INTERVIEW | Make Money Turning Trash into a $100M Business with TerraCycle Founder, Tom Szaky

In this episode, Travis is joined by his producer Eric for a candid (and often hilarious) conversation about income, perception, and personal finance. Sparked by a viral clip debating whether $75,000 a year is “poor,” they break down how income really stacks up depending on location, lifestyle, and—most importantly—spending habits. Travis challenges the idea that earning more is always the solution, arguing instead that financial discipline and priorities are what truly determine wealth. On this episode we talk about: Whether $75,000 a year is actually considered “poor” How cost of living and geography drastically change income perception Why overspending—not low income—is often the real financial issue The psychological pull of branding, status, and lifestyle inflation How modern convenience and marketing make it easier than ever to spend money Top 3 Takeaways Your financial situation is more about how you spend than how much you make—lifestyle inflation can wipe out any income increase. Comparing yourself to others (especially higher earners) can lead to overspending and unnecessary financial stress. Building wealth requires discipline—cutting unnecessary expenses and prioritizing long-term financial health over short-term gratification. Notable Quotes "If you're living paycheck to paycheck on $75K, the first place to look is your spending—not your salary." "You don’t deserve a luxury lifestyle just because it exists—you have to earn it." "Even if your income doubled tomorrow, most people would just double their spending too." 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

In this episode, Travis sits down with Shawn Nelson, founder and CEO of Lovesac, the innovative furniture brand that grew from a college side hustle into a publicly traded company nearing $1 billion in annual sales. Shawn shares the raw, behind-the-scenes journey of building a business—from sewing bean bags on his parents’ living room floor to surviving bankruptcy, navigating massive economic shifts, and leading through uncertainty. With a focus on resilience, adaptability, and long-term vision, Shawn offers powerful insights for any entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts. On this episode we talk about: How Lovesac started as a college side hustle and evolved into a major brand The importance of taking action—even when you don’t have a clear plan Navigating failure, including bankruptcy and major economic downturns Why commitment and long-term thinking create freedom in entrepreneurship How to manage stress, uncertainty, and high-pressure decision making as a leader Top 3 Takeaways Action beats perfection—starting (even with a “dumb idea”) can lead to massive opportunities if you keep going. Resilience is built through adversity—failures, setbacks, and uncertainty are the greatest teachers in business. Embracing uncertainty is a superpower—those who can operate without needing guarantees are best positioned for success. Notable Quotes "Chapter one is simple: just do something." "At every level—$70K, $7 million, $700 million—you still feel vulnerable." "Entrepreneurs thrive in uncertainty. If you can handle that, you have a shot at outsized rewards." Connect with Shawn Nelson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndnelson Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/shawnoflovesac Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac Other: https://www.lovesac.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 dives into the ongoing debate around personal branding—whether it’s truly worth your time or just a distraction fueled by vanity metrics. Drawing from real-world examples, personal experiences, and market trends, Travis breaks down why building an audience can be a powerful long-term asset in business—while also acknowledging that it’s not the right path for everyone. On this episode we talk about: Why personal branding can act as a hedge against AI disruption The rise of creator-led businesses and why they dominate launches How trust and community increase conversions, retention, and pricing power The risks of building a brand without a strong product behind it Why you don’t need millions of followers to build a profitable personal brand Top 3 Takeaways Building an audience creates a powerful advantage—trust shortens buying decisions, increases loyalty, and boosts lifetime customer value. You don’t need a massive following—serving a specific audience well can generate a highly profitable business. Personal branding is optional—but if it aligns with your interests, it can compound opportunities across every future venture. Notable Quotes "Community and audience is a cheat code—it doesn’t guarantee long-term success, but it guarantees a strong start." "Every piece of content is a lottery ticket—you never know which one will change everything." "You don’t have to do this—but if it resonates with you, there’s no way around it. You should start creating." 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

