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. 19h ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Knowing When to Zig and Zag

    In this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis Chappell and producer Eric take a skeptical—and surprisingly nuanced—look at NFTs, Gary Vaynerchuk’s continued belief in digital assets, and the difference between a failed trend and an emerging technology that may still have lasting value. They break down why most NFTs were always likely to become worthless, why a small number could potentially become valuable digital collectibles, and how entrepreneurs can recognize opportunities in overlooked markets without confusing speculation with sound investing. On this episode we talk about: Why Gary V remains one of the most influential entrepreneurial voices and why Travis and Eric disagree with some of his NFT takes The difference between an NFT's underlying utility and simply using an NFT as a digital membership or collectible Why the vast majority of NFT projects were—and likely will remain—worthless The comparison between the NFT boom and the dot-com bubble, including how a few winners can emerge from a massive speculative market Why alternative investments like NFTs, collectibles, and altcoins should be treated as speculative “play money” rather than dependable investments Top 3 Takeaways Not every failed trend means the underlying technology is worthless. Just as most dot-com companies failed while Amazon, Google, and eBay survived, a small number of NFT projects could ultimately become valuable digital assets. Separate utility from speculation. An NFT can provide access to experiences, communities, events, or other benefits, but that doesn't automatically make the asset itself a good investment. Know what you're risking. If you're investing in NFTs, collectibles, altcoins, or other alternative assets, treat the money as speculative capital—not money you need for your financial future. Notable Quotes "Ninety-nine percent of these are going to zero." "This is called f*****g math." "The question is, are you good enough to pick the winners? That's hard." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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. 20h ago

    INTERVIEW | Make Money Podcasting: How to Build a Profitable Show, Expand Your Network, and Create Opportunities with Chris Hill

    Chris Hill is the host of Money Unplugged and a veteran of the podcasting world, having started at The Motley Fool in 2009 and gone on to host and executive produce more than 3,500 episodes. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in business and media, including Michael Lewis, Mark Cuban, and Malcolm Gladwell, and he also narrates Morgan Housel’s bestselling books The Psychology of Money and The Art of Spending Money. In this conversation, Chris shares what more than a decade in podcasting has taught him about building an audience, controlling costs, preparing for great interviews, and using a podcast as one of the most powerful networking tools available. On this episode we talk about: How Chris helped launch one of the earliest major investing podcasts during the 2009 financial crisis Why keeping podcast production costs low is critical to building a profitable show The evolution of podcasting from an early, computer-based medium to YouTube and multi-platform distribution How a podcast can become a powerful networking and relationship-building tool Why thorough interview preparation can transform a conversation and help guests get off autopilot The connection between money and personal experiences, emotions, relationships, and psychology Top 3 Takeaways Keep your podcast costs proportional to your goals. Chris emphasizes setting a specific financial allocation for a side hustle or podcast and avoiding the temptation to continually invest more money when things aren't working. Use your podcast to build relationships, not just an audience. Inviting someone onto a podcast gives you a legitimate reason to connect with people you admire, expand your network, and create conversations that might never happen over a traditional coffee chat. Preparation creates better conversations. The goal isn't simply to book impressive guests—it's to make the conversation memorable. Researching a guest deeply allows you to ask questions they haven't heard before and move beyond their standard talking points. Notable Quotes "The less expensive your podcast is to produce, the more profitable it's gonna be." "Personal finance is more personal than finance." "They will be delighted if you're not asking the same four questions or telling the same three stories that they tell on all the other interviews." Connect with Chris Hill: Website: https://www.moneyunpluggedpodcast.com/ Other: Money Unplugged — available wherever you listen to podcasts, with new episodes every Friday A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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. 21h ago

