Travis Makes Money

Amanda Goetz is a two-time founder, four-time CMO, and single mom of three who’s helping ambitious people redefine what “having it all” actually looks like. She inspires over 150,000 readers each week through her Life’s a Game newsletter and her new book, Toxic Grit: How to Have It All and Actually Love What You Have. In this conversation, Amanda shares a grounded, intentional approach to ambition—one that makes space for work, relationships, and personal growth without burning out. On this episode we talk about: Why Amanda believes ambition isn’t toxic—it’s lack of intention that is How to embrace “and” thinking instead of living life as an “either/or” equation The hidden cost of letting one identity (career, parent, partner) take over your life How to transition between roles, build hierarchy, and avoid constant guilt The five pillars of Amanda’s “portfolio career” and how to start building one yourself Top 3 Takeaways The solution to overwork or burnout isn’t quitting ambition—it’s learning to balance all your “characters” with awareness and structure. A thriving career doesn’t have to compete with family, purpose, or rest—it can coexist when you embrace the and. Genuine success comes from self-awareness and human connection—two things that automation and hustle culture can’t replace. Notable Quotes “Life isn’t an or statement—it’s an and. You can chase goals and still build a life you love.” “Toxic grit happens when one character takes over the whole storyline of your life.” “You can’t automate your way out of human connection.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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 clip, Travis makes friends with Patrick Bet-David, the founder of Valuetainment, as they discuss the DNA of an entrepreneur. Patrick talks about how he can't imagine not building a business, and how it's ingrained in his DNA to see a business grow and individuals succeed as a team. They also explore why this is the case and Patrick shares his story of how he was never someone who would have been predicted to succeed, yet he found his way to success. Join Travis and Patrick in this insightful conversation that delves deep into what it takes to be an entrepreneur and how to succeed against all odds. Learn from the experiences of one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world and discover the secrets to building a business that can change the world. ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ 🚀 This podcast 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 of the Travis Makes Money podcast, Travis Chappell sits down with Elina Panteleyva, the founder of DudeWolf, a thriving seven-figure brand for doodle dog breeds. Elina shares her inspiring journey from being laid off to building a successful business in just 15 months, all without a team or prior e-commerce experience. Tune in to discover how Elina's entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach have helped her create products that doodle owners love. ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ 🚀 This podcast 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

Garrett White is a multi–eight-figure entrepreneur best known for founding the Wake Up Warrior movement. Before that, he rode the highs of the mortgage boom, only to lose everything when the 2008 financial crisis hit. His businesses collapsed, his finances imploded, and his personal life spiraled into addiction and rock-bottom moments. But out of that devastation, Garrett rebuilt his life and business with a new philosophy—one focused on certainty, truth, and becoming a true entrepreneur instead of just a hustler. On this episode we talk about: The difference between being a hustler and truly being an entrepreneur How the 2008 recession exposed weaknesses and reshaped Garrett’s mindset Hitting rock bottom with addiction, broken relationships, and financial ruin The role of faith, truth, and what Garrett calls "certainty" in rebuilding his life The beginnings of the Wake Up Warrior movement and lessons for today’s uncertain economy Top 3 Takeaways Hustling might get you short-term wins, but building something lasting requires foundation, leadership, and a long-term vision. Real entrepreneurship requires a shift from individual hustle to creating systems, certainty, and "kingdoms" that can withstand chaos. True leadership comes from authenticity and certainty—qualities that can’t be faked or purchased. Notable Quotes "We were not entrepreneurs. We were hustlers." "If you have certainty, you can create in chaos. If you don’t, you’ll be destroyed by it." "Truth is the ember that reignited everything—without it, I had nothing." Connect with Garrett White: https://garrettjwhite.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

Dave Munson is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, a brand known for building rugged, overbuilt leather bags designed to last 100 years. What started in a small Mexican leather shop grew into a globally recognized business with collaborations alongside Toyota and Martin Guitar. Beyond business, Dave and his wife Suzette also lead Love 41, a nonprofit supporting communities in Rwanda, Mexico, and Texas. His adventurous life has included escaping an assassin, surviving danger in Mexico, and building a family-owned business that became a worldwide success. On this episode we talk about: How Dave turned a need for a durable book bag into Saddleback Leather His first scrappy sales tactics involving homemade signs on his Land Cruiser Moving to Mexico, surviving an assassin encounter, and navigating unexpected dangers How eBay became the platform that validated his business idea The importance of striving to be the best and building products that sell themselves Top 3 Takeaways Sometimes a successful business starts with solving your own problem—in Dave’s case, creating a bag he couldn’t find anywhere else. Exceptional products don’t just sell; they create demand from day one by being designed to last and built with integrity. To stand out as an entrepreneur, choose to be the best at something—even in crowded markets—through expertise, quality, and relentless improvement. Notable Quotes "I told the leatherworker, I want my grandchildren to fight over this when I’m dead." "My first marketing sign was just a sheet of paper taped to my Land Cruiser—‘Cool leather bags for sale.’" "If you’re going to do something, don’t blend in. Try to be the best at it." Connect with Dave Munson: SaddlebackLeather.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

Dean Graziosi is one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, multiple New York Times bestselling author, and business partner to Tony Robbins at mastermind.com. In this special replay, Dean shares the powerful story of how discovering Tony Robbins’ teachings during his early twenties didn’t just make him a millionaire—but gave him the mindset to build, risk, and thrive. From blue-collar hustle to building 13 successful companies, Dean reveals the mindset hacks, risk-taking habits, and wealth foundations that anyone can use to change their story and amplify their results. On this episode we talk about:   How Dean went from small-town tow truck driver and real estate investor to entrepreneur, course creator, and Tony Robbins’ business partner   The transformational impact of Tony Robbins—shifting from self-doubt to self-education and masterminds   Why amplifying the right “voices” and controlling your environment are keys to personal and financial growth   Masterminds, risk, and the real secret to success (it’s not a tactic—it’s matching mindset to the right plan)   Why having a big enough reason—either pain or pleasure—beats talent, luck, or even timing Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Success and risk tolerance aren’t about luck or skills—they come from strengthening the right voice in your head, controlling your environment, and fueling a compelling vision for the future.2.  Self-education (books, masterminds, mentors) is the “unfair advantage” that turned a hustler into a multimillionaire—and remains the foundation for exponential growth and resilience.3.  Personal development isn’t fluffy: unless you shape your beliefs, you’ll never follow through on the best strategy or tactic—mindset plus action is the only proven path. Notable Quotes   “We all have two voices: strengthen the one that says, ‘Let’s do this’—the other only grows with inaction.”   “Mindset and foundation, plus the right strategies, is where exponential growth comes from.”   “If you wouldn’t risk for your dream, ask yourself if you’re willing to stay exactly where you are for the next five years.” Connect with Dean Graziosi:   Instagram: @deangraziosi   Website: deangraziosi.com   Book: Millionaire Success Habits   Mastermind/Training: Mastermind.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

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QIgtWupkhh8 Join us on the Travis Makes Friends podcast as we dive into an incredible conversation with Michelle 'Mace' Curran, a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and former Thunderbird lead solo pilot. From her small-town roots in Wisconsin to flying F-16s in combat and inspiring audiences as a motivational speaker, Michelle shares her journey, the challenges of being a female fighter pilot, and insights from her new book, The Flip Side: How to Invert Your Perspective and Turn Fear into Your Superpower. Buckle up for an inspiring episode filled with high-flying stories and life-changing lessons! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis and producer Eric break down one of the most polarizing topics in entrepreneurship: is it better to bootstrap a business, or raise outside capital? Drawing on personal experience and lessons from startup culture, Travis reveals the biggest mistakes founders make when chasing VC funding, why Silicon Valley’s obsession with investment misleads so many, and the first principles everyone should use to decide how to launch any new company. On this episode we talk about:   The dangers and downsides of raising funding too early—even if the “checklist” seems to fit your business   Why bootstrapping builds discipline, pressure, and actual proof of concept (and how to get creative when money is tight)   When venture capital makes sense—and all the hidden costs of taking outside money, from loss of control to preferential contracts   How AI is changing the software startup equation, and shrinking the need to raise massive amounts of funding   Lessons learned from infamous failures (like Quibi) and the right ways to audit your business before chasing investment Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Bootstrapping is almost always the better first move; it boosts discipline, real market feedback, and keeps control in the founder’s hands.2.  Raising outside capital adds pressure, complex contracts, and doesn’t guarantee success; cash alone never fixes a business that lacks product-market fit.3.  Use trusted frameworks (like Reid Hoffman’s Blitzscaling checklist), consult experienced founders, and remember: don’t give away control unless it’s truly required for growth. Notable Quotes   “If at all possible, bootstrap first—even just to prove your concept. Outside money makes everything more complicated.”   “Cash doesn’t solve all your problems. There are usually bigger issues at play—product, marketing, market fit—that have nothing to do with funding volume.”   “The moment you take other people’s money, it gets harder, not easier; discipline and focus will always win.” Connect with Travis Chappell:   LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn   Twitter/X: @travischappell   Instagram: @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

MichaelAaron Flicker is founder and CEO of XenoPsi Ventures, a brand incubator that generates millions in annual revenue and celebrates four-time Inc. 5000 honors. Launching his business at 14, MichaelAaron has expanded XenoPsi into nine thriving companies—including DTC success story Wellow ($20 million in revenue, self-funded)—while also consulting for Fortune 500 clients and co-authoring Hacking the Human Mind. Flicker's work centers on applying behavioral science to marketing, growth, and brand strategy, making him a go-to advisor for high-growth businesses and political campaigns alike. On this episode we talk about:   Starting and scaling a brand incubator from a teenage side hustle to a portfolio of top-performing businesses   How behavioral science transforms marketing, product, and political campaign strategy (from “Chilean Sea Bass” to iPods)   Critical psychological biases every marketer should know (naming, concreteness, social proof)   The art/science of making products memorable and believable—why one clear message beats a laundry list of features   Applying behavioral insights ethically (and knowing when to simplify so your message lands with real customers) Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Understanding and leveraging behavioral science is key to building memorable brands and driving growth in any industry.2.  One clear, concrete message about your product will outperform complicated “lists”—clarity is persuasive and sticky.3.  Ethical marketing means matching your product’s strengths to people’s real needs, using behavioral tools to open minds rather than manipulate. Notable Quotes   “The simple words we use make a big difference—the way you describe and brand your offer is as important as the product itself.”   “If people can't picture a result, they won't remember or believe it—concreteness is four times more effective than abstraction.”   “Every business is in the persuasion business—behavioral science is the best way to understand what truly influences people.” Connect with MichaelAaron Flicker:   LinkedIn: MichaelAaron Flicker   Website: XenoPsi Ventures   Book: Hacking the Human Mind   Podcast: Behavioral Science for Brands ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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 skills-focused episode, Travis and co-host Eric Kruczynski debate which core competency—sales, marketing, or operations—would make the biggest difference for young professionals and future entrepreneurs. With humorous banter and personal anecdotes, they lay out the case for each skill, reflect on their own career pivots, and highlight why both product-first thinking and communication are more critical than ever for making money in today’s economy. On this episode we talk about:   The pros and cons of going deep in sales, marketing, or operations as a foundational skillset   Why Travis wishes he’d doubled down on marketing after cutting his teeth in sales   The hidden importance of learning to communicate and interact with adults from a young age   Why product-led growth beats everything (Naval’s hierarchy: Product > Marketing > Sales)   Real examples: Savannah Bananas’ ESPN deal, Manscaped, CarMax, and how big brands use these skillsets to win Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Sales is indispensable for young professionals to learn communication, persuasion, and how to speak “adult”—but marketing has the highest earning upside in most modern businesses.2.  Product is king: the greatest companies invest first in world-class product, then marketing, with sales as a fallback if needed.3.  Differentiation is critical—even brands with average products (like early Manscaped) can win if marketing is exceptional, but nothing replaces a truly great offering. Notable Quotes   “Sales is learning to speak the language of adults and persuasion; marketing is sales at scale.”   “Sales is what you do when you’ve failed at marketing; marketing is what you do when you’ve failed at product. Product is king.” (paraphrasing Naval)   “Build something so good that people can’t help talking about it—organic always beats paid.” Connect with Travis Chappell:   LinkedIn: Travis Chappell on LinkedIn   Twitter/X: @travischappell   Instagram: @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