Travis Makes Friends

Travis Chappell
  • 5.0 (47)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Semiweekly

Relationships are the most important asset we have in life. If you'd like to improve your relationships, whether we're talking about your relationship with your partner, your friends, your kids, your professional network, or with yourself, then this is the show for you! After 800 episodes of my top-rated audio podcast, Build Your Network, I decided to start recording my interviews in person so I could share them with all of you on YouTube. In addition to listening on your favorite podcast app, now you can watch my in-depth conversations with exceptional athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, comedians like Dane Cook, entertainers like Rob Dyrdek or Chris Hansen, authors like Dr. Nicole LePera, former presidents like Vicente Fox, or even the occasional FBI hostage negotiator, billionaire real estate mogul, polarizing political figure, or controversial social media influencer. Hit that subscribe button – we're just getting started!

  1. Jul 27

    Why 78% of Online Gambling Is Illegal (And What It's Costing America) | Ismail Vali

    Illegal and unregulated online gambling generates an estimated $5.9 trillion a year — making it the third-largest economic flow on Earth, right behind the US and China in GDP terms. In this episode of the Travis Makes Friends Podcast, I sit down with Ismail Vali, President of Gaming Compliance International (GCI), to break down how organized crime infiltrated the global online gambling industry and why it matters to every American. Ismail's journey is wild: from a scholarship at Oxford University, to becoming the first internet analyst at Solomon Smith Barney in the World Trade Center, to running some of the biggest names in online poker and sports betting — including Poker Stars — before walking away from a fortune when he sensed something was wrong. That instinct eventually led him to found Yield Sec and later GCI, companies built to monitor, police, and optimize the online gambling marketplace worldwide. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell Connect with Ismail Vali here: Instagram: Personal - https://www.instagram.com/ismailvali_/        GCI - https://www.instagram.com/gci_gamingcompliance/        Youtube: Personal - https://www.youtube.com/@ismailvali_ GCI - https://www.youtube.com/@gci_gamingcompliance TikTok: Personal - https://www.tiktok.com/@ismailvali_      GCI - https://www.tiktok.com/@gci_gamingcompliance        LinkedIn: - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismailvali/

  2. Jul 20

    Why 99% of People Fail at Calorie Deficits | ⁨@trainbloom⁩

    Everything you think you know about weight loss might be wrong. In this episode, we sit down with Tony (@trainbloom), a wellness influencer and fitness coach, to break down the most confusing topics in health and fitness — with zero fluff and zero agenda. We cover: — Why calorie tracking is nowhere near as "exact" as people think (and why 99% of people underreport) — The truth about seed oils — is the fear backed by real human data? — Why you should NEVER exercise just to "burn calories" — NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) — the most underrated fat loss lever nobody talks about — Creatine for sleep deprivation and brain health — not just muscle — The essential supplements everyone should actually consider: Vitamin D, magnesium, fiber, protein, creatine — Peptides, GLP-1s (Ozempic/Tirzepatide), and TRT — what's legit, what's hype, and what's dangerous — How content creation and networking actually work in 2026 Whether you're trying to lose weight, build muscle, or just cut through the noise of fitness influencers online, this conversation gives you a science-first, no-nonsense breakdown of what actually matters. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  3. Jul 13

    Get Paid to Yap on Social Media (Strategy Session with Michael Smoak and Tony)

    In this mini episode of the Travis Makes Friends podcast, Travis sits down with Michael Smoak (@higherupwellness) and Tony (@trainbloom) to talk about social media growth, content creation, and how to build a loyal audience online. Both creators have built major followings by taking very different approaches to content, and this conversation breaks down what actually works. They discuss viral TikTok strategy, the psychology of hooks, why most creators miss the mark, and how to create content that builds trust instead of just chasing views. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, fitness coach, or anyone trying to grow on social media, this episode is packed with practical advice on personal branding, audience building, and long-term growth. Topics covered: — How Michael Smoak built his audience through consistent value-driven content. — Why Tony (@trainbloom) leans into a more intentional production process. — The biggest mistakes creators make when trying to go viral. — How to balance authenticity, trust, and brand deals. — Why audience relationships matter more than vanity metrics. If you’re interested in TikTok growth, fitness content, entrepreneurship, and creator strategy, this episode is worth watching. If you like this, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  4. Jul 6

