Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

June 04SOLO | Make Money by Mastering One Thing and Playing the Long Game - Lessons from my interview with Drew Dunn
In this solo episode, Travis breaks down some of the biggest lessons he learned from his conversation with comedian Drew Dunn. While Drew is quickly becoming one of the most promising stand-up comics on the circuit, his success hasn't come from chasing shortcuts or viral moments. Instead, it's been built through patience, relentless focus, and a commitment to mastering a single craft. Travis shares how Drew's approach to comedy offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone pursuing long-term success.
On this episode we talk about:
Why success usually takes much longer than you expect—and why that's a good thing

The importance of choosing one skill and becoming exceptional at it

How to handle criticism and avoid wasting energy on internet trolls

Turning jealousy into a tool for self-awareness and growth

Why clarity comes from taking action rather than waiting for certainty
Top 3 Takeaways
Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Accepting a longer timeline helps you stay focused on building sustainable results instead of chasing short-term distractions.

Master one thing before expanding into other opportunities. Deep expertise creates a foundation that opens doors later.

When you feel stuck, take action first. Clarity rarely arrives before movement—it develops through experience and adjustment.
Notable Quotes
"Every opportunity came about two years later than I thought it should have."

"Pick one thing, go be great at that one thing, and then everything else will follow."

"Jealousy is a signal, not a verdict."
Connect with Drew Dunn:
Instagram: @drewdunncomedy

Other: Drew Dunn Comedy (Official Website)
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
13 min
June 03CO-HOST | Make Money by Building a Brand Only You Can Create
In this episode, Travis and Eric explore one of the most important questions for creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners: What can you create that nobody else can? Drawing from a recent conversation with filmmaker and internet personality Andrew Bowser, the discussion dives into authenticity, originality, audience building, criticism, and why copying successful creators rarely leads to long-term success. If you're trying to grow a brand, launch content, or stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on creating work that's uniquely yours.
On this episode we talk about:
Why the best creators build things that only they can create

The dangers of copying successful creators instead of developing your own voice

How criticism becomes easier when you're creating authentically

The difference between chasing views and building true fans

Why creators are competing with every form of entertainment—not just others in their niche
Top 3 Takeaways
The most valuable content comes from leaning into your unique experiences, perspectives, and strengths rather than trying to imitate what's already working for someone else.

Building a loyal community of true fans is often more sustainable and rewarding than chasing vanity metrics like views and follower counts.

Criticism is unavoidable when you create authentic work, but it's also a sign that you're putting something meaningful into the world.
Notable Quotes
"You need to make something that only you can make."

"You're not just competing with other creators. You're competing with all other forms of attention."

"It's easy to say you have all the answers when you're not doing anything."
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:

- 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
25 min
June 03INTERVIEW | Make Money by Playing the Long Game in Business and Investing with Rufus Griscom
Rufus Griscom is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and media pioneer who has built and sold multiple companies over the last three decades. From launching Nerve.com during the early days of the internet to building Babble and selling it to Disney, Rufus has experienced the highs and lows of entrepreneurship firsthand. Today, he's the founder of The Next Big Idea Club and host of The Next Big Idea podcast, where he interviews some of the world's most influential thinkers. In this conversation, Rufus shares hard-earned lessons on startups, investing, wealth building, and achieving what he calls "financial independence escape velocity."
On this episode we talk about:
Lessons learned from building and selling multiple digital media companies

Why most successful entrepreneurs fail before they succeed

The importance of persistence, timing, and learning from mistakes

Rufus's unconventional investing philosophy and focus on technology stocks

How financial independence creates the freedom to do meaningful work
Top 3 Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is often a game of persistence. Most successful founders experience multiple failures and setbacks before building something that truly works.

Building wealth isn't just about earning money—it's about investing wisely and allowing compounding to work over long periods of time.

The ultimate purpose of financial success is freedom: the ability to spend your time working on projects and causes that genuinely matter to you.
Notable Quotes
"I think it's more common to not have your first startup work than to have it work."

"The greatest luxury is to be able to do the work you care about."

"Financial independence escape velocity is the inflection point where the money you've made can grow at a pace that makes it possible to pursue the things you love."
Connect with Rufus Griscom:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rufusgriscom

Other:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rufus-griscom-16b1/

https://nextbigideaclub.com/

https://nextbigideaclub.com/podcast

https://rufus.substack.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
32 min
June 03SOLO | Make Money by Mastering Debt, Discipline, and Financial Freedom - Lessons from My George Kamel interview
In this solo episode, Travis Chappell breaks down the biggest lessons he learned from his conversation with personal finance expert and Ramsey personality George Kamel. Travis explores George’s strong stance against debt, the psychology behind the debt snowball method, and the financial habits that help people build lasting wealth. While Travis agrees with much of George’s advice, he also shares his own perspective on strategic debt, entrepreneurship, and why increasing income can sometimes be more powerful than endlessly cutting expenses.
On this episode we talk about:
Why George Kamel believes debt is a trap—not a tool

The difference between using debt responsibly and abusing leverage

How the car-buying industry is designed to maximize consumer spending

The psychology behind the debt snowball method and why it works

Balancing financial discipline, abundance thinking, and income growth
Top 3 Takeaways
Financial discipline is the foundation of wealth. No amount of income can overcome poor spending habits if you don't first learn how to manage money effectively.

Paying off smaller debts first can create momentum and motivation, making it easier to stay committed to becoming debt-free.

Building wealth ultimately comes down to two levers: spending less and making more. Once you've established healthy financial habits, focusing on increasing income can create the biggest long-term impact.
Notable Quotes
"Debt is not a tool. It's a trap dressed up as a tool."

"You can't mindset your way out of a debt problem. You still have to take action."

"There's two levers when it comes to building wealth: spend less or make more."
Connect with George Kamel:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgekamel

Other: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/personality/george-kamel

Travis's interview with George
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
21 min
June 02CO-HOST | Make Money Without Sacrificing Everything: The Truth About Work-Life Balance and Entrepreneurial Success
In this episode, Travis Chappell and producer Eric dive into one of the most debated topics in entrepreneurship: work-life balance. Inspired by comments from Poppy co-founder Allison Ellsworth about the sacrifices required to build a billion-dollar company, Travis breaks down why success looks different for everyone and why blindly following someone else's blueprint can lead to regret. This episode explores how entrepreneurs can align their priorities with their personal goals while still building meaningful wealth and freedom.
On this episode we talk about:
Whether building a billion-dollar company requires sacrificing work-life balance

The difference between lifestyle businesses and venture-scale companies

How to define success based on your personal goals instead of someone else's

Why entrepreneurs should prioritize their time according to seasons of life

Balancing business growth, family relationships, and personal health
Top 3 Takeaways
Your definition of success determines how you should structure your business and life. Not everyone wants—or needs—to build a billion-dollar company.

Priorities should be aligned with your current season of life, but neglecting health or family completely often leads to long-term regret.

Entrepreneurship should create freedom, not become a more demanding version of a traditional job unless that's intentionally part of your goal.
Notable Quotes
"You can't have three things that are equally number one priorities. That's not how a number one priority works."

"Ruthlessly prioritize against your goal."

"Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems when you've got money in the bank."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/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
25 min
June 02INTERVIEW | Make Money with a Drone Business: How Damon Darnall Turned Emerging Technology into a Six-Figure Opportunity
Damon Darnall, known as "The Drone Boss," is the founder of Sky Eye Network, a two-time world record holder, and one of the leading authorities on drone technology and AI-powered aviation. As a member of NASA's UTM board and a pioneer in the drone industry since the early 1990s, Damon has helped more than 37,000 people earn their FAA Part 107 licenses and guided over 14,000 entrepreneurs in launching profitable drone businesses. In this episode, Damon shares how drones are creating massive business opportunities across industries and explains why the market is still wide open for aspiring entrepreneurs.
On this episode we talk about:
How Damon made his first money with drones back in 1993

Why the drone industry is still in its early stages of adoption

The best low-cost drone business opportunities for beginners

How drone services are helping real estate agents and businesses grow revenue

What it takes to build a six- or seven-figure drone business
Top 3 Takeaways
The drone industry is still largely untapped, creating enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to get started now.

Starting with simple services like real estate photography can generate quick cash flow without requiring expensive equipment or specialized expertise.

The key to building a successful drone business is focusing on recurring clients and letting your customers fund your expansion into more advanced services.
Notable Quotes
"Most businesses don't even know they need drone services yet. That's what creates the opportunity."

"You can get started for about $1,500 and begin building a six-figure business."

"People will work 60 hours a week for their boss, but won't spend a few hours a day building their own future."
Connect with Damon Darnall:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedroneboss/

Website: https://www.thedroneboss.com/

Other: https://dronecommandlive.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
33 min
June 02SOLO | Make Money with Better Branding and Storytelling- Lessons from My Donald Miller interview
Donald Miller is one of the most influential voices in branding, marketing, and business storytelling. As the bestselling author of Building a StoryBrand, he has helped entrepreneurs, corporations, and even government organizations clarify their messaging and connect more effectively with customers. In this episode, Travis breaks down the biggest lessons he learned from his conversation with Donald, covering everything from simplifying your message and leveraging AI to the power of storytelling, positioning, and relentless optimism.
On this episode we talk about:
Why confusion kills sales and simplicity wins customers

How AI can accelerate your work without replacing human judgment and creativity

The role of "delusional optimism" in entrepreneurship and long-term success

Why businesses should position themselves as the guide rather than the hero

How Pixar's storytelling process reveals the importance of structure and planning
Top 3 Takeaways
If people have to work to understand your message, you've already lost them. Simplifying your communication is one of the fastest ways to improve sales and customer engagement.

AI is a powerful tool for creating drafts and generating ideas, but great results still depend on human judgment, taste, and decision-making.

Successful entrepreneurs combine strong belief with relentless action. Optimism alone isn't enough—it must be paired with consistent execution.
Notable Quotes
"Confusion is the enemy. Simplicity is the game."

"AI is a dirty, rough draft machine, not a replacement for genius."

