This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Gareth Leonard as an encore presentation - originally published March 18th, 2025. 

Travel YouTuber and Content Creator Gareth Leonard (@GarethLeonard) shares his remarkable journey from quitting his job with just $5,000 to becoming a successful travel creator with 700,000+ YouTube subscribers. In today's episode of CREATOR: the Podcast, we explore how Gareth went from living in Argentina as a bartender who "kept getting fired but showing up anyway" to building a thriving multi-channel content business. Ross and Gareth discuss how he started as an "OG travel blogger" in 2009 with the mission to live in Argentina for a year, focusing on genuine cultural immersion rather than country-counting. Gareth reveals his early monetization strategies selling banner ads and text links, his five-year plan living in countries like Colombia, Bolivia, and Guatemala, and his transition from written blogs to video content. Learn about the business side of travel content creation, including YouTube revenue differences across global markets, his multi-channel strategy with his main YouTube channel versus his food YouTube channel Gareth Eats, and how he's repurposing years of archive footage for short-form content. Gareth also discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while scaling a travel brand, the financial realities of social media monetization, and why he prefers self-publishing over traditional TV deals. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or interested in the business of content creation, Gareth's insights on balancing authentic storytelling with strategic growth offer valuable lessons for turning travel passion into a sustainable career.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Gareth Leonard

01:30 - First meeting in Toronto and the beginning of a friendship

03:16 - Origin story: From Tourist to Townie blog in 2009

04:55 - First year in Argentina: Learning Spanish and bartending

07:08 - Building an authentic travel brand through vulnerability

09:53 - Documenting the journey for friends and family back home

11:53 - The difference between Instagram travel and YouTube authenticity

13:17 - Early monetization: From banner ads to tour partnerships

16:12 - The five-year plan: Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Guatemala, and Brazil

18:57 - The evolution from blogging to video content

20:49 - The Brazil tourism board deal: Filming all 13 World Cup cities

22:58 - Building a YouTube channel to 700,000 subscribers

26:41 - Balancing authentic storytelling vs algorithmic content

28:51 - Creating Gareth Eats: A strategic second channel for consistent revenue

31:08 - YouTube monetization: The benefits of high CPM US-based content

33:18 - Comparing revenue models across platforms: Why YouTube wins

35:40 - Content strategy: Reposting and maximizing your video library

37:57 - The challenges with social media scheduling platforms

39:23 - Current content plan: Day in the Life series and local San Diego food

41:35 - Why major streaming platforms aren't always worth pursuing

44:07 - Passport question: Choosing three countries for life (US, Japan, Portugal)

44:51 - Why Bhutan is Gareth's favorite travel destination

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Bryn Elise as an encore presentation - originally published June 3rd, 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

This week, we're bringing back this conversation with Luke Tarrant as an encore presentation - originally published April 29th, 2025.

Motorcycle adventurer turned unexpected social media star Luke Tarrant (@luke_tarrant) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss how a catastrophic accident changed his life forever. In this compelling episode, Luke shares his harrowing experience of a life-altering motorcycle crash in Colombia that led to the amputation of his leg and a battle with sepsis that nearly killed him. Host Ross Borden explores Luke's journey from his early motorcycle travels through Vietnam and Southeast Asia to his ambitious Texas-to-Antarctica trip that was interrupted by tragedy. The conversation delves into Luke's unexpected rise to social media fame after his father posted an update video that garnered millions of views, his experiences navigating Colombia's healthcare system during a crisis, and his resilient plans to eventually complete his interrupted journey. Luke offers a refreshingly positive perspective on his new reality, stating "I don't view myself as really any different to before. I just happen to not have a leg." Whether you're an adventure traveler or simply seeking inspiration, this conversation delivers a powerful testament to human resilience and finding purpose in life's unexpected turns.

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

00:00 Introduction to Luke Tarrant

01:50 Pre-Accident Travel Experience

05:00 Luke's Travel Philosophy and Content Approach

07:52 The Americas Trip Before the Accident

13:13 Venezuela Travel Experience

15:18 The Motorcycle Crash

18:05 The Hospital Experience in Colombia

21:06 The Ambulance Journey to Medellín

24:43 The Battle with Sepsis

28:57 Going Viral During Recovery

31:13 Adjusting to a New Reality

34:00 Life After the Accident

38:17 Finding Purpose in New Opportunities

40:24 Future Plans and Projects

43:50 Facing Fears and Moving Forward

Chelsea Yamase (@chelseakauai) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share her journey from shy Hawaiian surfer to million-follower creator. Host Ross Borden explores Chelsea's 11 trips to Indonesia and her philosophy of prioritizing raw, authentic experiences over Instagram-perfect locations. Chelsea dives into growing up in Hawaii and how she learned to free dive at a later age. She offers candid insights about earning 80% of her income through quality brand partnerships over quantity, organizing epic women's adventure retreats from Patagonia to the Galapagos, and why she recently put everything in storage to search the world for a new place to call home. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in conscious tourism, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building an authentic creative career while grappling with your impact on the places you love.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Chelsea Yamase 

01:14 - Living in Bali and Upcoming Scooter Adventure 

02:06 - Exploring Lesser-Known Indonesian Islands 

04:05 - Philosophy on Travel and Authentic Experiences 

05:41 - Balancing Tourism Recognition vs. Protecting Places 

09:33 - Growing Up in Hawaii 

11:28 - Free Diving Journey and Underwater Passion 

14:35 - Travel as a Path to Mindfulness 

16:19 - Social Media, Mental Health, and Inspiring Young Women 

19:09 - My Soul Track App and Affirmations 

20:49 - Business of Being a Creator 

23:55 - Running Retreats and In-Person Events 

26:14 - Three Countries Passport Question 

30:38 - Leaving LA and Searching for Home 

32:38 - US Culture vs. European Lifestyle 

35:39 - Community and Third Spaces 

36:07 - Closing Thoughts

Garrett Gee of the Bucket List Family (@thebucketlistfamily) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a travel media empire with his family as they’ve traveled to over 100 countries over the past 10 years. In this episode, Garrett shares how he sold his iPhone app Scan to Snapchat for $54 million, then made the bold decision to set that money aside and fund their world travels by selling everything they owned. Host Ross Borden explores Garrett's journey of founding the Bucket List Family brand with over 5 million followers, diving into their philosophy of traveling with the entire family, and raising "brave kids" who approach new experiences with confidence. Garrett offers behind-the-scenes insights about expanding into hospitality with private island resorts in Tonga and Canada, plus his ambitious animated cartoon project that has 30,000 investors waiting for results. Whether you're an aspiring creator, travel enthusiast, or parent wondering how to raise adventurous kids, this conversation delivers actionable insights about building authentic content businesses and living life on your own terms.

0:00 - Introduction to Garrett Gee

1:28 - Why Travel with Little Kids?

3:08 - Swimming with Killer Whales in the Sea of Cortez

9:54 - Garrett's Entrepreneurial Journey and Shark Tank

12:53 - Selling Scan App to Snapchat for $54 Million

16:07 - Starting the Bucket List Family with $45,000

18:08 - Early Brand Partnerships and Growth

22:28 - Launching the Bucket List Collection

24:13 - Building a Safari Lodge in Africa from Scratch

27:10 - Preserving Special Places as Stewards, Not Owners

29:17 - Current Properties: Tonga Island and Canada Lodge

30:56 - Creating the Bucket List Family Cartoon

34:52 - Raising $10 Million and Pitch Meetings with Distributors

38:17 - Raising Brave Kids and Teaching Inner Confidence

41:09 - Filming Family Adventures as Home Videos

43:11 - 25 Days in Antarctica

45:20 - Sleepwalking on the Bow of the Ship

46:01 - Disney/Nat Geo Book Launch at Walt Disney World

47:29 - Favorite Countries Around the World

Kira Bella (@earthkira), Founder of Kirameki and rural revitalization entrepreneur, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a cultural tourism business in the Japanese countryside. In this episode, Kira shares how she went from house-sitting cats and koi fish to becoming the third foreigner in Hiroshima Prefecture to receive a startup visa, including her journey of joining a 2,000-year-old Kagura dance team and performing in a UNESCO World Heritage rice planting festival. Host Ross Borden explores Kira's transition from traveling to 40+ countries to settling in Kita Hiroshima, diving into the challenges of language barriers in rural Japan, the art of gaining community acceptance as an outsider, and her vision for scaling cultural exchange programs across Japan. Kira offers behind-the-scenes insights about navigating Japanese business culture without formal training, plus practical advice on building authentic relationships in traditional communities. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in cultural preservation, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on creating meaningful tourism that benefits local communities.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Kira Bella 

02:08 - How Kira Discovered Rural Japan 

03:07 - What is Kira Meki? The Vision and Mission 

07:40 - Creating Unique Experiences That Didn't Exist Before 

09:08 - Building a Following and Growing the Business 

11:38 - From One Program a Month to Viral Success 

16:21 - The Town of Kita Hiroshima: Population Decline and Revitalization 

19:37 - Getting to Kita Hiroshima: Accessibility and Location 

21:28 - Why Hiroshima Prefecture is a Strategic Tourism Hub 

23:16 - Learning Japanese Through Immersion 

26:19 - Joining a 2000-Year-Old Kagura Dance Team 

29:25 - Earning Trust and Acceptance from the Community 

32:49 - The Moment Kira Decided to Stay in Japan 

34:45 - Navigating the Startup Visa Process 

36:42 - What's Next? Scaling Kirameki Across Japan 

39:54 - Working with Tourism Boards and Prefectures 

41:39 - Travel Tips: Off the Beaten Path in Japan 

46:48 - Closing and Where to Find Kirameki

Kevin Droniak (@kevindroniak) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the revolutionary concept of micro travel - the art of visiting international destinations for less than 24 hours. In this episode, Kevin shares how he's been to places such as Egypt, Rome, and Ireland all as day trips, never staying the night in any of them. Host Ross Borden explores Kevin's journey from creating YouTube videos with his grandma in 2012 to building nearly a million followers across platforms, diving into his budget travel hacks using Google Flights and Expedia, his upcoming one-day trip to Kenya, and how he manages both his own brand partnerships and his grandma's influencer career. Whether you're a travel enthusiast or simply interested in unconventional content creation, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning personal constraints into viral business opportunities.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Kevin Droniak

00:49 - What is Micro Travel?

03:00 - The Challenge and Excitement of Micro Travel

04:16 - Extreme Example: Egypt in One Day

05:32 - Dealing with Travel Stress and Delays

06:29 - When Things Go Wrong: Ireland Flat Tire Story

07:44 - Hour-by-Hour: Rome Day Trip Breakdown

10:34 - Finding Cheap Flights and Travel Hacks

12:54 - Brand Partnerships and T-Mobile Collaboration

13:39 - YouTube Origins with Grandma (2012)

15:08 - Self-Managing as a Creator

16:28 - How Creator Culture Has Changed Since 2012

18:05 - Next Trip: Kenya for the Day

21:40 - Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Kevin Online

Abubakar Finiin (@kidsofthecolony), the London creator behind the viral travel series Kids of the Colony, joins CREATOR:The Podcast to discuss how he turned BBC rejection into a huge YouTube success. In this episode, Abu shares his journey from university student to independent TV producer, including how he convinced his friends to travel to Bangladesh, Somaliland, and Morocco to explore their parents' homelands. Host Ross Borden explores Abu's unconventional approach to filmmaking, from learning camera equipment for the first time in Dhaka to creating authentic cultural exchanges through working local jobs like delivering water in Somaliland and serving tea to elders. Abu offers behind-the-scenes insights about funding episodes through regular day jobs, plus the viral TikTok moment that changed everything and brought attention from major publications like The Guardian. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply interested in authentic travel content, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building something meaningful without industry permission or experience.

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

00:00 Introduction to Abubakar Finiin

01:14 Origin of Kids of the Colony

03:13 Choosing Countries for the Series

05:43 Why the Show Resonated Globally

07:56 Advice for Aspiring Creators

08:57 Show Format and Early Challenges

10:33 Life in Somaliland & Creating Challenges

12:51 Producing and Filming the Series

13:00 Somaliland Explained

13:40 Future of Kids of the Colony

15:24 Funding & Brand Deals

16:53 TikTok & Viral Growth

19:37 Full Circle with Networks

20:11 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Abu

Four-time Emmy award-winning host of Bare Feet, Mickela Mallozzi (@travelbarefeet) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building an international travel show through the universal language of dance. Host Ross Borden explores her journey from classically trained dancer to independent PBS producer, diving into the challenges of self-funding 8 seasons of a travel show, navigating cultural appreciation versus appropriation, and building authentic relationships with communities worldwide. Mickela offers behind-the-scenes insights about working with tourism boards and creating respectful cultural exchanges, plus practical advice on maintaining artistic integrity while securing sponsorships. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in authentic travel storytelling, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning passion into sustainable creative careers.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Mickela Mallozzi

00:28 - Host Introduction and Show Overview

01:34 - From Classical Dance to Travel Content Creation

02:39 - Dancing with Strangers: Building Connections Through Movement

04:16 - Finding Dancers: Studios vs. Street Festivals

05:56 - Making Dance Accessible Across Cultures

07:12 - 40 Countries and Returning to Favorites

08:19 - Favorite Places to Dance: New Zealand and the Haka

11:15 - Cultural Appreciation vs. Cultural Appropriation

15:04 - From Solo Creator to Full TV Production

15:29 - Building the Show: From Pilot to PBS

18:37 - Why PBS Was the Perfect Platform

20:26 - Impact of PBS Defunding on Independent Creators

24:11 - Self-Funding a TV Show: Sponsors and Partnerships

26:13 - PBS Advertising Rules and Brand Partnerships

27:22 - Distribution: Amazon Prime and Go Traveler

29:25 - Season 8 Preview: Maori, Taiwan, and Cuba

30:37 - Three Countries Question: Ireland, Italy, and New York

32:21 - Where to Watch and Follow Bare Feet

Rob Gerard, founder of the Tequila Collective (@the_tequilacollective), joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a multi-faceted tequila business from a pandemic hobby. Host Ross Borden explores Rob's journey from LA real estate agent to tequila scholar, diving into the hidden world of tequila additives, the difference between highland and valley agave, and why expensive doesn't always mean better. Rob offers behind-the-scenes insights about taking strangers on distillery tours in Mexico, plus he reveals how brands struggle to communicate with creators, leading him to launch a successful marketing agency. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in understanding what makes great tequila, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning authentic passion into sustainable business success.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Rob Gerard

01:30 - From Real Estate to Tequila Content Creation

03:19 - Going Viral and Building an Audience

06:15 - Understanding Tequila Additives and Quality

09:29 - Becoming a Tequila Scholar (Not Expert)

12:38 - Traveling to Mexico and Distillery Visits

13:45 - Starting Tequila Tours and Travel Experiences

18:30 - Building the Tequila Collective Business Empire

21:56 - Revenue Streams: What Actually Pays the Bills

24:47 - Tasting Session: Fortaleza and Tapatio

35:42 - Wrap Up and Final Thoughts