—why most millionaires are first-generation—and what that says about opportunity and technological change. How resentment, envy, and “othering” the rich mirror older patterns of scapegoating minority groups, and why that's dangerous for a free society. Whether the wealthy are drifting right politically in response to regulation, energy policy, and growing hostility from the activist left. Practical thought experiments to challenge “eat the rich” rhetoric, including how much our daily lives resemble those of historical elites thanks to modern tech and markets. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  The rich are not a monolithic right‑wing bloc; they are a diverse, constantly changing group whose entrepreneurship and philanthropy expand opportunity, fund public goods, and increase real living standards.2.  Efforts to mute or punish the rich don't create a level playing field—they simply hand even more power to already-dominant professional influencers in academia, media, entertainment, and bureaucracy.3.  Envy-driven politics may feel emotionally satisfying, but they ignore how much ordinary people benefit from innovation, consumer surplus, and the pluralism that wealthy funders help sustain in a free society. Notable Quotes   “Founders often only capture one or two percent of the value they create—the rest goes to consumers in the form of better, cheaper, more abundant goods and services.”   “If you push the rich out of the public square, you don't get ‘pure democracy'—you get even more power for academics, media, and bureaucrats who already lean heavily to one side.”   “Envy is a thief of joy; before you condemn the rich, it's worth asking how much of your everyday life was made possible by the very people you claim to hate.” Purchase John O. McGinnis' book:   Book –Why Democracy Needs the Rich : https://a.co/d/eKcmirX ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, host Travis Chappell and producer Eric use a ridiculous on‑air nicotine experiment and some Kroger pickle‑jar banter to launch into a serious conversation about the power of saying no with your money. From friends asking to “spot me, bro” to sketchy investments, unpaid collabs, lifestyle upgrades, and sponsors that don't feel right, they walk through real scenarios where saying yes can quietly wreck your finances—or your brand—if you're not intentional.​ On this episode we talk about: Eric nearly puking on mic after trying a 6mg mojito ZYN, why “no” would have been the better choice, and how that sets up the theme of the episode.​ How Travis handles friends and family asking for money—why he almost always says no to “investment” pitches now, and how he decides when helping actually becomes enabling.​ When to say yes (and when to stop) with unpaid collaborations, speaking gigs, and local partnerships—plus the story of how saying yes to a low‑ROI volleyball promo still led to a profitable tournament relationship for AuraVela.​ Lifestyle spending boundaries: cars, first‑class flights, subscriptions, Klarna‑financed Chipotle, and how Travis finally justified buying a genuinely nice car after years of driving beaters.​ The importance of asking “Does this matter to me—or just to other people?” before dropping money on status symbols, upgrades, or brand‑driven purchases.​ Eric's recent decision to drop a meaningful podcast sponsor after loyal, long‑time listeners said it felt off, and why he chose long‑term trust over short‑term cash.​ The hidden risks of programmatic ads (like political spots or government agencies slipping in) and how both hosts have had to tighten ad category filters to protect their brands.​ Saying no to shady money: Travis turning down a $3,000 crypto‑related interview offer that required an NDA and looked like reputation rehab for a founder with bad press.​ Top 3 Takeaways Not every “opportunity” is for you. Saying no to friends' investments, high‑risk plays, or repeated bailouts protects your own financial runway and keeps you from funding other people's bad patterns.​ Your brand is worth more than a short‑term check. Dropping a sponsor or declining a stage when it feels misaligned can cost money now but preserves audience trust that's worth far more over a decade.​ Buy for your life, not their approval. Big purchases and lifestyle upgrades should be driven by your values, convenience, and experiences—not by keeping up with people you don't even like.​ Notable Quotes “For investments right now it's basically a no—if I don't have true ‘play money,' I'd rather put it in something more certain than somebody else's ‘sure thing.'”​ “If you're asking me for help the fifth time, at some point I'm not helping—you're just making bad decisions and I'm funding them.”​ “You can have the life you want now and later, but only if you stop buying stuff just to impress people and start asking if it actually matters to you.”​​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Diana Pagano is an international keynote speaker, author, and action‑driven mindset coach who helps people break past limiting beliefs and step into who they were truly meant to become. A proud first‑generation Mexican American from San Diego, she went from growing up in a two‑bedroom apartment with a family of six and constant evictions to becoming a record‑breaking real estate producer in multiple markets and scaling a multi‑million‑dollar company as MVP. In this episode, she shares how her “more mindset” transformed fear and survival mode into consistent high performance—and how anyone can apply the same mental shifts to sell more, earn more, and live more fully.​ On this episode we talk about: Diana's childhood in a struggling entrepreneurial household, moving every 18 months in San Diego and inheriting limiting beliefs about money, struggle, and what was “normal.”​ How becoming a single mom in her 20s pushed her into real estate with a survival‑mode mindset—and why fear of her kids repeating her story initially drove her success.​ Going from PetSmart corporate HR to rookie real estate agent, breaking ceilings and 10x‑ing her income to hit six figures in under 12 months (a highly atypical first‑year result in real estate).