Episodes

  • Ben Glassco: Transforming Travel Passion into Visual Storytelling

    Ben Glassco: Transforming Travel Passion into Visual Storytelling
    Jun 24 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Ben Glassco 01:09 Ben's Background and Vancouver Base 02:13 Recent Trip to Bhutan - The World's Most Mysterious Country 04:38 Working with Bhutan Tourism Board and Travel Restrictions 07:24 Must-See Highlights in Bhutan - Gangtey Valley Experience 08:56 From Corporate Marketing to Full-Time Photography 12:34 The Motorcycle Journey: Vietnam to India 14:19 Building an Audience - Early Social Media Growth 16:52 Balancing Authenticity with Trends and Commercial Success 18:58 Growing the Right Audience vs. Viral Content Traps 21:30 The Yiping Lantern Festival - A Photographer's Dream Shot 23:50 Three Countries for Life: USA, India, and Vietnam 25:51 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information
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    26 mins
  • Oneika Raymond: Translating Wanderlust into Media Success

    Oneika Raymond: Translating Wanderlust into Media Success
    Jun 17 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 Introduction to Oneika Raymond 01:31 24 countries in 5.5 months with family 02:51 Taking time off vs. working while traveling 04:28 Planning and affording a round-the-world trip 05:22 Favorite destinations: Zanzibar and Saudi Arabia 06:02 Traveling as a woman in Saudi Arabia 08:39 Going full-time as a creator in 2016 09:55 The pivot from teaching to content creation 11:09 Most lucrative revenue streams as a creator 12:58 Multi-year brand partnerships vs. one-offs 13:39 About the Journey: Marriott's travel show/podcast 14:53 Becoming a producer, not just a host 16:43 The standout New Orleans episode 17:50 Future projects and what's coming next 18:32 Building long-term brand relationships 19:32 Why being inbound-only works 20:23 The importance of being easy to work with 22:07 How relationships lead to new opportunities 23:22 Three countries to live in forever 26:22 Thailand and the White Lotus connection 27:26 Where to find Oneika online
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    28 mins
  • Parker Sheppard: Inside the World of FPV Drone Piloting

    Parker Sheppard: Inside the World of FPV Drone Piloting
    Jun 10 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com00:00 Introduction to Parker Sheppard 01:22 What is FPV Droning? 01:58 Origins of FPV Racing and Freestyle 02:46 Building Custom Drones 03:42 Flying Over Crowds and Legal Requirements 04:13 Parker's Production Company Origin Story 05:36 Learning FPV - The Challenge 06:52 Daily Practice Routine 07:42 Flight Hours and Experience 08:15 From Hobby to Business 08:48 Real Estate Breakthrough 09:45 Landing the First Big Contract 11:19 Business Growth and Expansion 12:07 First Trip to Iceland 13:23 Faroe Islands Viral Moment 14:54 Iceland Volcano Rush 16:32 The Million-View Volcano Shot 17:33 Becoming a Top FPV Pilot 18:57 Moving to Utah for Passion Projects 19:47 Hotel and Tourism Work 20:16 Future Bucket List Destinations 21:18 Three Countries Question 22:02 Where to Find Parker Online
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    23 mins
  • Bryn Elise: The Global Guide to Medical & Beauty Tourism

    Bryn Elise: The Global Guide to Medical & Beauty Tourism
    Jun 3 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
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    41 mins
  • Timm Chiusano: From Corporate VP to TikTok Sensation

    Timm Chiusano: From Corporate VP to TikTok Sensation
    May 27 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Timm Chiusano 01:05 - Timm's Background & Corporate Career at Charter/Spectrum 02:04 - Managing 240 People in Cable Advertising 03:20 - Starting on TikTok in 2020 04:21 - Early TikTok Success & Viral Content Strategy 06:00 - Company Reaction to Timm's Social Media Fame 07:33 - Toxic Corporate Culture & Mass Layoffs 09:59 - Creative Lessons from TikTok vs Corporate Production 12:44 - Breaking Company Rules & Flying Under the Radar 14:02 - Rolling Stone Article Controversy 16:14 - Soul Searching & Decision to Leave Corporate 17:35 - The Tipping Point Moment 19:13 - Brand Partnerships & Best Deals 21:37 - Creating Authentic Branded Content 23:53 - Advice for Brands Working with Creators 25:14 - Upcoming Book: "How to Get Addicted to Appreciation" 25:58 - Closing & Credits
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    26 mins
  • Monique Yvonne: The One-Woman Film Production

    Monique Yvonne: The One-Woman Film Production
    May 20 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Monique Yvonne 01:35 - How Monique started with self-portrait photography 04:04 - Finding inspiration in locations and props 05:38 - Favorite films: XOX and the locked bathroom story 06:27 - The Billie Eilish-inspired heartbreak film 08:11 - Monique's creative process and workflow 09:15 - The mysterious church in Joshua Tree 10:38 - Filming in Morocco: Finding creativity in new places 12:42 - How audiences interpret and connect with her films 13:32 - Editing process: from phone-only to DaVinci Resolve 14:24 - Experience at Creator Camp in Switzerland 16:21 - Finding community as a creator in Los Angeles 19:08 - Balancing modeling and filmmaking careers 20:04 - Working with brands like Apple Pay and Valentino 21:57 - Current projects: 15-minute film for Austin film festival 23:37 - Future goals: Feature film aspirations 24:39 - Favorite and most challenging filmmaking roles 26:45 - Advice for aspiring filmmakers and creators 28:29 - Growing a social media following 29:39 - The importance of showing the behind-the-scenes process 30:34 - Travel experiences: Cape Town, Morocco, and Switzerland 32:08 - Finding spontaneous inspiration while filming 33:02 - Closing remarks
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    34 mins
  • Eli Snyder: Adventuring The World's Most Extreme Destinations

    Eli Snyder: Adventuring The World's Most Extreme Destinations
    May 13 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 0:00 Introduction to Eli Snyder 1:44 Eli's travel journey and going solo 2:30 Adventures in Pakistan and Afghanistan 3:11 Deep dive on Afghanistan: Preparations and challenges 5:56 Meeting a fellow traveler in Pakistan 7:54 Interactions with the Taliban 10:29 Freedom to travel within Afghanistan 11:12 Exploring Pakistan: Kindness and hospitality 12:05 The iron ore train through Mauritania 15:58 The magic of the Saharan landscape 18:03 Algeria: Eli's hidden gem 20:09 Surfing in West Africa 21:22 Growing as a creator and finding his voice 22:14 Why visiting challenging countries matters 23:05 The value of solo travel 26:43 Preparing for Iran: Visa challenges 29:36 How Eli monetizes his travels 31:26 Traditional Filipino tattoos from Apo Whang-Od 32:36 Eli's three countries for life: Argentina, US, and New Zealand 33:48 Closing remarks
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    34 mins
  • Ciara Johnson: Empowering Women to Travel Solo

    Ciara Johnson: Empowering Women to Travel Solo
    May 6 2025
    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. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Ciara Johnson 01:01 - Ciara's background and journey as a creator 02:30 - Quitting her job to pursue content creation 05:18 - Living first, then creating content philosophy 07:46 - Early brand deals and pitching to companies 08:51 - Major brand partnerships (Marriott, Toyota, Chevrolet) 12:26 - Finding her niche in solo female travel 15:39 - How brand opportunities developed over time 18:55 - Getting management and the benefits of representation 23:56 - Revenue as a full-time creator 24:37 - Future plans and creating balance 26:25 - Speaking engagements and networking opportunities 29:42 - Content production process and editing 31:18 - Ciara's top three countries to live in 32:15 - Where to find Ciara online
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    33 mins