Travis Makes Friends

Struggling to reach your potential? Shift your mindset and unlock your inner genius with this game-changing new book from Erwin McManus. Click here to get your copy.  Erwin McManus (@erwinmcmanus) is a renowned life architect, award-winning author, and artist, most recently releasing the groundbreaking book Mind Shift: It Doesn't Take a Genius to Think Like One. With over one million book sales and translations into multiple languages, he has captivated audiences in stadiums across seventy countries on five continents. His creative expertise has extended to consulting for esteemed organizations, from the NFL to the Pentagon. For three decades, McManus has advised CEOs, athletes, celebrities, and billion-dollar companies, helping them overcome limitations and unlock their personal genius. As the founder and lead pastor of Mosaic, a global spiritual movement, he has inspired millions and leads impactful humanitarian initiatives alongside his wife, Kim. McManus continues to coach leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide, sharing his wisdom through McManus Mastermind and The Seven Frequencies of Communication.  What Erwin and Travis discussed:  Why questioning your beliefs is crucial for growth. Erwin discussed how constantly questioning his own beliefs and assumptions, even those he felt strongly about, opened him up to new possibilities and prevented him from getting stuck in rigid thinking. This willingness to question oneself is vital for continuous learning and development. How to have thoughtful conversations with people of differing beliefs. Erwin emphasized relating to others through shared longings and questions rather than trying to prove yourself right. Asking good questions and listening intently creates a connection. The importance of internal structures for success. Erwin explained how developing strong mental frameworks, virtues, and habits were key to his achievements, especially coming from a disadvantage. Talent alone won't suffice - building internal structures is essential. The reason behind choosing kindness as a guiding principle. For Erwin, deciding at a young age to pursue kindness shaped his character enormously. He held onto this commitment despite being told it would make him weak, as integrity mattered more. The truth about certainty and humility. Erwin stressed that he doesn't believe he is absolutely right about anything. True confidence comes from recognizing your fallibility and being willing to change based on new information. Arrogance fears being questioned, while humility invites it. Feeling stuck in your life and career? It's time for a mind shift. Unlock your inner genius and reach your full potential with this transformative conversation with pastor and thought leader Erwin McManus. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready to learn how to get what you want out of life on this special mashup episode of Travis Makes Friends! Today, we'll hear the best advice from previous guests on setting and achieving your biggest goals and dreams. From exercising the power of intention to embracing bold action, you'll come away with practical tips for manifesting your desires. In this Midweek Mashup, we feature clips from David Meltzer, Jason Harris, and Chris Voss. On this episode: The truth about using faith as currency (David Meltzer) - Consistently applying your faith through positive thoughts, words, beliefs, and actions attracts desired outcomes because it puts intentional energy into manifesting your goals. Why you should play the long game (Jason Harris) - Gaining industry experience and financial resources before starting your venture prevents desperation-based decisions and enables smart strategy from a position of strength. It's important to take time to learn and prepare. The reason behind operating with generosity (Jason Harris) - Freely sharing knowledge, contacts, and value without expecting direct reciprocation expands your network and opportunities because goodwill and relationships boomerang back when you help others. The Importance of applying tactical empathy (Chris Voss) - Demonstrating an understanding of others' perspectives disarms them and opens them to your influence because it makes people feel heard, so their guard goes down. Mutual understanding brings cooperation. How asking calibrated questions gets collaboration (Chris Voss) - Saying "How am I supposed to do that?" instead of an outright "no" makes the other party consider your position because a collaborative, curious tone sparks cooperation. Questions invite perspective-taking. Want to pick up proven techniques for manifesting and taking action on your biggest life goals? Make sure to listen to this episode featuring expert insights on getting what you want! Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Travis Makes Friends, Travis interviews Jeff and Kara Smith, co-founders of Colorado Craft Beef (@coloradocraftbeef). Their business carries on the century-old ranching tradition started by Kara's great-great-grandfather when he settled on the eastern Colorado plains in 1917, drawn by the expansive grasslands. Today, their headquarters sits just half a mile from that original homestead, spanning over 5,000 acres. Under Kara's leadership, they have shifted to a direct-to-consumer model that connects customers nationwide to their heritage of sustainable cattle-raising and land stewardship. Colorado Craft Beef has raised cattle in the same place for over a hundred years, with practices like using horses for cattle work to reduce stress and impact. Wildlife still thrives on the ranch alongside the cattle. Jeff and Kara aim not only to produce quality beef but also to pass on their dedication to responsible ranching for future generations. As innovators in the meat delivery space, they continue surpassing customer expectations nationwide with subscription boxes showcasing their commitment to time-honored principles  Discover the unparalleled taste and quality of Colorado Craft Beef. As rising leaders in the US meat delivery ranch-to-table space, we continue to surpass our customers' expectations and offer subscriptions nationwide. Elevate your dining experience with our curated burger and steak boxes, and savor how we use innovative, responsible animal and land management practices to create a delicious, high-quality protein source for you and your family. Visit:coloradocraftbeef.com/travis-makes-friends What Jeff, Kara, and Travis discussed: Why relationships matter more than profits. Jeff and Kara focus on creating win-win partnerships rather than trying to undercut competitors. They help other producers succeed because, ultimately, it's better for the industry. How to turn an idea into reality. It takes persistence to go from concept to execution. Jeff and Kara had doubts initially but kept working through problems. Now, their business is rapidly expanding. The importance of finding aligned investors. Jeff and Kara partnered with Jocko Willink not just for money but for shared values and marketing reach. Smart money comes from those who care. The reason behind controlling your supply chain. By acquiring its own harvest facility, Colorado Craft Beef stabilizes production and ensures quality. Owning key assets protects the customer experience. The truth about beef labels. Terms like "grass-fed" and "organic" are costly marketing ploys. For quality and transparency, Jeff recommends buying directly from local producers you trust. Jeff and Kara Smith share their story of continuing a century-old ranching tradition. In this episode of Travis Makes Friends, the Smiths give motivational stories and practical tips on turning ideas into reality, finding aligned investors, controlling your supply chain, and seeing through beef label marketing fluff.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Freestyle Friday on the Travis Makes Friends podcast, Travis shares tips on how to be a better podcast interviewer. Travis also provides insights on avoiding common mistakes like conversational narcissism, lack of preparation, and feigning interest. The episode features clips from Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, and Conan O'Brien with Larry King. If you want to interview the people you actually want on your show, get celebrity endorsements & access direct custom advice on your content, podcast, or business so you can start getting paid for what you create - for just $1, visit: http://www.fulltimecreator.co In this episode: Avoid conversational narcissism: Don't constantly steer the conversation back to yourself. Use "support responses" that encourage guests to continue their story. Properly prepare for interviews: Do more than just read a book cover or website bio. Research guests by listening to other podcast episodes, reading their books, and reviewing their social media accounts all the way back to the beginning.  Have genuine curiosity: Ask great questions that show interest in the topic and respect the guest. If you lack interest, you may need to change topics or guests. If you want to learn more tips to conduct great interviews that engage listeners, make sure to listen to this episode of Freestyle Friday on the Travis Makes Friends podcast. Travis provides practical advice to help anyone become a better podcaster and interviewer. Head to www.fulltimecreator.co  if you need help growing and monetizing your online audience as a creator.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Full Time Creator on IG: @fulltimecreator Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis Makes Friends is back with another insightful mashup episode, this time diving deep into the topic of hustle culture. Travis brings together perspectives from three influential guests - Ed Mylett, Jefferson Bethke, and Keala Kanae - to uncover the truth about hustling and what it really takes to find meaning and success. In this episode:  Why balance is a fallacy, according to Ed Mylett (@edmylett). He explains that extremity expands capacity - the more you push in one area, the more it expands your ability in another. Rather than balance, he advises to "be where your feet are" and focus completely on the task at hand. Why hustle culture is toxic, according to Jefferson Bethke (@jeffersonbethke). He explains how making work about identity rather than material production is a new phenomenon that correlates with surging anxiety and depression rates. Also, Jefferson views social media as a "family photo album." It's normal to share highlights, but problematic to constantly compare your daily life to others' best moments. The solution is moderation, not manufacturing experiences just for social media. The importance of linking your values to things you don't enjoy, from Keala Kanae (@kealakanae). When you consciously connect daily tasks to your core values, you can learn to love what you do. This mindset shift saved Keala from depression and helped him become a successful entrepreneur. Dive into this thought-provoking episode to gain a nuanced perspective on hustle culture, values-based living, and what it really takes to find meaning and success as an entrepreneur. Don't just hustle - listen to this episode and focus on what matters most. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. John Jaquish (@drjaquish) is an acclaimed inventor and researcher who has dedicated his career to developing innovative healthcare technologies. As the inventor of the world's most effective bone density-building medical device, Dr. Jaquish's groundbreaking work has been described as "Tony Stark-like" by the media. His first major invention is now used in partnership with Tony Robbins and OsteoStrong clinics worldwide to help patients rapidly improve bone density. Driven by discoveries from this work, Dr. Jaquish went on to invent X3, a technology proven to build muscle much faster than conventional weight training with minimal joint strain. With a focus on optimizing human performance and health, Dr. Jaquish's methods are used for elite training by athletes in the NFL, NBA, Olympics, and entire organizations like the Miami Heat. Dr. Jaquish holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering and continues to research and innovate new solutions that push the limits of exercise science and sports medicine. He’s also the author of Weight Lifting Is a Waste of Time, a Wall Street Journal Best Seller.  What Travis and Dr. Jaquish discussed: How to build strong bones without injury risk: Dr. Jaquish developed osteogenic loading, which uses axial compression to provide powerful bone stimulus without the impact injuries of high-intensity athletics. This can reverse and prevent bone loss. Why calcium supplements can worsen bone loss: The reason behind this is your body regulates calcium levels, so excess calcium from supplements can signal your bones to release more calcium. The importance of an animal-based diet for bone health: Dr. Jaquish explains that vegan diets destroy bone health due to anti-nutrients in plant foods that weaken bones. An animal-based diet maintains bone density. The truth about the corrupt food pyramid guidelines: Dr. Jaquish reveals the government promotes high-carb diets for cost reasons, not for public health. He advises limiting carbs. Why artificial sweeteners aren't risk-free: The reason behind this is that sucralose and aspartame are linked to cancer risks. Dr. Jaquish advises limiting the intake of these sweeteners. If you want the uncensored truth about building strong bones, tuning out corrupt government guidelines, and eating for optimal health, you need to listen to this interview with Dr. John Jaquish, as he pulls no punches, exposing the lies we've been told about nutrition. He reveals shocking realities about veganism, artificial sweeteners, the cold plunge, supplements and, the bogus food pyramid designed to make Americans weak and sick.  Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we feature clips from my conversation with crypto expert Dan Fleyshman on the future outlook for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and digital assets like NFTs (non-fungible tokens). As these alternative digital assets continue to evolve, it's valuable to gain perspective on where they might be headed in 2023 and beyond. In this episode: The hype around random NFT art is fading, but NFTs still have practical utility for brands and companies. Major corporations like Starbucks and Ferrari are embracing them. The importance of NFTs providing real-world utility beyond just digital art. NFTs with practical applications will have more longevity. While many cryptocurrencies exist, Bitcoin and Ethereum appear here to stay due to their functionality and adoption. The reason behind Bitcoin's limited supply driving up demand. As more entities acquire Bitcoin, supply shrinks, making Bitcoin potentially more scarce and valuable long-term. How Bitcoin's volatility makes it higher risk short-term but lower risk long-term due to its track record and inevitability. Time in the market is more important than timing the market. The truth about the proliferation of cryptocurrencies. While many exist, only a small percentage have real-world utility and will thrive. The focus should be on cryptocurrencies solving real problems. This episode provides a balanced look at the realities and potential behind cryptocurrency and NFTs. While the future is uncertain, these insights can guide us toward more informed decisions in this evolving landscape. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's mashup of Travis Makes Friends, we dive into the topic of how to build real, sustainable confidence. We went back into the archives and pulled out clips from interviews with Lori Harder, Ed Mylett, and Aubrey Marcus, where they each share their unique perspectives on developing true confidence. After listening, you'll walk away with a toolbox of proven mindset shifts and practical strategies from these experts that you can start applying to your life immediately to transform your self-belief. In this week’s mashup: Why facing your fears is crucial for building confidence:  Lori Harder (@loriharder) explains that overcoming fear was the first step she had to take to build her confidence. Whether it was fear of judgment, fear of failure, or fear of panic attacks, facing those fears head-on and moving through them allowed her to expand her comfort zone and believe in herself. Pushing past your fears helps reprogram your beliefs about what you are capable of. How to balance self-confidence with humility:  Ed Mylett (@edmylett) highlights the importance of tempering self-confidence with humility. Arrogance and ego can be confidence killers. Staying humble, curious, and open to learning