Travis Makes Money

In this solo episode, host Travis Chappell answers a listener question from Amber about how to set boundaries with clients who become friends—and how to build genuine friendships in entrepreneurship. Drawing from his own experiences in masterminds, coaching, and community-building, Travis breaks down the tension between “being helpful” and “being a doormat,” and offers a healthier, more sustainable way to think about fees, friendships, and long-term relationships in business. He also shares real stories of how transactional thinking destroys trust, while relational thinking creates more opportunity over time. On this episode we talk about: Why some experts preach “keep clients at arm’s length” and why that never sat right with Travis The awkward tension when friends want free access to paid programs, coaching, or communities How to intentionally set the culture in your groups so friends support each other’s businesses instead of asking for discounts The importance of thinking like a therapist and separating “billable” time from pure friendship time Why your Ascension model should allow clients to “graduate” from you without burning the relationship Two contrasting mastermind experiences that show the difference between transactional vs. relational leaders Why long-term business wins go to givers who view people as humans, not just as numbers or transactions Top 3 Takeaways As the leader, it’s your job to set the culture: real friends support each other’s businesses instead of always asking for free or discounted access. Think like a therapist and maintain clear lines between paid, professional interactions and genuine, no-strings-attached friendship—even when you like and care about your clients. Build an Ascension model that lets people “graduate” from your programs while still staying in relationship; when you treat people relationally instead of transactionally, you earn more trust, more referrals, and more opportunities over the long term. Notable Quotes “When you pay, you pay attention.” “Don’t treat people like numbers, because people aren’t numbers.” “You should want people to outgrow you—that means you actually helped them.” 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://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 co-hosted episode, Travis Chappell sits down with his producer Eric for a candid, humorous, and thought-provoking conversation about the modern job market. Using insights sparked by commentary from Mike Rowe, they break down why traditional career paths may no longer be the smartest route—and why skilled trades and alternative learning paths are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s economy. On this episode we talk about: The growing demand for skilled trades and the massive shortage of workers Why college debt is becoming a riskier investment for many young people How AI and automation are reshaping high-skill professions like law and medicine The concept of “earning while you learn” through apprenticeships and hands-on work How to evaluate career paths based on future demand, not outdated societal expectations Top 3 Takeaways Skilled trades are becoming some of the most in-demand and highest-paying opportunities due to a shrinking workforce. Taking on massive student loan debt without a clear plan can delay wealth-building and limit future financial freedom. The future job market will reward adaptability—hands-on skills and real-world experience may outperform traditional degrees. Notable Quotes "The job market works on supply and demand—if fewer people can do the job, it’s worth more." "Getting into debt to figure out what you want to do is a pretty wild decision." "Don’t undervalue the trades—that might be where the majority of money is made in the next decade." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell 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

Jake Polino is a content creator turned entrepreneur who built an audience through sneaker content and leveraged it into a scalable brand. Starting with viral TikToks and DIY sneaker customization, Jake learned firsthand that views don’t always equal income—leading him to co-found Kizo, a sneaker company built on the back of his audience and creative expertise. On this episode we talk about: Why going viral doesn’t mean you’re making money—and the reality of creator income How Jake transitioned from sneaker content to building a real, scalable business The biggest misconceptions about followers, views, and monetization Why every creator should eventually build a product or brand they own The step-by-step approach to growing on social media from zero today Why consistency and volume are the real keys to going viral Key Takeaways: Jake’s journey highlights a critical truth in today’s creator economy: attention alone isn’t enough. Despite generating millions of views, he made little money directly from platforms, forcing him to think bigger about ownership and scalability. Instead of relying on inconsistent brand deals or algorithm-driven income, Jake built Kizo to monetize his audience sustainably. By aligning his product with his passion (sneakers), he created something authentic that his audience actually wanted to buy. The conversation also breaks down the modern content landscape—where followers matter less than ever, and each post acts as its own “lottery ticket.” Success comes from volume, iteration, and constantly improving your craft. For anyone starting today, Jake emphasizes simplicity: use your phone, post consistently, and double down on what works. Over time, those reps compound into opportunities that can completely change your trajectory. Connect with Jake Polino: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakepolino/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizokicks/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakepolino Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakepolino Website: https://kizokicks.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

Aristotle, one of history’s greatest thinkers, explored the nature of friendship thousands of years ago—and his insights are more relevant today than ever. In this solo episode, Travis breaks down Aristotle’s three types of friendships and connects them to modern life, success, and even income. By understanding how your relationships shape your decisions, opportunities, and mindset, you can intentionally build a network—and a life—that actually moves you forward. On this episode we talk about: The three types of friendships: utility, pleasure, and virtue Why mislabeling relationships leads to disappointment and frustration How your friendships directly impact your income and life trajectory The danger of outsourcing your values to groups or belief systems Why friendships of virtue are rare—but the most important to cultivate Top 3 Takeaways Not all friendships are created equal—understanding the difference helps you set better expectations and avoid unnecessary disappointment. Friendships of virtue (shared values and mutual growth) are the most meaningful and long-lasting, but they require intentional effort to build. Your network isn’t just about proximity or shared interests—it's about alignment in values, and that alignment determines the quality of your life and success. Notable Quotes "If you don’t categorize your friendships, you’ll expect the wrong things from the wrong people." "People will learn more from how you live than what you say—and the same goes for who you surround yourself with." "It’s never a bad thing to have people in your life who are genuinely conspiring for your success." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell 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

In this candid co-host episode, Travis Chappell dives into one of the most difficult balancing acts in life—building a successful career while being a present parent. Sparked by a powerful clip from performance coach Tim Grover, Travis reflects on the tension between ambition and family, sharing personal stories, hard truths, and the mental frameworks he uses to navigate work, fatherhood, and long-term fulfillment. On this episode we talk about: The emotional trade-offs between building a career and being present with your kids Why kids learn more from your actions than your words The concept of “seasons” in work-life balance How to think about regret when making career vs. family decisions Practical ways to be fully present—whether you’re working or at home Top 3 Takeaways There is no perfect balance—life operates in seasons, and different periods require different priorities. Your kids are always watching—modeling work ethic and purpose is just as important as spending time with them. Wherever you are, be there—presence matters more than splitting your attention between work and family. Notable Quotes "Kids will always learn more through what they see than what you say to them." "Wait till you get the bill from regret—and that bill is generational." "If you're going to stay home, be home. If you're going to work, then work." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell 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

Brynn MacLennan is a serial entrepreneur and product designer who’s been building businesses since she was just 13 years old. With a background in product design and experience working alongside the dental industry, Brynn co-founded an innovative electric flosser designed to make oral care easier, more effective, and actually enjoyable. Her journey spans everything from launching a bounce house company as a teenager to buying and scaling a dental practice—and now disrupting a legacy industry with a modern, dentist-backed product. On this episode we talk about: Why most people floss incorrectly—and how that impacts dental health The process of designing and manufacturing a physical product from scratch Buying, scaling, and selling a dental practice The realities of launching via Kickstarter (and what she’d do differently) Building a multi-channel business across DTC, Amazon, and retail (including Target) Top 3 Takeaways Making a “boring” habit easier (like flossing) can unlock massive business opportunities—simplicity drives adoption. Big companies and internships can provide invaluable systems and process knowledge before starting your own business. Distribution is everything—success in DTC, Amazon, or retail each comes with unique challenges, and none are “set it and forget it.” Notable Quotes "If we made flossing easy and effective, people wouldn’t hate going to the dentist." "I know how to build a million-dollar company—but building a hundred-million-dollar company is a different game." "Entrepreneurship is constant ups and downs—just when you feel on top, something changes." Connect with Brynn MacLennan: LinkedIn: Brynn MacLennan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slateflosser TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@slateflosser Other: https://slateflosser.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 solo episode, Travis Chappell shares hard-earned lessons from nearly a decade in podcasting, thousands of interviews, and deep personal reflection. Drawing from both his own experiences and insights gathered from top performers, Travis breaks down why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. He opens up about the internal struggles that come with ambition and offers practical ways to build a healthier relationship with yourself so you can show up better in business and in life. On this episode we talk about: Why self-care is foundational to success and avoiding burnout The dangers of comparing yourself to others in the social media age How negative self-talk silently sabotages your growth Breaking free from other people’s expectations and defining your own path Simple, practical habits to improve your physical and mental health Top 3 Takeaways You can’t perform at a high level or help others if you’re running on empty—self-care directly impacts your output. Comparison distorts reality—focus on your own journey instead of someone else’s highlight reel. Small, consistent health habits (sleep, protein, walking, hydration) have an outsized impact on your energy, confidence, and longevity. Notable Quotes "You cannot fill up other people’s cups if your cup is empty." "If someone talked to me the way I talk to myself, we’d be throwing hands." "You are the only person you’ll spend every second of your life with—start acting like it." Connect with Travis Chappell: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell 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

