CREATOR: The Podcast

Street poet and viral creator Nico Patino (@nicpatino) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss what happens when raw human vulnerability meets spontaneous art. In this episode, Nico shares the remarkable story behind his viral "Woman Crying at the Bank" video, including how a chance encounter with a 57-year-old stranger going through divorce became one of the most relatable pieces of content on the internet. Host Ross explores Nico's journey from processing childhood grief in a journal at age seven to setting up a vintage typewriter on a street corner in Long Beach and charging five dollars a poem. They dive into how losing his father at 13 shaped his voice as a writer, the chaotic night his van broke down on the way to his very first poetry reading, and how a community of strangers crowdfunded his van repairs out of pure love. Whether you're a creator looking for a truly original content idea or someone who believes in the healing power of words, this conversation is a reminder that the most powerful content often starts with the simplest human connection.

00:00 - Introduction to Nico Patino01:14 - Early writing & journaling04:16 - Craft: writing on the spot & street performances05:06 - Woman Crying at the Bank (viral poem)07:20 - Why the video went viral & audience reaction08:54 - Reuniting with the woman from the bank10:31 - Personal history & turning to poetry13:22 - Launching the typewriter-poet project16:32 - Setting up in Long Beach and first customers18:02 - Viral growth and van breakdown20:27 - First live reading and performances21:12 - Publishing "Cupid of the Mess" and sales23:33 - Print vs digital strategy24:45 - Community support, GoFundMe and roadtrip plans26:05 - Where to find Nico

Blake Kasemeier (@blakeoftoday) joins CREATOR: The Podcast, to discuss the art of authentic storytelling in the creator economy. In this episode, Blake shares his unconventional journey from touring in hardcore bands to corporate copywriting to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers. Host Ross Borden explores Blake's signature approach to fatherhood content—rejecting both the "FML parenting" and overly-curated aesthetics in favor of raw, relatable moments filmed in just three locations: his room, kitchen, and garage. Blake reveals his rigorous writing process, crafting 1,000-2,000 words to distill down to the perfect 220-word script, and explains why "writing's blue collar work—you gotta get your hands dirty." The conversation dives deep into navigating grief publicly after losing his mother and getting laid off in the same week, protecting his children's privacy while creating parenting content, and building a multi-platform strategy across TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Whether you're an aspiring creator struggling with writer's block or simply interested in how everyday moments become compelling art, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning life's ordinary experiences into extraordinary content.

00:00 - Introduction to Blake Kasemeier01:51 - How fatherhood became his content focus03:53 - His approach: real, non‑performative parenting07:19 - Visual style: everyday B‑roll and Easter eggs09:51 - From hardcore musician to corporate life15:01 - Starting an agency and freelancing17:12 - TikTok breakthrough and audience growth19:53 - Writing process: notes, drafts, word counts22:08 - Handling writer’s block and creative fear24:04 - Being a dad: routines, joy, and small moments27:03 - Children on social media and privacy choices29:50 - Future plans: YouTube longform, Substack, strategy37:32 - Grief, mental health, and vulnerability41:16 - Where to find Blake & episode wrap

YouTuber Caspar Lee (@casparlee) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his remarkable evolution from YouTube pioneer to serial entrepreneur. In this episode, Caspar shares how he went from making comedy vlogs with a thousand subscribers to interviewing A-list celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Ed Sheeran, revealing how he convinced major studios to take creators seriously before it became standard practice. Host Ross Borden explores Caspar's journey from teenage gamer in South Africa to building a 200-person influencer marketing agency (Influencer.com), co-founding MVE Management backed by Endeavor, and launching a $65 million VC fund (Creator Ventures) that's invested in companies like Eleven Labs and Beehiiv. Caspar offers candid insights about the creator economy's intersection with Hollywood, explaining why brands should approach creator partnerships like VCs approach startup portfolios rather than betting everything on one collaboration. He also shares his current passion project: eating a cucumber every day on TikTok to test the algorithm. Whether you're a creator looking to build beyond content or a brand executive trying to navigate influencer marketing, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning creative success into lasting business ventures.

00:00 - Introduction to Caspar Lee01:25 - Caspar’s career snapshot: creator, actor, entrepreneur02:26 - Early YouTube beginnings: gaming and first channels03:45 - Rise with the Brick Crew and expanding audience05:02 - Joining Musical.ly/TikTok and platform reflections06:50 - Interviewing celebrities and working with studios10:04 - Creators vs. Hollywood: industry perspective13:35 - Predictions: AI, creators, and the future of content20:00 - Why Caspar built Influencer.com22:55 - Influencer.com: services, model, and team24:50 - Advice for brands working with creators28:43 - Campaign strategy: budget allocation and portfolio approach30:55 - MVE Management: talent representation and IP34:07 - Creator Ventures: VC thesis and portfolio support35:52 - Fund sizes, stages, and investment approach40:41 - Keeping a creator’s edge: TikTok experiments (the cucumber series)43:36 - Joe & Caspar Hit the Road: the BBC travel show45:04 - Rapid-fire: three countries Caspar would choose47:25 - Where to follow Caspar & closing remarks

Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a thriving travel creator business while navigating motherhood and the evolving creator economy. In this episode, Catarina shares her journey from working at Google to becoming a full-time travel creator who's visited 65+ countries, including how a trip to Bali sparked her decision to leave corporate life behind. Host Ross Borden explores Catarina's transition from pitching brands to now receiving mostly inbound partnerships, diving into her "brand magnet method," the launch of her successful creator courses during COVID, and why digital products now generate 75% of her revenue. Catarina offers behind-the-scenes insights about traveling to multiple countries with her one-year-old son, her obsession with safari experiences (particularly Singita Sabora in Tanzania), and why she believes AI will actually make authentic human creators more valuable. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in building a sustainable creative business, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on diversifying income streams and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive space.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Catarina Mello

01:05 - Background & move to the US

01:48 - Getting started as a travel creator

03:39 - Early platform growth (Instagram beginnings)

04:20 - Standing out as a travel creator & advice for students

05:39 - AI and the future of creators

06:54 - Brand partnerships & the Brand Magnet method

08:17 - Pitching strategies and outreach

09:52 - Press trips, fam trips and using trips for campaigns

11:23 - Contracts, negotiation and representation

12:52 - Building and launching her course (COVID timing)

16:27 - Business model: courses vs brand deals

17:06 - Oman and underrated destination highlights

19:01 - Favorite countries and why she loves safaris

22:00 - Traveling with a baby and family travel

24:11 - Audience insights, family content and adults-only hotel trend

27:34 - Perspectives on safety in Brazil

31:24 - Favorite hotel stays & luxury service (Sangita, Four Seasons Hoi An)

35:02 - First-class suites & airline experiences (Emirates/Etihad)

37:48 - New projects, coaching, where to follow & outro

Underwater photographer and free diver Henry Cooper @lensofcoop) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his unique approach to documenting California's marine life. Host Ross Borden explores Henry's journey from drone photography and big wave surfing at San Francisco's Ocean Beach to becoming a viral creator who now plays with baby seals in California's kelp forests. They dive into the stark differences between free diving and scuba diving for wildlife encounters, the devastating impact of warming waters on kelp ecosystems, and why Henry would actually love to encounter a great white shark underwater. Henry offers behind-the-scenes insights about diving the Channel Islands—NASA's "Galapagos of North America"—plus his recent experiments with underwater scooters that have sea lions following him for hours. Whether you're a water enthusiast, aspiring creator, or simply fascinated by marine life, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building an authentic connection with ocean wildlife while creating content that matters.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Henry Cooper

00:37 - Podcast and guest welcome

01:12 - Seals: interactions and recognition

03:19 - Seal parenting and juvenile behavior

05:14 - Leopard seals and predatory species

06:26 - From photographer to freediver: origin story

08:46 - Spearfishing vs filming

10:53 - Ocean warming, fish migration, and kelp decline

13:53 - Diving through kelp forests (description)

15:04 - Sharks: encounters, risks, and myths

18:26 - Shark population decline and threats

22:17 - Channel Islands: biodiversity and diving

24:44 - Notable dive locations worldwide

26:03 - Freediving skills and why he prefers it

27:57 - Creator journey and monetization

29:05 - Underwater scooters and gear

31:31 - Dream dive destinations and closing

32:11 - Where to find Henry online / outro