Influencer Confidential

Sidewalker Daily
  • 5.0 (20)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Influencer Confidential, a podcast brought to you by Sidewalker Daily. In this podcast, we are dedicated to creating transparency in the Influencer Industry and showing what it takes to succeed in this new world. Sidewalker Daily is a consulting agency that works on both sides of the influencer industry. On one hand, Sidewalker Daily consults for brands and public relations firms on their influencer marketing initiatives and social media strategy and on the other, the company works with influencers and creators to help them build sustainable businesses online. Sidewalker Daily's unique position in the industry bridges the gap between brands and creators, to ensure every partnership is a win-win. Sidewalker has worked on campaigns for Jetsetter (A Tripadvisor Company), Four Seasons and the Costa Rica Tourism Board, to name a few. In this podcast, expect to learn about all things working with brands, being an influencer, influencer marketing, media kits, pitching to brands and much more! Meet Your Host, Nina Zadeh - Co-founder, Nina received her MBA in marketing from Fordham University and has a B.A. in Communications and Economics from Boston College.

  1. 1D AGO

    Influencer Taxes Explained in 2026 | CPA Laura Grajales Answers Creator Questions [Creator Currency Ep. 23]

    You Can Follow Laura Here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganacomobookkeeper/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-grajales-51b226152/ Website: https://www.paragonacct.com/ Portal del Cliente & Acceso a Recursos: https://www.paragonacct.com/recursos Client Portal & Access to Resources: https://www.paragonacct.com/en/recursos Tools Mentioned: Influencer Taxes 101 Masterclass: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-taxes-101/ Gusto: https://gusto.pxf.io/55XYOn Monarch Money: https://monarchmoney.sjv.io/DyjnDy QuickBooks: https://quickbooks.partnerlinks.io/poygo9t2u82p In today’s episode of Influencer Confidential, we did things a little differently. I invited my CPA, Laura Grajales, to join me for a live Q&A all about Influencer Taxes, where Creators from our Inner Circle community were able to ask their real questions in real time. This episode was all about breaking down the things Creators are most confused (and stressed) about when it comes to money and taxes, in a way that actually makes sense. We covered topics like how much Creators should be setting aside for taxes, paying quarterly estimates, understanding tax brackets, and when it makes sense to form an LLC or S-Corp. Laura also cleared up common misconceptions around brand trips, gifted collaborations, reimbursements, and what actually counts as taxable income. If you’re a Creator who wants to feel more confident managing your money and running this like a real business, without fear or overwhelm, this episode is a must-listen. Want to join our Inner Circle? Email: team@sidewalkerdaily.com to learn more! This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bLpAfdV0NMc

    56 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Five Things Creators Do That DESTROY Their Chances of Getting Paid Brand Deals #285

    After years on the brand side managing influencer budgets (and plenty of honest conversations with friends who still run campaigns today), I’m sharing five things creators do that quietly destroy their chances of getting a paid partnership - often without even realizing it. We’re talking about the small habits, wording, and positioning choices that can either build trust with brands… or quietly hurt your credibility. If you’re trying to land more paid opportunities this year, this episode is a helpful reset and a reminder that a few small tweaks can completely change how you’re perceived (and paid). 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/ 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ 🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/ 🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily ⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/ This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eX5T5Tiyspw

    12 min

  3. FEB 12

    NEW Instagram Features Every Creator Should Be Using! #284

    It seems like Instagram drops a new feature every five minutes 😅 And if you feel like you can't keep up with all the new updates lately... I got you!  In this episode, I'm breaking down the latest Instagram updates every creator should actually know about (and how to use them with intention). These are the tools we’re seeing right now on the platform and how creators are using them to stay visible, test content, and work smarter inside the app. Get the full presentation here: https://sidewalkerdaily.kit.com/52b84fa32d 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/ 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ 🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/ 🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily ⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/ This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n4j6PE2egzM

    11 min

  4. FEB 10

    Is Travel Blogging Still Profitable in 2026? Jessie Festa Spills the Truth [Creator Currency Ep. 22]

    You Can Follow Jessie Here: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@makemoneytravelblogging Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessieonajourney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessieonajourney/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jessieonajourney TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessieonajourney Twitter/X: https://x.com/JessonaJourney Website: https://jessieonajourney.com/ Free Blogger Resource Library: 75+ Cheat Sheets, Templates & Tutorials To Grow Your Traffic, Email List & Income: https://jessieonajourney.com/free-blogging-printables/ The Profitable Travel Blogger Podcast: https://jessieonajourney.com/podcast-for-bloggers/ Travel Creator Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bloggrowthposse In this episode of Influencer Confidential, I sit down with travel blogger and educator Jessie Festa, founder of Jessie On A Journey, to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable creator business beyond social media. Jesse shares how she’s grown multiple travel brands over the years and why being multi-passionate doesn’t mean you’re unfocused, it can actually be your biggest advantage when done strategically. We dive into why email lists and blogging are still incredibly powerful in 2026, how Jesse monetizes through ads, affiliates, brand partnerships, and press trips, and what creators should focus on if they want long-term, algorithm-proof income. If you’ve ever wondered whether blogging is “dead,” how to turn traffic into money, or how to stop relying solely on social platforms, this episode is for you. This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3CGHgmOKCBs

    42 min

  5. FEB 5

    We have a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! #283

    ⚡️ Want to know more about Paid Creator? Click here! https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/  💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Need Help With Your Creator Business? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ 🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/ 👀 Want to get brands to notice you? Try THIS! https://sidewalkerdaily.lpages.co/how-to-get-brands-to-notice-you/ 💫 Inner Circle: Private creator community + weekly support https://sidewalkerdaily.lpages.co/inner-circle/ ::::: This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iw3o75dB4eI

    3 min

  6. JAN 29

    10+ HABITS OF HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL INFLUENCERS #282

    I’ve worked behind the scenes with top travel influencers - and once you’re close enough to watch how the pros move? You start noticing patterns. I’m walking you through the habits I consistently see among successful travel creators, and one of the first habits I talk about is a big one: if you want to be taken seriously as a creator, you can’t afford to be unreachable. That’s why we partnered with GigSky, an eSIM that keeps you connected in 120+ countries - without airport SIM swaps, unreliable Wi-Fi, or expensive roaming fees. With GigSky, you can stay connected, upgrade data anytime in-app, and keep your creator business running wherever you travel! 🔗 Get 50% OFF your first month with GigSky (No code needed): https://rebrand.ly/gigsky-esim This episode is part of a paid partnership with GigSky. 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/ 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ 🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/ 🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily ⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/ This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nb74vbmqZn8

    17 min

  7. JAN 27

    How Influencer Marketing Really Works in 2026 | Brand Insider Secrets with Megan Vasquez [Creator Currency Ep. 21]

    You Can Follow Megan here: Website: https://grin.co/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grin-inc-  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megvas/ Today on Influencer Confidential, I’m sitting down with Megan Vasquez from GRIN, a true OG in the creator economy who’s worked brand-side, agency-side, talent-side, and now in tech. We talk about how brands actually discover creators, what’s happening behind the scenes when brands are scrolling Instagram on desktop, and why things like consistency, your bio, and having your email visible matter more than most creators realize. We also dive into where the industry is headed, why long-term partnerships are becoming the norm, how affiliate and hybrid deals are evolving, and what brands are really prioritizing when it comes to ROI. Plus, we touch on brand safety, transparency, and whether AI is actually a threat or just a tool to make everyone’s lives easier. If you’ve ever wanted a real look behind the curtain from the brand side, this episode is for you. You can connect with Megan on her LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megvas/ :::: Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies. 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Need Help With Your Creator Business? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ This Episode Can Also Be Seen On YouTube: https://youtu.be/iv78X4bYyJI

    44 min

  8. JAN 22

    AI Is About to Change Brand Deals FOREVER (Creators, Watch This ASAP) #281

    Whether you love AI or hate it, one thing is clear: IT’S HERE TO STAY. We’ve all seen the AI and deepfake videos floating around the internet lately and they’re equal parts fascinating and terrifying! And no, the creator industry is not exempt from this shift. In fact… it’s already showing up inside brand deal contracts! In this episode, I’m walking you through what I’m actually seeing right now when it comes to AI and brand partnerships from both the brand side and the creator side so you can think bigger about how you negotiate, protect yourself, and future-proof your business. Because here’s the part most creators don’t realize yet: If it’s not in the contract, it can arguably be allowed. 💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/ 🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery 👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/ 🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/ 🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/ 🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily ⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/ This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l1cN0L0LUIE

    12 min
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5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to Influencer Confidential, a podcast brought to you by Sidewalker Daily. In this podcast, we are dedicated to creating transparency in the Influencer Industry and showing what it takes to succeed in this new world. Sidewalker Daily is a consulting agency that works on both sides of the influencer industry. On one hand, Sidewalker Daily consults for brands and public relations firms on their influencer marketing initiatives and social media strategy and on the other, the company works with influencers and creators to help them build sustainable businesses online. Sidewalker Daily's unique position in the industry bridges the gap between brands and creators, to ensure every partnership is a win-win. Sidewalker has worked on campaigns for Jetsetter (A Tripadvisor Company), Four Seasons and the Costa Rica Tourism Board, to name a few. In this podcast, expect to learn about all things working with brands, being an influencer, influencer marketing, media kits, pitching to brands and much more! Meet Your Host, Nina Zadeh - Co-founder, Nina received her MBA in marketing from Fordham University and has a B.A. in Communications and Economics from Boston College.

Information

  • Creator
    Sidewalker Daily
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    309
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Sidewalker Daily
  • Show Website
    Influencer Confidential

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