Travis Makes Money

On this episode of Travis Makes Money, host Travis Chappell is joined in studio by his producer Eric for a candid conversation about ditching hustle culture and getting truly productive. They unpack how Travis learned to ruthlessly prioritize his time while launching a software company, and why shifting from “busy” to “effective” helped his team break seven figures in revenue. Along the way, they break down frameworks from EOS, Traction, The One Thing, and lessons from leaders like Sharan Srivatsa, Ed Mylett, and the Hormozis on using your time like a real CEO. On this episode we talk about: Why people confuse being busy with being valuable—and how that sabotages real progress. How Travis redefined his role as a CEO around talent, cash, and vision instead of doing everything himself. Using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Traction, and The One Thing to reverse engineer high‑leverage daily priorities. The real message behind Ed Mylett’s “21 days a week” concept and why most people only work 2–4 truly productive hours a day. Practical ways solopreneurs can time‑block their day, audit their activities, and turn three “days” of output into one. Top 3 Takeaways Your worth is not measured by how busy you look; it is measured by the results you create from a few high‑leverage actions done consistently. A CEO’s job is to recruit and retain talent, keep cash in the bank, and cast vision—everything else should be delegated or eliminated as fast as possible. Compressing time by stacking focused blocks of deep, productive work over months and years completely changes your business trajectory and quality of life. Notable Quotes “At some point, you have to ruthlessly prioritize what makes it onto your calendar or you’ll do a bunch of stuff and get nothing done.” “The idea that more hours equals better output is false; it is what you do with the hours you actually work that moves the needle.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://www.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 gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evan Marks is a Wall Street veteran with 25 years of experience in trading and market psychology, and the founder of M1 Performance Group. He helps high performers master decision-making under pressure, turning mindset and emotional control into consistent, measurable financial results. Known for his work on risk, discipline, and clarity, Evan has used his own performance frameworks to generate $50–100K months in realized income while coaching traders, hedge fund managers, and ambitious professionals. On this episode we talk about: How Evan went from hedge fund veteran to performance coach The difference between impulsivity and true intuition in decision-making Using emotions as data instead of trying to suppress them Why consistent decision frameworks beat random “gut feelings” over time The “callous building phase” and staying in the game long enough to see results Top 3 Takeaways You can’t make great decisions by ignoring your emotions; you need to understand and use them as data inside a clear decision-making framework. High performers aren’t magically decisive — they practice slowing down mentally, creating space, and then responding quickly with intention. Progress feels invisible at first, but if you stay consistent through the “callous building phase,” your evidence and confidence compound over time. Notable Quotes “We’re always in the game of best decision-making — we don’t know if it’s right, only time tells you that.” “You can’t tweak inconsistency; you need a repeatable model before you can improve it.” “There’s a bridge between nervousness and excitement, and that bridge is belief based on evidence.” Connect with Evan Marks: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarks-m1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emarks72/ Website: M1PerformanceGroup.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 solo episode, host Travis Chappell breaks down one of the core values that has transformed his life and business: radical responsibility. Drawing from his background in door-to-door sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Travis shares hard-earned lessons about refusing to blame circumstances and instead reclaiming control over outcomes. Through real stories—from struggling sales reps to young first-time employees and heavy life situations like health crises—he lays out a practical, mindset-first framework for taking ownership so you can actually change your results. On this episode we talk about: Why adopting your own values (instead of inherited beliefs) is essential to growth. What radical responsibility really means and how it differs from simple self-awareness. The difference between “producing results” and “producing excuses” in sales and business. How taking ownership (even when it doesn’t feel like your fault) gives you power and control back. Why fault and responsibility are not the same—and how this applies to unfair or painful life circumstances. Top 3 Takeaways Radical responsibility is the starting point for becoming the person you want to be; if nothing is ever your fault, there is no path to improvement. You are always producing something—either results or excuses—and only those who own their mistakes can actually learn, adjust, and win long term. Something can be “not your fault” and still 100% your responsibility; you can’t control the cards you’re dealt, but you can control how you play them. Notable Quotes “Everybody produces. You’re just either producing results or you’re producing excuses.” “Blame feels good, but it destroys all agency. Responsibility gives you your power back.” “You can’t control the cards that you get dealt, but it is your responsibility to play them to the best of your ability.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: 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 gohighlevel.com/travis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with his co-host for a lively and surprisingly deep conversation that begins with TV banter and ends with some serious money talk. From dissecting White Lotus characters to breaking down what true financial security really means, Travis shares insights on why confidence in your ability to earn beats any number in the bank. Known for helping creators and entrepreneurs master income generation, Travis blends humor, vulnerability, and actionable advice that’ll leave you rethinking your relationship with money. On this episode we talk about: Why confidence in your earning ability matters more than your savings balance The $10 million security number—does it really mean freedom? Why “comfortably” living in America now means a six-figure income How scarcity can actually fuel productivity and focus The mindset shift that keeps entrepreneurs resilient through financial risks Top 3 Takeaways Financial security isn’t tied to a number—it’s rooted in your confidence to generate income when needed. Comfort looks different today: for most families, living well now requires over $100K a year in virtually every U.S. state. Investing in yourself and your ability to earn is far more valuable than stockpiling money in a savings account. Notable Quotes “My security stems from my confidence that I can generate money out of nothing.” “If you can wake up tomorrow and know you can earn, you already have real financial security.” “Money only solves your money problems—but it’s a lot easier to solve the rest when you’ve got some in the bank.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/travischappell Instagram: instagram.com/travischappell Website: 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

