CREATOR: The Podcast

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

Lawrence Erekosima (@erekosima43) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his incredible rise as a content creator through his viral series "100 Things Before I Die." In this episode, Lawrence shares how he strategically planned his content creation journey for five years before launching in March 2026, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers with just a handful of posts. Host Ross Borden explores Lawrence's journey from walk-on running back at Alabama to full-time content creator documenting death-defying adventures. They dive into his first episode filmed in China during Chinese New Year, featuring the terrifying Sky Ladder climb, wing walking on a biplane, and navigating the unrestored sections of the Great Wall. Lawrence offers behind-the-scenes insights about his one-man production approach using just an iPhone plus practical advice on why voiceovers and storytelling matter more than posting daily. Whether you're an aspiring creator struggling to get started or simply interested in adventure travel, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on strategic planning, believing in yourself despite the odds, and why quality trumps quantity in content creation.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Lawrence Erekosima

00:37 - Podcast & episode setup

01:34 - Launch and concept of "100 Things Before I Die"

02:48 - Wing walking and early stunts

03:44 - Why China for episode one

05:20 - Impressions of China & local reactions

07:06 - Via Ferrata (skyladder) and Great Wall access

09:31 - First viral moment and growth

10:06 - Expectations & posting strategy

11:01 - Adrenaline sports: pilot, skydiving, and progression

12:14 - Advice to aspiring creators

15:16 - Content strategy: long-form storytelling vs short clips

16:52 - Planning the 100 episodes & posting schedule

18:00 - Going full-time & brand partnership strategy

19:19 - College football journey and walk-on story

22:15 - Influence of his mother and mindset

24:45 - Future projects, YouTube launch, and expansion

26:11 - Production setup: shooting solo and gear

27:28 - Countries to live/travel in and dream destinations

28:48 - Long-term ambitions (streaming/Nat Geo) and wrap-up

29:36 - Where to find him online & outro

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