Alice Draper is the founder of Hustling Writers, a podcast guest booking agency, and the host of the podcast My Rejection Story. Alice specializes in making publicity accessible for entrepreneurs and authors by reframing rejection and helping clients secure interviews on top podcasts. With a background in freelance writing and a knack for creative pitching, Alice has placed clients on some of the highest-ranked shows in the industry. Her journey from childhood entrepreneur to agency owner is marked by resourcefulness, resilience, and a passion for helping others share their stories.

On this episode we talk about:

How Alice made her first dollar as a child entrepreneur selling snacks and trending items at school

The evolution from freelance writing to founding a podcast guest booking agency

Why podcast guesting is now a powerful form of PR for authors, entrepreneurs, and experts

Practical steps to get started in podcast guest booking-including pitching strategies and using software tools

How to build a six-figure (or more) business by focusing on niche podcast relationships

The importance of crafting standout pitches and leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT

The benefits and challenges of running your own podcast, and why guesting is a great way to start

Top 3 Takeaways

Podcast guesting is a high-impact, accessible form of PR: Getting clients on relevant podcasts can drive book sales, build credibility, and create long-lasting SEO benefits.

Success in podcast booking comes down to strong pitching and niche relationships: Learning to write compelling pitches and focusing on a specific podcast category can help you build a profitable agency-even as a solo operator.

You don’t need a massive team or upfront investment: With the right tools, a small client base, and a good process, you can start a side hustle or full-time business booking podcast guests, scaling as you grow.

Connect with Alice Draper:

LinkedIn: https://ae.linkedin.com/in/alice-m-draper

Website: https://hustlingwriters.com/

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James Murray-known to millions as “Murr” from the hit TV show Impractical Jokers-joins Travis on the Travis Makes Money podcast. As a founding member of the comedy troupe The Tenderloins, James has spent over a decade turning hidden camera pranks into a cultural phenomenon. Beyond TV, he’s an executive, bestselling author, and live performer. What makes James unique is his journey from TV executive to on-screen star, and his candid insights into the business side of making comedy-and money-in Hollywood.

On this episode we talk about:

– How James and his friends created and sold Impractical Jokers from scratch

– The realities of TV development and why the first thousand ideas are never the best

– How little the cast made in the early seasons-and why they stuck with it anyway

– The turning point that made Impractical Jokers a network-defining hit

– How to leverage TV success into books, tours, and multiple revenue streams

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Persistence pays off: The first thousand ideas are usually bad or already taken, but pushing past them leads to truly original concepts.

2. Start small, think big: Even massive TV hits often begin with low pay and uncertainty-success comes from building on small wins and seizing new opportunities.

3. Leverage your platform: TV exposure can be the “mothership” that launches books, tours, and other ventures-attention is a commodity, so use it to multiply your impact and income.

Website: jamesmurrayofficial.com

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Elijah Lung is a multifamily real estate investor and capital raiser with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Starting his career as a farmhand, Elijah built a multi-seven-figure business in cattle waste management before transitioning into farmland investments and, ultimately, multifamily syndication. His unconventional journey—from managing messy assets to raising millions for large-scale real estate deals—makes him a uniquely insightful guest for anyone interested in building wealth through real estate.

On this episode we talk about:

Top 3 Takeaways

Connect with Elijah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahiung

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Valerie Morehouse is one of the most sought-after vocal coaches in the entertainment industry, renowned for her unique blend of artistry and business acumen. With a BFA in journalism and a background as one of the youngest members of Chapman University’s acclaimed chamber singers, Valerie has worked alongside top ear, nose, and throat surgeons to develop innovative methods for rehabilitating singers from vocal trauma. Her client roster includes chart-topping musicians, actors, and even sports broadcasters, making her a true authority on both the craft and the business of voice. Valerie’s journey from church soloist to industry leader is a masterclass in following your passion—while mastering the business side to build a sustainable, lucrative career.

On this episode we talk about:

– How Valerie made her first and most recent dollar (from singing at church as a child to coaching and publishing a book)

– The science and art behind vocal coaching and rehabilitation

– Why most people can learn to sing—and the rare exceptions

– The importance of combining artistry with business skills to succeed in creative industries

– Building a powerful professional network and landing high-profile clients

– Pivots in career paths: turning passion into a business, even if the dream changes

– The discipline required for success—whether working with actors, musicians, or athletes

– The realities of touring, film work, and managing creative personalities

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Most people can learn to sing with the right training and patience—only about 2% of the population is truly tone deaf, and the voice is an athletic instrument that can be developed over time.

2. Success in creative fields requires both passion and business sense; understanding your strengths, building relationships, and having the patience for long-term growth are key to turning talent into income.

3. Building a strong network and reputation—through integrity, hard work, and word of mouth—can open doors to working with top clients and sustaining a fulfilling career.

Connect with Valerie Morehouse:

Website: valeriemorehouse.com

https://www.instagram.com/officialvalmorehouse

Vocal training tool: bettervoice.co

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John Hankins is a licensed social worker and Certified Financial Therapist™ with decades of experience spanning social work, IT, and nonprofit leadership. After a long career in the business world, John returned to his passion for helping others by specializing in financial therapy and coaching for middle-aged and older adults. His unique approach blends clinical expertise, real-world financial management, and deep empathy, helping clients understand and transform their relationship with money. John’s mission is to empower people to align their finances with their values, reduce money-related stress, and build a more fulfilling future.

