What if your "side hustle survival skills" were actually the exact training you needed to crush it in UGC?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Alex Gettlin, a standup comedian and podcaster who went from touring comedy clubs and hustling through DoorDash shifts to building a thriving UGC business. 

Alex didn't come from the typical nine-to-five burnout story. He came from a world where every gig was uncertain, every paycheck was inconsistent, and learning to perform under pressure was just part of the deal. That background turned out to be his secret weapon.

Chapters:
04:45 – Losing Everything Overnight to COVID
07:10 – The Podcast That Changed Everything
09:30 – Discovering UGC Was a Real Business
11:55 – Why Most Creators Quit Too Early
14:10 – Spending Money to Make Money
16:25 – The Power of Creator Meetups
19:05 – Trading Free UGC for Real Opportunities
21:40 – Why Talking Head Videos Win
24:55 – When UGC Goes Wrong Fast
29:10 – Turning Small Gigs Into Big Retainers
34:20 – Comedy Skills as a UGC Superpower
41:15 – How Consistency Creates Long-Term Income
If you've ever felt stuck in the "feast or famine" cycle, or you'r

If you've ever felt stuck in the "feast or famine" cycle, or you're wondering how to turn your creative skills into steady income without losing your authenticity, Nate and Alex break it all down. 

Alex shares how he built his first portfolio, why he treats every client like a long-term relationship, and the mindset shifts that helped him go from $100 gigs to retainer deals that actually pay the bills. 

Plus, he gets real about the importance of community, why over-delivering early creates momentum, and how thinking like an entertainer (not just a creator) can set you apart.

By the end, you'll understand why your first gig matters way more than the paycheck, how to find opportunities hiding in plain sight, and what it actually takes to build a UGC business that works for you, not the other way around. 

Press play and learn how Alex landed his first podcast deal, turning a $100 Ball Buddy ad into a major retainer, and why he tells his students there's no "one right way" to do this.

Alex's Atlanta Studio: https://www.skewedorbitstudios.com/

Alex's podcast Highly Unlikely: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iMdab3eZjUQNV2zyIPZe0?si=rjNW8iX8RT2jrFegBrtAQQ

Alex's Portfolio: http://www.alexgettlin.com/

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

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Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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What if the skills you already have are exactly what you need to build a UGC business, you just haven't connected the dots yet?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Olivia Castriota to break down how she went from being new to UGC to consistently making $20,000 a month by leveraging skills she already had.

She didn't start as a UGC creator. She was a musician writing songs for TV shows, stuck in an industry where getting paid took eight months or longer. 

When she saw a TikTok about UGC, she realized her years of making music videos had already taught her everything she needed: how to be comfortable on camera, understand lighting, and tell a story visually. 

Within two weeks, she bought a course, set up her Fiverr gigs, and started landing clients at $20 a video.

Chapters:
00:04:45 - The Fiverr Switch That Skyrocketed Orders
00:05:32 - 100 Reviews in 2 Months  
00:06:00 - The $20 to $125 Rate Jump Panic
00:06:31 - Ad Fees Changed Everything
00:09:19 - The “Pitch 10 Brands” Myth Gets Called Out
00:15:34 - Fiverr’s Biggest Problem: Zero Search, Too Much Chaos
00:18:18 - Scam Reality Check and Why New Sellers Get Targeted
00:24:38 - Camera Confidence
00:34:05 - Why X Became Her Best Lead Source
00:42:19 - Worst Gig vs Best Gig 

She doesn't sugarcoat it. She talks about doing a hundred videos in two months to build reviews, raising her rates even when it felt terrifying, and why your first three months are basically paid training. 

Olivia shares the production secrets most creators never think about like how matching your clothing to both the product and your skin tone can make or break a video, or why breaking a script into single-line takes with action beats makes everything easier. 

Press play and learn how tiny shifts that separate okay content from work that brands want to pay for again and again.

Course she took (Use code OLIVIA for $100 off):  https://freelancebigsis.com/ugcfiverracademy-1220?am_id=olivia2330

Olivia's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VdTraeHBTaJhW9OZPnrPm?si=yXo-BLoORYCqP5snb-qOxg

Olivia's portfolio: https://oliviacastriota.my.canva.site/

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Ever wonder if your whole family could actually make money creating content together or if that's just internet hype?

Nate sits down with Jen Cochnauer. She started UGC in July. She'd never even heard the term before. Five months later, she's pulling in $2-4k extra each month while working full-time in corporate healthcare and she's doing it with her husband and four kids, including triplets. 

