Filmmaker and storyteller Joshua Guvi (@joshguvi) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the art of turning personal adventures into compelling content that inspires others to take risks. In this episode, Josh shares the pivotal stairwell revelation that led him to sell everything and embark on two years of nonstop world travel, including his terrifying first motorcycle journey across Vietnam that reconnected him with genuine happiness. Host Ross Borden explores Josh’s evolution from Vancouver burnout to successful travel filmmaker, diving into his adventures in Mongolia’s fence-free wilderness, his eye-opening cultural barriers experience in China, and the business realities of monetizing authentic travel content. Josh offers behind-the-scenes insights about building a following while constantly moving between countries, plus practical advice on finding the balance between creative integrity and financial sustainability. Whether you’re feeling trapped in the traditional twenties playbook or simply interested in alternative paths to fulfillment, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on why sometimes the scariest decisions lead to the most authentic life.

Travel Creator Yazan Koudsi (@zizotravels) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a career as an LGBTQ+ travel influencer with over 3 million followers. In this episode, Yazan shares his approach to creating content for LGBTQ+ travelers, including his number one priority: “The first thing LGBTQ+ people care about is safety.” Host Ross Borden explores Yazan’s evolution from posting travel photos as a flight attendant to becoming a sought-after travel advisor for major platforms, diving into his content strategy for hotels, his experience with tourism boards, and his memorable encounter with a U.S. state that wanted him to “keep it low key” regarding his identity. Yazan offers candid insights about platform monetization, revealing that Facebook surprisingly outpays both TikTok and Instagram for video views. Whether you’re interested in travel content creation or seeking authentic perspectives on global destinations, this conversation delivers valuable insights on building a career while maintaining authenticity in an ever-changing social media landscape.

Ben Glassco (@ben.glassco), an acclaimed travel photographer who traded corporate success for creative fulfillment, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss capturing global cultural moments. In this episode, Ben shares his transformative 8-day expedition to Bhutan, including his emotional experience documenting monks during an unexpected cultural festival rehearsal. Host Ross Borden explores Ben’s dramatic career shift, diving into his eight-month motorcycle journey through Asia that launched his photography career, his persistence in capturing Thailand’s Yi Peng Lantern Festival after an initial failure, and his unique perspective on building an audience. Ben offers candid reflections about his former corporate life, plus practical insights on the balance between artistic vision and commercial viability. Whether you’re contemplating a career change or passionate about travel photography, this conversation delivers an inspirational perspective on how “consistency and dedication to your craft” ultimately leads to creative success.

Emmy Award-winning presenter, TV host, and travel creator Oneika Raymond (@oneikaraymond) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her remarkable journey in the travel content space. In this episode, Onika shares highlights from her recent five-and-a-half-month round-the-world adventure with her family through 24 countries, including surprising insights about destinations like Saudi Arabia. Host Ross Borden explores Oneika’s transition from international educator to full-time creator in 2016, diving into her multi-year brand partnerships, her role as producer and host of Marriott Bonvoy’s “About the Journey” podcast, and her approach to authentic content creation. Oneika offers behind-the-scenes perspectives on navigating the creator economy, plus practical advice on relationship-building that has led to her enviable position of receiving 99.9% inbound work opportunities. “The people that you meet on the way up are the same people you’re gonna meet on the way down,” she shares as a cornerstone of her success philosophy. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or simply interested in global travel insights, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building a sustainable, multi-faceted career in the creator economy.

Parker Sheppard (@pshepfpv), an acclaimed First Person View (or FPV) drone pilot whose volcano footage has garnered tens of millions of views, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the art and technology behind breathtaking aerial cinematography. In this episode, Parker shares his journey from building a media agency in West Virginia to capturing erupting volcanoes in Iceland, including how he once flew so close to molten lava that his GoPro started melting. Host Ross Borden explores Parker’s evolution from real estate drone tours to adventure filmmaking, diving into the technical challenges of custom-building drones, the intensive training required (with thousands of flight hours), and the viral Faroe Islands shot that launched his career. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to elevate your aerial footage or simply fascinated by breathtaking drone videos that explore impossible places, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on following creative passion and the future of immersive cinematography.

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.

Timm Chiusano (@timmchiusano) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his extraordinary transformation from corporate executive to social media phenomenon. In this episode, Tim recounts how he began creating TikTok content while still managing 240 people, eventually growing so popular that a Rolling Stone feature about him reached the CEO’s desk. Host Ross Borden explores Timm’s transition from corporate executive to full-time creator, navigating toxic corporate cultures during mergers, and ultimately “responsibly firing himself” from his executive role. Timm offers behind-the-scenes insights about appearing in Rolling Stone magazine without company approval, plus practical advice on brand partnerships that actually work. His upcoming book “How to Get Addicted to Appreciation” stems from his philosophy of finding joy in everyday moments. Whether you’re contemplating a career change or simply interested in understanding the creator economy from someone who’s been on both sides, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on reinvention and appreciation.

Monique Yvonne Jones (@moniqueyvonne) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her groundbreaking approach to filmmaking. In this episode, Monique shares her journey as a one-person film production powerhouse, including how she handles everything from cinematography to acting completely solo. Host Ross discovers how Monique’s self-portrait photography skills evolved into filmmaking, from making one-minute short films to working with brands like Apple and premiering at a film festival. “I think it’s important to show people… that you’re capable of doing it. Even if it’s not the most professional way, you’re still showing that you can get it done”. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker looking for inspiration or simply fascinated by innovative creators who break traditional production rules, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning creative limitations into artistic strengths.

Adventure traveler and content creator Eli Snyder (@snydexplores) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his experiences navigating some of the world’s most challenging destinations. In this episode, Eli recounts his 10-day journey through Afghanistan without a guide, interacting with Taliban officials up to “six to ten times a day” while relying on meticulously researched GPS coordinates for safety. Host Ross Borden dives into Eli’s experiences hitchhiking through Pakistan, his 27-hour wait to board the infamous iron ore train in Mauritania (“the most grueling trip of my life”), and his upcoming expeditions to Syria, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Eli offers behind-the-scenes insights about how he prepares for high-risk destinations with extensive research, plus practical details about his growing business leading group expeditions to places like Norway’s Lofoten Islands and Guatemala. Whether you’re an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in understanding more about the world’s most misunderstood places, this conversation offers a valuable perspective on finding meaning through genuine cultural connections beyond typical tourist destinations.

Solo travel content creator Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her journey from corporate America to full-time travel influencer. In this episode, Ciara shares how she quit her HR job in 2017 to take an “adult gap year” that transformed into a successful career, revealing how she bridged her initial savings with a remote travel writing job before landing her first paid brand deals in 2019. Host Ross Borden explores Ciara’s evolution from unpaid brand collaborations to earning up to $50,000 in a single month, and dives into her pitching strategies. Ciara offers behind-the-scenes insights about working with major brands like Marriott, Toyota, and American Express, plus practical advice on maintaining authenticity in content creation. She explains how her niche in empowering women for solo travel emerged naturally from her own experiences: “I knew that if I wanted to travel, I was just gonna have to simply do it alone.” Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or simply interested in travel entrepreneurship, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on building a sustainable career from your passions.

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.

Mirna Valerio (@themirnavator), bestselling author, ultra-marathoner, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, joins Creator: The Podcast to share her extraordinary journey. In this episode, Mirna reveals how a panic attack transformed her life from overworked teacher to endurance athlete, including the moment her cardiologist asked, “You want to see your son grow up?” Host Ross Borden explores Mirna’s evolution from struggling to run one minute on a treadmill to completing a staggering 142.6-mile desert ultra race, diving into her experiences as a plus-size athlete in elite sports, her rise to social media fame after a Wall Street Journal feature, and her groundbreaking partnership with Lululemon. Mirna offers candid insights about confronting skeptics who doubt her abilities, plus practical advice for aspiring writers and content creators. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast interested in inclusive adventure sports or simply seeking inspiration to start something new at any age, this conversation delivers a powerful perspective on challenging stereotypes and finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination.

Travel Creator Michael Motamedi (@michaelmotamedi) joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss his journey living around the world with his family. In this episode, Michael shares how watching his father’s unfulfilling retirement sparked his decision to travel full-time with his wife and baby daughter. Host Ross Borden explores Michael’s journey from restaurant entrepreneur to bourbon company founder to viral travel creator, diving into his month-long stays in destinations worldwide, his experiences using AI travel assistant GuideGeek, and his philosophical perspective on escaping the American “rat race.” Michael offers refreshingly honest advice for new creators: “If you’re able to create without needing to hit a quota and you create because it makes you happy, you’re gonna be way better off in the long run.” Whether you’re dreaming of location independence or seeking authentic perspectives on international living, this conversation provides both practical insights and philosophical wisdom about prioritizing happiness over conventional success.

Travel Creator Adam Lovick (@adam_lovick) joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss the evolution of travel content creation and brand building. In this episode, Adam shares how his family’s travel agency background shaped his career path, including the ironic twist of being “fired by grandma” during COVID—a setback that ultimately pushed him to launch First Class Jerk, a travel media publishing company focused on the ‘premium traveler.’ Host Ross Borden explores Adam’s signature green-screen TikTok style, his brand partnerships with major companies like Delta and Emirates, and the challenges of balancing creative work with business development. Adam offers refreshingly honest insights about the difficulty of building a creator business, admitting “This stuff is really hard. People underestimate how much time and energy it takes to be a creator.” Whether you’re looking to launch your own content brand or simply fascinated by the business of travel media, this conversation provides a realistic look at what it takes to carve out a distinctive voice in the crowded travel content space.

Ocean Diver and Content Creator Shane Brown (@shangerdanger) the self-titled ‘CEO of the Ocean’ with over 20 million followers across platforms, joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss his evolution from amateur GoPro enthusiast to ocean content phenomenon. In this episode, Shane shares the exact moment his content strategy clicked, including how finding a phone underwater and creating a multi-part story became the blueprint for his viral success. Host Ross Borden explores Shane’s savvy cross-platform approach, diving into his content experimentation process, and the challenges of finding brand partnerships as an environmentally-conscious creator. Shane candidly discusses the financial reality of creator life, admitting that “most creators are always fighting” regardless of follower count. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator or simply enjoy ocean adventures, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building a sustainable career by following your passions while continually adapting to platform changes.

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.

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.

Content Creator Elona Karafin (@elona) takes us on a journey from Ukraine-born immigrant to global travel expert in this episode of CREATOR: the Podcast. Elona shares how her remarkable life story—including solo international flights at age five—shaped her adventurous spirit and how a pivotal trip to Abu Dhabi challenged her preconceptions about the Middle East. She reveals her bold transition from finance professional to full-time creator, selling two Bitcoins to fund her initial leap into content creation after her Business Insider feature went viral. In this conversation, Elona discusses her unique business model spanning brand partnerships, consulting for GCC markets, curated group trips to conflict regions, and her upcoming Japan app venture. Host Ross Borden digs into Elona’s childhood cancer survival story, her recent experiences in Syria just weeks before regime change, her engagement in Antarctica, and why Afghanistan became her favorite country despite global perceptions. From challenging media narratives about “dangerous” destinations to balancing life between New York, Dubai, and Tokyo, this episode offers valuable insights for creators interested in transformative travel content, developing multiple revenue streams, and building an authentic brand that changes perceptions of misunderstood places around the world.

Solo World Sailor and Viral Creator Luke “Sailing Songbird” Hartley 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.

Scottish Content Creator and Musician Stephanie Cheape shares her remarkable journey from aspiring singer-songwriter to becoming one of Scotland’s most influential digital creators with over half a million TikTok followers. In today’s episode of CREATOR: The Podcast, we explore how a spontaneous video during the pandemic transformed into a thriving career spanning social media, television, and sports entertainment. Learn how this homeschooled musician unexpectedly became the first female creator featured on the Scottish National Football team’s social media and landed a presenter role with BBC Radio. Stephanie reveals her authentic approach to content creation, insights on managing your brand without an agent, and why overcoming the fear of being yourself is crucial for creative success. Whether you’re a musician looking to build an audience, an aspiring content creator, or someone passionate about showcasing your culture, Stephanie’s journey from posting random videos about Scottish life to becoming a prominent voice in Scotland’s media landscape offers valuable lessons on turning genuine self-expression into meaningful opportunities.