Travis Makes Money

Episodes

• 
  CO-HOST | Make Money: Disney, AI, and the Future of Creativity 06.10.2026 24m

  In this episode, Travis and producer Eric discuss Disney’s appointment of former Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand as its first Chief Technology Officer and what the move could mean for the company’s approach to artificial intelligence. They explore the tension between using AI to increase efficiency and production while preserving the human creativity and craftsmanship that make entertainment meaningful. The conversation also examines the growing tendency for companies to add “AI” to products and services as a way to signal innovation, even when the underlying technology may not be particularly new. On this episode we talk about: Disney appointing former Character.AI CEO Karandeep Anand as its first Chief Technology Officer How Disney plans to use AI, technology, data, and infrastructure across the company The tension between AI-driven efficiency and human creativity in entertainment Whether companies are using “AI” as a marketing label to appear innovative The potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI to lower production costs and create more entertainment Top 3 Takeaways Technology should serve creativity, not replace it. AI can be useful for research, medicine, efficiency, and other applications, but there is a meaningful distinction between using technology as a tool and using it to replace human creative work. “AI” can become a marketing buzzword. The conversation highlights how companies may add AI branding to existing technologies or processes because they don't want to appear behind the curve, potentially creating the perception of innovation without a major underlying change. Lower costs could create new opportunities—but also disrupt creative careers. AI could potentially make it cheaper and faster to produce high-quality entertainment, but that efficiency may come at the expense of jobs for talented creative professionals. Notable Quotes "I love looking at something going like, How did a human make this?" "I don't hate all things AI. I hate all the ways AI is getting utilized." "The only like positive for me is like if it can decrease the cost to produce awesome shit, like and you can produce a higher volume of really good stuff." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money Building a Business That Creates Freedom with Clayton Tomasino 06.10.2026 29m

  Clayton Tomasino is the CEO of Scorpion Protective Coatings, a family-founded Indiana manufacturer that has grown into a five-time Inc. 5000 company with a dealer network of roughly 2,000 shops nationwide. Clayton has helped expand the company from protective coatings into window film, paint protection film, cutting software, and emerging smart film technologies. In this episode, he shares how he helped transform a small family business into a growing company, why low barriers to entry can create powerful entrepreneurial opportunities, and how entrepreneurs can find ways to pursue their passions while building profitable businesses. On this episode we talk about: Growing up working in his family's businesses and learning the value of hard work How Clayton helped transform a small truck-bedliner business into a diversified manufacturing company Finding passion and purpose within traditional or "unsexy" businesses Using marketing, free channels, and outside experts to grow a business without becoming dependent on them How window tinting can be a low-cost side hustle with the potential to become a full-time business Top 3 Takeaways Build a bridge between what you're good at and what you're passionate about. You don't necessarily need to turn your favorite hobby into a career. Finding something you enjoy within a business—like solving problems, creating products, or innovating—can make traditional businesses much more fulfilling. Don't outsource your learning. Clayton recommends using experts to help get a new initiative off the ground, but then taking what you learn and bringing that knowledge back into the business. Think of outsourcing as education rather than permanent dependency. Start small and prove the concept before taking on major risk. Whether it's window tinting or another service business, entrepreneurs can test an idea from a garage or as a side hustle before committing to an expensive location, equipment, or full-time business. Notable Quotes "If I could show them anything, it would be kind of how to do that in their own lives." "The product isn't gonna promote itself." "A dream is not going to come to you by wishing it's going to happen. The dream is that you're putting it in your head and you're taking the steps to get there." Connect with Clayton Tomasino: Website: Scorpion Protective Coatings LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claytontomasino/ 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  CO-HOST | Make Money Without Selling Your Values 05.10.2026 22m

