Episodes

In this episode, Travis and his producer break down a viral financial conversation sparked by a high-earning creator who didn’t know her own net worth. Using real-world examples—from viral internet personalities to celebrities like Dane Cook—they unpack the dangers of financial illiteracy, blind trust, and poor money management. This episode is a candid, practical discussion on why understanding your finances is just as important as making money in the first place. On this episode we talk about...

Gil Petersil is a global speaker, serial entrepreneur, and expert in strategic partnerships with over 25 years of experience building high-trust business ecosystems. Having co-founded more than 20 ventures and delivered over 1,000 talks worldwide, Gil specializes in helping founders unlock growth through relationship capital. In this episode, he shares how intentional networking, mentorship, and value-driven connections can lead to massive business and personal breakthroughs. On this episode we...

In this solo episode, Travis Chappell breaks down the most powerful lessons he’s learned from interviewing over 1,000 high performers—from billionaires and entrepreneurs to athletes, creators, and bestselling authors. Instead of focusing on surface-level success factors like intelligence or background, Travis reveals the deeper, more accessible traits that truly separate successful people from the rest. This episode is a practical and mindset-driven guide to building long-term success, rooted in...

In this episode, host Travis Chappell and producer Eric dive into the surprising world of the highest-paid dead celebrities, using a recent Forbes report as a springboard to unpack how estates, brands, and IP keep generating cash long after someone is gone. They break down what Michael Jackson, Dr. Seuss, Pink Floyd, Biggie, Jimmy Buffett, Kobe Bryant, Arnold Palmer, Shaq, and others did with their intellectual property—and what that means for creators, entrepreneurs, and personal brands today. ...

Wendy Valentine is the author of Women Waking Up: The Midlife Manifesto for Passion, Purpose, and Play, a #1 Amazon new release, creator of the Freedom at Midlife program, and host of the Midlife Makeover Show. After hitting rock bottom—facing divorce, debt, health challenges, and personal loss—Wendy rebuilt her life from scratch, ultimately creating a thriving brand centered around purpose, personal growth, and midlife reinvention. Her story is a powerful example of how turning adversity into a...

On this solo episode, Travis breaks down how to design a realistic, sustainable morning routine that actually supports your energy, focus, and productivity instead of becoming a four-hour checklist you feel guilty about skipping. Drawing from years of experimenting with different habits, he shares what truly moves the needle—especially if you’re a self-described night person who wakes up feeling behind. On this episode we talk about: Why over-engineered, four-hour morning routines can hurt you...

This co-hosted episode features Travis Chappell and producer Eric breaking down a powerful fitness clip from wellness coach and content creator Michael Smoak, then translating it into practical money lessons. Michael, a transformation coach who simplifies health and wellness for busy professionals, shares how raising awareness of “hidden calories” changed his body—and Travis uses the same framework to reveal the “hidden expenses” quietly sabotaging your bank account. On this episode we talk abo...

Dr. Betsy Dovec is a world-renowned bariatric surgeon, entrepreneur, and founder of Body by Bariatrics and the Surgical Institute of Central Florida. With over 6,500 weight loss surgeries performed, she’s not only transforming lives through medicine but also redefining how healthcare businesses are built and scaled. Passionate about ending obesity stigma and treating it as a chronic disease, Betsy combines clinical excellence with bold entrepreneurial thinking—making her journey a powerful bluep...

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 c...

In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric break down a viral clip featuring Codie Sanchez and a critic questioning her business model. What starts as a lighthearted conversation quickly turns into a deeper discussion about attention, credibility, and the growing trend of creators tearing others down online. Travis shares his perspective on why buying “boring businesses” is a powerful path to wealth, and why attacking others—especially when you’re doing the same thing—can ultimately hurt your...

Garrett Sutton is a bestselling author, attorney, and Rich Dad Advisor known for his expertise in asset protection, business structuring, and real estate investing. With decades of experience helping entrepreneurs safeguard and grow their wealth, Garrett has authored multiple influential books and recently co-created a documentary and audiobook on the origin story of ESPN. His unique blend of legal insight, storytelling, and entrepreneurial perspective makes this episode both practical and inspi...

In this solo episode, host Travis Chappell breaks down the social media strategies he is actively testing in his own business to grow real, engaged audiences instead of inflated, fake numbers. Drawing from his personal wins and mistakes, as well as lessons from creator friends and mentors like Gary Vaynerchuk and Alex Hormozi, Travis lays out a practical playbook any entrepreneur can use to show up consistently online without feeling fake, overproduced, or trapped on the content treadmill. On t...

In this solo episode with Travis, he dives deep into why traditional “networking” feels slimy and what to do instead. He shares lessons from years of running a top networking podcast, rebranding his show, and shifting from transactional tactics to genuine, long-term relationship building. On this episode we talk about: Why the term “networking” feels gross and outdated. The “Networking Ned” caricature and everything he does wrong at events. The difference between transactional networking and...

In this candid and unfiltered episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a deeper conversation sparked by a viral clip from Gary Vaynerchuk. What starts as a humorous, off-the-rails discussion quickly turns into a thoughtful breakdown of criticism culture, “call-out” content, and the fine line between holding people accountable and building a brand off negativity. Travis shares his perspective on when criticism is valid, when it becomes harmful, and why focusing on your own work is ultim...

Kevin Trudeau is a multi-billion-dollar entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, and widely recognized marketing expert. With over 100 million books sold worldwide, Kevin has built a reputation as a master of direct response marketing and personal development. From humble blue-collar beginnings to building massive business success, Kevin’s journey is rooted in mindset, mentorship, and taking relentless action. On this episode we talk about: How Kevin made his first money through simple...

In this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, host Travis Chappell breaks down the three core types of trust that drive sales and long-term customer relationships. Drawing from his years of door-to-door sales and online business, he explains how to intentionally engineer trust so that more of your conversations turn into transactions. On this episode we talk about: The biggest obstacle in cold outreach and why you actually start at “negative trust” with prospects. How referrals and warm introdu...

In this co-hosted episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric to answer a listener’s question about starting a podcast from scratch. Drawing from years of experience building Travis Makes Money, Travis breaks down the practical realities of launching a show today—covering everything from video vs. audio to editing, batching content, and avoiding the most common mistakes new podcasters make. If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast but feel overwhelmed by all the moving pieces, this ep...

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 strategies, Mark brings practical, actionable advice that business owners can implement immediately. On this...

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 on quality over speed is the ultimate competitive advantage. On this episode we talk about: Traditi...

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 survival, but to building a successful life and business through discipline, adaptability, and inte...

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 career or business path has parts that will suck. Lessons from a working stand-up comedian grinding...

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 performers. The difference between admiring extreme achievers and trying to live exactly like them...

Eric 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, Eric 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 multi-stream income business—and how anyone can do the same by following opportunity and delivering v...

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 especially useful for anyone torn between “all debt is bad” and “leverage everything.” On this episo...