Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

May 29SOLO| Make Money by Building a Better Life - Lessons from my Jordan Harbinger interview
In this solo episode, Travis breaks down some of the biggest lessons he’s learned from longtime friend, mentor, and podcasting legend Jordan Harbinger. From work-life priorities and health wake-up calls to content strategy and personal fulfillment, Travis shares key insights from his latest conversation with one of the most respected interviewers in podcasting. Drawing on Jordan’s experiences, this episode explores how success, relationships, health, and purpose are deeply interconnected.
On this episode we talk about:
Why every area of your life impacts the others

The hidden dangers of saying “I’m doing it for my family”

Jordan Harbinger’s health transformation at 45 years old

Lessons from the Apple TV show Severance about identity and fulfillment

Why creators should start niche before expanding broader
Top 3 Takeaways
You can’t compartmentalize your way to a fulfilling life — health, work, relationships, and happiness are all connected.

Time is the most valuable resource you can give your family, and success cannot replace presence.

Building a successful brand or audience starts with serving a specific niche exceptionally well before broadening your focus.
Notable Quotes
“You don’t get to extract the bad things and keep the good things. It’s all one organism.”

“You can’t solve that problem by outsourcing it to things.”

“A narrow focus isn’t a trap, it’s a foundation.”
Connect with Jordan Harbinger:
Website: https://www.jordanharbinger.com

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

Podcast: The Jordan Harbinger Show
A Word from Our Sponsors:
https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
- 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
-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
May 28CO-HOST | Make Money by Being a Professional and Putting in the Extra Effort
In this laid-back but insightful episode, Travis and producer Eric pull back the curtain on the realities of podcasting, professionalism, and why small amounts of effort can separate you from the crowd. What starts as a conversation about frustrating podcast experiences quickly turns into a deeper discussion about consistency, standards, personal growth, and why being “just good enough” is often enough to outperform most people. With plenty of humor, banter, and behind-the-scenes podcast industry stories, this episode delivers practical lessons for creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to stand out in a noisy world.
On this episode we talk about:
Why professionalism and preparation matter in any industry

Travis’s frustrating experience with an unprepared podcast host

The surprisingly low bar required to outperform most people

How consistency and small wins compound over time

Balancing ambition, confidence, and personal growth as a creator
Top 3 Takeaways
Most people fail because they don’t put in basic effort. Simply preparing, researching, and showing professionalism already puts you ahead of the majority.

Consistency compounds. Small daily wins—whether in fitness, business, or content creation—build momentum over time.

Opportunities are wasted when people don’t value others’ time. Respecting someone’s schedule and preparing beforehand is one of the easiest ways to build credibility.
Notable Quotes
“It’s really easy to be better than 90% of people because most people just will not put any volume of effort into it whatsoever.”

“If you’re going to do anything, do it to the best of your ability.”

“Be fine for a long period of time and everything will fall in line.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: @travischappell

LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn

Other: https://travischappell.com
A Word from Our Sponsors:
https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
- 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
-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
May 28INTERVIEW | Make Money by Mastering Modern Marketing and Building a Global Brand with Raja Rajamannar
In this episode, Travis sits down with Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard and one of the most influential marketing leaders in the world. Raja shares his incredible journey from studying chemical engineering in India to leading branding and marketing initiatives for some of the world’s biggest companies, including Citibank and Mastercard. Along the way, he discusses cultural intelligence, financial lessons learned during the 2008 crisis, and the future of marketing through his groundbreaking concept of “Quantum Marketing.”
On this episode we talk about:
Raja’s unconventional career path from chemical engineering to global marketing leadership

Cultural lessons learned while living and working in India, Dubai, London, and New York

How Mastercard transformed into one of the world’s most recognizable brands

The importance of diversification and smart investing after the 2008 financial crisis

Raja’s concept of “Quantum Marketing” and how AI, neuroscience, and behavioral economics are reshaping the future of business
Top 3 Takeaways
Marketing is deeply tied to culture. Understanding people’s values, behaviors, and norms is essential if you want your messaging to resonate globally.

Diversification matters. Depending entirely on one company for both your income and investments can create major financial risk.

The future of marketing will belong to companies that embrace AI, behavioral science, data, and multi-sensory customer experiences.
Notable Quotes
“Hope is not strategy.”

“Marketing always operates in culture.”

“Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
Connect with Raja Rajamannar:
LinkedIn: Raja Rajamannar

Instagram: @raja_rajamannar

Other: Quantum Marketing Book Website

Other: Mastercard Official Website
A Word from Our Sponsors:
https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney
- 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
-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
May 28SOLO | Make Money by Facing Fear, Chasing Purpose, and Embracing Discomfort - Lessons from my Michelle “Mace” Curran interview
In this solo episode, Travis breaks down some of his biggest takeaways from his conversation with former Air Force fighter pilot and Thunderbird lead solo pilot Michelle Curran. Known by her callsign “Mace,” Michelle built an extraordinary career flying F-16s in high-pressure combat environments before transitioning into public speaking and authorship. Travis reflects on the lessons Michelle shared about fear, imposter syndrome, high achievement, and what it really takes to pursue a meaningful life.
On this episode we talk about:
How one visceral moment completely changed Michelle’s career trajectory

Why competence is only the baseline in high-performance environments

The truth about imposter syndrome and why nearly everyone experiences it

How misapplied fear keeps people from taking action in everyday life

The downside of relentless ambition and constantly moving the goalpost
Top 3 Takeaways
Fear is often misapplied in modern life. Most of the things we fear today are uncomfortable—not life-threatening—and learning to distinguish between the two is critical for growth.

Imposter syndrome is a universal human experience. The people who succeed aren’t fearless—they act despite the fear and build confidence through repeated action.

High achievement and dissatisfaction often come from the same internal drive. Ambition can fuel incredible success, but it can also rob you of celebrating meaningful wins along the way.
Notable Quotes
“The doubt isn’t the problem. Pretending it isn’t there—that’s the problem.”

“Anything worth having in life is going to be difficult to get. That’s what makes it worth having.”

“The drive and the discontent are the same engine.”
Connect with Michelle “Mace” Curran:
Instagram: @mace_curran

Other: Michelle Curran 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 tohttps://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
May 27CO-HOST | Make Money by Owning Your Work Like Dolly Parton
In this episode, Travis and producer Eric go completely off the rails—in the best way possible—while unpacking the business genius of Dolly Parton. What starts as a conversation about the Country Music Hall of Fame turns into a fascinating breakdown of ownership, publishing rights, long-term thinking, and why saying “no” to Elvis Presley may have been one of the smartest financial decisions in entertainment history. Along the way, they discuss celebrity leverage, podcast growth, plateauing in business, and the value of building something you actually own.
On this episode we talk about:
Dolly Parton turning down Elvis Presley over publishing rights

The long-term value of owning your intellectual property

How one business decision created generational wealth

The difference between short-term opportunities and long-term ownership

Podcast growth, celebrity interviews, and building sustainable momentum
Top 3 Takeaways
Ownership matters more than hype. Dolly Parton’s refusal to give up publishing rights became a decision that paid her for decades.

Big opportunities aren’t always the right opportunities if they require giving away too much control.

Success often grows in plateaus and jumps—consistency and long-term thinking matter more than overnight wins.
Notable Quotes
“These are my songs. They’re like my children. I expect them to support me when I’m old.”

“Doors open, but whether you walk through them or not is up to you.”

