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Explore every episode of the podcast UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business

Dive into the complete episode list for UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
UGC Couple: From Zero to 5-FIGURE Months in Six Months ft. Cameron & Heather Hutchinson | EP 7016 Sep 202600:58:50

How did a couple with zero portfolio go from pulling pints and delivering parcels for minimum wage to five-figure months in UGC?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Cameron and Heather Hutchinson. This husband and wife duo found this podcast in the gym. It completely rerouted their life.

If you're on the fence about starting UGC, this one's for you. Maybe you don't have a portfolio, know what to charge or even scared to pitch. Cam and Heather walk through how they landed paid deals with nothing built out yet. 

They both got into network marketing during lockdown. But when their network marketing income dropped, he ended up pulling pints and driving deliveries for minimum wage. Heather found the UGC 101 podcast while looking for something to send him. That's where their UGC story really starts.

If you're stuck thinking you need a portfolio first or afraid to ask for money. This conversation is going to hit close to home. Cameron and Heather didn't wait until things felt ready. They pitched dozens of brands a night using nothing but their existing social media. They learned pricing the hard way, in real time, with real brands pushing back.

Chapters:
00:02:13 – Their Network Marketing Chapter
00:06:36 – Their First £1,000 Month From UGC
00:07:30 – Starting Without a Portfolio
00:10:30 – The 30–40 Pitches a Night Strategy
00:11:30 – When Outbound Work Suddenly Became Inbound
00:14:47 – Your UGC Niche May Be Holding You Back
00:19:30 – The Snowball Effect of Repeat Brand Deals
00:22:30 – When UGC Became Almost Too Busy
00:25:00 – How Five-Figure Months Changed Their Life
00:29:24 – The Burnout ProCameron & Heather Hutchinsonblem They Had to Fix
00:37:15 – How Couple Content Can Triple a Brand Deal
00:44:23 – The Deliverables Mistake That Costs Creators Money
00:51:31 – Their Best Advice for Starting UGC Today

Stay until the end to hear how their workload changed once the deals started stacking up, plus the one earner in their household that brings in money without ever stepping on camera.

Press play and learn how two people with no portfolio, no rate card, and two young kids turned cold pitching into a full family income, and what they'd do differently if they were starting over today.

Portfolio: https://heatherhutchinsonugc.my.canva.site/

Instagram for Cam: https://www.instagram.com/therealcameronhutchinson?stkn=MW00MGE1dG1nNjAxMg==

Instagram for Heather: https://www.instagram.com/heatherhutchinson_?stkn=ZWhoaDY5MXVhNTVu 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC at 69: 3 Rules He Uses to Get Brands to PAY MORE ft. Dan Hatcher | EP 6909 Sep 202600:41:09

What if the only thing keeping you from your first paid UGC gig is an excuse a 69-year-old creator just proved completely wrong?

Nate sits down with Dan Hatcher, a creator based in Arkansas who is nine months into his UGC journey after decades running completely different businesses. This episode breaks down what it actually takes to go from zero video experience to landing paid brand deals, even if you feel like everyone around you already has a head start.

If you have ever undercharged for a job because you were scared to lose it, or put off starting because you felt behind, you need to hear this conversation. Dan and Nate get into the mindset shifts around pricing, time management, and rejection that actually change your results, and Dan walks through the specific move he uses every time a brand sends a lowball offer.

Chapters:
00:02:03 — He Traded SEO Work for a Business
00:04:58 — His Daughter Found His Next Big Move
00:06:33 — Cheap UGC Jobs Can Trap You
00:07:58 — Why More Rejection Makes You More Money
00:11:58 — Stop Treating UGC Like a Side Hobby
00:13:58 — The Productivity Rule He Swears By
00:16:58 — No Clients? This Is Your Real Job
00:18:58 — Why He Doesn’t Care Who Judges Him
00:21:58 — The UGC Skill That Nearly Broke His Workflow
00:24:23 — This Cut His Filming Time by 80%
00:30:13 — His Secret to Getting Brands to Rehire Him
00:32:48 — What He Does Every Time a Brand Lowballs Him
00:34:53 — Never Accept a Brand’s First Offer
00:39:48 — Think You’re Too Old for UGC?

There is also a honest conversation here about time. Dan talks through how he structures his day so he never has to rely on motivation to get the work done. 

Stay until the end because Dan explains how he cut his shoot time from an hour down to ten minutes, and how he uses AI to reconnect with old brand clients and turn them into repeat business.  

Press play and learn the small shifts that could change how much you get paid for the exact same amount of work.

Dan’s Portfolio: https://boomer-ugc.my.canva.site/

Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomerugc.dan/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Reality TV Made Him Famous But UGC PAYS Him ft. Kenyada Anthony | EP 6802 Sep 202600:47:20

How many free videos have you already handed to brands that were making real money off your face while you waited on exposure to pay you back?

Nate Flake sits down with Kenyada Anthony, a reality TV alum who spent years doing exactly that before a single question from a friend changed how he ran his whole business.

Kenyada started as a blogger trying on clothes in fitting rooms, ended up on Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian, and came out the other side with brands filling his inbox. 

They sent products, gift cards and even sent revision notes. But they never sent a rate. He posted it all to his own page because he liked the brands and nobody had told him there was another way. 

Kenyada walks through what tripped him up coming over: the different video formats brands ask for, the usage and contract language he had never needed before, and why he is rebuilding his entire portfolio from zero even though it already has big logos on it. 

Chapters:
00:02:00 — From Homeless to Reality TV
00:04:05 — The Casting Ad That Changed Everything
00:05:12 — What Happened After the Revenge Body with Khloé Kardashian. 
00:07:03 — When Big Brands Started Calling
00:10:55 — The Moment He Realized Brands Should Pay
00:12:56 — How He Discovered UGC
00:16:41 — Why Influencers Are Moving Into UGC
00:18:34 — What Changed When He Started Charging
00:22:33 — The UGC Deal He Likes Better
00:24:13 — The Skill He Had to Learn Fast
00:28:29 — Why UGC Suddenly Felt More Freeing
00:33:17 — The Hardest Part of His UGC Pivot
00:35:55 — Which Influencers Are Making the Shift
00:40:18 — What He Wants From UGC Next
00:41:51 — What Brands Are Desperate to Find

Stay to the end for what happened at a live brand event in Salt Lake City. Kenyada was one of only two creators in the room, and brands surrounded them asking what to pay, how to reach out, and what creators hate being asked to do. 

What he saw there does not line up with what you keep hearing about this space being too crowded. There were creators in that building with almost no following making real money, and one brand owner said something to him that changed how he decides who to work with.

Press play and learn what separates a free collab from a paid deal, so the next brand that slides into your inbox gets your rate instead of your time. 

Kenyada’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyadaanthony/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Over 40? Don't START UGC Without Hearing This First ft. Canadian Creator Jennifer Aquila | EP 6726 Aug 202600:44:34

What happens when the one income stream you built everything on disappears overnight?

Nate sits down with Jennifer Aquila, a Canadian creator who has stacked side hustles since 2007, from teaching to photography to network marketing, before UGC ever entered the picture.

They get into the real math behind pricing your work, why walking away from a lowball offer is often the move that gets you paid more, and why being based outside the US is not the dealbreaker so many creators assume it is. You will hear exactly how those conversations play out in real time.

If you have ever second guessed starting something because you do not have a portfolio yet, or you are nervous that leaning on one client or one platform is too risky, this conversation speaks straight to that fear. 

Jennifer lays out what it actually looked like when one of her income sources shut down without warning, and how having more than one option kept her steady.

Chapters:
00:02:21 - When Photography Hit Its Ceiling
00:05:00 - Why One Income Stream Wasn’t Enough
00:11:30 - The Part of UGC She Still Struggles With
00:14:14 - When It’s Time to Raise Your Rates
00:18:17 - Can Canadian Creators Really Make UGC Work?
00:22:22 - The Platform She Forgot Was Sending Jobs
00:24:30 - Why Relying on Fiverr Backfired
00:27:14 - The UGC Skill You Don’t Need to Master
00:29:49 - When Too Many Side Hustles Catch Up
00:31:20 - The $275 UGC Job That Became a Nightmare
00:34:02 - When a Brand Asked Her to Copy Herself
00:37:30 - How She Landed a $4,000-a-Night Stay
00:40:09 - Why She Pitched Without a Portfolio
00:41:55 - The Advice She Gives Every New Creator

Stay through to the end for the moment Jennifer explains how she landed high dollar travel stays with no travel portfolio at all. It will change what you actually need before you start pitching.

Press play and learn how to build a UGC business that keeps working even when one part of it stops.

Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ugcwithjennyjo/

Jennifer’s Portfolio: https://jenaquila.my.canva.site/jen-aquila-ugc-portfolio-website

Gold UGC (Platform for 45+): https://www.goldugc.com/creator-signup/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC Brands WANT Men Over 50 (Here's Why) ft. Kelly Archer | EP 6619 Aug 202600:46:58

What if the reason you think you are too old, too average, or too late for UGC is actually the exact thing a brand is searching for right now?

Nate Flake sits down with Kelly Archer, a former college softball coach in Texas who only tried UGC to prove to his wife that nobody makes money online.

He lost that argument in about thirty days. Kelly threw a portfolio together, got hired 13 times in his first month, and he and his wife turned a part time side gig into a number neither of them planned for. He was 57 at the time. He had no video background, no following, and no idea what UGC even stood for.

They got into his first job that paid $300 and ate 30 hours. The brand that kept sending it back for revision after revision because Kelly was too new to push back. The moment you have to look a client in the eye and say your rate went up, even though you like them and they were easy to say yes to.

If you are waiting until you look better, sound better, or own better gear, this one takes that excuse off the table. Kelly explains how he searches for briefs where he is the obvious pick instead of one of two hundred.

Chapters:
00:01:30 - The First Month That Changed Everything
00:14:16 - The Boundary New Creators Are Afraid to Set
00:18:11 - The Rate Increase That Tests Your Confidence
00:22:35 - What Brands Are Actually Hiring For
00:26:31 - When Revisions Cross the Line
00:30:38 - The Brands You Actually Want to Keep
00:33:07 - How One-Off Clients Become Repeat Work
00:41:00 - The Fastest Way to Burn Your Reputation
00:43:10 - Why AI Isn’t the Biggest Threat
00:48:27 - Why Helping Other Creators is a Win-Win

Stay through the end for the retainer conversation and the reason Kelly barely has to pitch anymore. 

Press play and learn how the parts of yourself you were hiding turn into the reason you get booked.

Kelly's Portfolio: www.kellyugc.net

Kelly's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellytxugc?igsh=bnRkN3htc2doY3Js

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Get Paid to TRAVEL With UGC (Here's How) ft. Nicholas Cicio | EP 6512 Aug 202600:43:00

What if the only thing between you and getting paid to travel is a one-way ticket you keep putting off?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Nicholas Cicio, who is on day 445 of the digital nomad life, calling in from Albania. Before any of that, he drove Uber for cash, and moved in as a live-in caretaker.

Then he booked a one-way ticket with $900 and a backpack. He does not hide the hard parts, so you get the wins and the real downsides that most travel videos leave out.

They dig into travel UGC, one of the most requested topics on the show. You will hear how to earn steady income on the road with Canvas UGC, how to pitch Airbnbs, hotels, and tours for free stays and comped meals, and why apps and services can be a smarter bet than chasing physical products. There is also a simple portfolio trick that most creators never think to try.

