INTERVIEW | Make Money by Building a Powerful Personal Brand with Carey James

Travis and producer Eric dive into Chipotle's leaked strategy to target high-income customers ($100K+ households, who make up 60% of their base), generational slop wars, portion size drama, and why price hikes won't kill the burrito empire—plus wild tangents on Denny's fried cheese melts and the real McDonald's coffee lawsuit. On this episode we talk about: Chipotle's pivot to affluent "digital natives" who love high-protein bowls, with plans for more price hikes and menu tweaks. Why 60% of Chipotle customers earn over $100K—and how Gen Z calls it "corporate slop bowls" while millennials defend it. Portion shrinkage complaints vs. rising prices, and Vegas's endless Chipotle clones ready to steal market share. Gen Z vs. millennial humor battles over The Office, Parks & Rec, New Girl, and unleashing Chris Pratt on the world. Debunking the McDonald's hot coffee myth: 190°F coffee caused third-degree burns in 3 seconds, not a frivolous lawsuit. Top 3 Takeaways 1.  Chipotle's $50B market cap lets them hike prices guilt-free—focus on affluent customers who still show up in a tough economy.2.  "Best known beats best" applies to fast casual too: loyalty comes from quality portions and protein labeling, not just cheap eats.3.  Generational beef is endless, but money in the bank solves real problems—don't sweat $5 bowls if your business is printing. Notable Quotes "60% of Chipotle customer base makes over $100,000 a year." "Gen Z and Gen Alpha call Chipotle bowls 'corporate slop bowls'." "I don't care if Chipotle raises their prices... as long as they get back to the portions." "McDonald's served its coffee at 180 to 190°F... It caused third degree burns in three seconds." "Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest problems when you got money in the bank." ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Evan Holladay is an experienced real estate developer and investor who has developed over $694 million in projects and more than 2,600 affordable multifamily units. As the Founder and CEO of Holiday Ventures, Evan specializes in intentionally designed, sustainability-focused affordable and mixed-income communities. He also teaches other aspiring developers through his 12-month mentorship program, Affordable Development Mastery. In this episode, Evan shares the scrappy, relationship-driven journey that took him from pre-med student to nationally recognized affordable housing developer. On this episode we talk about: Why relationships often create more opportunity than credentials How Evan leveraged mentorship and persistence to break into real estate development The mindset shift from “being qualified” to becoming resourceful Using podcasting as a networking accelerator and personal MBA Building 1,200+ affordable housing units in seven years — and scaling with impact Top 3 Takeaways Opportunity comes from proximity. Getting in the right rooms — even before you feel ready — can change the trajectory of your career. Professional persistence beats passive applications. Evan didn’t just apply for jobs — he engineered access to decision-makers. Impact and profit aren’t mutually exclusive. Thoughtful affordable housing can create strong investor returns while transforming communities. Notable Quotes “Opportunity comes from people. Value comes from competence.” “Every major pivot happened when I wasn’t 100% ready — but I took action anyway.” “You jump off the cliff and build the plane on the way down.” Connect with Evan Holladay: Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube: @evanholladay Holladay Ventures Affordable Development Mastery  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

Travis Chappell delivers a solo masterclass on building a powerful personal brand and network using his proprietary ACT method (Attention, Credibility, Trust), drawn from over 1,600 podcast episodes, hundreds of books, and years of real-world experience in content creation and online marketing. On this episode we talk about: The ACT framework: A = Attention, C = Credibility, T = Trust—and why trust equals transactions. How Travis engineered his own Forbes feature by interviewing the author and networking strategically. Why "best known beats best" and attention is the foundation where money flows every time. Building credibility through high-profile associations (like big-name podcast guests) over one-off media mentions. Maintaining trust by overdelivering on every sale, even small ones, to boost lifetime customer value. Top 3 Takeaways 1. Get attention first—post content relentlessly because every post is a lottery ticket that could explode your reach. 2. Credibility comes from associating with known experts; it's harder than media hits but moves the needle more. 3. Trust must be continually earned through overdelivery, since one bad experience can kill repeat business forever. Notable Quotes "If you're an online marketer and you're not coming up with methods and cool acronyms, then you're not really a marketer." "Best known beats best. You're the best kept secret in your field... but nobody knows that you exist." "Where there's attention, that's where money goes. Attention is where the money flows. 100% of the time." "Every post is a lottery ticket. You never know what's going to be the thing that actually takes off." "The question you should be asking yourself is not does this convert? But does this continue to earn me trust?" Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traviscchappell Other: https://travischappell.com (Website & Podcast) ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ 🚀 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

