Travis Makes Money

Perry Belcher is a digital marketing icon, co-founder of DigitalMarketer and the Traffic & Conversion Summit, and behind over $1 billion in sales across companies and clients. With four successful exits, multiple industry-changing brands, and world-renowned copywriting and growth systems, Perry has built, lost, and rebuilt empires—always focused on actionable results, rapid pivots, and high-leverage business creation. On this episode we talk about: Perry’s journey from hustling as a kid in Kentucky to legendary exits—and colossal setbacks How he built and lost fortunes in retail, manufacturing, e-commerce, and supplements The real difference between entrepreneurs who scale and those who stall: time management and ruthless revenue focus Frameworks for explosive growth—the power of rebranding, product/market fit, and “loop diversity” versus static funnels Tactical advice on building multiple income streams and knowing when (and how) to pivot or scale Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Most business owners spend too much time on details that don’t generate revenue—Perry’s success comes from spending 80% on sales and growth, 20% on everything else.2.  “Loop diversity”—selling more products, expanding markets, and using multiple channels—can unlock exponential business growth once the foundation is proven.3.  Start lean, test, and only try to scale what works—then add offers, traffic, and markets when there’s clear proof people want what you’re selling. Notable Quotes “I’ve never met anybody that saved their way to financial freedom.” “Success isn’t about what you know—it’s about focusing on what actually pays.” “You need to do the things that don’t scale before you scale, and fixate on revenue-driving activity above everything else.” Connect with Perry Belcher: LinkedIn: Perry Belcher https://perrybelcher.com/ Twitter/X: @perrybelcher ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Jordan Harbinger is the host of The Jordan Harbinger Show, and someone I've been listening to for almost a decade now. Jordan dives into insightful conversations with world-class experts and thought leaders. Listen in for actionable advice on personal development, relationships, entrepreneurship and more. Hope you check it out and enjoy it as much as I do.

Travis and his producer, Eric, get honest about what “hustle” actually means and how its value changes depending on season, personality, and your real goals. Drawing on their own business journeys—as well as lessons from voices like Gary Vee, Dave Ramsey, and Alex Hormozi—they dig into the difference between productive sprints, burnout, and building self-awareness around effort, outcomes, and work-life fit. On this episode we talk about: The myth and reality of hustle culture for entrepreneurs and freelancers Why some seasons demand all-out work—and others call for balance (or a pivot) Setting sprints, tracking your time, and focusing on outcomes, not just hours How to know if your work is strategic hustle or just “busyness” Personal stories of burnout, pivoting, and coming back stronger Top 3 Takeaways 1.  “Hustle” is most powerful when it’s temporary and goal-driven—set clear sprints and reassess outcomes.2.  There’s no one-size-fits-all: personality, life stage, and values should guide your effort and expectations.3.  Track your time and audit your focus—real growth comes from high-leverage work, not just putting in hours. Notable Quotes “Life demands different seasons—sometimes you have to hustle, sometimes you need rest, and both are okay.” “Extraordinary results require extraordinary effort—but only effort on what actually moves you forward.” “Don’t just show up. Do the work that actually produces results, then reevaluate and adapt.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Dawn Maloney is a trailblazing professional makeup artist, educator, and business owner transforming the beauty industry since 1997. Founder of MakeupClasses.com and Dawn Till Dusk Cosmetics, Dawn is celebrated for her patent-pending Anatomical Makeup Method™, her new book for artists, and 25+ years working on national TV, fashion, and celebrity sets. Her story is one of grit, innovation, and empowering others—having beat homelessness, single parenthood, and adversity to build a brand that inspires authenticity and resilience. On this episode we talk about: How Dawn built a meaningful beauty career from $4.25/hour to national TV and entrepreneurship The power of personal responsibility, discipline, and failing forward in both life and business Her revolutionary Anatomical Makeup Method™ for personalized artistry (and her new book) The real challenges (and opportunities) of launching and scaling beauty brands in 2025 Advice for aspiring artists and small business owners—especially women in the beauty sector Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Start small, stay persistent, and always reinvest in yourself and your business growth.2.  Real, lasting impact comes from mastering your craft and prioritizing authenticity over trends.3.  Discipline, resilience, and the ability to pivot are non-negotiable for overcoming setbacks and building your own brand. Notable Quotes “Money is all about decision making. Where do you put it at the end of your workweek?” “If you fail, you fail forward. The trick is staying in the game after the worst setbacks.” “Personal responsibility is your air mask—you have to put yours on first before helping others.” Connect with Dawn Maloney: LinkedIn: Dawn Maloney Website & Classes: makeupclasses.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