In this candid, behind-the-scenes episode, Travis is joined in-studio by his producer for a laid-back but insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the defining moments that shape a business mindset. Sparked by a clip from Kevin O’Leary, the discussion dives into whether entrepreneurs are born or made—and Travis shares the real-life experiences that pushed him away from traditional employment and toward building his own path. On this episode we talk about: The debate: are entrepreneurs born or shaped by life experiences? Travis’ early exposure to sales and making six figures in his early 20s Why corporate structure and “arbitrary rules” pushed him away from traditional jobs The power of commission-based income and betting on yourself Key “aha moments” that built confidence and a risk-taking mindset Top 3 Takeaways Entrepreneurship is often shaped by pivotal life moments—not just personality traits. Gaining early wins (like sales or business success) builds the confidence to take bigger risks later. If you value freedom, control, and upside potential, traditional employment may feel limiting—and that’s okay. Notable Quotes "I cannot stand arbitrary authority—especially when it doesn’t make sense." "There’s so much more value in being the person who gets the deal than the one doing the labor." "If I’ve figured it out before, I can figure it out again—that’s what gives you confidence to take risks." 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

Alberto Crane is a legendary MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entrepreneur, and coach who has built a global martial arts community through his Legacy gyms. From starting jiu-jitsu at 18 to competing in the UFC and later being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Alberto’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, discipline, and living life fully “all in.” Now an author and podcast host, he continues to inspire others through his story, his teaching, and his commitment to personal growth and wellness. On this episode we talk about: Alberto’s unconventional path into MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu The early days of UFC and how the sport became mainstream Building and scaling a successful jiu-jitsu gym business The importance of systems, sales, and marketing for entrepreneurs Overcoming a multiple sclerosis diagnosis and redefining success Top 3 Takeaways Success is built on resilience—staying in the game long enough and refusing to quit is often the biggest differentiator. Passion alone isn’t enough in business; mastering systems, sales, and marketing is essential for sustainable growth. Your mindset and lifestyle choices can dramatically impact your health, performance, and overall quality of life. Notable Quotes "If you wait long enough and don’t give up, that’s success." "One of the biggest regrets in life is not living the life you truly wanted." "I went all in—not just on fighting, but on my health, my mindset, and my life." Connect with Alberto Crane: Show: https://www.youtube.com/@AlbertoCraneShow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertocrane Other: https://albertocrane.com | https://legacybjj.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 breaks down the real blueprint for starting a podcast—without overcomplicating the process or wasting money on things that don’t matter. Drawing from his own experience building a successful show, he shares practical, no-fluff advice on how to get started, what to prioritize, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that stop most people before they ever hit publish. On this episode we talk about: Why technical setup is NOT the reason you’re stuck (and how simple it actually is) The tools and shortcuts that make podcast production easier than ever Why strategy matters more than gear—and how to define your “why” How to create your ideal listener avatar and use it to guide every decision The importance of batching episodes and launching with momentum Top 3 Takeaways Don’t let tech stop you—starting a podcast today is easier and cheaper than ever. Clarity of purpose and audience (your avatar) will determine your success far more than equipment. Batch record at least 10–12 episodes before launching to stay consistent and beat 90% of podcasters who quit early. Notable Quotes "Don’t get bogged down in the technical aspects—that’s what stops most people from ever starting." "The strategy behind your show matters far more than the gear you’re using." "If you record 12 episodes before you launch, you’re already in the top 10% of podcasts." 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

