Travis Makes Money

Travis Chappell
  • 4.3 (386)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED DAILY

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. 10H AGO

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Paying Rent Smarter (Not Harder)

    Co-hosting with producer Eric Travis breaks down Affirm's new "buy now, pay later" rent option—splitting monthly rent into zero-interest biweekly payments. They debate cash flow hacks, reminisce on $600/month SoCal apartments now Zestimated at $1,600+, and praise rent-tech like Bilt for credit-building points. On this episode we talk about:   Affirm + Isuzu pilot: Split rent biweekly (no interest/fees) via $10-50/month memberships that report payments to credit bureaus—helps cash flow, not affordability.   Eric's confession: Used fee-free biweekly rent; Travis okays it as the one BNPL he's fine with (unlike shoes/phones).   Rent sticker shock: Eric's old $600 1BR now ~$1,658; Travis's 2018 Vegas 3BR/4BA went from $2,600 to $4,800+ Zestimate.   Bilt love: Pay rent/mortgage with credit card for points (shoutout founder); gamified quizzes make bills fun.   Lifestyle creep: Cheap rents build wealth nostalgia, but "never going back"—location > size if you can walk to casinos/pizza. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Biweekly rent splits (zero interest) ease cash flow without extra cost—ideal if paid biweekly, risky if monthly salary mismatches.2.  Rents double every ~7 years while fixed mortgages don't—owning locks predictability as utilities/rates rise.3.  Use tech like Bilt for rent points/credit; systems easing big bills (rent = largest expense) free mental space for income growth. Notable Quotes   "This doesn't feel like buy now, pay later... It's just splitting it up into two payments. That feels almost like a better situation for the landlord."   "If this system makes more sense for you to conserve the money... then sure, split it up."   "Set up systems that make it easier to accomplish your goals, rather than trying in the difficulty of the systems you already have." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

    29 min

  2. 11H AGO

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Removing Friction and Scaling with Empathy, feat. Chris Kaufman

    Chris Kaufman is a Detroit-based creative leader, entrepreneur, investor, and author. As co-founder and former Chief Creative Officer of StockX, he helped scale the platform to a $3.8 billion valuation, serving customers in over 200 countries and facilitating billions in gross merchandise volume. Chris is also the bestselling author of 'Empathy at Work', where he breaks down how practical empathy drives innovation, retention, and long-term business success. In this episode, Chris shares how a paper route sparked his entrepreneurial mindset, the bold decision to walk away from a Yahoo acquisition, and how applying stock market mechanics to sneakers changed an entire industry. On this episode we talk about: The early entrepreneurial lessons Chris learned delivering newspapers in Detroit Turning design into a business discipline Walking away from a Yahoo acquisition to build something bigger The core mechanics that made StockX explode globally Why removing friction is the fastest path to scalable growth How empathy fuels high-trust, high-performance teams Top 3 Takeaways: 1. There’s always a better way to make money. Manual labor teaches discipline — but entrepreneurship starts when you ask how to make income scalable. 2. Remove friction to unlock growth. StockX succeeded because it eliminated guesswork: transparency, anonymity, and authenticity allowed buyers and sellers to transact with confidence. 3. Empathy is a competitive advantage. Leaders who build with empathy see stronger innovation, better retention, and more sustainable growth over time. Notable Quotes: “There has to be a better way to make money than this.” “Transparency changes behavior.” “Empathy isn’t soft — it’s strategic.” Connect with Chris: Company: StockX Book: Empathy at Work Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – 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

    31 min

  3. 12H AGO

    SOLO | The Two Types of Fear

    In this solo episode, Travis digs into old notes from his phone to unpack why humans are wired for fear—evolutionary survival that now fuels anxiety and stalled dreams. He shares his "rocking chair test" for big risks (like a six-figure filming project with legends) and how fearing regret beats fearing failure every time. On this episode we talk about:   Human evolution: 99% of our 100,000-year history as hunter-gatherers made fear our survival edge—now it creates worry over non-threats like embarrassment or loss.   Reptilian brain vs. subconscious supercomputer: You can't override it, but awareness lets you redirect fear (e.g., fear of mediocrity > fear of failing once).   Jocko Willink wisdom: "Every failure that does not lead to death is psychological"—nothing to lose by swinging again.   Travis's risk framework: Worst-case (lose money)? Renewable. Best-case? Dream life. Time isn't—don't wait for the "perfect" moment.   Rocking chair test: At 98, will you regret not acting more than failing? Past risks always led to growth, win or lose. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Fear is inevitable—choose the right one: Fear living subpar > fear one failure; money renews, time doesn't.2.  Worst-case scenarios rarely kill you; engage fear directly to shrink it, then act—upside crushes downside.3.  Build proof through risks: One success unlocks confidence; even "failures" spark hyper-growth and problem-solving. Notable Quotes   "Worry is simply faith that something bad is going to happen... Hope is faith that something good is going to happen."   "Everybody gives in to fear. Whether it's the fear of failing at making your dreams come true or the fear of never making your dreams come true, the one you give into will determine how you live your life."   "I fear that state of regret so much more than I fear risking embarrassment now." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