Pokimane, one of the world’s biggest streamers, recently revealed the real earning power of each social platform—debunking myths about TikTok millions and spotlighting YouTube as the long-term winner. Travis and Eric break down her income tiers and explain why the biggest creator wins happen only when you treat content as the marketing engine for an actual business—not just a “viral” hustle. On this episode we talk about: Pokimane’s ranking of TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and YouTube for creator income The surprising reality behind viral fame and what most followers don’t see The power (and pitfalls) of back-end monetization, from merch to high-ticket offers How creators have leveraged audience into massive buyouts (like Sour Strips) Why meme coins and get-rich-quick schemes always flop—influencer or not Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Don’t trust audience size as a stand-alone predictor of creator income—platform and business model matter much more.2.  Creators who build real products, offers, or companies behind the scenes have the highest financial upside.3.  Never bet your future on platforms’ payouts—build something you own. Notable Quotes “Attention isn’t income until you have a business behind it.” “If you’re not selling something, you’re leaving almost all the money on the table.” “Creators with back-end offers—not just views—build wealth that lasts after the hype.” Connect with Pokimane: X/Twitter: @pokimanelol Instagram: @pokimanelol Twitch: pokimane ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Jack Jia is a four-time Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and the founder/CEO of Musely, the fastest-growing teledermatology platform in the US. From exporting oranges to building nine-figure software companies and funding a dozen tech unicorns, Jack’s journey is a masterclass in pivoting, problem-solving, and innovating at scale. His story with Musely—spawned to solve his wife’s melasma—has redefined how Americans access prescription skincare by blending tech, telemedicine, and affordability. On this episode we talk about: Jack’s journey from early tech ventures to Musely’s explosive growth The art of the “fail fast, iterate fast” entrepreneurial method Why listening deeply to customer pain points drives genuine innovation How Musely pivoted from a content marketplace to delivering prescription-grade skincare for real results The science, strategy, and business model behind Musely’s affordable, effective treatments Top 3 Takeaways 1.  True innovation starts by solving real, unmet needs—not chasing trends or surface-level problems.2.  Being willing to pivot (even after millions invested) is the mark of a resilient founder and organization.3.  For lasting success, build feedback loops, evolve with science, and focus on efficacy plus customer trust. Notable Quotes “Our success comes from efficacy, affordability, and real results—'Musely Works' is more than a slogan.” “We went from a content app to a telemedicine powerhouse because we listened to what patients actually needed.” “The team is everything: great teams find great markets—even if they start out in the wrong one.” Connect with Jack Jia: LinkedIn: Jack Jia Company: musely.com Gold House Profile: Jack Jia ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Grant Cardone is known for bold, controversial money takes—and this episode, Travis reacts to Grant’s viral claim that 401Ks are a “trap” and don’t set you free. Grant argues that parking money in retirement accounts limits your options and leaves you exposed to higher taxes, pushing followers to instead pursue investing for cash flow and flexibility. Travis breaks it down with a balanced perspective, looking at who Cardone is speaking to and whether this advice fits most people’s lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura Ries is a globally recognized branding strategist, bestselling author, and chair of RIES—a firm renowned for pioneering the concept of brand positioning. Daughter of marketing legend Al Ries, Laura has spent decades helping companies build iconic brands and is celebrated for translating complex marketing concepts into clear, actionable strategies. Her soon-to-be-released book, The Strategic Enemy, explores why great brands succeed by defining what they stand against, not just what they offer. On this episode we talk about: Why positioning and strategic focus outlast fleeting marketing trends How “defining your enemy” creates clear, memorable brands Common brand-killing mistakes (like overextending or chasing fads) Lessons from classic and booming brands—Chick-fil-A, In-N-Out, Oatly Why apprenticeships and real-world learning trump trendy marketing degrees Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Strategy beats tactics: A focused, differentiated brand positioning is timeless, while tools and platforms change.2.  Brands grow stronger by narrowing their focus and clearly defining what they are not—opposition is memorable.3.  Consistency and repetition are more powerful in branding than chasing every new trend or expansion. Notable Quotes “People are much faster to understand opposition than superiority…saying what you’re different from is more powerful than saying you’re better.” “The biggest danger for any brand is falling in love with its own early success and overextending.” “Effective branding isn’t about saying more—it’s about saying one powerful thing well, over and over.” Connect with Laura Ries: Website: ries.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

