The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered with Maren Crowley

Welcome back to the If You Know, You Know podcast! In this episode, I’m breaking down the crucial differences between earning as an Amazon Influencer and generating income through UGC (User Generated Content) brand deals.

People ask me all the time, “Wait… you get paid by Amazon and by brands?” Yes, I do. But they’re completely different income streams. They pay differently, they scale differently, and understanding the difference is how you stop chasing random opportunities and start building real stability.

Learn more on my website: Episode & Blog

You’ll learn:

• How the Amazon Influencer Program works and why it’s not “traditional influencing”
• The nuts and bolts of UGC brand deals, from briefs to deliverables to direct payments
• Why combining both models can help you build scalable, reliable online income

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your social selling game, this episode will help you make smarter, more strategic choices for your business and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

1. Amazon Influencer is Asset-Based & Scalable: As an Amazon Influencer, I earn commissions when buyers purchase after watching my short product videos hosted directly on Amazon. 
2. UGC Brings Immediate Cash Flow: With UGC, I create content directly for brands based on briefs and I get paid upfront per deliverable. 
3. Combine Both for True Stability & Freedom: When I leverage Amazon Influencer and UGC brand deals together, it creates a balanced, resilient business. 

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this episode, Maren gets real about the shift from social media addiction to intentional presence — especially as a mom. She shares her journey from network marketing's "always be posting" culture to discovering the freedom of UGC (user-generated content) creation, which allows her to earn income without turning every family moment into content.

If you've ever felt pressure to document everything, struggled with "if I don't post it didn't happen" mentality, or found yourself mentally split between being present and planning the post—this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

• How UGC changed Maren's relationship with social media and family time
• The hidden cost of social selling on your presence and peace
• 5 practical ways to protect your presence (phone boundaries, time limits, intentional posting)
• Why your kids remember how you made them feel, not what you posted
• How to earn income from content creation without sacrificing meaningful moments

Perfect for: Moms, content creators, network marketers, affiliates, and anyone feeling the pressure to perform their life online.

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this episode, Maren breaks down why UGC is the mom-friendly business (side-hustle) that actually pays without requiring a massive following, public posting, or sacrificing time with your kids.

📌 Free Guide for limited time → No code needed
https://marencrowley.com/ugcguide

What You'll Learn:

• What UGC is and why brands pay $150-$1,000+ per video for authentic content
• How UGC differs from network marketing and influencer content (no sales pressure, no follower requirements)
• Why creators get paid for skills, not audience size
• How to protect your kids' privacy while building real income
• The flexibility to film during nap time and edit on your own schedule
• Real income potential: retainers, usage rights, and scalable opportunities

Key Insight: As someone who spent over a decade in the top 0.01% of network marketing, Maren shares why UGC is a fundamentally better path. There's no pressure to make sales or build a team. Creators produce authentic content that brands use across their marketing channels and get paid upfront for their work.

The best part? Creators don't have to post anything on their personal accounts. Brands post the content on their pages and in their ads. Privacy stays intact. Family time stays protected. And creators still build multiple income streams.

This is literally for everyone. When Maren says there's a low barrier to entry, she means it. The 99.99% can actually earn income from UGC—not just the elite few.

Key Takeaways

• UGC pays you for content creation, not follower count or sales 
• You control your privacy
• True flexibility for moms
• Low barrier to entry
• Multiple income streams

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this episode, Maren Crowley gets refreshingly real about her 11 years in network marketing with Beachbody—and reveals which skills from that world actually translate into profitable UGC work (and which ones to leave behind for good).

As part of the 0.01% who found success in MLM, Maren knows both sides: the skills that genuinely build business, and the toxic tactics that don't. She breaks down exactly how storytelling, camera confidence, community building, and understanding pain points can power a UGC business—without the recruiting, downline drama, or income dependency on others.

Full Show Notes on my website.

What you'll discover:

• The 7 MLM skills that make you better at UGC (without the manipulation)
• Why brands love creators with network marketing backgrounds
• How to handle rejection professionally instead of personally
• The mindset shifts that change everything (spoiler: "no" actually means no in UGC)
• What social selling looks like without recruiting anyone
• Practical first steps to transition from MLM to creator work

Whether you're currently in network marketing, tried it in the past, or simply want to build sustainable online income with your content skills, this episode delivers honest insights, actionable strategies, and a clear path forward.

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

Should Christian families celebrate Halloween? Instead of jumping on the latest bandwagon, I'm sharing my family's personal convictions and the important distinction between authentic spiritual discernment and trend-following.

In this episode I open up about why we don't do Santa Claus, how I still let my kids trick-or-treat, and the questions every Christian parent should ask before making faith-based family decisions. This isn't about what YOU should do—it's about encouraging genuine conviction over Christian peer pressure.

📌 Key Takeaways

1. Avoid bandwagon Christianity - Don't make family decisions based on what's trending in Christian social media
2. Seek authentic conviction - Ask what the Holy Spirit is convicting YOUR family about, not what others are doing
3. Be consistent - Apply spiritual discernment across ALL areas of life, not just controversial ones
4. Trust your calling as a parent - God chose you to parent your children for a reason
5. Question the inconsistency - If you're concerned about Halloween's pagan roots, examine Christmas and Easter traditions too

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this episode, Maren Crowley dives deep into the recent controversy centered on the 2025 Dove Awards, exploring the drama between Christian artist Forrest Frank and country music star Jelly Roll. 

Maren addresses the complexities of faith, money, recognition, and personal conviction in the Christian music industry while reflecting on how judgment and division manifest online and in real-life spiritual communities. 

Drawing from her own reflections and audience conversations, she discusses the intersections of commerce, calling, and community within the context of modern worship music.

