Travis Makes Money

Mark Kohler is a nationally recognized CPA, tax and legal strategist, senior partner at KKOS Lawyers, and co-founder of Directed IRA—an Inc. 5000 company. With over 25 years of experience and more than 10,000 client consultations, Mark has built a reputation for helping entrepreneurs legally reduce taxes, protect assets, and build long-term wealth. Known for simplifying complex financial strategie...

In this episode, Travis sits down with his in-studio producer for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about writing books, publishing paths, and what it really takes to stand out in an increasingly saturated market. From traditional vs. self-publishing to the surprising statistics around book sales, this episode breaks down the realities most aspiring authors don’t consider—and why focusing o...

Jason Redman is a retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and transformational speaker who embodies resilience at the highest level. After being critically wounded in combat—shot multiple times, including in the face—Jason fought his way back through years of recovery and now uses his story to inspire millions. In this episode, he shares how the “overcome mindset” applies not just to...

There’s no guest on this episode—just Travis sharing an honest solo riff about why every path in life and business comes with its own “shit sandwich,” and how to choose the one that’s actually worth eating. He breaks down career pivots, the grind behind creative success, and why chasing the “easy” road usually just trades one set of problems for another. On this episode we talk about: Why every ca...

Travis Chappell and Eric unpack a viral MrBeast clip and use it as a broader conversation about success, sacrifice, and self-awareness. The episode explores why some people are built for extreme achievement, why most people are not, and how to decide what tradeoffs are actually worth it. On this episode we talk about: Why the “most people stop where success gets hard” mindset resonates with high p...

Erik Qualman is a five-time bestselling author, global keynote speaker, and digital leadership expert who has reached over 60 million people across 60+ countries. Known for his groundbreaking book Socialnomics, Erik has built a thriving personal brand that spans speaking, publishing, media, and even product creation. In this episode, he shares how he turned early entrepreneurial instincts into a m...

Travis is a seasoned entrepreneur, podcaster, and former door-to-door sales rep who has built multiple businesses by strategically using low-interest and 0% debt. He shares candid stories of funding his podcasting journey, a software startup, and a brick-and-mortar franchise, all while navigating the psychological and financial risks of borrowing. His experience-based approach makes this episode e...

Travis Chappell and his producer Eric break down the fallout around ABC’s canceled Bachelorette season and use it as a bigger lesson in branding, risk, and media economics. The conversation blends pop culture, reality TV, and business strategy to show how attention, credibility, and trust shape both audience growth and revenue. On this episode we talk about: Why ABC’s decision to cast Taylor Frank...

Travis Chappell breaks down his ACT method for building a personal brand: Attention, Credibility, and Trust. In this solo episode, he explains why podcasting is one of the most effective ways to grow a brand because it can move people through all three stages at once, especially when you show up as a guest on someone else’s show. On this episode we talk about: Why attention is the first requiremen...

Ever wonder what it really feels like to leave behind an elite military career and try to build a meaningful life on the other side? In this preview from Travis Makes Friends, Travis Chappell sits down with former Marine fighter pilot Dave Berke and former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot Mace Curran to talk about life after service, the challenge of translating hard-earned experience into a new caree...

Shamina Taylor is an attorney turned wealth expert, business mentor, author, and speaker who helps high-achieving women elevate their lives and businesses. With over 20 years of experience, Shamina has guided hundreds of clients to build successful businesses both online and offline. Her top clients earn up to $100,000 a month and have crossed the million-dollar revenue mark. Shamina’s story is on...

In this episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a candid (and often hilarious) conversation about income, perception, and personal finance. Sparked by a viral clip debating whether $75,000 a year is “poor,” they break down how income really stacks up depending on location, lifestyle, and—most importantly—spending habits. Travis challenges the idea that earning more is always the solutio...

In this episode, Travis sits down with Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, the innovative furniture brand that grew from a college side hustle into a publicly traded company nearing $1 billion in annual sales. Shawn shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building a business—from sewing bean bags on his parents’ living room floor to surviving bankruptcy, navigating massive economic shif...

In this solo episode, Travis Chappell dives into the ongoing debate around personal branding—whether it’s truly worth your time or just a distraction fueled by vanity metrics. Drawing from real-world examples, personal experiences, and market trends, Travis breaks down why building an audience can be a powerful long-term asset in business—while also acknowledging that it’s not the right path for e...

In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode, Travis is joined in-studio by his producer for a laid-back but insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the defining moments that shape a business mindset. Sparked by a clip from Kevin O’Leary, the discussion dives into whether entrepreneurs are born or made—and Travis shares the real-life experiences that pushed him away from trad...

Alberto Crane is a legendary MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entrepreneur, and coach who has built a global martial arts community through his Legacy gyms. From starting jiu-jitsu at 18 to competing in the UFC and later being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Alberto’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, and living life fully “all in.” Now an author and podcast...

In this solo episode, Travis breaks down the real blueprint for starting a podcast—without overcomplicating the process or wasting money on things that don’t matter. Drawing from his own experience building a successful show, he shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to get started, what to prioritize, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that stop most people before they ever hit publish. On th...

In this episode, Travis sits down with producer Eric for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on productivity, time management, and filtering advice in a world full of strong opinions. Drawing inspiration from voices like Alex Hormozi, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mark Manson, they break down what actually works when it comes to building wealth and managing your time effectively. This episode blends p...

Scott Hutcheson is a behavioral science expert, leadership strategist, and professor at Purdue University who has spent nearly four decades helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Working with Fortune 100 companies, federal agencies, and leaders across 147 countries, Scott specializes in the intersection of human behavior, value creation, and organizational transformatio...

In this solo episode, Travis breaks down why starting a podcast is still one of the most underrated opportunities available today. Despite the noise online claiming the industry is “too saturated,” Travis shares real data, personal experience, and practical insights to explain why there’s never been a better time to start. From building relationships with high-level guests like Shaquille O'Neal an...

Travis and Eric team up for a fun, fast-moving conversation centered on a few Scott Galloway clips and the money lessons hidden inside them. Together, they break down Scott’s advice on investing, saving, spending, and building real wealth in a way that feels practical, relatable, and easy to apply. On this episode we talk about: Why young people think they can beat the market, and why that usually...

Danny Bobrow is a communication expert, sales strategist, and the creator of the Art of First Impressions and Persuasion Blueprint programs. As the president of AIM Dental Marketing, he has helped grow dental practices since 1989, long before digital marketing became mainstream. With a background in sales, multiple MBAs, and decades of experience studying human behavior, Danny specializes in helpi...

Travis flies solo in this episode to break down his personal blueprint for getting dramatically better at sales in a short amount of time. Drawing from years of experience in door-to-door sales, closing, and outside sales, he shares a practical, no-fluff approach to mastering the fundamentals, building confidence, and converting more conversations into customers. On this episode we talk about: Why...

In this episode, Travis Chappell is joined by producer Eric for a candid, entertaining conversation about what it actually takes to build wealth. Using insights from Ben Shapiro as a jumping-off point, the discussion dives into the importance of skill acquisition, niche markets, and aligning passion with profitability. Along the way, Travis shares real-world examples of entrepreneurs who turned hi...

Aneesh Raman, Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn, joins Travis to break down how AI is reshaping the global workforce—and what that means for your ability to earn, grow, and build wealth. With a career spanning journalism, politics, tech, and economic policy, Aneesh brings a uniquely interdisciplinary perspective on navigating change. As co-author of Open to Work, he shares practical f...