Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

June 08SOLO | Make Money by Unlocking the Leader Within: Lessons from Vicente Fox
Former Mexican president, businessman, and global leader Vicente Fox built a remarkable career that spanned corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, agriculture, philanthropy, and public service. In this episode, Travis reflects on his conversation with Fox and shares five powerful lessons on leadership, purpose, decision-making, and fulfillment. From leading Coca-Cola Latin America to serving as President of Mexico, Fox's insights reveal what it takes to create impact, trust your instincts, and build a meaningful life.
On this episode we talk about:
Why leadership is a quality that already exists within every person

The importance of pairing purpose with consistent action and performance

Why real-world experience often teaches lessons that formal education cannot

How intuition and gut feelings can guide major life decisions

Why serving others is one of the most reliable paths to happiness and fulfillment
Top 3 Takeaways
Leadership isn't something you're born with—it's something you discover and develop by looking inward and taking responsibility for your growth.

Purpose without action is simply wishful thinking. Lasting success comes from consistently turning vision into execution.

The greatest fulfillment often comes from serving others and contributing to something bigger than yourself.
Notable Quotes
"Every human being has the attribute of leadership."

"Purpose without performance is a daydream."

"The shortcut to happiness is serving others."
Connect with Vicente Fox:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicentefoxq/

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

Other: https://www.centrofox.org.mx/
A Word from Our Sponsors:
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journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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.
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16 min
June 07INTERVIEW | Make Money by Mastering Your Mind with Shirzad Chamine
Shirzad Chamine is a New York Times bestselling author, executive coach, and founder of Positive Intelligence. Having trained more than 100,000 coaches and advised CEOs at some of the world's largest companies, Shirzad has dedicated his career to understanding the mental patterns that drive performance, leadership, and fulfillment. In this episode, he shares the painful entrepreneurial failure that sparked his life's work, explains the concept of self-sabotage, and reveals practical tools for strengthening the positive side of your mind while quieting the internal voices that hold you back.
On this episode we talk about:
The entrepreneurial failure that led Shirzad to develop Positive Intelligence

How self-sabotaging thought patterns impact performance, leadership, and relationships

The ten "saboteurs" that create stress, self-doubt, and negative emotions

Simple mental exercises to shift from reactive thinking to peak performance

Why developing your "inner Jedi" may be one of the most valuable skills in the age of AI
Top 3 Takeaways
Your greatest obstacles are often internal, not external. Self-sabotaging thought patterns can quietly undermine your success, relationships, and well-being unless you learn to recognize them.

Negative emotions are signals, not destinations. Stress, anger, guilt, and self-doubt can provide useful information, but staying trapped in those emotions prevents effective action.

Mental fitness can be trained. Small, consistent practices that strengthen focus and self-command can help you access greater creativity, confidence, resilience, and performance.
Notable Quotes
"The question is not if you sabotage yourself, but how you do it."

"Inside my head, there's a war going on between my inner Darth Vaders and my inner Jedi."

"The most painful day of my professional life ended up becoming the most important positive day of my professional life."
Connect with Shirzad Chamine:
Website: https://www.positiveintelligence.com

Free Saboteur Assessment: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/assessment

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirzadchamine
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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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25 min
June 07CO-HOST | Make Money by Building an Audience Before You Need One
In this conversation featuring Travis and producer Eric, the discussion centers on personal branding, audience building, content creation, and the power of documenting your journey. Drawing from their own experiences growing podcasts, social media accounts, and upcoming projects, they explore why creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners should start building attention long before they have something to sell. From launching new accounts from scratch to documenting the process behind a book or business, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to grow an audience in today's digital landscape.
On this episode we talk about:
Why building a personal brand can create opportunities beyond your primary business or project

The benefits of starting new social media accounts from scratch to test ideas and audiences

How documenting the creation process can build trust and anticipation with your audience

Why losing followers can actually improve engagement and long-term growth

The importance of experimenting with content formats, hooks, and messaging
Top 3 Takeaways
Build the audience before the product is ready. The most successful launches often happen because attention and trust were established long before the product became available.

Documenting creates authenticity. Showing the process behind a project helps people feel invested in the journey and proves the work behind the finished product.

Experimentation is the fastest path to growth. Testing new accounts, different hooks, and multiple versions of the same message can reveal what truly resonates with an audience.
Notable Quotes
"Build the audience around the thing that you know is coming."

"Documenting is almost the proof—the certificate of authenticity."

"If you're not sure where to post it, start a new account from scratch and see what happens."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell

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

Website: https://travischappell.com

A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
June 07SOLO | Make Money by Choosing the Right Mountain to Climb with Lessons from Bryan Callen
Bryan Callen is a comedian, actor, podcaster, and longtime entertainer whose career has spanned stand-up comedy, television, film, and podcasting. Best known for roles in movies like The Hangover and for his decades in comedy, Bryan has spent much of his life pursuing success in multiple creative fields. In this episode, Travis breaks down some of the most powerful lessons from his conversation with Bryan, covering everything from personal responsibility and career alignment to consistency, friendship, and the importance of adventure in building a meaningful life.
On this episode we talk about:
Why a strong support system can sometimes become an unexpected crutch

The importance of choosing a career that makes you feel alive—not just one you're good at

How consistency outperforms intensity when pursuing long-term goals

What sports teach us about humility, resilience, and self-awareness

Why adventure and intimacy are essential ingredients for deep friendships and a fulfilling life
Top 3 Takeaways
Take full ownership of your life. No matter your circumstances, success starts when you stop waiting for someone else to save you and take complete responsibility for your future.

Make sure you're climbing the right mountain. Being talented at something doesn't mean it's the path you're meant to pursue. Fulfillment comes from aligning your work with what truly energizes you.

Consistency beats intensity. Sustainable success comes from showing up every day and building habits that compound over time rather than relying on short bursts of motivation.
Notable Quotes
"You can be successful at something and still be in the wrong room."

"The question isn't, 'Am I good at this?' It's, 'Does this make me feel alive?'"

"Consistency is more important than hard work."
Connect with Bryan Callen:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryancallen

X: https://x.com/bryancallen

Website: https://www.bryancallen.com

Travis's interview with Bryan
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
14 min
June 06CO-HOST | Make Money Through Better Relationships and Authentic Networking
In this candid and entertaining episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a conversation that starts with weight loss, awkward photos, and self-awareness before evolving into a deeper discussion about networking, relationships, and human connection. Drawing on experiences with celebrities, podcast guests, and high-profile entrepreneurs, Travis shares practical insights on how authentic relationships are built—not through status-seeking or transactional behavior, but through genuine curiosity, confidence, and treating people like people. The result is a refreshing look at networking that feels more human and far more effective.
On this episode we talk about:
Why treating people like old friends can make networking easier and more natural

The psychology behind building genuine relationships with successful people

How desperation and hidden agendas can hurt your ability to connect with others

The balance between documenting meaningful experiences and being present in the moment

Why authenticity and low-pressure interactions often create stronger connections than networking tactics
Top 3 Takeaways
People respond to authenticity. Approaching others without an agenda makes conversations more enjoyable and often leads to stronger long-term relationships.

The less you need something from someone, the more naturally connection can happen. Confidence and genuine curiosity are often more effective than trying to impress people.

Relationships matter more than social proof. Focusing on friendship and connection creates more value than collecting photos, favors, or status symbols.
Notable Quotes
"The less you care, the more people will be attracted to you as an individual."

"You want it to be less work for them to connect with you, not more work."

"People are just people."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell

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

Website: https://travischappell.com

Podcast: https://travischappell.com/podcast
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
June 06INTERVIEW | Make Money by Scaling Profits, Not Just Revenue with Cruz Gamboa
Cruz Gamboa is the founder of Ascend Growth Ventures and ScalingCFO.io, where he helps founder-led businesses scale profitably through proven financial operating systems. A former GE and GE Capital executive with more than 20 years of experience and over $2 billion in structured deals, Cruz has worked across the U.S. and Latin America helping businesses create sustainable growth. In this episode, he shares his journey from selling oranges door-to-door in Venezuela to becoming a sought-after CFO, coach, and entrepreneur, while revealing why profitability—not revenue—is the key to building a valuable company.
On this episode we talk about:
Cruz's journey from Venezuela to the United States on a full scholarship

Lessons learned from a 20+ year career at GE and GE Capital

Why entrepreneurship offers greater upside than the traditional corporate path

The difference between growth and true business scaling

How founders can build profitable, sellable businesses through financial systems
Top 3 Takeaways
Growth and scaling are not the same thing. Growing revenue without improving profitability can actually reduce the long-term value of a business.

Focus on what you can control. Success comes from creating value, developing skills, and taking ownership rather than blaming external circumstances.

Build systems that increase profits as revenue grows. A scalable business is one that can handle more customers and opportunities while becoming more profitable over time.
Notable Quotes
"Entrepreneurship puts you in the steering wheel of your own life."

"Scaling is about profitability, not just revenues."

"When you're doing work that is aligned with you, the probability of burnout drops dramatically."
Connect with Cruz Gamboa:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cruzgamboa

Website: https://scalingcfo.io

Company: https://ascendgrowthventures.com

Book: Scaling Profits: The Missing Financial Operating System for Ambitious Founders (coming soon)
A Word from Our Sponsors:

- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
June 06SOLO | Make Money by Building Relationships, Systems, and the Confidence to Reinvent Yourself
In this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis reflects on some of the biggest lessons he's learned from an incredible lineup of past guests, including Josh Peck, Scott Harrison, Jack Carr, Jordan Harbinger, Randy Couture, Joe Gatto, Donald Miller, George Kamel, and more. Drawing on conversations with entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, authors, and thought leaders, Travis uncovers the recurring themes that separate successful people from everyone else. From the power of generosity and networking to the importance of systems, environment design, and earned confidence, this episode is packed with practical wisdom that can help anyone build a more successful and fulfilling life.
On this episode we talk about:
Why access and opportunity often come from simply asking and leading with generosity

The hidden costs of success, including burnout, identity shifts, and personal sacrifice

How systems consistently outperform motivation when it comes to achieving goals

Why changing your environment is often the fastest path to personal reinvention

How confidence is built through action, repetition, and evidence—not positive thinking
Top 3 Takeaways
Relationships compound when you lead with generosity. The most successful people focus on helping others without keeping score, creating opportunities that often come back in unexpected ways.

