Travis Makes Money

Nir Eyal is a globally recognized authority on behavior design, habits, and human potential. A former lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, Nir is the bestselling author of Hooked and Indistractable, books that have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have shaped how entrepreneurs and product creators think about behavior change. He’s also a serial entrepreneur who has founded and sold multiple companies. In this episode, Nir returns to the show to discuss the ideas behind his new book Beyond Belief, exploring why belief—not knowledge or motivation—is often the missing link between knowing what to do and actually doing it.

On this episode we talk about:

Why knowing what to do isn’t enough—and why people still fail to take action

The “motivation triangle” and how belief holds behavior and benefits together

Why positive thinking and manifestation can actually backfire

The role discomfort plays in motivation and long-term success

How entrepreneurs develop “entrepreneurial alertness” and see opportunities others miss

Top 3 Takeaways

Motivation isn’t a straight line—it’s a triangle that includes behavior, benefits, and belief. Without belief in the outcome or your ability to achieve it, motivation collapses.

Visualizing outcomes alone can decrease your chances of success. Instead, visualize the obstacles you’ll face and mentally rehearse overcoming them.

Beliefs shape perception. Entrepreneurs often see opportunities others miss because they believe opportunities exist—and their brain actively searches for them.

Notable Quotes

"Motivation is not about the pursuit of pleasure—it’s about the desire to escape discomfort."

"Thinking positive can actually be negative if it tricks your brain into believing the work is already done."

"Your beliefs literally change what you see. Entrepreneurs don’t just think differently—they actually perceive opportunities others overlook."

Connect with Nir Eyal:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neyal99/

Other: https://www.nirandfar.com

Your free belief change guide can be found here:
nirandfar.com/belief-change

Bonus content and the 30-Day Belief Transformation Journal:

nirandfar.com/beyond-belief

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In this solo episode, Travis continues the conversation about the growing loneliness epidemic and why meaningful friendships are essential for a successful and fulfilling life. Travis shares personal experiences—from navigating a difficult season in business to recovering from cancer surgery—and explains how those moments reshaped the way he prioritizes relationships.

Instead of focusing purely on business or money strategies, Travis dives into the overlooked reality that strong friendships are one of the biggest contributors to long-term happiness, health, and even professional success. He breaks down practical ways to become a better friend, how to intentionally create shared experiences, and why ambitious people often need to be extra careful not to sacrifice relationships in pursuit of achievement.

On this episode we talk about:

Why the modern loneliness epidemic is affecting people—especially men—more than ever

How creating shared experiences is one of the best ways to strengthen friendships

Why ambitious people often sacrifice friendships for work (and why that’s dangerous)

How to prioritize friendships alongside work, family, and personal goals

The power of asking deeper questions to build genuine connection

Top 3 Takeaways

If you want better friendships, become a better friend first.
Strong relationships rarely happen by accident—you often need to be the person who organizes the hangouts, plans the trips, and brings people together.

Don’t sacrifice friendships for ambition.
Work and success matter, but neglecting meaningful relationships can lead to long-term regret. Scheduling time with friends is just as important as scheduling work.

Deeper connection comes after trust—not before.
Small talk isn’t pointless; it builds the foundation that allows deeper conversations and stronger friendships to develop.

Notable Quotes

“Your life will be a collection of the decisions you make—and one of the most important is whether you prioritize your friendships.”

“Most friend groups don’t fall apart because people don’t want to hang out… it’s because nobody takes the time to plan anything.”

“We don’t build trust by offering help—we build trust by asking for help.”

Connect with Travis:

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

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@travischappellclips

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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In this episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis and his producer Eric break down Forbes’ latest list of America’s top 25 philanthropists, using billionaire giving stats as a springboard to talk about generosity, impact, and what “giving back” should actually look like for everyday earners. They explore why MacKenzie Scott’s record-breaking donations grab headlines, how Warren Buffett’s decades-long giving compares to other billionaires, and why most people criticizing the ultra-wealthy aren’t doing anything meaningful with their own money.

