CREATOR: The Podcast

Matador Network
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Join Matador Network CEO Ross Borden as he uncovers how top content creators turned their passions into thriving businesses. Each episode delves into creators' origin stories and biggest obstacles—from early setbacks to breakthrough moments—while revealing their strategies for growing audiences, monetizing content, and building brands while traveling the world. Perfect for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs seeking actionable insights to launch their own creative careers. Learn more at creatorthepodcast.com

  1. 1d ago

    ENCORE // JJ Yosh: Backpacking Kitty's Journey from Local Hikes to International Summits

    JJ Yosh (@jjyosh), the creator behind viral TikTok sensation, Backpacking Kitty (@backpackingkitty), joins Creator: The Podcast to discuss building a content empire around his adventure cat Simon. In this episode, JJ shares the remarkable origin story of how he reluctantly adopted Simon—a rescue kitten hours away from euthanization—and transformed him into an internationally-traveling mountaineering phenomenon. Host Ross Borden explores JJ's journey from filming outdoor excursions at UC Santa Barbara in 2006 to taking Simon snowboarding, mountain biking, and climbing 14ers across Colorado, the Austrian Alps, and Guatemalan volcanoes. JJ reveals the challenges of training cats for extreme adventures, the logistics nightmare of international pet travel, and how he influences Simon to perform on command for brand partnerships with companies like Purina. He also discusses going viral on TikTok in 2019, the waves of plateaus and reinvention that come with content creation, and his ambitious plans to attempt the seven summits with Simon in 2026. Whether you're a pet owner dreaming of adventuring with your animal or a content creator navigating brand deals and virality, this conversation delivers inspiration on turning unconventional ideas into sustainable creator businesses. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to JJ Yosh 00:25 - Welcome and podcast intro 01:07 - Why travel with a cat? 02:05 - How JJ met Simon (rescue cat story) 02:14 - Simon's natural athleticism and training 04:43 - Public reactions to adventure cat 06:03 - Snowboarding and skiing with Simon 07:27 - Encounters with dogs on the trail 09:02 - Can any cat become an adventure cat? 11:25 - Technical climbing and peak bagging 13:25 - Starting content creation with Simon 14:25 - Going viral in 2019 on TikTok 15:55 - International adventures (Alps, Guatemala, volcanoes) 17:09 - Future bucket list: Seven summits 19:43 - Travel logistics and international requirements 22:01 - Flying internationally with a cat 24:16 - Cost of traveling with pets 29:42 - Brand partnerships and working with Simon 32:02 - Starting the production company 33:31 - Meeting Simon on camera 34:08 - Launching Simon's own social media accounts 35:16 - Where to find JJ and Simon online 35:57 - Outro and podcast credits

  2. Jul 21

    Kyana Sue Powers: An Expert Guide to Iceland Seasons, Lagoons, and Waterfalls

    American expat and Iceland expert Kyana Sue Powers (@kyanasue) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share how she turned an impossible dream into reality through sheer determination and creative problem-solving. In this episode, Kyana reveals the wild story of moving to Iceland with zero savings after leaving her corporate job, then navigating the country's strict immigration system by starting her own company to sponsor her own work visa. Ross Borden dives into Kyana's evolution from struggling photographer to successful content creator, exploring how she built multiple revenue streams through her Iceland travel map, affiliate partnerships, and UGC work—all while teaching her Icelandic chef husband about his own country. Kyana provides expert recommendations on Iceland's best lagoons, waterfalls, and camping spots, plus honest takes on tourist traps and the dramatic changes mass tourism has brought to the island. She discusses the ethical considerations of geotagging secret locations and shares unforgettable experiences like rescuing baby puffins and throwing them off cliffs to help them fly. Whether you're dreaming of moving abroad or planning an Iceland adventure, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about pursuing unconventional paths. 00:00 - Introduction to Kyana Sue Powers01:00 - Why Kyana moved to Iceland02:04 - Living in Boston & reactions from family/friends03:12 - Immigration hurdles & glacier guide plan05:00 - COVID derailment of job plans06:06 - Becoming a creator while a student08:08 - Starting a company and fighting for a visa10:20 - Current life: full-time creator & marriage11:47 - Iceland travel tips & seasons14:16 - Overtourism, commercialization, and costs18:00 - Puffling Patrol and the Westman Islands23:06 - Geotagging, secret spots, and the Kyana map26:31 - Creator business: affiliates, UGC, and income28:44 - Icelandic foods: fermented shark and baked rye bread31:44 - Passport question: top three countries33:18 - Reykjavik, lagoons, and city advice35:58 - Camping, highlands, and overland spots37:52 - Best hikes and remote Westfjords40:42 - Where to find Kyana online & episode close

  3. Jul 14

    Nico Patino: Typewriter Poems for Strangers That Broke the Internet

    Street poet and viral creator Nico Patino (@nicpatino) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss what happens when raw human vulnerability meets spontaneous art. In this episode, Nico shares the remarkable story behind his viral "Woman Crying at the Bank" video, including how a chance encounter with a 57-year-old stranger going through divorce became one of the most relatable pieces of content on the internet. Host Ross explores Nico's journey from processing childhood grief in a journal at age seven to setting up a vintage typewriter on a street corner in Long Beach and charging five dollars a poem. They dive into how losing his father at 13 shaped his voice as a writer, the chaotic night his van broke down on the way to his very first poetry reading, and how a community of strangers crowdfunded his van repairs out of pure love. Whether you're a creator looking for a truly original content idea or someone who believes in the healing power of words, this conversation is a reminder that the most powerful content often starts with the simplest human connection. 00:00 - Introduction to Nico Patino01:14 - Early writing & journaling04:16 - Craft: writing on the spot & street performances05:06 - Woman Crying at the Bank (viral poem)07:20 - Why the video went viral & audience reaction08:54 - Reuniting with the woman from the bank10:31 - Personal history & turning to poetry13:22 - Launching the typewriter-poet project16:32 - Setting up in Long Beach and first customers18:02 - Viral growth and van breakdown20:27 - First live reading and performances21:12 - Publishing "Cupid of the Mess" and sales23:33 - Print vs digital strategy24:45 - Community support, GoFundMe and roadtrip plans26:05 - Where to find Nico

  4. Jul 7

    Blake Kasemeier: Turning Grief and Fatherhood Into Viral Storytelling

    Blake Kasemeier (@blakeoftoday) joins CREATOR: The Podcast, to discuss the art of authentic storytelling in the creator economy. In this episode, Blake shares his unconventional journey from touring in hardcore bands to corporate copywriting to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers. Host Ross Borden explores Blake's signature approach to fatherhood content—rejecting both the "FML parenting" and overly-curated aesthetics in favor of raw, relatable moments filmed in just three locations: his room, kitchen, and garage. Blake reveals his rigorous writing process, crafting 1,000-2,000 words to distill down to the perfect 220-word script, and explains why "writing's blue collar work—you gotta get your hands dirty." The conversation dives deep into navigating grief publicly after losing his mother and getting laid off in the same week, protecting his children's privacy while creating parenting content, and building a multi-platform strategy across TikTok, YouTube, and Substack. Whether you're an aspiring creator struggling with writer's block or simply interested in how everyday moments become compelling art, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning life's ordinary experiences into extraordinary content. 00:00 - Introduction to Blake Kasemeier01:51 - How fatherhood became his content focus03:53 - His approach: real, non‑performative parenting07:19 - Visual style: everyday B‑roll and Easter eggs09:51 - From hardcore musician to corporate life15:01 - Starting an agency and freelancing17:12 - TikTok breakthrough and audience growth19:53 - Writing process: notes, drafts, word counts22:08 - Handling writer’s block and creative fear24:04 - Being a dad: routines, joy, and small moments27:03 - Children on social media and privacy choices29:50 - Future plans: YouTube longform, Substack, strategy37:32 - Grief, mental health, and vulnerability41:16 - Where to find Blake & episode wrap

  5. Jun 30

    Caspar Lee: The Playbook Brands Need to Win with Creators

    YouTuber Caspar Lee (@casparlee) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his remarkable evolution from YouTube pioneer to serial entrepreneur. In this episode, Caspar shares how he went from making comedy vlogs with a thousand subscribers to interviewing A-list celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Ed Sheeran, revealing how he convinced major studios to take creators seriously before it became standard practice. Host Ross Borden explores Caspar's journey from teenage gamer in South Africa to building a 200-person influencer marketing agency (Influencer.com), co-founding MVE Management backed by Endeavor, and launching a $65 million VC fund (Creator Ventures) that's invested in companies like Eleven Labs and Beehiiv. Caspar offers candid insights about the creator economy's intersection with Hollywood, explaining why brands should approach creator partnerships like VCs approach startup portfolios rather than betting everything on one collaboration. He also shares his current passion project: eating a cucumber every day on TikTok to test the algorithm. Whether you're a creator looking to build beyond content or a brand executive trying to navigate influencer marketing, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on turning creative success into lasting business ventures. 00:00 - Introduction to Caspar Lee01:25 - Caspar’s career snapshot: creator, actor, entrepreneur02:26 - Early YouTube beginnings: gaming and first channels03:45 - Rise with the Brick Crew and expanding audience05:02 - Joining Musical.ly/TikTok and platform reflections06:50 - Interviewing celebrities and working with studios10:04 - Creators vs. Hollywood: industry perspective13:35 - Predictions: AI, creators, and the future of content20:00 - Why Caspar built Influencer.com22:55 - Influencer.com: services, model, and team24:50 - Advice for brands working with creators28:43 - Campaign strategy: budget allocation and portfolio approach30:55 - MVE Management: talent representation and IP34:07 - Creator Ventures: VC thesis and portfolio support35:52 - Fund sizes, stages, and investment approach40:41 - Keeping a creator’s edge: TikTok experiments (the cucumber series)43:36 - Joe & Caspar Hit the Road: the BBC travel show45:04 - Rapid-fire: three countries Caspar would choose47:25 - Where to follow Caspar & closing remarks

  6. Jun 23

    Catarina Mello: The Brand Magnet Method That Made Pitching Obsolete

    Catarina Mello (@professionaltraveler) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss building a thriving travel creator business while navigating motherhood and the evolving creator economy. In this episode, Catarina shares her journey from working at Google to becoming a full-time travel creator who's visited 65+ countries, including how a trip to Bali sparked her decision to leave corporate life behind. Host Ross Borden explores Catarina's transition from pitching brands to now receiving mostly inbound partnerships, diving into her "brand magnet method," the launch of her successful creator courses during COVID, and why digital products now generate 75% of her revenue. Catarina offers behind-the-scenes insights about traveling to multiple countries with her one-year-old son, her obsession with safari experiences (particularly Singita Sabora in Tanzania), and why she believes AI will actually make authentic human creators more valuable. Whether you're an aspiring travel creator or simply interested in building a sustainable creative business, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on diversifying income streams and staying relevant in an increasingly competitive space. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Catarina Mello 01:05 - Background & move to the US 01:48 - Getting started as a travel creator 03:39 - Early platform growth (Instagram beginnings) 04:20 - Standing out as a travel creator & advice for students 05:39 - AI and the future of creators 06:54 - Brand partnerships & the Brand Magnet method 08:17 - Pitching strategies and outreach 09:52 - Press trips, fam trips and using trips for campaigns 11:23 - Contracts, negotiation and representation 12:52 - Building and launching her course (COVID timing) 16:27 - Business model: courses vs brand deals 17:06 - Oman and underrated destination highlights 19:01 - Favorite countries and why she loves safaris 22:00 - Traveling with a baby and family travel 24:11 - Audience insights, family content and adults-only hotel trend 27:34 - Perspectives on safety in Brazil 31:24 - Favorite hotel stays & luxury service (Sangita, Four Seasons Hoi An) 35:02 - First-class suites & airline experiences (Emirates/Etihad) 37:48 - New projects, coaching, where to follow & outro

  7. Jun 16

    Henry Cooper: Freediving the Kelp Forests of California's Coast

    Underwater photographer and free diver Henry Cooper @lensofcoop) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to share his unique approach to documenting California's marine life. Host Ross Borden explores Henry's journey from drone photography and big wave surfing at San Francisco's Ocean Beach to becoming a viral creator who now plays with baby seals in California's kelp forests. They dive into the stark differences between free diving and scuba diving for wildlife encounters, the devastating impact of warming waters on kelp ecosystems, and why Henry would actually love to encounter a great white shark underwater. Henry offers behind-the-scenes insights about diving the Channel Islands—NASA's "Galapagos of North America"—plus his recent experiments with underwater scooters that have sea lions following him for hours. Whether you're a water enthusiast, aspiring creator, or simply fascinated by marine life, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on building an authentic connection with ocean wildlife while creating content that matters. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Henry Cooper 00:37 - Podcast and guest welcome 01:12 - Seals: interactions and recognition 03:19 - Seal parenting and juvenile behavior 05:14 - Leopard seals and predatory species 06:26 - From photographer to freediver: origin story 08:46 - Spearfishing vs filming 10:53 - Ocean warming, fish migration, and kelp decline 13:53 - Diving through kelp forests (description) 15:04 - Sharks: encounters, risks, and myths 18:26 - Shark population decline and threats 22:17 - Channel Islands: biodiversity and diving 24:44 - Notable dive locations worldwide 26:03 - Freediving skills and why he prefers it 27:57 - Creator journey and monetization 29:05 - Underwater scooters and gear 31:31 - Dream dive destinations and closing 32:11 - Where to find Henry online / outro

  8. Jun 9

    Lawrence Erekosima: The Creator Behind 100 Things To Do Before I Die

    Lawrence Erekosima (@erekosima43) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his incredible rise as a content creator through his viral series "100 Things Before I Die." In this episode, Lawrence shares how he strategically planned his content creation journey for five years before launching in March 2026, amassing hundreds of thousands of followers with just a handful of posts. Host Ross Borden explores Lawrence's journey from walk-on running back at Alabama to full-time content creator documenting death-defying adventures. They dive into his first episode filmed in China during Chinese New Year, featuring the terrifying Sky Ladder climb, wing walking on a biplane, and navigating the unrestored sections of the Great Wall. Lawrence offers behind-the-scenes insights about his one-man production approach using just an iPhone plus practical advice on why voiceovers and storytelling matter more than posting daily. Whether you're an aspiring creator struggling to get started or simply interested in adventure travel, this conversation delivers valuable perspective on strategic planning, believing in yourself despite the odds, and why quality trumps quantity in content creation. To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com 00:00 - Introduction to Lawrence Erekosima 00:37 - Podcast & episode setup 01:34 - Launch and concept of "100 Things Before I Die" 02:48 - Wing walking and early stunts 03:44 - Why China for episode one 05:20 - Impressions of China & local reactions 07:06 - Via Ferrata (skyladder) and Great Wall access 09:31 - First viral moment and growth 10:06 - Expectations & posting strategy 11:01 - Adrenaline sports: pilot, skydiving, and progression 12:14 - Advice to aspiring creators 15:16 - Content strategy: long-form storytelling vs short clips 16:52 - Planning the 100 episodes & posting schedule 18:00 - Going full-time & brand partnership strategy 19:19 - College football journey and walk-on story 22:15 - Influence of his mother and mindset 24:45 - Future projects, YouTube launch, and expansion 26:11 - Production setup: shooting solo and gear 27:28 - Countries to live/travel in and dream destinations 28:48 - Long-term ambitions (streaming/Nat Geo) and wrap-up 29:36 - Where to find him online & outro

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Join Matador Network CEO Ross Borden as he uncovers how top content creators turned their passions into thriving businesses. Each episode delves into creators' origin stories and biggest obstacles—from early setbacks to breakthrough moments—while revealing their strategies for growing audiences, monetizing content, and building brands while traveling the world. Perfect for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs seeking actionable insights to launch their own creative careers. Learn more at creatorthepodcast.com

Information

  • Creator
    Matador Network
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Matador Network
  • Show Website
    CREATOR: The Podcast