  Travis and producer Eric continue their conversation about the allegations surrounding Life Surge and the broader questions raised by celebrity endorsements and high-ticket business opportunities. They discuss how much responsibility public figures should take when lending their names and credibility to products, companies, or events they may not fully understand. Travis also explains why he believes mixing religious authority with aggressive business sales can become especially problematic, while the conversation expands into the broader question of how much money it would take to promote something you don't believe in—and where personal values should draw the line. On this episode we talk about: How much responsibility celebrities and influencers have when endorsing businesses and products Whether public figures can reasonably claim they didn't know how a company operated behind the scenes The potential dangers of combining religious authority with high-pressure business sales Why testimonials and success stories can make questionable business opportunities appear more credible The ethical line between making money from an endorsement and promoting something that could genuinely harm people Top 3 Takeaways Your reputation is part of what you're selling. When public figures lend their name and credibility to a company, the audience may trust the offer partly because of who is promoting it. That makes understanding what you're endorsing increasingly important as your influence grows. Keep religious authority and financial persuasion separate. Travis argues that using faith as leverage in a sales environment can create a particularly powerful form of pressure, especially when people are encouraged to make major financial decisions based on promises connected to their beliefs. Decide what you're willing to promote before the paycheck arrives. The conversation highlights the importance of knowing your own ethical boundaries—because once the money is on the table, it can become much harder to determine whether an opportunity is worth taking. Notable Quotes “I just don't like the weaponization of any religious institution and then mixing that into a business context.” “If you have a certain level of fame and influence, I don't think you can 100% just go, ‘I didn't know.’” “I'd rather just not have as much money and be able to go, ‘I don't wanna do the things that person's doing.’” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building Systems That Actually Work with Ben Meer 05.10.2026 29m

  Ben Meer is a writer, speaker, coach, and the “Systems Guy.” His weekly newsletter, System Sunday, reaches more than 250,000 subscribers, and his social media following has grown to more than two million people. He also coaches founders and CEOs on productivity, systems thinking, and intentional living. A former management consultant with an MBA from Cornell University, Ben is the author of How to Be Good at Life: Simple Systems to Achieve More and Stress Less, where he explores how simple, repeatable systems can help people make meaningful progress without relying on motivation alone. On this episode we talk about: How selling Pokémon stickers in first grade sparked Ben's entrepreneurial streak Why Ben's first business failed and how systems thinking helped him transform his life The difference between motivation and systems—and why motivation isn't reliable enough to build your life around How to create a weekly planning system that prioritizes high-leverage work and income-producing activities Why systems should create more freedom, connection, and joy rather than turning your life into an optimization project Top 3 Takeaways Don't rely on motivation when you can build a system. Motivation fades, but a well-designed system can turn good intentions into consistent action. Protect your highest-leverage time. Use a weekly planning session to identify the activities that actually move your income, career, and life forward, then schedule and protect time for them. Build systems for the life you actually want. Systems aren't the goal—they're the infrastructure. Whether it's saving money, getting healthier, doing focused work, or spending quality time with someone you love, the right system should make the desired behavior easier and more consistent. Notable Quotes "You don't need more inspiration. You really need better life infrastructure." "When the game is rigged, you don't want to be relying on willpower or motivation. You need better design." "It's not really about the system, it's about the life on the other side of it." Connect with Ben Meer: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/benmeer/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benmeer/ Book: How to Be Good at Life Other: BenMeer.com/SystemSunday — Ben's System Sunday newsletter 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  CO-HOST | Make Money Without Falling for Predatory Business Tactics 04.10.2026 21m

  Travis and producer Eric take a closer look at allegations surrounding Life Surge, a Christian wealth-building seminar company that has faced scrutiny over its sales practices and high-ticket financial education programs. Using reporting and testimony discussed on the show, they break down how low-cost events can lead into increasingly expensive offers, including programs allegedly costing tens of thousands of dollars and financed through credit cards, loans, and home equity. Travis also shares his perspective on legitimate high-ticket business education, explaining why investing heavily in mentorship can make sense for experienced business owners—but becomes a very different proposition when inexperienced or financially vulnerable people are pressured into taking on debt. On this episode we talk about: The allegations and reporting surrounding Life Surge and its high-ticket wealth-building programs How low-cost seminars and events can be used to introduce attendees to increasingly expensive offers Credit card stacking, 0% promotional rates, and the risks of using debt to fund business education The difference between investing in mentorship as an experienced business owner and selling expensive programs to financially vulnerable people How religious messaging and appeals to faith can influence purchasing decisions in high-pressure sales environments Top 3 Takeaways The price of a program isn't the only thing that matters. A relatively inexpensive entry point can lead to much larger financial commitments, so it's important to understand the entire sales funnel and what you're ultimately being asked to purchase. Debt changes the equation when investing in education. Travis distinguishes between using available business profits to invest in education and taking on credit-card debt, loans, or home-equity debt to purchase a program—particularly when the buyer doesn't have an established business or clear path to generating a return. Evaluate the offer independently of the authority behind it. A recognizable speaker, religious affiliation, or inspirational message can create credibility, but buyers should still examine the actual business model, costs, financing terms, and expected outcomes before committing significant money. Notable Quotes “It turns predatory when you start pulling out credit cards and cashing in 401s for people who've never done a thing in business in their entire life.” “You're not talking to a room of sophisticated business owners who, like, ‘Okay. Your business is doing $3 million. You wanna take it to $10 million. We'll invest $50K in this program.’” “I'm not convincing a retiree, a 60-year-old woman, to give me money and put it on 0% credit cards in order to pay me.” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Caring for Your People Like Family with Bob Chapman 04.10.2026 35m

