A seasoned travel journalist, Natalie brings her passion for authentic storytelling and cultural empathy to her audience. Inspired by icons like Anthony Bourdain, she caters to curious travellers seeking meaningful connections beyond tourist traps. Supported by a dedicated team, she highlights unique local spots and untold stories.

Among her favourite episodes are a touching trip with her father to Alabama and an adventurous stay at Quebec’s Hotel de Glace. Natalie’s future plans include exploring BIPOC-rich destinations, promoting sustainable travel, and eventually making “GET LOST” a standalone show. Join Natalie on “GET LOST” for an inclusive and enriching travel experience.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

My digital series is “GET LOST with Natalie Preddie” and it runs on Breakfast Television and BT’s YouTube Channel. It’s all about travel tips & tricks, expert hacks and discovering something new. I take viewers along to cool places, show them the local hotspots, and find those amazing hidden gems that most tourists miss. I’m especially passionate about highlighting BIPOC stories and amplifying marginalized voices through my travel content. The whole idea is to inspire people to try something new and really dive into the places they visit, while also showcasing diverse perspectives that are often overlooked in mainstream travel shows.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

I kicked off “GET LOST” on Jan 7, 2025. Honestly, I just really love travelling and telling stories. I’ve been a travel journalist for about a decade and written for publications all over the world. I’ve won some awards and had some epic, life-changing experiences, which I wanted to share with people. I want to inspire people to travel, learn something new, and explore both themselves and a new place. I honestly think that travel breeds perspective, perspective leads to empathy, and empathy makes us better humans.

My goal has always been to host a travel show. I was tired of seeing the same old travel shows that hit all the tourist traps and rarely featured diverse voices. I wanted to create something different that shows the real heart of places and amplifies stories from communities that don’t always get the spotlight. Some of my best travel memories came from when I wandered off the main path and got a little “lost” – that’s where the magic happens and where you often find the most authentic stories!

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I’ve always looked up to Anthony Bourdain – the way he connected with people through food and just real conversations was amazing. Travel writer, Heather Greenwood Davis is another big influence because she’s so relatable and warm when she meets people on her travels. I’m also inspired by content creators who centre BIPOC experiences and tell stories from diverse cultural perspectives. They all showed me that the best travel content isn’t just about pretty places, but about the connections you make along the way and the different voices you can amplify through your platform.

How would you describe your audience?

My viewers are basically curious travellers who want more than just selfies at famous landmarks. They’re regular folks – busy professionals squeezing the most out of their vacation days, families looking for meaningful trips together, and people who genuinely want to understand the places they visit. Many are also specifically interested in diverse travel perspectives and learning about cultures from authentic voices. They come to me for practical tips mixed with that kick of inspiration to book their next adventure and to see travel through a more inclusive lens.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

Before heading to a destination, I dig deep to find the cool spots that aren’t in all the guidebooks. I make a special effort to connect with BIPOC and other marginalized communities in each location to ensure their stories are centred in my content. I chat with locals online and reach out to people who really know the area, particularly those whose perspectives aren’t typically represented in travel media.

I work with the most wonderful small team who are truly amazing humans– a producer (and/or digital producer), camera person, and editor who help bring everything together. We share a goal, a vision and their insight helps me grow. I couldn’t do it without them. Being part of Breakfast Television gives us some great resources, too. We plan enough to know what we’re doing, but leave room for those surprise moments that usually end up being the best parts of the show!

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

My show is part of Breakfast Television, so that’s the main support. I also partner with tourism boards and travel companies when it makes sense for my audience, prioritizing those that value diversity and inclusion in their own practices.

I also still write travel pieces and have started public speaking, which lets me share travel stories in different ways and keeps things interesting. I’m particularly passionate about consulting on inclusive travel content and helping brands better represent diverse travel experiences.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

I am so lucky to tell so many stories, but one of my favourite stories was when my Dad and I went to Alabama. It was a truly emotional venture, and we both grew in the process. You can read the story in Elle Canada here.

GET LOST is so new BUT my favourite episode was when we stayed in the Hotel de Glace in Quebec. I’m not a cold-weather person, so it was definitely out of my comfort zone.

I also really enjoyed the in-studio segment talking about solo women’s travel. We are really exploring this topic in March on the channel.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best thing? Meeting incredible people from all over, especially those from marginalized communities, and helping amplify their stories to a wider audience. I love getting messages from viewers saying they visited somewhere I recommended and had an awesome time, or that they appreciated learning about cultures and perspectives they hadn’t been exposed to before.