Chapters:
00:03:05 — The UGC Income That Kept Him Traveling
00:07:30 — The Reality Behind the Digital Nomad Dream
00:09:22 — How Travel Content Opens New Income Streams
00:12:44 — How He Actually Moves Country to Country
00:14:06 — Why Going Back to the U.S. Paid Off
00:18:21 — Losing Everything Changed His Priorities
00:21:30 — The Trip That Turned Into Buying Property
00:24:27 — Why UGC Isn’t As Saturated As You Think
00:26:12 — The Travel Problem That Killed His Views
00:29:54 — The UGC Work That Travels Best
00:31:43 — How to Land Your First Airbnb Collaboration
00:34:01 — The Shot Most Travel Creators Forget
00:36:36 — What He’d Tell Anyone Ready to Leave
00:38:24 — Why Traveling Can Actually Cost Less
00:42:02 — His Advice for Future Travel Creators

If you have ever wondered whether travel UGC is truly possible or just a pretty highlight reel, this one gives you a straight answer. Nicholas walks you through the income streams, the gear, and the daily habits that keep him going. He also shares what to skip so you do not burn through your money or your energy in the first month.

Stay until the end, when Nicholas talks about what really pushed him to take the leap. 

Press play and learn how one creator turned a phone and a backpack into a business that pays for the trip.

Nicholas Cicio Portfolio: https://nicholasnomad.com/ugc

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC Insider: What Makes Agencies CHOOSE You | Elliott Stafford, ContentJet | EP 6405 Aug 202600:58:05

What if the biggest brands are actually starving for creators like you and can't find enough of them? 

Host Nate Flake sits down with Elliott Stafford, head of creative at ContentJet, to show you the agency side that most creators never get to see. If you have ever wondered how brands really pick creators, this one is for you.

Elliott started making content as a kid and stumbled into UGC almost by accident. Within a month of building her portfolio, she made 3K. 

From there she scaled past six figures and moved into the agency side, where she helps decide which creators get picked. Nate keeps it real and funny as always, and Elliott holds nothing back about how the business actually runs behind the scenes.

Most beginners think the space is crowded and the work is drying up. Elliott shares the real numbers on how much content brands need every month, why so many creator accounts go quiet, and the simple habits that get you ghosted or hired. If you have ever lost a brand and had no idea why, you will hear the honest answer.

Stick around for the part about AI and where UGC is really headed. Elliott explains why the AI avatar trend fizzled fast, and why being fully yourself on camera is the thing that gets you picked. 

Chapters:
06:37 - How Creator Work Became Strategy
09:42 - What Agencies See Differently
13:07 - When Brands Ask for the Wrong Content
17:25 - The Real Demand Behind UGC
20:00 - The Number That Proves It’s Not Saturated
21:35 - How Agencies Actually Find Creators
25:17 - What Brands Want From Creators Now
27:00 - The Trend Creators Are Misreading
31:35 - Why ClassPass Chose Her
34:30 - What AI Still Can’t Replace
38:45 - The Ad Formats Working Right Now
40:17 - The Skill Creators Need Next
44:30 - The Mistake That Costs Repeat Work
49:45 - When Poor Communication Ruins the Deal

She reveals the kind of post that landed her a big client, and it has nothing to do with what you would expect.

Press play and learn what the agency side wishes every creator understood before they pitch.

Elliott’s Portfolio: https://elliottspages.com/
LUXE (Skool) : https://www.skool.com/luxe-creator-vault-5178/about
Sign up: https://www.contentjet.com/
Discord for Creators: https://discord.gg/HUuG3CAdr

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC After a Corporate Layoff: BOOKED Solid Now | Paul I. Paulino - EP 6329 Jul 202600:46:49

Would you walk away from a great corporate  salary if it left you feeling empty?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Paul Paulino, who spent about 20 years in tech and worked on emerging AI at Cisco right up until AI layoffs took his job. Instead of chasing another tech role and waiting for the next round of cuts, Paul bet on himself and went full-time UGC, landing work with brands like Microsoft, M&M's, and DoorDash.

You will hear how Paul built his portfolio in about a month and why he took low-paying gigs on purpose and treated them as paid practice. He shares the one habit that put him ahead of most beginners, and why getting his reps in beat trying to be perfect every single time.

If you feel frozen by fear, worried you are not good enough on camera, or stuck waiting for the "right time" to start, this episode meets you there. Paul was terrified of being on camera too. What he did about it is something you can copy today, even with zero experience.

Chapters:
02:06 - The Layoff That Arrived at the Right Time
05:00 - How His UGC Career Took Off
06:00 - Building a Second Career After Clocking Out
07:33 - When the Golden Handcuffs Stop Feeling Worth It
10:17 - What 20 Years in Tech Couldn’t Protect
15:02 - The Doors UGC Opened Beyond Brand Deals
17:03 - The Practice Habit That Changed Everything
18:30 - Why He Took the Low-Paying Jobs
21:20 - The Platform Opportunity Most Creators Miss
24:05 - Why Instant Gratification Keeps Creators Stuck
28:36 - The Instagram Post That Brought Brands to Him
36:45 - The Niche Brands Now Hire Him For
38:06 - Where UGC Is Headed Next 

Stick around for the end, where Paul calls where this whole space is heading next and the simple shift that keeps his content working. It might change how you show up on camera starting tomorrow.

Press play and learn how one person went from laid off to booked with brands, and the exact moves you can implement to start today.

Paul's Portfolio: https://paulinothecreator.com
Paul's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinothecreator/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC After 40: The One SKILL Brands Can't Replace ft. Leah Hamill | EP 6222 Jul 202600:46:20

How does a 45-year-old who was almost certain she'd hate UGC go from $1,200 her first month to $10,000 by month six?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Leah Hamill. She spent four years as an RV influencer before it burned her out and she walked away from social media entirely. If you have ever felt too old, too new, or too awkward to try this, her numbers are worth your attention.

When she finally circled back and tried UGC, she was almost certain she would hate it. What changed her mind is the real story here, and she tells it the way you'd want a friend to: honestly, with the messy parts left in.

Most beginners get stuck in the exact same spot. You freeze up on camera, you chase the perfect aesthetic, or you quit after a handful of no's. Leah and Nate break down why those roadblocks trip up so many people, and what actually moves the needle when you are starting from zero. They also get honest about the slow, unglamorous grind that quietly decides who makes it and who walks away.

Chapters:
00:04:51 — Why She Walked Away From Influencing
00:06:26 — The Opportunity She Expected to Hate
00:09:30 — How She Reached $10K by Month Six
00:12:25 — What Finally Made Camera Work Feel Natural
00:15:23 — The Teleprompter Fix Most Creators Miss
00:18:03 — The Fear Holding Back Creators Over 40
00:21:30 — The Daily Routine That Filled Her Pipeline
00:24:14 — Cheap Jobs Can Accelerate Your Growth
00:27:23 — The Real Reason Clients Keep Coming Back
00:29:28 — The UGC Myth Beginners Still Believe
00:32:06 — Why Faceless Content Is Losing Its Advantage
00:35:30 — The Content Style Brands Want Now
00:42:42 — The Strategy That Eventually Creates Momentum

They get into why on-camera delivery matters more now than ever, and where AI fits in. Leah argues your age is the niche, not the obstacle, and Nate makes the case that the creators putting their face on camera are the ones brands can't replace. 

Press play and learn how to land that first win before you talk yourself out of it.

Leah's Portfolio: leahhamill.com/ugc

UGC CREATOR CLUB: ugc.thrivecart.com/ugc-creator-club

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

40+ & Confident: Turning Experience Into a UGC Strength ft. Velma Canaday | EP 6115 Jul 202600:54:05

What do you do when you open the brief for a job you just booked and not one single person in it looks anything like you?

Host Nate Flake is joined by Velma Canaday, a full-time UGC creator who says that happens on nearly every brief that lands in her inbox. 

Velma talks about what that does to your confidence before you have even pressed record. She also gets into the part nobody says out loud, which is that she watched a beginner quote the same rate she did, for less work, and not get negotiated down the way she was.

She came to UGC the long way around. Ten years in tech in DC with a master's in computer science. A leggings business that ate through forty thousand dollars in savings. A layoff she saw coming the moment HR showed up in the room.  

Chapters:
00:09:21 — The UGC Opportunity She Finally Took Seriously
00:15:24 — What Had to Change to Reach $10K
00:17:44 — The Skill She Had Been Avoiding
00:22:02 — The 125 Applications That Paid Off Years Later
00:25:33 — Why Her Best Niche Wasn’t What She Expected
00:28:06 — How to Sell a Product You Don’t Love
00:29:30 — The Income Ceiling Most Creators Miss
00:31:20 — Her Biggest Weakness in the UGC Business
00:43:17 — When Equal Work Gets Paid Differently
00:48:33 — The Next Ceiling She Has to Break Through
00:51:14 — How She’s Building Beyond Brand Deals

If you have ever wondered whether this industry has room for you, because of your age or how you look, this episode gives you a real answer instead of a comfortable one.

Press play and learn how she keeps getting hired, and she explains exactly what she does to make that happen.

Velma's: Instagram

Velma's portfolio: https://canva.link/velma-ugc-portfolio

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Your Corporate Job is Your UGC Advantage ft. Emily Hou | EP 6008 Jul 202600:50:24

What if the job you hate is your ticket into UGC? 

Host Nate sits down with Emily Hou, a former tech worker who walked away from a burnout corporate job and built a real UGC business in about a year, starting with zero video experience. 

You'll hear how she landed her first brand deal, why her old career became her secret weapon, and how she turned "I have no clue what I'm doing" into paid work.

Nate also came from corporate too, so this one lands hard for anyone stuck at a desk watching the clock. Emily is honest about the messy start, and that honesty is exactly why her advice actually helps.

Once you start getting brand offers, how do you tell a real deal from a trap? Nate and Emily break down the new wave of Canvas UGC deals, the ones offering huge video counts for tiny pay, and the exact questions to ask before you sign anything that could lock you in for months.

Chapters:
00:01:22 – The Moment UGC Started Feeling Possible
00:02:10 – The Hidden Work Nobody Sees
00:03:23 – When UGC Became Plan A
00:04:37 – The First Paid Deal She Never Talks About
00:05:47 – How Her Tech Background Became the Advantage
00:07:30 – The First Brand Call That Changed Everything
00:08:21 – Why Vibes Matter More Than Creators Think
00:11:51 – The Human Element AI Can’t Replace
00:14:41 – The Clients That Carry Slow Months
00:17:16 – The Tech UGC Confusion Creators Miss
00:20:22 – Why Canvas UGC Can Become a Trap
00:22:00 – The Skill Canvas UGC Actually Builds
00:28:30 – The Performance Bonus Problem
00:34:30 – The Contract Mistake New Creators Make
00:48:52 – Why Breakdowns Might Be the Best Sign

Emily gets into why fear and excitement are the same feeling wearing different masks, and how one choice decides whether you freeze or move. Once that clicks, quitting the thing that drains you stops feeling impossible.

Press play and learn how to turn your background, your fear, and your first awkward video into your first paid gig.

Emily’s portfolio: https://emilyfeihou.my.canva.site/emily-hou-ugc
Emily’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/feifei.creative/  

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

The ONE Decision That Got Him to $10K Months | EP 5924 Jun 202600:37:37

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now

Are you charging your worth or are you still scared every client will disappear the second you raise your prices?

In this solo Q&A episode, Nate Flake answers listener questions and breaks down the one move that helped him start hitting 10K months and eventually quit his corporate job: raising his prices and actually standing firm.