On this episode we talk about:

– What it means to have a “relationship with money” and why it matters

– How childhood experiences and cultural beliefs shape our money mindset

– The three pillars of money mindset: thoughts, feelings, and actions

– Why values—not just goals—should drive your financial decisions

– Real-life stories of clients overcoming money stress and self-sabotage

– The importance of normalizing conversations about money

– How financial therapy differs from traditional financial planning

Top 3 Takeaways

Notable Quotes

“We have kind of three things that we can do as human beings: thoughts, feelings, and actions. When you start to examine those around money, you’ll probably uncover things that are holding you back.”

“You might be holding yourself back from making the money you say you want because your beliefs and actions aren’t aligned.”

“Many people carry money stress for decades without ever having a real conversation about it with anyone. Sometimes, just talking is the first step to relief.”

Connect with John Hankins:

http://financial-therapy.me/

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Nicholas Lalla is an urbanist, social entrepreneur, and author who has made a national impact at the intersection of economic development and emerging technology. As the founder of Tulsa Innovation Labs, Nicholas deployed over $200 million to catalyze northeast Oklahoma’s transition from a legacy oil and gas economy to a thriving tech-driven innovation hub. With a track record that includes leading New York City’s ambitious Cyber NYC initiative and authoring the new book Reinventing the Heartland, Nicholas brings a bold, data-driven approach to urban reinvention. His expertise lies in helping mid-sized cities find their unique tech niche, build inclusive growth strategies, and align diverse stakeholders for lasting impact.

On this episode we talk about:

– How Nicholas raised over $200 million to build Tulsa’s innovation economy

– The urgent need for economic diversification in mid-sized American cities

– Strategies for identifying a city’s unique tech niche and growth sectors

– Building high-performing teams and engaging stakeholders for urban transformation

– Lessons in leadership, change management, and challenging the status quo

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Cities must identify and double down on their unique assets to create a tech niche, rather than trying to copy larger tech hubs.

2. Building an innovation economy requires deep stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships, and a shared vision for growth.

3. Rapid, data-driven action—paired with inclusive leadership—can catalyze transformative change, but sustainable outcomes demand long-term commitment.

Connect with Nicholas Lalla:

– LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholaslalla

Website: https://nicholaslalla.com/

Book: Reinventing the Heartland (HarperCollins, 2025) – available at major retailers and Nicholas’s website

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Dr. Angela Jackson is the founder of Future Forward Strategies, a labor market intelligence and strategy firm dedicated to helping leaders transform their organizations and develop the human capital needed for long-term competitiveness and positive impact. As a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr. Jackson shapes the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders in the education marketplace. She was the architect of the Future of Work Grand Challenge, an ambitious initiative that rapidly reskilled 25,000 displaced workers into living wage jobs within 24 months. Dr. Jackson’s expertise in workforce development, organizational strategy, and the future of work makes her a leading voice on how individuals and companies can thrive in today’s rapidly changing economy.

Top 3 Takeaways

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Ryan Blair is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and one of the most remarkable comeback stories in business. With over $2 billion in sales and $1 billion in exits—including a $792 million exit as CEO of ViSalus—Ryan’s journey from poverty, gang life, and juvenile hall to New York Times bestselling author and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year is nothing short of extraordinary. His books, Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain and Rock Bottom to Rockstar, have inspired countless entrepreneurs worldwide. Ryan’s unique perspective comes from having lived in poverty, middle class, and wealth, making his insights on entrepreneurship, risk, and resilience especially powerful.

On this episode, we talk about:

Top 3 Takeaways

Connect with Ryan Blair:

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Dana Cornell is a Forbes-recognized financial advisor and former executive director at Morgan Stanley, where he managed $1.4 billion in assets. Dissatisfied with the traditional wealth management model, Dana left to found Cornell Capital Holdings, where he now advises another billion dollars and specializes in helping business owners with exit planning and wealth creation. Dana’s unique perspective comes from both building and buying businesses, and he’s passionate about showing others how to use business acquisitions as a powerful path to financial freedom.

On this episode we talk about:

Top 3 Takeaways

Connect with Dana Cornell:

SHOW SPONSOR:

Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge

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Dan Sheeks is a passionate educator and advocate for Gen Z financial independence. As the founder of the SheeksFreaks community, Dan has helped young people achieve remarkable financial milestones, including members with million-dollar net worths, real estate portfolios, and thriving businesses. He’s the author of First to a Million, a bestselling guide for young people seeking early financial independence, and a frequent speaker at schools and conferences nationwide. Dan’s unique blend of real-world investing experience, teaching expertise, and commitment to empowering youth makes him a standout voice in the world of personal finance education.

On this episode we talk about:

– How Gen Z can start building wealth early—even as teenagers or young adults

– The power and practicality of house hacking as a first step into real estate

– Creative side hustles and business ideas for young people to earn $2,000+ per month

– The importance of financial self-education and actionable steps to get started

– Using credit cards responsibly to build credit and unlock travel rewards

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Self-education is the foundation of financial success. Dan emphasizes that young people must take the initiative to learn about personal finance—whether through books, podcasts, or online resources—to build the knowledge base necessary for smart money decisions.

2. House hacking and creative real estate strategies can make property ownership accessible. Even without significant upfront capital, young people can leverage house hacking—renting out part of their primary residence—to start investing and generate extra income.

3. Discipline with credit cards unlocks major benefits. Used responsibly, credit cards can help build credit history and provide valuable perks like travel rewards, but only if balances are paid in full every month.

Connect with Dan Sheeks:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sheeks-0ab489106

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheeksfreaks/?hl=en

Website: sheeksfreaks.com

SHOW SPONSOR:

Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge

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