Episodes

This episode features a candid conversation between Travis and his producer Eric, diving into the realities of investing in organic content creation for business growth. They unpack the costs, strategies, and mindset shifts required to build a successful content engine, using real-world examples from comedians and entrepreneurs to illustrate the importance of budgeting for organic growth. On this episode we talk about: The hidden costs behind successful comedians and podcasters who appear to “...

Julee Gracey is a certified business coach, speaker, and author specializing in building confidence, overcoming self-doubt, and empowering entrepreneurs to unlock personal and financial freedom. Her background spans international modeling, TV hosting, and multimillion-dollar real estate deals, bringing an edge and authenticity to her work with high-achieving business owners and those seeking practical transformation. Her book, "Highly Confident," encapsulates her coaching philosophy and actionab...

In this episode, Travis and Eric break down the viral news about Donald Trump’s floated idea of introducing 50-year mortgages. They unpack the financial realities, the math, the pros and cons, and why this proposed change sent shockwaves through social media—especially in the real estate world. From bank incentives to equity timelines to whether long-term loans actually help buyers, this is a practical and surprisingly entertaining deep dive into what the future of homebuying could look like. ✖...

Today’s guest is Ben Zweig — economist, data scientist, founder of Revelio Labs, and NYU Stern professor specializing in the future of work. With a PhD in economics and a career spanning IBM’s Chief Analytics Office, hedge fund strategy, and groundbreaking research on labor markets and occupational mobility, Ben brings a rare blend of academic rigor and real-world insight. His work allows him to see patterns in the job market before they happen — and understand where the biggest opportunities to...

On this episode, Travis sits down with Sebastien Page, author of The Psychology of Leadership and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price. With over 20 years of experience managing $500 billion in assets, Sebastien brings deep insight into finance, leadership, and performance psychology. He combines academic research, practical investing experience, and a passion for teaching financial literacy to provide unique perspectives on money, stress, and personal growth. On this episode we talk about...

In this episode, Travis Chappell is joined by his producer Eric. Together, they break down some of the wildest viral success clips on the internet—from astrology-based basketball theories to Grant Cardone proclaiming you “can’t live” on $400K a year—and explore the real lessons hiding underneath the noise. On this episode we talk about: Why absurd “success hacks” go viral, including the astrology clip about Michael Jordan The difference between motivation, marketing, and manipulation in the on...

Nelson Repenning and Don Kieffer are longtime collaborators and professors at the MIT Sloan School of Management. With nearly 30 years of combined research, leadership experience, and hands-on work inside major organizations, they specialize in fixing broken systems, developing leaders, and helping teams operate at peak performance. They are co-authors of the new book There’s Got to Be a Better Way, a practical, field-tested guide to improving how people work. On this episode we talk about: Ho...

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric break down the modern “buy back your time” culture—everything from viral clips glamorizing $400/month haircuts to outsourcing every basic task. Eric brings his media and production perspective, while Travis adds years of entrepreneurial insight, creating a practical, funny, and eye-opening look at what actually matters when it comes to time, money, and priorities. On this episode we talk about: The rise of “alpha bro” outsourcing content and why so much...

On this episode, Travis reacts to an old video of his 26-year-old self giving advice to young people in their late teens and early 20s. Eric—Travis’ producer—plays the video for him, and together they break down what young Travis got right, what he’d revise today, and why early career decisions matter more than most people realize. On this episode we talk about: Why “getting a job” isn’t selling out—and how to earn while you learn The value of working for someone you admire instead of a rando...

Sean O’Brien is a serial entrepreneur, Shark Tank alum, and founder of Swingzy, a golf training tool designed to help players make smoother, more consistent swings. He’s also the former CTO and CMO of Autio, a venture-backed startup co-founded by Kevin Costner and supported by major brands like Camping World and Snapchat. Known for turning down one of the biggest offers in Shark Tank history, Sean has built and sold multiple companies while staying at the forefront of tech, marketing, and produc...

In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with his producer Eric for a candid conversation on money mindset, investing, and why “playing it safe” can sometimes be the riskiest move of all. Together, they unpack what it really means to make your money work for you—and why saving alone won’t build long-term wealth. On this episode we talk about: The truth behind Grant Cardone’s “cash is trash” mentality When saving money becomes a liability instead of a strength How to balance liquidity with ...

Betsy Fore is a serial entrepreneur, CEO, and investor with nearly 20 years of leadership experience. She’s the author of Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, founding partner of Velveteen Ventures, and a trailblazer in consumer products for children and the planet. Notably, Betsy scaled Tiny Organics past $13 million in revenue in just 24 months, took Wonder Woof! from scrappy startup to Oprah’s Favorite Things, and was the first Native Americ...

