The Travel Creator: Tips For Travel Influencers

Hosted by Laura Haley

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126

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The podcast for travel creators to learn smarter ways to use their content so they can save time and get back to traveling. I'm your host Laura and I saw travel content creators spending way too much time on their content creation. I used my six years of digital marketing experience to create smarter ways for travel creators to use their content. In this podcast you'll find tangible tips on how to trade your content time for travel time. We play the long game here! No 'get rich quick schemes' but real strategies you can implement to help you love your travel creator journey again and make it sustainable. We officially launch Jan 11th 2024! Episodes are out every Thursday after.

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June 11, 202614 min

125: Travel Creator Business Lessons From My Highest Revenue Month Ever

Sign up for Travel Payouts and and get a bonus of up to $100👉 SIGN UP HERE Ready to stop chasing brand deals and start building a travel creator business that actually supports your life? Join The Travel Creator Business Plan todayToday, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of my highest-income months ever and sharing the business lessons that came with it. From unexpected income streams and client conversions to content positioning, productivity, and the mindset shifts that helped me grow, I'm walking you through exactly what happened and what I'm taking with me into the next season of business.If you're building a travel creator business and wondering how to increase your revenue without adding more to your plate, this episode is for you.In This Episode:What actually contributed to my highest-income monthWhy looking at your data matters more than chasing new strategiesThe surprising timeline behind client conversionsWhy travel creators need to share more of their behind-the-scenes workThe shift from content strategist to revenue strategistHow I evaluate content through a revenue-generating lensThe importance of focusing on income-producing activitiesThe lesson I learned about travel creator income streamsWhy "boring" business activities often create the biggest resultsMy new daily sales habit that's helping move the needleHow EFT tapping helped me manage stress, imposter syndrome, and anxietyWhy I do my best work when I have travel plans on the calendarThe "Save the Day" practice that's helping me avoid burnoutKey Takeaways for Travel CreatorsOne of the biggest lessons from this month was realizing that revenue doesn't always arrive the way you expect it to. While I was focused on growing one area of my business, some of my biggest wins came from completely different travel creator income streams.Another reminder? Content alone isn't the goal. Revenue is.Every piece of content should support a larger business objective. Whether you're creating content for brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, digital products, services, or UGC, the question isn't "What should I post?" It's "How does this support my business goals?"The most successful travel creator businesses aren't built on doing more—they're built on doing the right things consistently.Sign up for Travel Payouts and and get a bonus of up to $100👉 Sign up HERE If this episode resonated with you, send me a DM on Instagram @travelcontentwriting and tell me:What's one thing you're doing this week to "save the day"?And if your email marketing systems feel like a complete nightmare behind the scenes, reach out. Helping creators simplify their email funnels, automations, and revenue systems is literally what I do.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

June 4, 202642 min

124: The Pinterest Strategy Behind 1 Million Impressions ( Stop Ignoring Pinterest as a Creator!)

What if the marketing content you create today was still bringing in leads, clicks, affiliate income, and clients a year from now?Because that's exactly what Pinterest can do.And if you're anything like me, you've probably been treating Pinterest like that app you open when you're planning a trip, redecorating your apartment, or convincing yourself you'll start meal prepping next week. But after this conversation with Pinterest strategist Laura England, I'm officially reconsidering everything.In this episode, we're talking about why creators, travel bloggers, business owners, coaches, and service providers need to stop chasing one-hit-wonder content and start building marketing assets that compound over time.Laura shares how she grew a Pinterest account from virtually zero to over a million monthly impressions, why Pinterest works more like Google than Instagram, and the exact strategy she uses to help clients generate long-term traffic without posting 24/7.If you've been relying entirely on Instagram, TikTok, or short-form content to grow your business, this episode might just change your marketing strategy forever.In This Episode, We Cover:Why Pinterest is one of the most underrated marketing platforms in 2026The difference between short-term marketing and sustainable marketingHow Pinterest traffic compounds over timeWhy creators and business owners should think like search engines, not social media algorithmsThe Pinterest SEO strategy every beginner should knowHow to use Pinterest Trends to predict future search trafficCommon Pinterest mistakes that hurt reach and visibilityHow travel creators can use Pinterest to drive blog traffic, affiliate sales, and inquiriesWhy linking directly to affiliate links can hurt your Pinterest strategyHow to create Pinterest boards that actually help the algorithm understand your brandThe role of keywords, alt text, and SEO in Pinterest growthWhy LinkedIn and Pinterest are Laura's favorite sustainable marketing platformsThe surprising reason most creators quit Pinterest too earlyKey TakeawaysPinterest is a Search Engine, Not a Social PlatformMost creators approach Pinterest like Instagram. That's the mistake.Pinterest behaves much more like Google, meaning users are actively searching for solutions, inspiration, and products. The content you publish today can continue generating traffic months—or even years—from now.Sustainable Marketing Beats Constant Content CreationInstead of constantly creating content that disappears after 24 hours, Laura encourages creators to build marketing assets that continue working long after they're published.Think:PinterestEmail marketingBloggingLinkedInPodcastsYouTubeThese channels compound over time rather than requiring daily visibility.Pinterest Rewards PatienceUnlike TikTok, where content can go viral overnight and disappear just as quickly, Pinterest content often takes 2–3 months to gain traction.But once it starts ranking, it can continue sending traffic for years.Pinterest Trends Is Your Secret WeaponPinterest literally tells you what's going to trend before it trends.Using Pinterest Trends allows creators to publish content months in advance and position themselves at the top of search results when demand peaks.Your Website Should Be the DestinationLaura recommends sending Pinterest traffic primarily to:Blog postsPodcast episodesEmail opt-insLong-term content assetsEvergreen sales pagesResources Mentioned:Pinterest TrendsPinterest Business AccountsPinterest SEOLinkedIn MarketingEmail Marketing StrategiesSustainable Marketing FrameworksConnect with Laura EnglandNEXT: Check out Episode 119 on why you need to be on LinkedIn like YESTERDAYLaura England is the founder of The Writer's Harbor, where she helps female founders market sustainably through Pinterest marketing, email marketing, and strategic copywriting.Her philosophy is simple: build marketing systems that continue working even when you're not.Find Laura and learn more about The Writer's Harbor:Follow Laura on Instagram Join her Sustainable Marketing Diary newsletterSign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

May 28, 202612 min

123: Why You're Stuck Chasing Brand Deals for Years as a Content Creator

Sign up for Travel Payouts and and get a bonus of up to $100👉 SIGN UP HERE Ready to stop chasing brand deals and start building a travel creator business that actually supports your life? Join The Travel Creator Business Plan todayAre you building a travel creator business… or just creating content and hoping the next brand deal lands in your inbox?In this episode, I’m breaking down the biggest mindset shift travel creators need to make if they want more freedom, stability, and income that doesn’t rely on the algorithm. Because there’s a huge difference between being a creator and becoming a founder — and most people never talk about it.If you’ve been stuck in the cycle of chasing engagement, waiting on paid campaigns, or feeling like you’re starting from zero every single month, this episode is going to hit home.I’m sharing:The difference between rented income vs owned incomeWhy a following alone is not a businessThe shift from creator thinking to founder thinkingThe “boring” backend work that actually creates freedomWhy email lists, digital products, and recurring revenue matter so muchHow to start building a travel creator business that works even when you’re offlineThis episode is your reminder that you became a travel creator to travel — not to spend 12 hours hunched over your laptop refreshing analytics and hoping a post performs.In This Episode:Why content creators burn out without business systemsHow to stop relying entirely on brand deals and UGC incomeThe importance of building owned revenue streamsWhat travel creators should focus on instead of just posting moreHow founder decisions differ from creator decisionsSimple ways to start building a sustainable online businessKey Takeaways:✨ A following is an audience. A business is a system.✨ Brand deals are great — but they shouldn’t be your only income source.✨ Email lists, memberships, affiliate income, and digital products create long-term stability.✨ “Boring” backend business work is what actually creates freedom.✨ You don’t need more followers — you need better systems.travel creator business, creator economy, digital nomad business, content creator business, travel content creator, creator burnout, passive income for creators, creator business strategy, UGC creator tips, travel creator podcast, email marketing for creators, digital products for creators, creator entrepreneur, online business for travel creators, recurring revenue for creatorsIf this episode helped you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another creator who’s ready to step into founder mode.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

