Emmy Award-winning presenter, TV host, and travel creator Oneika Raymond (@oneikaraymond) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her remarkable journey in the travel content space. In this episode, Onika shares highlights from her recent five-and-a-half-month round-the-world adventure with her family through 24 countries, including surprising insights about destinations like Saudi Arabia. Host Ross Borden explores Oneika's transition from international educator to full-time creator in 2016, diving into her multi-year brand partnerships, her role as producer and host of Marriott Bonvoy's "About the Journey" podcast, and her approach to authentic content creation. Oneika offers behind-the-scenes perspectives on navigating the creator economy, plus practical advice on relationship-building that has led to her enviable position of receiving 99.9% inbound work opportunities. "The people that you meet on the way up are the same people you're gonna meet on the way down," she shares as a cornerstone of her success philosophy. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in global travel insights, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building a sustainable, multi-faceted career in the creator economy.

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

00:00 Introduction to Oneika Raymond

01:31 24 countries in 5.5 months with family

02:51 Taking time off vs. working while traveling

04:28 Planning and affording a round-the-world trip

05:22 Favorite destinations: Zanzibar and Saudi Arabia

06:02 Traveling as a woman in Saudi Arabia

08:39 Going full-time as a creator in 2016

09:55 The pivot from teaching to content creation

11:09 Most lucrative revenue streams as a creator

12:58 Multi-year brand partnerships vs. one-offs

13:39 About the Journey: Marriott's travel show/podcast

14:53 Becoming a producer, not just a host

16:43 The standout New Orleans episode

17:50 Future projects and what's coming next

18:32 Building long-term brand relationships

19:32 Why being inbound-only works

20:23 The importance of being easy to work with

22:07 How relationships lead to new opportunities

23:22 Three countries to live in forever

26:22 Thailand and the White Lotus connection

27:26 Where to find Oneika online

Parker Sheppard (@pshepfpv), an acclaimed First Person View (or FPV) drone pilot whose volcano footage has garnered tens of millions of views, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss the art and technology behind breathtaking aerial cinematography. In this episode, Parker shares his journey from building a media agency in West Virginia to capturing erupting volcanoes in Iceland, including how he once flew so close to molten lava that his GoPro started melting. Host Ross Borden explores Parker's evolution from real estate drone tours to adventure filmmaking, diving into the technical challenges of custom-building drones, the intensive training required (with thousands of flight hours), and the viral Faroe Islands shot that launched his career. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to elevate your aerial footage or simply fascinated by breathtaking drone videos that explore impossible places, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on following creative passion and the future of immersive cinematography.

To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com00:00 Introduction to Parker Sheppard

01:22 What is FPV Droning?

01:58 Origins of FPV Racing and Freestyle

02:46 Building Custom Drones

03:42 Flying Over Crowds and Legal Requirements

04:13 Parker's Production Company Origin Story

05:36 Learning FPV - The Challenge

06:52 Daily Practice Routine

07:42 Flight Hours and Experience

08:15 From Hobby to Business

08:48 Real Estate Breakthrough

09:45 Landing the First Big Contract

11:19 Business Growth and Expansion

12:07 First Trip to Iceland

13:23 Faroe Islands Viral Moment

14:54 Iceland Volcano Rush

16:32 The Million-View Volcano Shot

17:33 Becoming a Top FPV Pilot

18:57 Moving to Utah for Passion Projects

19:47 Hotel and Tourism Work

20:16 Future Bucket List Destinations

21:18 Three Countries Question

22:02 Where to Find Parker Online

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

Timm Chiusano (@timmchiusano)  joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his extraordinary transformation from corporate executive to social media phenomenon. In this episode, Tim recounts how he began creating TikTok content while still managing 240 people, eventually growing so popular that a Rolling Stone feature about him reached the CEO's desk. Host Ross Borden explores Timm's transition from corporate executive to full-time creator, navigating toxic corporate cultures during mergers, and ultimately "responsibly firing himself" from his executive role. Timm offers behind-the-scenes insights about appearing in Rolling Stone magazine without company approval, plus practical advice on brand partnerships that actually work. His upcoming book "How to Get Addicted to Appreciation" stems from his philosophy of finding joy in everyday moments. Whether you're contemplating a career change or simply interested in understanding the creator economy from someone who's been on both sides, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on reinvention and appreciation.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Timm Chiusano

01:05 - Timm's Background & Corporate Career at Charter/Spectrum

02:04 - Managing 240 People in Cable Advertising

03:20 - Starting on TikTok in 2020

04:21 - Early TikTok Success & Viral Content Strategy

06:00 - Company Reaction to Timm's Social Media Fame

07:33 - Toxic Corporate Culture & Mass Layoffs

09:59 - Creative Lessons from TikTok vs Corporate Production

12:44 - Breaking Company Rules & Flying Under the Radar

14:02 - Rolling Stone Article Controversy

16:14 - Soul Searching & Decision to Leave Corporate

17:35 - The Tipping Point Moment

19:13 - Brand Partnerships & Best Deals 

21:37 - Creating Authentic Branded Content

23:53 - Advice for Brands Working with Creators

25:14 - Upcoming Book: "How to Get Addicted to Appreciation"

25:58 - Closing & Credits

Monique Yvonne Jones (@moniqueyvonne) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her groundbreaking approach to filmmaking. In this episode, Monique shares her journey as a one-person film production powerhouse, including how she handles everything from cinematography to acting completely solo. Host Ross discovers how Monique's self-portrait photography skills evolved into filmmaking, from making one-minute short films to working with brands like Apple and premiering at a film festival. "I think it's important to show people... that you're capable of doing it. Even if it's not the most professional way, you're still showing that you can get it done". Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker looking for inspiration or simply fascinated by innovative creators who break traditional production rules, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning creative limitations into artistic strengths.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Monique Yvonne 

01:35 - How Monique started with self-portrait photography 

04:04 - Finding inspiration in locations and props 

05:38 - Favorite films: XOX and the locked bathroom story

06:27 - The Billie Eilish-inspired heartbreak film 

08:11 - Monique's creative process and workflow 

09:15 - The mysterious church in Joshua Tree 

10:38 - Filming in Morocco: Finding creativity in new places 

12:42 - How audiences interpret and connect with her films 

13:32 - Editing process: from phone-only to DaVinci Resolve 

14:24 - Experience at Creator Camp in Switzerland 

16:21 - Finding community as a creator in Los Angeles 

19:08 - Balancing modeling and filmmaking careers 

20:04 - Working with brands like Apple Pay and Valentino 

21:57 - Current projects: 15-minute film for Austin film festival 

23:37 - Future goals: Feature film aspirations 

24:39 - Favorite and most challenging filmmaking roles 

26:45 - Advice for aspiring filmmakers and creators 

28:29 - Growing a social media following 

29:39 - The importance of showing the behind-the-scenes process 

30:34 - Travel experiences: Cape Town, Morocco, and Switzerland 

32:08 - Finding spontaneous inspiration while filming 

33:02 - Closing remarks

Adventure traveler and content creator Eli Snyder (@snydexplores) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his experiences navigating some of the world's most challenging destinations. In this episode, Eli recounts his 10-day journey through Afghanistan without a guide, interacting with Taliban officials up to "six to ten times a day" while relying on meticulously researched GPS coordinates for safety. Host Ross Borden dives into Eli's experiences hitchhiking through Pakistan, his 27-hour wait to board the infamous iron ore train in Mauritania ("the most grueling trip of my life"), and his upcoming expeditions to Syria, Iran, and Turkmenistan. Eli offers behind-the-scenes insights about how he prepares for high-risk destinations with extensive research, plus practical details about his growing business leading group expeditions to places like Norway's Lofoten Islands and Guatemala. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in understanding more about the world's most misunderstood places, this conversation offers a valuable perspective on finding meaning through genuine cultural connections beyond typical tourist destinations.

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

0:00 Introduction to Eli Snyder

1:44 Eli's travel journey and going solo

2:30 Adventures in Pakistan and Afghanistan

3:11 Deep dive on Afghanistan: Preparations and challenges

5:56 Meeting a fellow traveler in Pakistan

7:54 Interactions with the Taliban

10:29 Freedom to travel within Afghanistan

11:12 Exploring Pakistan: Kindness and hospitality

12:05 The iron ore train through Mauritania

15:58 The magic of the Saharan landscape

18:03 Algeria: Eli's hidden gem

20:09 Surfing in West Africa

21:22 Growing as a creator and finding his voice

22:14 Why visiting challenging countries matters

23:05 The value of solo travel

26:43 Preparing for Iran: Visa challenges

29:36 How Eli monetizes his travels

31:26 Traditional Filipino tattoos from Apo Whang-Od

32:36 Eli's three countries for life: Argentina, US, and New Zealand

33:48 Closing remarks

Solo travel content creator Ciara Johnson (@hey_ciara) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her journey from corporate America to full-time travel influencer. In this episode, Ciara shares how she quit her HR job in 2017 to take an "adult gap year" that transformed into a successful career, revealing how she bridged her initial savings with a remote travel writing job before landing her first paid brand deals in 2019. Host Ross Borden explores Ciara's evolution from unpaid brand collaborations to earning up to $50,000 in a single month, and dives into her pitching strategies. Ciara offers behind-the-scenes insights about working with major brands like Marriott, Toyota, and American Express, plus practical advice on maintaining authenticity in content creation. She explains how her niche in empowering women for solo travel emerged naturally from her own experiences: "I knew that if I wanted to travel, I was just gonna have to simply do it alone." Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in travel entrepreneurship, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on building a sustainable career from your passions.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Ciara Johnson

01:01 - Ciara's background and journey as a creator

02:30 - Quitting her job to pursue content creation

05:18 - Living first, then creating content philosophy

07:46 - Early brand deals and pitching to companies

08:51 - Major brand partnerships (Marriott, Toyota, Chevrolet)

12:26 - Finding her niche in solo female travel

15:39 - How brand opportunities developed over time

18:55 - Getting management and the benefits of representation

23:56 - Revenue as a full-time creator

24:37 - Future plans and creating balance

26:25 - Speaking engagements and networking opportunities

29:42 - Content production process and editing

31:18 - Ciara's top three countries to live in

32:15 - Where to find Ciara online

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

Mirna Valerio (@themirnavator), bestselling author, ultra-marathoner, and National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, joins Creator: The Podcast to share her extraordinary journey. In this episode, Mirna reveals how a panic attack transformed her life from overworked teacher to endurance athlete, including the moment her cardiologist asked, "You want to see your son grow up?" Host Ross Borden explores Mirna's evolution from struggling to run one minute on a treadmill to completing a staggering 142.6-mile desert ultra race, diving into her experiences as a plus-size athlete in elite sports, her rise to social media fame after a Wall Street Journal feature, and her groundbreaking partnership with Lululemon. Mirna offers candid insights about confronting skeptics who doubt her abilities, plus practical advice for aspiring writers and content creators. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast interested in inclusive adventure sports or simply seeking inspiration to start something new at any age, this conversation delivers a powerful perspective on challenging stereotypes and finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the destination.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Mirna Valerio

01:39 - Mirna's background and achievements

02:54 - Health scare and life-changing moment

07:08 - Beginning the running journey

08:49 - Ultra marathon accomplishments

10:50 - Creating "Fat Girl Running" blog

12:18 - Getting discovered by Wall Street Journal

14:10 - Media attention and brand sponsorships

15:52 - "A Beautiful Work in Progress" memoir

18:39 - Facing doubt and stereotypes

20:52 - Completing the 100K race despite challenges

23:25 - Inspiring others through social media

25:58 - The Mirnavator's Grand Year at 50

27:09 - Origin of "The Mirnavator" nickname

33:30 - Closing remarks

Travel Creator Michael Motamedi (@michaelmotamedi) joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss his journey living around the world with his family. In this episode, Michael shares how watching his father's unfulfilling retirement sparked his decision to travel full-time with his wife and baby daughter. Host Ross Borden explores Michael's journey from restaurant entrepreneur to bourbon company founder to viral travel creator, diving into his month-long stays in destinations worldwide, his experiences using AI travel assistant GuideGeek, and his philosophical perspective on escaping the American "rat race." Michael offers refreshingly honest advice for new creators: "If you're able to create without needing to hit a quota and you create because it makes you happy, you're gonna be way better off in the long run." Whether you're dreaming of location independence or seeking authentic perspectives on international living, this conversation provides both practical insights and philosophical wisdom about prioritizing happiness over conventional success.

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

00:00 - Introduction to Michael Motamedi

01:37 - Michael's background and early life

03:43 - From Master Chef to bourbon entrepreneur

05:01 - Decision to travel the world full-time

06:36 - Starting from zero on TikTok

07:27 - Going viral in Amalfi Coast

09:08 - Philosophy of slow travel and immersion

11:44 - Guide Geek AI travel experiment

14:46 - Haircut adventure in Morocco

15:22 - Returning to Barcelona and potential settling down

18:16 - The difference between US and European lifestyles

23:27 - The addiction of constant travel

26:54 - Advice for new creators

31:51 - Biggest mistake as a creator

34:49 - Michael's three countries to live in forever

37:07 - Closing remarks