TMF PREVIEW | Make Friends with Tony (@Trainbloom)

In this discussion, Travis Chappell is joined by producer Eric and guest co-host Brandon Birkmeyer for a candid conversation about the modern creator economy. They explore how viral clips, outrage, and sensationalism have reshaped social media—and why creators need to be intentional about building an audience that aligns with their long-term goals. From the dangers of "clip farming" to creating meaningful content that still captures attention, this episode offers valuable insights for podcasters, entrepreneurs, and content creators alike. On this episode we talk about: How the "clip economy" rewards outrage and extreme emotions The difference between creating engaging content and manufacturing controversy Why your audience today determines the opportunities you'll have tomorrow Balancing viral marketing with authentic, long-form conversations Building a personal brand that lasts instead of chasing short-term attention Top 3 Takeaways Don't optimize for views alone—optimize for the audience you actually want to attract over the long term. Great clips should spark curiosity and drive people to the full conversation, not distort or sensationalize it. The content you create today becomes your brand tomorrow, so be intentional about what you're known for. Notable Quotes "Not all views are created equal." "You have to get clear about the audience that you want." "If you're going to create long-form content, make stuff that's meaningful to you and figure out the clipping stuff as you go." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 tohttps://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest obstacle to getting healthier isn’t a lack of discipline—but too much bad advice? In this preview episode of Travis Makes Friends, Travis sits down with Tony from Trainbloom to break down some of the internet’s biggest fitness myths and explain why sustainable habits beat trendy diets every time. The conversation starts with Travis sharing his own decade-long health journey, from gaining nearly 60 pounds after college to trying everything from keto and CrossFit to Insanity and 75 Hard. After years of chasing quick fixes, he discovered that long-term success came from focusing on consistency instead of extremes. Tony tackles hot-button topics like seed oils, calorie deficits, and calorie tracking, separating evidence-based nutrition from viral health claims. He explains why real-world outcomes matter more than theoretical mechanisms and why many people unknowingly eat more calories than they think—even when they’re trying to lose weight. The two also dive into Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) and why exercise burns far fewer calories than most people assume. Instead, Tony argues that everyday movement—walking, standing, and staying active outside the gym—often has a much bigger impact on long-term weight loss than punishing workouts. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting fitness advice or wondered what actually works, this preview offers a practical, science-backed perspective on building healthy habits that last.  Hit play to hear why mastering the fundamentals may be the smartest fitness strategy of all. Check out the full episode HERE. A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 tohttps://invest.modemobile.com/travismakesmoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, Travis Chappell explores one of the most common themes shared by successful entrepreneurs, athletes, military leaders, and high performers: having a compelling vision is only the beginning. Drawing on insights from past guests including Vicente Fox, Jack Carr, and the late Steve Sims, Travis explains why consistent execution—not wishful thinking—is what transforms ambitious goals into reality. He also breaks down the science behind effective goal-setting and offers a practical framework for turning big dreams into measurable daily action. On this episode we talk about: Why purpose without consistent action is just a dream Lessons on preparation and opportunity from Jack Carr, Vicente Fox, and Steve Sims Why process goals consistently outperform outcome goals How to reverse engineer ambitious long-term goals into achievable daily habits The difference between waiting for luck and creating your own opportunities Top 3 Takeaways A clear vision is important, but disciplined execution is what ultimately creates success. The people who seem the "luckiest" are usually the ones who have spent the most time preparing before opportunity arrives. Focus on process goals—daily actions you can control—rather than obsessing over outcomes you can't directly control. Notable Quotes "Purpose needs performance. No use having purpose, but not accomplishing great things." "When someone cracks that door open just an inch, you've got to be ready to kick it in because you've prepared." "A so-so idea with implementation will always outperform perfection with no action." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this discussion, Travis Chappell and producer Eric unpack the debate surrounding New York City's proposed rent freeze and what it reveals about housing affordability, property ownership, and economic incentives. Using a real-world example of a small landlord facing financial hardship, they explore both sides of the issue while examining the unintended consequences of well-intentioned housing policies. On this episode we talk about: The debate over New York City's rent freeze and its impact on tenants and landlords Why small landlords and institutional investors are affected differently by housing policies Common misconceptions about real estate investing and rental property economics How government intervention can create unintended long-term market consequences The balance between housing affordability and encouraging private investment Top 3 Takeaways Policies often have unintended consequences. While rent freezes may provide short-term relief for tenants, they can discourage small investors and reduce future housing investment. Owning real estate doesn't automatically mean someone is wealthy. Many landlords operate with mortgages, refinancing, and thin cash flow despite owning valuable assets. Good policy requires nuance. Addressing housing affordability means considering both the needs of renters and the financial realities faced by property owners. Notable Quotes "The desire for everything to be cheap and free and easy is just not going to happen." "Doing this one thing does not solve affordability." "People tend to think that just because somebody bought this building a while ago, they must be flush with cash—and that's not always the case." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Smoak has built one of the internet's fastest-growing platforms by talking about fitness, personal responsibility, and self-improvement—but in this preview episode of Travis Makes Friends, the conversation goes far beyond health. Travis and Michael explore why nuance has disappeared online, how creators can stay authentic in a culture that demands opinions on everything, and why building a personal brand is one of the greatest opportunities available today. Michael explains why credibility comes from knowing what you're qualified to talk about—and having the discipline to avoid topics you don't fully understand. Rather than chasing every trending conversation, he argues that authenticity builds far more trust than trying to please everyone. The conversation also dives into the power of content creation. Michael believes social media is the modern-day gold rush, where even a relatively small audience can create life-changing opportunities, open doors, and connect you with people you'd never otherwise meet. But the biggest obstacle isn't competition—it's the fear of being judged. Travis and Michael challenge the idea that you need an original message to succeed online. Most life-changing ideas have been shared before, but your unique experiences and perspective can make them resonate with someone who needs to hear them. They also explain why "it's too saturated" is often just an excuse that keeps people from getting started. If you've ever wondered whether your story is worth sharing or felt held back by fear of what others might think, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on why your message matters—and why someone else may be waiting to hear it from you. Hit play to hear why authenticity remains your greatest competitive advantage and how sharing your voice could change both your life and someone else's. Catch the full episode HERE. A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of Travis Makes Money, Travis Chappell explores one of the most powerful common themes he's uncovered after interviewing hundreds of high achievers: the stories we tell ourselves shape the actions we take—and ultimately the results we get. Drawing on insights from experts like Michael Hyatt, Dr. Nicole LePera, and Viktor Frankl, Travis explains why changing your internal narrative may be the missing piece between where you are today and the life you want to create. On this episode we talk about: Why your beliefs and identity are upstream of your habits and results How childhood experiences create limiting stories and learned adaptations Travis's personal journey of overcoming a negative money mindset The difference between reacting to circumstances and intentionally shaping your future Practical exercises for identifying and rewriting the stories holding you back Top 3 Takeaways Your story determines your behavior. The beliefs you hold about yourself influence your actions long before discipline or willpower comes into play. Most limiting beliefs are learned—not permanent. By identifying the narratives you've adopted throughout life, you can intentionally replace them with ones that support your goals. Take ownership of your outcomes. Asking yourself, "What role am I playing in the results I continue to get?" creates the awareness necessary for meaningful change. Notable Quotes "Your actions are downstream of the story that you're telling yourself." "There are the facts, and then there's the meaning that you ascribe to them." "Write the story you've been telling yourself—and then rewrite it as if the empowering version were true for the next month." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell/ Other: https://travischappell.com/ A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do if your family's primary source of income disappeared overnight? In this episode, Travis Chappell and producer Eric tackle that exact scenario, offering practical advice for anyone who needs to generate income quickly. From launching service-based businesses to building sales skills and leveraging technology that younger generations often take for granted, Travis shares actionable strategies for creating cash flow fast without needing significant startup capital. On this episode we talk about: The fastest ways to start making money when you're starting from scratch Why service-based businesses have the lowest barrier to entry and highest upside How young entrepreneurs can monetize skills they already have, like social media and website management The long-term value of learning sales and choosing the right sales career Why real estate remains one of the best industries for building both income and long-term wealth Top 3 Takeaways Start with the skills you already have. Even abilities that feel ordinary—like managing social media, building websites, or creating content—can be highly valuable to business owners. Service businesses generate cash quickly. Businesses with low startup costs and recurring revenue models allow entrepreneurs to create income faster than inventory-heavy ventures. Sales is a lifelong skill. Learning how to sell not only increases your earning potential but also prepares you to grow your own business in the future. Notable Quotes "The better you are at the service, the more money you can charge for that thing." "Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems with money in the bank." "Write down the skills you have, the things you're interested in, and the things that light you up—then build a business around those things." Connect with Travis Chappell: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travischappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 -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