​ Rebuilding from scratch in Scottsdale and later Connecticut, door‑knocking luxury neighborhoods, cold‑calling for‑sale‑by‑owners, and proving you don't need an existing network to win in a new market.​ How blocking “power hours,” tracking appointments, and focusing on income‑producing activities beat being “busy” at the office all day.​ Why strategy alone isn't enough if you secretly don't believe you're the kind of person who can succeed—and how The More Mindset offers neuroscience‑backed tools to rewire those internal stories.​ Diana's telemarketing origins at 16½, becoming top producer booking copier appointments, leading a team of older reps, and paying her family's electric bill with her first big paycheck.​ Common cold‑calling mistakes—trying to sound “salesy,” apologizing for calling, or believing you're a bother—and how to reframe calls as helping people instead of harassing them.​ Why belief and authenticity in sales matter more than having the “perfect” script, and how confidence plus genuine value consistently outperform low‑confidence reps with great products.​ Top 3 Takeaways Your past doesn't cap your potential. Diana carried inherited beliefs from a childhood of evictions and scarcity, but by obsessively studying why some people succeed while others struggle, she rewired her mindset and built a multiple‑market real estate career.​ Discipline beats busyness. Time‑blocking prospecting, door‑knocking high‑end neighborhoods, and running focused “power hours” of cold calls produced six‑figure results far faster than simply “being at the office” all day.​ Sales starts in your head, not your script. If you believe you're a bother or that success is “for other people,” you'll sabotage proven strategies; when you see yourself as someone who helps others and truly believes in the offer, confidence and results follow.​ Notable Quotes “It wasn't about doing more. It was about becoming more of who you were meant to become—not living stuck in self‑sabotage and limiting beliefs.”​ “You can drop me in Arizona, Connecticut, or Japan—semantics are semantics. It's your brain and how you show up that determine your success.”​ “You shouldn't be okay with being ‘a bother' on the phone. If you truly believe you're helping people, your entire delivery changes.”​ Connect with Diana Pagano: Website – https://dianapagano.com​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, host Travis Chappell and producer Eric get brutally honest about parenting, legacy, and work. Through a mix of serious reflection and completely derailed knock‑knock jokes, Travis breaks down how becoming a dad fundamentally changed his ambition, his calendar, and the way he evaluates every opportunity. The conversation hits on the myth of “work–life balance,” the reality of sacrifice, and how to choose a mission that's actually worth time away from your kids. On this episode we talk about: Why Travis wants the “superhero dad” his kids see today to be as close as possible to the real man they discover when the veil eventually lifts. How having kids forced him to interrogate his goals and ask whether the things he's chasing are still worth the time they take away from family. Why work–life “balance” is a myth, and how constantly chasing it can create anxiety, guilt, and a inability to be present anywhere. The importance of living in the present instead of only in future fantasies, and how that shift affects both parenting and entrepreneurship. When it makes sense to bring your kids into your business world—events, trips, meetings—and how that exposure can shape who influences them later. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Legacy is less about money and more about minimizing the gap between the idealized “superhero parent” your kids see and the flawed human they eventually meet.2.  Every “yes” to a business opportunity is a “no” to time with your kids, so your mission has to be compelling enough to justify that trade—random hustle isn't good enough.3.  Balance is largely a myth; the more practical goal is to be fully present where you are—at work or with family—instead of mentally living in the past or future. Notable Quotes   “Whenever I say yes to an opportunity, I'm saying no to time with my kids—so it better be a hell yes.”   “If you try to be ultimate super‑dad and ultimate super‑entrepreneur at the same time, you're just going to constantly feel like you're dropping the ball.”   “The past and the future don't exist—the present is all we have, and I was spending most of mine somewhere else.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Brad Beeler is a retired U.S. Secret Service agent who conducted more criminal polygraph examinations than anyone else in the agency's history, interviewing thousands of suspects in homicide, national security, and child exploitation cases. He now trains federal investigators, intelligence officers, and corporate teams on advanced interviewing, influence, and deception detection, helping organizations eliminate costly communication failures, uncover lies earlier, and build stronger trust. His upcoming book, Tell Me Everything, translates high-stakes interrogation lessons into practical tools for leaders, sales teams, and entrepreneurs who need the truth to make better decisions and more money. On this episode we talk about: How Brad went from picking up trash at a softball field to interviewing inmates in a St. Louis jail, and why “tactical curiosity” about people's lives became his most profitable skill in law enforcement and business. What he learned from thousands of criminal interviews about why people really do what they do—and how that maps directly to understanding buyer motivation in sales. The reality of polygraph exams: what they can and can't do, why they're best seen as an investigative tool (not courtroom magic), and how “countermeasures” almost always backfire. Simple, field-tested techniques for lowering anxiety, building trust quickly, and spotting red flags in yes/no answers during high-stakes conversations. Why the shift to text and AI-driven communication is eroding crucial context, and how to protect the “human signal” in a world that wants everything faster and more automated. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  The best interviewers and salespeople are “tactically curious”—they let other people educate them, especially about leisure, habits, and backstory, because that's where trust, dopamine, and real motivation live.2.  Polygraph isn't a magic truth machine, but used in the right environment, with the right prep and questions, it can dramatically improve accuracy over human gut feel, which hovers barely above a coin flip.3.  In business, just like in criminal work, you win more often when you judge the pattern (past behavior) rather than the persona, and when your questions are precise, calm, and anchored in genuine respect. Notable Quotes   “We were basically selling jail—I was selling something people didn't want to buy, so I had to figure out how to get them to like, trust, and respect me first.”   “Humans are really good at lying because it's a social lubricant and really bad at detecting lies—we're right only about 54 percent of the time.”   “A good interview is like a good podcast: you prep hard, you lower anxiety, you let them talk 80 percent of the time, and you only step in to steer—not to steal—the conversation.” Connect with Brad Beeler:   Website: https://bradleybeeler.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️

In this episode, host Travis Chappell and his producer Eric react to Naval Ravikant's “everyone can be rich” clip from The Joe Rogan Experience and use it as a springboard to talk honestly about money, health, education, and what “rich” actually looks like in real life. Through humor, book talk, Star Trek references, and some uncomfortable math, they challenge listeners to rethink their timelines, their earning power, and the beliefs that are quietly keeping them stuck. *​​ On this episode we talk about: Naval Ravikant's claim that “everyone can be rich” and the idea that money is today's path to freedom that monks once found by renouncing everything.​​ Whether fitness and health should come before getting rich, and how discipline in the gym can make business success more attainable.​​ How to define what “rich” actually means for your life by modeling your ideal lifestyle instead of chasing a vague, giant number.​ A practical exercise using AI to calculate how much money you really need by certain ages—and why that often exposes a huge gap with your current plan.​ Why your 35–55 years are likely your peak earning window, and how urgency, education, and intentional skill-building determine whether you capitalize on it.​ Top 3 Takeaways 1.  “Everyone can be rich” is less about a magic guarantee and more about the combination of education, leverage, and belief that a lot more people could reach meaningful wealth than they currently assume.​​2.  Getting in shape is one of the fastest, most direct ways to prove to yourself that change is possible, build discipline, and create the energy and confidence you need to pursue bigger financial goals.​​3.  You probably underestimate how much money you'll actually need to live your ideal life, which means you must either meaningfully change your expectations or meaningfully change your plan—sooner rather than later.​ Notable Quotes   "You don't need to learn how to invest 22 dollars a month—you need to learn how to turn that into 2,200 or 22,000 a month, and then invest that."​   "Everything you want in life is on the other side of a question you're not asking yourself."​   "From 35 to 55 is probably your peak earning window, and there's likely a five-to-seven-year stretch where you'll make more than in the previous twenty years—if you're set up for it."​​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️

Zvi Band is a developer, serial founder, and relationship-driven entrepreneur best known for building Contactually, the much-loved CRM he scaled to over $10 million in revenue before selling to real estate giant Compass in a deal valued north of $20 million. In addition to founding and exiting venture-backed companies, he's written a book, coached thousands of professionals, and now leads Relatable, a personal CRM designed to help people deepen trusted relationships instead of just “monetizing contacts.” In this conversation, he unpacks how AI is blowing the doors off traditional software gatekeeping and what non-technical founders can realistically build in the next 30 days. On this episode we talk about: How AI has collapsed the barrier to building software—from needing a technical co-founder or expensive dev team to being able to spin up a working web app in a matter of hours. What non-technical founders should actually learn first (hint: product thinking and clear specs) instead of trying to become full-stack engineers. Which AI-powered tools can help you go from “idea in your head” to V1 MVP—covering product specs, code, hosting, and iteration. How to think about UX/UI in an AI world, including using real-world visuals and brand cues to guide your app's look and feel. Where AI is taking the software and career landscape next, from solo-built seven–eight figure products to massive retraining opportunities as lower-level jobs get automated. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  You no longer need a technical co-founder to ship a real product; if you can clearly describe what you want and think like a product manager, AI can handle most of the coding and infrastructure for a basic business app.2.  The real “execution risk” has shifted from writing clean code to building the right thing, matching real user journeys, and finding distribution in an increasingly noisy, AI-generated world.3.  AI will both automate low-level work and open up huge opportunities in enablement—helping industries adopt AI, retraining displaced workers, and giving more people a viable path into software and entrepreneurship. Notable Quotes   "Even if the code is ‘throwaway,' it costs you next to nothing now to have AI build a V1 while you sleep."   "Anyone can tell an AI to make a CRM; very few people can make a CRM informed by fifteen years of thinking deeply about relationships."   "As AI takes more tasks off your plate, the real question is whether you'll use that freed-up time to invest in relationships or just scroll more content." Connect with Zvi Band: Website: https://www.zviband.com Relatable (personal CRM): https://relatable.one ✖️✖️✖️✖️