He also talks about that quiet stretch after you raise your rates when nothing comes in and you start wondering if you just ruined everything. You’ll learn why so many creators panic too early, drop their prices back down, and miss the results they were right on the edge of getting.

Nate also gets into one of the bigger debates in UGC: what happens when you’re asked to promote a product you don’t personally think is the best? His take might change how you think about your role as a creator.

He also breaks down what actually makes a brand choose one creator over another when the content quality looks the same. 

Chapters:
01:44 — The Money Move Most Creators Avoid
04:09 — When UGC Starts Feeling Like Acting
12:05 — Why Brands Pick Someone Else
13:43 — The Fastest Creator Wins
17:07 — Your Fiverr Profile Is Costing You
19:23 — The Mock Video Mistake
21:03 — The AI Tools Nate Actually Uses
22:08 — What to Do When Deals Slow Down
25:33 — When Revisions Are More Than Revisions
28:30 — The Niche Advice Nate Rejects
30:04 — When Brands Change the Brief
34:02 — How Nate Batches Without Burning Out

You’ll also get practical tips for optimizing your Fiverr profile, creating a mock video that actually sells your work, batching shoots without wasting golden hour, and knowing what to say when a brand tries to turn a simple revision into a full reshoot.

Stay until the end for Nate’s slow-season strategy, because sitting around waiting for Fiverr or brand deals to magically pick back up is not a business plan.

Press play and learn how to stop reacting to your UGC business and start running it.

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

$10K in UGC While Burned Out at His Corporate Job [Here’s How] ft. Joshua Abel | EP 5817 Jun 202600:45:23

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now

You're working full-time and grinding on UGC. Is it actually possible to do both?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Joshua Abel, a guy who chased Hollywood in his 20s, spent five years going on auditions, and walked away when life got in the way. He bounced through careers, burned out running his own agency, and ended up hauling steel plates on a factory floor. 

A lot of us have taken the long road to figure out what we actually want.

In his fourth month doing UGC, Joshua hit $10K. He was still showing up to work every day. He hadn't quit yet. In this episode, he breaks down what that grind actually looked like. The early morning gym sessions, the outbound emails on lunch breaks, the videos filmed between meetings. And why that season was worth every exhausting minute of it.

Chapters:
00:06:30 - The Small Town Exit Plan
00:08:31 - The Dream He Quietly Gave Up On
00:11:31 - The Fear That Kept Him Playing Safe
00:14:49 - The Job That Started Eating His Life
00:16:22 - One TikTok Scroll Changed the Plan
00:18:30 - The Morning Routine That Built Momentum
00:19:32 - The Month Everything Suddenly Took Off
00:22:02 - The Raise, Remote Work, and Time Back
00:29:07 - Why He Had an Unfair Advantage
00:32:00 - The Second Chance He Refused to Waste
00:34:34 - The Fear That Never Fully Goes Away
00:38:46 - The Community That Felt Completely Different
00:41:24 - The Hardest Part Wasn’t the Work
00:46:30 - Corporate Safety Is an Illusion
00:51:41 - The Shift From Creator to CEO

This one is for you if you feel like you started too late or have too much going on to make this work. Joshua gets into the mindset shift that made staying at his job feel like a choice instead of a trap, and why that one change made him better at UGC, not worse.

Some people find their things early, but Joshua proves you can find it later and still go all in.

Press play and learn what UGC does for you beyond the money. The confidence, the community, the second chance. 

Joshua’s Portfolio: www.joshuaaugccreator.com 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Stolen Content & UNPAID Invoices Draining Creators (Here's the Fix) ft. Grace Tabib, Founder of DUPAY | EP 57 10 Jun 202600:39:26

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now

You've filmed the script. You edited the video. You delivered the work. So why are you chasing invoices and not getting paid?

Most creators don't think about income protection until they've already been burned. 

Nate sits down with Grace Tabib, co-founder of DuPay, to talk about what it actually takes to run your UGC business like a business, starting from the very first deal, not after something goes wrong.

If you've ever wondered whether you need a contract, what to do when a brand ghosts you, or how to stop chasing invoices and start creating, this episode is your answer. 

Chapters:
06:38 - Why Contracts Still Scare Creators
07:30 - The Problem Starts Earlier
08:34 - The Saturation Myth Breaks
10:15 - Where Creators Lose Control
11:54 - The Tiny Details That Get You Paid
13:36 - Why AI Can Cost You Money
16:26 - The Demand Letter That Changed Everything
18:39 - The Stamp Brands Recognize
20:30 - The Contract Generator Creators Needed
23:49 - The Watermark Red Flag
24:47 - What Happens When Brands Ghost
27:44 - Where UGC Is Really Headed
30:38 - The Money Creators Forget to Chase
34:27 - The Million Dollar Payoff

Grace breaks down the tools DuPay built after reviewing hundreds of creator contracts, and explains exactly where most unpaid invoice problems actually start. Spoiler: it's not at the end of the project.

Nate and Grace get into the real numbers too. DuPay has recovered over $1 million for more than 750 creators. The part that sticks is this: most of those creators had already given up on ever seeing that money. The conversation shifts from chasing money to building the kind of business that doesn't have to.

Press play and learn how to stop chasing invoices and start getting paid.

Protect your contracts, invoices, and payments: https://dupayme.com/ 
Use code NATE25 for annual plan or NATE10 for 1st Month

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

This Is STEALING Your Creator Income (One Tool Fixes It) | Nia & Tanner Co-Founders of Beeasy.ai | EP 5603 Jun 202600:55:59

FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now

Are you spending more time on emails and invoices than actually making content?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Nia and Tanner, a professional model-turned-UGC creator and her software engineer co-founder, for one of the most grounded conversations about what it actually takes to run UGC like a real business.

Nia brings 14 years of modeling experience and a firsthand look at how UGC opened up a new path beyond traditional modeling. Tanner brings the systems thinking, product background, and AI-powered tool they built to solve a problem almost every creator quietly deals with: Admin Overload.

You’ll hear what brands are really complaining about when they work with creators, and it’s probably not what you think. Nia breaks down the mistakes that cost creators repeat bookings, from inconsistent content quality to unclear communication, and the simple habits that make brands want to keep working with you.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed juggling pitches, invoices, revisions, follow-ups, and content all at once, this episode speaks directly to that chaos. Nia and Tanner built Beeasy.ai after seeing how much time creators lose to admin and after Nia realized she had thousands of dollars tied up in invoices she forgot to send or follow up on.

Chapters:
05:26 - The Accidental Start That Became UGC
06:22 - The Skims Strategy Nobody Sees
08:49 - How She Started Pitching Brands
10:22 - The Relationship That Keeps Paying
12:30 - The Moment UGC Finally Felt Real
14:54 - Why Influencers Are Losing Ground
19:30 - The Portfolio Mistake Costing Creators Deals
23:21 - The $15,000 Invoice Problem
29:30 - When Creators Started Pulling Out Credit Cards
35:52 - The Admin Secret Everyone Breaks On
42:00 - What Brands Actually Hate
46:52 - The Question That Saves Every Reshoot
54:52 - The Advice Every New Creator Needs

You’ll learn why admin is the silent killer of most UGC careers and what you can do about it before it starts costing you time, money, and repeat work.

Pay close attention to Nia’s advice around briefs and communication. One simple habit that can save you from reshoots, protect your time, and make brands trust you more.

Press play and learn how to stop running your UGC business like a hobby and start treating it like the real career it can be.

Stop Chasing Invoices. Start Cashing Them: www.beeasy.ai/

Nia's portfolio: https://alegriaaa.co/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Teachers Make the BEST UGC Creators ft. Casey Leigh Creatives | EP 5527 May 202600:50:57

What if the skills you already have are worth more in UGC than anything you could learn from scratch?

The skills Casey Leigh already used every day in the classroom gave her a head start in UGC that most creators never realize they already have. Host Nate Flake and Casey break down exactly how teaching translated into brand deals, persuasive content, and long-term creator success.

Learn how to handle difficult clients without burning out, when to walk away from lowball offers, and how Casey turned a $200 offer into a $950 deal. If you’ve ever lowered your rates because you were scared the work would dry up, this episode will change how you think about your value.

Chapters:
00:03:02 - Why Teachers Are Secretly Built for This
00:04:08 - The Skill She Didn’t Realize Was Valuable
00:05:08 - The Part Nobody Warns You About
00:06:42 - The Red Flags That Cost Creators Money
00:08:04 - The Lesson Bad Clients Teach Fast
00:09:27 - The $200 Deal That Changed Everything
00:11:08 - Why Most Creators Stay Stuck Charging Low Rates
00:12:14 - The Saturation Lie Everyone Believes
00:17:14 - Why Teaching Feels Exactly Like UGC
00:20:31 - The Hook Strategy That Stops People Instantly
00:29:18 - The Teleprompter Trick That Makes Scripts Feel Natural
00:33:27 - The Hidden Advantage Teachers Already Have
00:40:18 - The AI Tool Changing How She Lands Deals
00:45:02 - The Pitch That Landed a Major Brand
00:47:23 - The Creator Shortcut She Wishes Existed Earlier

Most creators spend too much time wondering whether their past experience even matters in this industry. Casey explains how to turn the skills you already have whether from teaching, corporate work, or another career into content brands actually want to pay for.

Stay until the end because Casey shares the AI tool she built called Unscripted Creator. It researches brands, identifies gaps in their marketing, and helps creators write scripts that sound natural to their own voice.

Press play and learn how to build the kind of creator skillset that turns one-off gigs into long-term retainer clients.

Connect with Casey:
https://caseyleighcreatives.com/

Try Brand Intelligence for FREE: unscripted.caseyleighugc.com

The Complete Unscripted Creator System: (Discount code: UGC101): HERE

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Corporate Burnout to Full-Time Creator at 51 Years Old ft. Brenda Seider | EP 5420 May 202600:41:43

Join the FREE UGC Webinar:  Learn how you can start today

Never posted a video in your life and think you're too late to start?  

Host Nate Flake welcomes Brenda Seider, a 51-year-old creator who had no video experience, no portfolio, and no clue what UGC was when she started. 14 months later, she had replaced her corporate job with a full-time creator business powered largely by inbound brand deals.

Both Nate and Brenda came from corporate jobs that were quietly draining them dry. This conversation is brutally honest about what the leap actually costs and what it gives back.

Chapters:
00:02:12 - The Job That Broke Her
00:03:11 - The Anonymous TikTok Secret
00:08:21 - Why Her First Brand Video Failed
00:10:18 - The Mistake Most New Creators Make
00:11:46 - The $50 Video That Took 5 Hours
00:13:18 - The Confidence Nobody Talks About
00:15:07 - The Corporate Wake-Up Call
00:21:27 - The Inbounds Finally Started
00:26:18 - The 60-Day Gamble
00:27:55 - The Month Everything Went Quiet
00:28:51 - The Toxic Fallout After Quitting
00:35:48 - Why Brands Kept Messaging Her
00:42:31 - The Truth About $10K Months

Brenda spent five hours filming her first $50 Fiverr video. She never went viral, she just kept showing up every single day and learning in public. Eventually, brands started flooding her inbox.

Press play and learn what consistency over perfection actually looks like in real life.

Connect with Brenda: https://brendaunfolded.com 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

"I Don’t Have Time for UGC” ENDS Now (Tool Busy Creators Use) | Brooke Embry, Mom of 3, Co-founder & Creator | EP 5312 May 202600:45:50

FREE call - Start UGC and land brand deals with 0 experience: HERE

Busy does not have to mean stuck. What if there was a system that made UGC actually fit into your life the way it already is, not the life you wish you had?

Today's guest had to shut down her six-figure photography studio overnight when her daughter was diagnosed with a serious autoimmune disease. With no income and no plan, she had to figure out a way to build her UGC business that worked around her life, not the other way around. 

Nate Flake sits down with Brooke Embry, a mom and co-founder of Creator Desk. You will learn the system she built now lets her film just one or two days a week, and still be present for her family. And why the brands keep coming back.

Chapters:
 00:02:11 – The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
00:06:12 – The Biggest Difference Between Amazon and UGC
00:07:42 – The Creator Who Changed Her Entire Approach
00:08:47 – The Pitching Strategy That Got Early Replies
00:10:04 – When UGC Finally Felt Sustainable
00:16:02 – The Unexpected Opportunities UGC Created
00:18:05 – The Scheduling Mistake That Nearly Burned Her Out
00:24:06 – The Red Flag Most New Creators Ignore
00:31:02 – How She Turns Repeat Clients Into Retainers
00:42:03 – Why AI Might Actually Help UGC Creators  

They get into the questions new creators are too scared to ask out loud. What do you say to a brand when you can't film for two more weeks? How do you set boundaries without losing the client? When do you stop waiting to be invited into a retainer and just go get one?

Her answers are practical, honest, and not what most people expect.

Press play and learn one specific freebie she offers retainer clients that makes brands say yes almost every time. 

Brooke's Portfolio: www.theblissfulbrooke.com

Sign-up for Creator Desk: www.thecreatordesk.com

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Land Brand Deals Fast with Wovvo | ft. Paula Hlavacek Creator & Co-founder | EP 5206 May 202600:44:35

Are you exhausted spending hours hopping between platforms just to find UGC jobs? 

There's a creator who got tired of the same grind and built the solution herself.

Host Nate Flake sits down with Paula Hlavacek, co-founder of Wovvo and a UGC creator who's been in the game for four years. She's built a platform that pulls opportunities from X, Reddit, Backstage, Coley, Vidova, and more into one dashboard. 

They get into why your X profile is your first impression, and brands are judging it before they ever watch your video. Paula breaks down what a strong profile actually looks like, why your wins need to be framed for brands not other creators, and what skills are quietly separating good UGC creators from great ones.

Chapters:
00:04:55 – Burnout From Platform Hopping
00:05:32 – The WhatsApp Group That Scaled Quietly
00:06:20 – Turning Free Value Into a Business
00:07:02 – What is Wovvo?
00:08:28 – Monetizing an Idea Before It Exists
00:11:10 – Quitting the Job and Going All In
00:12:45 – The Effort Most Creators Skip
00:16:12 – Why Your Profile Is Costing You Deals
00:18:02 – Posting for Brands vs Creators
00:20:18 – Content That Actually Converts
00:23:10 – How Wovvo Finds Opportunities
00:25:05 – Why Searching Jobs Wastes Time
00:29:05 – Fixing the Application Process
00:34:08 – Why Quality Matters More Now
00:36:02 – Treating Rejection Like Data
00:41:02 – What’s Coming in Wovvo 3.0

If you've been stuck in the cycle of applying and hearing nothing back, this episode gets at why. Paula talks through how to evaluate what's not working, how to think like a brand, and why showing up consistently matters more than showing up perfectly.  

Press play and learn how one creator stopped waiting for the right platform and built it herself  and what that mindset can do for your UGC career starting today.

Link to Resources Footnote for Every Podcast

Join: https://www.wovvo.ai/

Attend the Live Event June 17th in Vancouver:  https://creatorscollab.ca/ 

Paula's Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/thisgirlpppaula/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thisgirlpppaula

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Brands Hired Him BECAUSE of His Accent | ft. Luiz Walters | EP 51 29 Apr 202600:40:01

What if your accent, your background, or starting from zero actually made you more desirable to brands?

Host Nate Flake welcomes Luiz Walters, who moved from Brazil with limited resources and turned UGC into a full-time business. How he got there is a story you don’t want to miss.

He did not grow up dreaming of making brand videos. He came to the US as a camp counselor, worked multiple jobs to stay afloat, and eventually landed the kind of corporate role everyone tells you to want. Then everything changed, and the path that opened up was one he never saw coming.

If you have ever felt like your accent, your story, or your starting point puts you at a disadvantage, this episode challenges that directly. Luiz shows how those differences can become your edge.

Chapters:
00:02:06 – Arriving in the U.S. With No Plan
00:03:12 – Randomly Sent to Oklahoma
00:06:02 – Family Pressure and Identity Struggles
00:08:05 – Leaving Brazil Without a Return Plan
00:13:02 – Working Two Jobs Just to Survive
00:14:05 – Finding Love While Struggling
00:16:08 – Discovering UGC by Accident
00:18:10 – First Big Deal Changes Everything
00:21:52 – Deciding to Go All In on UGC
00:22:45 – Learning Pitching and Taking Action
00:25:18 – Learning Negotiation and Follow-Up
00:26:05 – Getting Laid Off at the Right Time
00:29:38 – Turning an Accent Into an Advantage
00:34:18 – Becoming a UGC Coach
00:37:05 – Why Brands Will Hire You

Luiz gets honest about the moments that almost stopped him before he ever got started. You will hear what it actually looks like to rebuild confidence, step away when needed, and come back with more clarity.

There is a moment toward the end of this conversation that reframes how you think about consistency and results. It is worth sticking around for.

Press play and learn from someone who bet on himself and made it work.

Work with Luiz: https://ugcluizwalters.my.canva.site

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

He Stole These Tricks From News Anchors [Now Charges $300 a Video] | ft. Jonathan Bailey | EP 5022 Apr 202600:39:55

What if the only thing standing between you and your first $300 brand deal is a few months and a willingness to start ugly?

Jonathan Bailey started UGC in December of 2025 with zero experience, a stutter, a small apartment, and a property management job that had him working until 8pm most nights. He didn't wait for perfect conditions. He just started, and what happened next is worth hearing.

In this episode, Nate and Jonathan talk about Fiverr pricing mistakes that cost him real money, the time management system he built around a demanding full-time schedule, and the unconventional camera tricks he borrowed from TV news anchors that most UGC creators have never even thought about.

Chapters:

00:07:15 - Why UGC Feels Different From Other Online Businesses
00:08:55 - HUGE Fiverr Pricing Mistake
00:12:15 - Getting Comfortable on Camera
00:15:20 - TV Anchor Techniques That Changed His Delivery
00:16:50 - Managing a Speech Challenge While Filming Content
00:18:30 - Communicating With Brands and Setting Expectations
00:22:10 - Why Local Creator Collabs Can Multiply Your Income
00:27:15 - Platforms That Actually Brought Him Paid Work
00:29:00 - First $300 Video 
00:31:55 - Turning Free Product Offers Into Paid Deals
00:33:20 - Editing and Building a Repeatable Workflow
00:36:10 - Balancing Full-Time Work With UGC Production
00:37:05 - Realistic Goals for the Next 6 Months
00:38:20 - The One Thing That Accelerated His Progress Fastest

If you've been on the fence about starting UGC, Jonathan's story will answer the questions you've been afraid to ask. He was exactly where you are not long ago, and he figured out a way through it that doesn't require quitting your job or overhauling your life.

Stay until the end, because the mindset shift Jonathan shares near the finish line is the kind of thing that quietly changes how you see the whole game.

Press play and learn how one guy in Portland went from winging it to landing his first $300 brand deal in less than five months.

Work with Johnathan: https://collabwithjon.my.canva.site/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

330 Creators In One Room! (Full Recap of UGC Creator Connect) | EP 4915 Apr 202600:47:34

Have you ever walked into a room and finally felt like you belonged? 

That's exactly what happened when 330 UGC creators showed up in Park City, Utah, and nothing was the same after!

Nate recaps UGC Creator Connect, the biggest UGC-focused in-person event to date for a full day of real talk, workshops, and networking. No theory, no gatekeeping, just creators sharing what's actually working.

If you've ever felt alone trying to figure this out, this episode is for you. Nate breaks down every speaker session, from portfolio teardowns to mental health, personal branding, and how to diversify your income beyond UGC

Chapters:
00:03:58 - First Meetup Chaos
00:06:05 - Why This Event is So Critical for Creators
00:09:30 - Content Without Judgment
00:12:55 - Where Real Connections Happen
00:15:00 - Behind the Scenes Pressure
00:20:05 - The Event Finally Starts
00:24:30 - Rapid Fire Value Sessions
00:29:55 - Scaling, Branding, and Positioning
00:33:50 - Burnout and Creative Systems
00:35:30 - The Emotional Turning Point
00:38:00 - Turning Contacts Into Opportunities
00:44:20 - Bigger Vision for What’s Next

But the moment that stopped the room? 

A creator who quit her engineering career to do UGC full-time stood up and asked how to handle a family that doesn't believe in her. What happened next is something you have to hear.

Press play and learn why showing up, in person or in this episode, might be the move that changes everything for your creator business. 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

STOP Doing This on Camera (It Kills Brand Deals) ft. @theChrisGoor | EP 4808 Apr 202600:44:37

What if the skills you already have are worth more than you think and you’ve just been looking in the wrong place?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Chris Goor, a veteran UK cameraman (Glastonbury, royal events, live broadcast), to break down what it actually takes to build a content career from scratch.

Chris shares how he went from zero to 140k+ on Instagram (and tens of thousands across platforms) by running a simple experiment…

Chapters:
00:04:04 - Why He Left TV
00:05:00 - Posting With No Monetization
00:06:52 - Content That Actually Changes Lives
00:08:04 - The North Star Content Filter
00:09:11 - Phone vs Pro Camera Reality
00:10:18 - The Simple Editing Breakthrough
00:11:00 - Getting Comfortable On Camera
00:12:56 - Building a Recognizable Personal Brand
00:15:11 - Why Intentional Content Matters
00:17:06 - When Growth Feels Invisible
00:19:16 - Why Slow Growth Wins
00:21:17 - Going Viral Too Early Is a Trap
00:22:51 - Attracting the Right Audience
00:23:45 - Solving Problems for Brands
00:24:58 - Creators Get in Their Own Way
00:26:00 - How to Sound Natural on Camera
00:30:00 - Performance and Delivery Nuance
00:36:05 - Freedom and Earning on Your Terms
00:40:59 - What is Couch to Creator?

If you've been putting off starting because your gear isn't good enough, your niche isn't clear, or you don't feel natural on camera yet, this episode answers all of it.

The conversation gets real when Nate and Chris dig into why viral moments can actually set you back, how to use AI as a creative tool without losing your voice, and what it means to build content that people remember you for. 

There's a moment in this episode where the whole "just be consistent" advice finally clicks in a way that actually makes sense.

Press play and learn how to stop overthinking your content and start building something that lasts.

Chris Goor: Instagram & TIKTOK

Couch to Creator Course: https://brandvideo.thrivecart.com/couch-to-creator/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

$10K UGC Month to Burn Out (How You Recover) | ft. Antoine Boado | EP 4701 Apr 202600:50:15

Ready for the wildest first-year stories you'll hear in this space?

Less than 40 days into UGC, still living with his parents, Antoine Boado walked into his boss's office and put in his notice. No safety net, no proven system, and barely 15 deals under his belt. 

Host Nate Flake sits down with Antoine to walk through the whole unfiltered journey, from landing his first $1,000 Fiverr gig to hitting a $10K month, crashing hard, and slowly rebuilding with real systems and a sharper business mindset. 

Antoine holds nothing back about the burnout, the low-paying retainer traps, and the moment he finally started valuing his work the way brands actually could.

Chapters:
00:01:05 - Broke on 82K and moves back home
00:02:48 - Quits job with no real proof
00:04:00 - First full-time month jumps to 10K
00:09:45 - The uncomfortable move that accelerates growth
00:12:00 - When cringe turns into momentum
00:15:08 - Why getting deals is the easy part
00:16:22 - Burnout hits right after the breakthrough
00:19:10 - Rebuilding after the crash
00:21:00 - The trap most new creators fall into
00:22:00 - Why “retainers” can quietly drain you
00:24:00 - Fake success vs real revenue
00:27:00 - Why AI won’t replace real creators
00:34:30 - The negotiation mistake costing you money
00:35:30 - One sentence that triples your rate
00:44:00 - What this actually builds beyond money

If you're stuck in a cycle of undercharging, overworking, and wondering whether going full-time is even possible, this episode is going to hit close to home. Antoine's story is a honest, step-by-step look at what the climb really costs and what it takes to make it stick.

Press play and learn how one simple negotiation move turned a $500 offer into a $1,500 deal without a single back-and-forth.  

Connect with Antoine: https://ugcbyantoine.my.canva.site/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

US Brand Deals From Mexico? DO THIS | ft. @itsalexandrapage | EP 4625 Mar 202600:47:33

What if you could run a thriving UGC business from a beach in Mexico?  

Host Nate sits down with Alexandra Page to hear how she built a full-time UGC business from one of the most beautiful, most distracting places on earth. 

Alexandra moved to Tulum five years ago and had no plans to become a UGC creator. But when the music industry stopped fitting her life, she had to figure out a new way to make money from paradise. 

The problem? Most brands won't ship to Mexico. 

Chapters:
00:04:30 — Leaving Music Behind
00:06:15 — Shipping Nightmare Reality Check
00:11:10 — Why Pitching Beats Platforms
00:14:45 — The Discipline of Paradise
00:18:30 — Is UGC Actually Saturated?
00:22:00 — Finding Your Niche Naturally
00:26:30 — Locking In vs Chasing Freedom
00:30:00 — Handling Rejection 
00:34:30 — When Content Finally Clicks
00:38:30 — Why Imperfect Content Wins
00:42:30 — Building a Life Through UGC

She shares the exact shipping workaround she found that changed everything, why she pitches brands directly instead of using platforms, and how repeat clients became the backbone of her business.

This one's for you if you've ever wondered whether UGC can actually fit around your life instead of the other way around. Alexandra's story is proof that your location, your lifestyle, and even your season of life can work for you in this space, not against you.

Press play and learn how Alexandra's husband went from 100 followers and zero brand deals to 25,000 followers and consistent inbound work.

Connect with guest: https://vayda.studio/alexandrapage

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC Is Saturated? She Made 4 Figures Her First Month at 22 with @thesociallysoph | EP 4518 Mar 202600:43:35

Is UGC actually saturated or is that just the excuse keeping you stuck?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Sophia Morris, a 22-year-old who started UGC with no following, no clients, and no clue what she was doing. Four months later, she went full-time.

Sophia breaks down exactly how it happened. Her first four-figure month. The platforms that landed her first deals. And the pitching strategy that eventually replaced them.

Chapters:
04:03 – Do You Even Need College Anymore
06:01 – The First Month That Changed Everything
09:02 – How She Actually Got Started in UGC
11:42 – Is UGC Really Too Saturated
12:56 – Why She Stopped Relying on Platforms
17:27 – The Simple Change That Gets Replies
20:18 – The Hidden Problem With Bento
29:36 – The Mistake That Slowed Everything Down
33:03 – When She Stopped Creating
34:42 – The Shift That Changed Her Results
36:12 – Why Her Content Was Attracting the Wrong People
41:58 – What She’d Do Differently Starting Today

If you've been told you're too young, too late, or too unknown to make real money as a creator. Sophia gets honest about the mistakes that almost derailed her, from outsourcing, chasing the wrong audience, and losing herself in the process.

But the moment she stopped treating UGC like a side hustle and started treating it like a business, everything changed. Fast.

Press play and learn what separates creators who go full-time from ones still waiting to feel ready.

Connect with Sophia: https://thesociallysoph.com/ 

Platform mentioned: https://www.onbento.com/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

THIS CHANGE Saves UGC Creators an Extra $9,200 a Year | EP 4411 Mar 202600:40:37

Are you keeping more of the money you're earning, or are you accidentally giving it away every April?

Most UGC creators are so focused on landing the next brand deal that taxes become an afterthought. But that could be costing you thousands. 

Host Nate sits down with Steven Harward and Tommy Thornburgh, the CEO and President of Prime Corporate Services to break down what self-employed creators actually need to know about taxes, business structure, and protecting the income they've worked hard to build.

These guys have filed over 40,000 tax returns and helped entrepreneurs save an average of $9,200 more when they start properly tracking expenses. That number hits different when it's your money.

Chapters:
00:04:18 — How Creators Can Legally Lower Their Taxes
00:06:00 — Expenses Creators Can Deduct Right Away
00:08:22 — Why Many Creators Are Afraid of Tax Season
00:09:40 — The Simplest Way to Track Business Expenses
00:11:05 — How to Reduce Your Tax Bill
00:12:32 — What Counts as a Legit Business Write-Off
00:15:50 — Costly Tax Mistakes New Creators Make
00:18:10 — How Understanding Taxes Increases Your Profit
00:20:48 — The 6 Financial Areas Every Creator Should Manage
00:24:08 — Choosing Between an LLC or S-Corp
00:36:20 — Networking Strategies That Lead to Opportunities

Steven and Tommy cut through the fear with advice on tracking expenses, choosing the right business entity, and why the fourth quarter might be the most important season of your creator year.

Press play to learn how to keep more of what you earn while building your creator business the right way.

To book your FREE Prime tax consultation for UGC 101 listeners only, visit their site here: https://primepartner.info/ugc-podcast

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

The REAL Way to Land UGC Brand Deals ($5K) as a Beginner | EP 4304 Mar 202600:48:47

What if you could land your first UGC deal this week with nothing but your phone and 20 minutes a day?

Host Nate Flake gets honest about what a real day in the UGC life actually looks like, and what he'd do if he were starting from scratch today. He quit corporate in July and he's not here to make it sound glamorous. Some days are messy. But the work is his, the schedule is his, and that changes everything.

Then mid-recording, a +$5K Fiverr deal lands in his lap and he walks you through the whole thing start to finish so you know exactly what to do when your moment comes.

Chapters:
04:10 - The One Video You Need
07:30 - Write Scripts Faster Without Sounding Generic
08:50 - Pick 3 Platforms and Start Applying
10:17 - The X Strategy for Staying Low-Key
13:53 - How to Stand Out in a Sea of Portfolio Drops
16:21 - Why Old Replies Turn Into New Deals
18:58 - Fiverr Deal Walkthrough From Ping to Paid
27:00 - Inbound Deals and How to Price Higher
31:30 - What a Full-Time UGC Day Really Looks Like
37:10 - Involving Kids and Charging More
41:55 - Two Tactics to Land More Deals This Week 

He's watched hundreds of creators sit on the sidelines overthinking gear, portfolios, and the "right time" to start while other people are out there landing $500 deals with nothing but a phone and a Canva template. 

You must stay until the end to hear the two pitch strategies Nate just started using himself. One of them involves sending a screenshot to a brand's actual marketing person. Sounds weird. Works like crazy.

Press play and take the first step toward doing UGC on your own terms.

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Platforms Mentioned:

Insense
https://insense.pro

Influee
https://influee.co

UGC Shop (UGC Shop Marketplace)
https://ugc-shop.com/

Nate’s UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community — use code PODCAST for 15% off: .  https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr 

Billo
https://billo.app

JoinBrands
https://joinbrands.com

Canva (for building your portfolio)
https://www.canva.com

X (formerly Twitter, for sourcing opportunities)
https://x.com

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Manager MOM Builds a UGC Business (While Getting Her Masters Degree) ft. Anna - @TheHOLLANDEdit | EP 4225 Feb 202600:41:16

Anna has a newborn, a corporate job, a master's degree at Penn State, and a growing UGC business… So what's stopping you?

Nate sits down with Anna, one of his students who found UGC while on maternity leave. She broke into the space in a matter of weeks by using her corporate project management experience that actually makes the chaos of content creation feel manageable. 

Anna gets into the weeds on how she prioritizes her days when everything feels urgent. She explains why she doesn’t rely on batching. She talks about how building a simple B-roll library on her phone changed the game for her turnaround time.

Chapters:
00:06:00 – Stop Sounding Robotic on Camera
00:07:20 – Comparison Trap: Seeing Only Other Creators’ “Best Clips”
00:08:00 – Cultural Pressure: Looking Polished vs “Messy” UGC Style
00:10:00 – Portfolio Build + Reddit/X Outreach Grind
00:12:30 – Corporate Frameworks, Simply: Waterfall vs Agile
00:14:45 – How She Runs Her Days
00:16:20 – The Moscow Method
00:21:35 – Build a B-Roll Library to Buy Back Time
00:24:50 – Revisions Don’t Mean You Failed
00:27:15 – Going From Corporate Expert to UGC Beginner
00:37:20 – Avoiding Conflict of Interest With Corporate
00:38:00 – No Sundays and Create More Than Consume

She also gets refreshingly honest about the imposter syndrome she had to push through. About the rude client she had to keep her cool with. And about what it actually felt like to go from being a senior manager in corporate to being the newbie all over again. That part alone is worth the listen.

Here is the thing though. Anna is not some productivity robot. She is a new mom running on limited sleep, figuring it out one day at a time, just like you. What makes her story land is that she is not pretending it was easy. She is showing you it was worth it anyway.

Listen and learn the moment Anna stopped treating revision requests like failures and started treating them like proof she was growing. That one reframe changes everything.

Connect with Anna: https://thehollandedit.com/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

From Buried in Debt and Suffering Burnout to $20K Months with Sydney Mohni, UGC Creator and Coach | EP 4118 Feb 202600:49:26

What if the career that's paying your bills is actually draining your soul BUT there's a way out that doesn't mean starting over broke?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Sydney Mohni, a UGC creator who spent a decade climbing the network marketing ladder. She finally hit that $10K month everyone talks about, but instead of celebrating, she burned out completely. 

Add in a family crisis, mounting debt, and sitting on a curb in Tulum crying over a pizza bill and you've got the breaking point that led her to UGC. Four months of pitching with zero deals. Then one $150 gig changed everything.

Chapters:
00:04:01 - Four Months of Nothing, Then…
00:05:42 - 10K: Burnout Money vs Freedom Money
00:08:15 - Why “Good Money” Still Isn’t Worth It
00:12:22 - Escaping the 5K Ceiling
00:15:16 - TikTok Creative Challenge: Volatile Income
00:18:48 - How Long-Term Brand Relationships Change Everything
00:22:06 - Why Furniture UGC Sorta Sucks
00:25:48 - The Contract Mistake
00:27:22 - Meta Reaches Out
00:34:30 - Her International Retreat Goal
00:38:10 - Why You Don’t Need to Look Perfect to Win in UGC
00:40:25 - The Mentor Moment

Nate and Sydney get real about what it actually takes to build a UGC business that doesn't just pay the bills but gives you your life back. They talk about the scrappy early days, why raising your prices feels scary but works, and how Sydney went from struggling to land any client to working with Meta for thousands of dollars per video. 

