Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

April 27 TMF PREVIEW | Make Friends with Jack Carr
What if your real calling has been with you since you were a kid—and you’ve just forgotten how to hear it?
In this preview episode, former Navy SEAL turned bestselling thriller author Jack Carr sits down with Travis to unpack where certainty of purpose actually comes from, and why your most honest clues are often buried in what you were obsessed with between ages eight and eighteen. From growing up surrounded by his late grandfather’s World War II maps, medals, and Marine Corps aviation memorabilia, to getting hooked on black‑and‑white “frogman” films and library books about early Naval special operations, Jack shares how the stories, artifacts, and heroes of his childhood quietly imprinted a lifelong desire to test himself and serve something bigger than himself.
Jack explains why humans are wired to prove their value to the “tribe,” and how, in a world of comfort and convenience, that ancient drive to hunt, fight, and contribute hasn’t disappeared—it’s just been numbed. He and Travis explore the idea of an inner “voice” or sixth sense that pushes you toward challenge, risk, and service, and how ignoring it in favor of safer, more socially acceptable paths can leave you feeling lost as an adult. They also dig into why the books, movies, and TV you binge when you’re young work like a time machine: they don’t just entertain you, they program your sense of identity, possibility, and what a meaningful life looks like.
You’ll hear how Jack’s early immersion in classic thrillers and 80s action heroes didn’t just inspire his SEAL career; it became a stealth education in storytelling—structure, pacing, character, and theme—long before he ever wrote a sentence. He breaks down why reading physical books as an active participant hits your brain differently than passively consuming content on screens or through audiobooks, and how that deliberate input helped him transition from special operations to a second career as an author without ever feeling like he needed a “Plan B.”
The conversation also turns to parenting and the modern “wild west” of algorithms, social media, and what Jack bluntly calls “manipulation devices.” As a dad, he shares how he thinks about mentors, cultural influences, and the difference between choosing your heroes—like Rocky or classic war stories—and being fed influencers and content you never asked for. He and Travis wrestle with how to help kids trust their instincts, protect their attention, and still hear that inner calling in a world where the loudest voices are often coming from bots, brands, and foreign actors instead of real mentors.
If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your purpose, wondered when you lost touch with the most unapologetic version of yourself, or questioned whether it’s too late to follow that nagging inner voice, this preview will give you a powerful lens: look back at what lit you up before the world told you who to be.
Hit play to hear why Jack believes the best futures are built by those who stay students for life, trust their gut, and are willing to test themselves in service of something greater.

Check out the full episode on Travis's Youtube HERE

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
April 27SOLO | Make Money Without Falling for Self-Help Myths, part 2
On this solo episode, Travis Chappell breaks down some of the most popular self‑help tropes and explains why they often keep you stuck instead of helping you win in business and life. He pulls from research, expert debates, and his own experience in podcasting and entrepreneurship to show what actually moves the needle: deliberate practice, critical thinking, and a ruthless bias toward action.
On this episode we talk about:
Why the “10,000 hour rule” is oversimplified marketing, not a universal law of mastery.

The difference between clocking hours and doing true deliberate practice with feedback and focus.

How low-barrier, high-reward fields like podcasting and real estate expose fake “experience.”

Why most self-help content doesn’t transform your life and how to interrogate every piece of advice.

The real role of visualization, routines, and motivation—and why none of it matters without action.
Top 3 Takeaways
Mastery comes from deliberate practice, not just time served. It is high‑quality, structured, feedback‑rich reps in the right domain that create world‑class skill, not simply logging 10,000 random hours.

Consume self‑help critically and focus on behavior change. Most popular advice is untested or debunked, and books or courses only matter if your behavior looks different 30–90 days later.

Tools like visualization and morning routines only work when tied to action. Routines, mental imagery, and motivation can actually become sophisticated procrastination if they replace doing the real work that creates results.
Notable Quotes
“Some people don’t have 20 years of experience; they have one year of experience lived 20 times because there’s no rich feedback loop.”

“Do not treat men like gods—interrogate the advice you’re getting, even if it comes from someone you really like.”