Systems beat motivation every time. Long-term success in business, health, and finances comes from creating repeatable processes rather than relying on willpower.

Confidence is earned through action. The people who appear confident aren't necessarily fearless—they've simply accumulated enough evidence through repeated practice and experience.
Notable Quotes
"Access comes from asking."

"You do not rise to the level of your goals; you fall to the level of your habits."

"Confidence is the receipt you earn from multiplied effort over time."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell

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

Website: https://travischappell.com

Podcast: https://travischappell.com/podcast
A Word from Our Sponsors:

- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
June 05CO-HOST | Make Money by Focusing on Substance Over Appearance
In this casual but insightful episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into a conversation about personal branding, professional appearance, confidence, and whether looking successful actually helps you become successful. From fitted suits and luxury watches to fitness, sales, and billionaire habits, they unpack the relationship between perception and performance—and why substance ultimately matters more than style.
On this episode we talk about:
Whether dressing well actually impacts business success

How different industries view appearance and professionalism

The connection between fitness, confidence, and performance

Why many wealthy people don't feel the need to look wealthy

The difference between projecting success and creating real value
Top 3 Takeaways
Your appearance matters most when it aligns with the expectations of your industry and audience.

Physical fitness can improve confidence and energy levels, which often translates into better performance.

The wealthiest and most successful people often focus more on relationships, value creation, and business substance than outward status symbols.
Notable Quotes
"Dress for where you are."

"The people who are extremely wealthy don't think about that stuff at all."

"They don't care what car you drive or what watch you have on. They just care about the substance of the business relationship."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell

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

Website: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
June 05INTERVIEW | Make Money by Understanding Value, Scaling Smart, and Winning with Modern Marketing with Erik Huberman
Erik Huberman is a serial entrepreneur, marketing expert, and the founder and CEO of Hawk Media, one of the fastest-growing marketing consultancies in the United States. Since launching Hawk Media in 2014, Erik has helped scale more than 5,000 brands, including household names like Red Bull, Verizon, Casamigos, Funko, and Crocs. In this episode, Erik shares lessons from building and selling companies, scaling a service business without outside funding, acquiring agencies, and adapting to the rapidly changing marketing landscape in the age of AI.
On this episode we talk about:
How Erik landed a $25,000 consulting project that changed his perspective on value

The early days of Hawk Media and the strategy behind building a scalable marketing agency

Why most agencies fail and what separates great marketing partners from the rest

Using acquisitions to grow a service business and lessons learned from agency M&A

The rise of AI optimization (AEO) and what businesses should be doing right now to stay ahead
Top 3 Takeaways
The value of your work is determined by the outcome it creates, not the amount of time it takes to complete.

Sustainable growth comes from mastering proven channels, building systems, and avoiding shortcuts that create unnecessary risk.

AI optimization is creating one of the biggest marketing opportunities available today, and businesses that adapt early will have a significant advantage.
Notable Quotes
"There's a difference between how I value it and how they value it."

"If I give you the outcome you need, my fees don't matter."

"You have to be exceptional at something."
Connect with Erik Huberman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhuberman

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

X: https://x.com/erikhuberman

Website: https://hawkmedia.com

Podcast: https://hawktalkpodcast.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
28 min
June 05SOLO | Make Money by Finding Market Gaps, Building Relationships, and Thinking Long-Term with Gary Kusin
Gary Kusin is a legendary entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and former CEO of GameStop and the executive who led Kinko’s through a remarkable turnaround before its $2.4 billion acquisition by FedEx. Over a decades-long career, Gary has built, scaled, and sold multiple businesses while developing a reputation as one of the sharpest strategic thinkers in entrepreneurship. In this episode, Travis shares some of his biggest lessons from Gary’s appearance on the show, covering everything from mentorship and hard work to debt management and identifying opportunities in the marketplace.
On this episode we talk about:
Why finding a market opportunity is often more important than following your passion

The role mentors played in Gary’s career and how great mentorship can change your trajectory

Why hard work and working smart are complementary—not competing—ideas

The dangers of debt in seasonal and cyclical businesses

How constantly building relationships and maintaining a Plan B creates long-term career security
Top 3 Takeaways
The best business opportunities often come from identifying unmet market demand rather than pursuing personal passions.

Mentorship can dramatically accelerate success, but the most effective mentors are often outside your organization and industry.

Staying prepared, building relationships, and keeping your options open creates opportunities long before you need them.
Notable Quotes
"Find the hole in the market. The passion can stay a hobby."

"Luck is what happens when opportunity meets preparedness."

"The people who win the most work smarter and harder."
Connect with Gary Kusin:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garykusin

Website: https://garykusin.com

Other: https://gamechangerbook.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
- Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
www.fanvue.com today and launch your
career!
- 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
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…