CREATOR: The Podcast

Positivity enthusiast Phil The Culture (@philwaukee) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his unique approach to cultural immersion and positive travel content. In this episode, Phil shares how growing up between Milwaukee's inner city and suburban schools created his lifelong fascination with cultural differences. Host Ross Borden explores Phil's remarkable journey as an NBA ambassador, diving into his experiences teaching basketball in India, China, and Mexico, his viral "Shot of the Day" videos that launched his career, and his philosophy of "phil-ing the culture" wherever he goes. Phil offers fascinating insights about his most profound travel experiences, from connecting with his ancestral roots in Ghana to witnessing sacred funeral rituals along India's Ganges River, plus practical advice on breaking down barriers through positivity. Whether you're interested in authentic cultural exchange or looking for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, this conversation delivers a refreshing perspective on how positivity can open doors worldwide.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Phil The Culture01:23 - Why I spread positivity03:27 - Growing up: culture shock & origins of travel05:25 - "Phil the Culture" / Feel the Culture explained06:57 - Feel Good Travel & early content opportunities10:05 - Representing Black travelers & breaking stereotypes11:54 - Basketball as passport: Shot of the Day & India opportunity14:26 - Junior NBA role & life in Mexico City19:37 - Exploring offbeat Mexico: Oaxaca & Sonora23:38 - China: basketball culture & Inner Mongolia26:32 - India: Varanasi, the Ganges & cultural immersion29:42 - Favorite destination: Ghana35:02 - Creator journey: content, partnerships & manifesting travel38:16 - Advice for introverts & meeting people while traveling43:01 - If your passport only worked in three countries45:16 - Closing: Today's a good day to have a good day

Eva zu Beck (@evazubeck), filmmaker and host of National Geographic's "SuperSkilled" joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her transformation from corporate professional to global adventurer. In this episode, Eva shares how a quarter-life crisis led her to book a one-way ticket to Nepal with a secondhand camera, beginning her journey as a travel creator. Host Ross Borden explores Eva's experiences living in a remote cabin in Poland's Carpathian Mountains, traveling across the Sahara with her German Shepherd Vjolk, and creating National Geographic's "Super Skilled" series. Eva offers fascinating insights about breaking down in sandstorms in Mauritania, writing her memoir "The Wilder Way" during an Arctic winter with just 20 minutes of daylight, and challenging traditional expectations placed on women. Whether you're questioning your own life path or simply fascinated by extreme adventures, this conversation provides an inspiring blueprint for creating an unconventional life filled with purpose and personal meaning.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Eva zu Beck

00:35 - Podcast intro & guest overview

01:20 - Current life: Carpathian cabin & Vilk

01:43 - Traveling with Vilk: logistics, flights & ferries

06:06 - Overlanding the Sahara: highlights

07:55 - Safety as a solo female traveler & vehicle breakdowns

11:41 - Sandstorm breakdown story in Mauritania

14:42 - "Travel witch" persona & mountain life

16:30 - Leaving corporate life: quarter‑life crisis & pivot

21:41 - Becoming a creator: starting on YouTube

25:54 - Building a career, hustles & book announcement

30:11 - Writing The Wilder Way: Arctic writing retreat

32:34 - Nat Geo Super Skilled: pitching, production & distribution

37:27 - Production philosophy & budgets for travel shows

43:26 - Feminism, life choices & creating your own blueprint

47:05 - Three countries pick, closing thoughts & outro

Dan Cooking (@dancooking7) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his remarkable journey as a 14-year-old TikTok sensation feeding the homeless in New York City. In this episode, Dan shares how a simple observation of a homeless person outside his subway station sparked an idea that has now garnered over 70 million views on a single video. Host Ross Borden explores Dan's journey from making basic cooking tutorials with just 200 followers to amassing 2 million followers across platforms, diving into his creative process, his partnership with Instacart, and his viral collaboration with MrBeast. Dan offers behind-the-scenes insights about approaching people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, plus practical advice for young creators facing criticism: "People are always going to laugh at you no matter what you do... it's all about not letting that get to you." Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in social impact, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on combining passion with purpose to make a meaningful difference.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Dan Cooking

00:36 - Host & Episode Overview

01:20 - Explaining the Channel & Age

02:45 - Origin Story and Early Viral Success

04:06 - Fundraising & GoFundMe

06:05 - Family Support & Reaction

07:02 - Signature Dishes & Cooking Style

08:10 - Approaching and Interacting with People Experiencing Homelessness

09:16 - Goals, Scaling, and Future Plans

10:45 - Brand Partnerships & Instacart Support

15:28 - Collab with MrBeast

17:14 - Other Collaborations & Dream Collabs

18:22 - Future Project Idea: Michelin Meal Collaboration

19:20 - Creative Background & Empathy

21:56 - Where to Follow Dan & Closing

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