“Measure a book or a course by the behavior change after 30 to 90 days, not by how hyped you feel the weekend you finish it.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell

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

Other: https://travischappell.com
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
April 26CO-HOST | Make Money by Understanding Taxes, Refunds, and Smart Financial Decisions
In this episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a candid and entertaining conversation about taxes, refunds, and the realities of earning more money. From the benefits of hiring a CPA to debates around flat taxes and government policy, they break down complex financial topics in a relatable way—while sharing personal experiences and insights that highlight how everyday earners can better navigate the system.
On this episode we talk about:
Why hiring a CPA becomes essential as your income streams grow

How tax systems work (and why they feel overly complicated)

The debate between flat tax vs. progressive tax structures

Recent increases in average tax refunds and what’s driving them

How most people are using their tax refunds (and what they should do instead)
Top 3 Takeaways
As your income becomes more complex (side hustles, business income, 1099s), a CPA can save you significantly more than they cost.

The tax system can unintentionally discourage earning more due to higher marginal rates and complexity—understanding how brackets actually work is key.

Most people use tax refunds to pay off debt or save, but proactively managing taxes year-round is more powerful than relying on a refund.
Notable Quotes
"When you start making more money, a CPA is worth their weight in gold."

"Anything that disincentivizes growth and betterment seems like a strange system."

"Money only solves your money problems—but it’s easier to solve the rest with money in the bank."
Connect with Travis:
- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
- Website: https://travischappell.com

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
April 26INTERVIEW | Make Money by Reinventing Coffee with Mesh Gelman
In this episode, Travis sits down with Mesh Gelman, founder and CEO of Cumulus Coffee Company. With a career spanning entrepreneurship, retail innovation, and leadership at Starbucks—including running retail partnerships and its innovation incubator—Mesh brings decades of experience to the world of coffee. After years of R&D, he launched Cumulus to solve one of the biggest challenges in coffee: delivering high-quality cold brew at home in seconds. His journey blends curiosity, resilience, and a relentless drive to build something truly differentiated.
On this episode we talk about:
Mesh’s unconventional path from teaching to textiles to coffee innovation

Lessons learned scaling a retail business and landing major partners like JCPenney

What he learned working closely with Starbucks and Howard Schultz

The massive shift from hot coffee to cold brew and what it means for the market

The 4+ year R&D journey behind building Cumulus Coffee
Top 3 Takeaways
Curiosity and asking better questions can open more doors than having all the answers.

Building your own brand—and owning the customer relationship—is critical for long-term stability.

The best innovations often come from solving operational pain points that others overlook.
Notable Quotes
"The smartest people I knew were asking questions, not just giving answers."

"The world will be fine tomorrow without us—we have to earn our business every day."

"It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had—and it brings me more joy than anything I’ve done."
Connect with Mesh Gelman:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshgelman

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

Other: https://cumuluscoffee.com

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
April 26SOLO | Make Money Without Falling for Self-Help Myths, part 1
On this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, host Travis Chappell breaks down some of the most overused and under-examined self-help tropes that can quietly sabotage your finances, fulfillment, and decision-making. Drawing on research, real-world examples, and his own experience taking big swings in business, Travis separates what’s psychologically useful from what’s pure pseudoscience so you can build wealth and a meaningful life on solid ground—not wishful thinking.
On this episode we talk about:
Why the constant pursuit of the “best version of yourself” can reinforce a harmful belief that you’re never enough.

How the law of attraction and manifestation culture drift into pseudoscience and prosperity-gospel thinking.

The real (and risky) financial behaviors correlated with strong manifestation beliefs, including overestimating upside and underestimating constraints.

The difference between healthy optimism and toxic positivity—and why “just think positive” often backfires.

How realistic optimism, grounded in action, problem-solving, and behavioral change, actually helps you make more money and improve your life.
Top 3 Takeaways
Belief without behavior is useless: Delusional self-belief only matters if it changes how you structure your day, the actions you take, and the skills you develop over time; it’s the behavior, not the belief alone, that creates outcomes.

Manifestation can be financially dangerous: Strong belief in manifestation and “the universe will deliver” can push people into poorly vetted, high-risk financial decisions, increasing susceptibility to serious losses and even bankruptcy.

