Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

July 10INTERVIEW | Make Money by Writing Books That Build Your Business
What does it take to write a book that actually makes an impact? In this compilation episode, Travis brings together three bestselling authors and accomplished leaders—David Epstein, Dave Berke, and Mark Divine—to share their hard-earned lessons on writing, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building lasting credibility. From the disciplined writing process to the importance of authenticity and patience, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to create meaningful work that stands the test of time.
On this episode we talk about:
Why great books begin with deep research, thoughtful planning, and clear constraints

How military leadership principles translate directly into entrepreneurship and business

The challenges—and rewards—of writing a book that truly reflects your expertise

Why authenticity and personal experience matter more than writing a book just for credibility

How founders can build stronger businesses by hiring great leaders and focusing on their unique strengths
Top 3 Takeaways
The best writing happens long before the first draft—careful research, planning, and defining clear boundaries make the execution dramatically easier.

Leadership principles like humility, discipline, and ownership work across every environment, whether you're leading troops, running a company, or building a personal brand.

Don't write a book because you think you should. Write one because you have a unique perspective and a message that's compelling enough that it has to come out.
Notable Quotes
"Think slow, act fast."

"Everything worth doing is on the other side of a bunch of struggle."

"If you want to make money with your business as a founder, you ultimately have to get out of the way."
Connect with the Guests:
David Epstein
Website: https://davidepstein.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-epstein
Dave Berke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrberke/

Echelon Front: https://echelonfront.com
Mark Divine
Website: https://markdivine.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmarkdivine
A Word from Our Sponsors:
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34 min
July 10SOLO | Make Money by Creating Your Own Opportunities - Lessons from Nikki Howard
Nikki Howard is a comedian, actress, writer, producer, and director who built her career by refusing to wait for Hollywood's approval. After being told she "didn't look funny" by casting directors, Nikki took control of her own path by creating sketch comedy on YouTube, producing original projects, and self-funding films alongside fellow creator Brent Pella. In this episode, Travis shares the biggest lessons from their conversation about creativity, resilience, rejection, and building a career on your own terms.
On this episode we talk about:
Why creating your own platform is the best response to closed doors and gatekeepers

The importance of making content you genuinely enjoy instead of chasing analytics

How eliminating your backup plan can strengthen your commitment to success

Why relationships and real-life experiences fuel better creative work

How embracing rejection is essential for anyone pursuing an unconventional career
Top 3 Takeaways
When traditional gatekeepers say no, create your own opportunities instead of waiting for permission.

Build your career around work you genuinely love creating—long-term fulfillment beats short-term algorithm wins.

Rejection isn't a sign you're failing; it's an unavoidable part of pursuing meaningful work and creative success.
Notable Quotes
"When the gatekeepers tell you you don't look funny, build your own door."

"Make the thing that you think is funny, not the thing that you think will perform."

"Rejection is not a matter of if—it's a matter of when and how many times."
Connect with Nikki Howard:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikki_howard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nikkihoward

Website: https://www.nikkiahoward.com/
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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

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18 min
July 09CO-HOST | Make Money by Building a Loyal Membership Community
This episode is a conversation with Travis and producer Eric as they dive into the booming creator economy and what it really takes to build recurring revenue as a content creator. Using everything from Patreon and YouTube memberships to the surprising economics behind OnlyFans, they explore how creators monetize audiences, the psychology behind subscription businesses, and why recurring memberships may be one of the most valuable income streams in media today.
On this episode we talk about:
The surprising revenue and spending trends behind OnlyFans and Patreon

Why recurring memberships are becoming essential for creators and podcasters

The pros and cons of Patreon, YouTube Memberships, and independent community platforms

How reducing friction can dramatically increase subscription conversions

Why building a loyal audience is more valuable than chasing one-time sales
Top 3 Takeaways
Recurring membership revenue creates predictable income, making it one of the strongest business models for creators.

The easier it is for people to subscribe, the more likely they are to become paying supporters—even if platform fees are higher.

Successful creators focus on delivering ongoing value to a dedicated community rather than relying solely on ad revenue or viral content.
Notable Quotes
"Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank."

"The majority of people who are spending money on these platforms probably aren't breaking the bank—but the power users definitely are."

"The question is whether the lack of friction is worth giving up a percentage of your revenue."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/

Website: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
23 min
July 09INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building a Personal Brand That Lasts
This compilation episode features three accomplished creator-entrepreneurs who have each built thriving careers by leaning into authenticity, expertise, and community. Travis highlights conversations with Amanda Litman, co-founder of Run for Something and bestselling author; Mike Kim, personal branding expert and author of You Are the Brand; and Erin McGoff, filmmaker, career educator, and creator of The Secret Language of Work. Together, they share practical insights on building an audience, creating meaningful work, and turning your unique strengths into long-term income.
On this episode we talk about:
Why building an audience is one of the most valuable skills in today's AI-driven economy

How personal branding creates opportunities long before you know what you'll eventually sell

Why authenticity is becoming more valuable as AI-generated content becomes more common

The mindset shifts needed to create additional income beyond your day job

Lessons from writing books, building communities, and creating work with lasting impact
Top 3 Takeaways
Build your audience before you build your product—attention creates opportunities, and your audience will tell you what they need.

