Influencer Confidential

Hosted by Sidewalker Daily

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327

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Influencer Confidential, a podcast brought to you by Sidewalker Daily. In this podcast, we are dedicated to creating transparency in the Influencer Industry and showing what it takes to succeed in this new world. Sidewalker Daily is a consulting agency that works on both sides of the influencer industry. On one hand, Sidewalker Daily consults for brands and public relations firms on their influencer marketing initiatives and social media strategy and on the other, the company works with influencers and creators to help them build sustainable businesses online. Sidewalker Daily's unique position in the industry bridges the gap between brands and creators, to ensure every partnership is a win-win. Sidewalker has worked on campaigns for Jetsetter (A Tripadvisor Company), Four Seasons and the Costa Rica Tourism Board, to name a few. In this podcast, expect to learn about all things working with brands, being an influencer, influencer marketing, media kits, pitching to brands and much more! Meet Your Host, Nina Zadeh - Co-founder, Nina received her MBA in marketing from Fordham University and has a B.A. in Communications and Economics from Boston College.

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June 11, 202644 min

How to Fuel Your Creativity with AI Tools | Adobe Express Tutorial with Elise Swopes

You Can Follow Adobe Here:Instagram:@adobeexpressTikTok: @adobeexpressYouTube: @adobeexpressLinkedIn: linkedin.com/showcase/adobe-express/Website: adobe.com/express#PartneredwithAdobeExpress In this episode of Influencer Confidential, I’m sitting down with the incredibly talented Elise Swopes, an artist, creative pioneer, and Senior Evangelist at Adobe, who has truly been ahead of the curve since day one.From becoming one of the first iPhone artists to gaining global recognition before “influencer” was even a title, Elise brings a level of experience and perspective that feels both rare and deeply needed right now. Together, we dive into one of the biggest conversations happening in our industry: AI, and more importantly, how creators can embrace it without losing the very thing that makes them unique. PLUS we spotlight one powerful tool that’s changing the game for creators: Adobe Express.This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how Adobe Express is helping creators simplify, streamline, and elevate their entire content process, all in one place. Elise walks us through how this tool can support everything from ideation to design, repurposing long-form content into short-form clips, generating captions, scheduling posts, and even translating content for global audiences. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed juggling multiple platforms, tools, and tasks, this conversation will open your eyes to a smarter, more efficient way of creating, without sacrificing your unique voice or creative identity.We also get into the bigger picture of how AI fits into the creative process, and how tools like Adobe Express are designed to *enhance* your creativity, not replace it. Elise shares insights on how to use AI intentionally, avoid common mistakes, and actually leverage it to scale your content, show up more consistently, and position yourself as a professional creator. If you’ve been curious about how to work smarter (not harder) and stay ahead in this fast-moving industry, this episode is going to give you a whole new perspective.Sidewalker Daily is your go-to resource for Creators and Influencers who want to land paid brand deals, make money doing what they love, and build a successful business with the right tools and strategies.🤩 Need Speaker Deck Design Help? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cdlmx_69vHM

June 4, 202610 min

Why Some UGC Creators Get Hired (And Others Don’t) #298

If you're creating UGC content but not getting consistent brand deal offers, this episode is for you.Sidewalker Daily has worked on both sides of the influencer industry, consulting for brands and helping creators build sustainable businesses, so Nina knows exactly what brands are looking for when they choose (and re-hire) UGC creators.In this episode, Nina breaks down the key differences between UGC creators who get hired repeatedly and those who get passed over — from how you present your work to the quality signals brands actually evaluate to the professional behaviors that make brands want to work with you long-term.💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/scM_iBKuajQ

May 28, 202611 min

How to Work With Brands (Without Being an Influencer) #297

Brand deals are just for influencers…says WHO?? You do NOT need to be a traditional influencer to work with brands.If you’re a coach, course creator, podcaster, speaker, founder, business owner, newsletter writer, community builder, or expert in your niche… there are still SO many ways for you to land strategic partnerships and brand deals.Partnerships are not just for influencers. They’re for entrepreneurs who know how to position the value they already bring to the table.This episode is all about the creative ways YOU can work with brands - even if social media isn't your main thing.💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KWg32JrPKLI

May 21, 202612 min

How Creators Land Speaking Opportunities #296

Speaking on stages isn’t just about public speaking. It’s one of the fastest ways to build authority, grow your network, create partnerships, and open up entirely new revenue opportunities in your business. If you’ve been thinking about landing speaking opportunities as a creator, influencer, founder, or entrepreneur… this episode is for you! I’m breaking down how YOU can actually land speaking gigs and why these opportunities can lead to brand deals, partnerships, clients, and long-term business growth far beyond the speaking fee itself.💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TiHpl_njh6E

May 19, 202648 min

Why Most Creators Stay Stuck And How to Grow | Mafe Anzures

You Can Follow Mafe Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mafeanzures/TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mafeanzuresI Missed Me Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2nVufNbqEdpodCw624vLUfApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/hr/podcast/i-missed-me/id1643377497Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mafeanzuresWebsite: https://mafeanzures.com/Community (THE INFLUENCER LAB): https://www.patreon.com/mafeanzuresJoin the Editing Masterclass: https://shop.beacons.ai/mafeanzures/6df9e4e6-fea6-4e03-90eb-2d9023177b50?pageViewSource=lib_view&referrer=https://mafeanzures.com/In this episode, I sit down with Mafe Anzures to talk about what it *really* looks like to build a career as a creator today.From going all-in on content to navigating consistency, pivots, and growth, we unpack the mindset shifts and decisions that can completely change your trajectory.Mafe shares her journey in a way that feels honest, grounded, and incredibly relatable for anyone figuring this out in real time.We also dive into the strategy behind it all—what brands are actually looking for, how to stand out in a crowded space, and why her biggest “secret” comes down to creating *high-quality content and strong editing*.From scripting and hooks to refining your edits and elevating your overall content standard, this conversation highlights how quality is what truly sets creators apart today.If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure of your next move, this episode is your reminder that there’s no single formula, but there *is* a smarter way to approach this.💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4b4MuuhtTrc

