Travis Makes Money

By Travis ChappellBusiness Entrepreneurship Education Self-Improvement Investing Careers

Travis Makes Money episodes

April 07SOLO | Make Money Leveraging Good Debt
Travis is a seasoned entrepreneur, podcaster, and former door-to-door sales rep who has built multiple businesses by strategically using low-interest and 0% debt. He shares candid stories of funding his podcasting journey, a software startup, and a brick-and-mortar franchise, all while navigating the psychological and financial risks of borrowing. His experience-based approach makes this episode especially useful for anyone torn between “all debt is bad” and “leverage everything.”
On this episode we talk about:
How Travis used a 0% credit card to launch his podcasting career

Why he values financial, time, and location freedom in online business

Using 0% credit cards and funding to build a software startup

Financing a brick-and-mortar franchise with credit cards and an SBA loan

The psychological side of debt and creating urgency without being reckless
Top 3 Takeaways
Strategic, low- or 0%-interest debt can accelerate your path into a new business or skill set when it’s used to buy knowledge, relationships, and revenue-generating assets—not toys.

Debt works best when you have a clear plan to “outwork” it quickly, maintain strict discipline, and avoid stacking new debt just to cover old debt.

Whether debt is “good” or “bad” depends on your psychology, habits, and situation; it’s a case-by-case decision, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Notable Quotes
“My content is documenting what I’m doing. It’s not a sermon.”

“I don’t like debt, but seeing it makes me go into hyperdrive to earn more and pay it off.”

“Ask yourself: is this helpful, what are the downsides, what are the upsides, and can I comfortably outwork this debt?”
Connect with Travis:
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/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

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20 min
April 06CO-HOST | Make Money by Knowing When a Big Risk Becomes a Big Mistake
Travis Chappell and his producer Eric break down the fallout around ABC’s canceled Bachelorette season and use it as a bigger lesson in branding, risk, and media economics. The conversation blends pop culture, reality TV, and business strategy to show how attention, credibility, and trust shape both audience growth and revenue.
On this episode we talk about:
Why ABC’s decision to cast Taylor Frankie Paul was a high-risk move for the franchise.

How the cancellation created major financial fallout for the network and advertisers.

The difference between short-term attention and long-term brand damage.

Why reality TV thrives on messy personalities but still has a line it cannot cross.

What the situation reveals about media strategy, vetting, and protecting a valuable IP.
Top 3 Takeaways
Chasing attention without protecting the brand can backfire fast, especially when the audience expects a certain kind of consistency.

Even major networks can make expensive mistakes when they prioritize hype over judgment.

Reality TV depends on drama, but there is still a huge difference between entertaining conflict and behavior that crosses into real harm.
Notable Quotes
"It sounds low to me, frankly."

"That's the thing that they became famous for is just living their life and then filming it."

"You want the person who will pour a drink on someone at a table. Yeah. But you also don't want a person that'll break the glass on the table and stab someone in the neck."
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 and marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis.

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31 min
April 06SOLO | Make Money by Building Attention, Credibility, and Trust
Travis Chappell breaks down his ACT method for building a personal brand: Attention, Credibility, and Trust. In this solo episode, he explains why podcasting is one of the most effective ways to grow a brand because it can move people through all three stages at once, especially when you show up as a guest on someone else’s show.
On this episode we talk about:
Why attention is the first requirement for any personal brand.

How credibility supports attention and keeps people from dropping out of the funnel.

Why trust is the most important part of the brand-building process.

How podcasting can build attention, credibility, and trust faster than many other platforms.

Why some attention-grabbing tactics can hurt your brand if they cross ethical or moral lines.
Top 3 Takeaways
If people do not know who you are, they cannot buy from you, follow you, or refer you.

Podcasting is powerful because it lets people spend meaningful time with you while also seeing your credibility in context.

The best personal brands are built on trust over time, not just on viral reach or controversy.
Notable Quotes
"The ACT method to building a personal brand."

"If nobody knows who you are, then they can't buy your stuff."

"Best known beats best every day of the week."
Connect with Travis Chappell:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell

Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell

Other: https://travischappell.com
Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the all-in-one sales and marketing platform built for agencies, by an agency. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
20 min
April 06 TMF PREVIEW | Make Friends with Dave Berke and Michelle "Mace" Curran
Ever wonder what it really feels like to leave behind an elite military career and try to build a meaningful life on the other side? In this preview from Travis Makes Friends, Travis Chappell sits down with former Marine fighter pilot Dave Berke and former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Mace Curran to talk about life after service, the challenge of translating hard-earned experience into a new career, and what it takes to keep growing once the mission changes.
Dave and Mace open up about the long, demanding process of writing books and distilling years of experience into lessons others can actually use. What sounds simple on the surface turns out to be a deeply reflective process — one that requires not just expertise, but the ability to look back, connect the dots, and turn lived experience into something teachable. Travis unpacks why that skill matters so much, especially for people whose credibility comes from having done the work at the highest level.
The conversation also digs into what they enjoy most now: making an impact. Mace shares how powerful it is to see the direct effect of her keynotes, whether she’s speaking to a crowd, connecting face-to-face afterward, or hearing months later that something she said changed someone’s life. Dave echoes that same theme from the leadership side, explaining how meaningful it is to teach leadership as a skill anyone can learn, improve, and pass on to others.
You’ll also hear honest reflections on what’s been difficult in the transition out of the military — from missing the camaraderie of a fighter squadron to adjusting to a different kind of social life. Mace talks candidly about the challenge of building friendships outside that world and realizing relationships don’t just happen automatically anymore; they take intentionality and effort. Dave shares a similar perspective, describing how he’s found connection through both work and his family life, while still appreciating the rare bond that comes from serving in an elite, high-pressure environment.
This preview also touches on the unique culture of military aviation, the emotional pull of flying, and the realities of whether they miss it. For Mace, the answer is complicated: she doesn’t miss the flying as much as she misses the people, the language, and the sense of belonging. For Dave, the military is something he looks back on with gratitude, but not longing — because he’s found fulfillment in what he’s doing now.
If you’ve ever wondered how high performers reinvent themselves after a defining career, or how to build a life filled with purpose when your old identity no longer fits, this conversation offers an honest and encouraging look at what that transition really takes.
Hit play to hear how Dave and Mace are building impact, connection, and purpose in the next chapter of their lives.

For the Full Episode, CLICK HERE

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15 min
April 05 REPOST | Make Money By Unlocking the Quantum Woman | Shamina Taylor
Shamina Taylor is an attorney turned wealth expert, business mentor, author, and speaker who helps high-achieving women elevate their lives and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Shamina has guided hundreds of clients to build successful businesses both online and offline. Her top clients earn up to $100,000 a month and have crossed the million-dollar revenue mark. Shamina’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and unlocking abundance—she built her own business to $1 million in just 10 months and now mentors Grammy-winning celebrities and industry leaders.

On this episode we talk about:
– Shamina’s journey from selling chips as a kid in Canada to becoming a successful attorney and, ultimately, a sought-after wealth coach
– The pivotal yoga mat moment that sparked her transformation from high-performing attorney to spiritual entrepreneur
– How trauma, emotional blocks, and “ice queen” tendencies can hold back high achievers—especially women—from true wealth and fulfillment
– The practical steps and mindset shifts needed to transition from a stable career to entrepreneurship, even when starting from zero
– Building an audience and launching her first online course, including the strategies that led to her first sales
– The importance of investing in yourself and why every dollar spent on personal growth is a bet on your own success
– Understanding core money wounds—unworthiness, abandonment, betrayal—and how they show up in business and income
– The power of feminine energy in receiving wealth and why mindset is the key to breaking income ceilings
Top 3 Takeaways
1. Mindset is Everything: Your beliefs about money, self-worth, and abundance directly impact your ability to earn and keep wealth. Shifting your mindset can unlock new levels of success.
2. Invest in Yourself: Treat every investment in coaching, courses, or mentorship as tuition for your future. Even “bad” investments teach valuable lessons and build self-belief.
3. Be, Then Do, Then Have: True wealth comes from embodying your highest, most authentic self first—then taking action, and finally reaping the rewards.
Notable Quotes
– “Money doesn’t change who you are right now. You have to be the wealthy, happiest version of yourself first.”
– “If you don’t look at your bank account—even when it hurts—you’re giving money power over you. You need to have power over money.”
–“Every bet that I make on myself is another belief notch in my belt to say that I’m going to figure this out—it’s just a matter of time.”
Connect with Shamina Taylor:
– Instagram: @shaminataylor (DM “Travis” for her free cash flow system blueprint and a 15-minute wealth specialization call)

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
37 min
April 04CO-HOST | Make Money by Fixing Your Spending Habits (Why $75K Isn’t the Problem)
In this episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a candid (and often hilarious) conversation about income, perception, and personal finance. Sparked by a viral clip debating whether $75,000 a year is “poor,” they break down how income really stacks up depending on location, lifestyle, and—most importantly—spending habits. Travis challenges the idea that earning more is always the solution, arguing instead that financial discipline and priorities are what truly determine wealth.
On this episode we talk about:
Whether $75,000 a year is actually considered “poor”

How cost of living and geography drastically change income perception

Why overspending—not low income—is often the real financial issue

The psychological pull of branding, status, and lifestyle inflation

How modern convenience and marketing make it easier than ever to spend money
Top 3 Takeaways
Your financial situation is more about how you spend than how much you make—lifestyle inflation can wipe out any income increase.

Comparing yourself to others (especially higher earners) can lead to overspending and unnecessary financial stress.

Building wealth requires discipline—cutting unnecessary expenses and prioritizing long-term financial health over short-term gratification.
Notable Quotes
"If you're living paycheck to paycheck on $75K, the first place to look is your spending—not your salary."

"You don’t deserve a luxury lifestyle just because it exists—you have to earn it."

"Even if your income doubled tomorrow, most people would just double their spending too."
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
23 min
April 04INTERVIEW | Make Money Through Resilience: Lessons from Lovesac Founder Shawn Nelson
In this episode, Travis sits down with Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, the innovative furniture brand that grew from a college side hustle into a publicly traded company nearing $1 billion in annual sales. Shawn shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building a business—from sewing bean bags on his parents’ living room floor to surviving bankruptcy, navigating massive economic shifts, and leading through uncertainty. With a focus on resilience, adaptability, and long-term vision, Shawn offers powerful insights for any entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts.
On this episode we talk about:
How Lovesac started as a college side hustle and evolved into a major brand

The importance of taking action—even when you don’t have a clear plan

Navigating failure, including bankruptcy and major economic downturns

Why commitment and long-term thinking create freedom in entrepreneurship

How to manage stress, uncertainty, and high-pressure decision making as a leader
Top 3 Takeaways
Action beats perfection—starting (even with a “dumb idea”) can lead to massive opportunities if you keep going.

Resilience is built through adversity—failures, setbacks, and uncertainty are the greatest teachers in business.

Embracing uncertainty is a superpower—those who can operate without needing guarantees are best positioned for success.
Notable Quotes
"Chapter one is simple: just do something."

"At every level—$70K, $7 million, $700 million—you still feel vulnerable."

"Entrepreneurs thrive in uncertainty. If you can handle that, you have a shot at outsized rewards."
Connect with Shawn Nelson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson

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

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

Other: https://www.lovesac.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
29 min
April 04SOLO | Make Money Building a Personal Brand (Or Not): What Actually Matters
In this solo episode, Travis Chappell dives into the ongoing debate around personal branding—whether it’s truly worth your time or just a distraction fueled by vanity metrics. Drawing from real-world examples, personal experiences, and market trends, Travis breaks down why building an audience can be a powerful long-term asset in business—while also acknowledging that it’s not the right path for everyone.
On this episode we talk about:
Why personal branding can act as a hedge against AI disruption

The rise of creator-led businesses and why they dominate launches

How trust and community increase conversions, retention, and pricing power

The risks of building a brand without a strong product behind it

Why you don’t need millions of followers to build a profitable personal brand
Top 3 Takeaways
Building an audience creates a powerful advantage—trust shortens buying decisions, increases loyalty, and boosts lifetime customer value.

You don’t need a massive following—serving a specific audience well can generate a highly profitable business.

Personal branding is optional—but if it aligns with your interests, it can compound opportunities across every future venture.
Notable Quotes
"Community and audience is a cheat code—it doesn’t guarantee long-term success, but it guarantees a strong start."

"Every piece of content is a lottery ticket—you never know which one will change everything."

"You don’t have to do this—but if it resonates with you, there’s no way around it. You should start creating."
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
22 min
April 03CO-HOST | Make Money by Thinking Like an Entrepreneur (Even Before You Start)
In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode, Travis is joined in-studio by his producer for a laid-back but insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the defining moments that shape a business mindset. Sparked by a clip from Kevin O’Leary, the discussion dives into whether entrepreneurs are born or made—and Travis shares the real-life experiences that pushed him away from traditional employment and toward building his own path.
On this episode we talk about:
The debate: are entrepreneurs born or shaped by life experiences?

Travis’ early exposure to sales and making six figures in his early 20s

Why corporate structure and “arbitrary rules” pushed him away from traditional jobs

The power of commission-based income and betting on yourself

Key “aha moments” that built confidence and a risk-taking mindset
Top 3 Takeaways
Entrepreneurship is often shaped by pivotal life moments—not just personality traits.

Gaining early wins (like sales or business success) builds the confidence to take bigger risks later.

If you value freedom, control, and upside potential, traditional employment may feel limiting—and that’s okay.
Notable Quotes
"I cannot stand arbitrary authority—especially when it doesn’t make sense."

"There’s so much more value in being the person who gets the deal than the one doing the labor."

"If I’ve figured it out before, I can figure it out again—that’s what gives you confidence to take risks."
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
31 min
April 03INTERVIEW | Make Money with Grit, Resilience, and Going All In with Alberto Crane
Alberto Crane is a legendary MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entrepreneur, and coach who has built a global martial arts community through his Legacy gyms. From starting jiu-jitsu at 18 to competing in the UFC and later being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Alberto’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, and living life fully “all in.” Now an author and podcast host, he continues to inspire others through his story, his teaching, and his commitment to personal growth and wellness.
On this episode we talk about:
Alberto’s unconventional path into MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The early days of UFC and how the sport became mainstream

Building and scaling a successful jiu-jitsu gym business

The importance of systems, sales, and marketing for entrepreneurs

Overcoming a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and redefining success
Top 3 Takeaways
Success is built on resilience—staying in the game long enough and refusing to quit is often the biggest differentiator.

Passion alone isn’t enough in business; mastering systems, sales, and marketing is essential for sustainable growth.

Your mindset and lifestyle choices can dramatically impact your health, performance, and overall quality of life.
Notable Quotes
"If you wait long enough and don’t give up, that’s success."

"One of the biggest regrets in life is not living the life you truly wanted."

"I went all in—not just on fighting, but on my health, my mindset, and my life."
Connect with Alberto Crane:
Show: https://www.youtube.com/@AlbertoCraneShow

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

Other: https://albertocrane.com | https://legacybjj.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
37 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…