“One hit does not make the career.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: https://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 tohttps://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
May 27INTERVIEW | Make Money by Becoming an Octopus Organization with Dr. Jana Werner & Phil LeBrun
Dr. Jana Werner and Phil LeBrun are senior leaders at Amazon Web Services who help Fortune 500 companies navigate AI innovation, organizational change, and leadership transformation. Jana is an Executive in Residence at AWS, a Harvard Business Review Press author, and a global transformation leader with experience spanning financial services, startups, and DHL. Phil is the former international CIO of McDonald's, where he led technology modernization across 38,000 restaurants in 120 countries. Together, they co-authored The Octopus Organization, a book focused on helping organizations embrace decentralized leadership, AI adoption, and human-centered change.
On this episode we talk about:
Why most corporate transformations fail — and how to avoid “soul-destroying” change initiatives

The rapid acceleration of AI and why companies are struggling to keep up

How Amazon approaches AI innovation internally and encourages experimentation at scale

The meaning behind “The Octopus Organization” and decentralized intelligence

Why curiosity is one of the most valuable career skills in the modern economy

Phil’s journey from flipping burgers at McDonald’s to becoming international CIO

Jana’s philosophy of saying “yes” to opportunities and connecting the dots later

Why leadership isn’t tied to a title — and how anyone can become a leader

The importance of learning over certainty in today’s workplace

How AI tools are reshaping organizational structures and decision making

Why transformation projects fail 70–90% of the time

Advice for young professionals navigating today’s corporate and AI-driven landscape

How experimentation and autonomy create innovation inside large organizations

The role of curiosity, lifelong learning, and ownership in career growth

Why successful leaders ask better questions instead of pretending to have all the answers
Quotes from the Episode:
“We prefer two teams solving the same problem rather than everyone waiting for permission.” — Phil LeBrun
“If AI stopped developing today, it would still take companies five years to catch up.” — Dr. Jana Werner
“We train people to have answers, not ask questions.” — Phil LeBrun
“My career is a strange connection of dots because I said yes to a lot of things.” — Dr. Jana Werner
Connect with Dr. Jana Werner & Phil LeBrun:
The Octopus Organization 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
28 min
May 27SOLO | Make Money by Thinking Like an Underdog - Lessons from my Randy Couture interview
In this solo episode, Travis breaks down some of the biggest lessons he learned from his conversation with Randy Couture. Randy is a five-time UFC heavyweight champion, actor, entrepreneur, and former Olympic wrestling alternate who built an incredible career during the early “Wild West” days of mixed martial arts. From fighting professionally at age 33 to starring alongside Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables, Randy’s story is a masterclass in resilience, calculated risk-taking, and embracing the underdog mentality. Travis shares key takeaways from their conversation that apply to business, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and life.
On this episode we talk about:
Why setting a clear goal and reverse engineering a plan changes everything

How Randy Couture used “cookie cutter” systems to accomplish major life goals

Why opportunities are useless unless you’re willing to walk through the door

The hidden advantage of being underestimated and overlooked

How to silence negative internal dialogue and regain control of your mindset

Why perfectionism keeps people from ever stepping into the arena

The difference between ambition as a feeling versus ambition as a system

What Randy’s fighting career teaches about handling pressure and public failure

Why high achievement often comes with personal sacrifice

The importance of presence, balance, and honesty in long-term success

How Randy transitioned from UFC champion to actor and entrepreneur

Why taking imperfect action is more valuable than waiting for certainty

Lessons on risk-taking from a man who entered professional fighting at 33 years old

The power of consistently putting yourself in rooms where opportunities exist
Quotes from the Episode:
“Set the goal, draw the map, and go get it.”
“Doors are always going to open. Whether you walk through them is up to you.”
“Thoughts are not facts. They’re just noise.”
“Perfectionism is a hustle that keeps you out of the arena.”
“Being the underdog is not a disadvantage — it’s a gift.”
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 tohttps://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
May 26CO-HOST | Make Money by Working for Free (Strategically)
In this episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into one of the most controversial topics in creative and entrepreneurial spaces: working for free. Drawing from experiences in photography, freelancing, sales, and business, they break down when free work is actually a smart investment versus when it becomes exploitation. The conversation covers entitlement, skill-building, getting your foot in the door, and why the people most offended by free work are often the least successful. Along the way, they also unpack value-based pricing, customer service, and one surprisingly passionate steakhouse tangent.
On this episode we talk about:
Why working for free can be one of the fastest ways to build experience and opportunity

The difference between strategic free work and being taken advantage of

How entitlement holds people back in creative industries

Why successful people rarely complain about beginners offering free work

Pricing, negotiation, and understanding value in business relationships
Top 3 Takeaways
Working for free can be incredibly valuable when it helps you gain skills, build a portfolio, or get access to opportunities you otherwise couldn’t reach.

