On this episode, Travis and his producer Eric dive into the Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust verdict and what it really means for fans, artists, and everyday consumers trying to enjoy live events without getting gouged. They also draw parallels to platforms like Yelp and the Better Business Bureau, unpacking how pay‑to‑play review systems quietly hurt small businesses and distort trust online. This conversation blends current events with real small‑business experience, from running an Ever Bowl location to watching reviews disappear unless you pay for ads, and contrasts it all with fan‑first models like the Savannah Bananas.

On this episode we talk about:

The federal jury verdict that found Live Nation/Ticketmaster operated as a monopoly under federal and state antitrust laws
How Ticketmaster’s control of venues, promotion, and ticketing lets them stack fees and suppress competition
Why platforms like Yelp feel “mafia‑style” to small business owners and how their “not recommended” filters quietly bury real reviews
The exploding cost of live events like Coachella and why attending a “simple” festival now runs into the thousands
How fan‑first models like the Savannah Bananas show a different way to price tickets, remove junk fees, and build long‑term brand equity

Top 3 Takeaways

Monopolies don’t just mean higher prices; they often mean worse experiences, fewer choices, and bullying tactics behind the scenes for venues, artists, and fans.
If your business depends on platforms like Yelp, you’re playing in someone else’s sandbox, and their opaque algorithms and ad pressure can erase years of hard‑earned social proof overnight.
There is real opportunity for creators and companies who are willing to take short‑term profit hits—like eliminating junk fees or doing their own ticketing—to build massive trust and loyalty by putting fans and customers first.

Notable Quotes

“The only thing on this planet I hate more than Coffee Bean is Ticketmaster.”
“What’s even crazier is the volume of people who can’t afford to be doing that.”
“Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems when you got some money in the bank.”

Connect with Travis:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell
Other: https://travischappell.com

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CO-HOST | Make Money by Breaking Free from Ticketmaster, Monopolies, and Broken Review Platforms