CO-HOST | Make Money by Doing the Work, Not Chasing the Shortcut
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
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