Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

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 it
• Signs your nervous system is stuck in fight-or-flight
• Why misalignment — not workload — is often the real cause
• How to reconnect with your body so you can make aligned, confident decisions
• Daily micro-resets to regulate your nervous system
• How to prevent burnout before you hit the wall
• What to do if you’re exhausted from content creation or UGC client work
• Boundaries, delegating, and raising your rates so you can work less & earn more

✨ Connect With Jordan

Instagram: @thejordanflynn

Sign up for UGC Basecamp!

Grab the lifetime discount before March 31st and start building a more sustainable UGC business.

🔗 Join here:https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30#landing-page

 💻 Save 30% Use code:  SAVE30

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

Today I’m spilling all the details on exactly what I made from UGC in September plus some seriously inspiring wins from my students inside the UGC Accelerator. From landing four-figure retainers to snagging their very first deals through cold UGC pitching, my students are proof that this industry is not too saturated—you can 100% do this too.

If you’ve ever wondered:
 ✨ How much you can really make as a beginner in content creation
 ✨ What UGC pitching looks like in action
 ✨ And what kind of deals are possible within just weeks or months of starting…

…then this episode is going to give you all the motivation you need.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Real student wins from September (including retainer deals + big-name brand partnerships!)
• My own September UGC income breakdown—exact numbers, deals, and deliverables
• Why UGC is still such an incredible opportunity right now
• How you can get started with UGC pitching even as a total beginner

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

What if I told you that sending cold emails as a UGC creator could actually land you thousands of dollars in deals—without ever hopping on a sales call? Yep, it’s possible. Today I am sitting down with Jaclyn, the co-founder of Bento, the #1 UGC app that has completely transformed the way I pitch. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why pitching is a numbers game and how to stay consistent
• The secret to creating portfolios that brands actually want to click on
• Common mistakes new creators make in their UGC pitches
• How Bento automates pitching so you can focus on creating
• Why communication and negotiation skills matter as much as your content
• Tips to increase your email response rate and close more deals

BENTO AFFILATE CODE: 

>>https://app.onbento.com/?acode=MADDY
Use the Code : MADDY 

Connect with Jaclyn and Bento:

• Instagram: @onbento
• TikTok: @onbento
• Website: Onbento

🎧 Listen to Laura’s show: The Travel Creator Podcast: if you want even more strategies for travel content creators. 

Sign up for UGC Basecamp!

Grab the lifetime discount before March 31st and start building a more sustainable UGC business.

🔗 Join here:https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30#landing-page

 💻 Save 30% Use code:  SAVE30

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about UGC rates in 2025—from base pricing to ad usage, whitelisting, raw footage, bundles, and more. Whether you’re a brand-new UGC creator or an experienced travel creator looking to scale, you’ll walk away with a clear picture of how to price your work with confidence.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The truth about beginner UGC rates and why there’s no one-size-fits-all answer
• How to structure base rates, ad usage, and whitelisting fees
• Why pitching brands directly can increase your earnings
• My current rates as a travel creator in 2025
• How to bundle content into packages that land higher-paying deals
• Extra income opportunities: raw footage, additional hooks, exclusivity, and rush fees

Links & Resources:

• 📌 Download My Free Rate Sheet
  (your guide to UGC pricing)

Connect with Laura Haley: 

Find out more Travel Creator tips at the Travel Creator Podcast

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

Okay, let’s be real — no one becomes a content creator because they love thinking about taxes. But if you’re making money with UGC or content creation, the IRS still expects their cut. And trust me, not knowing the basics can come back to bite you hard.

That’s why I brought on today’s guest, Catina Borgman. Catina has been a tax professional for nearly 20 years. Today, we’re covering them all — from filing as a sole proprietor vs. LLC, to what you can actually write off, to the sneaky truth about “gifted” collabs..

 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• The difference between being a sole proprietor and forming an LLC as a content creator.
• How to file taxes as a UGC creator and when you actually need to start filing.
• The best system for setting aside money for taxes as an entrepreneur.
• Which expenses are tax deductible for content creators (think: editing software, props, mileage, home office space).
• Why gifted collabs, product trades, and hosted stays are still taxable income.
• Tools and resources Catina recommends for managing money as a content creator.

>>>>>Check Out Laura from:  The Travel Creator Podcast

@travelcontentwriting

• Connect with Catina:

Website: www.GypsyWander.life
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084742088441
YouTube: https://www.youtube.

Sign up for UGC Basecamp!

Grab the lifetime discount before March 31st and start building a more sustainable UGC business.

🔗 Join here:https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30#landing-page

 💻 Save 30% Use code:  SAVE30

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

Today, I’m breaking down exactly how I made $6,460 in UGC contracts in August—what brands I worked with, what the deliverables were, and how I actually landed those clients.

Whether you’re just starting your UGC journey or you’re already booking deals, you’ll see how doable it is to turn this into a steady income stream while keeping your freedom. And spoiler: I’m only working about 10–15 hours a week on this right now!

Inside this episode you’ll hear:

• My August UGC income breakdown (and how I landed each deal).
• Why inbound leads + outbound pitches are a game-changer for content creators.
• How I upsell first-time clients into repeat, long-term deals.
• The truth about ad usage rights, retainers, and when it actually makes sense to agree to rights in perpetuity.
• Why having a strong social presence and SEO keywords like UGC creator and travel content creator is one of the best ways to get discovered.

 If you’ve been wondering if UGC is legit, this is your proof. You don’t need to be an influencer, a pro photographer, or a full-time blogger—you just need the right systems and strategy.

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

Today I’m spilling the tea on what no one tells you about how to start UGC, what it really takes to make it as a content creator, and why those first six months are the hardest—but also the most transformational. This episode is here to save you from self-doubt, wasted time, and unnecessary freebies (seriously, no more than five gifted collabs, okay?).

What We Cover in This Episode:

•  The real difference between UGC and influencer marketing
•  Why it’s normal to get ghosted... a lot
•  How rejection therapy makes you stronger (and richer)
•   Why your content flopping doesn’t mean you suck
•   Contracts 101 (even for free product deals!)
•   How to land your first paid UGC gigs using job platforms
•  Negotiating tips when you're not fully confident yet
•   Why you're not just creating content—you’re creating outcomes
•  The exact mindset shift that’ll help you raise your rates
•  A must-read book that changed the game for my UGC biz > $100M Offers" by Alex Hormozi

Keypoints:
UGC, how to start UGC, content creator, travel creator, UGC job platforms, UGC accelerator, UGC pitching, how to land UGC deals, travel content creator, get paid to travel

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

Ever wonder why some creators are landing four-figure deals while others are stuck chasing $200 one-off gigs?

Today I am sharing a recent live webinar I hosted — all about scaling your income as a UGC content creator.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the “mid-tier” creator zone and ready to break into consistent four-figure months, grab your matcha and let’s dive in.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• The 5 biggest mistakes holding most UGC creators back (and how to fix them).
• How to shift from one-off deals to retainer clients that pay you every month.
• Why sales psychology is your secret weapon for creating content that actually converts.
• The inbound strategy that gets brands coming to you.
• How to position yourself as an expert and not just another creator sliding into DMs.

💡 My new program Retainer
This webinar replay also includes details about my brand-new program Retainer — a 10-week, high-level coaching container designed for women ready to scale from inconsistent UGC gigs to consistent four-figure months with retainer clients. If you’re serious about getting paid to travel while working with dream brands, this is the program for you. Spots are limited, so apply ASAP!

APPLY HERE: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/retainher

Timestamps

 02:00 – My story: how I built a six-figure UGC content creator business while traveling part-time
 05:00 – Journaling exercise: visualize your life as a paid-to-travel UGC creator one year from now
 12:00 – Real negotiation example: how I turned a $150 offer into a multi-video package
 14:00 – The 5 m

Sign up for UGC Basecamp!

Grab the lifetime discount before March 31st and start building a more sustainable UGC business.

🔗 Join here:https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30#landing-page

 💻 Save 30% Use code:  SAVE30

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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

This episode is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start over — and make it wildly successful.

Today, I’m chatting with Goldie — a former nurse who swapped her scrubs for a camera and turned her creativity into a full-time UGC business. She’s now working with over 50 brands, getting paid to travel, and recently had a $7,000 month (yes, from content creation).

Goldie shares how she went from scared to pitch anything… to landing retainers, working from the road, and getting videos with millions of views. We get super real about the mental shifts, income highs and lows, and what it actually takes to go full-time as a UGC travel creator.

Whether you're just UGC-curious or already deep in the pitch grind, this convo is going to fire you up.

Highlights & Time Stamps:

• [2:00] Why Goldie walked away from nursing after a back injury
• [6:00] Starting from scratch — no gear, no experience, just grit
• [10:00] What actually helped her build confidence + portfolio
• [18:00] Making $10K+, landing retainers, and getting paid to travel
• [26:00] The $500 video that went viral with 5.1 million views
• [34:00] How to shift from survival mindset to CEO energy
• [38:00] Goldie’s #1 advice for anyone starting UGC scared

This episode is for you if…

• You’re burnt out from your job and craving freedom
• You want to become a content creator without needing a huge following
• You’re curious how to get paid to travel through UGC (no, not just free products)
• You’ve started pitching but feel like you’re shouting into the void

✨ Connect with Goldie

• Instagram (Travel + Creator):

Sign up for UGC Basecamp!

Grab the lifetime discount before March 31st and start building a more sustainable UGC business.

🔗 Join here:https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30#landing-page

 💻 Save 30% Use code:  SAVE30

For Talented A.F. Podcast Production:

Follow: @yourgirlmedia

Find us: www.yourgirlmedia.com 

30% off for LIFE — Join by March 31st: UGC Basecamp exists for the creator who knows she's capable of more but keeps getting in her own way — whether that's inconsistent pitching, undercharging, or just feeling totally alone in the process. It's the community that turns "I think I can do this" into "I can't believe this is my business now." Ready to start hitting consistent 4-figure months? Use code 'SAVE30' at checkout: https://app.heartbeat.chat/ugcmastermind/invitation?code=4AFJA2&promo_code=SAVE30 

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