"Delusional optimism is a feature, not a bug."
Connect with Donald Miller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donaldmiller

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

Other: https://storybrand.com

Book: Building a StoryBrand 2.0
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 01CO-HOST | Make Money by Becoming So Good They Can't Ignore You
In this episode, Travis Chappell and producer Eric dive into one of the most impactful pieces of career advice ever shared: Steve Martin's famous quote, "Be so good they can't ignore you." Together, they explore why this principle still applies in today's crowded digital landscape, how top performers across industries focus on mastering their craft before chasing opportunities, and why consistency over years—not hacks or shortcuts—is the true path to long-term success.
On this episode we talk about:
Why Steve Martin's "Be so good they can't ignore you" philosophy remains relevant today

The difference between focusing on fundamentals versus chasing shortcuts and hacks

How successful entrepreneurs prioritize product quality before marketing

Lessons from guests like Jack Carr, Tom Bilyeu, and other high performers on mastering their craft

The importance of consistency, patience, and putting in years of focused work to build expertise
Top 3 Takeaways
The fastest path to success is often mastering your craft so thoroughly that opportunities naturally come to you.

Great marketing can create initial momentum, but long-term success depends on delivering an exceptional product or service.

Becoming "undeniably good" takes years of focused effort, repetition, and consistency—far longer than most people expect.
Notable Quotes
"Be so good they can't ignore you."

"There's always room for the best."

"In order to be good enough where people can't ignore you, it's going to take a decade of time."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell

Other: 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 01INTERVIEW | Make Money by Following Your Energy and Finding Meaningful Work with Lisa Marchiano
Lisa Marchiano is an author, podcaster, and certified Jungian analyst who has dedicated her career to helping people better understand themselves through dreams, psychology, and personal growth. As the co-creator of Dream School and co-host of the popular podcast This Jungian Life, Lisa combines the wisdom of Carl Jung with practical insights for modern life. In this conversation, she shares her unconventional career journey, her philosophy on money and meaning, and how creativity, purpose, and self-discovery can lead to both fulfillment and financial success.
On this episode we talk about:
How following your curiosity and energy can guide your career path

The principles of Jungian psychology and why Carl Jung's work remains relevant today

The role of the unconscious mind in creativity, intuition, and personal growth

Building a mission-driven business without initially intending to become an entrepreneur

Developing a healthy relationship with money, abundance, and personal values
Top 3 Takeaways
Follow the energy in your life. Paying attention to what naturally excites and energizes you can reveal unexpected career opportunities and lead to meaningful work.

Creativity often comes from the unconscious mind. Many of our best ideas emerge when we learn to listen to intuition, dreams, and inner signals rather than relying solely on conscious analysis.

Money is most fulfilling when it supports a mission. Financial success becomes more meaningful when it's aligned with helping others, expressing your values, and creating positive impact.
Notable Quotes
"Follow the energy. Notice what gives you energy and get curious about that."

"If it helps, it's true."

"It doesn't feel like greed. It feels like abundance."
Connect with Lisa Marchiano:
Services: https://www.lisamarchianotherapy.com/

Instagram: @lisamarchiano

Other: https://lisamarchiano.com

Podcast: https://thisjungianlife.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
25 min
June 01SOLO | Make Money By Making Real Friends - What I Learned From Dr. John Delony
Travis breaks down what he learned from Dr. John Delony, a Ramsey Personality and nationally known mental and emotional health expert who teaches on relationships, anxiety, and wellness. John has two PhDs, decades of experience in crisis response, and a unique role at Ramsey Solutions as the “relationship guy” rather than a traditional money or business personality. In this episode, Travis revisits their past conversation and shares how John’s insights on loneliness, friendship, and interdependence reshaped the way he thinks about networking, success, and being a good friend.
On this episode we talk about:
Why loneliness is a physical health crisis, not just a feelings problem.

How convenience tech (Uber, Instacart, delivery apps) quietly teaches us that we are a burden and don’t need other people.

Why asking for help is actually a gift you give other people, not a weakness.

The truth about the “Lone Ranger” myth and how the toughest people in the world rely on their teams.

Why social media is the “TV dinner” of connection and how it tricks you into thinking you’re less lonely than you are.
Top 3 Takeaways
Loneliness doesn’t just hurt emotionally; it can damage your physical health more than smoking 15 cigarettes a day, which means investing in real friendships is a non‑negotiable part of a healthy, successful life.

When you always default to apps and on-demand services instead of asking for help, you internalize the belief that your needs are a burden, which slowly erodes trust, reciprocity, and true community.

Asking for help and letting people show up for you is a core behavior of strong, resilient adults; it deepens friendships, fights isolation, and gives others the chance to experience purpose and meaning by helping you.
Notable Quotes
“Loneliness can have a greater impact on your physical health than smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”

“Sometimes being a good friend isn’t just being there for others—it’s allowing other people to be there for you.”

“Social media is the TV dinner of human connection; it will keep you alive until it kills you.”
Connect with Dr. John Delony:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndelony

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

Other: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/john-delony

Watch Travis's interview with John HERE
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…