Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast

Maddy Garrett
  • 5.0 (27)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to the side of the internet where we get paid to travel. In this podcast, I will teach you how to create UGC content so you can work part-time creating fun content and spend the majority of your days exploring the world, rather than sitting at a desk. All while making MORE money than we did at our soul-sucking 9-5. Does that sound like a dream? Well, it’s my reality and it can be yours too.  I’m your host Maddy Garrett, your UGC Travel Bestie. I help everyday people just like you start their own UGC digital nomad business so that they can achieve this kind of life-changing freedom, too. I’ve taught over 2,000 students in my Masterclasses, Programs, and 1:1 Coaching, and I educate my audience of 40,000+ ambitious dreamers daily on social media.  So tune in every week so you can quit your job and start getting paid to travel.

  1. 2D AGO

    35: The Realities of Being a Travel UGC Creator ( What Instagram Isn't Showing You)

    Everyone wants to be paid to travel ( that is why you listen to this podcast)… but no one talks about what it actually costs you. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on travel UGC, burnout, and why I stopped chasing free hotel stays (even though I still make money as a content creator.) If you’ve ever scrolled Instagram thinking, “I want that life,” this episode is for you. Today I’m getting very real and very honest about my journey as a UGC creator and what three years of being a full-time travel and outdoor content creator actually taught me. We see reels all the time about creators getting paid to travel, working with hotels, Airbnbs, and tourism boards—and yes, it can be amazing. But there’s another side that doesn’t get talked about enough. I share how building my UGC business while living full-time in a van slowly led to burnout, why turning your hobbies into work can take the joy out of them, and how constantly filming while traveling started to feel exhausting instead of exciting. You’ll hear exactly why I’ve shifted away from hotel and tourism board work, how I structure my business now, and why focusing on product-based travel UGC has allowed me to enjoy my life and still fund my adventures. Spoiler: I still get paid… I just don’t work on vacation anymore. This episode is your reminder that you don’t have to do UGC the way everyone else is doing it. You’re allowed to change your mind, set boundaries, and build a business that actually supports your life—not consumes it. ✨ What We Cover: The glamorized vs. real reality of being paid to travelWhy travel UGC can lead to burnout if you don’t set boundariesHow turning travel and hiking into work affected my mental healthWhy I no longer prioritize hotels and tourism boardsHow I make money as a content creator without working on vacationThe mindset shift that helped me move away from scarcityPractical boundary-setting tips for travel and outdoor creatorsWhy consistency (not perfection) built my UGC career For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    17 min

  2. DEC 15

    34: My 5 Biggest Takeaways From Meeting 9 Top UGC Coaches in Nashville

    I met up with 9 top UGC creators in Nashville and that weekend changed the way I see the UGC industry, and today I’m spilling everything. Welcome back to the Paid to Travel Podcast, where we talk all things content creation, getting paid to travel, and building a freedom-first life as a UGC creator. Let’s dive into what really went down at the Nashville UGC meetup… and the biggest lessons YOU can apply to grow your own creator business. We talk about: 1. What is the #1 important thing to grow in the  UGC Industry 2. How to Scale your UGC Business 3. Why There Is No One Way To Succeed in UGC 4. Why UGC Is NOT Too Saturated 5. How the Top Successful Creators Invest in Themselves ✨ Upcoming Events + Resources Mentioned 🎤 UGC Creator Connect — Utah, March 14th I’m a keynote speaker (!!) There will be 400+ UGC creators and 15+ top coaches. This is the #1 event to meet other creators, network, learn, and build friendships that make the journey so much more fun. Come meet me in person!!! 💛 📩 Bento — Automated Pitching for Creators The Bento VA version sends 300–400 pitches for you every month. If you want consistent deals without spending hours pitching, this is the tool you need. >>https://app.onbento.com/?acode=MADDY Use the Code : MADDY  For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    18 min