    How to Conquer Your Fear of Posting Online and Create Content That Changes Lives with Michael Smoak

    Michael Smoak breaks down how to overcome your fear of posting online, stop overthinking content, and start creating in a way that actually helps people. If you’ve been sitting on ideas, waiting for the “right time,” or worrying too much about what people will think, this conversation will challenge you to get moving and put your message out there. In this episode of the Travis Makes Friends podcast, Michael and Travis talk about why so many people stay stuck, how to create content with clarity and purpose, and why simplicity usually beats perfection. They also dig into the mindset shift that makes posting feel less intimidating and more like an opportunity to serve. Michael shares practical encouragement for creators, fitness professionals, and anyone trying to build influence online without losing themselves in the process. The goal isn’t just to get views — it’s to make content that actually changes lives. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell Youtube: @travismakesfriends TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  5. May 18

    FBI Hostage Negotiator Chris Voss: How to Negotiate with Bank Robbers, Your Girlfriend, or Anyone!

    Former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss joins Travis to unpack how he went from being "eminently unqualified" to negotiating life-or-death situations at Chase Manhattan Bank and beyond. He shares the moment a team leader told him to volunteer on a suicide hotline—advice she gave to 1,000 people but only two ever acted on—and how that single decision opened the door to a 24-year FBI career. Chris walks through the Chase Manhattan Bank robbery in Brooklyn, where he coached a crafty bank robber into surrendering, only to have the doors accidentally locked from the outside while SWAT moved in behind ballistic shields. He explains why "yes" always creates anxiety, why saying "I understand" is weaponization, and how mirroring 1-3 words can get anyone talking involuntarily. This conversation is a candid look at tactical empathy, engineering serendipity, and how negotiation skills apply to everything from business deals to ordering Cheesecake Factory with your girlfriend. ON THIS EPISODE, WE CHAT ABOUT: — How Chris Voss went from SWAT team aspirations to FBI hostage negotiator after re-injuring his knee. — The "eminently unqualified" conversation with Amy and why only 2 out of 1,000 people took her suicide hotline advice. — What really happened during the Chase Manhattan Bank hostage situation in Brooklyn and the "Where's Chris?" moment. — Why "yes" creates anxiety and going for "no" makes people feel safe and in control. — The difference between tactical empathy and saying "I understand"—and why one builds trust while the other is weaponization. — How mirroring works: repeating 1-3 words with curiosity or comprehension to pull information out of people involuntarily. — The power of silence in negotiation and why Travis's 1-minute pause closed a high-ticket deal. — "Engineering serendipity"—how to position yourself in the path of luck by taking action others won't. TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS Competitive advantage comes from doing what others won't—1,000 people got advice to volunteer on a suicide hotline, only 2 did it. "Yes" creates anxiety; "no" makes people feel safe. Go for "no" to give the other side control and lower their defenses. Tactical empathy isn't agreement—it's demonstrating comprehension of where someone's coming from without liking it or agreeing with it. Mirroring (repeating 1-3 words) gets people talking involuntarily and makes them feel heard without you having to solve anything. Never be so sure of what you want that you wouldn't take something better—focus on outcomes can blind you to superior alternatives. **Join the Black Swan Community with Chris Today!** ✖️✖️✖️  If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  6. May 11

