Travis Makes Money

Eric, producer of the Travis Makes Money podcast, joins Travis in studio to break down how creator-led films are disrupting Hollywood’s old guard. He shares firsthand impressions from seeing YouTuber Markiplier’s horror film Iron Lung, highlighting why this low-budget, creator-driven project is such a big win for filmmakers, investors, and content creators looking to turn attention into real revenue. Eric’s enthusiasm and eye for story, audience behavior, and distribution make this conversation a must-listen for anyone serious about monetizing content at scale.​ On this episode we talk about: Why Iron Lung is “crazy good news” for the film industry and creators​ How Markiplier produced, wrote, starred in, and directed a profitable sub-$3M horror film​ The power of built-in distribution and preselling tickets through a loyal YouTube audience​ Why horror and action are often the smartest low-budget genres for indie filmmakers​ How creator–Hollywood crossovers (like Iron Lung and Happy Gilmore 2) are reshaping funding, casting, and IP strategy​ Top 3 Takeaways Creator-led projects with a passionate audience and clear distribution can outperform traditional studio films, even with a fraction of the budget.​ Horror and action films are often cheaper to make yet have broad appeal, making them ideal vehicles for indie and creator-driven projects.​ It’s no longer “YouTuber vs. actor”—creators who build real IP and care about the underlying story can unlock new paths into film, funding, and long-term opportunities.​ Notable Quotes “You have a film project that 4Xes on opening weekend—you have to start taking a look at that.”​ “What Hollywood is missing right now is what creators have, which is attention—unbridled attention.”​ “Get started doing something, because you never know what it’s going to end up being.”​ Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Cocquyt is a Silicon Valley operator, educator, and bestselling startup author who helps founders turn ideas into real businesses—fast. She’s the Founder & CEO of The Guild and The Guild Studio, an award-winning instructor at UC Berkeley, and a trusted advisor to accelerators around the world. In this episode, Anne breaks down how “vibe coding” and AI-powered tools are radically changing entrepreneurship—making it possible for anyone (even non-technical founders) to build MVPs, validate ideas, and reach market in days instead of months. On this episode we talk about: What “vibe coding” is and how non-technical founders can build MVPs in minutes Why traditional startup development (and million-dollar dev budgets) are becoming obsolete How AI is shrinking feedback loops and accelerating product-market fit The skills founders actually need in an AI-first world Practical ways to test ideas, validate demand, and market early-stage products Top 3 Takeaways You no longer need a big dev team or massive funding to launch—AI tools let founders build and iterate MVPs in days, not years. The real differentiator isn’t code anymore—it’s critical thinking, understanding users, and building something people actually want. Entrepreneurs who succeed will be “umbrella-skilled generalists,” able to build, test, market, and adapt quickly as technology evolves. Notable Quotes “Code is no longer a moat—the little dragon is the vibe coder.” “It’s not a question anymore if you can build it. It’s a question if you should build it.” “Unless you can wear multiple hats, it’s going to be very hard to defend just one skill.” Connect with Anne Cocquyt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annecocquyt Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/annecocquyt Other: Website: https://annecocquyt.com The Guild Studio: Letsguild.com/studio  Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a solo deep dive with Travis, host of Travis Makes Money, breaking down how motivational interviewing—a communication method created by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick—can become a powerful tool for persuasion in business, sales, leadership, and personal growth. He shares personal stories, research-backed examples, and practical scripts that show how shifting from “convincing” to “uncovering” dramatically improves outcomes. On this episode we talk about: What motivational interviewing is and why most people persuade the wrong way. The real problem behind inaction: ambivalence, not lack of information. How addiction and healthcare studies prove this method works better than advice-giving. Using the 1–10 scale question and “Why is it not a two?” in sales conversations. Applying motivational interviewing with clients, employees, partners, and even your kids. Top 3 Takeaways People rarely change because you tell them to; they change faster when it feels like their idea, and motivational interviewing is designed to create that internal motivation. Asking precise questions like “On a scale of 1–10, how ready are you?” and “Why is it not a two?” pulls reasons for change out of the other person instead of pushing your arguments onto them. In sales and leadership, if you can explain someone’s problem back to them better than they can, they’ll assume you have the solution—so ask more questions, summarize clearly, and let them articulate their own standards and desired outcomes. Notable Quotes “Most people already know what they should do. The problem isn’t information, it’s ambivalence.” “People don’t change because they’re convinced; they change because they feel understood and they allow themselves to articulate the truth.” “Stop pitching and start pulling—talk less, ask better questions, and let them talk themselves into change.” Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and his producer Eric riff through classic quotes from figures like Ben Franklin, Thomas Edison, Jim Rohn, Epictetus, and even the Joker’s mom, using each line as a launchpad to talk about money, time, self-education, and what opportunity really looks like in real life. They blend humor, movie references, and personal stories to challenge conventional wisdom and show why rethinking your relationship with learning, work, and wealth is essential if you want to build a life you actually enjoy. On this episode we talk about: Why “time is money” is incomplete and why time is actually more valuable than money How Warren Buffett illustrates the tradeoff between wealth and years of life The difference between formal education and self-education (and why school can make you hate learning) What opportunity really looks like, and why it usually shows up disguised as hard work and skill-building Stoic ideas about wealth, wanting less, and why money is a terrible master but an excellent servant Top 3 Takeaways Time is your most valuable asset, more important than money or status, and no amount of cash can buy back lost years. Self-education, driven by curiosity and discipline, is what creates real fortunes and career breakthroughs—especially once you realize school barely scratched the surface. Opportunity rarely appears as a dream job handed to you; it shows up as hard work, skill development, and adding value long before any big payoff. Notable Quotes "Time is the most valuable asset that we have, so it's actually greater than money." "Most people think education stops, but everything in my career started when I realized I didn’t know anything and had to go learn it myself." "People have this idealistic version of what opportunity looks like, but lack of opportunity is not what stands between you and success." Connect with Travis:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/travischappell• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell• Other: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian Stanley is a veteran online entrepreneur and one of the most respected email copywriters in the game. He built his reputation writing copy that has generated millions in sales, then used that skill to create a lifestyle business that funds his love for travel and stand-up comedy. In this episode, Ian breaks down how he went from broke college kid clicking on sketchy “make money online” offers to becoming the go-to guy for email copy—and how that one decision to master a single skill changed everything. On this episode we talk about: How Ian made his first $118.34 online during a college final—and why that moment convinced him he’d never need a “real job” again The decision to go all-in on email copywriting while everyone else tried to do everything and stayed broke Why your early 20s shouldn’t be “grind only” and how you actually lose the skill of having fun if you over-optimize for hustle Using a “learn while you earn” job in your 20s to get paid to acquire rare skills and see real numbers, ad spend, and data from the inside How Ian helped scale companies from low to mid eight figures by obsessing over copy, email, and split tests The reality of pursuing art (like stand-up) vs. business—and how money buys you the freedom to go all-in on the thing you actually love Whether copywriting will still matter in an AI world and how to use AI without outsourcing your thinking Why writing is still the foundation of all great communication, speaking, and content—even if AI tools can draft your first version The trap of trying to automate yourself out of all “hard work” and why you only get paid for the work you don’t want to do Top 3 Takeaways Master one valuable skill first—like copywriting or email marketing—before you try to build a complex business. Depth beats dabbling, especially early on. Your 20s are for both: have fun and develop skills. If you sacrifice fun completely, you risk becoming successful but miserable; if you sacrifice skills, you stay stuck. AI is a powerful amplifier, not a replacement for thinking. The winners will be those who understand good marketing, strategy, and ideas—and then use AI as a tool, not a crutch. Notable Quotes “Everybody online was trying to do everything and they were all poor. I decided I’d just get really good at copywriting.” “If you’re in your 20s, you should be able to drink until 4 a.m., wake up at 7, and still get good work done. That’s the time to do it all, to have fun.” “You only get paid for the work you don’t want to do. If you outsource the one thing that actually matters in your business, what are you even here for?” Connect with Ian Stanley: Instagram (Comedy): https://www.instagram.com/ianstanleycomedy Instagram (Business/Marketing): https://www.instagram.com/almostpassiveincome Email List & Resources: https://getonmyfuckinglist.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A meditation on choosing the adventure over the outcome. Lessons from The Alchemist about pursuing your personal legend and why risking comfort matters. Thoughts on engineering struggle in parenting to build resilience. A look at open-hand vs closed-fist mindsets, fear of failure, and avoiding future regret.

Travis Chappell and producer Eric dive into whether "being good with money" can actually trap you in poverty by over-prioritizing frugality over life enjoyment. They debate Dave Ramsey-style saving vs. smart risks, using real stories like driving cars into the ground and delaying dream purchases until it's too late. On this episode we talk about: Trading mental health for frugality—driving 260k-mile cars as a "badge of honor" that backfires The Porsche 911 regret story: Waiting until 70 to buy your dream car, only to trade it with 2k miles Balance over extremes: Don't YOLO into debt, but don't delay family trips to Europe for "cash-only" rules Giving early and often—tips, GoFundMe, or urges—not rigid 10% church rules or corrupt nonprofits Why tipping feels best (direct impact) vs. tipping culture's annoying expectations at movie theaters Make more money as the real solution: Enjoy now and secure your future without sacrifice Top 3 Takeaways Frugality becomes toxic when it sacrifices mental health—buy the reliable car or family trip if you can afford it now, not at 72. Give generously when led to (tips, personal causes), not from guilt or rigid formulas; build the habit early regardless of income. Money's only value is what you exchange it for—prioritize experiences and peace today while protecting tomorrow by earning more. Notable Quotes "You don't want to wait till you're 72 to drive your dream car, because it's not as fun to drive when you're 72 as it is when you're 41." "If you don't build the habits when you have almost no money, you're probably not going to do it when you have some money." "Money is only useful for the things that you exchange it for." Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at http://gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, former Head of HR North America at McKinsey & Company, national keynote speaker, top 10 business podcast host, and a LinkedIn Top Voice who has trained over 250,000 managers. With a background that spans law, HR, and corporate leadership across global companies like McKinsey and Yum! Brands, Ashley brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and real-world empathy. Her new book, The Manager Method, provides a simple, powerful framework—Pause, Consider, Act—to help managers lead with confidence, avoid burnout, and create high-performing teams. On this episode we talk about: How Ashley made her first dollar as a Subway “sandwich artist” and the lessons it taught her about leadership Why she left a high-profile role at McKinsey to build her own leadership training business The surprising similarities between corporate leaders and front-line managers How social media helped her reach millions with practical management advice Ashley’s three-step “Pause, Consider, Act” framework from her book The Manager Method What it’s really like to write and publish a book with Hay House Top 3 Takeaways Great management isn’t about titles or degrees—it’s about practicing empathy, communication, and self-awareness. Social media can democratize leadership training, giving valuable education to people at every level. Pausing before reacting—whether as a leader, coworker, or entrepreneur—can turn a difficult moment into a growth opportunity. Notable Quotes “The smartest people in the world often need practical training just like everyone else.” “Whether it’s a McKinsey partner or a McDonald’s manager, everyone deserves access to good leadership training.” “Sometimes the hardest thing about leadership isn’t knowing what to do—it’s taking a breath before you do it.” Connect with Ashley Herd: LinkedIn: Ashley Herd on LinkedIn Twitter/X: @managermethod Instagram: @managermethod Website and Book: managermethod.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform.  Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Chappell delivers a solo masterclass on gaining influence—the essential skill for entrepreneurs, networkers, and anyone looking to close more deals or build authority. Drawing from Robert Cialdini's Influence, his podcast booking agency that hit $1M in 8 months, and years of relationship-building, Travis shares three proven paths to become undeniably influential without gimmicks or scams. On this episode we talk about: Why "be interested, not interesting" is half the networking equation—becoming a person of interest first "Badass bullets": How unique accomplishments (ultras, stadium tours, epic feats) make you a must-interview guest Value = influence: Give practical advice, entertainment, or insights to earn trust and obedience Examples from Gary Vee, MrBeast, and The Rock—how consistent value creation turns into massive business wins The power of frequency over volume: Short-form consistency builds long-term trust faster than you think Top 3 Takeaways Become a person of interest—stack unique life experiences (adventures, feats, stories) so others evangelize you naturally. Deliver value relentlessly; it doesn't have to be profound—entertainment or quick wins create loyal followers who act on your word. Stay consistent over time; frequency breeds trust, turning one-off interactions into lifelong influence. Notable Quotes "Value equals influence. The more value that you give, the more influence that you have." "People who do really interesting, cool things... become the evangelists for them just by very nature." "Be interested, not interesting... [but] being interesting is actually still a really valuable piece of the equation." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: travismakesmoney.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at http://gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Chappell teams up with his longtime friend and collaborator Eric for a fun, unfiltered episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast. Eric reads provocative quotes from thinkers like Naval Ravikant and Benjamin Franklin, challenging Travis to agree or disagree with context from his own life and business journey. Packed with laughs, banter, and real talk on fame, education, saving vs. earning, and designing your own life path.​ On this episode we talk about: Travis's massive nicotine stash and why he has a year's supply in his desk drawer​ How close friendships lead to knowing each other's stories too well (door-to-door sales, anyone?)​ Agree/disagree: "Life is a single player game" – owning your path without overvaluing others' opinions​ Agree/disagree: "You want to be rich and anonymous, not poor and famous" – podcast micro-fame vs. nightmare celebrity​ Agree/disagree: "The overeducated are worse off than the undereducated" – why street smarts often beat degrees​ Roasting Ben Franklin's "A penny saved is a penny earned" – earn more, don't obsess over coupons​ Top 3 Takeaways You're the main character in your own "single player game" – question inherited paths and design a life that fulfills you, not others' expectations.​ Aim for "rich and anonymous" over fame; meaningful connections with a niche audience build sustainable businesses without public life hassles.​ Focus on earning more money rather than extreme frugality – redirect "coupon-clipping" energy into income generation for real freedom.​ Notable Quotes "You're the only person that has to wake up every day and be you."​ "Spend that free time figuring out a way to make extra money and you don't have to worry about where you fill up."​ "Would you rather be right or would you rather be successful?"​ Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell​ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/travischappell​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell​ Website: https://www.travischappell.com ​ Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at http://gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices