Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast

Maddy Garrett

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. 5D AGO

    40: The Fear of Pitching to Brands and How to Overcome it by Training Your Subconscious

    Today is a mindset episode.  I’m breaking down why pitching feels so scary for so many UGC creators, what your subconscious is doing behind the scenes, and how to finally move past the fear that’s keeping you stuck. If you’re a content creator, travel influencer, or aspiring UGC creator who wants to start pitching brands confidently, this one’s a must-listen. In this episode, we get into: Why fear of pitching brands is completely normal as a UGC creatorHow imposter syndrome shows up when you start pitchingThe subconscious beliefs that make you doubt your worth and pricingWhy rejection is actually part of the job (and how to build resilience fast)How your beliefs directly affect how often you pitch — and your resultsThe mindset shift that helps you show up consistently, even when brands say noWhy success in UGC isn’t about one “yes,” but about becoming resilientThis Perfect for you if you are: A UGC creator scared to start pitching brandsA content creator struggling with imposter syndromeA travel influencer wanting to land paid UGC dealsAnyone interested in becoming a UGC coach or building a sustainable UGC businessYou got this!! 3 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

    15 min
  2. JAN 26

    39: Your 2026 Roadmap To Becoming A Full-Time UGC Creator: Month-By-Month Breakdown

    If getting paid to travel as a UGC creator has been sitting on your vision board but you don’t actually know what to do month by month… this episode is your roadmap. Today I’m breaking down exactly what to focus on from now through the end of the year to become a full-time content creator — without burnout, overwhelm, or guessing what comes next. In this super practical episode, I’m walking you through a month-by-month plan to scale your UGC business and start making consistent four figures a month. Whether you’re brand new to UGC or already dabbling, this is the structure I wish I had when I was starting out. What We Cover in This Episode: If you’ve ever wondered: How do I actually become a full-time content creator?When should I start pitching brands?How do people get paid to travel with UGC?This episode answers all of that — step by step. Resources Mentioned: 📁 50+ UGC Ad Study Folder🎥 Editing apps: InShot & CapCut💻 UGC platforms: Popfly, Cohley, Billo, Insense, Backstage, Vizi, Vidlo, Collabstr, Fiverr📧 Bento (email pitching platform) use code: MADDY 🎙 Fiverr UGC episode with Nate FlakeFor 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

    24 min
  3. JAN 19

    38: UGC Q&A: Most Common UGC Creator Questions Answered

    Today I’m answering your most-asked UGC questions as we head into the next year — everything from getting comfortable on camera, landing hotel and Airbnb deals, andwhether AI is coming for our jobs. Let’s get into it. ✨ What We’re Covering How to stop feeling awkward on camera (without sounding like a robot)The easiest way to practice UGC when you’re brand newHow content creators and UGC creators can land non-product dealsHow to get paid to travel with hotels, Airbnbs, and tourism boardsThe real secret to turning random deals into consistent incomeWhere to find brands looking for UGC (even outside of Bento)The most effective UGC tips for pitching in 2026Passive platforms where brands come to youHow brands pay UGC creators (and if you need an LLC)Will AI replace UGC creators? (my honest take)Exactly how to build a portfolio with zero experienceUGC Creator Connect Event in Utah: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/tickets?am_id=maddy993 🔍 Where to Find Brands Looking for UGC 👉 I use Bento to pitch brands efficiently and at scale. Check the show notes for my link to Bento to start pitching like a pro. BENTO AFFILATE CODE:  >>https://app.onbento.com/?acode=MADDY Use the Code: MADDY  Connect with Jaclyn and Bento: Instagram: @onbentoTikTok: @onbentoWebsite: Onbento🎧 Episodes Mentioned Episode 12: Airbnb & Hotel Content Creation with EmmaEpisode 18: How to Make Consistent Four Figures with UGCFor 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

    31 min
  4. JAN 14

    37: Goal Setting in 2026: Do This Exercise to Actually Hit Your Goals This Year

    Manifestation without a plan is just a wish.  If you’re serious about your 2026 goal setting, especially as a UGC creator, this episode will help you turn big dreams into actionable steps you can actually follow through on. If you’re someone who loves short-term wins but struggles with long-term planning (sameeee), this episode is for you. I’m sharing the goal-setting method I personally use to break big-picture dreams into quarterly milestones, weekly action steps, and realistic expectations, especially for UGC and content creators. We’re talking about how to set goals that align with the life you actually want, not just what you think you should want. In this episode, I cover: Why your 2026 goal setting should start with feelings, not numbersHow to choose 3 core emotions to guide your goals (and avoid burnout)The 4 categories I use for intentional goal setting:  Health, Wealth, Relationships, and SelfHow UGC fits into your wealth goals as a content creatorTurning manifestation into strategy with quarterly milestonesHow to break big goals into small, doable action stepsWhy alignment matters more than hustle (especially for creators)How to reward yourself and stay motivated all year longThis is about taking your manifestations and giving them structure—so you don’t wake up next November wondering where the year went. Whether your goal is to: Make consistent income with UGCQuit your job as a content creatorHave a paid-for trip through brand dealsOr simply create more ease and time freedomThis episode will help you map it out in a way that feels grounded and achievable. If you loved this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with a fellow content creator who’s planning their 2026 goals right now ✨ 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

    16 min
  5. 12/29/2025

    36: How to Land Paid Stays Without Being an Influencer

    Today we are sharing our most POPULAR episode of 2025 with Emma—Airbnb content creator and social media manager—who went from free stays to fully booked and fully paid… all without a massive following or photography degree.  If you're ready to land paid stays, build your travel creator portfolio, and break into the UGC (user-generated content) world—this one’s PACKED with actionable tips.  In This Episode: Exactly how she landed her first free and then paid Airbnb staysWhy professional photography isn't required to get started (but what helps!)What kind of content packages actually convert—and what she charges 💸How to stand out when pitching Airbnbs (spoiler: stop copying and pasting bad DMs 🙃)The difference between UGC for Airbnbs vs. hotelsWhy adding social media management can 2X your income as a creatorWhat Emma would do step-by-step if she were starting over todayEmma and I break down the mindset + game plan to: Build your portfolio (even with no experience)Pitch with confidence and intentionMove from free stays → paid packages Connect with Emma: Website: elevatedescapesmgmt.comInstagram: @eiffelemma + @elevatedescapesmgmt 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

    49 min
  6. 12/22/2025

    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
  7. 12/15/2025

    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
  8. 12/08/2025

    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
5
out of 5
28 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.

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