You'll hear how she navigated Fiverr gigs, convinced her skeptical husband, got her kids comfortable on camera, and started landing inbound work from brands who can't resist the triplet factor.

Chapters:
04:02 - Family to a Fiverr  
06:01 - Ditching the Teleprompter  
08:30 - Landing the First Family Job with the Triplets
11:18 - Raising Rates 
19:30 - How X Replies Turn Into Email Inbounds
20:50 - Working Full-Time While UGC Explodes
22:00 - When to Pause Outreach and Start Saying No
31:03 - The VA Problem: Follow-Ups Are Where Money Gets Lost
33:30 - The Dream Gig vs The Nightmare Client
41:30 - The 2026 UGC Family Expansion Plan

Jen's approach is refreshingly honest, she prints scripts, overshoots B-roll, and still struggles with follow-up. She's figuring it out in real time, just like you.

If you've ever hesitated to involve your partner or kids in UGC because it feels complicated, this episode breaks down the practicalities: how much to pay your kids, how to price family work, and why raw footage jobs beat full edits when you're juggling a day job. 

You'll also get the uncomfortable truth about pricing, if brands aren't pushing back on your rates, you're leaving money on the table.

Jen's story proves you don't need to be a content pro or quit your job to make this work. You just need to start, lean into what makes your family unique, and charge what you're actually worth. 

Press play and learn exactly how to turn family time into paid work without sacrificing your sanity.

Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjenugc/

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Ever sat at your desk wondering if there's more to life than climbing the corporate ladder? 

Host Nate Flake gets it. He spent 11 years in tech, earned an MBA, and worked his way up to positions at companies like Intuit - only to realize the golden handcuffs weren't worth it.

Nate pulls back the curtain on his entire UGC journey. From that awkward first video to crossing $140,000 on Fiverr alone, he walks you through the messy middle that most coaches skip over. 

Chapters:
04:55 – Feeling Invisible in Big Tech
06:28 – Side Projects as Survival
08:35 – The Corporate Breaking Point
09:43 – The Bed That Changed Everything
11:30 – First Steps Into UGC
13:23 – Landing the First Brand Deal
15:12 – Getting Comfortable on Camera
17:21 – Why Fiverr Was the Entry Point
20:30 – Raising Rates and Scaling Fast
24:28 – Why Followers Don’t Matter
31:30 – Buying Back Time With a Course
34:56 – Choosing Freedom Over Stability

He talks about the moment his friend Tammy convinced him to try UGC, the nine days of radio silence before his first client, and how he juggled a demanding corporate job while building a side hustle that eventually replaced his income.

If you're stuck in a job that pays well but drains your soul, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. Nate breaks down how he validated UGC could work before quitting, why he started on Fiverr instead of pitching brands, and how he manages being a present dad while running a full-time creator business. 

He also challenges the myth that you need to match your corporate salary dollar-for-dollar - because freedom, flexibility, and unlimited PTO have real value too.

The biggest shift happens when Nate explains what finally pushed him to quit. It wasn't just about money. It was about looking around at other UGC creators and realizing they had something he didn't: time with their families, control over their schedules, and genuine happiness. 

Press play if you've been waiting for a sign to start UGC or take it seriously, this is it. 

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Can you really build a UGC business from your couch while your kids are screaming in the next room?

Nate sits down with Salha to talk about what it's really like to balance chaos, creativity, and client work. 

She's been creating UGC content since 2022, back when most people thought it was a scam, and she did it all as a stay-at-home mom with young kids running around. No fancy equipment. No quiet house. Just her phone, a window for light, and the willingness to figure it out one messy video at a time.

Chapters:
00:07:00 - When UGC Was Barely a Hashtag
00:10:00 - The Honest Video That Changed Everything
00:14:30 - Prep With Chaos, Film In Silence
00:18:00 - The Backwards Workflow That Works
00:25:00 - Avoiding Burnout With Real Numbers
00:29:00 - The One-Breath Voiceover Mistake
00:34:10 - UGC Is Mostly Admin
00:38:30 - Best and Worst Brand Experiences
00:42:00 - Finding Your Real Rhythm
00:46:00 - Why Community Changes Everything

Salha shares how she built a portfolio without a tripod, landed her first deals while documenting the whole thing on TikTok, and eventually charged over $1,000 per video, all while keeping her sanity intact. 

If you're a parent who thinks you don't have time, space, or energy to start UGC, this episode breaks down how to work within your constraints instead of fighting them. 

Salha talks about setting boundaries, avoiding overwhelm, and building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. She didn't do it the "right" way. She did it her way. And it worked.

Listen and learn how Salha realized she could stop chasing low paid gigs and start focusing on premium brands.  

Join Salha’s Skool Community: HERE  

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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What if you could go from losing your job to replacing your income with UGC in under 30 days? 

Nate sits down with Jake Winters, a creator who went from zero UGC experience to booking consistent gigs in his first month. Jake lost his real estate job in January, binged Nate's course in 24 hours, made a scrappy 4-video portfolio in one day, and landed his first $300 deal within a week. 

No prior video experience. No following. Just action. What makes Jake's story even better? He's a master negotiator who's not afraid to play hardball with brands even as a total beginner.

Chapters:
04:30 - The First Real Doubt About UGC
06:10 - Losing a Job and Needing Cash Fast
07:29 - Why Being New Was an Advantage
08:16 - Building a Portfolio in One Afternoon
09:50 - Making Money With an “Ugly” Portfolio
12:25 - The Real Reason Creators Get Stuck
17:14 - Why UGC Is a Pure Numbers Game
19:37 - How Jake Learned to Negotiate Hard
23:12 - Discovering Creators Charging $1,000+
31:00 - When to Walk Away From Low Budgets
40:03 - How TikTok Live Changed Everything

If you've ever felt stuck because your portfolio isn't perfect, or you're too nervous to charge what you're worth, Jake’s story will shift how you think. Jake breaks down how he built confidence on camera fast, why TikTok Live became a secret weapon for landing deals, and how he consistently negotiates rates 2-3x higher than what brands initially offer. 

Nate picks Jake's brain on how to walk away from low-ball offers, fake it till you make it, and treat UGC like a real business from day one.

By the end, you'll understand that success in UGC doesn’t require perfection, but being bold, consistent, and willing to stand up for yourself. Jake proves that if you're willing to take messy action and negotiate like you mean it, you can turn UGC into real income faster than you think.

Listen and learn how to make it work no matter where you're starting from.

Connect with guest: Jake Winters

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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What if you could turn content creation into something you and your partner build together?

Ray and Haley Cordova went from brainstorming side hustles to booking 18 UGC gigs in a single week, and they did it all in their first three months as creators. 

Nate Flake sits down with this power couple to talk through their rapid ascension: how they found UGC, why they decided to do it together, and what it's really like to work alongside your spouse. 

Ray's 55, Haley's 44, and they're proof that age, follower count, and fancy equipment don't determine success in this space. What matters is showing up, spreading yourself across platforms, and treating UGC like the real business it is.

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Chapters:
04:20 - Discovering UGC as a Couple and Deciding to Go All In
07:15 - Using Age, Life Experience, and Identity as a Market Advantage
10:00 - Getting Comfortable on Camera Without Acting Skills
14:30 - Why Having a Second Person Speeds Up Production
18:45 - Organization Systems That Prevent Creator Burnout
23:20 - Why Posting Is About Being Found, Not Gaining Followers
29:10 - Staying Visible So Brands Keep Finding You
34:40 - Landing a World Series UGC Deal From a Simple Inbound
40:00 - Turning One Brand Deal Into a Long-Term Relationship
43:10 - Getting Paid to Travel and Shoot In Person
47:15 - Raising Rates Once Demand Increases
49:20 - Why UGC Is a Long-Term Lifestyle, Not a Side Hustle

Ray brings the on-camera energy while Haley handles the editing and admin, and together they've landed everything from Fiverr gigs to a once-in-a-lifetime shoot at the World Series. They break down which platforms actually work, how to get comfortable on camera, and what to do when brands lowball you. 

Plus, they share the systems that help them avoid burnout when gigs start flooding in.

You’ll hear the exact steps Ray and Haley took to go from zero to fully booked faster than most creators think is possible. And why building this business as a team gave them something money can't buy: time together and control over their lives.

Listen and learn how to make UGC work, whether you're flying solo or bringing your partner along for the ride.

Connect with Ray

Connect with Haley 

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Wonder how creators actually scale from $5 gigs to five-figure months and what it really takes to get there?

Nate sits down with Arbel Kimmick, the voice behind Freelance Big Sis and the UGC Fiverr Academy that's helped creators land brand deals. 

Arbel's been in the trenches since 2013, working on everything from web design to voiceovers before discovering UGC in 2022. She walks us through her entire journey; the wins, the pivots, and the lessons she learned by doing it messy first.

Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy 

Chapters:
00:07:57 – Losing Every Client After Moving States
00:09:08 – Twenty Voiceover Orders Overnight
00:10:09 – Both Fiverr Accounts Shutdown
00:16:34 – Burnout From $5 Pricing
00:21:00 – The Price Change That Destroyed Her Gig
00:23:17 – Trying UGC for the First Time
00:25:36 – First Five-Figure Month  
00:27:17 – First Viral TikTok  
00:31:15 – Launching Her First Guide and Course
00:33:54 – Turning Social Media Into Multiple Income Streams
00:41:19 – The Reason Fiverr Gigs Get Deranked

If you're building your Fiverr gig or wondering how to actually grow beyond your first few orders, this one's packed with practical advice. Arbel breaks down the three things that make or break a Fiverr gig, why editing at the wrong time can tank your impressions, and how to price yourself without scaring off clients. 

Arbel and Nate also dig into why diversifying your income streams matters, not just for money, but for momentum. It's a real honest conversation about the stuff that trips up most creators before they figure it out.

By the end, you'll walk away with a clear plan for setting up multiple gigs, strategies for scaling without burning out, and the confidence to know that even when things slow down, you're building something that lasts. 

Arbel's story proves that consistency beats perfection every time, and that your next breakthrough might be one small tweak away.

Listen now to discover the tactics behind $2 million in brand deals across Arbel's creator community 

Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

Connect with Nate
Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Ever wonder if you need a huge following or perfect video skills to actually make money as a creator? 

Nate sits down with Megan (aka Meg the Creator), a working mom who went from small-town job hopper to full-time content creator without chasing viral fame or pretending to be an influencer.

Megan breaks down what she calls the "anti-influencer method," a practical approach to making real money through UGC, Amazon reviews, and TikTok Shop. She started with zero followers, zero portfolio, and zero fancy gear.

Chapters:
00:08:20 - Beginners Quick Wins
00:12:45 - Finding Products That Actually Make Money
00:16:58 - Building Confidence as a Creator
00:25:40 - How to Stand Out When Pitching
00:29:55 - The Power of Retainers
00:33:18 - Data Brands Actually Care About
00:36:42 - The Reality of TikTok Shop
00:39:58 - Evergreen Products That Never Stop Selling
00:43:10 - Turning UGC Into Long-Term Freelancing

What she did have was curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to figure it out as she went. Now she's built a thriving community where she helps everyday creators land their first paid gigs fast.

If you've ever felt stuck wondering where to start, how to get confident on camera, or what brands actually want from creators, this conversation clears it all up. Megan walks through the exact platforms she used to land quick wins, the tools that helped her scale, and why agencies aren't as intimidating as you think.

By the end, you'll see how getting started is simpler than you thought. 

Listen and learn how everyday products, simple setups, and consistent reps can build real momentum in the creator space.

Connect with guest: https://megthecreator.com/

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

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Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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Ever send a pitch or apply for a gig and wonder what actually happens on the other side?

Nate sits down with Olivia Larsen to pull back the curtain on what brands and agencies really want from creators. 

Olivia went from working 12-hour overnight shifts at a veterinary ER to building a full-time UGC career and then landed on the other side of the table as a creative strategist at a marketing agency. Now she's the one hiring creators, reviewing portfolios, and deciding who gets the gig. 

Chapter:
05:28 – Adding creative strategy to increase income
07:23 – The test project brands require before hiring
10:49 – The biggest misconception about creative strategy
11:58 – What happens when an ad underperforms
17:30 – The moment she realized talent presence makes or breaks ads
22:14 – Why UGC creators must learn for the camera
28:12 – What brands actually look for in your portfolio
36:32 – The entitlement problem agencies deal with daily

If you've ever wondered why some creators land consistent work while others struggle to book their first paid gig, this conversation delivers. Olivia breaks down the real expectations around on-camera presence, usage rights, portfolio quality, and communication. 

She also gets honest about the entitlement she's seeing from newer creators and why understanding your leverage matters more than copying someone else's rates.

They tackle the stuff nobody wants to say out loud: why being "authentic" isn't enough, what makes a creative strategist want to work with you again, and how to stop pricing yourself out of opportunities before you've even built a reputation. 

By the end, you'll understand exactly what separates creators who get hired once from creators who become go-to talent for agencies and brands. Whether you're just starting out or trying to scale, Olivia's brand-side perspective will help you see your work through a different lens. 

Listen and learn how to position yourself as someone brands actually want to work with and NOT just another creator in the inbox.

Connect with Olivia: http://instagram.com/larsen.creatives/?hl=en

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Join UGC Creator Connect — March 14, Park City UT → https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

MORE FROM NATE FLAKE

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: . https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr

Connect with Nate
Instagram: @nateflakecreates
YouTube: UGC 101 Podcast

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