Podcast
Travis Makes Money
Hosted by Travis Chappell · EN
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.
395episodes
Episodes
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CO-HOST | Make Money by Betting on Creators Before Everyone Else Does
Yesterday00:26:37Summary readyThe entertainment industry is undergoing a major shift, and creators are leading the charge. In this episode, Travis and producer Eric discuss the breakout success of Obsession, a low-budget horror film created by YouTuber-turned-filmmaker Curry Barker. They explore how independent creators are bypassing traditional gatekeepers, building audiences online, and proving that great storytelling can outperform massive budgets. Along the way, they dive into the parallels between comedy and horror, the economics of filmmaking, and why we're entering a new era of creator-driven entertainment. On this episode we talk about: How YouTube creators are successfully making the leap into Hollywood Why low-budget horror films continue to generate outsized returns The surprising connection between comedy and horror storytelling The financial success story behind Obsession and creator-led filmmaking How audience demand is reshaping traditional entertainment industries Top 3 Takeaways Great storytelling beats big budgets. A compelling product can outperform projects backed by vastly larger resources when it resonates with audiences. The barriers between independent creators and traditional media are disappearing, creating massive opportunities for talented people to break into established industries. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools in the world—especially when creators build genuine trust with their audiences. Notable Quotes "The thing that makes them good at YouTube also makes them good at this other thing." "Great storytelling doesn't need a massive budget—it needs a great creator." "I just love seeing more and more examples of creators continuously blurring the lines between YouTube and Hollywood." Connect with the Show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: Today's episode is brought to you by our incredible sponsors. Their support allows us to continue bringing you conversations and insights from entrepreneurs, investors, creators, and industry leaders. Check out the links in the episode description to learn more about our sponsors and support the brands that support this show. - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryINTERVIEW | Make Money by Building Customer-Centric Brands That Matter with Marc Horowitz
Yesterday00:22:28Summary readyMarc Horowitz has built a career across multiple industries—from energy derivatives trading and hedge funds to satellite imagery technology and custom jewelry. After retiring from trading in his early forties, Marc found himself searching for a new challenge that would allow him to build something meaningful. Today, he is the founder of Ilmeo, a jewelry company that transforms photos and impressions of loved ones into personalized keepsakes. In this episode, Marc shares lessons from finance, entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the importance of creating products that carry emotional value. On this episode we talk about: How a career in energy derivatives trading led to financial independence Why retiring early isn't always the finish line people expect it to be The lessons Marc learned from helping build satellite imagery marketplace SkyFi The origin story behind Ilmeo and turning meaningful moments into a business Building customer-centric brands and navigating the challenges of e-commerce growth Top 3 Takeaways Financial success creates freedom, but fulfillment often comes from building something meaningful and lasting. If you don't know what your edge is, you're probably gambling—not investing. Strong relationships and a reputation for helping others become invaluable assets throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Notable Quotes "The harder you work, the luckier you get." "If you don't know what your edge is, you're gambling." "Money only exists so you can do things you enjoy, build memories, and live a meaningful life." Connect with Marc Horowitz: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-horowitz-83a0b21aa/ Website: https://ilmiojewelry.com/ Email: marc@ilmio.com A Word from Our Sponsors: Today's episode is brought to you by our valued sponsors. Their support helps us continue bringing you conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators who are finding unique ways to create wealth and build meaningful businesses. Be sure to check out the sponsors in the episode description and support the brands that make this show possible. - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummarySOLO | Make Money by Taking Radical Responsibility and Strengthening Your Relationships - Lessons from my Keith Yackey interview
Yesterday00:14:07Summary readyKeith Yackey is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, author, comedian, and founder of The Married Game, a coaching company dedicated to helping men become better husbands and reignite connection in their marriages. After nearly losing his own marriage, Keith transformed his life by taking ownership of his shortcomings and rebuilding himself from the inside out. In this episode, Travis shares his biggest takeaways from his conversation with Keith, covering responsibility, relationships, personal growth, and the dangers of complacency. On this episode we talk about: Why taking radical responsibility is the first step toward lasting success How comfort and complacency can quietly damage relationships The warning signs people often miss before a relationship falls apart Why self-improvement—not desperation—is the key to winning someone back The importance of surrounding yourself with people who expand your vision instead of limiting it Top 3 Takeaways If you are the problem, you are also the solution. Accepting responsibility for your circumstances can be uncomfortable, but it gives you the power to create meaningful change. Comfort is where attraction goes to die. Whether in marriage, business, or friendships, relationships require intentional effort and continual growth. Real transformation happens when you focus on becoming the best version of yourself—not when you're trying to manipulate outcomes or control other people. Notable Quotes "If you are the problem, you are also the solution." "The truth will set you free, but first it'll piss you off." "The moment you're outgrowing a room is exactly the moment you need to leave it." Connect with Keith Yackey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithyackey Other: https://marriedgame.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryCO-HOST | Make Money by Avoiding Expensive Lifestyle Traps