Realistic optimism beats toxic positivity: Positive thinking is powerful only when it helps you acknowledge real problems, process difficult emotions, and then take better action; denying reality or skipping the hard work makes things worse, not better.
Notable Quotes
“This is not the universe’s version of Amazon Prime—thinking about something hard enough doesn’t mean it’s going to show up in two days on your front door.”

“I’ve never met one wildly successful person who just believed hard enough and then woke up with all their dreams fulfilled; the belief only mattered because it drove a massive amount of consistent action.”

“Optimism is healthy when it helps you face hard things and take better action—not when it tricks you into pretending that nothing is wrong.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell

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

Other (Website): https://travischappell.com/
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
April 25CO-HOST | Make Money Delivering: How Viral “Uber Feets” Hacks Are Boosting Tips
On this episode, Travis is joined in studio by his producer for a hilarious and surprisingly insightful breakdown of how a simple, oddball idea turned into serious extra tip money for delivery drivers. They dig into a viral Threads post about “Uber Feets,” the psychology of tipping, and what it reveals about how people actually behave (versus how tech optimists want to believe they behave).
On this episode we talk about:
How a viral “Uber Feets” Threads post led to dramatically higher tips for Uber and DoorDash drivers.

Why adding a human (or “foot”) element to delivery photos might trigger bigger tips and follow-up bonuses.

How brands like Uber Eats and Crocs jumped into the conversation with offers, credits, and free products.

The line between clever growth hacks and tapping into fetish culture online—and why it matters for creators and side hustlers.

What this trend says about social media virality, monetizing attention, and where the real money is in the creator economy.
Top 3 Takeaways
Small, weird tweaks to how you present yourself or your service—like “Uber Feets” photos—can unlock significantly higher earnings from the exact same work.

When you go viral, brands will often offer “credits” or free products instead of cash, so you need to think strategically about what exposure and compensation are actually worth to you.

Not every revenue bump comes from noble motives; understanding the real (sometimes uncomfortable) reasons people spend or tip can help you design more effective money-making strategies.
Notable Quotes
“I started leaving my feet in the frame of the picture of the food by the door. I've seen my tips go up by a lot with people adding extra tips after drop off.”

“Their fare for this order was 15.99. They got a 49.69 tip, so they earned 65.68 on the trip.”

“People aren't tipping for the toes. They're tipping because the photo reminded them that a human brought their food… That is such an optimistic, innocent reading of the world.”
Connect with Travis:
- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell
- Website: https://travischappell.com

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
22 min
April 25 REPOST | Make Money with Positive Psychology, feat. Niyc Pidgeon
Niyc Pidgeon is an award-winning positive psychologist, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and eight-figure business mentor. With a mission to help a billion people become more mentally healthy, Niyc has built a career empowering individuals to create joy and success in their lives. She’s the founder of the Positive Psychology Coach Academy Certification Program and the author of Now Is Your Chance and One More Day. In this episode, Niyc shares her journey from humble beginnings to building multi-million-dollar offers, while emphasizing the importance of mindset, resilience, and purpose in achieving success.

On this episode we talk about:

- How Niyc transitioned from struggling entrepreneur to eight-figure business mentor
– The role of mindset and belief in overcoming challenges
– Writing impactful books, including her latest business book, Unstoppable Success
– Building scalable business models through coaching and certification programs
– The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive relationships

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Belief is key: The first dollar you make online isn’t about the money—it’s about proving to yourself that success is possible.
2. Action breeds clarity: Start taking steps toward your goals even if you don’t have everything figured out. Clarity comes through action.
3. Relationships matter: Surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you can make all the difference in your journey.

Notable Quotes
– "Positive psychology focuses on human strength and virtue—what we do right as people rather than what we do wrong."
– "When times get tough, lean into your mission and purpose to stay motivated."
– "Action provides clarity; you don’t need to have everything figured out before you start."

