INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building Billion-Dollar Brands from Scratch

CO-HOST | Make Money by Building Trust Through Honest Leadership

This episode is a conversation with Travis Chappell and producer Eric as they dive into an unexpected business lesson sparked by fast food. What starts as a discussion about Burger King's CEO admitting the company's chicken nuggets need improvement turns into a broader conversation about transparency, leadership, authenticity in marketing, and how business owners should communicate wins and failures. Along the way, they also touch on product quality, customer trust, and why desperation is never a winning sales strategy. On this episode we talk about: * Why Burger King's CEO publicly admitted the company's chicken nuggets need improvement * How transparency can strengthen customer trust when it's paired with action * The difference between authentic marketing and sympathy marketing * Lessons entrepreneurs can learn from MrBeast's failed Beast Burger and successful Feastables launch * Why confidence—not desperation—is essential in sales and business Top 3 Takeaways 1. Honest leadership builds credibility when you acknowledge weaknesses while showing a clear commitment to improving them. 2. Transparency is valuable in business, but it should be intentional—not your entire marketing strategy. 3. Customers respond to confidence and authenticity far more than guilt or desperation when making buying decisions. Notable Quotes * "Our chicken nuggets need to be better—and they're going to be better." * "People understand that things don't always go well." * "That desperation energy is not what seals the deal." Connect with Travis Chappell: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell [https://www.instagram.com/travischappell] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell] * Website: https://travischappell.com [https://travischappell.com/] A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM [https://drinkag1.com/TMM] to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com [https://leesa.com/] for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney [https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney] -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 [http://gohighlevel.com/travis] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building Billion-Dollar Brands from Scratch

Building an iconic brand takes more than a great idea—it takes vision, resilience, and years of relentless execution. In this compilation episode, Travis highlights three unforgettable conversations with entrepreneurs who built category-defining businesses from the ground up. Former Starbucks executive Mesh Gelman shares the lessons he learned from Howard Schultz before creating Cumulus, an innovative at-home nitro cold brew system. Shawn Nelson, founder of LoveSac, reflects on transforming a college side hustle into a billion-dollar furniture brand. And David Royce, founder of Aptive Environmental, explains how mastering systems, sales, and culture allowed him to build and repeatedly scale pest control companies worth hundreds of millions. On this episode we talk about: * The leadership lessons Howard Schultz taught about earning customers every day * How Cumulus spent more than four years in research and development before launching * Shawn Nelson's journey from sewing bean bags in his college dorm to building LoveSac into a billion-dollar brand * Why long-term commitment is one of the greatest competitive advantages in entrepreneurship * How David Royce repeatedly built, sold, and rebuilt pest control companies by keeping the growth engine intact Top 3 Takeaways 1. Great brands are built by obsessing over customers, staying humble, and earning trust every single day. 2. Long-term success requires patience—whether it's years of product development, surviving bankruptcy, or navigating changing markets. 3. Systems, culture, and repeatable processes often create more enterprise value than the product itself. Notable Quotes * "The world will be fine tomorrow without Starbucks. We have to earn our business every single day." * "I don't know, but I feel like I should keep going." * "Learn or die. Evolve or die. Adapt or die." Connect with the Guests: Mesh Gelman * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshgelman [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meshgelman] * Website: https://cumuluscoffee.com [https://cumuluscoffee.com]  Shawn Nelson * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac [https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac] * LoveSac: https://www.lovesac.com [https://www.lovesac.com/] David Royce * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-royce [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-royce] * Website: https://aptivepestcontrol.com [https://aptivepestcontrol.com] A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM [https://drinkag1.com/TMM] to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com [https://leesa.com/] for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney [https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney] -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 [http://gohighlevel.com/travis] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

REPOST SOLO | Make Money with Radical Responsibility

On this solo episode, host Travis Chappell breaks down one of the core values that has transformed his life and business: radical responsibility. Drawing from his background in door-to-door sales, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Travis shares hard-earned lessons about refusing to blame circumstances and instead reclaiming control over outcomes. Through real stories—from struggling sales reps to young first-time employees and heavy life situations like health crises—he lays out a practical, mindset-first framework for taking ownership so you can actually change your results. On this episode we talk about: * Why adopting your own values (instead of inherited beliefs) is essential to growth. * What radical responsibility really means and how it differs from simple self-awareness. * The difference between “producing results” and “producing excuses” in sales and business. * How taking ownership (even when it doesn’t feel like your fault) gives you power and control back. * Why fault and responsibility are not the same—and how this applies to unfair or painful life circumstances. Top 3 Takeaways 1. Radical responsibility is the starting point for becoming the person you want to be; if nothing is ever your fault, there is no path to improvement. 2. You are always producing something—either results or excuses—and only those who own their mistakes can actually learn, adjust, and win long term. 3. Something can be “not your fault” and still 100% your responsibility; you can’t control the cards you’re dealt, but you can control how you play them. Notable Quotes * “Everybody produces. You’re just either producing results or you’re producing excuses.” * “Blame feels good, but it destroys all agency. Responsibility gives you your power back.” * “You can’t control the cards that you get dealt, but it is your responsibility to play them to the best of your ability.” Connect with Travis Chappell: * LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell] * Twitter/X: ⁠https://twitter.com/traviscchappell⁠ [https://twitter.com/traviscchappell] * Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/travischappell⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/travischappell] * Other: ⁠https://www.travischappell.com [https://www.travischappell.com/] A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM [https://drinkag1.com/TMM] to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com [https://leesa.com/] for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney [https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney] -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 [http://gohighlevel.com/travis] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

