Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

May 11CO-HOST | Make Money with Marriage, Prenups & Building Wealth Together
In this episode, Travis Chappell and producer Eric dive into a candid conversation sparked by Dave Portnoy discussing his relationship with his ex-wife on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast. The discussion evolves into a thoughtful exploration of marriage, prenups, business partnerships, loyalty, and what it really means to build a life together. Travis shares personal reflections on getting married young, growing wealth alongside a spouse, and why nuanced conversations matter more than one-size-fits-all advice.
On this episode we talk about:
Dave Portnoy’s viral comments about trusting his ex-wife with his wealth

The pros and cons of prenups in marriage and business partnerships

Why building wealth together changes the dynamics of relationships

Survivor bias and the danger of giving universal relationship advice

Navigating difficult conversations before relationships or partnerships fall apart
Top 3 Takeaways
A prenup doesn’t necessarily signal distrust — it can simply create clarity and protect both parties before emotions complicate decisions.

Relationships and business partnerships both benefit from proactively discussing “what if” scenarios before conflict arises.

There’s no universal formula for successful marriages or partnerships; every relationship has different dynamics, sacrifices, and expectations.
Notable Quotes
“You’re either a team or you’re not a team.”

“You have a prenup regardless of whether you sign one — one’s written by the state and the other one’s written by you.”

“Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn

Instagram: Travis Chappell on Instagram

Other: https://travischappell.com

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22 min
May 11 TMF PREVIEW | Make Friends with Scott Harrison
What if one of the world’s most solvable problems remains unsolved… simply because most of us never have to think about it?
In this preview episode of Travis Makes Friends, Travis sits down with Scott Harrison, founder of Charity: Water, to unpack a staggering reality: 700 million people still lack access to clean water—and the biggest barrier isn’t technology, it’s attention and funding. Scott shares how his organization has already helped over 21.6 million people across 29 countries, and why that progress, while meaningful, is still just a fraction of what’s possible.
Scott breaks down the evolution of the clean water movement—from early challenges around sustainability and infrastructure to today’s highly effective, locally tailored solutions. With a portfolio of over a dozen technologies, from wells to solar-powered systems, the problem is no longer how to deliver clean water—it’s how to scale it. And according to Scott, the number is surprisingly within reach: about $100 billion could bring clean water to everyone on Earth in as little as a decade.
The conversation highlights the hidden cost of water scarcity, especially for women and girls. In many communities, they spend hours each day walking to collect unsafe water—time that could otherwise go toward education, work, or building businesses. Scott shares powerful data and stories showing how access to clean water can reduce disease by up to 80%, keep girls in school, and unlock entire local economies almost overnight.
Travis and Scott also explore why this crisis remains so underfunded. In developed countries, clean water is so accessible that it’s virtually invisible—something we use dozens of times a day without a second thought. That disconnect, Scott explains, is the core challenge: people don’t rally around problems they’ve never experienced.
You’ll also hear how charity: water is rethinking philanthropy through initiatives like The Spring, a subscription-style giving model that allows everyday donors to contribute monthly and see exactly where their money goes. With billions of dollars sitting in donor-advised funds, Scott makes the case that solving the global water crisis is less about innovation—and more about mobilization.
If you’ve ever wondered how one resource could impact health, education, gender equality, and economic growth all at once, this preview offers a compelling answer—and a clear call to rethink what’s possible.
Hit play to hear why the solution to one of humanity’s oldest problems might already be in our hands—and what it would take to finally finish the job.

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15 min
May 10CO-HOST | Make Money with the Caitlin Clark Effect
Caitlin Clark has become one of the biggest stars in professional sports, transforming the WNBA’s popularity and sparking major conversations around athlete pay, league growth, and the future of women’s basketball. In this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down the “Caitlin Clark Effect,” explore how one player can completely reshape a sport’s economics, and debate what it really takes to grow a professional league.
On this episode we talk about:
Caitlin Clark’s impact on WNBA attendance, ratings, and merchandise sales

Why WNBA salaries have historically lagged behind other professional sports

The economics behind athlete pay and league profitability

How superstar players elevate entire sports leagues

Why shooting ability and “must-watch” talent matter more than ever in basketball
Top 3 Takeaways
Caitlin Clark’s popularity has dramatically increased WNBA ratings, ticket sales, and overall league revenue.

