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Travis Makes Money — Business
Travis Makes Money

You can’t save your way to your dream life anymore. The truth is, you’re gonna need to learn to make more money. The Travis Makes Money Podcast is not your typical personal finance show. Rather than shaming you for buying a Starbucks coffee or pressuring you to become a billionaire, we focus on empowering you to make more money so you can enjoy life today while preparing for your future. You don’t have to cut back so much that you miss out on the present, and you don’t need to become the next Jeff Bezos either. Hosted by veteran podcaster Travis Chappell, each daily episode features interviews with regular people just like you – yes, you – who have learned how to make more money in unique and unconventional ways. From turning side hustles into an extra six figures to building massive business empires, these conversations dive into the mindset shifts, hard-earned lessons, and simple strategies that helped these individuals succeed. With over 1,000 podcast episodes under his belt, Travis has developed a unique ability to pull out inspiring stories and practical advice you can apply to your own financial journey that you just won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for strategies on side hustles, skill building, investing, building generational wealth, or just motivation to take your next steps, this podcast is your resource. Tune in daily for insights, actionable tips, and inspiration from some of the most successful and interesting money-makers on the planet.

Latest Episodes:

Make Money by Believing It's Possible (ft. John Gafford) Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast, Travis and his producer Eric react to a hot take by John Gafford.

John Gafford is a highly successful entrepreneur in the Las Vegas metropolitan area and a recognized authority in the real estate industry. Before venturing into real estate, he carved out a remarkable path as an entrepreneur, leaving a lasting impact across various industries including hospitality, insurance, and technology. His extensive experience and visionary leadership in real estate have made him a popular podcast host and he is frequently called upon as a contributor, speaker, and consultant, sharing his wealth of knowledge and insights with others in the industry.

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🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency.

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Make Money with a Multimillion Dollar Real Estate Portfolio | Natalie Cloutier Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

French-Canadian real estate investor, designer, and developer Natalie Cloutier shares how she and her husband Rob went from broke 20-year-olds in a basement condo to building 50+ rental units and a multimillion-dollar portfolio using a no-money-down build-to-rent strategy. With a background in architectural technology and a focus on new construction, Natalie has turned sweat equity and creative financing into a full-time business, and recently distilled her approach into her book, “The Build-to-Rent Strategy: A Guide to a Successful Rental Property Construction.”

On this episode we talk about:

How Natalie and Rob built their first home and basement rental suite with essentially $0 down using sweat equity and construction financing
The mechanics of build-to-rent/“BRRR 2.0”: Build, Rent, Refinance, Repeat—and how it differs from the traditional BRRR strategy
What work they took on themselves vs. what they always hired out (electrical, drywall, finishes vs. structural, foundation, and plumbing)
Why they prefer smaller infill projects like six-plexes instead of large, high-risk developments with heavy permitting costs
How they manage leverage, cash flow targets per door, and why they’re choosing to pause, de-stress, and reassess what “enough” looks like after a decade of grinding

Top 3 Takeaways

You do not always need 20% down to get into real estate—using construction-to-perm style loans, sweat equity, and smart design, you can create deals by building rather than competing for existing inventory.
Staying intentionally underleveraged and focusing on real cash flow per unit is often safer than chasing maximum refinancing or unit count, especially in volatile interest-rate environments.
Your portfolio should support your life, not the other way around; periodically pausing to evaluate stress, health, and family priorities is just as important as growing doors or equity.

Notable Quotes

"We didn’t have money, so instead of buying someone else’s house, we built our own and used our work as the down payment."
"BRRR 2.0 is the same idea as BRRR, but instead of ‘Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat,’ it’s ‘Build, Rent, Refinance, Repeat.’"
"It’s not about how many units you own; it’s about how much money those properties actually make and whether the grind is worth it for your life."

Connect with Natalie Cloutier:

linktr.ee/thenewbuildcouple

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🚀 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

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Make Money and Avoid Getting Scammed, Swindled, and Screwed Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric react to a viral video from Vivian Tu (“Your Rich BFF”) breaking down three popular “get rich quick” strategies that actually cost most people money: whole life insurance as an investment, day trading, and “passive” side hustles like wholesale real estate, Amazon dropshipping, and affiliate marketing. They use the clip as a springboard to talk about discipline, risk, and why most people should stick to simple, boring money moves instead of gambling their future on complex schemes they barely understand.

