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Travis Makes Money
Travis Makes Money episodes
- CO-HOST | Make Money by Breaking Down the Walls of Traditional Media
Travis Chappell and producer Eric discuss how creators are changing the entertainment industry by bypassing traditional gatekeepers and building audiences directly online. Using the faith-based comedy series The Promised Land as an example, they explore how a show that started on YouTube grew to millions of views and ultimately landed a global distribution deal with Lionsgate. The conversation highlights the opportunities available to creators today, the importance of making content good enough to stand out, and why the barriers to entry have never been lower.
On this episode we talk about:
How YouTube is becoming increasingly comparable to traditional television and film distribution
The story behind The Promised Land and its success on YouTube
How a niche audience can become a powerful business opportunity
Why the barriers to entry for creators are lower than ever
How creators can build audiences independently and attract major industry opportunities
Top 3 Takeaways
You don't need traditional gatekeepers to get started. Platforms like YouTube give creators the ability to develop, publish, and distribute their ideas without waiting for a studio or network to give them permission.
Being great can help you break through a crowded market. In an environment filled with content, creating something genuinely good and distinctive can help you stand out—even within a highly specific niche.
Build the audience first, and opportunities can follow. The Promised Land demonstrates how creating an audience independently can eventually lead to larger distribution and traditional industry opportunities.
Notable Quotes
"The barrier to entry is lower than it's ever been."
"You need to be so good they can't ignore you."
"The idea that you can just execute against an idea that you have and it can actually turn into something real now."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
Other: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22 min - INTERVIEW | Make Money by Becoming a More Powerful Communicator with Gina London
Gina London is an Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent, executive communication advisor, and CEO of Language of Leadership. Having coached leaders and high-performing teams across nearly 60 countries, Gina helps professionals communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and influence. In her book, Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World, she shares a practical framework for strengthening your voice, presence, and human connection—skills that become even more valuable as AI transforms the workplace.
On this episode we talk about:
- Why human-to-human communication remains a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world
- Gina’s “Say It, Look It, Be It” framework for improving communication, executive presence, and connection
- How to make stronger first impressions in interviews, pitches, fundraising meetings, and high-stakes presentations
- Using the Audience–Intent–Message framework to tailor your communication to the person in front of you
- Why small talk matters, how curiosity creates connection, and how introverts can become exceptional networkers
- The communication habits people overrate, including overly scripted and artificial AI-generated conversation advice
Top 3 Takeaways
- AI can help with writing, research, marketing, and preparation, but it cannot replace authentic human presence. The people who can create trust, warmth, and real connection will stand out professionally.
- Strong communication starts with preparation. Before an important interaction, identify your audience, decide the action you want them to take, and shape your message around their needs, concerns, and communication style.
- Stop trying so hard to be interesting and become more interested instead. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions, notice meaningful details, and keep the conversational “tennis ball” in the other person’s court.
Notable Quotes
- “It is even more important because it might be replacing some of those technical skills that are gonna help you with your business… but it isn’t gonna replace you.”
- “Don’t let your initial, ‘I don’t like small talk,’ be a stop sign to your growth or your connections.”
- “It is important to be more interested than it is to try to be interesting.”
Connect with Gina London:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginalondon/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheGinaLondon
- Website: https://www.ginalondon.com/
- Language of Leadership: https://languageofleadership.ginalondon.com/
- Book: Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min - CO-HOST | Make Money, $27 a Day Can Change Your Financial Future
Travis Chappell and producer Eric break down a simple but powerful financial concept: how small daily spending decisions can add up to thousands of dollars over time. Inspired by a clip from Mel Robbins, they discuss the reality behind spending $27.40 a day, the power of compound interest, and why “paying your future self first” can be one of the simplest ways to build wealth. They also explore the tension between saving and enjoying your money, from expensive movie nights to family activities and everyday purchases.
On this episode we talk about:
How spending just $27.40 a day adds up to $10,000 over the course of a year
How investing small amounts consistently can grow into significant wealth through compound interest
Why financial advice can be simple without being easy
The importance of “paying your future self first” and automating your savings
How to balance financial discipline with spending money on experiences and the things you enjoy
Top 3 Takeaways
Small daily expenses add up quickly. $27.40 might not feel like a huge amount in isolation, but spending that amount every day adds up to $10,000 over a year.
Pay your future self first. Automating money into investments or savings before you have a chance to spend it makes building wealth a priority rather than something you hope to accomplish with whatever money is left over.
Simple doesn't mean easy. The math behind saving and investing is straightforward, but actually choosing to delay gratification and consistently prioritize your future can be difficult.
Notable Quotes
"Sometimes things in life are simple but not easy."
"You pay your future self first."
"It's not fun. But it'll also make you think twice about spending money that you know you shouldn't be spending."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
Other: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
29 min - INTERVIEW REPOST | Make Money with a Sweaty Startup, feat. Nick Huber
Nick Huber is an accomplished entrepreneur and real estate investor based in Athens, Georgia. Best known for building a $30M+ annual revenue portfolio that includes 68 self-storage properties, Nick also owns companies like somewhere.com, Bolt Storage, and RE Cost Seg. He’s recognized for his no-nonsense advice on entrepreneurship, his book The Sweaty Startup, and his focus on building wealth through practical, “boring” businesses rather than chasing flashy startup trends. Nick’s unique perspective comes from real-world experience, not just theory, making him a sought-after voice for aspiring business owners.