Connect with Niyc Pidgeon:
– LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/niycpidgeon
– Instagram: @niycpidge
– Website: niycpidgeon.com
Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min
April 25SOLO | Make Money by Using Interviews to Get Into Any Room, part 2
On this solo episode, host Travis Chappell breaks down how he’s used his podcast—and now broader interview content—as an “access machine” to land invitations into high-level rooms he once felt wildly underqualified to be in. He shares real stories, including a private dinner in Las Vegas with a near–billionaire founder and a team interviewing Tom Brady, to illustrate how consistent interviewing builds relationships, opens doors, and compounds over years. If you’re an entrepreneur, side hustler, or creator who feels overlooked despite your skill set, this episode shows you how to use interviews strategically to connect with anyone.
On this episode we talk about:
How a simple podcast interview in 2018 led to years of events, dinners, and high-level introductions in Las Vegas and beyond.

Why your show—podcast, YouTube series, or short-form interview format—is an excuse to initiate conversations that would otherwise never happen.

The difference between a “media company” podcast and a “business development” podcast and why most entrepreneurs should choose the latter.

The guest ladder strategy: moving from tier one contacts at your level to progressively higher-profile guests using social proof and introductions.

How to prepare for big-name interviews so you earn referrals, intros, and deeper friendships instead of wasting a rare opportunity.
Top 3 Takeaways
Your show is an access tool, not just a content machine. When you treat your podcast or interview series as a way to build relationships, it becomes a vehicle for entering rooms, deals, and networks you’d never reach through cold outreach alone.

Climb the guest ladder with courage and volume. Start with people at or just above your level, ask them for introductions, then leverage those names as social proof when reaching up to bigger guests—sending 100 thoughtful DMs beats quitting after three.

Earning repeat access requires real preparation. High-level guests introduce you to their network only if your interview feels thoughtful, relationship-driven, and respectful of their time, not like a surface-level clip grab.
Notable Quotes
“Your podcast is not just a content machine—it’s an access machine if you can use it correctly.”

“We don’t want to solve for luck; we want to solve for what will work over a long period of time and then cross our fingers and hope we get lucky along the way.”

“The courage to send the first message is often the only thing standing between you and conversations with high-quality people.”
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell

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

Other: https://travischappell.com
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
April 24 CO-HOST | Make Money Exposing Financial Mismanagement, part 4
During this special collaboration series, Travis and his producer, Eric, who hosts his own podcast, Preacher Boys, discuss the alleged mismanagement of funds in a case in North Carolina.

The overlap of ministry and business is broken down in this heavy but much needed conversation.

Check out Eric's show shining light on more issues like this:
https://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoys

Connect with Travis:
- IG: https://instagram.com/travischappell
- Website: https://travischappell.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
28 min
April 24INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building a High-Ticket Coaching Business with Zander Fryer
Zander Fryer is the CEO and founder of High Impact Coaching, one of Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies. After leaving a successful engineering career at Cisco, Zander built a multi-million dollar coaching business, generating over $20 million in revenue and helping his clients earn more than $350 million worldwide. Known for his no-BS approach to business and coaching, Zander specializes in helping entrepreneurs create impactful, profitable coaching offers that actually sell.

On this episode we talk about:
Why Zander walked away from a high-paying corporate job (and the mindset shift that made it happen)

The fastest way to get your first coaching client (without a website or business setup)

Why most coaches fail with their offer—and how to fix it

The power of “identity-based decisions” vs. “consequence-based decisions”

How to create high-ticket offers people actually want to buy

Real examples of unconventional coaching niches that are crushing it
Key Takeaways
Zander shares the exact moment he quit his corporate job—and how one question from a mentor completely reframed how he viewed time, purpose, and risk. Instead of waiting for clarity, he took immediate action, investing heavily in mentorship and learning by doing.
He breaks down why most aspiring coaches overcomplicate everything except the one thing that matters most: the offer. From confusing messaging to trying to “sound unique,” he explains why simplicity, clarity, and market demand always win.
The conversation also dives into high-ticket coaching, why starting with premium pricing can actually be easier, and how human connection remains a key differentiator—even in the age of AI.

Connect with Zander:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zanderfryer/

Website: https://zanderfryer.com/

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

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 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…