Your salary should be viewed as the floor, not the ceiling, for your earning potential. Develop skills and assets that create additional income streams.

In a world increasingly filled with AI-generated content, authentic stories, genuine expertise, and real human connection will continue to stand out.
Notable Quotes
"Build an audience when you don't know what to sell."

"Your salary is not the ceiling of what you can make—it's the floor."

"In a world of AI slop, the only thing that breaks through is authenticity and community."
Connect with the Guests:
Amanda Litman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandalitman/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalitm/

Website: https://runforsomething.net
Mike Kim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikekimtv/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikekimtv/

Website: https://mikekim.com
Erin McGoff
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmcgoff/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advicewitherin/

Website: https://www.advicewitherin.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
27 min
July 09SOLO | Make Money by Reinventing Yourself After Success - Lessons from Dane Cook
Dane Cook is one of the most successful stand-up comedians of the last two decades, selling out arenas, starring in major films, and becoming a household name. But behind the fame is a story of extraordinary resilience. After enduring devastating personal and financial setbacks—including the loss of his parents and millions of dollars stolen by a family member—Dane rebuilt his life and career. In this episode, Travis shares the biggest lessons from their conversation about creativity, resilience, and long-term success.
On this episode we talk about:
Why lasting success requires constant reinvention instead of relying on past wins

How changing your environment can help break cycles of stress, anxiety, and stagnation

Why adversity and loss are often the greatest builders of character

Dane Cook's perspective on comedy, cancel culture, and the importance of context

How to filter creative advice and avoid being limited by other people's fears
Top 3 Takeaways
Long-term success comes from continually evolving your craft instead of trying to recreate yesterday's victories.

Difficult seasons often shape the resilience, perspective, and character needed for future success.

Be intentional about whose advice you follow—especially in creative pursuits where fear and insecurity can influence others' opinions.
Notable Quotes
"You are not your environment. You are not tethered to it."

"Movement creates momentum."

"Don't take creative notes from people who are threatened by you."
Connect with Dane Cook:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danecook/

Website: https://danecook.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
16 min
July 08CO-HOST | Make Money by Cutting the Hidden Costs That Keep You Broke
Not every financial lesson comes from investing or entrepreneurship—sometimes it starts with your lunch order. In this episode, Travis is joined in the studio by his producer for a candid (and hilarious) conversation about food delivery apps, fast food inflation, and the everyday spending habits that quietly drain your bank account. Through personal stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs, they break down why convenience often comes with a much higher price tag than people realize—and how small changes can have a big impact on both your finances and your health.
On this episode we talk about:
Why food delivery apps can quietly destroy your monthly budget

How to determine whether paying for convenience is actually worth it

The surprising rise in fast food prices over the past three decades

How better eating habits often lead to better financial habits

Practical ways to reduce unnecessary spending without sacrificing quality of life
Top 3 Takeaways
Convenience should be earned, not assumed. If outsourcing a task isn't freeing you up to earn more or create more value, you're probably just paying extra for convenience.

Small recurring purchases—like food delivery and eating out—compound into thousands of dollars over time, making them one of the easiest places to improve your finances.

Building healthier habits often improves your finances as well. Cooking more meals at home can reduce both your calorie intake and your monthly expenses.
Notable Quotes
"If you're struggling with money, delete the delivery apps off your phone."

"Good habits tend to compound."

"Money only solves your money problems. It's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/

Other: https://travischappell.com/
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
29 min
July 08INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building a Career in Podcasting Without Following the Crowd with Laura Mayer
Laura Mayer has spent nearly two decades helping shape the podcast industry from the inside. As Head of Podcasts at Talkhouse, former Executive Producer of Podcast Programming at ABC News, co-creator of The Dream, and author of Try Hard: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out, she's launched more than 100 podcasts while witnessing the industry's biggest booms, acquisitions, and growing pains. In this episode, Laura joins Travis to share how she accidentally built a career in podcasting, what aspiring creators should know about networks, and why niche audiences may be the future of the industry.
On this episode we talk about:
How Laura Mayer built a career in podcasting before most people knew what podcasts were

The differences between independent podcasts and podcast networks

The realities of podcast monetization, advertising, and network deals

Why niche podcasts often outperform massive shows from a business perspective

Laura's journey from creating Shameless Acquisition Target to writing Try Hard
Top 3 Takeaways
Success in podcasting comes from consistency and genuine curiosity—not chasing trends or celebrity status.

Highly engaged niche audiences can be far more valuable than massive audiences because they attract premium advertisers and loyal listeners.

