This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start over — and make it wildly successful.

Today, I’m chatting with Goldie — a former nurse who swapped her scrubs for a camera and turned her creativity into a full-time UGC business. She’s now working with over 50 brands, getting paid to travel, and recently had a $7,000 month (yes, from content creation).

Goldie shares how she went from scared to pitch anything… to landing retainers, working from the road, and getting videos with millions of views. We get super real about the mental shifts, income highs and lows, and what it actually takes to go full-time as a UGC travel creator.

Whether you're just UGC-curious or already deep in the pitch grind, this convo is going to fire you up.

Highlights & Time Stamps:

• [2:00] Why Goldie walked away from nursing after a back injury
• [6:00] Starting from scratch — no gear, no experience, just grit
• [10:00] What actually helped her build confidence + portfolio
• [18:00] Making $10K+, landing retainers, and getting paid to travel
• [26:00] The $500 video that went viral with 5.1 million views
• [34:00] How to shift from survival mindset to CEO energy
• [38:00] Goldie’s #1 advice for anyone starting UGC scared

This episode is for you if…

• You’re burnt out from your job and craving freedom
• You want to become a content creator without needing a huge following
• You’re curious how to get paid to travel through UGC (no, not just free products)
• You’ve started pitching but feel like you’re shouting into the void

✨ Connect with Goldie

• Instagram (Travel + Creator): @goldie.ventures
• Instagram (UGC-specific): @goldie.inspired.ugc
• Check Out Her UGC Portfolio

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

Starting something new like becoming UGC content creator  is exciting—but it also stirs up a lot of fear, self-doubt, and straight-up discomfort. 

In today’s episode, I sat down with Erin Valenti, a trauma-informed therapist, to break down why that happens and what you can actually do about it.

We dig deep into how the nervous system and unprocessed trauma can quietly shape your decisions, your fears around visibility, and even your ability to hit “record” and film your first UGC video. 

Whether you’re a new creator dreaming of getting paid to travel or you're in the messy middle of building your business, this conversation is going to help you feel more grounded, aligned, and ready to take action (even if it’s messy and uncomfortable at first).

What You’ll Learn:

• What trauma actually is (and how it could be subtly impacting you)
• How fear hijacks your decision-making and what to do about it
• Practical, body-based tools to regulate your nervous system before you create
• Why mindset shifts alone aren’t enough (and what to pair them with instead)
• The truth about visibility fears and how to become resilient on camera
• Why journaling, visualization, and nervous system regulation are essential for UGC creators

🔗 Resources & Mentions:

• Connect with Erin Valenti:
   Instagram → @healingthehumanexperience
   Website 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

Today I want to talk about how I made $5.7K in UGC Deals this month (without personally pitching.)

In this episode, I’m giving you the full behind-the-scenes look at exactly how that happened—what kind of brands I worked with, how I landed the deals, how much they paid, and what kind of UGC content they wanted from me.

If you're a content creator who dreams of getting paid to travel, or you're just getting started in the UGC space and wondering what’s actually possible—this episode is the one for you. I'm walking you through:

✨ My July UGC income breakdown—deal by deal
✨ The exact types of content brands are asking for right now
✨ How I landed over $2,000 in UGC deals from automated cold email pitches
✨ Why I turned down a long-term UGC deal (and passed it to my students!)
✨ How I made $1,100 in pure passive income from a video I filmed a YEAR ago

If you’re sitting there still chasing $200 deals and wondering if this UGC thing is worth it… let this episode be your proof. Consistency compounds. UGC can fund your freedom.

🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED
→ Try the UGC pitching platform I’m obsessed with: Bento (get my discount + link is here )
→ Episode 11: [How to Make Passive Income with UGC]

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

You do not need a million followers to get free stays, dreamy adventures, or actual money just for showing up somewhere with your phone. Yes, this is real. And in this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to get paid to travel using UGC (user-generated content), even if you're just getting started.