Top 3 Takeaways

For most people, the simplest play—buy term life insurance for protection and invest consistently in diversified, long-term stock market holdings—beats complicated insurance and trading schemes.
Day trading is statistically stacked against you; unless you treat it like gambling with true “play money,” your odds of long-term success are far worse than just buying and holding quality assets.
“Passive income” buzzwords around real estate, dropshipping, and affiliate marketing hide the reality that these are real businesses requiring time, effort, and often capital—especially when you’re just getting started.

Notable Quotes

"If you’re just starting out, whole life and infinite banking shouldn’t even be on your radar—it’s a distraction sold hard because the commissions are huge."
"Don’t pretend you’re an expert trader when even the best hedge fund managers in the world tell you not to time the market."
"People keep looking at these advanced strategies as the thing that’ll make them rich, instead of realizing they only really make sense once you’re already rich."

🚀 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 https://gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make Money by Hiring Right | Rachel Zaslansky Sheer and Lori Zuker Briller Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

Rachel Zaslansky Sheer and Lori Zuker Briller are the co-founders of The Grapevine, a premier corporate and domestic staffing firm known for placing top-tier talent with high-profile executives, households, and leading companies. With 20+ years of recruiting experience across entertainment, tech, finance, real estate, fashion, and more, they’ve built a referral-driven “job matchmaking” agency and recently coauthored “Straight From the Grapevine: How to Crush Your Job Search,” a practical guide to modern career strategy and job hunting. Their backgrounds as former entertainment assistants and development executives give them a rare, inside-out view of both sides of the hiring table—what makes candidates stand out and what employers actually need.

Top 3 Takeaways

Early, “small” jobs matter: they build work ethic, professionalism, and people skills that compound into better opportunities, references, and confidence later in your career.
Great candidates treat every role like it matters—showing up with excellence, initiative, and a good attitude—because that’s how you get noticed, recruited, and referred into the dream jobs you actually want.
In today’s noisy job market, understanding how recruiting really works, presenting a sharp résumé, and mastering basic etiquette (clear emails, context, professionalism) are major unfair advantages.

Connect with Rachel & Lori (The Grapevine):

https://www.thegrapevineagency.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 https://gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SOLO | Make Money with Sports Betting Partnerships Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Travis and producer Eric dive into breaking sports media news: ESPN and Penn Entertainment unwinding their $2 billion, 10-year ESPN Bet partnership just two years after launch and pivoting into a new multi-year deal with DraftKings. They unpack what this says about ESPN’s fading dominance, DraftKings’ position as the default sportsbook brand, and how Barstool founder Dave Portnoy continues to land on his feet after Penn sold Barstool back to him and rebranded to ESPN Bet. Along the way, they draw parallels to Disney’s evolving “family-friendly” branding strategy, the broader shift from legacy TV to social-first sports media, and why product quality and user behavior matter more than just a big name.

On this episode we talk about:

The stunning early termination of the ESPN–Penn Entertainment $2B, 10-year ESPN Bet deal, effective December 1, 2025, after ESPN Bet failed to crack meaningful market share.
Why ESPN Bet reportedly struggled to get above ~5% market share and never hit “top three” sportsbook status despite ESPN’s massive brand and distribution.
Penn’s prior Barstool Sports era, regulatory pushback tied to Portnoy’s persona, and how Penn sold Barstool back to Dave Portnoy as it pivoted to the ESPN Bet rebrand.
Portnoy’s reaction on his own show, why he thinks time will tell if this is a good move for DraftKings, and his hint that Disney CEO Bob Iger made unflattering comments about Barstool behind the scenes.
How Disney’s move from “no R-rated content” on Disney+ to hosting edgier, R-rated films via the Hulu integration shows a slow but real shift away from a strictly squeaky-clean image.
Why even a giant like ESPN can’t just slap its logo on a product and win—especially when users already love DraftKings and other established betting apps.
The rise of social-native sports brands like House of Highlights and Barstool Sports, and how short-form content has replaced traditional SportsCenter viewing for many fans.
Jake Paul’s “Betr” (Better) and other creator-led betting and media plays, and how having the ear of younger fans changes the balance of power in sports media.
Why product quality, UX, and habit lock-in often beat legacy branding, even when legacy outlets still dominate live rights and TV distribution.
A quick detour into the best sports movies of all time—Hoosiers, Remember the Titans, Warrior, Rocky, Moneyball, and more—and what they reveal about the nostalgia we still attach to sports storytelling.