The people who learn the fastest are the ones willing to ask questions and embrace looking inexperienced instead of pretending they already know everything.
Notable Quotes
"The smartest people in the room are the ones who are willing to look dumb the most."

"Podcasting is a hits business."

"Anyone can make a podcast—that's always been the beauty of it."
Connect with Laura Mayer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mayer/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tryhard_laura/

Other:
Try Hard: A Cautionary Tale of Clocking In and Spinning Out
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
41 min
July 08SOLO | Make Money by Buying Back Your Time with Lessons from Dan Martell
Dan Martell is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and bestselling author known for helping founders scale businesses without sacrificing their lives. After building and selling multiple software companies, including Clarity.fm, Dan became one of the leading voices on productivity, delegation, and operational excellence. In this solo episode, Travis breaks down the biggest lessons he learned from his conversation with Dan—from hiring smarter to separating your identity from your business.
On this episode we talk about:
Why entrepreneurs should hire to buy back their time—not just increase capacity

The Buyback Loop: audit, transfer, and fill your calendar with high-impact work

How tying your self-worth to your business can lead to burnout and poor decision-making

Why mentors often provide better guidance than family for major entrepreneurial decisions

The difference between being consistent and consistently improving
Top 3 Takeaways
Hire strategically to reclaim your time. Delegate lower-value tasks so you can focus on the work only you can do to grow your business.

Don't let your business define your identity. Your company is something you build—not who you are—and separating the two creates resilience through inevitable setbacks.

Consistency is only the starting point. Long-term success comes from consistently learning, adapting, and improving—not simply showing up.
Notable Quotes
"Stop hiring for capacity. Hire to buy back your time."

"The business isn't me. It is a thing that I do, not who I am."

"Consistency without results is just comfortable failure."
Connect with Dan Martell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmartell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmartell/

Website: https://www.danmartell.com/

Book: Buy Back Your Time
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
19 min
July 07CO-HOST | Make Money by Demanding Financial Transparency Before You Give
In this episode, Travis is joined in studio by producer Eric for a candid conversation about financial transparency, nonprofit accountability, and the responsibilities that come with managing donated money. Using viral social media clips and recent church finance controversies as a starting point, they discuss why donors should ask questions, how organizations can build trust through transparency, and why stewardship matters whether you're running a business, charity, or church.
On this episode we talk about:
Why financial transparency matters when donating to churches and nonprofits

The debate over whether donors have a right to see how their contributions are spent

Church finances, PPP loans, and the importance of organizational accountability

How poor financial management can stem from both misconduct and incompetence

Why asking questions is a healthy part of evaluating any organization before giving
Top 3 Takeaways
Transparency builds trust. If an organization relies on donations, it should be willing to provide reasonable accountability for how those funds are used.

Stewardship requires competence. Financial mismanagement isn't always malicious—sometimes it's the result of leaders lacking the business and accounting skills needed to oversee an organization.

Vet organizations before you give. Whether it's a church, nonprofit, or charity, understand how your money will be used before making ongoing financial commitments.
Notable Quotes
"If there's no transparency, how do you determine whether or not something's fishy?"

"Customers of a business buy a product. Donors deserve to know where their money is going."

"If you're giving money to some sort of nonprofit, regardless of whether it's a religious institution or otherwise, you should have some transparency into where the money's going."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/

X: https://x.com/travischappell

Website: https://travischappell.com/
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
25 min
July 07INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building What Customers Already Want with Rob Snyder
Rob Snyder is a serial startup founder, venture partner, and Fellow at Harvard Innovation Labs who has spent years studying why some startups gain traction while others never find product-market fit. A Harvard Business School graduate and former McKinsey consultant, Rob has founded multiple companies, helped early-stage founders scale their businesses, and developed a framework for identifying real market demand. In this episode, he shares why entrepreneurs often waste years solving the wrong problems—and how learning to sell before you build can dramatically increase your chances of success.
On this episode we talk about:
Rob's unconventional journey from volunteering in Tanzania to McKinsey and Harvard Business School

Why startups fail when founders solve problems customers won't actually pay to fix

The difference between customer "pain points" and true market demand

How selling before building leads to faster product-market fit

Why entrepreneurs should focus on what customers already want instead of trying to convince them they need something new
Top 3 Takeaways
Customers validate products with their wallets—not compliments. Positive feedback means very little until someone is willing to pay.

Sell first, build second. The fastest way to discover product-market fit is by learning what customers are already trying to buy and validating demand before investing heavily in development.

Don't try to change people's minds. The best businesses solve existing demands instead of convincing customers they should want something different.
Notable Quotes
"Customers validate products with their wallets."

"Figure out what they want to buy—not what you think they need."

"Why play an already hard game on hard mode?"
Connect with Rob Snyder:
Website: https://www.robsnyder.org/

Newsletter & Book: The Power of Pull
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies
last.
- Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners
- To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
-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
24 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…