May 21, 202612 min

122: The Tools Every Travel Creator Needs to Monetize their Content in 2026

Sign up for Travel Payouts and and get a bonus of up to $100👉 SIGN UP HERE You do not need another productivity app. You do not need a prettier Notion dashboard. And you definitely do not need to spend another six hours researching “the perfect creator setup” instead of actually pitching brands, sending emails, or making offers.Today, I’m breaking down the best tools for content creation that I actually recommend to travel creators in 2026 — but more importantly, I’m talking about the mindset shift you need if you want to make money as a travel creator and finally learn how to become a full time content creator.Because the truth is: tools don’t build businesses. Actions do.If you’re trying to figure out how to quit your job as a travel content creator, build recurring revenue, and stop treating your creator business like a hobby, this episode is for you.In this episode, I talk about: Why “productive procrastination” keeps creators stuck The biggest mistake travel creators make when trying to grow income Why your email list matters more than social media followers The exact tools I use and recommend to creator clients How to organize your creator business without feeling chaotic Why Threads is wildly underrated for market research and audience growth The boring business habits that actually create recurring revenue What revenue-generating activities creators should focus on every week How to stop obsessing over tools and start acting like a business owner The Tools I Recommend for Travel Creators in 2026Email Marketing + Selling Products KitBusiness Organization AirtableWorkspace + Communication Gmail + Google WorkspaceScreen Recording Alternative Google VidsAudience Growth + Market Research ThreadsKey Takeaways From This EpisodeThe creators making consistent money are not the ones with the fanciest tech stack.They’re the creators: sending the pitch emails following up with warm leads building relationships talking about their offers emailing their audience repeating what works Boring builds businesses.And honestly? That’s the shift nobody talks about when teaching people how to become a full time content creator.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

May 14, 202613 min

121: Is Affiliate Marketing Actually Worth It for Content Creators in 2026?

Sign up for Travel Payouts and and get a bonus of up to $100👉 SIGN UP HERE Today I’m breaking down how travel creators can build real passive income through trust, storytelling, and content that actually converts — without turning into a walking ad.If you’ve been wondering how travel influencers are monetizing their content in 2026, this episode is your reminder that affiliate marketing still works… when you do it right.I’m diving into the real reason affiliate marketing is still exploding for creators — and why travel creators have a massive advantage when it comes to content monetization. Instead of spamming “use my code” links everywhere, I’m sharing how I think about affiliate marketing in a way that feels authentic, useful, and profitable long term.I talk about: Why affiliate marketing is still growing in 2026 How I think about passive income as a travel creator The biggest mistake I see content creators making with affiliate links How to choose affiliate products without losing your audience’s trust Why storytelling converts better than random product promotion The difference between quick commissions and long-term recurring revenue How I use evergreen content for affiliate marketing The right way to disclose affiliate links Why micro creators often outperform huge influencers in affiliate sales I also share practical ways I’d integrate affiliate links naturally into newsletters, blogs, YouTube videos, podcasts, and short-form content while building a sustainable creator business.If this episode helped you rethink affiliate marketing as a travel creator, send it to another creator friend who’s trying to figure out content monetization and passive income online.And if you’re ready to stop operating like “just a content creator” and start building an actual business, check out my Travel Creator Business Plan community linked below. Inside, I teach the systems behind building a sustainable creator business — not just chasing the next viral post.Happy creating ✈️Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

May 7, 202616 min

120: April Monthly Recap: What is Working for My Clients Right Now In Their Content Businesses

In this April recap, I’m pulling back the curtain on real client wins from inside my coaching program, The Travel Content Business Plan. Because honestly? Some of the best lessons aren’t coming from me, they’re coming from what’s actually working for my clients right now.And whether you’re a content creator, UGC creator, or figuring out how to grow on Instagram, there’s one theme here:Boring builds businesses.🔥 What I’m Seeing Work Right Now1. Your Warm Network Is Everything2. You Don’t Need to Force Instagram3. Threads = Growth + Market Research4. Get More Specific5. Start Before You’re Ready🚀 Work With MeIf you’re feeling stuck or confused about your next step, I do have a few open spots for one-on-one coaching this month.DM me on Instagram @travelcontentwriting and I’ll tell you honestly if it’s a good fit.And if you’re ready to stop just being a creator and actually become a business owner, my membership—The Travel Creator Business Plan—is where we do that.Monthly systems, co-working, Q&As, and a community of travel creators building real businesses.You can join through the link in the show notes—I would love to see you inside.Now go talk to your warm network.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

April 30, 202646 min

119: The #1 Social Platform Travel Creators Are Avoiding That Makes You Money

If you’re a travel creator relying only on Instagram for your social media growth… you might be missing a massive opportunity.In this episode, I’m joined by Rachael Perry, a social media strategist who’s breaking down why LinkedIn is one of the most underrated platforms for travel creators right now — and how it can actually bring you inbound leads, brand deals, and real business growth.We talk about why followers don’t matter as much as you think, how to create more touchpoints with your audience, and the simple way to start showing up on LinkedIn without overcomplicating it.If you want to grow your social media as a travel creator and turn your content into a business… this one’s for you.We are diving into this episode.. Why LinkedIn for travel creators is a major opportunity for social media growth How to grow beyond Instagram with a smarter content strategy Why engagement > followers in 2026 How to build an inbound strategy for brand deals and leads What to post on LinkedIn as a travel creator How to connect with decision-makers (not just marketers) Easy ways to repurpose content for better social media growth Common mistakes hurting your growth (and how to fix them) How to optimize your profile for lead generation Why consistency is key to growing on LinkedInConnect with Rachael: Instagram: @chateaumarigoldConnect with Rachael on LinkedInDo you need a Social Media Weather Report? Click HERE 👀Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

April 23, 202610 min

118: How to Turn Your Old Content Into Income (Yes, Really)

Join Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HEREGuess what guys..you don’t need more content to make more money. You can start getting paid from the content you already created.Today we’re flipping the script. Because while everyone else is screaming “post more, create more, do more,” we’re doing what we do best over here: less, but better.If you’re a content creator or travel influencer sitting on months (or years) of content… this episode is your wake-up call. That content? It’s not dead. It’s not outdated. It’s not “just sitting there.” It’s unpaid. And we’re fixing that.We’re diving into how to actually unlock content monetization from what you’ve already made—so you can get paid to travel without burning out trying to keep up with the content hamster wheel.What You’ll LearnWhy creating more content is NOT the fastest path to making more moneyHow to audit your existing content (yes, I know… but it matters)The easiest way to start earning passive income with affiliate linksHow to turn old posts into email marketing that actually convertsWhy your email list is your biggest power move as a travel influencerHow your top-performing content is basically free market researchSimple ways to turn past content into paid products (without overcomplicating it)🔥 Key Takeaways1. More content ≠ more moneyMore conversion is what actually pays you. And that doesn’t require new content.2. Your old content is a goldmineIf it performed well once, it can perform (and convert) again—with the right strategy.3. Affiliate links are the lowest lift winSeriously. Brands hand these out like candy. Add them to your existing content and start earning.4. Email is where the money isIf you’re not building an email list yet, you’re leaving money—and brand deals—on the table.5. Your audience is already telling you what to sellYour saves, shares, and DMs? That’s your product roadmap.Alright, go make some extra cash from content you’ve already created. I’ll see you next week.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

April 16, 202616 min

117: How to Create Scroll-Stopping Hooks as a Travel Creator

Today we’re doing something fun: an episode swap with the Paid to Travel Podcast hosted by Maddy Garrett.If you’ve ever wanted to level up as a content creator or UGC creator, this episode is packed with actionable advice—especially when it comes to one of the most important skills for landing brand deals: creating powerful hooks.🎧 What You’ll LearnIn this episode, Maddy breaks down exactly: What a hook is and why it’s critical for UGC success How to create hooks that stop the scroll in the first 2–5 seconds The psychology behind pain point marketing and desire-based content How to speak directly to your target audience as a UGC creator Real hook examples you can use for your next video How to create curiosity gaps that keep viewers watching How better hooks lead to higher-performing content and more brand deals🌍 Want to connect with Maddy? Maddy Garrett is a successful UGC creator who has generated six figures creating travel and outdoor content. She’s helped thousands of students start their own UGC businesses and get paid to travel.🎧 Listen to more from Maddy on the Paid to Travel Podcast📺 Watch Paid to Travel on Youtube 📱 Follow Maddy on Instagram: @maddyoutdoors.coachcontent creator, ugc creator, how to create hooks, brand deals, ugc, user generated content, ugc ads, social media marketing, content strategy💬 Final NoteI'll be back next week, but in the meantime, this episode is your crash course in creating high-converting hooks that can transform your UGC content and help you land more brand deals.Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE

April 9, 202618 min

116: Why Viral Content Creators Aren’t Making ANY Money

Join Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HEREHot take: your follower count is not the reason you’re broke as a creator. If you’ve been obsessing over how to grow on Instagram or trying to go viral thinking that’s the key to becoming a Full Time Creator… we need to talk.Today, I’m a little fired up in this episodeBecause I need you to hear this, followers do not equal money. And the sooner you stop building your entire strategy around that idea, the sooner you can actually start to make money as a content creator.I’m coming to you as someone who works behind the scenes in creator businesses every single day, and I’m telling you right now: I know creators with 100K+ followers who are barely making anything… and creators with under 2K followers who are bringing in consistent income.So what’s the difference?It’s not growth.It’s not going viral.It’s not posting more.It’s strategy.✨ What We’re Getting Into:Why chasing followers won’t pay your rent (and what actually will)The truth about becoming a Full Time Creator (hint: it’s not about numbers)How to grow on Instagram without making it your entire personalityWhy “going viral” is not a business modelThe biggest mistake travel creators make when trying to monetizeHow to make money as a content creator without waiting on brandsReal, sustainable travel creator income streams you can start nowWhat it actually looks like to quit your job and become a travel content creatorLet me say this louder for the people in the back:You do not need 10,000 followers to make money.You do not need brand deals to validate your business.And you definitely do not need to wait around for the algorithm to pick you.That whole narrative of:“Grow your audience → get brand deals → make money → repeat”…it’s not wrong, but it is the hardest way to do this.Because here’s a wild concept—you can make money without a massive audience and that is what we are talking about today. Sign up for my newsletter, the Content Compass, the weekly newsletter for travel creators who are already landing brand deals and are ready to build the business behind their content.Get five shifts that will take you from travel creator to business owner with actionable next steps included. AND two private podcast episodes. Get the Creator to CEO Playbook for $5Say hi on InstagramJoin Us 👉 The Travel Creator Business Plan Community!The only business-building community designed specifically for travel creators. You’ll get: ✔ monthly business systems ✔ coworking + Q&A calls ✔ a private community of creators building real businesses ✔ guidance to help you move from “content machine” to “CEO energy”Sign Up HERE