  Bob Chapman is the CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, a $4 billion global capital equipment company and author of Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. Over his 50-year leadership journey, Bob transformed a struggling $20 million family business into a multibillion-dollar enterprise using a blend of sound business design, creative acquisitions, and a culture of truly human leadership. His work proves that success and compassion aren’t opposites—they’re partners. On this episode we talk about: How Bob turned a near-bankrupt family company into a $4 billion global organization The nine-month period of surviving day-to-day on cash and what it taught him about resilience Why your business model—not metrics alone—is the true engine of wealth creation The strategy behind 150+ acquisitions and how he found value others missed The power of combining common sense, creativity, and positivity in leadership Top 3 Takeaways Cash is the oxygen of business—understanding its flow is fundamental to growth and survival. True leadership requires calm under crisis; your team follows your attitude more than your words. A great business model is your engine, but a caring culture is the premium fuel that makes it perform. Notable Quotes “Cash is the foundation of your ability to be a good steward of your business.” “There’s no relationship between what something costs and what it’s worth.” “Our business model is the engine, but our culture is the premium fuel.” Connect with Bob Chapman: Website: BarryWehmiller.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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money by Doing the Work, Not Chasing the Shortcut 03.10.2026 25m

  Travis and producer Eric break down a powerful message from filmmaker Ava DuVernay about desperation, mentorship, networking, and the importance of focusing on your own work. They discuss why constantly asking people for coffee, mentorship, introductions, or favors can become a distraction from actually building something—and how consistent action and progress can naturally attract the right people into your life. Travis shares his own approach to pitching podcast guests and explains why continuing to move forward, regardless of who says yes or no, can create momentum and make people want to be part of what you're building. On this episode we talk about: Why constantly asking people to “pick their brain” or mentor you can come across as desperate The difference between networking with purpose and expecting other people to do the work for you How actually creating, building, and improving your work can attract mentors and opportunities Why persistence matters when pitching podcast guests, clients, investors, or collaborators How progress creates momentum and makes people want to become part of what you're building Top 3 Takeaways Do the work before asking others to help you do it. Whether you're writing a screenplay, building a business, launching a podcast, or developing a side hustle, taking action creates something tangible that others can respond to. Don't let rejection stop your momentum. A “no” or “not right now” doesn't mean you should abandon the idea. Keep building, and when you come back later with meaningful progress, the conversation can look completely different. Passion attracts people more effectively than desperation. Mentorship and relationships still matter, but they become more natural when you're already pursuing your goals and creating something worth being part of. Notable Quotes “You have to be doing something. Desperation, all that stuff is not active, it's not doing anything, it's not moving you forward.” “The person that's just like, ‘Okay, great. Well, I'm gonna keep working in the meantime’... is going to attract the same type of productive energy that those people are putting out into the world.” “It is good to have mentorship and it's good to learn from others. And it's good to seek outside counsel, but not at the expense of the work that you need to do and never with an attitude or a stink of desperation.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
• 
  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Avoiding Speculation with Mark Matson 03.10.2026 25m

  Mark Matson is the bestselling author of Experiencing the American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life, and founder of Matson Money, a firm managing over $12 billion in assets. Known for making Nobel Prize–winning investment science accessible to everyday families, Mark has spent decades teaching people how to invest prudently, avoid speculation, and build wealth that serves a greater purpose. On this episode we talk about: Why most financial advice is based on false promises of predicting the market The dangers of stock picking, market timing, and chasing performance How modern portfolio theory and academic research can guide smart investing Practical asset allocation and the discipline of rebalancing Why having a purpose for your money matters more than money itself Top 3 Takeaways The market can’t be reliably predicted—success comes from disciplined asset allocation and rebalancing, not gambling. Emotional decisions in down markets often lock in losses; sticking to your plan yields far greater long-term returns. Money alone won’t make you happy—invest with purpose, aligning your finances to your values and life goals. Notable Quotes “All the knowable information about the future is already in the stock price today.” “Leave your money in the market and rebalance—don’t pull it out during downturns.” “Money for money’s sake never works; it has to serve a purpose greater than itself.” Connect with Mark Matson: Website: MatsonMoney.com Instagram: @MarkMatson1 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money or Look Max? Inside the $5,000 Self-Improvement Trend 02.10.2026 24m

  In this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis and producer Eric jump from true crime and bizarre prison stories to the increasingly popular world of “looksmaxxing.” They break down a $5,000, seven-day “Camp LooksMax” program offering mentorship, grooming advice, social and dating coaching, and confidence-building exercises. Along the way, they debate whether appearance can really transform a person's dating life, question the value of paying thousands of dollars for this kind of program, and argue that confidence, social skills, and personality matter far more than obsessing over facial features and bone structure. On this episode we talk about: The $5,000 “Camp Looks Max” program and what participants actually receive The growing online trend of “looksmaxxing” and its focus on appearance, grooming, and facial features Whether spending thousands of dollars on self-improvement programs can actually create meaningful transformation Why confidence, social skills, personality, and status can matter more than physical appearance The dangers of becoming overly obsessed with appearance and trying to optimize every aspect of how you look Top 3 Takeaways Confidence and social skills can matter more than appearance. Travis and Eric question the idea that endlessly optimizing facial features is the key to better relationships or dating outcomes. Be skeptical of expensive self-improvement programs. Before spending thousands of dollars, understand exactly what you're buying, what outcomes are realistic, and whether the program is actually addressing the problem you want to solve. Don't let self-improvement become self-obsession. Improving your grooming, style, health, and confidence can be useful, but constantly analyzing your bone structure and physical flaws can become counterproductive. Notable Quotes "If you're a dude, it just doesn't matter. Girls will like you for your confidence and so many other things." "Seem like a self obsessed weirdo is not the answer." "You don't need to looking at men's bone structure and going, like, you could be better, bro." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money with Toxic Grit, feat. Amanda Goetz 02.10.2026 28m

  Amanda Goetz is a two-time founder, four-time CMO, and single mom of three who’s helping ambitious people redefine what “having it all” actually looks like. She inspires over 150,000 readers each week through her Life’s a Game newsletter and her new book, Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and Actually Love What You Have. In this conversation, Amanda shares a grounded, intentional approach to ambition—one that makes space for work, relationships, and personal growth without burning out. On this episode we talk about: Why Amanda believes ambition isn’t toxic—it’s lack of intention that is How to embrace “and” thinking instead of living life as an “either/or” equation The hidden cost of letting one identity (career, parent, partner) take over your life How to transition between roles, build hierarchy, and avoid constant guilt The five pillars of Amanda’s “portfolio career” and how to start building one yourself Top 3 Takeaways The solution to overwork or burnout isn’t quitting ambition—it’s learning to balance all your “characters” with awareness and structure. A thriving career doesn’t have to compete with family, purpose, or rest—it can coexist when you embrace the and. Genuine success comes from self-awareness and human connection—two things that automation and hustle culture can’t replace. Notable Quotes “Life isn’t an or statement—it’s an and. You can chase goals and still build a life you love.” “Toxic grit happens when one character takes over the whole storyline of your life.” “You can’t automate your way out of human connection.” 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money Without Losing It: The Hidden Risks of Online Gambling 01.10.2026 23m