2d ago00:23:10Summary readyOn this episode, Travis is joined in studio by producer Eric for a conversation that starts with a comedian's joke about an Uber driver financing a luxury Range Rover and turns into a bigger discussion about lifestyle inflation, consumer debt, and making smarter financial decisions. Through plenty of laughs, stories, and friendly banter, Travis shares his thoughts on why buying status symbols before you can truly afford them can hold back your financial future. On this episode we talk about: Why financing luxury purchases with side hustles can be a dangerous financial trap The difference between being a consumer and being an investor How lifestyle inflation keeps people from building long-term wealth The hidden costs of expensive vehicles and status purchases Why planning ahead and using rideshare services is often smarter than driving after a night out Top 3 Takeaways If you need a second job just to afford the payment on a luxury item, it's probably a sign that the purchase is outside your means. Building wealth requires prioritizing investing and financial security before spending on status symbols and depreciating assets. Smart financial decisions often come down to delayed gratification—saving first and buying later instead of financing a lifestyle you can't comfortably afford. Notable Quotes "If you have to get a second job to pay for your car, probably don't get the car." "You bought a twenty twenty-five fully loaded part-time job." "Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems when you've got money in the bank." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryINTERVIEW | Make Money Flipping Houses: How Jackie Coffey Built a Seven-Figure Real Estate Empire
2d ago00:32:06Summary readyJackie Coffey, better known as Jackie the Happy Investor, went from a broke single mom with no money, no credit, and no real estate experience to completing more than 1,000 property flips and building a seven-figure real estate business. After making 202 cold calls before landing her first lender, Jackie learned firsthand that persistence, integrity, and taking action can overcome almost any obstacle. Today, she's an investor, educator, author, and creator of the Jackie the Happy Investor app, helping aspiring investors build wealth through real estate. On this episode we talk about: How childhood financial instability fueled Jackie's entrepreneurial drive Making 202 cold calls to secure funding for her first real estate flip The lessons learned from her early real estate mistakes and successes Why integrity and relationships are critical to long-term business success Building wealth through a combination of active house flipping and long-term rental properties Top 3 Takeaways Persistence often matters more than experience. Jackie secured her first real estate deal after 202 lender calls and countless rejections. Your biggest mistakes can become your greatest education. Jackie's disastrous first flip became the foundation for a career that has spanned more than 1,000 deals. Long-term wealth is built through ownership. Flipping houses generates cash, but holding rental properties creates lasting financial freedom. Notable Quotes "At call 202, I finally got a yes." "That first house was the tuition." "If I don't do this, I'm going to be in the same spot a year from now." Connect with Jackie Coffey: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackiethehappyinvestor/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jackiethehappyinvestor Other: https://jackiethehappyinvestor.com Website (Personal): https://jackiecoffey.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummarySOLO | Make Money by Unlocking the Leader Within: Lessons from Vicente Fox
2d ago00:15:01Summary readyFormer Mexican president, businessman, and global leader Vicente Fox built a remarkable career that spanned corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, agriculture, philanthropy, and public service. In this episode, Travis reflects on his conversation with Fox and shares five powerful lessons on leadership, purpose, decision-making, and fulfillment. From leading Coca-Cola Latin America to serving as President of Mexico, Fox's insights reveal what it takes to create impact, trust your instincts, and build a meaningful life. On this episode we talk about: Why leadership is a quality that already exists within every person The importance of pairing purpose with consistent action and performance Why real-world experience often teaches lessons that formal education cannot How intuition and gut feelings can guide major life decisions Why serving others is one of the most reliable paths to happiness and fulfillment Top 3 Takeaways Leadership isn't something you're born with—it's something you discover and develop by looking inward and taking responsibility for your growth. Purpose without action is simply wishful thinking. Lasting success comes from consistently turning vision into execution. The greatest fulfillment often comes from serving others and contributing to something bigger than yourself. Notable Quotes "Every human being has the attribute of leadership." "Purpose without performance is a daydream." "The shortcut to happiness is serving others." Connect with Vicente Fox: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vicentefoxq/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PresidenteVFox/ Other: https://www.centrofox.org.mx/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryINTERVIEW | Make Money by Mastering Your Mind with Shirzad Chamine
3d ago00:24:30Summary readyShirzad Chamine is a New York Times bestselling author, executive coach, and founder of Positive Intelligence. Having trained more than 100,000 coaches and advised CEOs at some of the world's largest companies, Shirzad has dedicated his career to understanding the mental patterns that drive performance, leadership, and fulfillment. In this episode, he shares the painful entrepreneurial failure that sparked his life's work, explains the concept of self-sabotage, and reveals practical tools for strengthening the positive side of your mind while quieting the internal voices that hold you back. On this episode we talk about: The entrepreneurial failure that led Shirzad to develop Positive Intelligence How self-sabotaging thought patterns impact performance, leadership, and relationships The ten "saboteurs" that create stress, self-doubt, and negative emotions Simple mental exercises to shift from reactive thinking to peak performance Why developing your "inner Jedi" may be one of the most valuable skills in the age of AI Top 3 Takeaways Your greatest obstacles are often internal, not external. Self-sabotaging thought patterns can quietly undermine your success, relationships, and well-being unless you learn to recognize them. Negative emotions are signals, not destinations. Stress, anger, guilt, and self-doubt can provide useful information, but staying trapped in those emotions prevents effective action. Mental fitness can be trained. Small, consistent practices that strengthen focus and self-command can help you access greater creativity, confidence, resilience, and performance. Notable Quotes "The question is not if you sabotage yourself, but how you do it." "Inside my head, there's a war going on between my inner Darth Vaders and my inner Jedi." "The most painful day of my professional life ended up becoming the most important positive day of my professional life." Connect with Shirzad Chamine: Website: https://www.positiveintelligence.com Free Saboteur Assessment: https://www.positiveintelligence.com/assessment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirzadchamine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shirzadchamine A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryCO-HOST | Make Money by Building an Audience Before You Need One
