CREATOR: The Podcast

Max Kolo (@cool_looking_bug), an innovative artist, filmmaker, and illustrator, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his uniquely creative approach to content. In this episode, Max shares his viral "vigilante sign redesigns" series, where he transforms poorly designed small business flyers into professional marketing materials and anonymously places them back in public spaces. Host Ross Borden explores Max's journey from film school graduate to social media sensation, diving into his creative process for branded content, his philosophy on maintaining artistic integrity while working with brands, and his strategic approach to short-form storytelling. Max offers behind-the-scenes insights about his rule that "the brand should never interrupt the story," plus practical advice on developing creative ideas through consistent brainstorming and experimentation. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in the intersection of art and digital media, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on finding success while maintaining authentic creativity in today's attention economy.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Max Kolo

00:15 - Podcast introduction & host overview

02:18 - Vigilante sign redesigns: concept and process

03:43 - Targeting mom-and-pop businesses & redesign impact

04:50 - Contacting flyer owners & their reactions

06:07 - Origins of the series & storytelling choices

07:49 - The "Miles" flyer story: finding the missing person

09:53 - Branded work: philosophy and integrating sponsors

12:34 - JBL shoe-print project & last-minute concept

15:02 - Crafting hooks and editing rhythm for short form

16:31 - What short form taught him vs film school

17:59 - Platform differences: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube shorts

25:47 - Real-world activations: murals, hidden prints, Sherwin-Williams

27:28 - AI and its implications for artists

32:30 - Idea generation: the notepad and creative process

34:16 - Going full-time, freelancing, and monetization

36:46 - Where to find Max online & closing

Max Campbell (@un.tied), who transformed his passion for sailing into a thriving content creation career with over a million followers, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his extraordinary journey across the world's oceans. In this episode, Max shares how disillusionment with conventional life led him to purchase a small boat at age 20 and embark on his first Atlantic crossing—a decision that completely changed his life's trajectory. Host Ross Borden explores Max's evolution from growing up in a maritime community to navigating treacherous situations, including an encounter with armed pirates off Venezuela's coast and a stint in a Mexican immigration jail. Max offers behind-the-scenes insights about life aboard Elixir (his "floating youth hostel"), the remote Polynesian communities he's visited, and the delicate balance between documenting his journey and preserving the rare disconnection that sailing provides. Whether you're dreaming of breaking free from conventional life or simply curious about what it takes to sail around the world, this conversation delivers a fascinating glimpse into a life defined by adventure, risk, and the profound freedom found on the open sea.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Max Campbell

01:09 - Why start sailing: motivation and first Atlantic crossing

02:26 - Growing up sailing: family, dinghies, early experience

03:43 - Risks and preparation for ocean crossings

05:31 - Early voyages & homemade autopilot to the Canary Islands

08:02 - Life at sea: highs, lows, weather and security

09:55 - Starting content creation and viral TikTok moment

12:06 - Connectivity vs disconnection: Starlink debate

15:26 - Elixir as a floating youth hostel: crew and refit

19:44 - Untied Sailing Club: course, community and resources

21:48 - Buying a boat: sizes, costs, and tips

26:04 - Boarding near Venezuela: armed encounter and resolution

32:26 - Arrest in Mexico: immigration detention experience

36:46 - Remote highlights: South Pacific and tiny island communities

39:51 - Funding the voyage: income streams and monetization

41:47 - If you could only live in three countries: UK, New Zealand, French Polynesia

42:58 - Where to find Max online and upcoming Pilotage guide

46:03 - Episode wrap and credits

Travel expert Raimee Iacofano (@raimeetravel) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss transforming her passion for travel into a thriving career. In this episode, Raimee shares her journey from corporate marketing to full-time content creator, including how she maintained both roles until just months ago. Host Ross Borden explores Raimee's approach to budget-friendly travel, from her early days when she traveled with just $5 in her bank account, to her current strategies for creating practical travel content. Raimee offers behind-the-scenes insights about her 65 flights last year, her favorite destinations including South Korea and lesser-known Japanese cities like Sendai, and her experience with alternative accommodation options like TrustedHousesitters. She also provides valuable perspective on balancing brand partnerships, managing over-tourism concerns, and creating multiple revenue streams as a creator. Whether you're an aspiring travel content creator or simply looking for authentic travel advice, this conversation delivers practical wisdom from someone who's mastered the art of seeing the world on any budget.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Raimee Iacofano

01:20 - Channel focus & living between Paris and California

02:19 - Early career and pivot to full-time creator

04:23 - Leaving corporate: the leap moment

06:24 - Financial advice for creators and building a nest egg

07:42 - Traveling on a budget: workaway, hostels, and house-sitting

11:27 - Trusted House Sitters & free accommodation experiences

13:00 - Income streams: brand deals, ambassadorships, affiliates

15:08 - Why base in France and shorter trip strategy

17:32 - Favorite food destinations: South Korea and Tonkatsu

19:29 - Japan hidden gems and best timing to visit

21:59 - Europe off-the-beaten-path: Mallorca and day trips from Paris

23:32 - Overtourism and creator responsibility

25:58 - Outdoor adventure highlights: New Zealand (Doubtful Sound, Mount Cook)

28:12 - Expedia ambassadorship and travel shops

30:17 - Representation: managers, agencies, and negotiating deals

32:51 - Passport question, social handles, and sign-off

33:45 - Closing thoughts

Travel filmmaker Lamont Travels (@lamont.travels) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his unique approach to travel storytelling that's captivating millions. In this episode, Lamont shares the remarkable story behind his viral Cambodia videos, including the fateful night when a power outage during dinner led to a profound connection with a local family and their local restaurant. Host Ross Borden explores Lamont's creative evolution from his musical roots influenced by his pianist father to his self-taught filmmaking techniques that blend cinematic visuals with perfectly matched musical scores and voice overs. Lamont offers candid insights about his transition from a $13.50/hour remote worker traveling the world to becoming a celebrated travel content creator, plus practical details about his production workflow from drone shots to final edits. Whether you're fascinated by the technical aspects of content creation or the human stories behind viral moments, this conversation reveals how authentic connections and artistic vision can create content that truly resonates.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Lamont Travels

00:23 - Host intro and episode setup

01:41 - How Lamont decided to go to Cambodia

03:36 - Exploring Cambodia and meeting locals

05:22 - Stopping at the roadside restaurant

07:40 - Power outage and candlelit dinner

08:37 - Meeting the father and deep connection

10:55 - Brief history of the Khmer Rouge

13:02 - Fundraiser for Maho and school enrollment

16:41 - Impact of storytelling and community aid

19:44 - Musical background and production roots

22:32 - Remote work and the leap to Medellín

24:38 - Asia, Cambodia and focusing on cinematic work

27:47 - Viral breakout and Jen Hamilton discovery

31:29 - Life in Cambodia, local reception and future plans

34:10 - Creative process: shooting to editing

36:43 - Editing tools, voiceovers and audio workflow

38:29 - Cows for Cambodia and community projects

40:56 - Rapid-fire: three countries choice

42:00 - Closing and podcast credits

Arthur Bourbon (@arthurbourbon) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his transformative journey documenting Liberia's emerging surf culture. In this episode, Arthur shares the remarkable story of Reagan, a young Liberian surfer who went viral shredding waves on a piece of scrap wood, demonstrating extraordinary talent with minimal resources. Host Ross Borden explores Arthur's evolution from professional surfer to filmmaker, diving into his two documentaries "Water Get No Enemy" and "We The Surfers," which chronicle how surfing became a healing force for former child soldiers and war refugees. Arthur offers behind-the-scenes insights about filming with minimal equipment and resources, plus how his work sparked an NGO that now supplies surfboards to African communities. Whether you're a filmmaker seeking inspiration for purpose-driven projects or simply interested in how sports can transform conflict-affected communities, this conversation delivers a powerful perspective on using creativity to drive meaningful social change.

Both "Water Get No Enemy" and "We The Surfers" are available on all VOD platforms (Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Vimeo).

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com

00:00 - Introduction to Arthur Bourbon

00:39 - Podcast intro and episode setup

02:02 - Meeting Reagan: the Liberian surf kid

04:05 - Reflections on Africa and optimism

04:58 - First trip to Liberia and genesis of the film

07:52 - Liberian surf scene and community dynamics

11:55 - Ex-child soldiers and surfers' past

15:59 - Liberia today: safety and economic realities

19:25 - Making "Water Get No Enemy": approach and production

21:46 - Post-film impact: boards, NGO and building the surf club

30:49 - Women surfers and empowerment in Liberia

34:14 - How to watch the films (VOD/platforms)

35:23 - If your passport worked in only three countries

36:20 - Favorite surf destinations and under-the-radar spots

40:09 - Other African surf locations and experiences

42:15 - Outro and podcast credits