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
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Nico Patino: Typewriter Poems for Strangers That Broke the Internet
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 26:54
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
Blake Kasemeier: Turning Grief and Fatherhood Into Viral Storytelling
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 • Duration 41:57
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
Caspar Lee: The Playbook Brands Need to Win with Creators
Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 48:29
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
Catarina Mello: The Brand Magnet Method That Made Pitching Obsolete
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • Duration 39:22
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
Henry Cooper: Freediving the Kelp Forests of California's Coast
Tuesday, June 16, 2026 • Duration 33:21
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
Lawrence Erekosima: The Creator Behind 100 Things To Do Before I Die
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 • Duration 30:53
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
Phil The Culture: Spreading Positivity Across 75 Countries
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 • Duration 46:49
Positivity enthusiast Phil The Culture (@philwaukee) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his unique approach to cultural immersion and positive travel content. In this episode, Phil shares how growing up between Milwaukee's inner city and suburban schools created his lifelong fascination with cultural differences. Host Ross Borden explores Phil's remarkable journey as an NBA ambassador, diving into his experiences teaching basketball in India, China, and Mexico, his viral "Shot of the Day" videos that launched his career, and his philosophy of "phil-ing the culture" wherever he goes. Phil offers fascinating insights about his most profound travel experiences, from connecting with his ancestral roots in Ghana to witnessing sacred funeral rituals along India's Ganges River, plus practical advice on breaking down barriers through positivity. Whether you're interested in authentic cultural exchange or looking for inspiration to step outside your comfort zone, this conversation delivers a refreshing perspective on how positivity can open doors worldwide.
To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com
00:00 - Introduction to Phil The Culture01:23 - Why I spread positivity03:27 - Growing up: culture shock & origins of travel05:25 - "Phil the Culture" / Feel the Culture explained06:57 - Feel Good Travel & early content opportunities10:05 - Representing Black travelers & breaking stereotypes11:54 - Basketball as passport: Shot of the Day & India opportunity14:26 - Junior NBA role & life in Mexico City19:37 - Exploring offbeat Mexico: Oaxaca & Sonora23:38 - China: basketball culture & Inner Mongolia26:32 - India: Varanasi, the Ganges & cultural immersion29:42 - Favorite destination: Ghana35:02 - Creator journey: content, partnerships & manifesting travel38:16 - Advice for introverts & meeting people while traveling43:01 - If your passport only worked in three countries45:16 - Closing: Today's a good day to have a good day
Eva zu Beck: Living in the Woods as a Solo Female Adventurer
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 • Duration 49:57
Eva zu Beck (@evazubeck), filmmaker and host of National Geographic's "SuperSkilled" joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss her transformation from corporate professional to global adventurer. In this episode, Eva shares how a quarter-life crisis led her to book a one-way ticket to Nepal with a secondhand camera, beginning her journey as a travel creator. Host Ross Borden explores Eva's experiences living in a remote cabin in Poland's Carpathian Mountains, traveling across the Sahara with her German Shepherd Vjolk, and creating National Geographic's "Super Skilled" series. Eva offers fascinating insights about breaking down in sandstorms in Mauritania, writing her memoir "The Wilder Way" during an Arctic winter with just 20 minutes of daylight, and challenging traditional expectations placed on women. Whether you're questioning your own life path or simply fascinated by extreme adventures, this conversation provides an inspiring blueprint for creating an unconventional life filled with purpose and personal meaning.
To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com
00:00 - Introduction to Eva zu Beck
00:35 - Podcast intro & guest overview
01:20 - Current life: Carpathian cabin & Vilk
01:43 - Traveling with Vilk: logistics, flights & ferries
06:06 - Overlanding the Sahara: highlights
07:55 - Safety as a solo female traveler & vehicle breakdowns
11:41 - Sandstorm breakdown story in Mauritania
14:42 - "Travel witch" persona & mountain life
16:30 - Leaving corporate life: quarter‑life crisis & pivot
21:41 - Becoming a creator: starting on YouTube
25:54 - Building a career, hustles & book announcement
30:11 - Writing The Wilder Way: Arctic writing retreat
32:34 - Nat Geo Super Skilled: pitching, production & distribution
37:27 - Production philosophy & budgets for travel shows
43:26 - Feminism, life choices & creating your own blueprint
47:05 - Three countries pick, closing thoughts & outro
Dan Cooking: The 14-Year-Old On a Mission to Feed People in Need
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 23:35
Dan Cooking (@dancooking7) joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his remarkable journey as a 14-year-old TikTok sensation feeding the homeless in New York City. In this episode, Dan shares how a simple observation of a homeless person outside his subway station sparked an idea that has now garnered over 70 million views on a single video. Host Ross Borden explores Dan's journey from making basic cooking tutorials with just 200 followers to amassing 2 million followers across platforms, diving into his creative process, his partnership with Instacart, and his viral collaboration with MrBeast. Dan offers behind-the-scenes insights about approaching people experiencing homelessness with dignity and respect, plus practical advice for young creators facing criticism: "People are always going to laugh at you no matter what you do... it's all about not letting that get to you." Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in social impact, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on combining passion with purpose to make a meaningful difference.
To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com
00:00 - Introduction to Dan Cooking
00:36 - Host & Episode Overview
01:20 - Explaining the Channel & Age
02:45 - Origin Story and Early Viral Success
04:06 - Fundraising & GoFundMe
06:05 - Family Support & Reaction
07:02 - Signature Dishes & Cooking Style
08:10 - Approaching and Interacting with People Experiencing Homelessness
09:16 - Goals, Scaling, and Future Plans
10:45 - Brand Partnerships & Instacart Support
15:28 - Collab with MrBeast
17:14 - Other Collaborations & Dream Collabs
18:22 - Future Project Idea: Michelin Meal Collaboration
19:20 - Creative Background & Empathy
21:56 - Where to Follow Dan & Closing
Max Kolo: The Artist Redesigning Flyers in NYC
Tuesday, April 14, 2026 • Duration 38:14
Max Kolo (@cool_looking_bug), an innovative artist, filmmaker, and illustrator, joins CREATOR: The Podcast to discuss his uniquely creative approach to content. In this episode, Max shares his viral "vigilante sign redesigns" series, where he transforms poorly designed small business flyers into professional marketing materials and anonymously places them back in public spaces. Host Ross Borden explores Max's journey from film school graduate to social media sensation, diving into his creative process for branded content, his philosophy on maintaining artistic integrity while working with brands, and his strategic approach to short-form storytelling. Max offers behind-the-scenes insights about his rule that "the brand should never interrupt the story," plus practical advice on developing creative ideas through consistent brainstorming and experimentation. Whether you're an aspiring content creator or simply interested in the intersection of art and digital media, this conversation delivers a valuable perspective on finding success while maintaining authentic creativity in today's attention economy.
To learn more about CREATOR: The Podcast, visit creatorthepodcast.com
00:00 - Introduction to Max Kolo
00:15 - Podcast introduction & host overview
02:18 - Vigilante sign redesigns: concept and process
03:43 - Targeting mom-and-pop businesses & redesign impact
04:50 - Contacting flyer owners & their reactions
06:07 - Origins of the series & storytelling choices
07:49 - The "Miles" flyer story: finding the missing person
09:53 - Branded work: philosophy and integrating sponsors
12:34 - JBL shoe-print project & last-minute concept
15:02 - Crafting hooks and editing rhythm for short form
16:31 - What short form taught him vs film school
17:59 - Platform differences: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube shorts
25:47 - Real-world activations: murals, hidden prints, Sherwin-Williams
27:28 - AI and its implications for artists
32:30 - Idea generation: the notepad and creative process
34:16 - Going full-time, freelancing, and monetization
36:46 - Where to find Max online & closing