Ready to rethink how—and when—to make the ask in your relationships? In this powerful preview from Travis Makes Friends, Travis Chappell sits down with entrepreneur and recovery advocate Darren Prince to break down one of the most misunderstood aspects of networking: how to ask for help without damaging trust. Darren pulls back the curtain on what it really means to build “relationship capital” with high-level people—and why most people get it completely wrong. While the common advice is to always give and never ask, Darren explains that the timing and intent behind the ask is what actually matters. He shares how he’s built relationships with some of the biggest names in business and sports by being hyper-aware of people’s time, never forcing opportunities, and treating relationships like an unspoken bank account—where deposits must far outweigh withdrawals. You’ll hear why Darren almost never “leverages” his network for personal gain, how he distinguishes between meaningful causes and business opportunities, and why authenticity is the ultimate filter in any interaction. From subtle missteps—like asking too soon—to the long-term consequences of being perceived as transactional, this conversation highlights how quickly trust can be lost in today’s hyper-connected world. Travis and Darren also dive into the psychology of connection, why most people confuse making a connection with building a relationship, and how genuine curiosity—about someone’s life, family, and interests—creates a foundation that makes business feel natural instead of forced. They explore why modern networking often feels “gross,” how social media has lowered the barrier to access but not improved relationship quality, and why playing the long game is the only strategy that works. But this episode goes deeper than business. Darren shares how his personal journey through addiction and recovery reshaped his definition of success, fulfillment, and relationships. From a life once driven by external validation—cars, status, and money—to one centered on service, healing, and purpose, he explains how doing the inner work transformed not only his life, but the caliber of people he attracts. If you’ve ever struggled with when to make an ask, how to build relationships that don’t feel transactional, or how to connect with high-level people without burning bridges, this preview offers a raw and honest look at what it actually takes. Hit play to learn why the best relationships aren’t built on what you can get—but on who you become. Check out the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-fighting-addiction-to-representing-some-of/id1805226860?i=1000756737046 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this two-part conversation, Travis Chappell dives into the nuanced decisions couples face around career, parenting, and societal expectations. Picking up from part one, Travis explores what it means to support a partner, balance personal ambition, and navigate cultural pressures around stay-at-home roles, both for women and men. This episode blends practical advice, personal anecdotes, and cultural commentary to help listeners rethink traditional expectations. On this episode we talk about: How couples can decide who stays home without feeling societal pressure The psychological dynamics and respect factors in modern household roles Lessons from Travis’s own family experience and experimentation over a decade The influence of feminism, tradition, and societal messaging on career and parenting choices Strategies for testing and adapting your life choices as circumstances evolve Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell 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

If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed yourself, or wondered why confidence seems to come so easily to others, this episode breaks it all down. In this solo episode, Travis Chappell pulls back the curtain on what actually creates real confidence—not surface-level affirmations or fake-it-til-you-make-it energy, but earned, sustainable belief in yourself. Drawing from years of interviews with top performers, personal experience, and hard-won lessons, Travis introduces a powerful framework: treating confidence like a bank account—where your daily actions either make deposits or withdrawals. On this episode we talk about: Why most “confidence advice” is misleading—and can actually hurt you The “confidence bank account” framework (deposits vs. withdrawals) How integrity and self-trust directly impact your confidence The role of rejection—and why it’s not the real problem Practical ways to build confidence through commitment, consistency, and results Top 3 Takeaways Confidence isn’t built through affirmations—it’s earned through keeping promises to yourself and doing the work consistently. Every action either deposits into or withdraws from your “confidence bank account,” especially the small things you do when no one is watching. The fastest way to build confidence is to commit fully, put in high-volume reps, and stay in the game long enough to see real results. Notable Quotes "Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations—it comes from evidence that you do what you say you’re going to do." "If you don’t trust yourself, how can you expect to feel confident?" "The courage to commit gives you freedom—because quitting is no longer an option." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell 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