Rebecca Minkoff is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the globally recognized Rebecca Minkoff fashion brand, a bestselling author, and the co-founder of the Female Founder Collective. What began with handcrafted jewelry and a one-way ticket to New York turned into one of the most recognizable accessible luxury brands in fashion. In this episode, Rebecca shares the unfiltered story behind building her business—from living on credit cards and surviving setbacks to scaling a global company and helping thousands of women entrepreneurs succeed. On this episode we talk about: Rebecca's entrepreneurial upbringing and the lessons that shaped her work ethic Moving to New York at 18 without a college degree or a long-term plan How a missed movie prop delivery accidentally launched her handbag empire Why profitability matters more than growth at all costs Building the Female Founder Collective to empower women entrepreneurs through education and community Top 3 Takeaways Work ethic creates opportunities. Showing up consistently, working hard, and exceeding expectations opens doors that talent alone can't. Preparation beats luck. What appears to be overnight success is often years of persistence, relationship-building, and being ready when opportunities arise. Build a business that can survive uncertainty. Sustainable margins and profitability create resilience when markets, investors, or economic conditions change. Notable Quotes "If all else fails, I know I can start over." "The sentiment can change on a dime. Figure out a margin that provides profitability because you never know what can happen." "Your first job is not your dream job. This is the time to learn, hustle, and make mistakes on someone else's dime." Connect with Rebecca Minkoff: Instagram (personal): https://www.instagram.com/beckyminkoff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccaminkoff/ Other: Website: https://www.rebeccaminkoff.com Female Founder Collective: https://femalefoundercollective.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 -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

Consistency beats intensity is one of the most powerful themes that emerged after interviewing over a thousand high performers—comedians, bestselling authors, athletes, entrepreneurs, and billionaires—across Travis’s podcasts. In this solo episode, Travis breaks down why daily, undramatic action creates durable success, drawing on stories from guests like Jerry Seinfeld, Brian Callen, Dan Fleyshman, Dan Martell, and Jason Witten, plus research on habit formation and mastery. He explains how to pair consistency with feedback-rich improvement so you don’t end up with “one year of experience, twenty years in a row.” On this episode we talk about: Why “consistency beats intensity” across careers and industries. Jerry Seinfeld’s calendar streak method for writing at least one joke a day. Brian Callen’s belief that showing up daily is more important than hustling hard in short bursts. Dan Fleyshman’s decades-long habit of daily outreach to compound his network. Dan Martell’s caveat: consistency plus feedback and improvement versus stagnant repetition. Research on how habits actually form over 18–254 days, not the popular “21 days.” John D. Rockefeller’s “one drop of solder” story and the power of tiny, repeated optimizations. Travis’s own journey of sticking with podcasting through doubt and slow seasons. A 30–66 day challenge to build trust in yourself by keeping one simple daily promise. Top 3 Takeaways Daily showing up beats sporadic grinding. Long-term winners reject hustle-culture sprints followed by burnout and instead rely on small, consistent actions repeated over years. Consistency must be paired with improvement. Without a feedback-rich environment and clear targets, you risk “one year of experience, twenty years in a row” instead of true mastery. Tiny actions compound into massive results. Whether it’s one joke a day, three to five daily outreach messages, or one drop of solder on millions of cans, small efforts plus time create disproportionate outcomes. Notable Quotes “Consistency beats random spouts of intensity.” “Consistency is more important than hard work. Showing up every day is really the secret.” – Brian Callen “The most common thing in the world today is somebody that’s consistent and has no results. One year of experience, 20 years in a row.” – Dan Martell “You can’t cheat the muse.” – Jason Witten Connect with Travis: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-chappell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from Our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 -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

Kate Monroe is a Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, bestselling author of Wake Up Ready, and the founder and CEO of VetComm, a company that has helped tens of thousands of veterans secure the disability benefits they've already earned. Drawing on her background in military service, sales, and entrepreneurship, Kate shares how resilience, preparation, and sales skills became the foundation for building a business that's created billions of dollars in lifetime financial impact for veterans. On this episode we talk about: How Kate discovered entrepreneurship as a child by building a babysitting business Lessons from the Marine Corps that shaped her resilience and leadership Why sales is one of the most valuable skills every entrepreneur should learn Building VetComm and helping veterans navigate VA disability benefits Why accountability often requires financial commitment The importance of long-term thinking, leadership, and preparing for future opportunities Top 3 Takeaways Learning how to sell ideas is one of the highest-leverage skills for building wealth and leading others. Difficult experiences build resilience that can make every future challenge feel more manageable. Mission-driven businesses can create both meaningful impact and extraordinary financial success. Notable Quotes "Go do hard things early in life." "You delivered your little self whole and you got out less than whole. That's what you're owed." "Preparation creates opportunity." Connect with Kate Monroe: VetComm Website: KateMonroeCEO.com Instagram: @KateMonroeCEO LinkedIn: Kate Monroe A Word from our Sponsors: - Visit 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 for 25% OFF select mattresses (through July 26, 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 -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