    How a Former Nightclub Promoter is Solving the Water Crisis

    Former New York City nightclub promoter Scott Harrison joins Travis to unpack how a decade of chasing status and excess led him to walk away from everything and start Charity: water. He shares the health scare and existential crisis that pushed him onto a hospital ship in post‑war Liberia, where he saw firsthand that up to half of local disease was caused by dirty water and that clean water projects can cut sickness in some villages by as much as 80 percent. Scott explains the human cost of the global water crisis, including the hundreds of millions of hours women and girls spend every day walking for unsafe water, and why widespread distrust of charities forced him to build a radically transparent model where 100 percent of public donations fund water projects that are tracked and proved. This conversation is a candid look at addiction, meaning, faith, and how one person can repurpose a “promoter” skill set to mobilize millions toward solving a solvable problem. If you like this, click subscribe, like, and share with a friend. ON THIS EPISODE, WE CHAT ABOUT: — How Scott Harrison went from top nightclub promoter in New York City to the founder of Charity: water. — The health scare and existential crisis that forced him to confront the emptiness behind his “successful” lifestyle. — What he witnessed on a hospital ship in post‑war Liberia and how it exposed the link between dirty water and disease. — The scale and human cost of the global water crisis, especially for women and girls who spend hours every day collecting unsafe water. — Why public distrust in charities is so high and how Charity: water’s 100% model and radical transparency were designed to rebuild trust. — How Scott repurposed his promoter skill set to tell better stories, raise money, and mobilize millions toward clean water projects. TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS 1. Material success without service can feel profoundly empty, even when it looks glamorous from the outside. 2. Clean water isn’t just a convenience—it’s foundational healthcare that can slash disease rates in entire communities. 3. Donor skepticism is rational; nonprofits that want to grow must design around trust, proof, and accountability. 4. Skills built in “selfish” environments (sales, promotion, hospitality) can be transformed into powerful tools for impact. 5. The global water crisis is solvable within our lifetime if enough people and capital are pointed at the problem with a clear, credible model. 💬 NOTABLE QUOTES “The best I could come up with for my tombstone was, ‘Here lies a selfish man who got a million people drunk.’” “I wanted to know: what would the exact opposite of my life look like?” “According to the World Health Organization, about half of the disease in some regions is caused by bad water and lack of sanitation.” “In many of these villages, when you bring clean water, you see up to an 80 percent reduction in disease.” “Just today, women and girls will spend hundreds of millions of hours walking for dirty water.” “People loved the idea of giving water to others—they just didn’t trust charities with their money.” “We built Charity: water so that 100 percent of public donations would go to water projects, and we’d prove every single one.” ✖️✖️✖️ Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  7. Apr 27

    Jack Carr on The Future of The Terminal List, Ideas for James Bond, and Potential Video Game

    Jack Carr is a former Navy SEAL, #1 New York Times bestselling author, and creator of The Terminal List. In this episode, Jack joins Travis Chappell to talk about the future of the Jack Carr universe, including The Terminal List, Dark Wolf, True Believer, The Fourth Option, and the possibility of video games. Jack shares how his books became a Prime Video series starring Chris Pratt, why Taylor Kitsch changed the way he saw Ben Edwards, how he thinks about Hollywood adaptations, and why every new story has to earn the reader’s time. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

  8. Apr 6

    What Fighter Pilots Actually Think About Leadership, War Movies, and the Myths People Believe

    Retired Marine Corps officer, combat veteran, and former F/A-18 pilot, Dave Berke deployed twice from the USS John C. Stennis in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He served three years as an Instructor Pilot at TOPGUN as Training Officer and senior staff pilot. He also worked as a Forward Air Controller during urban combat in Ramadi, Iraq, supporting SEAL Task Unit Bruiser. Dave was the first operational pilot qualified in both the F-22 Raptor and F-35B, commanding the Marine Corps' first F-35 squadron. Now at Echelon Front (founded by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin), he teaches leadership as a learnable skill. Michelle "Mace" Curran is a former U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter pilot who flew combat missions in Afghanistan and served as Lead Solo pilot for the Thunderbirds (2019-2022). With over 2,000 hours in the F-16, she broke barriers as one of the elite demonstration team's first female lead solos. Author of The Flipside: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear Into Your Superpower, she now delivers keynotes on overcoming fear, building trust, and decisive action. Based in Las Vegas, she empowers teams through her military-honed insights. If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell

See All (58)

5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Relationships are the most important asset we have in life. If you'd like to improve your relationships, whether we're talking about your relationship with your partner, your friends, your kids, your professional network, or with yourself, then this is the show for you! After 800 episodes of my top-rated audio podcast, Build Your Network, I decided to start recording my interviews in person so I could share them with all of you on YouTube. In addition to listening on your favorite podcast app, now you can watch my in-depth conversations with exceptional athletes like Shaquille O’Neal, comedians like Dane Cook, entertainers like Rob Dyrdek or Chris Hansen, authors like Dr. Nicole LePera, former presidents like Vicente Fox, or even the occasional FBI hostage negotiator, billionaire real estate mogul, polarizing political figure, or controversial social media influencer. Hit that subscribe button – we're just getting started!

Information

  • Creator
    Travis Chappell
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Travis Makes Friends

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