    22 min

  4. 1D AGO

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Not Leasing Your PlayStation

    Co-hosting with his producer Eric Travis dives into the wild world of financing everything—from PlayStation 5 leases in the UK to Gen Z's surprising DVD revival. They roast subscription fatigue, debate console controllers, and warn why endless payments kill your financial flexibility (and freedom to quit bad jobs). On this episode we talk about:   Sony's PlayStation Flex lease program: PS5 Digital Edition for as low as £13.58/month (36 months) or £26.60 rolling—great for testing GTA6, terrible for your wallet long-term   Why financing non-essentials (shoes, phones, couches) traps you in debt and removes life flexibility when surprises hit   Gen Z rebels against streaming chaos: DVD/Blu-ray sales dropped just 9% in 2025 (vs. 20%+ prior years), boosting rental shops as ownership fights content vanishing   Subscriptions vs. leases: Cancel anytime is fine for NBA playoffs, but locked payments destroy credit and opportunity   Lost media risks: 75-90% of silent films gone forever; what happens to Netflix hits if they tank? Buy physical to preserve culture Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Avoid financing toys like PS5—pay cash or short-term rent to dodge endless payments that exceed the item's value and tank your credit.​2.  Endless subscriptions/leases kill flexibility; keep payments under income to handle life's curveballs and pivot careers freely.3.  Own physical media amid streaming fatigue—Gen Z's DVD surge proves intentional buying beats scattered, cancellable content. Notable Quotes   "You should not be purchasing anything that requires you [to finance] other than a car or a house or shoes." – Travis Chappell   "Getting up to your eyeballs in payments is quite literally the antithesis of setting up your life [for surprises]." – Travis Chappell   "Physical media sales declined just 9% in 2025... Young customers cite frustration with subscription fatigue."​ ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

    25 min

  5. 1D AGO

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Understanding Why Customers Really Buy, feat. Paul Larche

    Paul Larche is a media pioneer, author, and business strategist with over four decades of experience in broadcasting and brand communication. As the founder of Larsh Communications, he built five radio stations from the ground up and was inducted into the Ontario Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. His latest book, The Divided Brain: Why Customers Buy (and Why They Don’t), translates cutting-edge neuroscience into practical business strategy—helping leaders understand how human psychology truly drives buying behavior. In this episode, Paul breaks down the evolutionary wiring behind our decisions, why fear is such a powerful motivator, how media exploits confirmation bias, and what business owners must understand if they want to communicate effectively in today’s AI-driven world. On this episode we talk about: The “old brain” vs. the “new brain” and how they shape buying behavior Why fear is a stronger motivator than reward Metacognition: thinking about your thinking How confirmation bias fuels modern media and marketing The dangers of pattern-seeking and confabulation Why understanding psychology is more valuable than mastering marketing tactics Top 3 Takeaways: 1. Your old brain runs the show.Most decisions are driven by survival wiring—seeking safety, status, and simplicity. Marketing that speaks to this system wins attention. 2. Awareness creates leverage.You can’t eliminate bias—but you can recognize it. Metacognition (thinking about your thinking) is a competitive advantage in business and life. 3. Psychology outlasts platforms.Marketing channels change. Algorithms change. Technology changes. Human nature doesn’t. The entrepreneurs who understand this will always have an edge. Notable Quotes: “The old brain runs the show.” “Fear kept our ancestors alive—that’s why it’s so powerful.” “You can’t fight your wiring, but you can understand it.” “AI can bypass your new brain and speak directly to your old brain" Connect with Paul: Website: https://paullarche.com (free PDFs) Book: The Divided Brain  Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – 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

    31 min

  6. 1D AGO

    SOLO | Make Money by Adopting Wealthy Habits (Not Poor Ones)

    In this solo episode, Travis Chappell breaks down eye-opening stats from a five-year study on the daily habits that separate the wealthy from the poor. From credit score savvy to flossing and networking, he shares personal stories—like the time his truck's wheel fell off in Las Vegas—and actionable mindset shifts to level up your financial game. On this episode we talk about:   The massive gap in credit score awareness (72% wealthy vs. 5% poor) and Travis's wild credit drop after maxing a business card   Why the poor play the lottery 77% vs. just 6% of the wealthy—and how it traps you in a scarcity mindset   Goal focus, flossing, fitness, and screen time stats that reveal how self-discipline builds wealth   Networking (79% wealthy spend 5+ hours/month), the 80/20 rule, and rejecting "random luck" as your wealth plan   The ultimate divider: 79% of wealthy take full responsibility for their finances vs. 18% of the poor Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Know your credit score and how utilization/inquiries work—it unlocks better rates and leverage, even if Dave Ramsey disagrees.2.  Focus on one big goal, cut recreational screen time under 1 hour/day, and network relentlessly—small habits compound into wealth.3.  Own your financial situation 100%, regardless of fault; responsibility is where wealth creation truly begins. Notable Quotes   "72% of the wealthy know their credit score versus 5% of the poor."   "Your ability to create wealth for yourself will depend on your ability to take full responsibility for your situation."   "The more shots on goal you take, the more likely it is that you're going to hit one in." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

    21 min

  7. 2D AGO

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Reading More Books Like Kai Cenat

    Travis and producer Eric unpack America's literacy crisis (54% of adults read below 6th-grade level, costing $2.2T in lost productivity), celebrate streamer Kai Cenat's public 30-minute daily reading challenge, debate childhood favorites like Dr. Seuss, and tie it all to self-improvement and earning potential. On this episode we talk about: Shocking U.S. literacy stats: 45M adults functionally illiterate, 40% of 4th graders below basic reading, and 44% read zero books yearly. Streamer Kai Cenat's vulnerable reading streams (Atomic Habits, looking up words like "spontaneity") mocked online but praised by Jamie Foxx and Hasan Piker. Generational reading habits, Dr. Seuss debates (Butter Battle Book vs. Green Eggs & Ham), and kids' books like Monster at the End of This Book and Rainbow Fish. How low literacy traps families in poverty cycles and kills income potential—humility in learning beats pretending to know it all. Workaholics cruise insights: Comedians aren't the "party slobs" they portray; successful ones prioritize health, work ethic, and growth. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Reading builds irreplaceable skills for communication, income, and breaking poverty cycles—start with 20-30 minutes daily like Kai Cenat.2.  Embrace looking "dumb" by googling words or admitting gaps; mockery reveals the mockers' insecurity, not your flaws.3.  Self-improvement (gym, books, skills) fuels real money-making—don't mimic entertainers' jokes as life advice; model their unseen discipline. Notable Quotes "An estimated 130 million U.S. adults read below a sixth grade level, which is about 54% of adults ages 16 to 74." "Low literacy is estimated to cost the US economy up to $2.2 trillion per year in lost productivity." "This is literally the process of learning... if I don't know what it means now, I'm not going to just magically learn it." "Why are the things that are most important to know the things that are most taboo to talk about?" "Read a book this year, and don't be a part of the 44% who are not." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

    29 min

  8. 2D AGO

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Becoming the #1 Solution in a Micro-Niche, feat. John Lee Dumas

    John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, one of the longest-running and most successful business podcasts in the world. A pioneer of daily podcasting, John has built a multi–seven-figure media brand, mentored some of the biggest names in the industry, and spent over a decade teaching entrepreneurs how to turn attention into income. In this episode, John shares how he continues to reinvent himself, why most people misunderstand “success,” and how a hyper-focused micro-niche show is quietly generating $12K/month with just 20 minutes of work per day. On this episode we talk about: How to break through to high-level entrepreneurs by leading with value The power of becoming the #1 solution to a real problem in a growing industry Why copying successful creators is a losing strategy How John’s ultra-micro-niche show is making $12K/month in just 20 minutes a day The overlooked word that most entrepreneurs never truly understand: “enough” Top 3 Takeaways Lead with value, not requests. If you want access to high-level people, identify a clear, specific way you can help them—remove risk, create upside, and make it a no-brainer. Micro-niche wins in today’s market. You can’t copy someone else’s broad success model. Instead, dominate a specific corner where you can become the undeniable #1 solution. Define “enough” before you chase more. Scaling for perception instead of purpose leads to burnout. Clarity around your ideal life gives you the freedom to operate from intention, not ego. Notable Quotes “Try not to become a person of success, but rather a person of value.” “Nobody wants a pale, weak imitation of somebody else.” “The word most entrepreneurs don’t understand is enough.” Connect with John Lee Dumas: Website: https://www.eofire.com Podcast: Entrepreneurs on Fire YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnleedumas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnleedumas  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

    31 min
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4.3
out of 5
386 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Travis Chappell
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.5K
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2020 Travis Chappell
  • Show Website
    Travis Makes Money

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