CO-HOST | Make Money by Embracing AI Without Losing Your Creative Edge

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the creative landscape, but what does that actually mean for artists, musicians, and creators? In this episode, Travis is joined by producer Eric for a candid discussion inspired by a viral take from Grammy-winning songwriter Gino the Ghost on AI training models and copyright. Together, they unpack the legal, ethical, and creative implications of AI, debate whether technology threatens artistic careers, and explore why originality and human perspective will always matter. On this episode we talk about: * The difference between AI training on creative works and copyright infringement * Why originality, taste, and perspective are still an artist's greatest advantage * The real concern that AI may reduce opportunities for working creatives—not just replace great artists * How writers, musicians, and creators are adapting to stand out in an AI-driven world * The ethical challenges of AI in creative industries, from music production to filmmaking Top 3 Takeaways 1. AI learning from existing work is a different conversation than copyright infringement, and understanding that distinction is key to having productive discussions. 2. The creators who continue to innovate, develop a unique voice, and tell authentic stories are the least likely to be replaced by AI-generated content. 3. While AI may not outperform great artists, it could reshape creative industries by giving companies new ways to cut costs and reduce opportunities for working professionals. Notable Quotes * "You own the copyright. You own the melody and the words, but you don't own the vibe." * "If your biggest fear is that somebody can type a prompt into a computer and replace your entire artistic output, your competition is not AI. Your competition is being boring." * "The problem with AI isn't AI. The problem with everything is people." Connect with Travis Chappell: * Website: https://travischappell.com [https://travischappell.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell [https://www.instagram.com/travischappell] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell [https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell] A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM [https://drinkag1.com/TMM] to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com [https://leesa.com/] for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney [https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney] -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 [http://gohighlevel.com/travis] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

INTERVIEW | Make Money by Writing Books That Build Your Business

What does it take to write a book that actually makes an impact? In this compilation episode, Travis brings together three bestselling authors and accomplished leaders—David Epstein, Dave Berke, and Mark Divine—to share their hard-earned lessons on writing, leadership, entrepreneurship, and building lasting credibility. From the disciplined writing process to the importance of authenticity and patience, this episode is packed with practical insights for anyone looking to create meaningful work that stands the test of time. On this episode we talk about: * Why great books begin with deep research, thoughtful planning, and clear constraints * How military leadership principles translate directly into entrepreneurship and business * The challenges—and rewards—of writing a book that truly reflects your expertise * Why authenticity and personal experience matter more than writing a book just for credibility * How founders can build stronger businesses by hiring great leaders and focusing on their unique strengths Top 3 Takeaways 1. The best writing happens long before the first draft—careful research, planning, and defining clear boundaries make the execution dramatically easier. 2. Leadership principles like humility, discipline, and ownership work across every environment, whether you're leading troops, running a company, or building a personal brand. 3. Don't write a book because you think you should. Write one because you have a unique perspective and a message that's compelling enough that it has to come out. Notable Quotes * "Think slow, act fast." * "Everything worth doing is on the other side of a bunch of struggle." * "If you want to make money with your business as a founder, you ultimately have to get out of the way." Connect with the Guests: David Epstein * Website: https://davidepstein.com [https://davidepstein.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-epstein [https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-epstein] Dave Berke * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidrberke/ [https://www.instagram.com/davidrberke/] * Echelon Front: https://echelonfront.com [https://echelonfront.com/] Mark Divine * Website: https://markdivine.com [https://markdivine.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine [https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realmarkdivine [https://www.instagram.com/realmarkdivine] A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit DrinkAG1.com/TMM [https://drinkag1.com/TMM] to get a free AG1 Travel Case with 7 free AG1Travel Packs in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription order while supplies last.  - Go to Leesa.com [https://leesa.com/] for 30% OFF select mattresses (through July 12, 2026) PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code TMM, exclusive for my listeners  - To learn more about Mode Mobile and its investor community, go to https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney [https://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney] -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 [http://gohighlevel.com/travis] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]