May 7, 202652 min

The Truth About Growing on YouTube in 2026 | Lucie Fink Breaks It Down

You Can Follow Lucie Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luciebfink/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luciebfink/The Real Stuff Podcast:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0TdvoWQBDY353htUa47qSp?si=1368f8ea280f4c74Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-stuff-with-lucie-fink/id1724982367 Website: https://luciefink.com/ Course: Youtube LaunchPad: https://luciefink.com/youtubeIn this episode, I sit down with Lucie Fink, a powerhouse creator, video producer, and entrepreneur who made her mark in digital media creating viral video series at Refinery29 before building her own brand and media company.Known for her creativity, storytelling, and ability to stay ahead of the curve, she’s worked with major global brands and built a loyal audience across platforms, truly someone who understands what it takes to stand out in a crowded space. We get into the behind-the-scenes decisions, mindset shifts, and bold moves that completely changed the trajectory of her career, and how she went from working behind the scenes to building something of her own. We also dive into YouTube in 2026, what’s actually working right now, what creators are getting wrong, and why so many people are still hesitant to start.Lucie shares powerful insights around growth, content strategy, and how to approach the platform in a way that sets you up for long-term success.If you’ve been feeling stuck, overthinking your next move, or wondering if it’s “too late” to start… this episode is going to give you a whole new perspective (and probably the push you need to finally go for it).Want to join our Inner Circle? Email: team@sidewalkerdaily.com to learn more!This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4bNxTq9znuM

April 30, 202613 min

How To Pitch The Media & Press as a Creator / Influencer #295

If you want to be seen as an authority in your space… you can’t rely on content alone.You need to start putting yourself in places that validate your expertise.And one of the most powerful ways to do that is through media and press.In this episode, I’m breaking down how to pitch yourself for press features so you can build credibility, increase visibility, and open doors to new opportunities beyond brand deals. Because pitching isn’t just for paid partnerships.When you learn how to pitch the media, you position yourself as someone worth paying attention to.💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: _________________

April 28, 202655 min

How to Go Viral in 2026 | Content Strategy Secrets with Conar from One Peak Creative

You Can Follow Conar Here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conarfair/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@conarfairwayConar Fair Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conarfairwayOne Peak Creative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onepeakcreative/Enroll in the Tik Tok & Reels Course: https://findyourpeak.onepeakcreative.com/a/2147636233/qJ2aDraTTry Format Finder AI Tool for your content: https://get.onepeakcreative.com/format-finder-97?via=ninaConar is truly one of those creators who has cracked the code when it comes to content, and in this episode, it shows. I sit down with him to unpack what really goes into creating viral content in today’s landscape, and spoiler: it’s not luck. We dive into the strategy, mindset, and intentionality behind content that actually performs, and why it’s less about your follower count and more about how you capture (and keep) attention. If you want to go viral on Instagram in 2026, you are NOT going to want to miss this episode. What I love about this conversation is how real and refreshing it is. We touch on everything from the pressure of “brand-safe” content to what brands are actually looking for, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a world full of noise. Conar shares simple but powerful frameworks that will shift how you think about your content, without making it feel complicated. We also go beyond tactics and into the reality of being a creator: consistency, discipline, and finding your voice while balancing real life.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure why your content isn’t landing, this episode will definitely get you thinking (in the best way 😉).Want to join our Inner Circle? Email: team@sidewalkerdaily.com to learn more!This episode can be seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hAHS1gg2vVI

April 23, 202613 min

How To Get Booked On Podcasts As A Guest #294

One of the most overlooked growth strategies as a creator or business owner is getting booked on podcasts.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to pitch yourself as a podcast guest - so you can grow your audience, build authority, and create opportunities beyond brand deals.Because the creators who grow faster aren’t just waiting to be discovered…they’re actively putting themselves in rooms they weren’t invited to yet.Podcast guesting is one of the most powerful ways to expand your reach, build credibility, and grow your network - while positioning yourself as an expert in your space!💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse (Code: YOUTUBE500 for $500 off): https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/X4kHQ4f4Bi0

April 16, 202613 min

How to Collab with Other Youtubers:Instagrammers:Tiktokers (Without It Feeling Weird) #293

If the idea of collaborating with other creators feels awkward, forced, or a little “what do I even say?” - then this episode is for you. Because the relationships you build with other creators can completely change your business. From new opportunities, referrals, and audience growth… to friendships that actually make this whole journey more fun! In this episode, I’m breaking down how to collaborate with YouTubers, Instagrammers, TikTokers (and more) in a way that feels natural, mutually beneficial, and not weird at all. Because the creators who grow the fastest? They’re not doing this alone!💻 Free Brand Deals Training: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/brand-deals-training/🤩 Ready To Level Up? Speak with Our Success Manager: https://calendly.com/sidewalkerdailyteam/discovery👉 Book A Call: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/coaching-influencers-creators/🌟 Best-Selling Pitching to Brands Mastercourse: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/ptbm/🎁 Free Gift For Influencers & Creators: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/influencer-business-resources/🛒 Shop our Amazon Store 🛒: https://www.amazon.com/shop/sidewalkerdaily⚡️Paid Creator Opportunities: https://thepaidcreator.substack.com/This episode can also been seen on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vf-lZyGkNJI