  In this episode, Travis and producer Eric take a deep dive into the growing world of online gambling and the controversy surrounding how gambling platforms use customer data. They discuss reporting on DraftKings' promotional practices, the use of machine learning to identify customers likely to spend more, the challenges of regulating addictive products, and where personal responsibility and corporate responsibility intersect. Travis also shares practical advice for anyone who chooses to gamble, including setting strict limits and treating gambling as entertainment—not an investment strategy. On this episode we talk about: How online gambling companies use customer data and machine learning to maximize customer spending The controversy surrounding DraftKings' promotional practices and targeting of high-value customers The challenges of identifying and protecting people who may be developing gambling problems Where personal responsibility, corporate responsibility, and government regulation intersect Practical ways to gamble responsibly, including setting a fixed budget and disconnecting gambling accounts from your bank account Top 3 Takeaways Treat gambling as an entertainment expense, not a way to make money. If you choose to gamble, view the money as part of your leisure budget—similar to spending money on a concert, movie, or vacation. Set hard financial boundaries before you start. Travis recommends establishing a fixed amount, avoiding credit cards, and disconnecting gambling accounts from your primary bank account so you can't continually reload. Don't chase losses. The moment you start believing you can win back what you've lost or that you can "beat the casino," you're moving beyond entertainment and potentially making increasingly damaging financial decisions. Notable Quotes "If you're gonna gamble, fine, but put fund the account with 50 bucks and then disconnect it from your damn bank account." "Once you start dipping back in and then thinking that you can win and beat the casino type thing is like you are diluting yourself into losing all of the money that you have in your bank account." "If you're gonna gamble, you just gotta you have to be smart about it. You have to set limits, you have to treat it like any other thing that you would spend money on." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell  Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money with Pet Products, feat. Elina Panteleyeva 01.10.2026 26m

  In this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis Chappell sits down with Elina Panteleyeva, the founder of Dood Woof, a thriving seven-figure brand for doodle dog breeds. Elina shares her inspiring journey from being laid off to building a successful business in just 15 months, all without a team or prior e-commerce experience. Tune in to discover how Elina's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have helped her create products that doodle owners love. Connect with Elina: - Website: https://doodwoof.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-panteleyeva/ 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money by Ignoring the Outrage Machine 30.09.2026 22m

  In the second part of this discussion, Travis and Eric unpack the strange intersection of celebrity brands, influencer marketing, social-media outrage, and sports betting. They discuss why some celebrity campaigns succeed while others create backlash, how outrage has become a business model for creators, and why consumers have more power than they realize simply by choosing what they engage with. They also explore the rapid growth of sports betting advertising and the potential consequences of normalizing gambling through celebrity and influencer partnerships. On this episode we talk about: Why some celebrity and influencer brand partnerships succeed while others create brand misalignment How social-media outrage has become a monetization strategy for creators Why consumers shouldn't give more attention to marketing campaigns they don't like The risks and growing prevalence of sports betting and gambling advertising How personal responsibility and choosing what to engage with can help break the cycle of outrage-driven content Top 3 Takeaways Not every failed idea means you've lost your ability to build something great. Sometimes you simply took the wrong approach. Learn from the miss, make the adjustment, and take another swing. Attention is currency. Outrage-driven content often succeeds because people keep engaging with it—even when they claim to dislike it. Choosing not to engage can be more powerful than adding another angry reaction. Be intentional about what deserves your attention. Social media makes it easy to spend hours reacting to things that have little impact on your actual life. Focus that energy on the things that matter to you, your relationships, your work, and your financial goals. Notable Quotes "You take the swing and then you correct." "If you don't like it, like, also don't give it more attention. Then it dies." "Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank." Connect with Travis: Instagram: @travischappell Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Selling Leather Bags with Dave Munson 30.09.2026 21m

  Dave Munson is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, a brand known for building rugged, overbuilt leather bags designed to last 100 years. What started in a small Mexican leather shop grew into a globally recognized business with collaborations alongside Toyota and Martin Guitar. Beyond business, Dave and his wife Suzette also lead Love 41, a nonprofit supporting communities in Rwanda, Mexico, and Texas. His adventurous life has included escaping an assassin, surviving danger in Mexico, and building a family-owned business that became a worldwide success. On this episode we talk about: How Dave turned a need for a durable book bag into Saddleback Leather His first scrappy sales tactics involving homemade signs on his Land Cruiser Moving to Mexico, surviving an assassin encounter, and navigating unexpected dangers How eBay became the platform that validated his business idea The importance of striving to be the best and building products that sell themselves Top 3 Takeaways Sometimes a successful business starts with solving your own problem—in Dave’s case, creating a bag he couldn’t find anywhere else. Exceptional products don’t just sell; they create demand from day one by being designed to last and built with integrity. To stand out as an entrepreneur, choose to be the best at something—even in crowded markets—through expertise, quality, and relentless improvement. Notable Quotes "I told the leatherworker, I want my grandchildren to fight over this when I’m dead." "My first marketing sign was just a sheet of paper taped to my Land Cruiser—‘Cool leather bags for sale.’" "If you’re going to do something, don’t blend in. Try to be the best at it." Connect with Dave Munson: SaddlebackLeather.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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money by Marketing to the Right Audience 29.09.2026 19m