Personal Conviction Runs Deep:
Forrest Frank’s decision to skip the Dove Awards was based on his own faith journey and convictions, feeling uncomfortable receiving recognition for sharing the gospel, which he considers a calling, not a competition.

Money and Ministry Are Complicated (and That’s OK):
The episode explores the tension between earning an income and spreading the gospel. From high ticket prices to discussions about pastors’ salaries, Maren argues that financial choices are between individuals and God. 

Judgment Divides, Unity Heals:
Throughout the controversy, Maren notes the quickness of online judgment, especially among fellow Christians. 

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Maren Crowley opens up about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, on September 10, 2025, and the profound impact it has had on her, her family, and the broader Christian conservative community. 

Maren reflects on witnessing tragedy in the modern age, the role of social media algorithms in shaping narratives and emotions, and the spiritual battles we all face in times of darkness.

She draws parallels between this event and other pivotal moments in American history, discusses the dangers of political division and dehumanization fueled by "the machine" and social media manipulation, and the urgent need to safeguard our peace and families amidst chaos. 

Maren emphasizes the importance of Christian faith, biblical discernment, and unity, encouraging listeners to put down their devices, step back from conspiracy theories, refocus on what truly matters, and armor up spiritually with the Word of God.

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Maren welcomes Megan McHugh, a medical speech language pathologist specializing in cognitive and swallowing disorders, whose life took a dramatic turn after a routine cosmetic Botox procedure left her with iatrogenic botulism.

Megan courageously shares her personal story of navigating this rare but severe reaction, the widespread gaslighting she experienced in the medical community, and her journey to become an advocate for patient safety and informed consent. Megan has since authored three books on her experience and the risks surrounding Botox, includin:

• Iatrogenic Botulism 101
• Notox: The Shocking Truth About Cosmetic Injections
• Me Tox Pretty: A Story of Iatrogenic Botulism and The Ugly Side of Cosmetic Injections

This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering cosmetic procedures, those interested in medical transparency, or anyone passionate about health advocacy. 

Three Key Takeaways:

Botox Can Have Serious, Life-Altering Side Effects

Megan shares her firsthand account of developing iatrogenic botulism after receiving only a small dose of Xeomin (a type of Botox). 

Widespread Gaslighting and Lack of Transparency in Healthcare

Megan and Maren discuss the persistent issue of medical gaslighting, where patients’ concerns and symptoms are minimized or dismissed by professionals.

The Influence of Social Media and the Power of Storytelling

Social media’s portrayal of “perfect” faces and filtered beauty drives many to seek cosmetic treatments, sometimes without understanding the risks. 

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

Motherhood keeps Maren on her toes, and every season of her life brings new lessons. You know she keeps it real about the challenges and the beauty of parenting, building a business, and trying to stay true to herself, especially in a culture that seems to get louder and more opinionated by the day.

With humor and vulnerability, she unpacks the challenges and choices of modern parenting, her conscious shift away from social media, and the cultural forces shaping today’s children. 

Maren reflects on the importance of modeling healthy habits, the impact of social norms—from “mommy wine culture” to unattainable beauty standards—and the role parents play in fostering self-confidence and resilience in their kids. 

She also shares personal stories about her own insecurities, the value of being present with her children, and how she’s building a life more aligned with her values.

View full show notes and resources on my website.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The rewards and struggles of stepping back from social media to focus on family.
• Candid talks with her toddler about loss, addiction, and life’s hard truths—plus the revelation of her daughter’s rare eidetic memory.
• The parallels between MLM culture and “mommy wine culture,” and the messages kids absorb about alcohol, habits, and wellness.
• The rise of cosmetic enhancements, why it matters what our kids see, and Maren’s personal experience with beauty standards and confidence.
• A call to embrace both self-care and self-acceptance, and to nurture our children’s inner worth.

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint

In this fiery and unfiltered episode, Maren Crowley dives headfirst into the controversy and aftermath surrounding Autumn Calabrese and Donald Stamper’s recent podcast.

Speaking candidly from her own experiences as a long-time Beachbody partner, Maren calls out red flags, exposes behind-the-scenes truths in the network marketing world, and reflects on the shifting dynamics in the BODi/Beachbody community.

She touches on loyalty, business strategy, friendship breakdowns, and the realities of influencer contracts—and doesn’t hold back. Whether you’re an insider, critic, or just curious about the world of fitness MLMs, buckle up for a sharply honest take on the current landscape.

Read the full transcript and Maren's additional show notes on the episode page on my website.

What’s Covered in This Episode:

• Maren’s personal reaction and commentary on Autumn and Donald’s podcast.
• How influencer contracts and content deals have shifted for trainers like Autumn Calabrese and Joel Freeman.
• The dissolution of the Beachbody/BODi coaching network and why top coaches saw it coming.
• Reflection on loyalty, lost friendships, and why Maren still respects her time with Beachbody.
• The truth about restrictive diets, product endorsements, and social media tactics in the fitness MLM world.
• The impact of business changes on both trainers and rank-and-file coaches.
• Why Maren is passionately against network marketing models after her own journey.

The Income Blueprint: Unfiltered is the podcast for entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners who want to build real income without the fluff. Hosted by Maren Crowley, each episode dives into UGC, Amazon Influencer income, brand deals, motherhood, wellness, and the unfiltered truth about what it actually takes to run a business and a life at the same time — no big following, no MLM hustle, no gatekeeping.

If you're ready to stop overthinking, take action, and build a flexible life and income on your terms, you're in the right place.

Follow and connect with me on IG > @macrowley
Listen, read show notes and get resources for all episodes on my website.

>> The UGC Income Blueprint Course <<

Your Step-by-Step Plan to Land Paid Brand Deals Without a Big Following. No gatekeeping or withholding info from you here. 

Learn more and enroll>> https://marencrowley.com/blueprint