It's honest, funny, and packed with the kind of advice that only comes from someone who's been in the trenches.

If you're stuck in a career that pays well but leaves you empty, or you're wondering if UGC is actually sustainable long-term, this episode breaks it all down. Sydney's story proves you don't have to choose between making money and being happy but you do have to be willing to go all-in and bet on yourself.

Press play and learn why Sydney's wife talked her out of negotiating with Meta, and the one mindset shift that helped her students quit their jobs and build freedom on their own terms.

Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/sydneymohni/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Why UGC Is the Most Lucrative Side Hustle for Full Time Professionals Right Now | EP 4011 Feb 202600:48:58

Have you ever wondered if you could do UGC while working at a full-time job you actually love?

Host Nate Flake sits down with his good friend Daniel Taylor, a full-time professional who started doing UGC completely under the radar. No UGC social accounts. No public announcement. He intentionally kept it separate from his day job.

Dan came into this space cold, went through Nate’s early training before it was fully polished, and quietly built a repeat client base on Fiverr while showing up to his day job every morning like nothing changed. 

He is the guy Nate points to when people ask if you really have to put yourself out there to make this work. The answer is no.

Chapters:
04:20 – Quiet UGC While Working Full Time
11:45 – Getting Past the On-Camera Cringe
15:30 – Corporate Skills That Transfer Shockingly Well
19:10 – Overdelivering Without Burning Out
22:40 – Raising Rates the Right Way
26:30 – When Success Becomes Overwhelming
33:50 – Choosing Efficiency Over Volume
37:40 – Tying UGC Income to Real Life Goals
45:30 – The Long-Term Play for Quiet UGC Creators

Learn how Dan pushed through the awkward early videos, how his corporate communication skills turned out to be a secret weapon with brands, and how he went from taking every gig he could get to being selective about what was actually worth his time.

Nate and Dan also dig into the money side of things. When to raise your rates with repeat clients, why jumping your prices too fast on Fiverr can actually hurt your momentum, and how Dan landed more income by doing less but charging more. These are the kinds of tactical details that make a real difference when you are figuring this out on your own.

And if you have ever felt weird about doing UGC because it seems too out there, too cringe, or just not something a serious professional would do, Dan has something to say about that too.

Press play and learn Dan’s take on why the embarrassment fades fast and what you are really trading when you decide not to try is one of the most honest moments in this episode. 

Connect with Guest: https://dantaylorugc.my.canva.site/

Dan's Utah Creator Studio: https://www.instagram.com/the_highland_studio?igsh=b2llYWNuanpxNnhl

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

From "I Can't Do This" to Brands Begging to Work With You with Kessa from @ContentByKessa, UGC Creator & Coach | EP 3904 Feb 202600:44:37

Ever dreamed about making money with content but kept telling yourself you're not the right type?

Host Nate welcomes Kessa, a full-time UGC creator from Canada who started chasing her content dreams in her early teens. She didn't get here because of a big following or a perfect plan. She got here because she refused to quit, and her story is proof that you don't need either one to make this work.

They break down the moves that actually work, not the fluff you see everywhere else. They talk about how to handle rejection without flinching, why staying open to every niche will make you more money, and how to get brands coming to you instead of chasing them down. Kessa also shares her exact approach to pricing and whitelisting that keeps everything simple and profitable.

Chapters:
04:30 – Grinding on Gifted Collabs With No Pay
07:55 – Betting on UGC and Making the First $2K
11:20 – Why Canada Is an Underrated UGC Market
14:30 – Turning DMs Into a Coaching Business
17:10 – The Biggest Fears New Creators Have
19:55 – Why Faceless UGC Doesn’t Scale
22:30 – Filming in Public Without Caring
25:10 – Embarrassing Brand Deals Everyone Starts With
28:20 – Niches, Acne, and Why Flaws Sell
31:40 – Posting to Attract Brands Not Followers
35:10 – Whitelisting, Usage Rights, and Real Money
39:00 – Negotiation Mistakes That Cost Creators Thousands

This one hits different if you've been on the fence about starting. Kessa doesn't hide the hard parts. She talks about the goofy early gigs, the fear of hitting record, and why the things that feel scary right now are way smaller than they actually look. 

Listen and learn the one thing Kessa says about being on camera that's so simple you'll wonder why nobody told you sooner. It completely flips the script on how you think about showing up.  

Her UGC guide: https://stan.store/contentbykessa/p/ugc-guide-65j1b

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@contentbykessa?_t=8ZNqcZif522&_r=1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/contentbykessa?igsh=MWVyb281dGx0amRnYw==

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Contentbykessa

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

The UGC Strategy to Turn Every Brand Into Long-Term Clients with Comedian Alex Gettlin | EP 3828 Jan 202600:52:27

What if your "side hustle survival skills" were actually the exact training you needed to crush it in UGC?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Alex Gettlin, a standup comedian and podcaster who went from touring comedy clubs and hustling through DoorDash shifts to building a thriving UGC business. 

Alex didn't come from the typical nine-to-five burnout story. He came from a world where every gig was uncertain, every paycheck was inconsistent, and learning to perform under pressure was just part of the deal. That background turned out to be his secret weapon.

Chapters:
04:45 – Losing Everything Overnight to COVID
07:10 – The Podcast That Changed Everything
09:30 – Discovering UGC Was a Real Business
11:55 – Why Most Creators Quit Too Early
14:10 – Spending Money to Make Money
16:25 – The Power of Creator Meetups
19:05 – Trading Free UGC for Real Opportunities
21:40 – Why Talking Head Videos Win
24:55 – When UGC Goes Wrong Fast
29:10 – Turning Small Gigs Into Big Retainers
34:20 – Comedy Skills as a UGC Superpower
41:15 – How Consistency Creates Long-Term Income
If you've ever felt stuck in the "feast or famine" cycle, or you'r

If you've ever felt stuck in the "feast or famine" cycle, or you're wondering how to turn your creative skills into steady income without losing your authenticity, Nate and Alex break it all down. 

Alex shares how he built his first portfolio, why he treats every client like a long-term relationship, and the mindset shifts that helped him go from $100 gigs to retainer deals that actually pay the bills. 

Plus, he gets real about the importance of community, why over-delivering early creates momentum, and how thinking like an entertainer (not just a creator) can set you apart.

By the end, you'll understand why your first gig matters way more than the paycheck, how to find opportunities hiding in plain sight, and what it actually takes to build a UGC business that works for you, not the other way around. 

Press play and learn how Alex landed his first podcast deal, turning a $100 Ball Buddy ad into a major retainer, and why he tells his students there's no "one right way" to do this.

Alex's Atlanta Studio: https://www.skewedorbitstudios.com/

Alex's podcast Highly Unlikely: https://open.spotify.com/show/2iMdab3eZjUQNV2zyIPZe0?si=rjNW8iX8RT2jrFegBrtAQQ

Alex's Portfolio: http://www.alexgettlin.com/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

From $20 to $20K Per Month: Her Fiverr Strategy with Musician Turned Creator @TheUGCCreatorOlivia (Olivia Castriota) | EP 37 21 Jan 202600:49:40

What if the skills you already have are exactly what you need to build a UGC business, you just haven't connected the dots yet?

Host Nate Flake sits down with Olivia Castriota to break down how she went from being new to UGC to consistently making $20,000 a month by leveraging skills she already had.

She didn't start as a UGC creator. She was a musician writing songs for TV shows, stuck in an industry where getting paid took eight months or longer. 

When she saw a TikTok about UGC, she realized her years of making music videos had already taught her everything she needed: how to be comfortable on camera, understand lighting, and tell a story visually. 

Within two weeks, she bought a course, set up her Fiverr gigs, and started landing clients at $20 a video.

Chapters:
00:04:45 - The Fiverr Switch That Skyrocketed Orders
00:05:32 - 100 Reviews in 2 Months  
00:06:00 - The $20 to $125 Rate Jump Panic
00:06:31 - Ad Fees Changed Everything
00:09:19 - The “Pitch 10 Brands” Myth Gets Called Out
00:15:34 - Fiverr’s Biggest Problem: Zero Search, Too Much Chaos
00:18:18 - Scam Reality Check and Why New Sellers Get Targeted
00:24:38 - Camera Confidence
00:34:05 - Why X Became Her Best Lead Source
00:42:19 - Worst Gig vs Best Gig 

She doesn't sugarcoat it. She talks about doing a hundred videos in two months to build reviews, raising her rates even when it felt terrifying, and why your first three months are basically paid training. 

Olivia shares the production secrets most creators never think about like how matching your clothing to both the product and your skin tone can make or break a video, or why breaking a script into single-line takes with action beats makes everything easier. 

Press play and learn how tiny shifts that separate okay content from work that brands want to pay for again and again.

Course she took (Use code OLIVIA for $100 off):  https://freelancebigsis.com/ugcfiverracademy-1220?am_id=olivia2330

Olivia's music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5VdTraeHBTaJhW9OZPnrPm?si=yXo-BLoORYCqP5snb-qOxg

Olivia's portfolio: https://oliviacastriota.my.canva.site/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

UGC Sidehustle: How Triplet Mom Makes Over $3,000 a Month Working Full-Time with “House of jen UGC” - Jen Cochnauer | EP 3614 Jan 202600:47:30

Ever wonder if your whole family could actually make money creating content together or if that's just internet hype?

Nate sits down with Jen Cochnauer. She started UGC in July. She'd never even heard the term before. Five months later, she's pulling in $2-4k extra each month while working full-time in corporate healthcare and she's doing it with her husband and four kids, including triplets. 

You'll hear how she navigated Fiverr gigs, convinced her skeptical husband, got her kids comfortable on camera, and started landing inbound work from brands who can't resist the triplet factor.

Chapters:
04:02 - Family to a Fiverr  
06:01 - Ditching the Teleprompter  
08:30 - Landing the First Family Job with the Triplets
11:18 - Raising Rates 
19:30 - How X Replies Turn Into Email Inbounds
20:50 - Working Full-Time While UGC Explodes
22:00 - When to Pause Outreach and Start Saying No
31:03 - The VA Problem: Follow-Ups Are Where Money Gets Lost
33:30 - The Dream Gig vs The Nightmare Client
41:30 - The 2026 UGC Family Expansion Plan

Jen's approach is refreshingly honest, she prints scripts, overshoots B-roll, and still struggles with follow-up. She's figuring it out in real time, just like you.

If you've ever hesitated to involve your partner or kids in UGC because it feels complicated, this episode breaks down the practicalities: how much to pay your kids, how to price family work, and why raw footage jobs beat full edits when you're juggling a day job. 

You'll also get the uncomfortable truth about pricing, if brands aren't pushing back on your rates, you're leaving money on the table.

Jen's story proves you don't need to be a content pro or quit your job to make this work. You just need to start, lean into what makes your family unique, and charge what you're actually worth. 

Press play and learn exactly how to turn family time into paid work without sacrificing your sanity.

Connect with guest: https://www.instagram.com/houseofjenugc/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Zero Followers, Zero Experience - How I Built a Six Figure UGC Business Starting on Fiverr | EP 3507 Jan 202600:56:54

Ever sat at your desk wondering if there's more to life than climbing the corporate ladder? 

Host Nate Flake gets it. He spent 11 years in tech, earned an MBA, and worked his way up to positions at companies like Intuit - only to realize the golden handcuffs weren't worth it.

Nate pulls back the curtain on his entire UGC journey. From that awkward first video to crossing $140,000 on Fiverr alone, he walks you through the messy middle that most coaches skip over. 

Chapters:
04:55 – Feeling Invisible in Big Tech
06:28 – Side Projects as Survival
08:35 – The Corporate Breaking Point
09:43 – The Bed That Changed Everything
11:30 – First Steps Into UGC
13:23 – Landing the First Brand Deal
15:12 – Getting Comfortable on Camera
17:21 – Why Fiverr Was the Entry Point
20:30 – Raising Rates and Scaling Fast
24:28 – Why Followers Don’t Matter
31:30 – Buying Back Time With a Course
34:56 – Choosing Freedom Over Stability

He talks about the moment his friend Tammy convinced him to try UGC, the nine days of radio silence before his first client, and how he juggled a demanding corporate job while building a side hustle that eventually replaced his income.

If you're stuck in a job that pays well but drains your soul, this episode gives you a practical roadmap. Nate breaks down how he validated UGC could work before quitting, why he started on Fiverr instead of pitching brands, and how he manages being a present dad while running a full-time creator business. 

He also challenges the myth that you need to match your corporate salary dollar-for-dollar - because freedom, flexibility, and unlimited PTO have real value too.

The biggest shift happens when Nate explains what finally pushed him to quit. It wasn't just about money. It was about looking around at other UGC creators and realizing they had something he didn't: time with their families, control over their schedules, and genuine happiness. 

Press play if you've been waiting for a sign to start UGC or take it seriously, this is it. 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

How Stay-at-Home Parent with No Experience Built a Highly Successful UGC Business with Salha Aziz, UGC Creator & Coach | EP 3431 Dec 202500:50:52

Can you really build a UGC business from your couch while your kids are screaming in the next room?

Nate sits down with Salha to talk about what it's really like to balance chaos, creativity, and client work. 

She's been creating UGC content since 2022, back when most people thought it was a scam, and she did it all as a stay-at-home mom with young kids running around. No fancy equipment. No quiet house. Just her phone, a window for light, and the willingness to figure it out one messy video at a time.

Chapters:
00:07:00 - When UGC Was Barely a Hashtag
00:10:00 - The Honest Video That Changed Everything
00:14:30 - Prep With Chaos, Film In Silence
00:18:00 - The Backwards Workflow That Works
00:25:00 - Avoiding Burnout With Real Numbers
00:29:00 - The One-Breath Voiceover Mistake
00:34:10 - UGC Is Mostly Admin
00:38:30 - Best and Worst Brand Experiences
00:42:00 - Finding Your Real Rhythm
00:46:00 - Why Community Changes Everything

Salha shares how she built a portfolio without a tripod, landed her first deals while documenting the whole thing on TikTok, and eventually charged over $1,000 per video, all while keeping her sanity intact. 

If you're a parent who thinks you don't have time, space, or energy to start UGC, this episode breaks down how to work within your constraints instead of fighting them. 

Salha talks about setting boundaries, avoiding overwhelm, and building a business that fits your life, not the other way around. She didn't do it the "right" way. She did it her way. And it worked.

Listen and learn how Salha realized she could stop chasing low paid gigs and start focusing on premium brands.  

Join Salha’s Skool Community: HERE  

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

First Month UGC: From Zero to $300 Deals in 7 Days with Jake Winters, Millennial Dad UGC Creator | EP 3325 Dec 202500:53:36

What if you could go from losing your job to replacing your income with UGC in under 30 days? 

Nate sits down with Jake Winters, a creator who went from zero UGC experience to booking consistent gigs in his first month. Jake lost his real estate job in January, binged Nate's course in 24 hours, made a scrappy 4-video portfolio in one day, and landed his first $300 deal within a week. 

No prior video experience. No following. Just action. What makes Jake's story even better? He's a master negotiator who's not afraid to play hardball with brands even as a total beginner.

Chapters:
04:30 - The First Real Doubt About UGC
06:10 - Losing a Job and Needing Cash Fast
07:29 - Why Being New Was an Advantage
08:16 - Building a Portfolio in One Afternoon
09:50 - Making Money With an “Ugly” Portfolio
12:25 - The Real Reason Creators Get Stuck
17:14 - Why UGC Is a Pure Numbers Game
19:37 - How Jake Learned to Negotiate Hard
23:12 - Discovering Creators Charging $1,000+
31:00 - When to Walk Away From Low Budgets
40:03 - How TikTok Live Changed Everything

If you've ever felt stuck because your portfolio isn't perfect, or you're too nervous to charge what you're worth, Jake’s story will shift how you think. Jake breaks down how he built confidence on camera fast, why TikTok Live became a secret weapon for landing deals, and how he consistently negotiates rates 2-3x higher than what brands initially offer. 

Nate picks Jake's brain on how to walk away from low-ball offers, fake it till you make it, and treat UGC like a real business from day one.

By the end, you'll understand that success in UGC doesn’t require perfection, but being bold, consistent, and willing to stand up for yourself. Jake proves that if you're willing to take messy action and negotiate like you mean it, you can turn UGC into real income faster than you think.

Listen and learn how to make it work no matter where you're starting from.

Connect with guest: Jake Winters

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Zero to Fully Booked in 3 Months: How This Married Couple Cracked UGC at 44 and 55 with the Cordovas | EP 3217 Dec 202500:54:56

What if you could turn content creation into something you and your partner build together?

Ray and Haley Cordova went from brainstorming side hustles to booking 18 UGC gigs in a single week, and they did it all in their first three months as creators. 

Nate Flake sits down with this power couple to talk through their rapid ascension: how they found UGC, why they decided to do it together, and what it's really like to work alongside your spouse. 

Ray's 55, Haley's 44, and they're proof that age, follower count, and fancy equipment don't determine success in this space. What matters is showing up, spreading yourself across platforms, and treating UGC like the real business it is.

Download FREE GUIDE: 10 Steps to Becoming a UGC Creator from Scratch

Chapters:
04:20 - Discovering UGC as a Couple and Deciding to Go All In
07:15 - Using Age, Life Experience, and Identity as a Market Advantage
10:00 - Getting Comfortable on Camera Without Acting Skills
14:30 - Why Having a Second Person Speeds Up Production
18:45 - Organization Systems That Prevent Creator Burnout
23:20 - Why Posting Is About Being Found, Not Gaining Followers
29:10 - Staying Visible So Brands Keep Finding You
34:40 - Landing a World Series UGC Deal From a Simple Inbound
40:00 - Turning One Brand Deal Into a Long-Term Relationship
43:10 - Getting Paid to Travel and Shoot In Person
47:15 - Raising Rates Once Demand Increases
49:20 - Why UGC Is a Long-Term Lifestyle, Not a Side Hustle

Ray brings the on-camera energy while Haley handles the editing and admin, and together they've landed everything from Fiverr gigs to a once-in-a-lifetime shoot at the World Series. They break down which platforms actually work, how to get comfortable on camera, and what to do when brands lowball you. 

Plus, they share the systems that help them avoid burnout when gigs start flooding in.

You’ll hear the exact steps Ray and Haley took to go from zero to fully booked faster than most creators think is possible. And why building this business as a team gave them something money can't buy: time together and control over their lives.

Listen and learn how to make UGC work, whether you're flying solo or bringing your partner along for the ride.

Connect with Ray

Connect with Haley 

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Scaling From $5 Fiverr Gigs to Five-Figure Months with Freelance Big Sis Arbel Kimmick | EP 3110 Dec 202501:04:25

Wonder how creators actually scale from $5 gigs to five-figure months and what it really takes to get there?

Nate sits down with Arbel Kimmick, the voice behind Freelance Big Sis and the UGC Fiverr Academy that's helped creators land brand deals. 

Arbel's been in the trenches since 2013, working on everything from web design to voiceovers before discovering UGC in 2022. She walks us through her entire journey; the wins, the pivots, and the lessons she learned by doing it messy first.

Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy 

Chapters:
00:07:57 – Losing Every Client After Moving States
00:09:08 – Twenty Voiceover Orders Overnight
00:10:09 – Both Fiverr Accounts Shutdown
00:16:34 – Burnout From $5 Pricing
00:21:00 – The Price Change That Destroyed Her Gig
00:23:17 – Trying UGC for the First Time
00:25:36 – First Five-Figure Month  
00:27:17 – First Viral TikTok  
00:31:15 – Launching Her First Guide and Course
00:33:54 – Turning Social Media Into Multiple Income Streams
00:41:19 – The Reason Fiverr Gigs Get Deranked

If you're building your Fiverr gig or wondering how to actually grow beyond your first few orders, this one's packed with practical advice. Arbel breaks down the three things that make or break a Fiverr gig, why editing at the wrong time can tank your impressions, and how to price yourself without scaring off clients. 

Arbel and Nate also dig into why diversifying your income streams matters, not just for money, but for momentum. It's a real honest conversation about the stuff that trips up most creators before they figure it out.

By the end, you'll walk away with a clear plan for setting up multiple gigs, strategies for scaling without burning out, and the confidence to know that even when things slow down, you're building something that lasts. 

Arbel's story proves that consistency beats perfection every time, and that your next breakthrough might be one small tweak away.

Listen now to discover the tactics behind $2 million in brand deals across Arbel's creator community 

Get a $100 discount on Arbel's UGC course and community using the code UGC101 - Join Here: UGC Fiverr Academy

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Anti-Influencer Method: She Made $60K on TikTok Shop Without Going Viral with Meg the Creator | EP 3003 Dec 202500:47:31

Ever wonder if you need a huge following or perfect video skills to actually make money as a creator? 

Nate sits down with Megan (aka Meg the Creator), a working mom who went from small-town job hopper to full-time content creator without chasing viral fame or pretending to be an influencer.

Megan breaks down what she calls the "anti-influencer method," a practical approach to making real money through UGC, Amazon reviews, and TikTok Shop. She started with zero followers, zero portfolio, and zero fancy gear.

Chapters:
00:08:20 - Beginners Quick Wins
00:12:45 - Finding Products That Actually Make Money
00:16:58 - Building Confidence as a Creator
00:25:40 - How to Stand Out When Pitching
00:29:55 - The Power of Retainers
00:33:18 - Data Brands Actually Care About
00:36:42 - The Reality of TikTok Shop
00:39:58 - Evergreen Products That Never Stop Selling
00:43:10 - Turning UGC Into Long-Term Freelancing

What she did have was curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to figure it out as she went. Now she's built a thriving community where she helps everyday creators land their first paid gigs fast.

If you've ever felt stuck wondering where to start, how to get confident on camera, or what brands actually want from creators, this conversation clears it all up. Megan walks through the exact platforms she used to land quick wins, the tools that helped her scale, and why agencies aren't as intimidating as you think.

By the end, you'll see how getting started is simpler than you thought. 

Listen and learn how everyday products, simple setups, and consistent reps can build real momentum in the creator space.

Connect with guest: https://megthecreator.com/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Creative Strategist Explains How to Get Brands to Hire You for UGC with Olivia Larsen | EP 2926 Nov 202500:57:12

Ever send a pitch or apply for a gig and wonder what actually happens on the other side?

Nate sits down with Olivia Larsen to pull back the curtain on what brands and agencies really want from creators. 

Olivia went from working 12-hour overnight shifts at a veterinary ER to building a full-time UGC career and then landed on the other side of the table as a creative strategist at a marketing agency. Now she's the one hiring creators, reviewing portfolios, and deciding who gets the gig. 

Chapter:
05:28 – Adding creative strategy to increase income
07:23 – The test project brands require before hiring
10:49 – The biggest misconception about creative strategy
11:58 – What happens when an ad underperforms
17:30 – The moment she realized talent presence makes or breaks ads
22:14 – Why UGC creators must learn for the camera
28:12 – What brands actually look for in your portfolio
36:32 – The entitlement problem agencies deal with daily

If you've ever wondered why some creators land consistent work while others struggle to book their first paid gig, this conversation delivers. Olivia breaks down the real expectations around on-camera presence, usage rights, portfolio quality, and communication. 

She also gets honest about the entitlement she's seeing from newer creators and why understanding your leverage matters more than copying someone else's rates.

They tackle the stuff nobody wants to say out loud: why being "authentic" isn't enough, what makes a creative strategist want to work with you again, and how to stop pricing yourself out of opportunities before you've even built a reputation. 

By the end, you'll understand exactly what separates creators who get hired once from creators who become go-to talent for agencies and brands. Whether you're just starting out or trying to scale, Olivia's brand-side perspective will help you see your work through a different lens. 

Listen and learn how to position yourself as someone brands actually want to work with and NOT just another creator in the inbox.

Connect with Olivia: http://instagram.com/larsen.creatives/?hl=en

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

How This Couple Built a UGC and TikTok Shop Business Together After Influencer Burnout with Ari and Abdul | EP 2819 Nov 202500:46:36

Wondering if doing UGC with your partner would be amazing... or a recipe for disaster?

Nate sits down with Ari and Abdul, a creator couple who went from burned-out micro-influencers to thriving UGC entrepreneurs. 

Ari shares how she discovered UGC three years ago when she was desperate to step away from constantly sharing her life online, and how she eventually convinced Abdul to join her. 

Their story is honest, funny, and refreshingly real. From bribing their kids to be in videos to figuring out how to read the same brief completely differently. Nate even shares how his 14-year-old daughter started her own Fiverr gig and is already booking paid work.

If you've ever felt stuck between wanting creative freedom and needing consistent income, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:
05:30 - When We Realized We’re the Niche
06:05 - Life Assets That Brands Pay For
07:17 - Camera Presence Without Cringe
10:40 - Kids, Bribes, and Brand-Building
13:58 - Quitting the Influencer Hamster Wheel
16:20 - Freedom in Scripts, Not Self
22:05 - The $0.50 for 2M Views Wake-Up
31:00 - Cracking TikTok Shop 
40:55 - Couple Workflow That Works

Ari and Abdul break down how UGC gave them the financial breathing room that influencing never did without the pressure of always being "on" or performing for an audience. 

They also dive into their recent TikTok Shop success after months of testing and almost giving up, and why the skills you build as a UGC creator are the exact ones that unlock other income streams.

By the end, you'll understand how to turn your partnership into a competitive advantage, how to avoid the drama when filming together, and why starting "messy" beats waiting for perfection every single time.

Listen and learn why brands love hiring creator pairs who bring different perspectives, natural chemistry, and flexibility. 

https://www.instagram.com/dulla.and.ari/?hl=en

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

You're NOT Too Old to Start UGC with Over 50-Year-Old Top Rated Fiverr Seller Dave Johnson | EP 2712 Nov 202501:04:02

Think you're too old to start a new career or learn a digital skill?

Nate sits down with Dave Johnson to talk about what it's really like to start from zero when you're not in your twenties anymore. 

Dave is a grandfather of six, and just six months ago he was working a physically demanding roadside assistance job he knew he couldn't keep doing. 
Today, he's a top-rated UGC creator on Fiverr, working full-time from home, charging $300+ per video, and landing deals worth over a thousand bucks. No fancy camera. No big following. Just a willingness to figure it out one step at a time.

Chapters:
06:58 – When It Finally Clicked
07:57 – Editing Fear to Simple System
12:45 – First Gig Revisions, First Lesson
29:06 – Overdeliver, Organize, Raise Rates
34:25 – The Notion Leak Pricing Hack
39:49 – Never Late, Top Rated Happens
41:58 – Why UGC Works After 50
55:38 – Land a $1,100 Gig

Dave's story doesn’t include going viral or some overnight success, but just showing up, learning the basics, and proving your value even when the tech feels intimidating and the camera makes you nervous. 

He’s real, his advice is practical, and his wins happened faster than most people think is possible. If you've ever worried that you're too old to pivot, that technology isn't "for you," or that brands only want young creators, this episode will challenge every one of those beliefs. 

Dave breaks down how he got comfortable on camera, how he learned editing, and how he went from undercharging to confidently negotiating $1,100 deals all while competing with creators half his age.

Listen and learn the moment Dave realized his age wasn't a disadvantage, it was his edge. 

Connect with Dave: https://www.instagram.com/ugcbydave/

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

From Struggles to Success: Essential Tips for UGC Creators | EP 2510 Nov 202500:56:10

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Mia, founder of Creator Vault. 

We delved into her journey in the UGC space, starting from her college days when she was exploring various career paths, to discovering UGC through social media. Mia shared her experiences of moving to New York with just $10,000 and a dream, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way. 

We discussed the importance of transparency and authenticity in the UGC community, and how Creator Vaults aims to provide a platform for creators to share their experiences and insights anonymously. 

Mia's passion for building a supportive community for content creators was evident as she talked about the app's features and future plans. It was an inspiring conversation that underscored the value of perseverance and the power of community in the ever-evolving world of UGC

You can download the Creator Vault app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/creator-vault/id6670768966?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacANnxUm8QxQt51PrAB6aavYLkpj50YiMAzSB1pqjI4RpCKzlufbqkZ6yohTw_aem_zwpTtagKbZO4FWqur1Vd8w

Follow Mia on socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itskormenia/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@itskormenia?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠⁠⁠

Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates

UGC Creator Connect Event!

To get updates and find out when presale tickets go on sale for UGC Creator Connect (March 14th in Park City, Utah) you can register here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Influencing is Out - UGC is In! | EP 2610 Nov 202500:55:08

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had an amazing conversation with Marzia Prince, an experienced UGC creator who transitioned from a 20-year career as a fitness coach to a thriving content creator. 

We explored her journey, including the pivotal moment when a major brand like Kroger recognized her potential, which led her to embrace UGC full-time. Marzia shared candid advice on navigating the challenges of content creation, emphasizing the importance of showing up consistently, even when content feels 'cringe-worthy.' 

Her story of leveraging personal experiences, like her health journey and local business collaborations, to create authentic and engaging content was truly inspiring. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the nuances of building a successful UGC career.

Learn more about Marzia's UGC Fast Track program here: https://ugcfasttrack.com/

Follow Marzia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marziaprince

Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠⁠⁠

Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates

UGC Creator Connect Event!

To get updates and find out when presale tickets go on sale for UGC Creator Connect (March 14th in Park City, Utah) you can register here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Episode 24 - Finding Your Community in UGC 22 Oct 202500:52:14

In this episode, I got to hang out with Bill, a UGC creator who's been in the game for a couple of years. We talked about his journey from sports hospitality to going full-time with UGC, and all the ups and downs that came with it. Bill shared some cool insights on carving out his niche, why retainers are a game-changer, and what it's like being a guy in a mostly female industry. We also chatted about Creator Beach, his not-for-profit project that's all about supporting creators.


You can sign up for Creator Beach here: https://www.creatorbeach.com/creatorjoin


Follow Bill on socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billugc/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@creatorbeachbill


Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠⁠⁠



Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Episode 23 - From UX to UGC: Xin's Creator Story08 Oct 202501:03:07

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had the pleasure of welcoming Xin Yi, a UGC creator and creative strategist. We dive into Xin Yi's fascinating journey from studying computer science with a focus on UX design and data science to becoming a key player in the UGC space. Xin Yi shares her insights on the importance of research, how content standards have evolved, and the value of having a mentor in the creative industry. We also discuss the challenges and rewards of transitioning from a technical background to a creative field, emphasizing the need for adaptability and continuous learning. Xin Yi offers valuable advice for those starting a UGC career, the intricacies of creative strategy, and the importance of not comparing oneself to others in the industry. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, this episode is packed with knowledge and inspiration.


If you would like to reach out to Xin regarding her UGC portfolio services, check out here site here and schedule a discovery call with her: https://xinugc.my.canva.site/web-dev-services


Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠⁠


Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates


If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

Building Your UGC Career with Fiverr01 Oct 202501:06:54

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I chat with Claire Bacardi, a successful UGC creator who went from social work to content creation. Claire shares how she started her UGC business to help pay for her wedding, the hurdles she faced, and how she made a name for herself on Fiverr. We dive into why being real is key in content creation, the shift from corporate jobs to doing your own thing, and what the future holds for UGC in a crowded market. Claire talks about why creators need to be bold and flexible, pointing out that every brand needs user-generated content. We also tackle the journey of becoming a UGC creator, busting some common fears and myths about the industry. We stress the importance of just starting, even if you're scared, and how UGC is changing, along with the need for personal branding. Claire introduces her coaching program, the Pink Collar Club, which helps aspiring UGC creators with community, training, and resources. Plus, we share tips on using platforms like Fiverr and why setting clear goals in the UGC world is crucial.


Non-profit highlighted: Five.12 Foundation - learn more about their mission here: https://five12.org/


Join Claire's Pink Collar Club: (15% off with code UGC101): https://stan.store/claireonvideo/p/pink-collar-club


Follow Claire on all socials @claireonvideo


Claire's first Fiverr gig video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPNf-6UjYuN/?igsh=MWU2ZjY5bnVhM251bg==


Nate's UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr⁠


Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

The Future of UGC: Insights with Sam Wolf from Hype 1024 Sep 202500:55:33

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had an insightful discussion with Sam Wolf, the head of creative at Hype 10, about the transformative role of user-generated content (UGC) in marketing. Sam shared his journey to Hype 10, where he built a creative department from scratch, and emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration between creators and agencies. We explored the future of UGC in the age of AI, highlighting the need for genuine, human-centered content and the value of long-term relationships in the creator economy. Sam offered practical advice for creators, including the importance of a strong portfolio and how to effectively pitch to agencies. Listeners will learn how to balance high production with authentic UGC and leverage their unique voices to create impactful content.


For those interested in working with Hype 10 or learning more, Sam invites you to connect with him on LinkedIn or visit their website: https://www.hype10agency.com/


To donate to the Bowyer Battle organization to bring hope to families affected by cystic fibrosis, you can go to: www.thebowyerbattle.org


UGC Fiverr Pro Course + Community (use the code PODCAST for 15% off): ⁠https://stan.store/nateflakeugc/p/master-ugc-on-fiverr


Follow me on socials @nateflakecreates

If you love the strategies we break down on UGC 101, you need to be in the room with us live.
We’re hosting Creator Connect Dallas—the largest UGC event in the world—bringing 2,000+ creators and 100+ brands together under one roof.
April 30 - May 2nd.
Stop figuring this out alone and come build your business in person.

Grab your tickets here: https://ugccreatorconnectevent.com/
Get $50 off your ticket price with the code UGC101PODCAST
(Note: VIP & Elite passes are strictly limited!)


FREE Call: Discover how to start UGC and land brand deals (even with 0 experience): Book a Call Now 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/nateflakecreates
• UGC brand deals: https://www.nateflakecreates.com

🛠️ CREATOR TOOLS

PERSONAL BRANDING CHEAT CODE: $25 off PoppyAI - the tool I personally use to come up with content ideas: https://start.getpoppy.ai/nate-H0Ihl

UGC PITCHING TOOL - Bento: https://app.onbento.com/?acode=nate (Use code: NATE)

⚖️ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: If you sign up or purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you (and usually gets you a deal).

© My Podcast Data · Independent project · Data from Apple & Spotify