On this episode we talk about:
– How Nick made his first and most recent dollar
– The importance of picking the right business “vehicle”
– Why cash is king in real estate investing
– The realities of self-storage and why it’s not truly “passive income”
– Building businesses that solve real problems (like RE Cost Seg and somewhere.com)
Top 3 Takeaways
1. Pick the right business vehicle: Success isn’t just about working hard-it’s about working smart in industries where you can win, even if you’re “average.”
2. Cash matters in real estate: Contrary to popular advice, Nick argues you need capital to succeed in real estate; “no money down” deals are risky and rare.
3. Business is a long game: Building wealth takes years, often generations. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and focus on boring, proven businesses.
Connect with Nick Huber:
Website: sweatystartup.com
http://www.nickhuber.com/
https://x.com/sweatystartup
https://www.instagram.com/sweatystartup/#
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup/
https://www.youtube.com/sweatystartup
https://www.tiktok.com/@sweatystartup
https://www.threads.com/@sweatystartup
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min - CO-HOST | Make Money, But Don’t Expect It to Make You Happy
Travis Chappell and producer Eric take a lighthearted look at celebrity sightings, theme-park spending, and the surprising relationship between money and happiness. After sharing stories from a trip to Universal Studios—including celebrity encounters with Josh Duhamel and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy actress Kasey Brooks—they dive into research discussed by Arthur C. Brooks about how increasing income can reduce money-related unhappiness without necessarily creating lasting happiness. The conversation explores why making more money can make other problems easier to solve, while still recognizing that money alone can't fix every area of your life.
On this episode we talk about:
The unexpected experience of spotting celebrities at Universal Studios
Why money can reduce unhappiness without necessarily creating happiness
The concept of diminishing marginal utility as income increases
How financial security makes it easier to address other problems in life
Why solving your money problems should come before expecting money to solve all your problems
Top 3 Takeaways
Money can reduce certain sources of unhappiness, but it isn't a substitute for happiness. Having enough money can eliminate stress surrounding necessities and financial insecurity, but earning more won't automatically create fulfillment.
Solving your financial problems can make other problems easier to solve. Once you're no longer consumed by paying rent, buying food, or covering medical bills, you have more resources and mental bandwidth to focus on your health, relationships, and personal growth.
Don't make money the solution to every problem. Building wealth is important, but once your financial foundation is strong, you still need to intentionally work on the other areas of your life that contribute to happiness.
Notable Quotes
"A little money will relieve unhappiness. No amount of money will make you truly happy."
"Money solves money problems."
"If you solve the money problem first, it tends to make solving some of your other problems a little bit easier."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
Other: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min - INTERVIEW REPOST | Make Money by Finding Alignment, feat. Vinny Brusco
Vinny Brusco is an insight and perspective coach, community builder, and podcast host who helps men cultivate clarity, connection, and purpose. After 16 years in the car business, he walked away from a lucrative but misaligned career to build a life and business rooted in what matters most to him: authentic brotherhood, mental and spiritual health, and intentional living. As the founder of Agora Social Club and host of The Council of Dudes podcast (with over 500 episodes), Vinny creates spaces where men can drop the performative self-help act and actually live in alignment instead of autopilot.
On this episode we talk about:
Leaving a high-income, misaligned career for a more meaningful path
How sales skills become a “break glass in case of emergency” safety net
Why fulfillment in the pursuit matters more than status or titles
The loneliness epidemic among men and entrepreneurs
Building real, local community through Agora Social Club and long-form conversation
Top 3 Takeaways
You can be making great money and still be completely out of alignment—and no number in your bank account will fix that internal mismatch.
Learning to sell is one of the most valuable “forever skills” you can develop, giving you the confidence to take bigger risks in pursuit of a life you actually want.
Deep, in-person community and long-form conversation are antidotes to modern male loneliness, especially for entrepreneurial men who often feel isolated at the top.
Notable Quotes
“This isn’t a weekend hobby; it’s a heart-and-soul project that needs a life force behind it.”
“If you’d still do it even if you never became ‘the best’ at it, you’re probably on the right path.”
“The transaction is just an energetic byproduct of a real, authentic conversation.”
Connect with Vinny Brusco:
Instagram (personal): @vinnybrusco
Agora Social Club website: agorasocialclub.com
Instagram (club): @agora_westchester
Podcast: The Council of Dudes
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27 min - INTERVIEW REPOST | Make Money Leveraging with Media, feat. Lauren Cobello
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
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min - SOLO | Make Money by Understanding Context, part 4
In this solo episode, Travis wraps up his deep dive into context and clip culture by focusing on practical strategies to retrain your brain and think more clearly. He explains how intentional long-form consumption, better questioning, and curating high-quality information sources can dramatically improve your judgment, relationships, and decision-making. Drawing on real-world examples and personal experiences, Travis shows how developing context awareness can become a powerful competitive advantage in today’s attention economy.