On this episode, Travis is joined in studio by his producer Eric for a candid breakdown of the exploding OnlyFans economy, why Californians are leading the charge in spending, and what all of this reveals about our relationship with money and loneliness. Together they mix data, dark humor, and real‑talk money advice to challenge how much you are blowing on subscriptions that do nothing for your long‑term wealth or relationships. On this episode we talk about: How Californians spent over $350 million on OnlyFans in 2025 and why that number is “light” compared to what people imagine. Which cities and states are the biggest OnlyFans spenders per capita and why Utah keeps showing up in adult‑industry data. How the creator side became a billion‑dollar industry with over a million U.S. creators and a tiny handful making most of the money. The psychological trap of thinking you have a “relationship” with creators, paywalled DMs, and AI/agency chat replies. Practical guidelines for how much of your income you should (and shouldn’t) be spending on platforms like OnlyFans if you actually want to build wealth. Top 3 Takeaways If you are already in debt, spending hundreds a month on OnlyFans is not “self‑care,” it is sabotage to your financial future. The average OnlyFans creator makes very little, so chasing top‑1% creator money in that space comes with huge trade‑offs for your reputation and long‑term options. You will not buy your way out of loneliness with parasocial online “relationships”; money does a lot more for you when it is in your bank account than when it is in someone else’s tip jar. Notable Quotes “Stop spending money on dumb shit all the time, because it is just not worth it.” “You feel like you have this quasi‑relationship because you sent her $24,000 over three years—but you don’t, bro.” “Money only solves money problems, but it is easier to solve problems with money in the bank than with a stack of OnlyFans receipts.” ✖️✖️✖️✖️ 🚀 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

Carey James is the founder of Brand Alchemy and a leading positioning expert for founders and executives thriving in today’s AI-driven attention economy. A former PhD candidate in neuroscience, Carey has helped clients generate over $30 million in sales by translating complex expertise into credibility, visibility, and inbound demand. Drawing from neuroscience, storytelling, and sales psychology, he empowers high performers to step into their “niche of one” and transform authority into opportunity. On this episode we talk about: How Carey went from Hollywood to neuroscience to brand strategy Why even brilliant experts often stay invisible online The difference between branding and marketing—and why it matters How to discover your unique brand “DNA” and build trust online Why consistency and authenticity always outperform perfect strategy Top 3 Takeaways If people can’t find you online, they can’t hire you—visibility is no longer optional; it’s essential. Authentic personal branding means doubling down on what makes you different, not what makes you the same. Consistency builds subconscious trust—show up the same way everywhere, online and off. Notable Quotes “If you’re not putting yourself out there, you’re getting overshadowed at a compounding rate.” – Carey James “If you don’t define your label, the market will define it for you.” – Carey James “Best known beats best every single time.” – Travis Chappell Connect with Carey James: Website: brandalchemy.io Instagram: @careyjamesofficial LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/careyjamesofficial 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

Travis Chappell solo-hosts this episode of Travis Makes Money, sharing hard-won life lessons from his own journey as a creator, entrepreneur, and podcast coach. He breaks down mindset traps that keep people stuck—like perfectionism, negativity bias, and emotional reactivity—and offers practical tools for building resilience, happiness, and momentum in both life and business. Through stories, analogies, and real-life examples (including a tense pickup basketball game), Travis gives listeners concrete ways to rewire their thinking for long-term success and peace of mind. On this episode we talk about: Why “done is better than perfect” and how perfectionism turns into procrastination The importance of shipping imperfect work to get real-world feedback How to hardwire happiness by revisiting positive moments and strengthening neural pathways Using gratitude and visualization to combat negativity bias and anxiety Stoic principles: external events vs. your perception and reaction Practical strategies to pause before reacting and respond in ways that serve your goals Top 3 Takeaways Done beats perfect every time. Waiting for perfection keeps you from ever launching the book, product, or podcast that will actually teach you what needs to improve. You can train your brain toward happiness. By intensifying and revisiting moments of joy and gratitude, you widen the mental “paths” that make it easier to access positive emotional states. Events aren’t the problem—your reaction is. Your long-term happiness is tied less to what happens and more to the way you choose to interpret and respond, especially in emotionally charged moments. Notable Quotes “Done is better than perfect, because perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise.” “The ability to be happy or grateful in the absence of reasons to be is a superpower.” “External events are not the problem. It’s your perception of them that’s the problem.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://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