Professional sports salaries ultimately depend on the revenue a league generates, not just talent alone.

Being exceptionally skilled at something unique — “so good they can’t ignore you” — creates leverage and opportunity in any field.
Notable Quotes
“Be so good they can’t ignore you.”

“Caitlin Clark has brought so much viewership because she does stuff that is unbelievable to watch.”

“Money only solves your money problems, but it’s hard to solve the rest of your problems without money in the bank.”
Connect with Travis:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell

Other: https://travischappell.com
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30 min
May 10INTERVIEW | Make Money Building an Audience and Surviving the Attention Economy with Jo Piazza
Bestselling author, journalist, and podcast creator Jo Piazza joins Travis to break down the realities of building a career as a modern writer. From working gossip columns in New York City to publishing bestselling novels, launching hit podcasts, and navigating today’s AI-driven content landscape, Jo shares the unfiltered truth about storytelling, publishing, audience building, and why creators need to think like entrepreneurs. With books published in multiple languages and millions of podcast downloads, Jo brings a candid, funny, and deeply practical perspective on making a living through creativity.
On this episode we talk about:
How Jo broke into journalism and built a writing career during a collapsing media industry

Why mentorship and hard work still matter in creative careers

The rise of self-publishing, Substack, and creator-owned audiences

How AI-generated content is impacting books, publishing, and attention spans

The business realities behind book deals, podcasts, and film adaptations
Top 3 Takeaways
If you want to be a writer or creator, start building your audience immediately instead of waiting for permission from traditional gatekeepers.

Creative careers require constant adaptation — the pathway to success changes, but opportunities still exist for people willing to hustle.

Owning your platform, audience, and intellectual property creates long-term leverage and financial opportunity.
Notable Quotes
“If you want to be a writer, you just have to be writing.”

“The traditional path that was available to me is not available anymore.”

“I adore writing books. It’s also a job. This is what pays my mortgage.”
Connect with Jo Piazza:
Instagram: @JoPiazzaAuthor

Website: Jo Piazza Official Website

Newsletter: Over the Influence

Podcast: Under the Influence Podcast
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24 min
May 09CO-HOST | Make Money Like Shannon Elizabeth—$1.2M in 7 Days on OnlyFans
Travis and his producer Eric discuss actress Shannon Elizabeth's remarkable OnlyFans success, where she earned $1.2 million in her first seven days on the platform. The conversation explores the economics of creator platforms, celebrity access, and the power of owning your audience versus working through traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. They also dive into the harsh realities for average OnlyFans creators and what it really takes to succeed in the creator economy.
On this episode we talk about:
Shannon Elizabeth's $1.2 million OnlyFans launch in seven days and how it exceeded her combined earnings from American Pie, Scary Movie, and Love Actually

The average OnlyFans creator earnings ($131/month) versus the top 1% who capture 33% of all platform revenue

How celebrities like Sophie Rain and Drea De Matteo have used OnlyFans to earn millions or save themselves from financial ruin

The economics of direct fan access through platforms like OnlyFans, Cameo, and podcasts versus traditional Hollywood deals

The risks and realities of paying big money for celebrity podcast guests and whether it actually moves the needle
Top 3 Takeaways
Owning your own distribution channel and audience gives you far more control and earning potential than relying on traditional gatekeepers—Shannon Elizabeth made more in one week on OnlyFans than she did from all her major film roles combined

Platform economics heavily favor the top creators—while the top 0.1% of OnlyFans creators average $146,881/month, most creators make under $50/month, with the median earning just $24/month

Paying for celebrity access doesn't guarantee success—whether booking guests for podcasts or events, the draw of the person asking questions matters just as much as the celebrity in the room
Notable Quotes
"For decades other people controlled the narrative and outcome of my career. This allows me to connect directly with my audience, create my own terms and just be free. I really do think this is the future." - Shannon Elizabeth