On this episode we talk about:
- Why balancing short-form and long-form content is critical for mental performance
- How to retrain your brain using intentional long-form consumption habits
- The “three context questions” that improve critical thinking and decision-making
- How to curate better information sources and avoid low-context content traps
- Why context awareness is a major competitive advantage in business and life
Top 3 Takeaways
- Treat your content consumption like a diet—too much “junk” content weakens your thinking, while long-form builds mental strength.
- Asking simple questions like “What’s missing?” and “Who benefits?” can instantly improve your judgment.
- Developing context awareness puts you ahead of the majority who react emotionally instead of thinking critically.
Notable Quotes
- "Clips are like candy—long-form content is protein for your brain."
- "If you're going to form a strong opinion, you owe it to yourself to get more context."
- "If you can think clearly when others are triggered, you gain a massive advantage."
Connect with Travis:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell
- Other: https://travischappell.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 min - INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building Unshakable Confidence with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff
Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is a confidence researcher, award-winning keynote speaker, and performance psychology expert who helps elite athletes, executives, and leaders perform under pressure. With a PhD in sport and performance psychology, she has worked with Minnesota Vikings players and USA Track & Field athletes at the Tokyo Olympics. She also founded the Mentally Strong Institute and is the author of The Confidence Habit, a research-backed toolkit designed to help people train their minds, build lasting confidence, and become mentally stronger.
On this episode we talk about:
Why confidence isn't something you're born with, but a skill and habit you can continue to develop
The seven research-backed "C" strategies for growing confidence
How your identity and inner dialogue influence what you believe is possible for yourself
Why mistakes, rejection, and failure don't have to diminish your confidence
The growing confidence crisis and how social media and smartphone use can contribute to feelings of inadequacy
Top 3 Takeaways
Confidence is a skill you can train. Confidence naturally fluctuates, but you can strengthen it through practice, intentional self-talk, goal setting, and consistently challenging yourself.
Your interpretation of failure matters more than the failure itself. A setback doesn't automatically withdraw from your "confidence bank account." It's the story you tell yourself about that setback that determines its impact.
Pay attention to the identity you're building. The words you put behind "I am" shape how you see yourself and what's possible for you. Changing your internal dialogue can help expand your confidence and your goals.
Notable Quotes
"Confidence is a feeling that comes and goes. It's a decision that you get to make in the moment. It's a skill you get to keep growing."
"It's not the actual events that happen in our life, it's the story we create around it."
"Your identity is how you talk to yourself about yourself."
Connect with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff:
LinkedIn: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cindrakamphoff/
Website: https://cindrakamphoff.com/
Book: ConfidenceTools.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 min - SOLO | Make Money by Understanding Context, part 3
In this solo episode, Travis explores how neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to rewire itself—can either become your greatest advantage or your biggest liability in a world dominated by distraction. He breaks down how constant multitasking, short-form content, and emotional reactivity are reshaping our thinking, relationships, and even reputations. More importantly, he shares practical strategies to help you regain control, think critically, and operate with clarity in a culture that rewards extremes.
On this episode we talk about:
- How neuroplasticity shapes your brain based on your daily habits and attention patterns
- The hidden cost of multitasking and “half attention” on thinking and comprehension
- Why clip culture erodes trust, nuance, and meaningful conversations
- How out-of-context content can damage reputations and relationships
- Practical strategies like the “full clip rule” to regain control of your thinking
Top 3 Takeaways
- Your brain is constantly being trained—if you practice distraction and shallow thinking, those become your default.
- Living in a world of clips weakens your ability to think deeply, form opinions, and engage in nuanced conversations.
- Simple habits like seeking full context before reacting can dramatically improve your judgment and decision-making.
Notable Quotes
- "If you train your brain to jump from thing to thing, it gets worse at doing the opposite."
- "If you don’t control context, someone else controls your conclusions."
- "The little habit of living on clips isn’t neutral—it reshapes how you think over time."
Connect with Travis:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell
- Other: https://travischappell.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
14 min
About Travis Makes Money
From the publisher's feed
You can't save your way to your dream life anymore. The truth is, you’re gonna need to learn to make more money. The Travis Makes Money Podcast is not your typical personal finance show. Rather than…
shaming you for buying a Starbucks coffee or pressuring you to become a billionaire, we focus on empowering you to make more money so you can enjoy life today while preparing for your future. You don’t have to cut back so much that you miss out on the present, and you don’t need to become the next Jeff Bezos either. Hosted by veteran podcaster Travis Chappell, each daily episode features interviews with regular people just like you – yes, you – who have learned how to make more money in unique and unconventional ways. From turning side hustles into an extra six figures to building massive business empires, these conversations dive into the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and simple strategies that helped these individuals succeed. With over 1,000 podcast episodes under his belt, Travis has developed a unique ability to pull out inspiring stories and practical advice you can apply to your own financial journey that you just won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for strategies on side hustles, skill building, investing, building generational wealth, or just motivation to take your next steps, this podcast is your resource. Tune in daily for insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from some of the most successful and interesting money-makers on the planet.
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