Travis Makes Money

Travis Chappell

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.

  1. 6h ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Turning Creative Obsessions Into Smart Investments

    Travis Chappell and producer Eric Skwarczynski kick off the first episode of this five-part series with a funny, unfiltered conversation about sales, creator-led businesses, and the strange psychology of billionaires. From a brilliantly simple door-to-door pitch to Markiplier’s reported GoPro investment, Travis and Eric explore how creativity, attention, and conviction can turn unusual ideas into real business opportunities. On this episode we talk about: Why a “no soliciting sign” can be one of the smartest—and funniest—door-to-door sales products The sales lesson behind matching a product to an immediate customer pain point The difference between being genuinely resilient and manufacturing hardship for status A new potential segment: “Billionaire: Badass or Batshit” Why creators are increasingly becoming investors, operators, and business owners Markiplier’s reported GoPro stake and what it could signal about creator-led investing How action cameras, smartphones, and creator tools have changed the video-production landscape Potential recurring show segments, including “Great Knockers,” “Billionaire: Badass or Batshit,” and “Creator Economy” Top 3 Takeaways Great sales often start with an obvious, immediate problem. The no-soliciting-sign pitch works because it gives homeowners a simple solution to something actively bothering them: unexpected people knocking on their door. Don’t confuse unnecessary suffering with real resilience. Pushing through pain may make for a dramatic story, but meaningful adversity usually has real stakes, consequences, and a purpose beyond proving toughness. Creators can build wealth beyond content revenue by investing in the products, platforms, and companies that support their work. Understanding the tools you use can create opportunities to become more than just a customer. Notable Quotes “If you have a double opening front door… they have money, and they have stacks of cash they just reach in and phew.” “I got something for everybody.” “He has to manufacture fear and pain in his own life because he’s insulated himself from reality.” “Creators [are] making some money moves.” “Markiplier isn’t just using the tools. He’s betting on the company making them.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Website: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 7h ago

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Turning Setbacks Into Comebacks with Tim Storey

    Tim Storey is an acclaimed author, speaker, executive coach, and the host of the Miracle Mentality podcast. Known as the “Original Comeback Coach,” Tim has spent more than four decades helping entrepreneurs, athletes, executives, celebrities, and people facing difficult circumstances turn adversity into forward momentum. His work centers on building the mindset, relationships, preparation, and practical support systems that allow people to move from being stuck to creating a meaningful comeback. On this episode we talk about: How Tim developed his “setback to comeback” message and why it remains relevant for personal growth, career challenges, and finances The difference between being temporarily knocked down and becoming mentally “locked back” by a setback How Tim went from serving inner-city youth to working with NFL players, executives, and Hollywood talent Why every coach, consultant, and leader still needs wise mentors and coaches of their own Tim’s relationship with Robert Downey Jr. and the role preparation, accountability, and a strong support system play in a comeback Why purpose-led work can create financial opportunity without becoming purely money-driven How Tim began building wealth through real estate, private-company ownership, and strategic partnerships His upcoming “Walking Miracle” footwear collaboration with Syntilay Top 3 Takeaways A setback does not have to become your identity. Tim defines a setback as becoming “locked back” in an old mindset, financial problem, family challenge, or limiting belief; the first step toward a comeback is refusing to settle there. Get help from people who have wisdom beyond your current experience. Tim credits longtime mentors and financial advisors with helping him strengthen his coaching framework, make better money decisions, and grow into new opportunities. Lead with service and build competence before chasing income. Tim’s career grew because he focused first on helping people, studying consistently, and producing real results; over time, speaking fees, equity opportunities, real estate, and business investments followed. Notable Quotes “When most people have a setback, they usually sit in it or settle in it.” “Everybody needs a coach. I think it’s true.” “I always was wise enough to put people around me who knew things that I did not know.” “When I started off in this thing, I used to do so many things for free. I still do a lot of things for free.” Connect with Tim Storey: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timstoreyofficial Instagram: @timstoreyofficial Website: timstorey.com Podcast: Miracle Mentality with Tim Storey A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 1d ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Breaking Down the Walls of Traditional Media

    Travis Chappell and producer Eric discuss how creators are changing the entertainment industry by bypassing traditional gatekeepers and building audiences directly online. Using the faith-based comedy series The Promised Land as an example, they explore how a show that started on YouTube grew to millions of views and ultimately landed a global distribution deal with Lionsgate. The conversation highlights the opportunities available to creators today, the importance of making content good enough to stand out, and why the barriers to entry have never been lower. On this episode we talk about: How YouTube is becoming increasingly comparable to traditional television and film distribution The story behind The Promised Land and its success on YouTube How a niche audience can become a powerful business opportunity Why the barriers to entry for creators are lower than ever How creators can build audiences independently and attract major industry opportunities Top 3 Takeaways You don't need traditional gatekeepers to get started. Platforms like YouTube give creators the ability to develop, publish, and distribute their ideas without waiting for a studio or network to give them permission. Being great can help you break through a crowded market. In an environment filled with content, creating something genuinely good and distinctive can help you stand out—even within a highly specific niche. Build the audience first, and opportunities can follow. The Promised Land demonstrates how creating an audience independently can eventually lead to larger distribution and traditional industry opportunities. Notable Quotes "The barrier to entry is lower than it's ever been." "You need to be so good they can't ignore you." "The idea that you can just execute against an idea that you have and it can actually turn into something real now." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 1d ago

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Becoming a More Powerful Communicator with Gina London

    Gina London is an Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent, executive communication advisor, and CEO of Language of Leadership. Having coached leaders and high-performing teams across nearly 60 countries, Gina helps professionals communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and influence. In her book, Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World, she shares a practical framework for strengthening your voice, presence, and human connection—skills that become even more valuable as AI transforms the workplace. On this episode we talk about: Why human-to-human communication remains a competitive advantage in an AI-driven world Gina’s “Say It, Look It, Be It” framework for improving communication, executive presence, and connection How to make stronger first impressions in interviews, pitches, fundraising meetings, and high-stakes presentations Using the Audience–Intent–Message framework to tailor your communication to the person in front of you Why small talk matters, how curiosity creates connection, and how introverts can become exceptional networkers The communication habits people overrate, including overly scripted and artificial AI-generated conversation advice Top 3 Takeaways AI can help with writing, research, marketing, and preparation, but it cannot replace authentic human presence. The people who can create trust, warmth, and real connection will stand out professionally. Strong communication starts with preparation. Before an important interaction, identify your audience, decide the action you want them to take, and shape your message around their needs, concerns, and communication style. Stop trying so hard to be interesting and become more interested instead. Ask thoughtful follow-up questions, notice meaningful details, and keep the conversational “tennis ball” in the other person’s court. Notable Quotes “It is even more important because it might be replacing some of those technical skills that are gonna help you with your business… but it isn’t gonna replace you.” “Don’t let your initial, ‘I don’t like small talk,’ be a stop sign to your growth or your connections.” “It is important to be more interested than it is to try to be interesting.” Connect with Gina London: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginalondon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheGinaLondon Website: https://www.ginalondon.com/ Language of Leadership: https://languageofleadership.ginalondon.com/ Book: Amplify You: How to Connect More Powerfully in an AI World A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 2d ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money, $27 a Day Can Change Your Financial Future

    Travis Chappell and producer Eric break down a simple but powerful financial concept: how small daily spending decisions can add up to thousands of dollars over time. Inspired by a clip from Mel Robbins, they discuss the reality behind spending $27.40 a day, the power of compound interest, and why “paying your future self first” can be one of the simplest ways to build wealth. They also explore the tension between saving and enjoying your money, from expensive movie nights to family activities and everyday purchases. On this episode we talk about: How spending just $27.40 a day adds up to $10,000 over the course of a year How investing small amounts consistently can grow into significant wealth through compound interest Why financial advice can be simple without being easy The importance of “paying your future self first” and automating your savings How to balance financial discipline with spending money on experiences and the things you enjoy Top 3 Takeaways Small daily expenses add up quickly. $27.40 might not feel like a huge amount in isolation, but spending that amount every day adds up to $10,000 over a year. Pay your future self first. Automating money into investments or savings before you have a chance to spend it makes building wealth a priority rather than something you hope to accomplish with whatever money is left over. Simple doesn't mean easy. The math behind saving and investing is straightforward, but actually choosing to delay gratification and consistently prioritize your future can be difficult. Notable Quotes "Sometimes things in life are simple but not easy." "You pay your future self first." "It's not fun. But it'll also make you think twice about spending money that you know you shouldn't be spending." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 2d ago

    INTERVIEW REPOST | Make Money with a Sweaty Startup, feat. Nick Huber

    Nick Huber is an accomplished entrepreneur and real estate investor based in Athens, Georgia. Best known for building a $30M+ annual revenue portfolio that includes 68 self-storage properties, Nick also owns companies like somewhere.com, Bolt Storage, and RE Cost Seg. He’s recognized for his no-nonsense advice on entrepreneurship, his book The Sweaty Startup, and his focus on building wealth through practical, “boring” businesses rather than chasing flashy startup trends. Nick’s unique perspective comes from real-world experience, not just theory, making him a sought-after voice for aspiring business owners. On this episode we talk about: – How Nick made his first and most recent dollar – The importance of picking the right business “vehicle” – Why cash is king in real estate investing – The realities of self-storage and why it’s not truly “passive income” – Building businesses that solve real problems (like RE Cost Seg and somewhere.com) Top 3 Takeaways 1. Pick the right business vehicle: Success isn’t just about working hard-it’s about working smart in industries where you can win, even if you’re “average.” 2. Cash matters in real estate: Contrary to popular advice, Nick argues you need capital to succeed in real estate; “no money down” deals are risky and rare. 3. Business is a long game: Building wealth takes years, often generations. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and focus on boring, proven businesses. Connect with Nick Huber: Website: sweatystartup.com ⁠http://www.nickhuber.com/⁠⁠ https://x.com/sweatystartup ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/sweatystartup/#⁠⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup/ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/sweatystartup⁠⁠ https://www.tiktok.com/@sweatystartup⁠⁠ https://www.threads.com/@sweatystartup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 3d ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money, But Don’t Expect It to Make You Happy

    Travis Chappell and producer Eric take a lighthearted look at celebrity sightings, theme-park spending, and the surprising relationship between money and happiness. After sharing stories from a trip to Universal Studios—including celebrity encounters with Josh Duhamel and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy actress Kasey Brooks—they dive into research discussed by Arthur C. Brooks about how increasing income can reduce money-related unhappiness without necessarily creating lasting happiness. The conversation explores why making more money can make other problems easier to solve, while still recognizing that money alone can't fix every area of your life. On this episode we talk about: The unexpected experience of spotting celebrities at Universal Studios Why money can reduce unhappiness without necessarily creating happiness The concept of diminishing marginal utility as income increases How financial security makes it easier to address other problems in life Why solving your money problems should come before expecting money to solve all your problems Top 3 Takeaways Money can reduce certain sources of unhappiness, but it isn't a substitute for happiness. Having enough money can eliminate stress surrounding necessities and financial insecurity, but earning more won't automatically create fulfillment. Solving your financial problems can make other problems easier to solve. Once you're no longer consumed by paying rent, buying food, or covering medical bills, you have more resources and mental bandwidth to focus on your health, relationships, and personal growth. Don't make money the solution to every problem. Building wealth is important, but once your financial foundation is strong, you still need to intentionally work on the other areas of your life that contribute to happiness. Notable Quotes "A little money will relieve unhappiness. No amount of money will make you truly happy." "Money solves money problems." "If you solve the money problem first, it tends to make solving some of your other problems a little bit easier." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 3d ago

    INTERVIEW REPOST | Make Money by Finding Alignment, feat. Vinny Brusco

    Vinny Brusco is an insight and perspective coach, community builder, and podcast host who helps men cultivate clarity, connection, and purpose. After 16 years in the car business, he walked away from a lucrative but misaligned career to build a life and business rooted in what matters most to him: authentic brotherhood, mental and spiritual health, and intentional living. As the founder of Agora Social Club and host of The Council of Dudes podcast (with over 500 episodes), Vinny creates spaces where men can drop the performative self-help act and actually live in alignment instead of autopilot. On this episode we talk about: Leaving a high-income, misaligned career for a more meaningful path How sales skills become a “break glass in case of emergency” safety net Why fulfillment in the pursuit matters more than status or titles The loneliness epidemic among men and entrepreneurs Building real, local community through Agora Social Club and long-form conversation Top 3 Takeaways You can be making great money and still be completely out of alignment—and no number in your bank account will fix that internal mismatch. Learning to sell is one of the most valuable “forever skills” you can develop, giving you the confidence to take bigger risks in pursuit of a life you actually want. Deep, in-person community and long-form conversation are antidotes to modern male loneliness, especially for entrepreneurial men who often feel isolated at the top. Notable Quotes “This isn’t a weekend hobby; it’s a heart-and-soul project that needs a life force behind it.” “If you’d still do it even if you never became ‘the best’ at it, you’re probably on the right path.” “The transaction is just an energetic byproduct of a real, authentic conversation.” Connect with Vinny Brusco: Instagram (personal): @vinnybrusco Agora Social Club website: ⁠agorasocialclub.com⁠ Instagram (club): @agora_westchester Podcast: ⁠The Council of Dudes A Word from Our Sponsors:- The most successful business owners don't do it all themselves — they delegate. Upwork lets you build a team of highly skilled specialists for every function your business needs, so you can focus on what you do best and let experts handle the rest. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! - Go to Leesa.com for 30% OFF select mattresses (through September 13, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4.3
out of 5
389 Ratings

About

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.