"It's crazy that all those gatekeepers of her being able to just go like... you can go on cameo and say, oh, I love this show, is there somebody from the boys on cameo and I can get them to answer a question... it's selling access. There's a real economy behind just connecting people together" - Eric

"Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank. So let's start there." - Travis
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell

Website: https://travischappell.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
A Word from our Sponsor:
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24 min
May 09INTERVIEW | Make Money by Solving Real Problems with Brian Keller
Brian Keller is the CEO and co-founder of Rora, a company focused on creating innovative, easy-to-use water filtration systems designed to improve health without requiring complicated plumbing. After discovering that a filtered shower head dramatically improved his daughter’s eczema, Brian became obsessed with understanding water quality and building products that families could trust. Prior to launching Rora, Brian co-founded the mission-driven apparel brand Love Your Melon, scaling it over a decade before a successful exit. In this episode, Brian shares how identifying a personal pain point led to building an eight-figure business in less than a year.
On this episode we talk about:
How Brian turned his daughter’s health issue into a fast-growing business opportunity

The importance of product development and spending years perfecting a product before launch

Building an audience and generating demand before a product even exists

Raising capital for a physical product company and pitching investors pre-revenue

Why branding, design, and customer trust matter in highly competitive industries
Top 3 Takeaways
The best business ideas often come from solving a real personal problem that deeply matters to you.

Building trust through transparency, education, and credible partnerships can accelerate growth in crowded markets.

Pre-launch marketing and audience building can create massive momentum from day one of a product launch.
Notable Quotes
“Everything’s a problem and a solution. It’s just about how quickly you can find the solution.”

“If we can make it beautiful and easy to use, people are going to drink more water and ultimately be healthier.”

“When you’re investing early stage, pre-product, pre-revenue, it ultimately comes down to whether people believe the founders can execute.”
Connect with Brian Keller:
Instagram: @rorrawater

LinkedIN: linkedin.com/in/briandavid7

Other: Rorra Official Website
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31 min
May 08CO-HOST | Make Money With Fast Food Subscriptions
On this episode, Travis is joined in studio by his producer Eric for a hilarious and surprisingly insightful conversation about fast food, self-control, and how subscription models are changing the way restaurants make money. They riff on Travis’s former “big back” days, his love of junk cereal and late-night drive‑thrus, and then pivot into a real discussion about what an “all you can eat” McDonald’s subscription would mean for both customers and the company. Along the way, they unpack how chains like Taco Bell, Panera, and others are already using subscription offers to drive recurring revenue and loyalty.
On this episode we talk about:
Travis’s past life at 250 pounds and how fast food and junk cereal fueled it.

A 30‑question fast food photo quiz that proves how well he knows major chains by sight alone.

The viral rumor about McDonald’s testing a $54/month “unlimited food” subscription and why that price makes no sense.

How other brands like Taco Bell and Panera have already rolled out subscription-style offers that actually work.

Why restaurant subscriptions can be powerful recurring revenue plays and why Travis wishes Chipotle would roll one out.
Top 3 Takeaways
Overconsumption is easy when access is cheap and convenient, which is why a low-priced “all you can eat” fast food subscription would be disastrous for both health and margins.

Subscription models in restaurants work best when they drive frequent visits and incremental spend (like a taco‑a‑day pass) rather than unlimited everything.

For operators and franchisees, subscriptions are a powerful way to build predictable monthly revenue and customer loyalty, but they have to be structured carefully to protect profitability.
Notable Quotes
“Doing whatever you want whenever you want is usually not a great strategy.”

“If there’s $54 a month all‑you‑can‑eat McDonald’s, I’ll die at 35.”