In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with legendary NFL agent Ben Dogra, one of the most influential figures in modern sports representation. Over a three-decade career, Ben has represented a record-breaking 54 NFL first-round draft picks and helped build what Sports Business Journal once called the most dominant player-representation practice in the business. From immigrating to the U.S. as a five-year-old with hardworking parents to quietly shaping locker rooms and boardrooms at SFX Football and later CAA, Ben’s story is a masterclass in work ethic, humility, and strategic thinking.​ On this episode we talk about: How Ben went from immigrant kid washing dishes at 10 to top NFL agent with 54 first-rounders The unconventional path: 52 law school rejections, one yes, and working for free to get in the door Why he chose to avoid the spotlight and build power through quiet influence, not personal fame How agents really make money, and why billionaires and athletes live in different financial universes Why athletes go broke, the power of the right team around you, and what it actually takes to win long term Top 3 Takeaways You do not need the “front man” role to make life-changing money; becoming the indispensable strategist behind the scenes can be just as lucrative and often more sustainable.​ Work ethic plus strategic positioning beats raw talent alone—Ben leveraged his mind, research, and persistence to win in a space where he had no traditional advantages.​ Whether you are an athlete, entrepreneur, or professional, chasing mastery and the right opportunities—not quick cash or fame—is what leads to lasting wealth and leverage.​ Notable Quotes “If I can outwork you and I love what I do, I should make money in any field.”​ “I didn’t chase the limelight; I chased the work. I wanted to be the guy in the back room that nobody could replace.”​ “Don’t try to keep up with the billionaires. They’re rich; you can be wealthy in your own lane if you stop chasing their game.”​ 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 solo episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis breaks down the mindset and habits required to deserve the success you say you want, not just wish for it. Using stories from his early podcasting days and his transition out of door-to-door sales, he explains how shifting from “this is what I want” to “this is what I deserve” changes how you think, act, and build your environment. On this episode we talk about: Why the show now releases three episodes every day and how each format (solo, co-hosted, interview) serves listeners The difference between wanting success and actually deserving it The “rat race” of chasing success versus becoming someone success is drawn to The core question: “How can I become someone who deserves the success that I desire?” The three pillars of deserving success: beliefs, actions, and relationships The origin and impact of the quote “Be so good they can’t ignore you” in Travis’s career The role of “delusional optimism” and belief, especially for younger people Why your environment and closest relationships can quietly shape your results Top 3 Takeaways Success isn’t just about setting big goals; it’s about becoming the kind of person for whom those goals are a natural byproduct—someone who truly deserves them. Beliefs, actions, and relationships form a stack: powerful beliefs fuel massive action, and the right environment reinforces both, making your desired success far more likely. You must dramatically increase your volume of action—so much that it would be unreasonable not to get results—while staying flexible about how your dreams ultimately come to life. Notable Quotes “How can I become someone who deserves the success that I desire?” “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” “In the absence of clarity, take action. The clarity comes from taking the action.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://x.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://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

Travis is joined by his producer Eric for an unfiltered, off-the-cuff conversation that was never planned to be an episode—but absolutely needed to be one. What starts as a story about being blocked by the Instagram account Baller Busters turns into a deeper discussion about truth, intellectual honesty, online call-out culture, platforming controversial voices, and the responsibility that comes with “exposing” people online. This episode pulls back the curtain on how narratives are formed, how echo chambers are built, and how creators can disagree without becoming destructive. On this episode we talk about: The rise of exposure accounts and the dangers of online echo chambers What happened after Eric was blocked by Baller Busters for a neutral comment Intellectual honesty vs. outrage-driven content When coaching, investing, or online business crosses into “scam” territory How Travis decides who to platform—and why good-faith conversations matter Top 3 Takeaways Truth requires multiple perspectives. Blocking dissenting voices doesn’t protect people—it reinforces narratives without accountability. Not every failure equals a scam. Coaching, investing, and entrepreneurship involve risk, and outcomes vary widely. Good-faith conversations beat outrage every time. If the goal is growth, connection, and learning, intent matters more than agreement. Notable Quotes “If you’re going to expose people, you owe it to their lives and families to be intellectually honest.” “Blocking everyone who disagrees with you doesn’t create truth—it creates an echo chamber.” “Money only solves your money problems, but it’s easier to solve the rest with money in the bank.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by HighLevel – 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