  3. DEC 8

    33: How to Grow Your UGC Career Without Burnout

    If you’ve been grinding so hard in your UGC or content creation journey that you can’t tell the difference between hustle and full-body burnout… this episode is your permission slip to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and build a business that doesn’t drain your soul. Today, I’m sitting down with my friend Jordan Flynn — a life transformation coach and somatic practitioner — to talk about the real reason creators burn out, what “high-functioning burnout” actually looks like, and how to get back into alignment so your creativity (and confidence) can come back online. Jordan has lived the corporate burnout cycle, rebuilt her life from the inside out, and now helps women regulate their nervous systems, rebuild self-trust, and step out of survival mode. If you’ve been feeling out of alignment, stuck, overwhelmed, or just off in your content creation era… buckle up. This convo will hit home. ✨ What We Talk About The truth about burnout and why it’s not just “being tired”How creators end up in high-functioning burnout without realizing itSigns your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flightWhy misalignment — not workload — is often the real causeHow to reconnect with your body so you can make aligned, confident decisionsDaily micro-resets to regulate your nervous systemHow to prevent burnout before you hit the wallWhat to do if you’re exhausted from content creation or UGC client workBoundaries, delegating, and raising your rates so you can work less & earn more✨ Connect With Jordan Instagram: @thejordanflynn Website   For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    34 min

  4. DEC 1

    32: The Breakdown of A 5-Figure UGC Month: November Income Recap

    November was one of my biggest months ever . Today I want to show you how I made $14k in one month in UGC so you can too while working an average of just 20 hours a week.  We’re diving into:  ✨ The exact breakdown of every deal  ✨ Where each client came from (inbound, returning, or Bento cold pitch)  ✨ How I crossed my Q4 goal early with $22,150 earned so far ✨ What this means for YOU as a new or growing UGC content creator If building a lifestyle where you can travel, create, and get paid feels like a dream — it’s closer than you think. 💸 November UGC Breakdown Total earned: $14,050Hours worked: ~20 hrs/weekAvg per video: ~$520Total videos booked: 27 (plus photos + extended usage)Where deals came from:Returning clients: $6,200Inbounds: $3,100Bento cold pitches: $4,750Multiple new footwear, snack, haircare, outdoor, and tech brandsBiggest deal? A Bento cold pitch that turned into a $3,250 contract 🙌This month proves (again): there is zero shortage of brands needing UGC content creators… and so many ways to make money online through this industry. ✨ Sponsor: HUEL You guys… we got our first podcast sponsor and it’s literally my favorite thing ever: HUEL. Their ready-to-drink meals are insane: 35g protein27 vitamins + minerals7g fiberPlant-basedUnder $5  My fave flavor? Iced Coffee — it’s my breakfast AND caffeine in one.PLUS, their Daily Greens are ✨that girl✨. Peach & hibiscus = elite. New customers get 15% off using code: PAID ➡️ huel.com/PAYED  Use my code + fill out the post-checkout survey to support the show! 💛 📲 Follow My UGC Instagram Want to see the actual UGC examples brands are hiring me for — even though I post there maybe twice a month?  👉 @maddyoutdoors.ugc It brought me TWO inbound deals this month alone. Don’t sleep on socials. For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    19 min

  5. NOV 24

    31: How To Make Your First $100 with UGC In The Next 14 Days

    If I had to start your UGC journey completely from scratch, here is what I would do to make my first $100.  In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the exact 14-day game plan I’d follow to make my first $100 in UGC, even with zero experience, zero portfolio, and zero connections. Whether you dream of getting paid to travel, want to become a UGC creator, or you’re ready to finally start landing paid brand deals, this episode is your no-fluff roadmap. ✨ What We Cover in This Episode In this quick but powerful episode, I walk you through the step-by-step system I’d follow if I was starting my entire UGC career over again: Why you should NOT start with building a huge portfolio or cold emailing brandsThe right way to study UGC adsHow to access my 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library (linked below!)How to practice filming with products around your houseThe editing apps I recommend (CapCut or InShot) and how to get comfortable quicklyCreating your first 2–3 strong example videos you’ll use to apply for paid campaignsThe UGC platforms you should be on: FiverrCreator.coUpfluenceAspireJoinBrandsPopular Pays(and more!)🔥 Sponsor of the Week — HUEL. My favorites: Ready-to-Drink Meals — 35g protein, 27 vitamins/minerals, plant-based, under $5Daily Greens — Peach + Hibiscus flavor is elite. Packed with vitamins, electrolytes, antioxidants + Lion’s Mane.💸 Get 15% Off Your First Order: Use code P A Y E D at checkout. Shop here: huel.com/payed Every time you use my link + code, it supports the show! 🔗 Episode Resources 50+ UGC Ad Examples LibraryFor Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    12 min

  6. NOV 17

    30: How To Handle Rejection As A Content Creator w/ Boss Babe Reset Ericka Nicole

    If rejection has ever made you want to curl up and never pitch a brand again and you want better pitching strategies, and the confidence to run your business like a CEO, this one's for you. Today I’m joined by my girl Ericka, founder and CEO of Silkenn, and host of the Boss Babe Reset Podcast. We dive deep into how to handle rejection (as a founder and as a creator), emotional regulation, and stepping into your role as a business owner, not “just” a UGC creator. What We Talk About in This Episode Why rejection is non-negotiable in building a business — whether you're pitching brands, raising capital, or landing paid UGC dealsHow founders REALLY feel about content creators pitching (and what brands look for)Why rejection is not personal — it’s just information, not a verdictHow to shift from “I’m just a content creator” to “I’m a CEO with a business”Practical ways to reframe rejection so it doesn’t derail your confidenceErika’s personal journey founding Silkenn after grief, burnout, and a career pivotThe nervous system tools you NEED as a freelancer or UGC creatorHow to regulate your body before regulating your mind (game-changing!)Pitching to brands when you feel scared or unqualifiedThe truth: even after 6 figures in UGC, I STILL get rejectedWhy faking it ’til you make it is sometimes exactly the energy you needEmbracing the long game — why success in UGC requires consistency and boldnessWhere to Find Ericka:  Ericka Nicole — Founder & CEO of Silkenn Podcast: Boss Babe ResetBrand: Silkenn — pollution-protection skincare rooted in microbiome scienceInstagram & Threads:  @theerickanicoleWebsite: silkenn.comIf you’re a content creator constantly running around filming UGC… you need Huel in your bag.  Use code PA Y E D for 15% off your first order. Link is HERE 💛 For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    35 min

  7. NOV 10

    29: UGC Is Not 'Too Good To Be True' — Krista Signed Her First Paid UGC Deal Within A Week Of Starting

    If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I actually make money doing UGC?”  this episode is your proof. Krista joined the UGC Accelerator just two months ago and made $1,000 in her very first month—all through Upwork. Now she’s landed over $2.5K in paid brand deals and is turning UGC into her dream remote career (all while being a mom of three.) In today's epsiode,  Krista shares exactly how she discovered UGC, built her first portfolio, and landed her first $1,000 project on Upwork within 30 days. We dive into: The step-by-step of how Krista landed her first paid deal on Upwork What types of UGC projects she took on (and how much she charged)How she balanced building her portfolio with being a full-time mom and small business ownerThe mindset shifts and “why” that kept her motivated through it allFuel your day the smart way with Huel — my go-to complete meal packed with 35g of protein, 27 vitamins & minerals, and 7g of fiber (plus, it’s totally plant-based ). Get 15% OFF your first purchase using code PAYED at [huel.com/PAYED](https://www.huel.com/PAYED)& make sure to fill out the post-checkout survey to support the show! 💫 For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    37 min

  8. NOV 3

    28: October UGC Income Recap: How I Signed $5,175 in UGC Deals Working 10 Hours/Week

    This month, I averaged $130 an hour working part-time as a UGC creator. Today I’m breaking down exactly how I did it — every brand deal, every deliverable, and how I balanced it all while only working around 10 hours a week. This isn’t influencer content. This is real, sustainable user-generated content (UGC) that pays you to travel, create, and work remotely.  If you’ve ever dreamed about landing paid brand deals or building a flexible remote work lifestyle,  this is your episode. In This Episode: 💸 The exact breakdown of my $5,175 month in UGC income📸 How I structure retainer clients and one-off paid brand deals💼 Why taking a slightly lower rate can build long-term client relationships✉️ My go-to pitching strategy using Bento (use code MADDY for a discount!)🧠 How I keep my workload light and still average over $130/hour🌍 How UGC allows me to get paid to travel while working part-timeMentioned in This Episode: Bento – My favorite platform for pitching UGC deals. Check it out here and use code MADDY for a discount 💌 For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  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-masterclas FREE 50+ UGC Ad Examples Library

    9 min
See All (36)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to the side of the internet where we get paid to travel. In this podcast, I will teach you how to create UGC content so you can work part-time creating fun content and spend the majority of your days exploring the world, rather than sitting at a desk. All while making MORE money than we did at our soul-sucking 9-5. Does that sound like a dream? Well, it’s my reality and it can be yours too.  I’m your host Maddy Garrett, your UGC Travel Bestie. I help everyday people just like you start their own UGC digital nomad business so that they can achieve this kind of life-changing freedom, too. I’ve taught over 2,000 students in my Masterclasses, Programs, and 1:1 Coaching, and I educate my audience of 40,000+ ambitious dreamers daily on social media.  So tune in every week so you can quit your job and start getting paid to travel.

Information

You Might Also Like