The key is making sure every opportunity creates a “net positive,” whether through experience, relationships, exposure, creativity, or future income.

Instead of blaming competition or market conditions, focus on becoming so good that people willingly pay premium prices for your work.
Notable Quotes
“You’re paying for the opportunity before you have money to pay for the opportunity.”

“Don’t wish it were easier — wish you were better.”

“I don’t always need to get paid, but everything I do needs to be a net positive for me.”
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 tohttps://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
May 26INTERVIEW | Make Money by Solving Your Own Problems with Josh Whalen
In this episode, Travis sits down with entrepreneur Josh Whalen, co-founder and CEO of Joi + Blokes, a rapidly growing diagnostics and telehealth platform focused on hormone optimization, longevity, and preventative wellness for both men and women. After struggling with his own health issues and becoming frustrated with traditional healthcare, Josh built a company that has now served tens of thousands of patients and scaled to a $50 million run rate. Josh shares his journey from farm work and medical device sales to entrepreneurship, along with lessons on resilience, sales, health optimization, and building businesses around real problems.
On this episode we talk about:
Josh’s journey from military school and medical device sales into entrepreneurship

How failing early in outside sales helped shape his career path

The realities of building and scaling businesses through uncertainty and setbacks

Why personal health struggles led to the creation of Joi + Blokes

Hormone optimization, peptides, longevity, and the future of preventative healthcare
Top 3 Takeaways
Sometimes the best business ideas come from solving a painful problem in your own life.

Early failures and difficult experiences can create the resilience and skills needed for long-term success.

Preventative healthcare and optimization are becoming increasingly important as more people take ownership of their health outside traditional systems.
Notable Quotes
“Hard work gets you some type of reward.”

“I got hit in the face pretty hard.”

“There’s no way they’ve made it this hard for a guy to feel good.”
Connect with Josh Whalen:
Instagram (Men’s Health): https://www.instagram.com/getblokes

Instagram (Women’s Health): https://www.instagram.com/joiwomenswellness

Website: https://www.joiandblokes.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
May 26SOLO | Make Money by Taking Control of Your Health - Lessons from my Michael Smoak interview
In this episode, Travis breaks down his conversation with wellness creator and fitness educator Michael Smoak, better known online as HigherUpWellness. With millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Michael has built a massive audience by cutting through the noise of the fitness industry and sharing practical, evidence-based advice that actually works. Travis reflects on the lessons from their conversation, including why nuance matters in health, how simple habits outperform trendy hacks, and why taking ownership of your physical health can completely transform your life.
On this episode we talk about:
Why certainty and absolutism are major red flags in the fitness industry

The importance of getting your physical health in order early in life

Why fitness and weight loss are simple, but not easy

How honestly tracking your food can completely change your perspective

Why personal responsibility matters more than relying on the healthcare system
Top 3 Takeaways
Most health and fitness advice fails because people focus on hacks and shortcuts instead of mastering the fundamentals like sleep, movement, nutrition, and consistency.

Tracking your calories honestly — even for just 30 days — can expose the habits that are actually holding you back.

Taking control of your health improves far more than your body; it impacts your confidence, mental clarity, opportunities, and overall quality of life.
Notable Quotes
“Nuance isn’t weakness — nuance is honesty.”

“It’s not easy, but it is simple.”

“Nobody’s coming to fix this for you.”
Connect with Michael Smoak:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/higherupwellness

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@higherupwellness

Other: https://higherupwellness.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 tohttps://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
20 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…