UGC 101 - Build Your Content Creation Business

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 Five...

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...

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 prio...

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 wha...

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 thro...

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 rea...

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 agenc...

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...

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 UG...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I dive into the fascinating world of travel UGC with Maddy Garrett. We chat about her inspiring transition from a corporate job to a full-time UGC creator and coach, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her journey. Maddy shares her experiences of living the digital nomad lifestyle, building a community, and the lessons learned from her early days of...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jamie from Julip. We delved into the challenges faced by UGC creators and freelancers, particularly the struggle of building a professional online presence without the hassle and expense of a full-blown website. Jamie shared how Julip was born out of the need for a middle-ground solution, offering a customizable, easy-to-u...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristen Tojcic, an early member of our community who's been making significant strides in the UGC world. We delved into her journey from starting with my course to becoming a top-rated seller on Upwork. Kristen shared her strategies for building a compelling portfolio and emphasized the role of community support in he...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I sit down with Brooke and Chris from Creator Desk to talk about their platform that's helping creators like me get organized. We chat about the real struggles of managing projects and how Creator Desk came to be a practical solution for those of us juggling multiple tasks. Brooke shares her transition from photography to UGC creation, and Chris gives u...

In this episode, I chat with Fraser Bray, a UGC creator in New Zealand who’s been in the space for about eight to nine months. He first discovered UGC during his summer break from college, and his very first gig turned out to be a huge success—so much so that people even started recognizing him in public from it. We talk about what it’s like building a UGC career in New Zealand, where the industry...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend John Spivey — a full-time UGC creator who successfully transitioned from a corporate job into the world of content creation. We talk about what that shift looked like, the early challenges he faced, and how he's built a thriving business through UGC. John shares valuable insights on why presentation skills matter, how to manage projects effectively,...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I sit down with Julie, a successful UGC creator, to talk about her journey—from getting started in the space to pushing through challenges and finding real success. We dive into what it means to stay authentic, how to build a supportive community, and how to navigate the UGC world, especially through platforms like Twitter (X). Julie shares some powerful ins...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast, I talk with Grace, founder of DUPAY, about something every creator has dealt with — chasing payments. Whether it’s late invoices, vague payment terms, or clients ghosting altogether, getting paid can be one of the most frustrating parts of UGC. Grace and I dive into why this happens so often, how professional invoicing makes a difference, and how DUPAY is ma...

In this episode of the UGC One-on-One podcast, I sit down with Ashh, a UGC creator living in Bali. We dive into her journey into user-generated content, what it’s like creating while living abroad, and why networking within the UGC community matters so much. Ashh shares some solid insights on making engaging content, the legal side of working in another country, and what really separates UGC creat...

In this episode of the UGC 101 podcast , I had the pleasure of speaking with Kai Green from UGC Growth Lab . We dove deep into the nuances of the brand-creator relationship , covering everything from understanding a brand's specific needs to the absolute necessity of a robust portfolio. Kai offered invaluable insights into how creators can best position themselves in the market . We discussed...