This is the step-by-step, no-fluff breakdown of how I (and my students!) have landed free hotels, Airbnb stays, and PAID brand deals — all while traveling the world. Whether you’re planning your next trip or daydreaming about one, this episode gives you the actual blueprint to make it happen.

Inside This Episode:

• How to pitch Airbnbs and hotels for free stays (even as a beginner)
• The easiest way to save $300+ on your next vacation through content creation
• What tourism boards are and how they literally exist to work with creators like you
• How to land paid UGC brand deals based on your travel plans
• Why you don’t need to be a travel blogger or influencer to do this
• Confidence tips + pitching timelines + real success stories (my student got 2 free stays from her first 20 pitches!)

💡 You’ll Learn:

• The three easiest ways to travel for free using UGC
• How to position yourself to stand out (especially against pro photographers)
• What to include in your pitch for hotels, brands, and tour companies
• My favorite hack for landing paid brand deals based on your trips

Hashtags / Keywords:
#UGC #PaidToTravel #UserGeneratedContent #UGCContentCreator #TravelHacks #WorkWhileYouTravel #HowToGetFreeStays #AirbnbUGC #UGCforBeginners #UGCTravel

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

What if you could start a side hustle that gives you the freedom to travel, reduce your hours at work, and still make bank—all without being an influencer? 

Today we hear from my UGC student, Jess,  a professional massage therapist turned successful UGC creator who proves it’s 100% possible.

✨ What We Talk About:

• How Jess went from full-time massage therapist to building a profitable side hustle as a UGC creator
• Why you don’t need to be an influencer to get paid to travel
• The moment a random Instagram reel inspired Jess to take action
• UGC tips for balancing your 9-5 while building your content biz
• Real talk: the deal that slipped through Jess’s fingers—and how she bounced back stronger
• Why UGC is a long game (but a life-changing one)
• Building confidence, self-trust, and a life you actually want through content creation

👩‍💻 Jess’s UGC Wins Include:

• 14 deals (4 gifted collabs)
• $4,525 total
• First deal began in November 2024
• Based on those stats, I have averaged about $565 a month!"

🔗 Connect with Jess:
Follow Jess on Instagram → @bodyworkbae
Get wellness + massage tips and behind-the-scenes of her PNW-based UGC life.

Key points: UGC, paid to travel, content creator, UGC creator, UGC journey, UGC side hustle, wellness content, flexible income, content creation tips, how to start UGC, make money online, UGC tips, UGC for beginners, travel content, remote work for creatives, UGC coaching

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

Ever dreamt of getting paid to stay in dreamy Airbnbs around the world?

Today we sit down with Emma—Airbnb content creator and social media manager—who went from free stays to fully booked and fully paid… all without a massive following or photography degree. 

If you're ready to land paid stays, build your travel creator portfolio, and break into the UGC (user-generated content) world—this one’s PACKED with actionable tips.

 In This Episode:

• Exactly how she landed her first free and then paid Airbnb stays
• Why professional photography isn't required to get started (but what helps!)
• What kind of content packages actually convert—and what she charges 💸
• How to stand out when pitching Airbnbs (spoiler: stop copying and pasting bad DMs 🙃)
• The difference between UGC for Airbnbs vs. hotels
• Why adding social media management can 2X your income as a creator
• What Emma would do step-by-step if she were starting over today

Emma and I break down the mindset + game plan to:

1. Build your portfolio (even with no experience)
2. Pitch with confidence and intention
3. Move from free stays → paid packages

 Connect with Emma:

• Website: elevatedescapesmgmt.com
• Instagram: @eiffelemma + @elevatedescapesmgmt
   

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

What if ONE brand could pay you nearly $10k... and some of it was passive income?

This week, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of my longest-running UGC partnerships—the kind of deal that feels like a paycheck from the universe. Yep, passive income with UGC is real, and I’m showing you how to make it yours too. 