    SOLO | Make Money by Installing Daily Habits That Grow Your Bank Account

    This solo episode features Travis Chappell, a veteran podcaster and founder who has helped thousands of people learn the mindset and habits required to earn more. Drawing from his own journey of lifestyle creep, debt awareness, and building multiple income streams, Travis breaks down simple, practical habits anyone can adopt—no degree, big savings, or special skills required—to start moving their bank account in the right direction over the next 3–6 months. On this episode we talk about: Why checking your bank account balance daily changes your money awareness and urgency. How to delay purchases for at least an hour to avoid impulse spending and emotional decisions. Eating at home to reverse lifestyle creep and stop letting restaurant and delivery bills quietly drain your income. Going to monthly in‑person events so “the more hands you shake, the more money you make.” Changing your inputs (podcasts, YouTube, conversations) so your environment pushes you toward earning more. Top 3 Takeaways Daily money awareness—like checking your bank balance or using tools such as Rocket Money—keeps your real financial situation in front of you and creates the urgency to go earn more. Small habits like delaying purchases for an hour and eating at home can quietly free up thousands of dollars a month that you can redirect toward debt payoff and savings. Your environment and relationships matter: attending monthly events, consuming business content, and talking openly about money with your spouse or close friends increases opportunities and motivation to build the life you want. Notable Quotes “What you focus on, you get more of—so put your bank balance in front of your eyes every single day.” “It’s never been easier to make money, but it’s also never been easier to get distracted and to spend it.” “The more hands you shake, the more money you make.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell⁠ Twitter/X: ⁠https://twitter.com/traviscchappell⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/⁠ Other: Website – ⁠https://travischappell.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 1d ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money by Outlasting Everyone Else

    Eric, Travis’s producer and a fellow long-term podcaster, joins him in studio for a candid conversation about the advantage most people overlook: consistency. Drawing on years of podcasting and firsthand experience building content, Travis and Eric unpack why creators abandon opportunities too early, why buying a course does not create results, and how simply following through can make you stand out. On this episode we talk about: Why tougher YouTube monetization hurdles can create opportunity for persistent creators The simple competitive advantage of continuing when other people quit Why people buy courses, gym memberships, and resources but fail to use them Lessons from nearly a decade of podcasting and watching shows disappear How to set expectations, responsibilities, and ownership before launching a podcast with co-hosts Reframing overwhelm and doing the next piece of work even when you are tired Top 3 Takeaways The most reliable way to separate yourself is to keep showing up after other people stop. Consistency is a real competitive advantage. Information and purchases do not produce results on their own. Turn every course, tool, or plan into a specific next action. Treat a co-hosted show like a business partnership from day one: clarify responsibilities, financial commitments, and ownership before problems arise. Notable Quotes “The key to success in most areas is literally to just not stop when other people are stopping. It’s to outlast.” “You’re not competing with anyone.” “The bad news is that most people aren’t willing to do the work, but the good news is if you are, then you can stand out really easily.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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. 1d ago

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Mastering the Skill of Charisma with Olivia Fox Cabane

    Olivia Fox Cabane is the best-selling author of The Charisma Myth and a former director of innovative leadership at Stanford. She has coached leaders at companies including Apple, Google, JPMorgan, and Airbnb, and has spent years studying the science behind charisma. In this episode, Olivia explains why charisma isn't an innate personality trait but a learnable skill, how presence, power, and warmth work together, and why mastering charisma may become even more valuable as AI makes knowledge and information increasingly accessible. On this episode we talk about: Why charisma is a learned behavior rather than an innate personality trait The three core components of charisma: presence, power, and warmth How to practice charisma in low-stakes situations and make presence a daily habit The potential downsides of charisma, including manipulation, envy, and convincing people when you're actually wrong How vocal fluctuation, online communication, and AI are changing the way charisma is perceived Top 3 Takeaways Charisma can be learned. Like any other skill, charisma may feel unnatural at first, but consistent practice can make it feel effortless over time. Start with presence. In a distracted world, simply giving someone your full attention can dramatically increase your impact. Olivia recommends practicing in everyday, low-stakes interactions. Use charisma with the right intent. Charisma can be incredibly powerful, but it can also manipulate or mislead people. The goal should be to create a better experience for everyone involved, not simply to control an interaction. Notable Quotes “Charisma is a series of learned behaviors.” “The world becomes your lab and every person you meet is a chance to experiment.” “If your intent is good and your impact is good, use everything at your disposal.” Connect with Olivia Fox Cabane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviafoxcabane/ Other: The Charisma Myth  Website: https://www.oliviafoxcabane.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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. 1d ago