Brad Lea says: Don’t waste cash on flashy cars—invest it, let your money earn for you, and only splurge off your returns. Travis agrees: Wealth comes from investing first, not flexing early. Ignore critics who mock 10%—the S&P 500 long-term average supports the math. Bottom line: Build assets, delay gratification, and buy luxury only when you’re truly set. 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/DBw4KDVxPwI Hey everyone, welcome back to the Travis Makes Friends podcast! Today, we’re thrilled to have a true powerhouse with us—Shea Fisher! She’s a singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, wife, and mom of three who’s built incredible brands like Shea Baby, now in over 2,500 stores, and Fit with Shea. After years of dominating the business world, Shea’s back to her musical roots with her latest single, “EVERYTHING TO ME”. From her rodeo upbringing in Australia to headlining tours and navigating life’s pivots, Shea’s story is all about resilience and chasing big dreams while staying true to what matters most. Get ready for an inspiring convo—let’s dive in! If you like this, click subscribe, like and share with a friend. Follow Travis on: Instagram: @travischappell TikTok: @traviscchappell Facebook: /traviscchappell Twitter: @traviscchappell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and his producer Eric break down why submitting 500 resumes online won’t land most people a job in today’s hyper-competitive market. Instead, they explore how networking, personal branding, and creative job-seeking strategies dramatically increase the odds of making money and landing great opportunities. The problem with modern job boards: why mass resume-sending leads to “needle-in-a-haystack” odds and why employers are overwhelmed by flooded inboxes. The game-changing power of networking: 54% to 85% of jobs are filled thanks to personal connections, and up to 70% are never even advertised publicly. How personal branding goes beyond social media influencer status—your “brand” is your reputation, relationships, and the unique value you bring to your network and industry. Real-world advice: Stand out by doing something extraordinary—such as proactively completing part of the job, offering solutions, or using creative tactics instead of ordinary cold applications. Why showing authentic initiative (e.g., actually delivering a useful service up-front, or even a resume in a box of donuts) secures far more opportunities than just “following the rules.” Action steps for job seekers: target fewer companies, do real research, deliver value in the first contact, and leverage every connection you have. 1.  Building and leveraging a real personal brand and network is now the main path to most high-quality jobs and freelance gigs; resume blasts rarely succeed.2.  Extraordinary effort (showing real initiative, not just “hustle”) is what consistently leads to extraordinary results—instead of just landing in the generic job-seeker pile.3.  The skills that get you hired are directly tied to how you show up: people hire the value and energy they’ve actually seen, not just the claims on your resume. “If everybody’s doing it, do something different. That’s the only way to get extraordinary results.” “The job market’s changed: your network, value, and brand matter more than any stack of resumes.” 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis In this episode:Top 3 TakeawaysNotable Quotes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Raad, alongside his wife Liz, is a pioneer in turning digital assets—especially websites—into high-cash-flow, low-risk, location-independent businesses. With 30 years of buy-and-renovate experience in both bricks-and-mortar and online businesses, Matt now teaches beginners and pros how to build income and freedom by acquiring and improving profitable websites, even without tech expertise. At the eBusiness Institute, they’ve helped thousands transition from 9-to-5 or career burnout into “digital real estate” investing. Matt walks through his unconventional path: from university zoology to owning a manufacturing business, then pivoting to online businesses after enduring years of low cash flow and inventory headaches. He explains why pure online businesses (vs. brick and mortar or physical inventory) offer better margins, less risk, and true freedom—recounting how buying underperforming websites allowed instant access to global markets from a laptop in rural Australia. The “buy and renovate” strategy: how to spot, assess, and grow small cash-flowing websites into greater income using real estate-inspired due diligence and systems honed from physical business deals. Why new investors should skip e-commerce/physical products; instead, start with small, content/affiliate/ad-based sites bought for under $1,000, and practice due diligence on cash flow, traffic, and simple site renovation. The key skills for beginners: building a basic website (WordPress), understanding monetization (ads, affiliates, lead gen), and learning how to investigate financial claims and traffic data before buying—a process Matt’s team teaches in free masterclasses. Real-world case studies: from a $400 niche gardening blog turned into $4,000/month, to a portfolio approach that delivers $5K–$10K semi-passive income with less risk and capital than almost any offline business. The lowest-risk, most scalable entry point for career changers, families, or side hustlers who want cash flow without the “big bet” on inventory, rent, or employees. 