I’m sharing the real story behind a UGC deal that brought in $9,865+—and it's still paying me to this day with zero extra work. This deal literally funded my trip to Portugal this month. Whether you're new to the UGC world or building your content creator portfolio, this is your sign to dream bigger and pitch smarter.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How one cold email turned into a long-term UGC client worth nearly $10k
• The power of ad usage rights and how they can create passive income
• Why pitching outside your niche (like travel/outdoor) can seriously pay off
• The importance of following up, building relationships, and being your own advocate
• How manifestation, mindset, and saying yes to aligned opportunities brings magic (hello Portugal!)

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

Today, I’m chatting with Ashleigh — one of my UGC Accelerator students who went from thinking about UGC for months… to actually doing it and getting results. We’re talking about exactly how she made her first $16,000 as a total beginner UGC creator, what’s working for her now, and how she built a flexible part-time income that fits around her life (not the other way around).

🌟 What You’ll Learn:

• How Ashleigh made $13K in just five months as a part-time UGC creator
• What it's really like filming UGC while doing van life across the U.S.
• Her strategy for landing retainer clients that bring in consistent income
• Time-saving UGC tips for working creators and travelers
• The underrated power of follow-ups (this one’s a game-changer)

💼 Quick Stats from Ashleigh’s Journey:

• ✅ $16,000+ earned in her first 9 months
• ✅ Averaging $3K/month while working just 10 hours a week
• ✅ Signed a full-year travel retainer with a dream RV brand
• ✅ Still working her 9–5 and running another business!

Key points: how to make money with UGC, beginner UGC creator tips, paid to travel, user generated content income, how to land UGC clients, van life UGC, get paid to create content

📲 Connect with Ashleigh:

Follow her UGC journey → @atozugc
See her van life life → @atozvanlife
Peek her portfolio → View here

🎥 BONUS FREEBIE:

Want to binge real UGC ads that actually work?
👉 Grab my free inspo folder with 60+ UGC examples: Download here

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

If you’ve ever been ghosted by a brand, stressed about late payments, or totally overwhelmed by contracts—this episode is for you. Because let’s be real: this stuff will happen. And today, we’re diving into how to protect your income and your energy as a UGC creator.

Whether you're new to UGC or knee-deep in brand deals, this convo with Grace from DuPay breaks down everything you wish someone told you when you started: how to send invoices that actually get paid, red flags to look for in contracts, and what to do when a brand ghosts you (spoiler: you’re not powerless 👏).

What You’ll Learn:
✅ Why every UGC creator needs to view themselves as a business
✅ How to create an invoice that actually gets you paid
✅ What to include in contracts to protect your content and income
✅ Real stories of ghosted creators and how DuPay got them paid
✅ How to handle unpaid invoices, usage overages, and content theft
✅ And the $19/month service that could save your creative sanity

Key Points: UGC, UGC tips, contracts, invoices, late payments, ghosted by brands, user generated content, freelance creator, income protection for creators

Where to Find Grace & DuPay:
👉 Website: https://dupayme.com
👉 Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn: @dupayme

DUPAY DISCOUNT: Promo code: MADDY25 for $25 off an annual subscription 

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...

Today I’m breaking down the must-know UGC lingo that’ll make you sound like a pro in your brand deals — and help you get paid like one too.

Whether you're just starting your UGC journey or looking to level up your conversations with brands, understanding the language of the industry is a total game changer.

From “organic UGC” vs. “ad-style videos” to conversion metrics and what the heck a content brief is — I’m walking you through it all. I’m also giving you real tips on when to ask brands for data, how to track your performance, and how these insights can help you raise your rates and stand out in a saturated market.

In this episode, we cover:
✨ What UGC actually is (and how it’s not the same as being an influencer)
📲 The difference between organic and ad-style content
🎯 Key performance metrics like ROAS, hook score, click-through rate, and more
🎬 Must-know video structure terms: hooks, CTAs, B-roll, and raw footage
💼 How to sound like a confident, pro-level content creator in brand convos
🧠 When and how to ask brands for data to build your portfolio

Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach

3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator

Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass

Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide

Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8

My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/

For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05

50+ UGC Example Videos: ...