Thomas Nitzsche is a financial educator, media spokesperson, and Vice President of Media and Brand at Money Management International — the largest nonprofit credit counseling agency in the U.S. After facing his own financial struggles during the Great Recession, Thomas turned his hardship into purpose, helping thousands of Americans overcome debt, rebuild their credit, and regain control of their financial lives. On this episode we talk about: Thomas’ journey from a small Illinois farm to beco...

Bonnie-Jill Laflin is a trailblazer in the world of sports — the first and only female NBA scout in history, a former NFL cheerleader for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, a sports broadcaster, and founder of the nonprofit Hounds and Heroes. From modeling at age three to scouting for the Lakers dynasty under Phil Jackson, Bonnie-Jill has shattered glass ceilings in some of the most male-dominated spaces in sports and media. On this episode we talk about: How Bonnie-Jill became the fi...

In this episode of The Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis and producer Eric dive into 10 rapid-fire questions about purchases, investments, and regrets — with two minutes on the clock for each answer. From Travis’ best investment ever to the truck that literally lost a wheel days after buying it, this one’s full of laughs, lessons, and hard-earned financial wisdom. Travis opens up about: His best and worst purchases (from real estate to portable chargers) The six-figure mistake that taught hi...

Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur, fashion innovator, and now tech founder who’s built her career around solving real-world problems. From co-founding Alice + Olivia to developing a patented women’s sizing system called TrioFit, Rebecca has consistently combined creativity and practicality to build impactful businesses. Now, she’s channeling that same drive into Synchrony—a new social app designed to help neurodivergent adults connect and combat loneliness in meaningful ways. On this ep...

Jen Powell is the innovative CEO of JP Inc, a talent management agency revolutionizing influencer licensing with offices in LA, Nashville, and New York. With over 20 years of experience in modeling and influencer marketing, Jen has transformed the traditional fashion industry by embracing influencer-driven commerce early on, making her a unique leader in this space. On this episode we talk about: Jen’s transition from a top modeling agent to a pioneer in influencer marketing Early success sto...

Tim Elmore is the founder of Growing Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to developing emerging leaders, with over 20 years of experience working alongside leadership expert John C. Maxwell. He is a prolific author of 40 books on leadership, including his latest, The Future Begins with Z, which explores innovative strategies for leading Generation Z as they disrupt the modern workplace. Tim’s insights into generational differences, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurship make him a valuable voice...

This episode features a candid conversation between Travis and his producer Eric, diving into the ways that religious backgrounds shape money mindsets and personal finance decisions. Travis reflects on his own experiences growing up in a large, well-resourced church and how both healthy principles and harmful attitudes have impacted his financial outlook over time. Through personal stories and playful banter, Eric and Travis explore the tension between gratitude, ambition, and the reality of pur...

Emma Rainville is a fractional CEO and operations strategist with over a decade of experience transforming seven, eight, and nine-figure businesses behind the scenes. Known as the "integrator by DNA," she specializes in moving founders from burnout and cash bleed to scalable, profitable growth. Emma’s reputation rests on her blunt, practical approach and her obsession with execution—not just theory—and on her proven ability to architect systems that protect profits and foster company culture. Wi...

Rob Dyrdek, entrepreneur, producer, and former pro skateboarder, is best known for creating and hosting "Ridiculousness," the viral video clip show that dominated MTV from 2011 to 2025. His relentless work ethic, innovative approach to the clip show format, and deep understanding of changing TV and streaming habits helped drive the show to unprecedented success, spanning 46 seasons and over 1,700 episodes. Dyrdek’s business savvy made him not only a staple on TV but also one of the most well-com...

Welcome to a grab bag episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, where Travis and producer Eric riff on the reality behind success—highlighting why business is the great equalizer for anyone willing to put in the work. Rather than featuring a singular guest, this episode is a candid discussion between Travis and Eric, full of humor, pop culture, and philosophical digs about work ethic, optionality, the nature of talent, and actionable (if often ignored) business wisdom. They use standup comedy a...

On this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis and producer Eric jump into a mix of thoughtful, funny, and heartwarming clips, landing on a story about comedian Chris DeStefano and the challenge of choosing between earning more money and spending time with family. Chris discusses turning down work to prioritize his kids, sparking a candid conversation about career, sacrifice, and what success truly means at different life stages. On this episode we talk about: Why Chris DeStefano va...

Travis is joined by producer Eric for a wide-ranging, deeply philosophical episode exploring how beliefs, meaning, and personal philosophy influence the way money, work, and life are experienced. Both hosts share their takes on existential questions (with spontaneous detours into Star Trek, simulation theory, and work ethic), showing how practical mindset shifts are inseparable from financial success. On this episode we talk about: Various mental models that shape work, motivation, and the exp...