

Travis Makes Money
Travis Chappell
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 26, 2025 • 31min
Make Money with Real Estate Investing | Rod Khleif
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
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Nov 25, 2025 • 25min
Make Money by Focusing on Your Customer
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

Nov 25, 2025 • 34min
Make Money with Automated Real Estate Campaigns | Jeremy Herider
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

Nov 24, 2025 • 30min
Make Money by Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Starting a Podcast
In this engaging discussion, producer Eric shares insight from his experience in podcasting and content creation. They tackle imposter syndrome, emphasizing that you don’t need to be an expert to create valuable content. Travis explains how interviewing can ease beginners into the space. They also explore the dangers of comparison and how to leverage it as inspiration. The duo encourages embracing imperfections and celebrating small wins as essential steps in the learning journey. Tune in for practical advice on starting your own voice!

Nov 24, 2025 • 25min
Make Money with No Bad Days | JT Mestdagh
In this engaging discussion, JT Mestdagh, an adventurous author and founder dedicated to supporting children with medical and literacy needs, shares his inspiring journey. He reveals how he overcame severe dyslexia and multiple medical challenges from birth, transforming obstacles into motivational opportunities. JT highlights his climbing experiences, including Kilimanjaro, and emphasizes the importance of community and positivity. His book, No Bad Days, serves as a beacon for those facing adversity, encouraging a purpose-driven life.

Nov 23, 2025 • 30min
Make Money by Avoiding Common Gen Z Mistakes
In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric delve into how Gen Z approaches financial advice, heavily relying on social media platforms for guidance. They discuss the impact of the lack of traditional financial education, how social media has democratized access to financial info, and the risks and benefits of following influencers online. The episode highlights generational differences in financial behavior, trust in advice sources, and the crucial role of critical thinking in navigating abundant but sometimes misleading digital financial content.
On this episode we talk about:
Gen Z’s preference for social media as a source of financial advice over traditional education.
The top platforms Gen Z uses for finance info: YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook.
Most searched personal finance topics by Gen Z: budgeting, taxes, credit card debt, wealth building, and student loans.
The prevalence of financial scams on social media and how it affects young people’s trust.
The importance of discerning credible advice from marketing and misinformation.
Generational differences in financial interests and skepticism, especially regarding crypto and MLMs.
Why building trust through consistent, unbiased financial content is crucial for long-term influence.
Top trusted sources for financial advice: parents/family, financial institutions, and friends.
Top 3 Takeaways
1. Social media is a dominant channel for Gen Z’s financial education but requires strong critical thinking skills due to misinformation risk.2. Budgeting and credit card debt are central concerns for young people starting their financial journeys.3. Trusted advice still comes mainly from family and well-established financial institutions, highlighting the ongoing role of personal relationships.
Notable Quotes
"77% of Gen Z actively seek financial advice on social media, but a quarter have been scammed there."
"Social media advice can be positive if you know how to sift through noise and marketing gimmicks."
"Trust comes from giving consistent value without direct financial incentives."
Connect with Travis Makes Money:
Website: travischappell.com
Instagram: @travischappell
YouTube: Travis Makes Money
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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

Nov 23, 2025 • 26min
Make Money Building a $50 Million Sports Memorabilia Empire | Brandon Steiner
Brandon Steiner, known as the king of sports memorabilia, shares his journey from a sports-crazed Brooklyn kid with $4,000 to a transformative figure in sports marketing. As founder and president of Collectible Exchange and Steiner Sports, Brandon discusses how he revolutionized the memorabilia industry and built a $50 million empire with exclusive partnerships with legendary athletes like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Muhammad Ali. He reflects on the fundamentals of business, the importance of delivering value, and the power of genuine relationships in building a successful sports marketing business.
On this episode we talk about:
Brandon’s early entrepreneurial experience and lessons from working at top companies before starting his own business.
The creation and growth of Steiner Sports, focusing on fundamentals, customer value, and brand loyalty.
The process of building relationships with influential clients based on giving value first and expecting nothing in return.
The founding of Collectible Exchange to help collectors manage and sell their memorabilia efficiently.
Advice for young entrepreneurs on fundamentals, resilience, and maintaining authenticity in business.
The critical role of enthusiasm and faith in persevering through challenges and competition.
Top 3 Takeaways
1. Strong foundational business principles and fundamentals are key to long-term success.2. Building authentic, value-driven relationships fosters sustainable business growth.3. Passion combined with strategic giving and resilience creates lasting influence and opportunity.
Notable Quotes
"Making money is easy; staying authentic and keeping your brand on track is the hard part."
"Put yourself in the customer’s shoes to understand what they really need."
"Do as much as you can for as many people as you can, as often as you can, and expect nothing back."
Connect with Brandon Steiner:
Website and Books: brandonsteiner.com
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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

Nov 22, 2025 • 28min
Make Money from Real Estate Lessons
Hear a gripping tale of a disastrous out-of-state real estate flip that turned into a valuable learning experience. Explore the unexpected costs, like skyrocketing property taxes that can derail profits, and the struggles of managing properties from afar. Travis shares insights on the unpredictability of market timing and emphasizes the advantage of long-term holding. Discover practical advice for novice investors, including the importance of local knowledge and reliable property managers. It’s an engaging mix of personal stories and actionable tips!

Nov 22, 2025 • 27min
Make Money by Mastering Delegation | Stefan Feuerstein
Stefan Feuerstein, a leadership expert and author of 'ABC Delegation,' shares insights drawn from decades of experience in humanitarian and private sectors. He discusses how his early humanitarian work reshaped his leadership style and emphasizes the transformative power of mentorship. Stefan introduces his ABC Delegation system, focusing on clear roles to enhance team performance while avoiding micromanagement. He also highlights the significant costs of disengagement in teams and the essential role of human decision-making in an automated world.

Nov 21, 2025 • 28min
Make Money by Tracking Key Financial Metrics
Join a lively discussion filled with humor and practical advice on managing business finances. Discover why net profit tops the list of important metrics for sustainability. Learn the delicate balance between cutting costs and boosting income while mastering cash flow management. Explore the differences between personal and business finance, and hear compelling reasons to consider a fractional CFO early on. Enjoy entertaining anecdotes about churn and conferences that make finance feel relatable and fun.


