Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast
Welcome to the side of the internet where we get paid to travel. In this podcast, I will teach you how to create UGC content so you can work part-time creating fun content and spend the majority of your days exploring the world, rather than sitting at a desk. All while making MORE money than we did at our soul-sucking 9-5. Does that sound like a dream? Well, it’s my reality and it can be yours too.
I’m your host Maddy Garrett, your UGC Travel Bestie. I help everyday people just like you start their own UGC digital nomad business so that they can achieve this kind of life-changing freedom, too. I’ve taught over 2,000 students in my Masterclasses, Programs, and 1:1 Coaching, and I educate my audience of 40,000+ ambitious dreamers daily on social media.
So tune in every week so you can quit your job and start getting paid to travel.
Paid To Travel: The UGC Podcast
16: How To Overcome The Fear Of Starting Something New w/ Trauma Therapist Erin Valente
Starting something new like becoming UGC content creator is exciting—but it also stirs up a lot of fear, self-doubt, and straight-up discomfort.
In today’s episode, I sat down with Erin Valenti, a trauma-informed therapist, to break down why that happens and what you can actually do about it.
We dig deep into how the nervous system and unprocessed trauma can quietly shape your decisions, your fears around visibility, and even your ability to hit “record” and film your first UGC video.
Whether you’re a new creator dreaming of getting paid to travel or you're in the messy middle of building your business, this conversation is going to help you feel more grounded, aligned, and ready to take action (even if it’s messy and uncomfortable at first).
What You’ll Learn:
- What trauma actually is (and how it could be subtly impacting you)
- How fear hijacks your decision-making and what to do about it
- Practical, body-based tools to regulate your nervous system before you create
- Why mindset shifts alone aren’t enough (and what to pair them with instead)
- The truth about visibility fears and how to become resilient on camera
- Why journaling, visualization, and nervous system regulation are essential for UGC creators
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
- Connect with Erin Valenti:
Instagram → @healingthehumanexperience
Website
Follow Me on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coach
3-Month UGC Accelerator Program: https://maddyoutdoors.mykajabi.com/ugc-accelerator
Free UGC Masterclass: I've distilled my 3-month process into an easy-to-understand training that will give you clarity on your next steps to becoming a successful UGC creator, so you can work less and travel more! https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/accelerator-masterclass
Free UGC Guide: https://maddygarrett.myflodesk.com/ugc-guide
Book A Free Discovery Call: Chat with me 1:1 to see if the UGC Accelerator is the right fit for you. https://calendar.app.google/6o6354FTDNsjGtTQ8
My UGC Portfolio: https://maddyoutdoors.com/
For Brands | Hire Me for UGC: Book a 15-min intro call with me so we can discuss your content needs. https://calendly.com/maddyoutdoors/ugc-discovery-call?month=2025-05
50+ UGC Example Videos: ...