helps sustain confidence in the long run. According to Ed, surrounding yourself with people who "live at higher temperatures" in areas where you want to grow is key. How to program your mind for confidence: Ed Mylett details how adversity in childhood shaped his ability to read people and make them feel good - superpowers that built his confidence. He gives specific tips for reprogramming your RAS (reticular activating system) to boost self-belief. Mastering your mental patterns is key to unlocking confidence. The reason behind testing yourself:  Aubrey Marcus (@aubreymarcus) explains that putting yourself in challenging situations expands your capacity and builds confidence. It reveals your edges and exposes your weaknesses so you can grow. Things like cold plunges, intense workouts, and vulnerability in relationships build emotional resilience. Progress requires some discomfort - stay committed. The truth about open relationships and confidence:  Aubrey Marcus shares how his open relationship forced him to confront his need for external validation. His confidence took a hit initially. But it ultimately freed him from needing others' approval and helped him rely on his self-worth. Open relationships build confidence through extreme emotional training. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rebecca Zung (@rebeccazung) has been recognized as one of the Best Lawyers in America by U.S. News and is a globally recognized expert on negotiating with narcissists, with over 35 million views on YouTube in just two years. Rebecca created the SLAY® Negotiation Method and is the author of the upcoming book SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win, which features a foreword by Chris Voss. She has also written two bestselling books: Negotiate Like You M.A.T.T.E.R.: The Sure Fire Method to Step Up and Win, with a foreword by Robert Shapiro, and Breaking Free: A Step-by-Step Divorce Guide for Achieving Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual Freedom. Rebecca is frequently called upon to provide her perspective in media outlets, including Extra, Forbes, Huffington Post, Newsweek, Time, Dr. Drew, and Ed Mylett’s Podcast.  Her podcast, Negotiate Your Best Life, is ranked in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally. Along with In-N-Out Burger owner Lynsi Snyder Ellingson, Rebecca founded Slay Legal Aid, a 501c3 that provides legal aid to those in need. What Travis and Rebecca discussed: Why Consistency is Key: Rebecca explains that it took her around 10 years of consistently speaking at networking events, publishing articles, and building her brand before she reached a point where she no longer had to market her law practice actively. This shows the importance of sticking with marketing and branding efforts over the long haul rather than giving up after just a few attempts. How to Leverage Relationships: Rebecca highlights how key relationships, like the one with her best friend who encouraged her and the woman who gave her an existing law practice, were pivotal moments that helped propel her forward.  The Reason Behind Rebecca's Pivot: After building a very successful law practice, Rebecca explains she merged it with others because she was burnt out. This shows that even when something is going well, don't be afraid to make a change if it no longer aligns with your passion and purpose. Why Negotiating with a Narcissist is Challenging: Rebecca explains that narcissists see things as black and white, and their goal is often not just to win but to make the other person lose. She notes that trying to negotiate with a narcissist rationally typically doesn't work because they are focused on their own self-interest and "narcissistic supply." Rebecca suggests figuring out what matters most to the narcissist and using that as leverage when negotiating. How to Turn Setbacks into Opportunities: When a business partnership went south, Rebecca used it as motivation to double down on her strengths. She refined her negotiation program, embraced online marketing, and ultimately built a thriving business that allowed her to make a bigger impact. If you want to learn tactical strategies for achieving your biggest goals, listen to this podcast episode featuring lawyer-turned-entrepreneur Rebecca Zung. You'll discover how her grit and ability to turn setbacks into opportunities ultimately led to the thriving business she has today. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Freestyle Friday episode of Travis Makes Friends, I'm talking all about my recent comedy show experiences and how they got me thinking about developing a thicker skin. I discuss the value of free speech and being exposed to controversial opinions and humor we might disagree with. I believe it can actually help us mature and have more thoughtful, open conversations if we don't get so easily offended. I stress the importance of taking personal responsibility for our own reactions rather than trying to control what others say. I also examine why offensive things can get such a visceral reaction from us and how that reveals more about our own beliefs than anything else. I end by emphasizing that to find community and camaraderie, we have to be willing to interact with all different kinds of people, even "assholes." It's an insightful episode about the personal growth that comes from free speech and the risks required to make meaningful connections. In this episode: How comedy helps develop maturity and thicker skin: By being exposed to different perspectives and ideas, even controversial ones, we learn not to be so easily offended. This helps us have more open conversations. Why free speech is important: Interacting with different ideas, even incorrect ones, helps us determine what is actually correct. Trying to silence others just breeds anger and won't work. We can't control others, only ourselves. The importance of personal responsibility: We are responsible for our own reactions and feelings, not others. If something offends us, it's on us to mature and develop thicker skin. The reason behind visceral reaction: When we have strong gut reactions to something offensive, it's a sign we need to examine our own beliefs and morals, not try to control others. Paying the "asshole tax" to make connections: To build relationships and find community, we have to accept the risk of encountering some "assholes." It's a tax we pay for the reward of meaningful bonds. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nikki Howard (@nikki_howard) is a comedian, actress, and content creator based in Los Angeles. Originally from Florida, Nikki moved to LA to pursue her passion for comedy and acting after honing her comedic voice and observational style. Though told she "doesn't look funny," Nikki persisted in developing her own voice and comedic style, embracing absurd and irreverent humor. She began creating original sketch videos with collaborators, eventually starting her own YouTube channel which grew an organic following. Nikki continues to create hilarious videos with comedy partners like Brent Pella on The Brent & Nikki Show while also co-hosting the podcast Sorry Mom with her friend Kristina Denton. She has amassed a large following on Instagram and other platforms. What Travis and Nikki discussed: How to Develop a Unique Comedic Voice: Nikki Howard explained the importance of developing your own comedic style and voice rather than trying to fit a mold of what others think is "funny." She focused on observational comedy drawn from her own experiences and perspectives rather than striving for mass appeal. Why Persistence is Vital for Comedians: Nikki emphasized the need for persistence and resilience in the face of rejection as a comedian. She pushed forward with creating her own content despite being told she "doesn't look funny." Her persistence paid off as her YouTube channel grew an audience organically. The Importance of Making Your Own Opportunities: Rather than wait for roles or auditions, Nikki took control of her career by creating her own comedic content. She discussed the importance of betting on yourself and creating your own opportunities instead of waiting for a big break. How to Balance Improving Your Craft and Making Connections: Nikki and the host discussed the nuances between developing skills ("what you know") and relationships ("who you know"). Nikki highlighted the importance of focusing on improving comedic abilities as well as networking and making connections. Why Human Connections Are Key to Happiness: Nikki emphasized forming genuine human connections is vital for fulfillment, even with a successful career. She discussed making an effort to have new experiences, meet new people, and prioritize relationships despite being introverted. Nikki’s brand of observational humor reflects her unique worldview shaped by her journey from community theater kid to trading the runways of New York for honing her act in LA. Nikki dishes on developing her own voice, betting on herself to create opportunities instead of waiting for a big break, and the importance of bringing levity to the full spectrum of human experiences. You'll hear how she embraced creating original content despite being told she doesn’t “look funny.” Nikki brings plenty of laughs while keeping it real about rejection, relationships, and her introverted nature. If you crave comedy served up authentically with heart, you don't want to miss Nikki Howard on this episode. She's proof rejection and risk-taking on the road less traveled can pave the way for hilarious rewarding success. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Fenster(@fensterjeff), an entrepreneurial dynamo, Fenster firmly believes in the power of enjoyment in building successful ventures.  He is intensely committed to nurturing groundbreaking start-ups that showcase both vertical integration and revenue-stimulating innovation, alongside developing highly capable leadership teams to catalyze the growth of thriving brands. As a trailblazer in the quick-serve restaurant industry, Fenster founded Everbowl, a rapidly burgeoning superfood brand rooted in Southern California, back in 2016. Everbowl is now nationally renowned as an ascendant force within the sector, democratizing access to affordable, healthy superfoods for all. With a steadily expanding network of retail outlets in Southern California and Arizona, Fenster is the driving force behind Everbowl's extraordinary growth, with ambitions to proliferate the brand on a nationwide scale via both retail and superfood-infused Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) products.  Jeff recently launched his new podcast show called The Jeff Fenster Show, where he interviews the most successful athletes, entrepreneurs, and celebrities, like Drew Brees, Dan Fleshman, and David Meltzer, to decode and reverse engineer their success formulas. In today’s mashup, we feature clips from Jeff with Tim Gover, Drew Brees, and our own Travis Chappell: Create your own balance; don't find it; instead of seeking perfect balance, focus on purposefully tilting your priorities when needed. Be comfortable being out of balance for periods of time. Do your best, don't just try your best; giving maximum effort is more important than just trying. Don't leave yourself an excuse in case you come up short. Learn every job and skill you can, experiencing diverse roles, even less desirable ones, to develop well-rounded skills and traits. All contribute to becoming the professional you strive to be Build relationships, not transactions; the importance of building long-term, value-driven relationships with customers rather than focusing solely on one-time transactions. This allows for recurring business and referrals. Identify problems, then creatively solve them. Instead of accepting problems at face value, take time to re-evaluate the root of the issue and determine if there is an unconventional solution. Fenster did this by building a construction company to solve the high restaurant build-out costs. Everyone is in sales; no matter your role, you have to "sell" yourself, your ideas, and your value. Developing sales skills allows you to generate revenue. If you want to learn directly from elite performers like Drew Brees, Tim Grover, and Jeff Fenster, be sure to check out this episode featuring clips from Jeff's new show. You'll get insights on sales, balance, problem-solving, putting in maximum effort, and continually developing your skills. Jeff has a knack for drawing out the best advice from his world-class guests. Tune into The Jeff Fenster Show on your favorite podcast platform, subscribe, leave a review, and let Jeff know you discovered him through this episode. You won't regret getting mentored by these ultra-successful athletes, coaches, and entrepreneurs. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dane Cook (@danecook) is a renowned stand-up comedian and actor famous for his high-energy observational comedy. Born in 1972 in Boston, Massachusetts, Cook began performing in the late 1990s and quickly built a dedicated fanbase through the internet and social media. His flair for dark humor led to several successful comedy albums, including 2006's "Retaliation," which was the highest-charting comedy album in 28 years. As a stand-up, Cook has headlined massive arenas like Madison Square Garden and The TD Garden in his hometown of Boston. His 2006 HBO special "Vicious Circle" and 2009 Comedy Central special "Isolated Incident" showcased his talents to wider audiences. Cook has also found success as an actor, appearing in films like "Employee of the Month," "Dan in Real Life," and providing the voice of Dusty in the animated "Planes" movies. Though sometimes controversial, Cook's comedic talents and business savvy have made him one of the most recognizable American comedians of the 2000s. Dane is currently promoting his new special “Above It All” on the “Perfectly Shattered Tour” What Travis and Dane discussed: – The importance of gratitude - Dane emphasized practicing gratitude, even in difficult moments. Why? Because gratitude helps provide perspective and appreciation for the present. It reminds you that life is a "lottery pick" and to be grateful for what you have. – How to get through tough times - When you're at rock bottom, take a walk somewhere new and get different sights and sounds. This provides oxygen to your brain. Start implementing positive affirmations and self-reflection. Realize you're not defined by your current environment. – The reason behind his sobriety - A friend wisely told Dane when they were young that Dane didn't need alcohol to fit in, but that the friend did. This impacted Dane to stay sober so he could focus more seriously on comedy. – The truth about success - Massive success can be extremely lonely with few who understand your experience. It doesn't automatically bring happiness. You have to do the personal work to grow into your success. – Why he self-distributes his content - Dane talked about the importance of owning your IP as an artist. He enjoys self-distributing specials because he maintains control without anyone impeding the creative process. Whether you're striving to build a business or overcome adversity, don't miss this lively conversation where comedy legend Dane Cook taps into his extraordinary life story to share raw, thoughtful insights on achieving success, maintaining creative freedom, and nurturing personal growth. Dane's candid perspectives and humor will resonate with any listener seeking inspiration to find their own path forward. Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: – Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: – IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell – FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell – Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell – Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis shares excerpts from a recent conversation he had with Dane Cook about how comedians like Matt Rife have grown in popularity, and the importance of mentorships! Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Midweek Mashup of the Travis Makes Friends podcast, Travis talks with 3 author friends - Steve Sims, Rebecca Zung, and Dan Martell - about the pros and cons of self-publishing versus going the traditional publishing route. They share their experiences publishing books both ways and offer advice on which path may be better based on your goals. In this midweek mashup, you’ll find: Why Steve Sims, author of Bluefishing and Go For Stupid, now prefers self-publishing over traditional publishing: Steve found the traditional publishing process for his first book Bluefishing draining. He wouldn't go the traditional route again since self-publishing allows more creative control. How Rebecca Zung, author of SLAY the Bully, leveraged self-publishing successfully: After a bad business experience, Rebecca wrote a book on negotiating with narcissists. She self-published and used YouTube to organically drive over 2,000 sales of her $500 online course. The truth about Dan Martell’s experience with traditional publishing: Dan went the traditional publishing route for Buy Back Your Time, for credibility but wishes he could have maintained more creative control and flexibility. The importance of considering your goals in choosing between self and traditional publishing: If earning money is the priority, self-publishing likely makes more sense. If credibility is more important, traditional may be better. How to drive traffic and sales for a self-published book: Self-publishing requires more work for marketing and selling your book. Strategies like YouTube videos and email sequences can generate organic traffic. If you are considering writing a book, be sure to listen to this episode to hear first-hand experiences on the pros and cons of self-publishing versus going the traditional publishing route.  Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Fleyshman's (@danfleyshman) remarkable journey as a serial entrepreneur and investor began at age 19. After licensing his apparel for $9.5 million, he became the youngest founder of a publicly traded company. But Fleyshman was just getting started. He scaled his energy drink into 55,000 stores and launched a top global online poker site. Beyond his own ventures, Fleyshman makes an impact as an investor, speaker, and philanthropist. He has invested in 43 companies, spoken at over 250 events, and started a charity providing homeless care packages. Currently, he hosts a chart-topping business podcast, The Money Mondays. Fleyshman's latest endeavor is the ASPIRE Tour, With an impressive roster of celebrity and business speakers, the ASPIRE Tour provides invaluable insights for aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs alike. ASPIRE Tour has an impressive track record and boasts an incredible lineup of powerhouse speakers, making it an irresistible opportunity for aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike.  By the end of 2024, 60,000 more entrepreneurs are expected to be part of the ASPIRE Tour community and benefit from its valuable insights and tools to fuel their success by learning from celebrities, athletes, and business moguls.  What Travis and Dan discussed: How Dan recently merged his Elevator events company with Aspire Tour to create a powerhouse events business. With his small "ninja" team that was doing $27 million in events merging with Aspire's large existing business doing $72 million, they now have the scale and infrastructure to host events ranging from free to $100k masterminds.  How to evaluate startup investments: Dan looks first at the founder and their ability to stick through ups and downs. He wants to see that people care about the product and vote with their wallets by buying it. He prefers companies doing at least $2 million in sales to reduce risk. Dan's core value of doing what he says he will: Dan attributes his success to always following through on commitments, whether it's showing up for a podcast or making an intro. Compounding thousands of small actions over decades builds expansive relationships. Why Bitcoin is inevitable: Dan explains how the finite supply of Bitcoin (potentially only 10-15 million left accessible) coupled with increasing mainstream adoption makes its future appreciation inevitable. He emphasizes thinking long-term - while volatile today, in 10-20 years Bitcoin has consistently gone up year after year. Why Dan finally started a podcast: After waiting years, Dan launched his podcast in an RV to stand out. He's obsessed with it succeeding because the feedback from people taking his advice cements the relationship. Podcasting is a machine gun of trust and authority.  Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis dives deep into a thought-provoking study that has the potential to reshape how you view happiness and relationships. Join him on this captivating journey as he explores an incredible 80-year study conducted by Harvard, uncovering the secrets to leading a happy and fulfilling life. Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Krauss (@iegroupnyc) is an entrepreneur, event producer, influencer marketer and man of many talents. Over the past 20 years, he has curated exclusive experiences for celebrities, executed high-profile parties and charity events, and forged connections with some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and business. Jeff's passion lies in bringing people together and creating memorable moments. Whether it's producing a celebrity's birthday dinner, organizing an afterparty for a major concert, or coordinating interactive virtual events, he pours thought and care into every detail. His events are known for their unique touches, from live sketch artists to casino games to one-of-a-kind entertainment. Beyond his impressive roster of A-list clients and glamorous projects, Jeff is deeply devoted to giving back. He has leveraged his platform and relationships to raise significant funds for charitable causes. A standout example was an event featuring WWE Superstar Big Show which led to two wrestling championship belts being donated to a sick child. Jeff Krauss has mastered the delicate balancing act required to manage different personalities and egos. His reputation for integrity and discretion has earned him the trust of celebrities, their families, and their teams over the years. He has a gift for bringing out the best in any venue and making sure his clients leave happy. When he's not coordinating unforgettable events, Jeff is working to spread more positivity in the world. He is a connector at heart who thrives on putting smiles on people's faces. What Travis and Jeff discussed: How to Build Relationships Through Shared Interests: Don't focus only on what someone can do for you. Find common ground through genuine shared interests and values. This creates deeper, more meaningful connections. The Importance of Persistence Over Time: A "no" today doesn't mean "no" forever. Be patient and stay on people's radar. The right opportunity to connect may come years later. Curating Unique Event Experiences: It's not just about celebrity appearances. Create memorable events by incorporating distinctive elements like live artists, interactive entertainment, specialty cuisine, etc. Managing Different Personalities and Egos: Navigating celebrity teams requires compromising and finding middle ground. Be flexible but stand firm when needed. Earn trust over time. Giving Back Creates Goodwill: Helping others through charity work and community service generates enormous goodwill. It leads to unexpected rewards, referrals and new relationships. Listen to the episode now to hear more of Jeff's stories and advice straight from one of the industry's top connectors. You'll come away with actionable strategies to help you network more effectively and bring more value to your own events and interactions. Don't miss this chance to learn from someone who has mastered the art and science of creating connections. Tune into the latest Travis Makes Friends episode with Jeff Krauss now! Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis16 Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don`t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts an Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hala Taha (@yapwithhala)is the acclaimed host of the top-ranked "Young and Profiting Podcast" in the Education category and the dynamic CEO of YAP Media, a premier social media and podcast marketing firm. Her journey in the media world began during her college years, producing for HOT97's "The Angie Martinez Show.” Venturing into digital media, Hala founded "The Sorority of Hip Hop," an entertainment news platform, leading a robust team of 50 female bloggers. As the digital media landscape evolved, Hala transitioned to pursue an MBA, amassing 7 years of strategic marketing expertise at renowned firms like HP and Disney Streaming Services. What began as a passion project, the Young and Profiting Podcast and YAP Media, has flourished into a powerhouse business with a roster of elite clients and a team of over 40 professionals. What Travis and Hala discussed: Why persistence and consistency are so important: Hala faced many rejections and setbacks early on in her career, but she persisted and kept trying new opportunities while honing her skills. Her consistency with working on her podcast for 2 years before it took off demonstrates why perseverance pays off. How developing a wide range of transferable skills enabled her success: By building diverse skills like audio editing, marketing, design, and motivating teams, Hala prepared herself to start and grow businesses more easily later on. This demonstrates how having versatile abilities can unlock opportunities. The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people: Hala highlights how crucial it is to find mentors who see your potential and believe in you even when others don't. Her father always backed her up, showing the tremendous impact advocates can have. Why solving rich people’s problems results in higher pay: By charging high prices to clients like CEOs and celebrities, Hala earned significant fees because the value they receive can justify much higher rates than servicing average customers. This shows the power of serving those with money. How capitalizing on opportunities and learning from failures enables growth: Even though Hala didn't succeed at every opportunity, she gained experience each time that she could apply later. She stresses the importance of continuing to put yourself out there to create breakthroughs. Hala Taha turned her passion into profits through sheer hustle and persistence, and her story provides a masterclass in business building for any entrepreneur. If you want to learn how to grow an audience, monetize your content, and scale your platform like Hala did, head to yapmedia.io and connect with her elite team. Don't let anything stop you from achieving your biggest goals—it’s time to silence the doubters, follow Hala’s blueprint, and start profitable projects that allow you to do work you love. Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis16 Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don`t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts an Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special Offer for Travis Makes Friends Listeners: Get 16 free meals with the Hello Fresh discount code hellofresh.com/travis Don’t forget to subscribe to our Youtube Channel, @travismakesfriends Follow Travis on: IG 👉🏻 instagram.com/travischappell FB 👉🏻 facebook.com/traviscchappell Twitter 👉🏻 twitter.com/traviscchappell Pinterest 👉🏻 pinterest.com/travischappellpod  Subscribe to Travis Makes Friends on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star rating! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices