CREATOR: The Podcast

Chelsea Yamase (@chelseakauai) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share her journey from shy Hawaiian surfer to million-follower creator. Host Ross Borden explores Chelsea's 11 trips to Indonesia and her philosophy of prioritizing raw, authentic experiences over Instagram-perfect locations. Chelsea dives into growing up in Hawaii and how she learned to free dive at a later age. She offers candid insights about earning 80% of her income through quality brand partnerships over quantity, organizing epic women's adventure retreats from Patagonia to the Galapagos, and why she recently put everything in storage to search the world for a new place to call home. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in conscious tourism, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building an authentic creative career while grappling with your impact on the places you love. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Chelsea Yamase  01:14 - Living in Bali and Upcoming Scooter Adventure  02:06 - Exploring Lesser-Known Indonesian Islands  04:05 - Philosophy on Travel and Authentic Experiences  05:41 - Balancing Tourism Recognition vs. Protecting Places  09:33 - Growing Up in Hawaii  11:28 - Free Diving Journey and Underwater Passion  14:35 - Travel as a Path to Mindfulness  16:19 - Social Media, Mental Health, and Inspiring Young Women  19:09 - My Soul Track App and Affirmations  20:49 - Business of Being a Creator  23:55 - Running Retreats and In-Person Events  26:14 - Three Countries Passport Question  30:38 - Leaving LA and Searching for Home  32:38 - US Culture vs. European Lifestyle  35:39 - Community and Third Spaces  36:07 - Closing Thoughts

In this special year-end episode, we revisit the biggest lessons from CREATOR: The Podcast's most impactful conversations of 2025. Ross curates wisdom from five groundbreaking creators who've cracked the code on building massive audiences and sustainable careers. Adventure photographer Chris Burkard (@chrisburkard) explains his counterintuitive strategy of freely sharing his best work to create more opportunities, proving that exposure truly is a long-term strategy. Lifestyle creator Rene Daniella’s (@ownbyfemme) reveals how one cold pitch email to Google—found through a press release—turned into a two-year partnership including trips to Coachella and Puerto Rico. Diving creator Shane Brown (@shangerdanger) shares how one viral short about cracking an egg underwater generated over 400 million views and earned him a million subscribers from a single video. TV host Oneika Raymond (@oneikaraymond) discusses why 99% of her work is now inbound and how being genuinely easy to work with has created multi-year brand partnerships. And former Corporate VP Timm Chiusano (@timmchiusano) offers the brand perspective, explaining why authentic storytelling beats checkbox briefs every time. Whether you're grinding toward your first thousand followers or scaling to millions, this episode distills the essential strategies you need heading into 2026. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction: Year-End Roundup 00:53 - Chris Burkard: Exposure as Strategy 06:03 - Renee Daniella: The Power of Cold Pitching 11:36 - Shane Brown: From 10K to 7M Subscribers 17:33 - Oneika Raymond: Building Long-Term Partnerships 23:09 - Timm Chiusano: Making Brand Deals That Matter 28:49 - Closing: Strategy, Persistence & Staying Ahead

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Luke “Sailing Songbird” Hartley as an encore presentation - originally published February 25th, 2025. Solo World Sailor and Viral Creator Luke "Sailing Songbird" Hartley (@sailing_songbird) shares his remarkable journey from quitting his job as a middle school music teacher to sailing solo around the world on a 27-foot sailboat. In today's episode of CREATOR: the Podcast, we explore how Luke went from zero sailing experience to sailing solo around the world, learning everything through YouTube before embarking on his global circumnavigation. Luke reveals how his social media exploded from 300 to 100,000 followers in just five days - now sitting at around 2M, his content creation process while navigating remote waters, and surviving a 49-day Pacific crossing with no engine or communications. Discover how he’s producing long-form content for his YouTube channel, manages extreme isolation while maintaining a positive mindset, and turns his adventures into compelling content. Whether you're interested in adventure travel content, sailing vlogs, or building an authentic social media presence, Luke's insights on transforming a personal journey into viral videos offers valuable lessons for creators looking to document unconventional lifestyles. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Luke "Sailing Songbird" Hartley  02:05 From music teacher to sailing around the world  03:38 Learning to sail from YouTube videos  05:37 Quitting his job and buying a boat  07:10 Family reactions to his global sailing plans  09:32 Safety in the middle of the Pacific Ocean  12:13 Paddleboarding 1,000 miles from land  15:17 Sailing without an engine across the Pacific  17:29 Going from 300 to 100,000 followers in 5 days  19:07 Losing communication for 30 days at sea  21:51 Impact of his content on viewers' lives  23:51 Maintaining positivity through challenges  25:25 Content creation setup on a small sailboat  27:39 Overcoming creator's block and mental health  30:15 Life at sea: fishing and catching mahi-mahi  32:11 Preserving eggs with Vaseline for long voyages  34:37 Brand partnerships and monetization challenges  36:43 Future sailing plans and five-year itinerary  40:17 Favorite destinations: French Polynesia and beyond  42:56 Living off spearfished mahi for a month 44:21 Where to find Luke online

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Jessica Nabongo as an encore presentation - originally published March 25th, 2025.  Content Creator and Travel Expert Jessica Nabongo (@jessicanabongo) joins CREATOR: the Podcast to discuss her journey as the first Black woman to visit every country in the world. She explains how reading about another traveler's global journey in 2017 inspired her to undertake her own mission to visit all 195 countries—completing it just months before the pandemic hit in 2019. Jessica offers a candid look at how she funded her travels without major brand partnerships, and the challenges of reaching remote destinations in the South Pacific and Central Africa. The conversation explores her evolution as a creator and entrepreneur: from launching a luxury travel agency to publishing with National Geographic, having her photography displayed at Christie's, and developing successful partnerships with major brands like Four Seasons and Expedia. Jessica also reveals her upcoming projects, including a new cookbook featuring one recipe from every country in the world, and shares honest advice about authenticity, financial management, and airline loyalty for aspiring travel creators. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Jessica Nabongo: First Black Woman to visit every country 02:15 - Jessica's origin story: Growing up in Detroit with Ugandan parents 03:43 - Moving to Japan at age 23 05:38 - Learning Japanese and living as an expat 06:50 - Starting "The Catch Me If You Can" blog 08:44 - Following life's opportunities: Benin, Rome, and DC 09:22 - The decision to visit every country in the world 11:04 - The world of "country counting" and extreme travelers 12:35 - Strategy for visiting remaining countries 14:52 - The Seychelles: Jessica's final country celebration 16:47 - Post-journey: Media attention and the Nat Geo book deal 18:23 - Funding the journey: Working vs. brand partnerships 21:06 - Writing a book with National Geographic 24:27 - Highlighting underrepresented countries in her book 26:28 - Jessica's photography at Christie's auction house 28:37 - Recent brand partnerships: Four Seasons, Cadillac, and more 30:39 - Speaking engagements around the world 32:48 - Most lucrative aspects of Jessica's creator career 34:13 - Advice for aspiring travel creators: Find your "why" 36:33 - Jessica's new cookbook: "Catch Me in the Kitchen" 37:52 - Food origins and cultural identity through cuisine 39:19 - Jessica's top three countries if limited to only three 41:09 - Where to follow Jessica online

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Wade Holland & Abby Wren as an encore presentation - originally published July 29th, 2025.  Wade Holland (@wadeholland) and Abby Wren (@abbywrenartistry), the adventure-art duo behind Wrenegade Media (@wrenegademedia), join CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss revolutionizing brand partnerships through collaborative creativity. As two creators with experience on the agency side, Wade and Abby reveal how brands can elevate their content and the common mistakes they see brands make that waters down good creative. Host Ross Borden explores their journey from individual creators to founding a creative agency, diving into Abby's transformation from behind-the-scenes makeup artist to viral face-painting activist, and Wade's evolution from adventure host to creative director. Whether you're a creator looking to scale beyond individual channels or simply interested in authentic storytelling that drives social impact, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building purpose-driven content that cuts through digital noise. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Abby Wren and Wade Holland 01:52 - Living in the Sonoran Desert 03:25 - The Love Story: How Wade and Abby Met 08:54 - Abby's Journey with Alopecia and Makeup Artistry 11:50 - Becoming a Professional Makeup Artist 14:38 - Using Art for Alopecia Awareness 16:37 - Building Renegade Creative Agency 18:22 - Partnership with GoPro Mountain Games 19:58 - Advice to Brands on Creative Campaigns 21:24 - Taking Creative Risks and Failing Fast 25:53 - The Challenge of Brand Approval Processes 27:28 - Less Cooks in the Kitchen Philosophy 28:24 - Closing and Future Plans

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Cole Walliser as an encore presentation - originally published February 11th, 2025.  Director and Content Creator Cole Walliser (@colewalliser) has captivated millions with his iconic GlamBOT videos and behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood's biggest moments. In today's episode of CREATOR: the Podcast, we explore how this self-taught filmmaker went from making DIY videos in Vancouver to becoming one of entertainment's most influential creators with over 20 million followers across platforms. Cole shares his unconventional path to success, from editing dance reels for $250 to shooting global superstars like P!nk and Katy Perry, and transforming red carpet coverage with his work directing celebrities for GlamBOT. Learn how he built multiple revenue streams through directing, hosting, and brand partnerships, his approach to navigating Hollywood's traditional and digital landscapes, and why he chooses to focus on narrative storytelling despite his social media success. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, content creator, or digital entrepreneur, Cole's insights on building a multi-faceted entertainment career, managing brand relationships, and staying true to your creative vision will help you navigate the evolving world of digital content creation and traditional media. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 0:00 - Introduction to Cole Walliser 1:17 - Cole's Background and Early Career 2:15 - Getting Started with Video at Age 15 3:08 - Moving to LA and Starting Out 4:03 - DIY Filmmaking Approach 5:01 - Early Connections Through Dance Community 6:11 - Big Breaks: Miley Cyrus and Pink 8:14 - The "Fake Out" vs. Real Big Break 10:13 - Working for Free: When It Makes Sense 11:07 - Current Business: Director, Host, and Creator 13:07 - Samsung's "Exposure" Show on Hulu 14:38 - The Glam Bot Story 17:53 - Negotiating Content Rights with E! 20:40 - Favorite Celebrity Glam Bot Moments 22:51 - What Pays the Bills: Brand Partnerships 25:00 - Triple Threat: Director, Talent, and Distribution 26:28 - Moving into Narrative Filmmaking 29:26 - The Process of Making Indie Films 31:21 - Film Festival Strategy 34:02 - Advice on Getting Representation 38:10 - Common Misconceptions About Agents 40:03 - Finding Brand Deals: Spec Work Strategy 42:25 - The Importance of Reels 44:01 - Building Your Team 45:16 - New Business Venture: Coffee Company 48:18 - Memorable Travel Projects 50:13 - Three Country Question: Canada, US, Italy 51:15 - Closing Thoughts

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Gareth Leonard as an encore presentation - originally published March 18th, 2025.  Travel YouTuber and Content Creator Gareth Leonard (@GarethLeonard) shares his remarkable journey from quitting his job with just $5,000 to becoming a successful travel creator with 700,000+ YouTube subscribers. In today's episode of CREATOR: the Podcast, we explore how Gareth went from living in Argentina as a bartender who "kept getting fired but showing up anyway" to building a thriving multi-channel content business. Ross and Gareth discuss how he started as an "OG travel blogger" in 2009 with the mission to live in Argentina for a year, focusing on genuine cultural immersion rather than country-counting. Gareth reveals his early monetization strategies selling banner ads and text links, his five-year plan living in countries like Colombia, Bolivia, and Guatemala, and his transition from written blogs to video content. Learn about the business side of travel content creation, including YouTube revenue differences across global markets, his multi-channel strategy with his main YouTube channel versus his food YouTube channel Gareth Eats, and how he's repurposing years of archive footage for short-form content. Gareth also discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while scaling a travel brand, the financial realities of social media monetization, and why he prefers self-publishing over traditional TV deals. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or interested in the business of content creation, Gareth's insights on balancing authentic storytelling with strategic growth offer valuable lessons for turning travel passion into a sustainable career. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Gareth Leonard 01:30 - First meeting in Toronto and the beginning of a friendship 03:16 - Origin story: From Tourist to Townie blog in 2009 04:55 - First year in Argentina: Learning Spanish and bartending 07:08 - Building an authentic travel brand through vulnerability 09:53 - Documenting the journey for friends and family back home 11:53 - The difference between Instagram travel and YouTube authenticity 13:17 - Early monetization: From banner ads to tour partnerships 16:12 - The five-year plan: Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, and Brazil 18:57 - The evolution from blogging to video content 20:49 - The Brazil tourism board deal: Filming all 13 World Cup cities 22:58 - Building a YouTube channel to 700,000 subscribers 26:41 - Balancing authentic storytelling vs algorithmic content 28:51 - Creating Gareth Eats: A strategic second channel for consistent revenue 31:08 - YouTube monetization: The benefits of high CPM US-based content 33:18 - Comparing revenue models across platforms: Why YouTube wins 35:40 - Content strategy: Reposting and maximizing your video library 37:57 - The challenges with social media scheduling platforms 39:23 - Current content plan: Day in the Life series and local San Diego food 41:35 - Why major streaming platforms aren't always worth pursuing 44:07 - Passport question: Choosing three countries for life (US, Japan, Portugal) 44:51 - Why Bhutan is Gareth's favorite travel destination

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Bryn Elise as an encore presentation - originally published June 3rd, 2025. Bryn Elise (@bryn.elise), a pioneering health and beauty tourism content creator, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss how medical tourism is revolutionizing healthcare accessibility. In this episode, Bryn shares her journey from getting a $25 tattoo in Colombia to building a platform that's garnered over 100 million views, including her viral Turkey hospital experience where she received a comprehensive health checkup for just $810 that would cost $10,000+ in America. Host Ross Borden explores Bryn's evolution from side-hustle content creator to medical tourism expert, diving into the shocking price disparities in global healthcare, the quality of international medical facilities, and the launch of her new venture awaymore.com. Bryn offers behind-the-scenes insights about vetting international clinics and turning down lucrative sponsorships to maintain content integrity, plus practical advice on how listeners can combine medical needs with dream vacations. Whether you're frustrated with healthcare costs or simply interested in maximizing travel value, this conversation delivers an eye-opening perspective on accessing world-class healthcare while actually saving money. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Bryn Elise 01:05 - Platform Overview: Health & Beauty Tourism 02:25 - Origin Story: From Side Hustles to Medical Tourism 03:57 - Hair Extensions in Turkey: The $4,000 vs $500 Story 05:24 - Why Turkey Excels at Hair Treatments 07:23 - The Viral Hospital Video: Full Body Checkup in Turkey 09:45 - Getting Permission to Film at Turkish Hospital 11:28 - Walking Through the Complete Medical Checkup 13:19 - Cost Comparison: $810 vs $10,000+ in the US 14:11 - Going Mega Viral: 30+ Million Views 17:05 - Why US Healthcare is Broken 18:55 - Country Specializations for Medical Tourism 21:24 - Launching WayMore.com: The New Platform 22:20 - Dermatology and AI Skin Scans in London 25:49 - Beauty Tourism: From Hair to Plastic Surgery 28:35 - Building a Creator Business 31:07 - Life as Full-Time Digital Nomads 32:39 - Top Countries for Medical Tourism 34:18 - Cost Comparisons: IVF and Dental Work 37:57 - Living Without US Health Insurance 39:22 - Where to Find Bryn Online 39:48 - Three-Country Passport Question 40:10 - Closing & Credits

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Luke Tarrant as an encore presentation - originally published April 29th, 2025. Motorcycle adventurer turned unexpected social media star Luke Tarrant (@luke_tarrant) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss how a catastrophic accident changed his life forever. In this compelling episode, Luke shares his harrowing experience of a life-altering motorcycle crash in Colombia that led to the amputation of his leg and a battle with sepsis that nearly killed him. Host Ross Borden explores Luke's journey from his early motorcycle travels through Vietnam and Southeast Asia to his ambitious Texas-to-Antarctica trip that was interrupted by tragedy. The conversation delves into Luke's unexpected rise to social media fame after his father posted an update video that garnered millions of views, his experiences navigating Colombia's healthcare system during a crisis, and his resilient plans to eventually complete his interrupted journey. Luke offers a refreshingly positive perspective on his new reality, stating "I don't view myself as really any different to before. I just happen to not have a leg." Whether you're an adventure traveler or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation delivers a powerful testament to human resilience and finding purpose in life's unexpected turns. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Luke Tarrant 01:50 Pre-Accident Travel Experience 05:00 Luke's Travel Philosophy and Content Approach 07:52 The Americas Trip Before the Accident 13:13 Venezuela Travel Experience 15:18 The Motorcycle Crash 18:05 The Hospital Experience in Colombia 21:06 The Ambulance Journey to Medellín 24:43 The Battle with Sepsis 28:57 Going Viral During Recovery 31:13 Adjusting to a New Reality 34:00 Life After the Accident 38:17 Finding Purpose in New Opportunities 40:24 Future Plans and Projects 43:50 Facing Fears and Moving Forward

Chelsea Yamase (@chelseakauai) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share her journey from shy Hawaiian surfer to million-follower creator. Host Ross Borden explores Chelsea's 11 trips to Indonesia and her philosophy of prioritizing raw, authentic experiences over Instagram-perfect locations. Chelsea dives into growing up in Hawaii and how she learned to free dive at a later age. She offers candid insights about earning 80% of her income through quality brand partnerships over quantity, organizing epic women's adventure retreats from Patagonia to the Galapagos, and why she recently put everything in storage to search the world for a new place to call home. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in conscious tourism, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building an authentic creative career while grappling with your impact on the places you love. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Chelsea Yamase  01:14 - Living in Bali and Upcoming Scooter Adventure  02:06 - Exploring Lesser-Known Indonesian Islands  04:05 - Philosophy on Travel and Authentic Experiences  05:41 - Balancing Tourism Recognition vs. Protecting Places  09:33 - Growing Up in Hawaii  11:28 - Free Diving Journey and Underwater Passion  14:35 - Travel as a Path to Mindfulness  16:19 - Social Media, Mental Health, and Inspiring Young Women  19:09 - My Soul Track App and Affirmations  20:49 - Business of Being a Creator  23:55 - Running Retreats and In-Person Events  26:14 - Three Countries Passport Question  30:38 - Leaving LA and Searching for Home  32:38 - US Culture vs. European Lifestyle  35:39 - Community and Third Spaces  36:07 - Closing Thoughts

Garrett Gee of the Bucket List Family (@thebucketlistfamily) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a travel media empire with his family as they’ve traveled to over 100 countries over the past 10 years. In this episode, Garrett shares how he sold his iPhone app Scan to Snapchat for $54 million, then made the bold decision to set that money aside and fund their world travels by selling everything they owned. Host Ross Borden explores Garrett's journey of founding the Bucket List Family brand with over 5 million followers, diving into their philosophy of traveling with the entire family, and raising "brave kids" who approach new experiences with confidence. Garrett offers behind-the-scenes insights about expanding into hospitality with private island resorts in Tonga and Canada, plus his ambitious animated cartoon project that has 30,000 investors waiting for results. Whether you're an aspiring creator, travel enthusiast, or parent wondering how to raise adventurous kids, this conversation delivers actionable insights about building authentic content businesses and living life on your own terms. 0:00 - Introduction to Garrett Gee 1:28 - Why Travel with Little Kids? 3:08 - Swimming with Killer Whales in the Sea of Cortez 9:54 - Garrett's Entrepreneurial Journey and Shark Tank 12:53 - Selling Scan App to Snapchat for $54 Million 16:07 - Starting the Bucket List Family with $45,000 18:08 - Early Brand Partnerships and Growth 22:28 - Launching the Bucket List Collection 24:13 - Building a Safari Lodge in Africa from Scratch 27:10 - Preserving Special Places as Stewards, Not Owners 29:17 - Current Properties: Tonga Island and Canada Lodge 30:56 - Creating the Bucket List Family Cartoon 34:52 - Raising $10 Million and Pitch Meetings with Distributors 38:17 - Raising Brave Kids and Teaching Inner Confidence 41:09 - Filming Family Adventures as Home Videos 43:11 - 25 Days in Antarctica 45:20 - Sleepwalking on the Bow of the Ship 46:01 - Disney/Nat Geo Book Launch at Walt Disney World 47:29 - Favorite Countries Around the World

Kira Bella (@earthkira), Founder of Kirameki and rural revitalization entrepreneur, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a cultural tourism business in the Japanese countryside. In this episode, Kira shares how she went from house-sitting cats and koi fish to becoming the third foreigner in Hiroshima Prefecture to receive a startup visa, including her journey of joining a 2,000-year-old Kagura dance team and performing in a UNESCO World Heritage rice planting festival. Host Ross Borden explores Kira's transition from traveling to 40+ countries to settling in Kita Hiroshima, diving into the challenges of language barriers in rural Japan, the art of gaining community acceptance as an outsider, and her vision for scaling cultural exchange programs across Japan. Kira offers behind-the-scenes insights about navigating Japanese business culture without formal training, plus practical advice on building authentic relationships in traditional communities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in cultural preservation, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on creating meaningful tourism that benefits local communities. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Kira Bella  02:08 - How Kira Discovered Rural Japan  03:07 - What is Kira Meki? The Vision and Mission  07:40 - Creating Unique Experiences That Didn't Exist Before  09:08 - Building a Following and Growing the Business  11:38 - From One Program a Month to Viral Success  16:21 - The Town of Kita Hiroshima: Population Decline and Revitalization  19:37 - Getting to Kita Hiroshima: Accessibility and Location  21:28 - Why Hiroshima Prefecture is a Strategic Tourism Hub  23:16 - Learning Japanese Through Immersion  26:19 - Joining a 2000-Year-Old Kagura Dance Team  29:25 - Earning Trust and Acceptance from the Community  32:49 - The Moment Kira Decided to Stay in Japan  34:45 - Navigating the Startup Visa Process  36:42 - What's Next? Scaling Kirameki Across Japan  39:54 - Working with Tourism Boards and Prefectures  41:39 - Travel Tips: Off the Beaten Path in Japan  46:48 - Closing and Where to Find Kirameki

Kevin Droniak (@kevindroniak) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the revolutionary concept of micro travel - the art of visiting international destinations for less than 24 hours. In this episode, Kevin shares how he's been to places such as Egypt, Rome, and Ireland all as day trips, never staying the night in any of them. Host Ross Borden explores Kevin's journey from creating YouTube videos with his grandma in 2012 to building nearly a million followers across platforms, diving into his budget travel hacks using Google Flights and Expedia, his upcoming one-day trip to Kenya, and how he manages both his own brand partnerships and his grandma's influencer career. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or simply interested in unconventional content creation, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning personal constraints into viral business opportunities. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Kevin Droniak 00:49 - What is Micro Travel? 03:00 - The Challenge and Excitement of Micro Travel 04:16 - Extreme Example: Egypt in One Day 05:32 - Dealing with Travel Stress and Delays 06:29 - When Things Go Wrong: Ireland Flat Tire Story 07:44 - Hour-by-Hour: Rome Day Trip Breakdown 10:34 - Finding Cheap Flights and Travel Hacks 12:54 - Brand Partnerships and T-Mobile Collaboration 13:39 - YouTube Origins with Grandma (2012) 15:08 - Self-Managing as a Creator 16:28 - How Creator Culture Has Changed Since 2012 18:05 - Next Trip: Kenya for the Day 21:40 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Kevin Online

Abubakar Finiin (@kidsofthecolony), the London creator behind the viral travel series Kids of the Colony, joins CREATOR:The Podcast to discuss how he turned BBC rejection into a huge YouTube success. In this episode, Abu shares his journey from university student to independent TV producer, including how he convinced his friends to travel to Bangladesh, Somaliland, and Morocco to explore their parents' homelands. Host Ross Borden explores Abu's unconventional approach to filmmaking, from learning camera equipment for the first time in Dhaka to creating authentic cultural exchanges through working local jobs like delivering water in Somaliland and serving tea to elders. Abu offers behind-the-scenes insights about funding episodes through regular day jobs, plus the viral TikTok moment that changed everything and brought attention from major publications like The Guardian. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply interested in authentic travel content, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building something meaningful without industry permission or experience. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Abubakar Finiin 01:14 Origin of Kids of the Colony 03:13 Choosing Countries for the Series 05:43 Why the Show Resonated Globally 07:56 Advice for Aspiring Creators 08:57 Show Format and Early Challenges 10:33 Life in Somaliland & Creating Challenges 12:51 Producing and Filming the Series 13:00 Somaliland Explained 13:40 Future of Kids of the Colony 15:24 Funding & Brand Deals 16:53 TikTok & Viral Growth 19:37 Full Circle with Networks 20:11 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Abu

Four-time Emmy award-winning host of Bare Feet, Mickela Mallozzi (@travelbarefeet) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building an international travel show through the universal language of dance. Host Ross Borden explores her journey from classically trained dancer to independent PBS producer, diving into the challenges of self-funding 8 seasons of a travel show, navigating cultural appreciation versus appropriation, and building authentic relationships with communities worldwide. Mickela offers behind-the-scenes insights about working with tourism boards and creating respectful cultural exchanges, plus practical advice on maintaining artistic integrity while securing sponsorships. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in authentic travel storytelling, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning passion into sustainable creative careers. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Mickela Mallozzi 00:28 - Host Introduction and Show Overview 01:34 - From Classical Dance to Travel Content Creation 02:39 - Dancing with Strangers: Building Connections Through Movement 04:16 - Finding Dancers: Studios vs. Street Festivals 05:56 - Making Dance Accessible Across Cultures 07:12 - 40 Countries and Returning to Favorites 08:19 - Favorite Places to Dance: New Zealand and the Haka 11:15 - Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation 15:04 - From Solo Creator to Full TV Production 15:29 - Building the Show: From Pilot to PBS 18:37 - Why PBS Was the Perfect Platform 20:26 - Impact of PBS Defunding on Independent Creators 24:11 - Self-Funding a TV Show: Sponsors and Partnerships 26:13 - PBS Advertising Rules and Brand Partnerships 27:22 - Distribution: Amazon Prime and Go Traveler 29:25 - Season 8 Preview: Maori, Taiwan, and Cuba 30:37 - Three Countries Question: Ireland, Italy, and New York 32:21 - Where to Watch and Follow Bare Feet

Rob Gerard, founder of the Tequila Collective (@the_tequilacollective), joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a multi-faceted tequila business from a pandemic hobby. Host Ross Borden explores Rob's journey from LA real estate agent to tequila scholar, diving into the hidden world of tequila additives, the difference between highland and valley agave, and why expensive doesn't always mean better. Rob offers behind-the-scenes insights about taking strangers on distillery tours in Mexico, plus he reveals how brands struggle to communicate with creators, leading him to launch a successful marketing agency. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in understanding what makes great tequila, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning authentic passion into sustainable business success. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Rob Gerard 01:30 - From Real Estate to Tequila Content Creation 03:19 - Going Viral and Building an Audience 06:15 - Understanding Tequila Additives and Quality 09:29 - Becoming a Tequila Scholar (Not Expert) 12:38 - Traveling to Mexico and Distillery Visits 13:45 - Starting Tequila Tours and Travel Experiences 18:30 - Building the Tequila Collective Business Empire 21:56 - Revenue Streams: What Actually Pays the Bills 24:47 - Tasting Session: Fortaleza and Tapatio 35:42 - Wrap Up and Final Thoughts

Lifestyle creator Rene Daniella (@ownbyfemme) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her decade-long evolution in the creator industry. In this episode, Rene shares her remarkable journey from studying in Paris to building partnerships with major brands like Google, Disney, and Hulu, including how she pitched a hair brand for her Barbados carnival trip and turned it into ongoing six-figure collaborations. Host Ross Borden explores her strategic approach to content diversification, her financial crisis moment when she had a countdown to bankruptcy, and her unique passions for freediving and Trinidad carnival culture. Rene offers candid insights about the business side of being a creator, from managing irregular income to negotiating multi-year brand deals, and defining success on your own terms. Whether you're a content creator looking to scale or someone fascinated by unconventional career paths, this conversation delivers an honest perspective on building sustainable creative businesses beyond follower counts. 00:00 - Introduction to Rene Daniella 01:27 - How Rene Started as a Content Creator (10-Year Journey) 02:32 - From Paris to Travel Content Creation 03:17 - Working with Passport Heavy and Industry Evolution 04:49 - Getting Into Free Diving 06:06 - Free Diving Certification and Breath Holding 07:15 - Swimming with Humpback Whales in French Polynesia 08:03 - Diversifying Content: From Hair to Home Decor 10:15 - Creating Content-Ready Living Spaces 12:07 - Cold Pitching Google Pixel (Success Story) 15:56 - The Art of Brand Outreach 17:43 - Follower Count vs Income Reality 19:04 - Carnival Culture and Travel Passion 21:32 - Caribbean Carnival vs Brazil Carnival 22:05 - Why Trinidad Carnival is #1 24:12 - The Hard Side: Financial Struggles as a Creator 25:56 - November 2023 Financial Crisis 27:41 - Strategy for Overcoming Slow Periods 29:25 - Home Decor Content Success and Audience Growth 31:15 - Advice for Trying New Content Niches 31:35 - Three Countries Passport Question 33:23 - Where to Find Rene Online

Multilingual travel creator Jo Franco (@jo_franco) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss being an immigrant kid who didn’t speak English to a global polyglot television host for Netflix and National Geographic. Host Ross Borden explores Jo's journey from her three-year grind of uploading consistently to YouTube while working night shifts, the moment she chose risk over a corporate salary, and her recent accomplishment of learning Dutch as her seventh language. Jo offers candid insights about the emotional toll of being a creator where "if a video fails, it's like I failed," plus her philosophy that confidence comes from putting yourself in moments of true discomfort. Whether you're a content creator looking to level up or someone fascinated by the courage required to reinvent yourself multiple times, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on turning obstacles into opportunities and never settling for "young travel will never sell." To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Jo Franco 01:30 - Getting Started: From Immigrant Kid to Content Creator 03:28 - The TV Pitch Rejection That Changed Everything 04:28 - Building Damon and Jo: Three Years of Grinding 06:11 - The Bathroom Meeting That Launched a Career 08:49 - Going Full-Time: The Leap of Faith Moment 10:30 - Building Confidence and Sales Skills as a Creator 13:13 - Language Learning: From Portuguese to Polyglot 16:06 - Tips for Learning Languages Fast 18:08 - YouTube Strategy: Playing the Long Game 20:32 - National Geographic's Big Little Italy 22:11 - Creators vs. Hollywood: The Industry Shift 24:59 - Balancing Traditional Production with Creator Content 28:12 - How the Nat Geo Opportunity Came Together 29:47 - Closing Thoughts

Magdalena Wosinska (@magdawosinskastudio), a photographer and author known for her intimate celebrity portraits and skate photography, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the evolution of her creative career over three decades. In this episode, Magda shares how growing up in communist Poland shaped her fearless approach to art, including her decision to create "The Magdalena Experience" (@themagdalenaexperience), a nude photography series that both empowers and complicates her commercial career. Host Ross Borden explores Magda's unconventional path from touring with a metal band while pursuing photography dreams to shooting major brand campaigns, and diving into her recent struggles with industry ageism. Magda offers candid advice about dealing with constant rejection, maintaining artistic integrity while paying bills, and why she believes older creatives deserve more recognition than "the new young hot thing." Whether you're navigating creative industry challenges or seeking inspiration for authentic self-expression, this conversation provides rare honesty about the unglamorous side of pursuing art as a lifelong career. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Magdalena Wosinska 01:54 From Poland to Arizona: Early Life and Immigration 02:29 Moving to LA for Skate Photography 03:52 Breaking Into Professional Photography 04:37 The Challenge of Age in Creative Industries 06:16 Assisting Photographers and Career Evolution 08:20 Advice for Photographers at Different Career Stages 11:54 Separating Commercial and Artistic Work 12:39 The Magdalena Experience: Art and Self-Expression 16:00 Creative Self-Portrait Techniques 17:24 Directing Celebrities and Portrait Photography 20:03 Portrait Photography Tips and Techniques 21:58 Street Photography Ethics and Documentation 24:12 Career-Defining Projects and Photos 25:24 Working with Joaquin Phoenix 28:43 Three Countries to Live In 29:09 Future Projects and Career Evolution

Jimena Agra (@himepaints), a Spanish oil painter with over 1 million YouTube subscribers, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a fine art career through digital platforms. In this episode, Jimena shares how she learned oil painting primarily through YouTube rather than traditional art school, including her journey from disappointment with formal art education in Madrid to creating a thriving online art business in Los Angeles. Host Ross Borden explores Jimena's path from viral cosplay content to serious oil painting, diving into her commission process, the economics of selling original artwork versus prints, and her recent gallery breakthrough with a piece called "Persephone in the Garden" at Modern Eden in San Francisco. Jimena offers behind-the-scenes insights about organizing painting retreats in Italy and France, plus practical advice on building authentic connections with followers while maintaining artistic integrity. Whether you're an aspiring artist looking to monetize your craft or simply interested in the intersection of traditional art and modern creator economy, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on forging your own creative path. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Jimena Agra 01:04 - From Spain to Los Angeles: The Artist's Journey 03:11 - Discovering Oil Painting in College 04:30 - Starting as a Creator: From Makeup to Art 06:27 - Quarter-Life Crisis and Finding Her Passion 08:10 - Digital Success vs. Traditional Galleries 09:39 - Describing Her Romantic, Impressionist Style 12:06 - The Creative Process Behind Each Painting 14:41 - Selling Original Work and Prints 16:27 - Commission Work and Client Relationships 17:52 - Revenue Sources: Brand Deals vs. Art Sales 19:23 - Building Community Through Patreon 20:40 - Painting Retreats and Travel Inspiration 23:05 - Advice for Aspiring Artists 24:28 - Where to Find Jimena Online