Travis Makes Money

Dr. John Delony earned his Bachelor of Arts in humanities and psychology at Lubbock Christian University and his Masters of Education in higher education administration from Texas Tech University. He went on to earn two PhDs from Texas Tech University—one in counselor education and supervision, and the other in higher education administration. Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amina AITai is a business and career coach, proud immigrant and chronic illness advocate. A leading coach to notable female leaders and impact-driven celebrities-Amina’s mastery is in connecting us to our brilliance and teaching us to live and lead from it each day. As a woman of color of Iraqi descent, she often works with underrepresented communities to help them realize possibilities in a way that honors their particular lived experiences. She’s a Success Magazine 125 Leaders Finalist, A Forbes Contributor, an Entrepreneur Magazine expert-in-residence and has been featured In The New York Times, goop, NBC, Entrepreneur and more. She is working on her first book The Ambition Trap in collaboration with Penguin and The Open Field and is the host of the Amina Change Your Life Podcast. For her corporate work, Amina has partnered with progressive companies such as Deloitte, Roku, Snapchat, Google, Y&R, Outdoor Voices, NYU and HUGE. Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mel Stubbs is a seasoned financial planner at Christy Capital Management, specializing in helping federal employees navigate the complexities of retirement. With over a decade of experience, Mel stands out for his deep expertise in federal benefits, practical financial planning, and his ability to break down complex topics for everyday listeners. Beyond his advisory work, Mel has built a loyal YouTube following, where he shares actionable financial advice, and is also the author of a book aimed at guiding federal employees through critical retirement decisions. On this episode we talk about: – How Mel made his first dollar (cutting grass) and most recent dollar (book royalties) – The power of niche content creation and building trust online – Key retirement planning decisions for federal employees and beyond – Tax planning strategies: Roth vs. traditional accounts and the impact of future tax rates – Side hustles and second careers for government employees approaching retirement – Asset allocation, diversification, and the role of income-producing investments – Mistakes to avoid with taxable accounts and required minimum distributions – Advice for young people on maximizing Roth contributions and planning for the long term – The complexity of the tax code and how to leverage incentives for better outcomes Top 3 Takeaways 1. Niche content can drive real business results. You don’t need a million followers; a dedicated audience-even in the thousands-can lead to meaningful opportunities and income, especially when you’re serving a specific need. 2. Tax planning is crucial at every stage. Understanding the difference between Roth and traditional retirement accounts-and making decisions based on your current and future tax brackets-can save you significant money over time. 3. Retirement is about more than money-it’s about purpose. Many federal employees use their financial security to launch side businesses or passion projects in retirement, emphasizing the importance of planning for both finances and fulfillment. Connect with Mel Stubbs: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mel-stubbs-3051a6105 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ0_k5PItPk Website: https://christycapital.com/ For more insights on making, saving, and growing your money, subscribe to the Travis Makes Money podcast. Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chase Chewning joins Travis on this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast. Chase is an Army veteran, wellness influencer, entrepreneur, and the host of Ever Forward Radio, a podcast he launched in 2017. He’s also the founder of Operation Podcast, a Los Angeles-based podcast studio and production company that’s grown into a multiple six-figure business. Known for his resilience after a serious military injury and his innovative approach to podcast monetization, Chase brings a unique perspective on building businesses that blend passion, expertise, and adaptability. On this episode we talk about: Chase’s journey from Army service and injury to entrepreneurship and wellness coaching The founding and growth of Ever Forward Radio, including its mission and legacy How Chase monetized his podcast beyond traditional advertising models The evolution of Operation Podcast from online courses to full-service production and physical studios Practical advice for podcasters on sponsorships, affiliate deals, and building local partnerships The business model and economics of running a podcast studio in a major city Lessons learned about customer service, self-promotion, and adapting to industry trends Top 3 Takeaways Monetize Creatively: Don’t rely solely on industry-standard podcast advertising. Combine sponsorships, affiliate deals, and your own products or services to maximize revenue-even with modest download numbers. Know Your Audience: Understanding your listeners’ demographics and geography lets you pitch relevant sponsors and create valuable, targeted partnerships. Build for Demand: Pay attention to what your audience and clients ask for. Chase’s pivot from online courses to done-for-you production and then to physical studios was driven by client demand and market trends. Connect with Chase Chewning: LinkedIn: Chase Chewning’s LinkedIn Twitter/X: @chasechewning Instagram: @chase_chewning Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Selengut is a seasoned investment manager and advisor with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. He’s managed more than 325 individual portfolios across the U.S. and internationally and is now dedicated to coaching both individuals and other advisors on creating income independence. Steve is the author of “Retirement Money Secrets,” his second book, where he shares practical strategies for building sustainable income and optimizing for retirement. His expertise lies in personalized investment strategies, income-focused portfolios, and demystifying complex financial products for everyday investors. On this episode we talk about: – Steve’s early entrepreneurial ventures and lessons learned from childhood businesses – The influence of family and early exposure to investment principles – The evolution of Steve’s investment strategy, from stocks and bonds to closed-end funds – The mechanics and benefits of closed-end funds for generating income – How to build a diversified, income-focused portfolio with relatively low risk – The current interest rate environment and its impact on different asset classes – Actionable advice for both new and experienced investors looking to create passive income streams – Insights from Steve’s book, “Retirement Money Secrets,” and practical steps for retirement planning Top 3 Takeaways 1. Income-focused investing can create financial independence at any stage of life. Steve emphasizes the importance of building portfolios that generate consistent income, not just relying on appreciation or speculative gains. 2. Closed-end funds offer accessible, diversified, and often overlooked opportunities for high-yield, relatively low-risk investing. These funds can be purchased by almost anyone, require no accreditation, and can be started with modest amounts. 3. Discipline and rules-based investing-such as setting profit targets and reinvesting income-are key to growing wealth and protecting against market volatility. Steve’s approach stresses the value of taking profits, managing risk, and always looking for ways to make your money work for you. Connect with Steve Selengut: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privateinvestmentmanagement Website: https://theincomecoach.net/book/ Book: Retirement Money Secrets on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Money-Secrets-Financial-Independence-ebook/dp/B0CG2DMFW6 Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Travis Makes Money podcast, we're diving into some powerful highlights from my conversation with bestselling author and business consultant Donald Miller—originally featured on my other show, Travis Makes Friends. Donald is the author of Building a StoryBrand, one of the most influential branding books of all time. He’s worked with Fortune 500 companies, consulted for the NSA, and helped countless businesses double their revenue using simple but effective messaging strategies. In this episode, we pull clips from our chat that focus specifically on money, business growth, writing, branding, and even AI’s role in the future of marketing. We cover: How Building a StoryBrand sold over 1 million copies A company that grew revenue by 98% with just one tagline tweak Why clarity in your message is the key to making money The future of branding in an AI-driven world And much more from one of the most insightful business minds out there 🎧 Want the full conversation? Search Travis Makes Friends on your favorite podcast app and check out the full episode! Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Huber is an accomplished entrepreneur and real estate investor based in Athens, Georgia. Best known for building a $30M+ annual revenue portfolio that includes 68 self-storage properties, Nick also owns companies like somewhere.com, Bolt Storage, and RE Cost Seg. He’s recognized for his no-nonsense advice on entrepreneurship, his book The Sweaty Startup, and his focus on building wealth through practical, “boring” businesses rather than chasing flashy startup trends. Nick’s unique perspective comes from real-world experience, not just theory, making him a sought-after voice for aspiring business owners. On this episode we talk about: – How Nick made his first and most recent dollar – The importance of picking the right business “vehicle” – Why cash is king in real estate investing – The realities of self-storage and why it’s not truly “passive income” – Building businesses that solve real problems (like RE Cost Seg and somewhere.com) Top 3 Takeaways 1. Pick the right business vehicle: Success isn’t just about working hard-it’s about working smart in industries where you can win, even if you’re “average.” 2. Cash matters in real estate: Contrary to popular advice, Nick argues you need capital to succeed in real estate; “no money down” deals are risky and rare. 3. Business is a long game: Building wealth takes years, often generations. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes and focus on boring, proven businesses. Connect with Nick Huber: Website: sweatystartup.com http://www.nickhuber.com/https://x.com/sweatystartuphttps://www.instagram.com/sweatystartup/#https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweatystartup/https://www.youtube.com/sweatystartuphttps://www.tiktok.com/@sweatystartuphttps://www.threads.com/@sweatystartup Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thoryn Stephens is a leading expert in neurotechnology, longevity, and analytics, specializing in data architecture, consumer insights, and behavioral analytics. As the founder of Brain.1, Thoryn has created a pioneering brain fitness platform that offers the world’s most extensive collection of brain health microhabits and protocols. His unique blend of scientific expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and passion for holistic health makes him a standout voice in the intersection of technology, neuroscience, and personal development. On this episode we talk about: – Thoryn’s journey from biotech and molecular biology to entrepreneurship – The founding story and mission behind Brain.1 and brain fitness protocols – The importance of personalized health routines and protocols for longevity – How lifestyle changes can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like dementia – The role of community, connection, and purpose in health and wealth Top 3 Takeaways 1. Optimizing your brain and health is foundational to unlocking higher income and productivity. 2. Personalized health protocols-especially for brain fitness-are the future of preventative medicine and longevity. 3. Community and connection are powerful “biohacks” that significantly impact healthspan and overall well-being. Connect with Thoryn Stephens: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thoryn Website: https://brain.one/ Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Packard is a mechanical engineer turned CEO of Full Liberation Technology, known for his groundbreaking work in permanently eliminating anxiety and the fears that hold people back from achieving their goals. After a decade-long personal struggle with anxiety and investing over $1 million in research and development, Daniel engineered a system with a 90% success rate that has helped thousands break free from anxiety, procrastination, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and low confidence. His unique blend of engineering rigor and real-world empathy makes his approach both innovative and practical. On this episode we talk about: Why fear is the root cause behind anxiety, procrastination, people-pleasing, perfectionism, and low confidence The “Funky Five” and how they sabotage your ability to make money and succeed Why most self-help and personal development tools don’t deliver permanent results The science behind Daniel’s Nervous System Reset and why the nervous system-not the mind-is the key to freedom How Daniel’s pay-at-the-end model puts results first and why he believes results matter most Top 3 Takeaways The real obstacle to making more money isn’t lack of tactics-it’s unresolved fear rooted in the body, specifically the nervous system. Most personal development focuses on managing symptoms, not solving the root problem; true change happens when you address the nervous system directly. Permanent transformation is possible with the right system, and you don’t have to live with anxiety or self-doubt holding you back from success. Notable Quotes “You do not have multiple problems. You have multiple symptoms of one thing, which is fear.” “Results matter. The person you want to trust is the person that actually gets results.” “If you weren’t taught to take care of your nervous system, does it make sense that eventually over time, it’s going to start to malfunction?” Connect with Daniel Packard: Website (Free Training): danielpackard.com Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Norton, known as the Everyday Sales Leader, joins Travis to share his journey from selling Halloween candy as a kid to leading large sales organizations and coaching others to sales success. As a self-development coach, sales consultant, and co-host of the Everyday Leader podcast, Drew brings a wealth of experience across sales, recruiting, leadership, and training. What makes Drew unique is his focus on ethical selling and his belief that sales skills can transform not just your income, but your entire life-even if you’re an introvert. On this episode we talk about: – Drew’s unconventional path into sales and entrepreneurship – Why sales is a high-leverage skill for anyone wanting to control their income – Overcoming the negative stereotypes and mindset blocks around selling – How sales skills translate to better communication, empathy, and leadership – Practical ways to start learning and earning in sales-even part-time – The best industries for new salespeople to break in and maximize earnings Top 3 Takeaways 1. Sales is a learnable skill that can dramatically increase your income and opportunities, regardless of your background or personality type. 2. Ethical selling is about solving real problems and building trust, not pressure or manipulation. 3. The mindset you bring to sales-believing in your product and your value-matters more than having the perfect script. Notable Quotes "Sales is life. The things I’ve been learning have helped me communicate with my wife, helped me be a better listener." "You don’t have to be an extrovert to be great at sales. Some of the best salespeople I know are introverts." "If you really believe in your product, the worst thing you can do is not influence someone to buy it if it’s right for them." Connect with Drew Norton: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theeverydaysalesleader Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeverydaysalesleader/ Check out FranBridge Consulting for premier non-food franchise opportunities: travischappell.com/franbridge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices