Travis Makes Money - podcast cover

Travis Makes Money

Travis Chappellredcircle.com
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 shaming you for buying a Starbucks coffee or pressuring you to become a billionaire, we focus on empowering you to make more money so you can enjoy life today while preparing for your future. You don’t have to cut back so much that you miss out on the present, and you don’t need to become the next Jeff Bezos either. Hosted by veteran podcaster Travis Chappell, each daily episode features interviews with regular people just like you – yes, you – who have learned how to make more money in unique and unconventional ways. From turning side hustles into an extra six figures to building massive business empires, these conversations dive into the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and simple strategies that helped these individuals succeed. With over 1,000 podcast episodes under his belt, Travis has developed a unique ability to pull out inspiring stories and practical advice you can apply to your own financial journey that you just won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for strategies on side hustles, skill building, investing, building generational wealth, or just motivation to take your next steps, this podcast is your resource. Tune in daily for insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from some of the most successful and interesting money-makers on the planet.
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Episodes

SOLO | Make Money "Networking"

In this solo episode with Travis, he dives deep into why traditional “networking” feels slimy and what to do instead. He shares lessons from years of running a top networking podcast, rebranding his show, and shifting from transactional tactics to genuine, long-term relationship building. On this episode we talk about: Why the term “networking” feels gross and outdated. The “Networking Ned” caricature and everything he does wrong at events. The difference between transactional networking and lon...

Apr 10, 202616 min

CO-HOST | Make Money Without Tearing Others Down

In this candid and unfiltered episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a deeper conversation sparked by a viral clip from Gary Vaynerchuk. What starts as a humorous, off-the-rails discussion quickly turns into a thoughtful breakdown of criticism culture, “call-out” content, and the fine line between holding people accountable and building a brand off negativity. Travis shares his perspective on when criticism is valid, when it becomes harmful, and why focusing on your own work is ultim...

Apr 10, 202623 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money with Direct Marketing and a Millionaire Mindset with Kevin Trudeau

Kevin Trudeau is a multi-billion-dollar entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and widely recognized marketing expert. With over 100 million books sold worldwide, Kevin has built a reputation as a master of direct response marketing and personal development. From humble blue-collar beginnings to building massive business success, Kevin’s journey is rooted in mindset, mentorship, and taking relentless action. On this episode we talk about: How Kevin made his first money through simple e...

Apr 10, 202627 min

SOLO | Make Money by Building Unshakable Trust

In this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, host Travis Chappell breaks down the three core types of trust that drive sales and long-term customer relationships. Drawing from his years of door-to-door sales and online business, he explains how to intentionally engineer trust so that more of your conversations turn into transactions. On this episode we talk about: The biggest obstacle in cold outreach and why you actually start at “negative trust” with prospects. How referrals and warm introducti...

Apr 09, 202614 min

CO-HOST | Make Money Starting a Podcast Without Getting Overwhelmed

In this co-hosted episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric to answer a listener’s question about starting a podcast from scratch. Drawing from years of experience building Travis Makes Money , Travis breaks down the practical realities of launching a show today—covering everything from video vs. audio to editing, batching content, and avoiding the most common mistakes new podcasters make. If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but feel overwhelmed by all the moving pieces, this e...

Apr 09, 202622 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Saving Taxes with Smart Strategy with Mark Kohler

Mark Kohler is a nationally recognized CPA, tax and legal strategist, senior partner at KKOS Lawyers, and co-founder of Directed IRA—an Inc. 5000 company. With over 25 years of experience and more than 10,000 client consultations, Mark has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs legally reduce taxes, protect assets, and build long-term wealth. Known for simplifying complex financial strategies, Mark brings practical, actionable advice that business owners can implement immediately. On this ...

Apr 09, 202630 min

CO-HOST | Make Money Writing a Book That Actually Sells

In this episode, Travis sits down with his in-studio producer for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about writing books, publishing paths, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly saturated market. From traditional vs. self-publishing to the surprising statistics around book sales, this episode breaks down the realities most aspiring authors don’t consider—and why focusing on quality over speed is the ultimate competitive advantage. On this episode we talk about: Tradition...

Apr 08, 202626 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Turning Adversity into Advantage, feat. Jason Redman

Jason Redman is a retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and transformational speaker who embodies resilience at the highest level. After being critically wounded in combat—shot multiple times, including in the face—Jason fought his way back through years of recovery and now uses his story to inspire millions. In this episode, he shares how the “overcome mindset” applies not just to survival, but to building a successful life and business through discipline, adaptability, and inte...

Apr 08, 202634 min

SOLO | Make Money Choosing the Right Hard Path

There’s no guest on this episode—just Travis sharing an honest solo riff about why every path in life and business comes with its own “shit sandwich,” and how to choose the one that’s actually worth eating. He breaks down career pivots, the grind behind creative success, and why chasing the “easy” road usually just trades one set of problems for another. On this episode we talk about: Why every career or business path has parts that will suck. Lessons from a working stand-up comedian grinding fo...

Apr 08, 202614 min

CO-HOST | Make Money by Knowing What You’re Willing to Sacrifice

Travis Chappell and Eric unpack a viral MrBeast clip and use it as a broader conversation about success, sacrifice, and self-awareness. The episode explores why some people are built for extreme achievement, why most people are not, and how to decide what tradeoffs are actually worth it. On this episode we talk about: Why the “most people stop where success gets hard” mindset resonates with high performers. The difference between admiring extreme achievers and trying to live exactly like them. H...