Top 3 Takeaways

Big legacy brands like ESPN and Disney can no longer rely on their name alone; in crowded categories like sports betting, sticky products and fan-favorite platforms like DraftKings are extremely hard to displace.
Controversial personalities like Dave Portnoy can create regulatory and brand headaches, but they also build cult followings and resilient IP—Barstool’s rebound and Portnoy’s “$1 buyback” remain a masterclass in leverage.
The future of sports attention is social-first and creator-driven: fans increasingly get their highlights, hot takes, and sometimes even betting cues from digital-native brands rather than traditional TV networks.

🚀 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 https://gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make Money with Real Estate Investing | Rod Khleif Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

Rod Khleif is a Dutch immigrant, multifamily investor, and high-performance mentor who has owned over 2,000 single-family homes and thousands of apartment units across the U.S. He hosts “Lifetime Cash Flow Through Real Estate Investing,” one of the largest commercial real estate podcasts, where he teaches investors how to use multifamily, senior housing, and other commercial assets to create long-term wealth. After watching his net worth jump $17 million in 2006 and then losing roughly $50 million in the 2008–09 crash, Rod rebuilt by focusing on mindset, goal setting, and identity work—turning that “seminar” into a blueprint he now shares with students worldwide.

On this episode we talk about:

Rod’s journey from broke Dutch immigrant kid in Denver to watching his mom buy a $30,000 rental that appreciated $20,000 and realizing real estate could change his life.
Getting his broker’s license at 18, struggling for two years, then jumping to over $100k in income after discovering the power of mindset, psychology, and the right mentor.
Building a massive portfolio of single-family and multifamily properties, seeing his net worth rise by $17 million in one year, and then losing around $50 million in the 2008 crash.
How Rod reframed that loss as a “$50 million seminar,” refused to let real estate become his identity, and used aggressive goal setting and identity statements to rebuild.
The current state of commercial real estate, including distressed multifamily deals due to interest rate shocks, emerging opportunity in senior housing/assisted living, and why he’s cautious on office but bullish on other asset classes.

Top 3 Takeaways

Your business is just a vehicle—if it fails, you are not a failure; separating identity from outcomes is essential if you want to recover from big losses and take bigger swings.
Clear, emotionally charged goals combined with “I am” identity statements and massive action create the momentum needed to push through fear, limiting beliefs, and comfort zones.
Right now is a rare window for prepared buyers in commercial real estate and small business acquisitions, with distressed multifamily assets and retiring Baby Boomer owners creating outsized opportunities.

Notable Quotes

"They’re only failures if you don’t get back up—otherwise they’re just very expensive seminars."
"Anything you put the words ‘I am’ in front of becomes an identity statement, and your life will rise or fall to match it."
"Don’t fear failure; fear regret—because not living the life you’re capable of is the real nightmare."

Connect with Rod Khleif:

Rodkhleif.com
Rodspodcast.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 https://gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make Money by Focusing on Your Customer Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Travis Chappell dives into the mindset shifts that separate effective salespeople from those who plead for clients’ attention. With a focus on the photography industry as a case study, he breaks down common mistakes creatives make when marketing their services and shares actionable strategies to connect authentically with clients.

On this episode we talk about:

The difference between pitching yourself and pleading for validation in business
How creative entrepreneurs often overemphasize their personal passion in marketing
Techniques to discover what clients truly want through effective questioning
Why building trust can sometimes mean turning away business
Applying sales lessons from photography to any industry

Top 3 Takeaways

Stop making your marketing about how much you love what you do—focus on the value you provide to clients.
Ask questions first to uncover client pain points, then tailor your pitch to solve their specific problems.
Building trust may require walking away from business that isn’t a fit, which can lead to stronger opportunities later.

Notable Quotes

"At a certain point, it shifts from 'I love what I do' to 'hire me so I’ll feel fulfilled,' and it can easily turn into ‘pick me.’"
"Your craft speaks for itself—focus your conversations on the client’s experience, not your personal fulfillment."
"If you can better explain somebody’s problem to them than they can, they’ll automatically assume you have the solution."

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🚀 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

Make Money with Automated Real Estate Campaigns | Jeremy Herider Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

With over two decades of real estate, sales, and professional coaching experience, Jeremy Herider's mission is to assist agents in building careers worth having, businesses worth owning and lives worth living.

https://harvist.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make Money by Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Starting a Podcast Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this candid and relatable episode, Travis and his producer Eric share personal experiences about starting in podcasting and content creation while grappling with imposter syndrome. They discuss how it's okay not to be an expert at first and how interviewing others can be a powerful way to create valuable content. Travis reflects on his own journey starting solo and the benefits of learning from others. They explore how comparison can either motivate or hold you back and emphasize the importance of embracing the learning curve, persisting through early struggles, and getting addicted to progress rather than perfection.

On this episode we talk about:

The challenges of feeling qualified to share your perspective early in content creation.
How podcasting allows you to start by interviewing experts and grow your voice over time.
The difference between writing a book and creating content in terms of commitment and flexibility.
The dangers of comparison and how to use it as inspiration rather than a source of discouragement.
The value of embracing imperfection and expecting to "suck" initially as part of mastery.
Mentality shifts to get addicted to progress, even the small wins, in any skill-building journey.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. You don’t need to be an expert to start creating meaningful content—just start somewhere.
2. Interviewing and sharing others’ expertise can provide immediate value to your audience.
3. Expect initial failures and imperfections as a natural and necessary part of growth.

Notable Quotes

"Just start putting stuff out there—you’ll learn quickly what holds water and what doesn’t."
"Comparison should kick you forward, not kick you down."
"If you don’t suck at the start, you should have started years ago."

Connect with Travis Makes Money:

Website: travischappell.com
Instagram: @travischappell
YouTube: Travis Makes Money

🚀 Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level — the all-in-one marketing platform built for agencies.

🎁 Try it free for 30 days at gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Make Money with No Bad Days | JT Mestdagh Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

JT Mestdagh shares his extraordinary journey of resilience overcoming multiple complex medical challenges from birth and severe dyslexia to becoming an adventurer and inspirational author. His book No Bad Days: Turning Your Biggest Challenges into Your Greatest Opportunities encourages young adults and everyone to view obstacles as opportunities for growth and to live a positive, purpose-driven life. JT also founded a charity supporting children with medical needs and literacy programs, intertwining his passion for adventure with giving back.

On this episode we talk about:

JT’s lifetime medical battles with VACTERL syndrome and how he manages daily bowel care through innovative surgeries.
The emotional and educational struggles with severe dyslexia and how finding the right learning program was life-changing.
How JT’s positive mindset, faith, and support from his tribe fueled his drive to climb Kilimanjaro, race the Grand Canyon, and start charitable work.
The creation of his motivational book No Bad Days as an encouragement for youth and others facing adversity.
JT’s foundation’s mission to supply medical and educational resources to children with similar needs.
The importance of community, sharing one’s story, and finding joy and purpose despite hardships.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Positivity and faith are powerful tools in transforming hardship into opportunity.
2. Finding and nurturing a supportive tribe is crucial for motivation and growth.
3. Sharing personal stories inspires connection and helps others overcome their challenges.

Notable Quotes

"There are no bad days, only hard days that we get through together."
"Your story shapes you daily and can be used to support and uplift others."
"Every day is a blessing to keep going, to keep sharing smiles and joy."

Connect with JT Mestdagh:

Website: nobaddaysbook.com

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🚀 Travis Makes Money is powered by High Level — the all-in-one sales and marketing platform built for agencies.

🎁 Try it free for 30 days at gohighlevel.com/travis

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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