“I always loved that Chipotle is the healthy fast food option… I wish I could pay up front and just get this many meals at a discounted rate.”
Connect with Travis:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell

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

Other (Podcast & resources): https://travischappell.com
Are you ready to start your own creator
journey and make it big? Visit
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26 min
May 08INTERVIEW | Make Money with Beverage Innovation with Chris Hunter
Chris Hunter is the co-founder of Four Loko and the founder behind Koia, one of the fastest-growing plant-based protein beverage brands in the country. From disrupting the alcohol industry in the early 2000s to building a multi-nine-figure health beverage company carried in over 35,000 retailers, Chris has mastered the art of spotting trends, scaling brands, and staying ahead of consumer demand. In this episode, he shares lessons from decades in the beverage industry, the realities of entrepreneurship, and why curiosity is one of the most valuable traits a founder can have.
On this episode we talk about:
The evolution of Koia from refrigerated protein drinks to shelf-stable products

Why protein and creatine are becoming mainstream for women’s health

How Chris identifies consumer trends before they explode

The brutal realities of building a beverage company

Why most successful operators don’t spend all their time building personal brands
Top 3 Takeaways
The best entrepreneurs stay deeply curious and constantly pay attention to changing consumer behavior.

Building a successful company rarely follows a straight path—every business requires pivots, patience, and resilience.

Simplicity wins: the strongest brands are often built around one clear and easy-to-understand idea.
Notable Quotes
“What we’re inherently good at is not always obvious to us because we only know it as something that we inherently do.”

“Finding that curiosity in the middle road has been valuable to me.”

“The reason a lot of successful operators don’t have huge personal brands is because they’re busy actually building companies.”
Connect with Chris Hunter:
LinkedIn: Chris Hunter on LinkedIn

Instagram: Chris Hunter on Instagram

Other: Blackout Punch: An Entrepreneur’s Journey from Chaos to Clarity

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24 min
May 08SOLO | Make Money By Following These 3 Timeless Success Principles
Travis Chappell is the host of the Travis Makes Money podcast and a content creator who transformed from a 24-year-old door-to-door sales guy with zero content experience into a successful podcaster and entrepreneur. His journey has been guided by principles that helped him build an audience and create meaningful content in a crowded digital landscape.
On this episode we talk about:
Why treating an audience of one like an audience of a million is essential for growth

The importance of being so good at your craft that people can't ignore you

How to determine whose advice you should actually follow

Building quality content habits from day one, regardless of metrics

The mindset shift from scarcity to abundance when creating content
Top 3 Takeaways
One is greater than zero - Every listener, viewer, or audience member deserves your best effort because you're competing with all content everywhere, not just your niche, and treating small audiences with respect is how you earn larger ones.

Be so good they can't ignore you - Focus on continuously improving your skills, learning from the best, and creating unignorable content rather than chasing vanity metrics or waiting for a bigger platform to give your best effort.

Don't take advice from people you wouldn't trade places with - Seek guidance from those who have achieved success in the specific area you're trying to improve, not just from people who care about you, because love doesn't equal correct advice.
Notable Quotes
"If you don't treat the audience of one as though it's the audience of a million, then you'll never gain the audience of a million either."

"Every minute of a listener's time is earned. Every second of a viewer's time is earned."

"Just because somebody loves you does not mean that the advice that they're giving you is right."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
Instagram: @TravisChappell

Website: https://travischappell.com

Other: gohighlevel.com/travis (for free 30-day trial)

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15 min
May 07CO-HOST | Make Money with Star Power and Strategic Sacrifice
In this episode, Travis and his producer dive into the fascinating financial strategy and global influence of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani. While there’s no traditional guest, the conversation highlights what makes Ohtani one of the most unique earners in sports history—blending elite performance, international appeal, and long-term thinking. From endorsement dominance to contract structuring, this episode unpacks how one athlete is redefining what it means to make money.
On this episode we talk about:
How Shohei Ohtani earns over $100M annually from endorsements alone

Why Ohtani deferred $680M of his $700M contract—and what that means

The power of global markets (especially Japan + U.S.) in building wealth

How star power translates into measurable business impact

Why creating value is the key to earning more (on and off the field)
Top 3 Takeaways
If you create massive value, you earn the right to capture massive income—Ohtani is a perfect example.

Delayed gratification (like deferring salary) can lead to greater long-term success and legacy.

Global reach matters—expanding influence beyond one market can multiply earning potential.
Notable Quotes
"If you create that much epic value in the world, then you deserve to get a slice of the value that you create."

"He's in such a unique position because he's going to make so much money off the field."

"The more you win, the bigger the market becomes—and the more money follows."
Connect with Travis:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travischappell

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

Other: https://travischappell.com

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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…