Apr 07, 202625 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money Building a Personal Brand That Pays, feat. Erik Qualman

Erik Qualman is a five-time bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and digital leadership expert who has reached over 60 million people across 60+ countries. Known for his groundbreaking book Socialnomics , Erik has built a thriving personal brand that spans speaking, publishing, media, and even product creation. In this episode, he shares how he turned early entrepreneurial instincts into a multi-stream income business—and how anyone can do the same by following opportunity and delivering ...

Apr 07, 202629 min

SOLO | 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 episod...

Apr 07, 202620 min

CO-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...

Apr 06, 202631 min

SOLO | 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 t...

Apr 06, 202619 min

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,...

Apr 06, 202614 min

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 ju...

Apr 05, 202636 min

CO-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...

Apr 04, 202622 min

INTERVIEW | 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,...

Apr 04, 202629 min

SOLO | 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 disrupti...

Apr 04, 202621 min

CO-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 ...

Apr 03, 202630 min

INTERVIEW | 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 persona...

Apr 03, 202637 min

SOLO | Make Money by Starting a Podcast the Right Way

In this solo episode, Travis breaks down the real blueprint for starting a podcast—without overcomplicating the process or wasting money on things that don’t matter. Drawing from his own experience building a successful show, he shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to get started, what to prioritize, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that stop most people before they ever hit publish. On this episode we talk about: Why technical setup is NOT the reason you’re stuck (and how simple it actu...

Apr 03, 202623 min

CO-HOST | Make Money with Smarter Time Management & the 4-4-4 Productivity Framework

In this episode, Travis sits down with producer Eric for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on productivity, time management, and filtering advice in a world full of strong opinions. Drawing inspiration from voices like Alex Hormozi, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mark Manson, they break down what actually works when it comes to building wealth and managing your time effectively. This episode blends philosophy with practical strategy, highlighting how to think critically, avoid “guru traps,” and str...

Apr 02, 202623 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Creating Value and Mastering Human Behavior with Scott Hutcheson

Scott Hutcheson is a behavioral science expert, leadership strategist, and professor at Purdue University who has spent nearly four decades helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Working with Fortune 100 companies, federal agencies, and leaders across 147 countries, Scott specializes in the intersection of human behavior, value creation, and organizational transformation. His frameworks blend science, psychology, and real-world application to help leaders communicate ...

Apr 02, 202629 min

SOLO | Make Money with Podcasting: Why You Should Start (Even If You Think It’s Too Late)

In this solo episode, Travis breaks down why starting a podcast is still one of the most underrated opportunities available today. Despite the noise online claiming the industry is “too saturated,” Travis shares real data, personal experience, and practical insights to explain why there’s never been a better time to start. From building relationships with high-level guests like Shaquille O'Neal and James Clear to developing valuable skills that compound over time, this episode is a masterclass i...

Apr 02, 202620 min

CO-HOST | Make Money by Thinking Like Scott Galloway

Travis and Eric team up for a fun, fast-moving conversation centered on a few Scott Galloway clips and the money lessons hidden inside them. Together, they break down Scott’s advice on investing, saving, spending, and building real wealth in a way that feels practical, relatable, and easy to apply. On this episode we talk about: Why young people think they can beat the market, and why that usually backfires. The power of index funds, ETFs, and boring long-term investing. The difference between h...

Apr 01, 202624 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money with the Art of First Impressions and Ethical Persuasion, feat. Danny Bobrow

Danny Bobrow is a communication expert, sales strategist, and the creator of the Art of First Impressions and Persuasion Blueprint programs. As the president of AIM Dental Marketing, he has helped grow dental practices since 1989, long before digital marketing became mainstream. With a background in sales, multiple MBAs, and decades of experience studying human behavior, Danny specializes in helping businesses build trust, connect authentically, and increase conversions through ethical persuasio...

Apr 01, 202628 min

SOLO | Make Money by Getting Better at Sales Faster

Travis flies solo in this episode to break down his personal blueprint for getting dramatically better at sales in a short amount of time. Drawing from years of experience in door-to-door sales, closing, and outside sales, he shares a practical, no-fluff approach to mastering the fundamentals, building confidence, and converting more conversations into customers. On this episode we talk about: Why finding the top performer and copying their process is the fastest way to improve. How volume, repe...

Apr 01, 202626 min

CO-HOST | Make Money by Finding Your Niche and Building Valuable Skills

In this episode, Travis Chappell is joined by producer Eric for a candid, entertaining conversation about what it actually takes to build wealth. Using insights from Ben Shapiro as a jumping-off point, the discussion dives into the importance of skill acquisition, niche markets, and aligning passion with profitability. Along the way, Travis shares real-world examples of entrepreneurs who turned highly specific interests into multimillion-dollar businesses—proving that opportunity exists everywhe...

Mar 31, 202624 min

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Thriving in the Age of AI with Aneesh Raman

Aneesh Raman, Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn, joins Travis to break down how AI is reshaping the global workforce—and what that means for your ability to earn, grow, and build wealth. With a career spanning journalism, politics, tech, and economic policy, Aneesh brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective on navigating change. As co-author of Open to Work, he shares practical frameworks for adapting to AI, discovering your unique value, and positioning yourself for success in...

Mar 31, 202630 min
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