Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast

Maddy Garrett
  • 5.0 (29)
  • 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

    51: You Can’t Build a Dream UGC Business If You’re Afraid of THIS

    I just got back from hosting my first-ever travel UGC retreat in Mexico, and it shifted a lot for me not just in my business, but in how I see myself and what I want next. Being in a room with women who get it who are building their UGC businesses, chasing freedom, and thinking differently was such a powerful reminder of how important it is to surround yourself with people on the same path. We created so much content, built out travel UGC portfolios, and had real, in-the-moment coaching that you just can’t replicate online. But beyond the retreat itself, this experience brought up something deeper for me… I’ve been feeling this pull to expand—beyond just UGC, into helping creators with creator monetization, coaching, and building businesses that actually align with their lives. And if I’m being honest? That’s felt scary. Because when people know you for one thing, it’s easy to feel like you have to stay in that box. In this episode, I’m talking about what it looks like to move through that fear, stop worrying about what people think, and actually go after the things you want—even if it feels uncomfortable, cringe, or uncertain. What I Talk About in This Episode:  What it was like hosting my first travel UGC retreat Why in-person experiences can completely change your growth as a content creator How we built out travel UGC portfolios in just a few days  The internal fears that come up when you want to evolve your brand  Why you can’t build a successful business while trying to please everyone  Expanding into creator monetization beyond just brand deals  Following what actually lights you up (even when it’s scary)  If this episode resonated with you, I would love to hear from you. Send me a DM and tell me what hit for you! And if you’re a UGC creator who’s been thinking about adding coaching, launching a digital product, or expanding your income streams, you can apply for a 1:1 intensive with me here: 👉 Book an Intensive with Me  We’ll map out your offers, your positioning, and how to build a business that actually aligns with your life. For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

    23 min

  2. APR 20

    50: Is Cold Pitching Dead? What's Working for UGC Creators Landing Brand Deals in 2026

    🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% OFF your membership:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page Today we’re getting real about what’s actually working right now when it comes to cold pitching, landing brand deals, and monetization as a content creator. I’m recording this from my hotel room in Edinburgh and while I’ve been out here living my best life… my business has still been WORKING. Like, thousands of dollars in inbound UGC deals just casually landing in my inbox.  So let’s talk about it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode  The exact breakdown of how I get paid: inbounds, outbound, and repeat clients How to build a personal brand as a content creator (without becoming an influencer)  Simple ways to get inbound UGC deals while you’re literally off living your life  How to use social media to find UGC opportunities daily The best keywords + strategies to train your algorithm to show you paid creator jobs Why you should still apply to opportunities—even when there’s tons of competition  The truth about UGC monetization and why there’s no “one right way” to do this  How to approach cold emailing brands (templates vs personalized pitches)  My current system for consistent outreach using Bento + VA support What I would do if I were starting over as a UGC creator in 2026 How to create a sustainable strategy to consistently land brand deal 💫 Want to stay consistent with cold pitching and actually land more brand deals? I use Bento to send pitches in the background (yes, even while I’m on vacation), and it’s a game changer for UGC monetization. Use code MADDY for a discount and start getting those emails out consistently. Need help figuring out what to post as a content creator? Go listen to The Travel Creator Podcast—it’s all about making content creation easier and more strategic so you can land more brand deals. For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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. APR 13

    49: I Had a Bad Month in UGC.. Here’s What I Did Instead of Spiraling

    🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% OFF your membership:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page Today we’re getting real about what actually went down in Q1 of my UGC journey—and the mindset shift that kept me from spiraling. If you’re trying to land paid brand deals, become a UGC creator, or build a content creator business that lets you travel for free—this episode is a MUST listen. ✨ What We’re Getting Into:  The behind-the-scenes mistake that tanked my pitch response rate (like… 2% 😅)  Why I didn’t spiral—even though I easily could have  The truth about landing deals (spoiler: perfection is NOT required)  A mindset exercise that will literally change how you show up in your business The Situation (aka what went wrong) In Q1, I wasn’t landing as many UGC deals from pitching.  Which was weird… because pitching is usually a big part of how I land paid stays and brand deals. So I dug into the data and realized:  👉 My VA had been sending ~1,000 pitches  👉 But ONLY to hotels, tourism boards, and experiences  👉 Using a pitch meant for product-based brands Yeah… not ideal, so I am going to help you today with a 3 step mindset change to keep you positive and going in your UGC journey.  Because real talk, being a content creator is not just about aesthetics and brand deals, it’s about resilience. The difference between people who “make it” and people who don’t?  👉 They don’t spiral over every setback. They adapt. They adjust. They move. 🎧 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend, screenshot it, and tag me—let’s normalize the real side of building a UGC business. See you next Monday 💋 For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

  4. APR 6

    48: My Q1 UGC Income Report: $10K Working 8 Hours/Week

    🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp— podcast listeners get 25% OFF your membership:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page In today’s episode, I’m breaking down my full Q1 income as a content creator—every deal, every brand, where it came from, and how much I charged. And the best part? I did this working part-time hours. We’re talking UGC, brand deals, paid stays, inbound leads, and how this all adds up to a $10K+ quarter… without grinding 24/7. Let’s get into it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  How I made $10,420 in Q1 as a UGC content creator  The exact breakdown of brand deals, deliverables, and pricing  Where my deals came from (inbounds, returning clients, pitching)  How I structure ad usage + monetization in my contracts  Why I don’t do UGC full-time—and how I still make great money  The role of paid stays + gifted experiences in your income  My average hourly rate (this might surprise you 👀) Let’s Talk Numbers (Because I Know You Want Them):  January: $2,870 (+ a gifted resort stay)  February: $3,175  March: $4,375 Total Q1 Income: $10,420Avg. Hourly Rate: ~$110/hourWorking ~8 hours/week.  🎙️ 👉 Want real travel creator strategies (not viral fluff)? Check out the Travel Creator Podcast with Laura Haley. For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

  5. MAR 30

    47: The BEST Ways to Become a Full Time Travel Creator (So You Can Quit Your Job)

    If you’ve ever wondered how the hell creators actually make money without having 100K followers and are able to do this full time?  This episode is your cheat code.  Today is a episode swap with Laura Haley from the Travel Creator Podcast to talk about monetization as a content creator — UGC, affiliate, influencer partnerships, group trips, digital products… all of it. And she’s here to tell you exactly what works right now — especially if you’re a travel creator trying to make this your full-time thing. We dive into: The REAL ways content creators make moneyMaddy breaks down every single path she’s used over the years: UGC (user-generated content)Micro-influencer partnershipsAffiliate marketingHosting group tripsDigital products + coachingIf you’ve been thinking you need a massive audience to monetize — this episode will change your mind.  Why UGC is the BEST place to start (especially for travel creators)Growing into bigger monetization as content creators Are group trips worth it for travel creators? Why Digital products are the most underrated monetization toolConnect with Laura: Travel Creator PodcastFollow her @travelcontentwritingCheck our her membership: Travel Content Business Plan to get one step closer to quitting your job to become a full time content creator For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

    1h 3m

  6. MAR 16

    46: Use This Stupid Simple Strategy to Double Your UGC Income Overnight

    Want a super simple way to increase your income as a UGC creator and land bigger brand deals?  In this quick tip episode, I share a powerful strategy for creators who are already booking work and want to scale their UGC business, make more per client, and move toward becoming a full time creator. If your goal is to land paid brand deals, get paid to travel, and grow your creator income, this one small change can make a big difference. Here is my UGC Rate Card & Package Generator, which helps creators: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/offers/jdzGVFRe/checkout  • Set their base rates • Price add-ons and usage • Build brand packages • Feel confident pitching brands If you want help structuring your rates and landing higher paying UGC brand deals, grab the generator here is the UGC Rate Card and Package Generator  For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

    7 min

  7. MAR 9

    45: These 3 Things will Get You to $5k Months as A UGC Creator (+ New UGC Community Launch)!!

    Join UGC Basecamp as a founding member (discount code in episode!!)  Ever see a creator say they made $3K–$5K in a month with UGC and immediately think… what am I doing wrong?  If you’re trying to grow as a UGC creator, land consistent brand deals, or build a sustainable content creation business (especially in Travel UGC), this episode is your reminder that there is no magic hack — but there are three things that will change everything. In This Episode I break down the 3 C’s that help UGC creators scale their business: 1. Confidence Stop chasing the “one hack” for success. The real key is building the mindset of a $5K+ per month UGC creator and trusting your own strategy. 2. Consistency UGC is a business. That means showing up to pitch brands, film content, and work on your content creation even when motivation is low. 3. Community Trying to grow a UGC business alone is hard. Having other creators for accountability, feedback, and support can make the difference between staying stuck and scaling. ✨ Sign Up For  UGC Basecamp – My new membership designed to help creators grow through confidence, consistency, and community. Inside you’ll get: Weekly pitching hoursGroup coaching callsAccountability partnersContent review sessionsCreator community + in-person meetupsSpecial Launch Offer You can join UGC Basecamp as a founding member and get 40% off for life. Use code: SAVE40 Offer ends March 31, 2026. For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

    13 min

  8. MAR 2

    44: How to Get a Free Vacation this Summer Using UGC

    Want to get paid to travel and lock in free Airbnb stays or free hotel stays by this summer without being an influencer? Today, I’m giving you the exact 5-step method I use as a content creator to travel for free. We are talking about the  5 steps to get a free vacation with UGC and content creation.  I’m walking you through the exact system I use to land free stays — and this is the same strategy my students use to secure gifted trips all over the world. We’re covering: How to create hotel/Airbnb sample content (even if you’ve never done it before)How to choose which stays to pitchHow to build a high-converting pitch deck (yes, I’m giving you the template)Where to find properties to contactWhat to say in your DM + email pitchHow to structure your content offer so it’s a fair value exchangeDownload my FREE Pitch Template and use it to land your next paid stay.  For Talented A.F. Podcast Production: Follow: @yourgirlmedia Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com  🏔 Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months?  Sign Up For UGC Basecamp—podcast listeners get 25% off for life:  https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE25#landing-page 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

    14 min
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5
out of 5
29 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

  • Creator
    Maddy Garrett
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast
  • Show Website
    Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast

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