In Part 2 of yesterday's conversation, Travis Chappell and his producer, Eric, continue their candid discussion about building a career without following the traditional “prestigious school → perfect job” blueprint. From mission-field poverty to producing millions of podcast views, this episode explores the messy middle of modern work—where stability and ambition can coexist. If you’ve ever felt stuck between the safety of a 9–5 and the pull of entrepreneurship, this conversation is your roadmap for navigating both. On this episode we talk about: The hybrid model: why you don’t have to “burn the boats” to build something meaningful Treating your 9–5 like a client instead of a prison Continuously reevaluating your skills, goals, and what fulfillment actually looks like Leveraging content, outsourcing, and systems to build momentum on the side Why complaining repels opportunity—and action creates clarity Getting comfortable with uncertainty in a rapidly changing economy Top 3 Takeaways You can hold both worlds. You don’t have to fully quit your job or fully surrender to it—build stability while creating leverage on the side. Clarity comes from action, not overthinking. The only way to discover what you actually want is by trying things, adjusting, and trying again. Opportunity favors ownership. Complaining about the system changes nothing—creating inside of it (or alongside it) changes everything. Notable Quotes “Find the thing that actually takes care of you—and build the vision on the side.” “There’s never been an opportunity gained from sulking and complaining.” “The bad news is you have to figure it out. The good news is—you get to.” “If there was opportunity repellent in a spray, it would be complaining.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://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

Eric Tash is a brand marketer and the host of Worthy for 30, a mission-driven podcast spotlighting business leaders who are “doing good while doing well.” Through candid conversations with founders, operators, and philanthropists, Eric explores the balance between purpose, profitability, and positive impact. His passion for authentic storytelling and consistent creation makes him a standout example of how side hustles can drive both meaning and momentum. On this episode we talk about: How podcasting sharpens communication, confidence, and connection Building authentic relationships through consistent outreach Why “starting ugly” is better than waiting for perfect conditions The surprising benefits and opportunities podcasting creates How purpose-driven founders use business to strengthen communities Top 3 Takeaways You don’t need massive resources to start a meaningful podcast—just curiosity, consistency, and care. The key to attracting high-profile guests is preparation, respect for their time, and genuine connection. Podcasting isn’t just about building an audience—it’s a platform for growth, learning, and creating impact. Notable Quotes “If you don’t send the email, the answer is always no.” – Eric Tash “Podcasting holds you accountable to becoming a better version of yourself.” – Travis Chappell “All the best business leaders are incredible communicators.” – Eric Tash Connect with Eric Tash: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erictash Instagram: @worthyforthirty Website: worthyforthirty.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

In this solo episode, Travis Chappell continues his life lessons series, pulling from a decade of experience producing 1,500+ podcast episodes, interviewing world-class performers, and consuming hundreds of books. Drawing on personal stories—from his religious upbringing to observations about business, politics, and culture—Travis breaks down powerful mindset shifts that can transform the way you approach success, truth, and personal growth. On this episode we talk about: Why all new ideas are considered “heretical” before they’re accepted The difference between studying other beliefs and truly questioning your own Why effort and integrity matter more than outcomes How to accept truth—even from people you disagree with Why collaboration beats obstruction—and how negativity limits your own success The power of doing less, better for long-term growth and sustainability Top 3 Takeaways All big ideas face resistance first. If people aren’t questioning or criticizing your idea, it might not be bold enough. Innovation always looks crazy—until it works. Learn to unbelieve. True growth comes not from defending your current beliefs, but from being willing to question and rebuild them intentionally. Focus on effort, not outcomes. Success without integrity damages your relationship with yourself. Play the long game and build something sustainable. Notable Quotes “All new ideas are heretical at first.” “There’s a huge difference between learning about other people’s beliefs and learning to unbelieve your own.” “Don’t worry about the result—worry about the effort.” “Accept truth wherever you find it.” “We are born to work together. To obstruct each other is unnatural.” “Do less—better.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/traviscchappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://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

In this episode, Travis is joined in-studio by producer Eric to react to viral commentary about the rising cost of living, disappearing opportunity, and the growing sense of economic hopelessness in America. As videos circulate claiming the American Dream is dead, Travis breaks down why mindset, skill development, and entrepreneurship still offer a path forward—even in a difficult economy. Drawing from his own journey of building income over nearly a decade and 1,500+ podcast episodes, Travis explains why giving up is understandable… but never the solution. On this episode we talk about: Why six figures doesn’t feel like “wealth” anymore—and what that means for today’s economy The growing fear around AI, layoffs, and white-collar job displacement How victim mentality silently sabotages your financial future Why upskilling and value creation are the real income multipliers Entrepreneurship as the modern “great equalizer” in an uneven system Top 3 Takeaways Your future collapses the moment you decide it’s impossible. Even if the system isn’t fair, believing you have no agency guarantees you won’t take action. Income growth is directly tied to value creation. The more valuable your skills are to the marketplace, the easier it becomes to increase your earnings. Entrepreneurship doesn’t require becoming a billionaire—it simply creates optionality. Even modest business success can dramatically improve autonomy and quality of life. Notable Quotes “Your future is corrupted once you buy into the lie that you cannot create the future that you want.” “Just because it’s not your fault doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.” “The better you get at making money, the easier it is to make money.” Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://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