On this episode we talk about:

Forbes’ data on America’s top 25 philanthropists and why the richest people often aren’t the most generous by percentage

How MacKenzie Scott gave away roughly 75% of her Amazon shares and over 26 billion dollars in just a few years

Why Warren Buffett tops the all-time philanthropist charts with tens of billions given away over his lifetime

The tension between donating to nonprofits versus creating value through companies, jobs, and products

Why most people overestimate what billionaires “should” give while contributing nothing (or almost nothing) themselves

Top 3 Takeaways

If you’re not giving when you make 60–80k a year, you almost certainly won’t start when you have millions; generosity is a percentage-based habit, not a net-worth number.

Impact isn’t only measured in 501(c)(3) donations—building companies, creating jobs, and expanding access to products and information are also powerful forms of contribution.

Instead of obsessing over what billionaires “should” do, focus on what you can control: bake giving into your financial system now, even if it’s just a few dollars, and increase it as your income grows.

Notable Quotes

“If you’re not doing it when you don’t have a lot, you’re probably not going to do it when you do have a lot.”

“It’s easy to point at a billionaire’s net worth, but most people aren’t doing anything meaningful with their own 80k salary either.”

“Stop throwing stones in a glass house—build the habit of contribution now, then let your generosity scale with your income.”

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.

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Miki Agrawal is a visionary entrepreneur and bestselling author known for building disruptive consumer brands that challenge the status quo. She’s the founder behind companies like Tushy, Thinks, and Wild, which have collectively generated over $500 million in revenue. Named one of the most creative people by Fast Company and recognized as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, Miki is now focused on her latest venture, Hero Diapers, which uses plastic-eating fungi to tackle the global diaper waste crisis. In this episode, Miki shares how questioning everyday norms led her to build multiple groundbreaking companies—and why the future of entrepreneurship is regenerative, not extractive.

On this episode we talk about:

How Miki’s multicultural upbringing shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to challenge norms

Lessons learned from launching New York City’s first gluten-free farm-to-table pizza restaurant

The strategy behind building disruptive brands like Tushy and Thinks

Why hiring complementary partners and operators is critical for scaling multiple companies

The future of regenerative entrepreneurship and solving global waste problems with innovative products

Top 3 Takeaways

Question everything. Many successful companies are built by challenging everyday norms and asking, “Is there a better way to do this?”

Great businesses solve multiple problems at once. The best products deliver value to customers, the planet, and the bottom line simultaneously.

Your team determines your scalability. Building strong partnerships with operators who complement your strengths allows founders to launch and grow multiple ventures.

Notable Quotes

"There’s never just one way to do something—there’s always a better way if you’re willing to question the status quo."

"The trifecta of a great business is a better product for the customer, a better outcome for the planet, and real value for people’s wallets."

"We don’t need more stuff—we need regenerative products that return to the earth and complete the cycle."

Connect with Miki Agrawal:

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

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

Personal Website:  ⁠https://mikiagrawal.com/⁠

Other: https://hirodiapers.com 

Other: https://hellotushy.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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In this solo episode, Travis Chappell reflects on the importance of friendship and how meaningful relationships impact our health, happiness, and success. Inspired by a conversation between Simon Sinek and Trevor Noah, Travis shares personal lessons about how chasing business success and carrying burdens alone led him to unintentionally distance himself from friends. He explores the idea that friendship may be the ultimate “biohack” for a better life, dives into the famous Rat Park experiment on addiction and community, and explains why being a great friend is often the key to building deeper relationships.

On this episode we talk about:

Why Simon Sinek calls friendship the “ultimate biohack” for health, happiness, and longevity

The powerful lesson from the Rat Park experiment about community and addiction

Why refusing to share struggles with friends can actually damage relationships

The balance between vulnerability and becoming the constant “complainer” in a friend group

Practical ways to strengthen friendships by creating shared experiences and memories

Top 3 Takeaways

Friendship is one of the most powerful predictors of health and happiness. Meaningful relationships can impact everything from emotional well-being to long-term longevity.

