CREATOR: The Podcast

Mike and Anne Howard (@honeytrek), the couple behind the world's longest honeymoon, join CREATOR: The Podcast to share how they've built a successful travel brand while living nomadic for 14 years straight. What started as a 500-day honeymoon in 2012 has turned into 5,000+ days without owning a key to a house or apartment, two National Geographic books, and a thriving business focused on glamping and sustainable couple's travel. In this episode, they reveal the unglamorous reality of luxury travel and explain why their best travel memories come from the bumps in the road, not the fancy hotels. Host Ross Borden explores how they've maintained their relationship through constant travel, their partnership strategies with tourism boards and brands, and their commitment to amplifying indigenous and marginalized communities. Mike and Anne share the secret to 5,000 days without a single plastic water bottle, why Africa is much safer than people think, and their lightning round of favorite high-end and budget accommodations across six continents. For travel creators looking to build authority or couples dreaming of extended travel, this episode proves that the adventure doesn't have to end. Follow @HoneyTrek on Instagram and check out their website https://www.honeytrek.com/ and their books https://www.HoneyTrek.com/BookStore To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Mike and Anne Howard 01:38 - What is a 5,000 Day Honeymoon? 03:11 - Starting the Journey: Budget vs. Luxury 04:04 - The Honeymoons.com Partnership 06:46 - Building a Travel Creator Business 08:30 - Pushing Couples Beyond Package Resorts 10:06 - Content Creation and Brand Partnerships 13:03 - What Makes a Good Honeymoon? 15:40 - The National Geographic Book Deal 19:55 - The Power of Being Published 21:08 - Traveling Successfully as a Couple 25:28 - Underrated Couples Destinations 29:28 - Breaking Africa Misconceptions 31:34 - The Art of Spontaneous Travel 34:18 - Sustainable Travel Practices 36:10 - 5,000 Days Without Single-Use Plastic 39:01 - Lightning Round: Favorite Hotels & Resorts 46:56 - Amplifying Indigenous and Marginalized Communities 48:22 - Three Countries for Life 50:20 - Where to Find Honey Trek

Renee Hahnel (@reneeroaming), the photographer who visited every US national park and turned it into a best-selling book, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a sustainable creator business over the past decade. In this episode, Renee shares the wild story of how winning the US green card lottery led her and her husband from Melbourne to Colorado, eventually settling in Washington State where they've built their entire creator business. Host Ross Borden explores Renee's journey from visiting all 63 US national parks in just seven months to publishing the best-selling coffee table book "Roaming America," diving into the reality of turning brand partnerships into long-term income, the difficult decisions around turning down lucrative deals that don't align with your values, and why integrity matters more than quick money in the creator economy. Renee offers behind-the-scenes insights about working with partners like Expedia and Capital One for years, plus candid reflections on why Washington State is the most underrated outdoor destination in America. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in how digital creators sustain careers long-term, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building a business that lasts beyond the algorithm. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Renee Hahnel 00:24 - Host Introduction 01:05 - Reno Tahoe Creator Camp Experience 04:13 - Meeting Followers and Building Community 08:50 - Moving from Australia to the United States 11:02 - Why Washington State 15:07 - Fire Lookouts and Pacific Northwest Adventures 18:19 - Visiting Every US National Park 21:09 - Creating "Roaming America" Book 25:35 - The Business of Being a Creator 28:50 - Turning Down Brand Deals 30:41 - Going Full-Time as Creators 36:30 - Favorite Travel Destinations 37:22 - Antarctica and South Georgia Island 38:18 - Iceland Adventures 40:20 - Alaska's Remote National Parks 43:03 - Bear Viewing Safety and Experience 44:54 - Three Countries Question 47:28 - Where to Find Renee Online

JJ Yosh (@jjyosh), the creator behind viral TikTok sensation, Backpacking Kitty (@backpackingkitty), joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss building a content empire around his adventure cat Simon. In this episode, JJ shares the remarkable origin story of how he reluctantly adopted Simon—a rescue kitten hours away from euthanization—and transformed him into an internationally-traveling mountaineering phenomenon. Host Ross Borden explores JJ's journey from filming outdoor excursions at UC Santa Barbara in 2006 to taking Simon snowboarding, mountain biking, and climbing 14ers across Colorado, the Austrian Alps, and Guatemalan volcanoes. JJ reveals the challenges of training cats for extreme adventures, the logistics nightmare of international pet travel, and how he influences Simon to perform on command for brand partnerships with companies like Purina. He also discusses going viral on TikTok in 2019, the waves of plateaus and reinvention that come with content creation, and his ambitious plans to attempt the seven summits with Simon in 2026. Whether you're a pet owner dreaming of adventuring with your animal or a content creator navigating brand deals and virality, this conversation delivers inspiration on turning unconventional ideas into sustainable creator businesses. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to JJ Yosh 00:25 - Welcome and podcast intro 01:07 - Why travel with a cat? 02:05 - How JJ met Simon (rescue cat story) 02:14 - Simon's natural athleticism and training 04:43 - Public reactions to adventure cat 06:03 - Snowboarding and skiing with Simon 07:27 - Encounters with dogs on the trail 09:02 - Can any cat become an adventure cat? 11:25 - Technical climbing and peak bagging 13:25 - Starting content creation with Simon 14:25 - Going viral in 2019 on TikTok 15:55 - International adventures (Alps, Guatemala, volcanoes) 17:09 - Future bucket list: Seven summits 19:43 - Travel logistics and international requirements 22:01 - Flying internationally with a cat 24:16 - Cost of traveling with pets 29:42 - Brand partnerships and working with Simon 32:02 - Starting the production company 33:31 - Meeting Simon on camera 34:08 - Launching Simon's own social media accounts 35:16 - Where to find JJ and Simon online 35:57 - Outro and podcast credits

Alex Parra (@alex1leg), a two-time cancer survivor and disability advocate, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his extraordinary journey of beating stage two bone cancer and stage four lung cancer before his 20th birthday. In this episode, Alex reveals the shocking moment at age 15 when he flipped a coin to decide between knee replacement and leg amputation—and how that gut decision saved his life when doctors discovered the cancer had spread further than expected. Host Ross Borden explores Alex's path from a 10% survival chance and three months to live, to becoming cancer-free and inspiring millions through content creation. Alex shares the reality of phantom pain, the hidden cost crisis of athletic prosthetics ($35,000 out of pocket), and why he attempted a marathon on crutches to raise awareness. He also opens up about his "cancer bucket list," traveling to Japan and Australia, and meeting young amputees who remind him why his advocacy matters. Whether you're facing your own health challenges or simply need a reminder of human resilience, this conversation delivers a powerful perspective on turning tragedy into purpose. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Alex Parra 01:18 - First Cancer Diagnosis at 15 04:22 - Choosing Between Knee Replacement and Amputation 06:09 - The Coin Flip Decision 08:28 - Surgery Day and Losing His Leg 10:54 - Recovery and Learning to Walk Again 11:25 - Understanding Phantom Pain 13:43 - Finishing Chemotherapy and First Remission 15:29 - First Cancer Scare: Dots in the Lungs 18:14 - Stage Four Diagnosis: Three Months to Live 20:08 - Three Impossible Options 22:57 - Clinical Trial Success and Second Remission 24:14 - Officially Cancer Free 24:41 - The Cancer Bucket List 27:07 - Traveling with a Disability 30:34 - The Marathon on Crutches 35:04 - Creative Prosthetic Designs 36:40 - Giving Back to Others Fighting Cancer 37:49 - Brand Collaborations and TEDx Talk 39:05 - What's Next for Alex 39:47 - Where to Find Alex Online 40:17 - Three Countries Question

Scott and Collette Stohler, the travel creators behind Roamaroo (@roamaroo), join CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a location-independent life and creative career while raising two young children. In this episode, the couple shares how a single podcast interview with Rolf Potts and Tim Ferriss inspired them to quit their jobs as a TV producer and chemical engineer, turn a planned seven-month trip into 18 months of travel, and launch a decade-long career as travel creators. Host Ross Borden explores their journey from living out of backpacks to surviving the pandemic in an Airstream for 18 months, plus their upcoming move to Italy through Boundless Life's world schooling program. Scott and Collette offer candid insights about the challenges of creating content as a couple, how they structured their roles between "front office" and "back office" responsibilities, and the viral success of their "We're Americans" video series that sparked conversations about parenting in the United States. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator, a parent dreaming of location independence, or simply curious about unconventional family lifestyles, this conversation delivers practical wisdom on taking calculated risks and building a creative life on your own terms. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Scott & Colette Stohler 00:51 - Traveling with Young Children 02:25 - From Nomadic Life to Home Base 03:45 - Moving to Italy with Boundless Life 05:43 - What is Boundless Life? 09:16 - How Scott and Colette Became Full-Time Creators 13:07 - Managing Their Rental Property 14:06 - Living in an Airstream During COVID 16:57 - Exploring Empty National Parks 18:50 - Monetizing Through Brand Partnerships 20:30 - The Power of Having a Why 22:17 - Working Together as a Creator Couple 24:29 - Launching the Roamaroo Podcast 26:04 - Creating Viral "War Americans" Content 29:43 - Finding Confidence as Creators 31:36 - What's Next for 2026 32:53 - Three Countries for Life

Jordan Egbert (@counting.countries) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his goal to visit every country on earth and the unexpected business he built along the way. In this episode, Jordan reveals how he went from zero international travel until age 23 to visiting 142 countries, including returning to door-to-door pest control sales each summer just to fund another year of travel before monetizing his content. Host Ross Borden explores Jordan's most unique destinations, from Turkmenistan (dubbed "the North Korea of the Middle East") to the futuristic cities of China where you can pay with your palm print. Jordan offers practical advice for traveling with young children, and explains his counterintuitive content strategy of studying what already works rather than chasing viral trends. Whether you're planning your next adventure or building a creator business, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on turning passion into profit. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 0:00 Introduction to Jordan Egbert 1:11 Why Travel Every Country? 2:16 From Corporate Job to Full-Time Creator 4:29 Door-to-Door Sales for Travel Funding 5:17 COVID Pivot and Daily Content Strategy 6:55 First Viral Video Success 8:05 Growing from 10K to 300K Followers 10:09 Launching the Travel Hacking Business 12:37 How Credit Card Points Actually Work 14:12 Building an 80K/Month Business 15:27 Favorite Destinations Around the World 16:33 Turkmenistan: North Korea of the Middle East 20:15 Why White Cars and No Dogs? 22:22 China: Living in the Future 25:50 First Impressions of China 27:39 Must-Visit Chinese Cities 30:10 Harvey Ice Festival 31:21 Lapland Finland: Santa's Village 33:17 Adventure in the Arctic Circle 34:02 Traveling with Young Kids 36:09 Tips for Family Travel 37:13 Hidden Gems in Japan 38:20 Three Countries Passport Question 39:02 Why Indonesia Made the List 39:47 Switzerland's Mountain Beauty 43:04 Future Plans and TV Show Dreams 46:50 Where to Find Jordan Online

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