In this episode, Travis sits down with producer Eric for a candid, thought-provoking conversation on productivity, time management, and filtering advice in a world full of strong opinions. Drawing inspiration from voices like Alex Hormozi, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Mark Manson, they break down what actually works when it comes to building wealth and managing your time effectively. This episode blends philosophy with practical strategy, highlighting how to think critically, avoid “guru traps,” and structure your day for maximum output without burnout. On this episode we talk about: Why you shouldn’t blindly follow any “expert” and how to think critically about advice The importance of taking ownership of your time outside a traditional 9–5 The 4-4-4 framework: splitting your day into promotion, delivery, and building How minimizing distractions—not adding more tasks—creates true focus Why “building time” (thinking, networking, planning) is the most overlooked growth lever Top 3 Takeaways Your 9–5 isn’t the problem—how you use your mornings and evenings determines your progress. Focus is achieved through subtraction. Eliminating distractions is more powerful than adding productivity hacks. Long-term success comes from balancing immediate output (promotion & delivery) with future-oriented work (building relationships and strategy). Notable Quotes "Your nine-to-five job is not killing your dreams—you're wasting the hours outside of it." "Focus is achieved not through addition, but subtraction." "Most people take eight hours to do what could be done in two." Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Website: https://travischappell.com Deals: https://travischappell.com/deals  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

Scott Hutcheson is a behavioral science expert, leadership strategist, and professor at Purdue University who has spent nearly four decades helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Working with Fortune 100 companies, federal agencies, and leaders across 147 countries, Scott specializes in the intersection of human behavior, value creation, and organizational transformation. His frameworks blend science, psychology, and real-world application to help leaders communicate more effectively, build trust, and ultimately create more value—and income. On this episode we talk about: Why creating value—not chasing money—is the key to higher income The role of human behavior and biology in sales and leadership Scott’s framework of warmth, competence, and gravitas Common mistakes technical professionals make when communicating How to use behavioral signals to build trust and close more deals Top 3 Takeaways The fastest way to make more money is to focus on creating real value—money is simply the byproduct. Mastering human behavior and communication is more valuable than any technical skill in the long run. Leading with warmth, then demonstrating competence, and finally establishing gravitas is a powerful formula for influence and trust. Notable Quotes "If you create value well, someone’s going to pay you for it." "You can’t make rational decisions when cortisol is high." "Start with warmth, move to competence, and then create shared value with gravitas." Connect with Scott Hutcheson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scotthutcheson/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookscotttospeak/ Other: https://scotthutcheson.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 breaks down why starting a podcast is still one of the most underrated opportunities available today. Despite the noise online claiming the industry is “too saturated,” Travis shares real data, personal experience, and practical insights to explain why there’s never been a better time to start. From building relationships with high-level guests like Shaquille O'Neal and James Clear to developing valuable skills that compound over time, this episode is a masterclass in leveraging podcasting for growth, income, and influence. On this episode we talk about: Why podcasting is not as saturated as you think (and the real stats behind it) How a podcast becomes your ultimate learning and accountability tool The role of podcasting in improving communication and persuasion skills How hosting a show opens doors to high-level relationships and opportunities Why credibility, content, and SEO benefits make podcasting a long-term asset Top 3 Takeaways Podcasting isn’t about audience growth at first—it’s about skill-building, relationships, and long-term leverage. Consistency alone (publishing weekly for 1–2 years) puts you ahead of the vast majority of podcasters. A podcast gives you access—access to people, knowledge, and opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have. Notable Quotes "No, it’s not too saturated. Most people just aren’t willing to get better." "The audience is the cherry on top—it’s not the whole point." "A podcast gives you a reason to reach out to anyone you want and actually build a relationship." 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

Travis and Eric team up for a fun, fast-moving conversation centered on a few Scott Galloway clips and the money lessons hidden inside them. Together, they break down Scott’s advice on investing, saving, spending, and building real wealth in a way that feels practical, relatable, and easy to apply. On this episode we talk about: Why young people think they can beat the market, and why that usually backfires. The power of index funds, ETFs, and boring long-term investing. The difference between high income and real wealth. Forced savings strategies like homeownership and automatic investing. How lifestyle creep and easy access to money can wreck your financial progress. Top 3 Takeaways Don’t try to outsmart the market when simple, consistent investing usually works better. Making a lot of money does not automatically make you wealthy if you also spend a lot of money. Building systems that make money harder to access can help you save more and spend less. Notable Quotes “Wealth isn't about how much you make, it's about how much you save.” “You want to implement the same type of thing for you.” “If you do these base level things, you will not be permanently poor.”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