Being a good friend means allowing others to show up for you. Refusing to share struggles can unintentionally rob your friends of the chance to support you.

Experiences create stronger friendships than conversation alone. Shared activities and memories build deeper trust and connection over time.

Notable Quotes

"Friendship is the ultimate biohack that literally fixes everything."

"If you don’t allow your friends to be there for you, you’re robbing them of the opportunity to be a good friend."

"Stop asking how to make friends and start asking how to become a great friend."

Connect with Travis Chappell:

Website: https://travischappell.com

Podcast: https://travischappell.com/podcast

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

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

 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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In this episode, Travis Chappell is joined by his producer and co-host Eric for a fast-paced, funny breakdown of what it really looks like to take high-risk, low-paying opportunities—like hosting the Oscars or speaking at events—and turn them into long-term money and credibility plays for your brand. Travis draws on his experience hosting Travis Makes Money and booking thousands of podcast interviews to explain why credibility is often more valuable than the check, especially early in your career.

On this episode we talk about:

How much Oscar hosts actually get paid versus the massive production budget

Why hosting or speaking can be a “low-pay, high-risk, high-credibility” opportunity

How to decide if you should cover your own travel or speak for free

Why most people overestimate their value and underestimate the power of credibility markers

What it really takes to get booked on top podcasts and big stages today

Top 3 Takeaways

Be willing to take underpaid or even out-of-pocket opportunities when the credibility, footage, relationships, and access you gain can open far bigger (and better paying) doors down the road.

Stop overvaluing your “cool story” and start evaluating opportunities from the host or event organizer’s perspective—audience growth, brand alignment, and social proof matter more than you think.

In a crowded market where everyone wants the same stages and podcasts, you either start smaller and build from the bottom, or you pay to accelerate access; time or money (often both) will be required.

Notable Quotes

“You have to be willing to risk the embarrassment of potentially not doing well, but also prepare enough to actually crush the opportunity when it comes.”

“Most people are thinking, ‘What’s in it for me?’ instead of, ‘What’s in it for them?’—and that’s why they’re not getting booked.”

“In this new realm, you’re starting from the bottom. So build the proper foundation, even if it costs you money, because the credibility you gain is worth it.”

Connect with Travis Chappell:

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

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

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.

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Brian Ford is the founder of the podcast Self-Improvement Daily, which has surpassed 21 million downloads, and a behavior change expert who helps busy professionals become more consistent, intentional, and accountable in their lives and businesses. With a background in neurobiology and medical device sales, Brian eventually transitioned into entrepreneurship and personal development, building a coaching business around the systems and habits that drive high performance. He’s also the co-founder of the For Purpose Foundation, a nonprofit that has raised over $1.1 million for charity through health and wellness challenges. In this episode, Brian shares how he turned a simple daily podcast into a credibility engine that fuels his coaching business and mission-driven work.

On this episode we talk about:

How Brian grew Self-Improvement Daily to over 21 million downloads through consistency and podcast SEO

Why a podcast can be more powerful as a credibility platform than a direct monetization tool

The business model behind Brian’s behavior change coaching and 21-day performance challenge

The power of networking, proximity, and building relationships that open doors

Why consistency and compounding effort are the foundation of long-term success

Top 3 Takeaways

Consistency compounds over time. Brian’s success with 2,300+ podcast episodes shows that small actions done consistently can produce massive long-term results.

A podcast doesn’t have to be the product—it can be the platform. Brian uses his show as a credibility pillar that leads to speaking, partnerships, and coaching opportunities.

Relationships accelerate growth. Meeting people in person, building genuine connections, and leveraging warm introductions can dramatically speed up business success.

Notable Quotes

"The reason I've reached 21 million downloads is simple—I’ve released over 2,300 episodes. Consistency compounds."

"Your podcast doesn’t have to generate revenue directly. It can be the foundation that creates opportunities everywhere else."

"If you want to improve anything in your life, you have to track it. You can’t improve what you don’t measure."

Connect with Brian Ford:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bford-purpose/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bford.purpose/

Other: https://www.selfimprovementdailytips.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

In this solo episode, Travis Chappell continues his deep dive into the growing loneliness epidemic by tackling one of the biggest questions people are asking: Is social media to blame? Building on insights from the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on social connection, Travis explores how technology—especially social media—impacts the way we connect with others. He breaks down the science of social connection, the benefits and risks of digital technology, and explains why social media may not be the root cause of loneliness—but it can absolutely make the problem worse if we use it incorrectly.

On this episode we talk about:

The three core components of social connection: structure, function, and quality

Why loneliness and social isolation exist on a continuum rather than a simple yes-or-no condition

The role technology and social media play in shaping modern relationships

Surprising statistics about digital media use, including Americans spending an average of six hours per day online

Why social media should be treated as a media activity, not a social activity

Top 3 Takeaways

Social media isn’t the root cause of loneliness—but it’s a powerful accelerant. The data shows loneliness has been increasing since the 1970s, long before modern social media existed.

Social connection has three critical dimensions: the number of relationships you have, how those relationships meet your needs, and the overall quality of those interactions.

Social media should never replace real human interaction. It’s best viewed as a form of entertainment or media consumption—not a substitute for genuine in-person relationships.

Notable Quotes

"Social media is not a replacement for social activity—it’s a replacement for media activity."

"Loneliness has been rising since the 1970s, which means social media didn’t create the problem—but it definitely fuels it."

"We can’t go backward with technology, but we can solve the new problems it creates."

Connect with Travis Chappell:

Website: https://travischappell.com

Podcast: https://travischappell.com/podcast

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

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

 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

Travis and his producer, Eric, bring you the inside scoop to their ratings and thoughts on the actual Big Arch burger from McDonald's. Check out yesterday's co-host episode to hear more about our thoughts on the whole McDonald's CEO marketing fail turned win. This is a quick, fun listen that may just inspire you to try the Big Arch for yourself.

Find more fun and educational content by connecting with Travis on IG and Youtube:

IG- https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@travischappellclips

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Alexis Sikorsky is a strategic advisor to founders who want to scale fast and exit strong, after building and selling his Switzerland-based banking software company, New Access, in a private equity deal worth over $100M. Drawing on decades of hard-won experience (including painful early failures, a 75% revenue collapse in one day, and a long post-crisis grind), he now helps £5–20M+ revenue businesses design exits instead of hoping for them. In his book Cashing Out: The Business Owner’s Guide to Selling to Private Equity, Alexis introduces the APEX methodology, a practical roadmap for founders who want clarity, cashflow, and a life-changing deal beyond their business.

On this episode we talk about:

Why Alexis calls his early ventures “failures” and how those lessons funded a $100M+ win later

The 2008 financial crisis, losing 75% of revenue in a day, and rebuilding New Access without pivoting

His grandfather’s trade wisdom and the simple “sell higher than you buy” rule most founders ignore

Why raising VC money is usually a sign of commercial failure, not success

The APEX methodology for planning and executing a private equity exit (from assessment to “dressing the bride”)

Top 3 Takeaways

Failure is the tuition you pay for wisdom: Alexis estimates the “cost” of his mistakes at 50 million and five years, and he uses that lens to help founders avoid repeating them.

Profit is not optional if you want optionality: you must build a business where costs stay below revenue, instead of relying on endless fundraising to plug operational holes.

A premium exit is engineered, not accidental: knowing your goal (lifestyle vs. exit, 100M vs. 1B), tracking real-time numbers, protecting your USP, and becoming “private equity ready” 18–24 months ahead are non-negotiable.

Notable Quotes

“I have a 100% success-rate, no-failure strategy: just don’t try anything.”

“Raising money is very often a commercial failure—your company isn’t good enough yet to be profitable.”

“We’re not wealthy enough to buy cheap. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it—but don’t buy the cheap version either.”

Connect with Alexis Sikorsky:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting

Website / Book: https://www.asikorsky.com/my-book (Cashing Out: The Business Owner’s Guide to Selling to Private Equity)

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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