3d ago00:23:33Summary readyIn this conversation featuring Travis and producer Eric, the discussion centers on personal branding, audience building, content creation, and the power of documenting your journey. Drawing from their own experiences growing podcasts, social media accounts, and upcoming projects, they explore why creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners should start building attention long before they have something to sell. From launching new accounts from scratch to documenting the process behind a book or business, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to grow an audience in today's digital landscape. On this episode we talk about: Why building a personal brand can create opportunities beyond your primary business or project The benefits of starting new social media accounts from scratch to test ideas and audiences How documenting the creation process can build trust and anticipation with your audience Why losing followers can actually improve engagement and long-term growth The importance of experimenting with content formats, hooks, and messaging Top 3 Takeaways Build the audience before the product is ready. The most successful launches often happen because attention and trust were established long before the product became available. Documenting creates authenticity. Showing the process behind a project helps people feel invested in the journey and proves the work behind the finished product. Experimentation is the fastest path to growth. Testing new accounts, different hooks, and multiple versions of the same message can reveal what truly resonates with an audience. Notable Quotes "Build the audience around the thing that you know is coming." "Documenting is almost the proof—the certificate of authenticity." "If you're not sure where to post it, start a new account from scratch and see what happens." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummarySOLO | Make Money by Choosing the Right Mountain to Climb with Lessons from Bryan Callen
3d ago00:13:47Summary readyBryan Callen is a comedian, actor, podcaster, and longtime entertainer whose career has spanned stand-up comedy, television, film, and podcasting. Best known for roles in movies like The Hangover and for his decades in comedy, Bryan has spent much of his life pursuing success in multiple creative fields. In this episode, Travis breaks down some of the most powerful lessons from his conversation with Bryan, covering everything from personal responsibility and career alignment to consistency, friendship, and the importance of adventure in building a meaningful life. On this episode we talk about: Why a strong support system can sometimes become an unexpected crutch The importance of choosing a career that makes you feel alive—not just one you're good at How consistency outperforms intensity when pursuing long-term goals What sports teach us about humility, resilience, and self-awareness Why adventure and intimacy are essential ingredients for deep friendships and a fulfilling life Top 3 Takeaways Take full ownership of your life. No matter your circumstances, success starts when you stop waiting for someone else to save you and take complete responsibility for your future. Make sure you're climbing the right mountain. Being talented at something doesn't mean it's the path you're meant to pursue. Fulfillment comes from aligning your work with what truly energizes you. Consistency beats intensity. Sustainable success comes from showing up every day and building habits that compound over time rather than relying on short bursts of motivation. Notable Quotes "You can be successful at something and still be in the wrong room." "The question isn't, 'Am I good at this?' It's, 'Does this make me feel alive?'" "Consistency is more important than hard work." Connect with Bryan Callen: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryancallen X: https://x.com/bryancallen Website: https://www.bryancallen.com Travis's interview with Bryan A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
SummaryCO-HOST | Make Money Through Better Relationships and Authentic Networking
4d ago00:24:00Summary readyIn this candid and entertaining episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a conversation that starts with weight loss, awkward photos, and self-awareness before evolving into a deeper discussion about networking, relationships, and human connection. Drawing on experiences with celebrities, podcast guests, and high-profile entrepreneurs, Travis shares practical insights on how authentic relationships are built—not through status-seeking or transactional behavior, but through genuine curiosity, confidence, and treating people like people. The result is a refreshing look at networking that feels more human and far more effective. On this episode we talk about: Why treating people like old friends can make networking easier and more natural The psychology behind building genuine relationships with successful people How desperation and hidden agendas can hurt your ability to connect with others The balance between documenting meaningful experiences and being present in the moment Why authenticity and low-pressure interactions often create stronger connections than networking tactics Top 3 Takeaways People respond to authenticity. Approaching others without an agenda makes conversations more enjoyable and often leads to stronger long-term relationships. The less you need something from someone, the more naturally connection can happen. Confidence and genuine curiosity are often more effective than trying to impress people. Relationships matter more than social proof. Focusing on friendship and connection creates more value than collecting photos, favors, or status symbols. Notable Quotes "The less you care, the more people will be attracted to you as an individual." "You want it to be less work for them to connect with you, not more work." "People are just people." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com Podcast: https://travischappell.com/podcast A Word from Our Sponsors: - Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney -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
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