1.  Buying and renovating digital real estate (websites) is a proven shortcut to flexible, location-free income—and is accessible to complete beginners who learn the right skills and start small.2.  The number one mistake to avoid: underestimating the complexity, risk, and cash drain of inventory-heavy or brick-and-mortar businesses; digital offers higher margins and exponential leverage for less initial investment.3.  Success in online business is replicable—just focus on practical skills (website building, due diligence, simple renovations) and leverage mentors or proven processes, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel. “Websites are the ultimate low-risk side hustle: low startup costs, instant global reach, and no stock or shipping nightmares.” “If you want out of the 9-to-5, start with a small content site (ads/affiliate/lead gen), practice due diligence, and learn by doing—there’s no better ROI for beginners.” “Think of websites as digital property—buy below value, renovate for cash flow, and watch the compounding effects add up.” Main site and training: eBusinessInstitute.com.au (masterclasses, free guides) Podcast and success stories: Digital Investors Podcast LinkedIn: Matt Raad Blog & strategies: mattandlizraad.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis In this episode:Top 3 TakeawaysNotable QuotesLearn More & Connect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and producer Eric tackle one of the most misapplied wealth maxims: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” They break down why “diversify” is bad early advice for most entrepreneurs, when to focus, and how/when to adopt new tools like AI without sacrificing execution on core income skills. The myth of “the average millionaire has seven streams of income”—and why nearly all seven are added after one core path is mastered and scaled. Diversification is for preservation, not creation: the story of why focus, not scattered effort, is what actually builds a foundation for future wealth. Travis’s generational perspective: despite rising costs and new challenges for millennial and Gen Z entrepreneurs, opportunity for making money has never been so abundant—or so easy to squander via distraction. How to harness focus in an age of endless digital noise: the practical difference between “shiny object syndrome” and being intelligently opportunistic. How successful job-hackers stack income by staying focused within a skill set (e.g., one guest earning $300K+ by working three simultaneous remote jobs, then teaching that same model). When and how to experiment: Travis’s advice for learning about AI or new tech tools—treat it as “continued education”—not as a cue to abandon a working vehicle. Beware the allure of the “easy button.” Why it’s vital to do more of what’s working, less of what’s not, and to recognize “diversification” is a reward for focused success, not a shortcut for lack of traction. 1.  Narrow, relentless focus on a single opportunity or skill for an extended period is the true driver of wealth; diversifying before mastery leads to mediocrity.2.  Diversification is most powerful as a preservation tool once substantial income is established—not as an early-game tactic for building it.3.  Don’t chase every buzzword—learn new tools (like AI) as enhancements to your core craft, not as replacements or distractions from executing what already works well. “Diversification is the tool of millionaires—but focus is how you become one.” “You can’t master seven things at once; build depth, get results, then stack new streams on top when you’ve earned the right.” “Everyone’s looking for the easy button. But the boring, repetitive work—done with focus—almost always wins.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis In this episode:Top 3 TakeawaysNotable QuotesListen and Learn More Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Karen Salmansohn is a celebrated author, behavioral change expert, and founder of NotSalmon.com, with over 2 million books and courses sold and more than 1.5 million followers online. Known for blending psychological research, neuroscience, philosophy, and signature humor, she’s coached millions to ditch “near-life experiences” and start living fully and intentionally. Her new book, Your To-Die-For Life, invites readers to use mortality awareness—not as morbid fear, but as bold motivation to rethink priorities, clarify values, and finally take action on what matters most. Karen reveals how the death of her father led to a “near-life experience” epiphany—a wake-up call to stop living on autopilot and embrace life with meaning, presence, and urgency. Why writing your own eulogy (with her playful Mad Libs template) is a powerful, practical exercise for clarifying what you want your legacy to be. The “alphabet” of regret-proof core values—authentic, brave, curious, discerning, empathic love, fun, and grateful—and how to translate them into identity-based habits to overcome fear and pursue bold goals, including wealth. Science-backed behavioral strategies for making changes that stick, creating habits tied to core identity, and using cognitive dissonance to motivate positive action. Karen’s process for focusing on a handful of values that truly matter—reverse-engineered from research on the top regrets of the dying, so listeners can proactively avoid them. Insightful stories from her bestselling books, her career pivot from advertising and screenwriting, and practical ways to make “someday” goals into today’s actions. How boldness, intentionality, and self-definition are critical not only for personal happiness, but for building wealth and a life with no major regrets. Book: Your To-Die-For Life (everywhere books are sold) — plus extras at yourtodieforlife.com ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is passive income a myth? Is it achievable? Why do so many who promise it end up in prison? Find out in this episode of the Travis Makes Money Podcast! 🚀 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

Mark Rampolla is a visionary entrepreneur who founded ZICO Coconut Water, pioneering the now multi-billion-dollar coconut water category in the U.S. and globally. He took ZICO from startup to a $200 million acquisition by Coca-Cola, before later leading a buy-back of the brand. Mark’s investment firm, GroundForce Capital, backs purpose-driven consumer companies focused on health, wellness, and sustainability. His latest book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, dives deep into the limiting beliefs and inner work necessary for both wealth creation and personal liberation. On this episode we talk about: Mark’s early work and career journey, from dishwashing in Pittsburgh to Peace Corps volunteer in Costa Rica, then a pivot from corporate roles to entrepreneurship Lessons from failure: Why Mark built a “cemetery” for lost investments and business attempts—and how mourning and learning from failure is essential in entrepreneurship The real risk and emotional journey of launching ZICO, enduring years on the edge of bankruptcy, and aligning with his family to manage risk The breakthrough that came from honing a niche “beachhead” market strategy—targeting hot yoga practitioners in NYC and expanding from there What large brands and acquirers look for in fast-growth consumer companies, and why velocity and loyalty in a core market often matter more than national reach Mark’s best advice: Freedom and success start with inner work—addressing limiting beliefs, ownership over failures, and taking full responsibility for your outcomes Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Monumental brand growth comes from relentless niche focus, customer intimacy, and resisting the urge to expand too broadly, too soon.2.  The path to entrepreneurial freedom starts with self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the capacity to mourn losses without getting stuck.3.  When facing risk, build a realistic plan B with your family—optimism helps, but full financial and emotional transparency is vital for long-term success. Notable Quotes “We mourn failures for a reason—if you don’t process and ritualize loss, it will haunt future decisions.” “Velocity in your best market beats scale in many—Coca-Cola wanted ZICO for how it dominated its niche, not just national shelf space.” “Freedom starts and ends inside—you’ll only reach it externally when you break limiting beliefs and take full responsibility.” Connect with Mark Rampolla: Official website and book: markrampolla.co ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, Travis and Eric go candid on the reputation, reality, and earning potential of door to door sales. From misconceptions about “annoying” sales tactics to the immense training value and income ceiling, Travis explains why D2D still works—and how newcomers can maximize results even in less affluent or small-town markets. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Door to door sales are thriving, especially in home services—top earners can make six figures or more, often from equal-opportunity commission structures.2.  Persistence and volume matter far more than natural ability; follow the top rep’s process and double your activity to scale results.3.  Success is not location-dependent—pest control, alarms, and similar services offer solid commissions in every market, rural or urban. ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. 