  Travis and producer Eric are back in the studio for a conversation about celebrity brands, marketing strategy, and what happens when a product’s positioning doesn’t match the audience it’s trying to reach. Using Sydney Sweeney’s lingerie brand, Siren, as a case study, they discuss the importance of understanding your customer, creating marketing that speaks directly to the people who will actually buy, and why one failed product doesn’t necessarily mean a brand has lost its ability to succeed. On this episode we talk about: Why marketing needs to align with the audience you’re actually trying to reach Sydney Sweeney’s Siren lingerie brand and the criticism surrounding its marketing The difference between selling a celebrity’s image and selling a product How brands like SKIMS have successfully positioned products for their target customers Why a failed product or campaign doesn’t necessarily mean someone has lost their ability to build successful brands What businesses can learn from brands that miss the mark with their target demographic Top 3 Takeaways Know exactly who you’re marketing to. A product can have an incredibly recognizable founder or spokesperson, but that doesn’t automatically mean their existing audience is the right customer for the product. Market the product, not just the person behind it. Celebrity recognition can generate attention, but effective marketing still needs to communicate why the customer should actually want or use the product. One failed product doesn’t define a brand. Businesses take swings, and some ideas don’t work. As Travis points out, even highly successful entrepreneurs and brands have launched products that failed. The important thing is to learn from the miss and keep moving. Notable Quotes “Sometimes you have an idea, you execute it, and it doesn’t go the way you want it to go, and that doesn’t mean that your power to build brands is gone.” “You step up to the plate and you swing and you strike out.” “You get back up.” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: @travischappell Other: 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Making Better Decisions with Dr. Ricardo Valerdi 29.09.2026 25m

  Dr. Ricardo Valerdi is an engineer, social entrepreneur, sports scientist, and engineering professor at the University of Arizona who specializes in helping teams think clearly and make confident decisions. His work has helped organizations including SpaceX, the U.S. Army, Major League Baseball, and the NCAA, while his nonprofit Science of Sport has used sports to make STEM education more engaging for more than 700,000 students. Ricardo joins Travis to explore the intersection of data, intuition, sports, and decision-making—and how the lessons learned on the field can translate to business and life. On this episode we talk about: The tension between data-driven analysis and gut instinct when making decisions How baseball provides a unique way to teach math, science, and data literacy to young people Why confirmation bias can cause people to prioritize what they want to be true over what the data actually says The importance of focusing on what you can control while accepting that outcomes involve uncertainty and luck Why sometimes doing less can produce a better outcome than doing more Ricardo’s “Five Tool Team” framework for building teams with complementary strengths Top 3 Takeaways Use data without ignoring context. The best decisions don't always come from choosing data or intuition exclusively. Understanding when to trust each—and recognizing when they conflict—is part of effective decision-making. Control the controllables. You can control the quality of your decisions and your preparation, but you can't always control the outcome. Focusing on what you can influence helps you keep moving forward when circumstances don't go your way. Build teams that fill your gaps. You don't need to personally possess every skill required for a great decision. Ricardo's Five Tool Team approach emphasizes bringing together people with complementary strengths so the team can collectively make better decisions. Notable Quotes “How do you make the best decision you can? Do you favor your gut or do you favor the data?” “Desire creates blind spots.” “Ultimately what changes your life is the decisions that you make with the card that you are dealt.” Connect with Dr. Ricardo Valerdi: Website: RicardoValerdi.com Book: The Five Tool Team Other: Science of Sport 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. - When you need a legal hand, visit LegalZoom. Go to LegalZoom.com to get started! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money Without Becoming a Guru: Finding Belief, Focus, and Your Own Path, part 2 of 2 28.09.2026 21m

  In part two of this conversation, Travis Chappell and producer Eric Skwarczynski unpack the tension between ambition and skepticism. They explore how to pursue meaningful work, build a comfortable business, and learn from successful people without blindly buying into anyone’s “secret formula.” The conversation moves from creative comparison and coaching to the value of timeless principles, healthy discernment, and keeping enough belief to take action. On this episode we talk about: Why becoming more self-aware can sometimes make it harder to act with bold conviction How to learn from successful people without treating them like infallible gurus The difference between timeless principles and step-by-step formulas that promise identical results Why comparison can make creators and entrepreneurs question whether their work is worth pursuing How coaching, masterminds, and the right rooms can create unexpected breakthroughs Whether a comfortable, diversified business can be a better goal than building a massive “unicorn” company Finding the balance between realistic skepticism and the optimism required to take meaningful action Top 3 Takeaways You do not need to fully endorse someone to learn from them. Take the useful insight, leave what does not fit, and apply ideas within your own context. Be wary of anyone who promises that copying their exact routine, strategy, or formula will produce their exact results. Outcomes are shaped by timing, circumstance, opportunity, execution, and countless variables beyond a checklist. Ambition does not have to mean betting everything on one huge outcome. Building several profitable, aligned ventures that support a great life can be a meaningful version of success. Notable Quotes “Just because I like something that somebody said does not mean that I have to endorse everything that they say.” “The people who I think have helped me do the things that have really blown up in big ways… [are] the people who are always going, ‘Just do things, find the things that are working and do more of those things.’” “Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: Travis Makes Money Podcast | Travis Chappell Website 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money By Saving on Taxes With a Trust, feat. Sally Gimon 28.09.2026 25m

  Sally Gimon is a tax-saving expert who discovered the power of beneficial spendthrift trusts after facing a hefty tax bill on her real estate investments. She now helps business owners and investors understand how they can legally minimize their taxes and build generational wealth using strategies often employed by the ultra-rich. On this episode we talk about: - How Sally Gimon transitioned from real estate wholesaling to specializing in tax-saving strategies. - The history and legality of beneficial spendthrift trusts and business trusts. – How these trusts can help business owners and investors save significantly on federal and state taxes. – The privacy and asset protection benefits of using trusts. – Real-life examples of how these trusts have helped clients achieve their financial goals. Top 3 Takeaways 1. Beneficial spendthrift trusts and business trusts can be powerful tools for legally minimizing taxes for business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors. 2. These trusts offer not only tax savings but also privacy and protection from lawsuits. 3. Setting up a trust can enable you to keep more of your earnings. Connect with Sally Gimon: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-gimon-46142928a **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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  CO-HOST | Make Money by Asking for What You Want, part 1 of 2 27.09.2026 22m

  Travis and producer Eric break down one of Jim Rohn’s classic lessons: the importance of asking. After joking about Rohn’s dramatic delivery, they explore why asking is such a powerful skill, from being clear about what you want to approaching goals with both intelligence and faith. The conversation also dives into the tension between adult skepticism and childlike optimism, and why some of the most successful people Travis has interviewed share an unusual willingness to believe they can accomplish something before they have much evidence that they can. On this episode we talk about: Jim Rohn’s philosophy on asking and why asking is the beginning of receiving Why being clear and specific about what you want can help direct your actions The difference between asking intelligently and simply hoping for something How skepticism and experience can diminish the optimism we have as children Why childlike belief can be valuable when pursuing ambitious goals The common mindset Travis has noticed among people who have achieved extraordinary success Balancing realistic planning with the belief that something is possible Why you don’t always need to understand exactly how something will work before taking action Top 3 Takeaways Ask clearly for what you want. Vague goals make it difficult to know what actions to take. Get specific about what you're pursuing and what success looks like. Pair adult planning with childlike belief. Experience can make you more skeptical, but maintaining some of that willingness to believe something is possible can help you pursue goals that initially seem unrealistic. You don't need every answer before you begin. Understanding the mechanics behind something can be useful, but overcomplicating the process can become an excuse for inaction. Sometimes it's enough to know what works and start doing it. Notable Quotes “Asking is the beginning of receiving.” “Make plans like an adult and believe in them like a child.” “You don't know what you don't know.” Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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  INTERVIEW | Make Money by Finding Opportunities to Lead with Trevor Crowley 27.09.2026 39m

  Trevor Cowley is a 38-year-old serial entrepreneur, investor, writer, and podcaster. He’s a co-owner in 5 businesses that collectively produce over eight figures. He co-hosts a top 100 business podcast on iTunes called Real Business Owners. Trevor is committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed. 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! - Scribe captures workflows as work happens and automatically generates step-by-step guides with screenshots and instructions, so no one has to sit down and write documentation from scratch. Learn more at scribe.how/tmm and mention Travis Makes Money for your first month of Scribe Capture free on select plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices