Episodes
The Podcast reveals the secrets behind successful social media creators and digital entrepreneurs. Want to become a full-time content creator? CREATOR: The Podcast reveals the secrets behind successful social media ...
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.