🎁 Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tamara Laine is an Emmy Award-winning journalist turned entrepreneur and the founder of MPWR (mpwr.money), an AI-powered fintech platform built to transform access to credit and capital for gig workers, freelancers, solopreneurs, and business owners outside the traditional W-2 economy. Combining her expertise in brand storytelling, AI innovation, and financial inclusion, Tamara makes it her mission to redesign financial systems so more people—especially those previously left out—can build real wealth. She brings fresh perspective from years in journalism, startup marketing, and scaling positive-revenue tech ventures. On this episode we talk about: Tamara’s journey from teen dance choreographer to Emmy-winning journalist, and her transition into startup tech entrepreneurship. How curiosity, resilience against rejection, and relentless networking set the foundation for entrepreneurial success—regardless of industry or background. Lessons learned launching media and tech startups: staying revenue-positive, finding the intersection of passion, opportunity, and value creation, and building healthy companies before chasing outside investment. The unique challenges gig workers and side hustlers face in accessing credit—and how traditional financial systems fail millions living the “multi-income” reality. The vision behind MPWR: next-generation AI and alternative credit risk modeling, holistic financial coaching through real-time dashboards, and dynamic predictions to help users thrive financially—no matter how nontraditional their work or income. Practical advice for entrepreneurs: prioritize passion only where it meets real market opportunities and your proven skills, and design businesses for positive cash flow (not dependency on investors). Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Build resilience to rejection—success in startups (and wealth building) is about persistence and adaptability, not just having a great idea.2.  In a changing economy dominated by gig work, new fintech platforms like Empower are making real financial inclusion possible for people who’ve historically been left out.3.  Revenue-first entrepreneurship beats chasing unicorn status; healthy businesses attract investment by solving problems and becoming sustainable early. Notable Quotes *  “Your network is your gold—every real opportunity comes through talking to people, learning, and never stopping at the first ‘no.’”*  “Passion alone isn’t enough. Find the place where your skills, your interests, and the real world’s market gaps meet—and build from there.”*  “Empower’s mission is simple: give every solopreneur a real shot at wealth by helping them tell their financial story and access better capital.” Connect with Tamara Laine & Empower: Platform waitlist and launch: mpwr.money Instagram: @tamaralaine_ ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

🚀 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

Katie Krimitsos is the creator and guiding voice behind the Women’s Meditation Network, a global collection of meditation podcasts empowering millions of women and children to find calm, clarity, and better sleep. Launching her first meditation podcast in 2018 from a closet, Katie has grown the network to over 20 shows, amassing more than 100 million downloads and becoming one of the world’s most successful independent podcasters. In this candid conversation, Katie shares her entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings and money mindset shifts to the nuts-and-bolts of scaling a podcast empire. On this episode we talk about: Katie’s background growing up one of six children in a working-class Arizona family, her early odd jobs, and how family beliefs shaped her relationship with money Her career pivot: leaving a successful coaching business to chase a new, untested idea—meditation podcasts for women The step-by-step evolution from her first show (“Meditation for Women”) in 2018 to building a 20-show network reaching millions monthly How the COVID-19 pandemic became her major inflection point for listener growth, product expansion, and innovation Monetization in podcasting: CPM ad models, the journey from relying on agencies to leveraging Anchor/Spotify programmatic ads, scaling to consistent five-figure monthly income, as well as the realities (and pitfalls) of the ad-revenue cycle Growth tactics: organic SEO-driven naming, network-driven niche launches, strategic paid ads, audience cross-promotion, and data-minded iteration The importance of self-awareness, focus, and fulfilling a core mission as new opportunities multiply and the business diversifies Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Podcasting can be both a purpose-driven and highly profitable business when built on audience need, niche focus, and relentless consistency.2.  Sustainable growth comes not from chasing fame, but from doubling down on what works—then creatively spinning off new, targeted shows to meet untapped demand.3.  Transforming mindset, money narratives, and leveraging the “tool” of money allows entrepreneurs to scale both abundance and generosity. Notable Quotes “Money is neither good nor bad—it’s a tool to support your mission and generosity, and you can make more of it by serving real needs at scale.” “The reliability of income—knowing that I can count on revenue from my network—has been a foundational part of scaling up over time.” “Focus on the thing that works, expand methodically, and keep your mission at the heart of it all.” Connect with Katie Krimitsos: Women’s Meditation Network: womensmeditationnetwork.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