Lauren Cobello is the CEO and founder of Leverage with Media PR, a boutique public relations agency that helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders use media strategically to build authority, credibility, and growth. Before launching her agency, she spent nearly two decades building her own personal brand as a personal finance expert, becoming a three-time author and regular national TV personality on shows like The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, and Rachael Ray. After scaling her personal brand to seven figures, she sold that company and bootstrapped Leverage with Media PR from zero to a million-dollar agency in just 10 months.​ On this episode we talk about: How Lauren paid off 40,000 dollars in debt and built a personal finance brand from a couponing blog.​ How national TV appearances became top-of-funnel “ads” that fueled her seven-figure business.​ Why she sold her first company, downsized her lifestyle, and went all-in on starting a PR agency debt free.​ The truth about the PR industry, including low-quality agencies, profit-first models, and why so many founders feel burned.​ How traditional media, podcasts, and social platforms now work together to build authority in 2026.​ Why relationships and senior-level publicists are the real differentiators for landing meaningful TV and podcast placements.​ The realities of getting on top podcasts like Joe Rogan and why most entrepreneurs need a more strategic, ego-free media plan.​ Top 3 Takeaways Media is a multiplier: When used strategically, every TV appearance, podcast, or feature should act as top of funnel that drives people into a sales ecosystem and builds trust before you ever enter the room.​ Not all PR is created equal: Most agencies optimize for profit, staffing junior or outsourced teams, while the firms that actually move the needle rely on senior publicists with deep relationships and clear KPIs.​ Traditional media isn’t dead—it's leveraged: In 2026, the strongest brands blend traditional TV, podcasts, social, and newsletters, using prestigious earned media (like major TV shows) for credibility and association that makes everything else easier.​ Notable Quotes "Every single TV appearance that I did became top of funnel—an ad that went into my sales funnel and got people to trust me before I even walked in the room."​ "PR is not marketing, and most PR agencies are full of it because they sell promises junior teams can’t fulfill."​ "You probably aren’t going on the top five podcasts you’re dreaming about, but the right ‘smaller’ shows can move the needle more than the ones with fake followers and vanity metrics."​ Connect with Lauren Cobello: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leveragewithmediapr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leveragewithmedia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauren_cobello Other: Leverage with Media PR  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 kicks off a new solo format for Travis Makes Money, focusing on personal development and how becoming your best self is the real foundation for making more money and living well. He draws on years of relentless self-education—hundreds of books and countless podcast episodes—to share lessons from his own growth journey as a dad, entrepreneur, and competitor. In this episode, he uses parenting as a lens to explore legacy, habits, and the kind of person you must become if you want your kids to thrive. On this episode we talk about: Why the show is shifting to three episodes a day and what each format will cover How solo episodes will focus on personal growth and lessons from Travis’s own journey The core question: “Would I be proud if my kids became me?” How kids absorb behaviors instead of advice, and what that means for parenting Balancing competitiveness with learning how to lose well (and what UNO reveals about character) Why your true legacy is your values, habits, and self-talk—not your bank account The danger of trying to spare your kids from pain and the importance of their “adventure” The “live like you’re being watched” mindset for becoming a better human Top 3 Takeaways Your kids won’t become who you tell them to be; they’ll become who you are. The most powerful parenting tool you have is your daily behavior. The best inheritance isn’t money—it’s your self-talk, habits, standards, and values. Those intangibles will serve your kids far longer than any cash you pass down. Live as if your life is being filmed and copied by a billion people. If everyone lived like you did today, would the world be better or worse? Let that question guide your choices. Notable Quotes “Kids absorb behaviors, not advice. Your kids won’t do what you say—they’ll do what you do.” “Would I be proud if my kids became me?” “The best inheritance your kids can get from you is your self-talk, your habits, the standards by which you live your life.” Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://x.com/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://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

In this episode, Travis and Eric unpack how “being the nice guy” can quietly cap your income, dilute your message, and keep you from standing up for what you really believe. They blend humor, personal stories, and hard-earned lessons from faith, content creation, and business to explore the difference between being nice and being truly kind. On this episode we talk about: Why “being too nice” can hurt not just your income, but your confidence and identity. Growing up unable to take credit for your wins and how that impacts self-belief as an adult. The shift from wanting to be “the nice guy” to focusing on being genuinely kind and honest. Navigating criticism, audience crossover, and the impossibility of making everyone like you. How to choose your “hills to die on” and stop suppressing yourself just to keep the peace. Top 3 Takeaways If your main goal is to be known as the “nice” person, you’ll struggle to do anything meaningful that requires you to take a stand or risk disappointing people. You can’t win the game of being liked by everyone; trying to do so forces you to hide parts of yourself and builds shallow relationships based only on curated versions of who you are. Healthy growth lives in the middle: care about what the right people think, interrogate feedback, but stop reshaping your life to please people who aren’t truly invested in you. Notable Quotes "If you're known for being the nice guy, then you're not known for anything else." "You can never win the game of everybody liking you all the time." "Don't make being the nice guy your pursuit. Be kind to everybody, but if you're looking to be the nice guy, then that's all you'll ever be." Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://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