    SOLO | Make Money By Understanding 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." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 2d ago

    CO-HOST | Make Money on YouTube Before the Monetization Rules Get Tougher

    YouTube is raising the bar for creators who want to monetize—and Travis and producer Eric break down what that means for podcasters, long-form creators, animators, and anyone building a channel from scratch. They examine why the coming shift could reward creators who focus on retention and quality, why it may also fuel AI-generated content, and how to approach the current window before the requirements change. The conversation also covers deceptive clip channels, copyright, reaction content, and a potential upside for monetized creators through YouTube Premium Lite. On this episode we talk about: YouTube's reported new monetization thresholds: 8,000 public watch hours in 12 months or 20 million Shorts views in 90 days Why creators with monetization goals should prioritize publishing and watch time before the deadline The difference between views and watch hours—and why retention is the more useful metric How higher entry barriers could affect niche creators, animators, and AI-generated content Deceptive clip channels, copyright concerns, and the need for genuinely transformative commentary Why YouTube Premium Lite could create an additional revenue opportunity for eligible creators Top 3 Takeaways Monetization is a milestone, not a business model. Focus on building enough quality, audience trust, and watch time to create meaningful revenue after you qualify. Long-form retention matters. A smaller, highly engaged audience can generate more watch time than a high-view video with weak average viewing duration. Use the current runway strategically: repurpose strong back-catalog content, publish consistently, and create original work rather than chasing low-value clips or AI volume. Notable Quotes “If you have a channel that you want to monetize, put your ass in gear for the next couple months and get it monetized before February.” “You could get a video with 100,000 views that has an average watch time of a minute and a half, or you could get a video with 10,000 views with an average watch time of 23 minutes.” “I want you to be successful, just not more successful than me.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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. 2d ago

    INTERVIEW | Make Money by Fixing What’s Broken in Healthcare feat. Jarred Pierce

    Jarred Pierce is the founder and CEO of Unity Preferred Network and a healthcare executive with more than 20 years of experience building provider networks, negotiating contracts, and creating strategic relationships across the healthcare industry. He started working in PPO networks at just 17 years old and has since built multiple healthcare businesses. In this episode, Jarred shares how he built Unity without outside investment, why he believes transparency can disrupt a broken healthcare system, and the lessons he’s learned about scaling, partnerships, and embracing the struggle of entrepreneurship. On this episode we talk about: How Jarred started building PPO networks at just 17 years old and turned an early job into a 20+ year career Why scaling requires setting ambitious goals, executing on the steps in front of you, and constantly looking for the next challenge The advantages of building a company without outside investment and maintaining control over your business How Jarred built Unity Preferred Network to create more transparency and alignment between healthcare providers, payers, and patients Why embracing the struggle, managing cash flow, and building the right partnerships are critical to long-term business success Top 3 Takeaways Embrace the struggle. The difficult moments of entrepreneurship teach you how to solve problems, generate revenue, and develop the confidence to handle future challenges. Build for the long term. Instead of taking every dollar out of the business, reinvest in your team, infrastructure, and vision so you can create something bigger over time. Solve a real problem for the people you serve. Jarred’s approach to healthcare is centered on creating a better experience for both providers and members rather than simply following the existing industry model. Notable Quotes “Embrace the struggle, enjoy it, cherish it, remember it because that's what's gonna motivate you to not feel that way again or learn from the mistakes you had.” “You can have the greatest presentation in the world, but if you're not really hitting on the core of what the issue is, you're gonna lose the sale immediately.” “I think that's what a good CEO is, is it can take a step back, let the vision ride out, chime in when needed instead of being a micromanager to every aspect of it.” Connect with Jarred Pierce: LinkedIn: Jarred Pierce on LinkedIn Instagram: @unitypreferrednetwork Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/jarredandrewp/ Other: Unity Preferred Network A Word from Our Sponsors: - Go to Leesa.com for 25% OFF select mattresses (through August 23, 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
388 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.

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