The worst part is definitely the not-so-glamorous travel stuff – being stuck on long flights, dealing with jet lag, and those moments when it’s pouring rain and we still need to film. Also challenging is navigating the travel industry, which still has a long way to go in terms of diversity and inclusion. Also, being away from my kids can be really hard.

What are your future plans for your channel?

I’m super excited to take “GET LOST” to some really unique places that deserve more attention, with a special focus on destinations with rich BIPOC cultures and histories. I’d love to create some digital content that goes deeper into each location than we can fit in the TV segments, particularly content that centres marginalized voices and stories.

I’m also really passionate about sustainable travel and want to highlight communities that are preserving their traditions through tourism in a respectful way, especially Indigenous communities and other groups whose cultural heritage is often exploited rather than celebrated authentically.

Eventually, we’d love for it to be a stand-alone show!

Where can we follow you?

Come hang out with me online: Instagram | Facebook | Website

And catch “GET LOST” on Breakfast Television and online.

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

I’m a big fan of Ryan Hinson aka EatFamous! He makes awesome food content that always makes me laugh, drool and….get super hungry. His platform is all about authentic experiences and good eats! It helps that he is just a solid guy. Definitely worth following!

The post My Digital Life: Toronto Content Creator Natalie Preddie appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

My channel is called She Wears the Pants. It focuses on empowering female founders by sharing inspiring stories, practical strategies, and insights into entrepreneurship. I aim to create a supportive community for women at all stages of their business journeys, from launching startups to building lasting legacies.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

I started She Wears the Pants in September 2024. The motivation behind launching the channel stemmed from my passion for supporting women in business and my desire to provide them with a platform where they can find the resources, inspiration, and community they need to thrive.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I’ve been inspired by several influential women in business and personal development, such as Brené Brown and Marie Forleo. Their dedication to empowering others and their authentic approaches to sharing knowledge have greatly influenced my own work and content creation.

How would you describe your audience?

My audience primarily consists of female entrepreneurs and aspiring businesswomen aged 25-60. They are passionate, driven, and eager to learn from one another while seeking actionable insights to elevate their businesses and personal growth.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

My creative process involves brainstorming topics based on current trends and audience feedback, followed by detailed planning and scripting. I collaborate with a small team that assists with content production, editing, and marketing to ensure the highest quality for my audience.

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

I monetize my content through a combination of sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and offering paid courses and programs for female founders. While my primary focus is on She Wears the Pants, I also provide 1:1 advisory services to clients, allowing me to support women directly in their business journeys.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created? 

One of my favourite pieces of content is the inaugural episode of my podcast, where I share my personal story and the lessons learned along the way. You can listen to it here.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part about what I do is the ability to connect with and empower women entrepreneurs, watching them grow and succeed. The worst part can be the pressure to constantly create fresh and engaging content while balancing various responsibilities and expectations.

What are your future plans for your channel?

In the future, I plan to expand She Wears the Pants by introducing more interactive content, such as live Q&A sessions and workshops, and exploring new platforms to reach a broader audience. I also aim to collaborate with other thought leaders in the industry to bring diverse perspectives and insights to my community.

The post My Digital Life: Toronto Content Creator Ashley Deland appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

Man News- A comedy channel that takes on the noble task of keeping men informed on important global
news stories. Like a few weeks back, a man took a really large rock and tossed it off a bridge, creating a very satisfying sploosh, and we covered that. It was very important that men everywhere see it and no other news network would do it.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

Over two years ago now and what a ride it has been, to be part of something that is so much bigger than myself. At first, I just wanted to see the stories that I care about get coverage by a news network, but as we quickly exploded to over 1 billion views on YouTube, I knew this was much more important than my own wants or desires. No no, this was going to be a selfless journey of service to the men of the world, and that sense of purpose keeps me truly motivated.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

The men watching Man News inspire me, every day, my DMs are flooded with videos of dudes doing dude stuff and I work around the clock to shine a light on the stories that are most important.

How would you describe your audience?

Men….and a few WO-men too, all are welcome.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

I have a code of journalistic ethics that guides all that I do, I am sure you understand. Apart from that, I look to the story to reveal the most interesting angle on what is taking place, allowing the story to speak for itself, but also drawing attention to some of the more subtle dynamics of what is taking place.

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

I am a news network; how do you monetize your content? Between the online and the live shows, this is my only job.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

It may be controversial, but many news stories are. I covered my father-in-law taking a pesky pest problem into his own hands. This coverage gained over 38 million views and sparked an intense debate.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is connecting with so many men across the globe. I was getting married in Greece this year and during our reception, one of the local caterers went up to my bride and he asked her “Excuse me…is your husband ‘Man News’?”. WILD lol. It is insane to think about the connection we’ve built with so many dudes.

The worst part is our stringent story selection process, there are way more news stories than we can cover, so we have to make the tough decisions on what gets selected and we try our best to get it right for the men.

What are your future plans for your channel?

I have just secured the paperwork to begin operations in the United States, where the largest population of our viewers reside. I plan to report on stories throughout America, put on live shows everywhere I go and document the journey on my channel.

Where can we follow you?

YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Snapchat | Facebook

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

Marc-Anthony Sinagoga, a new father, has some incredible content that is blowing up right now about being a new dad. Austen Alexander is always creating hilarious slice-of-life skits that are blowing up on YouTube these days.

The post My Digital Life: Toronto-based YouTuber Andrew Packer of Man News appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your channel called and what is it about?

My channel, “PEEK A POO” is like a visual diary of my life exploring the Canadian lifestyle, from travel and culture to food and daily experiences.

My goal is to inspire and connect with people by documenting my everyday life, from the small moments to the big adventures so whether it’s exploring new quaint towns, discovering hidden gems, savouring local flavours.

It’s basically a hangout where I spill the tea on my everyday antics, merging travel anecdotes, style tips, that spark inspiration and nudging you to embrace change and explore the unexpected!

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

Well, I was just this regular person, living life, having adventures, and thinking, “Hey, these moments are pretty cool. Maybe someone out there might dig’em too!” So, I grabbed my camera and started rolling in 2018 with no clue as to what I was getting myself into!

I started it back in India- where it was more about fashion and travel and moving to Canada in 2019 was a huge change for me, and I felt it was a great opportunity to showcase how I’ve adapted to a new country and all the amazing places I stumbled upon.

It’s been a great platform to share the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, and above all, the incredible journey of acclimating to a different way of life. Ultimately, it’s about sharing my story and experiences as I navigate and embrace this new chapter of my life.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I’ve been inspired by a mix of creators who bring authenticity, creativity, and passion to their content.

Travel-wise, Lost LeBlanc’s immersive storytelling and genuine connection with cultures have influenced how I share my adventures.

Then there’s Casey Neistat, the OG legend! His raw storytelling and innovative approach to filmmaking are incredibly inspiring and is something I aim for in my own content.

And in the fashion and lifestyle zone, Emma Chamberlain is like a burst of fresh air in the YouTube community! Her unfiltered realness and quirky charm are seriously inspiring—I’m all about infusing that relatable energy into my own lifestyle scenes.

How would you describe your audience?

I’ve got a wild mix—from adventure junkies to travel buffs and hardcore foodies all in one cool crew. No matter the age or background, they’re this amazing melting pot, united by this shared love for exploring Canada’s hidden gems and soaking in its culture. They’re typically younger, super-engaged, and seriously into that whole authentic, no-filter vibe. It’s like hanging out with a squad, you know? They dig the chaos of everyday life and are all about turning ordinary days into wild adventures!

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

Being a YouTuber is like crafting your own movie- where you’re the director, actor, editor, crew all rolled into one. Think of it as crafting an epic recipe! First, you gather your ingredients—ideas, research. Then, the fun kicks in: you mix it all together by filming your crazy adventures! Editing? That’s where the magic seasoning happens. But here’s the kicker: it’s not just about making the dish. It’s about serving it up so everyone wants a bite, hoping they relish every moment.

And guess what? Every time you hit that upload button, it’s showtime! It’s a rollercoaster of creativity, laughter, and pure excitement—all in one epic show! While I’ve been a lone wolf on this wild ride for 5 years, doing the solo hustle and loving every bit of it., I’m all about team expansion now. I’m scouting for incredible, passionate souls who vibe with the channel’s dreams. Exciting times ahead!

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

Well, I monetize my content through various streams like ad revenue from YouTube, sponsorships with cool brands that align with my channel’s theme and affiliate marketing- It’s this mix that keeps my channel rolling and lets me do what I love.

But here’s the deal: I’m all about authenticity! I don’t just jump on board with any brand that comes my way. Only the ones that truly align with what I’m all about make the cut.

Staying true to my audience is everything!

Because of this, my channel has grown sufficiently to be my primary source of income, allowing me to dedicate myself full-time to content creation.

I’m lucky enough to go all-in, turning my passion into my paycheck, and honestly, it’s the dreamiest job ever!

What is your favourite piece of content you have created?

Oh, I’ve got this one epic fav! It’s the time I did this solo trip to Vancouver—like, my first ever! It was a rollercoaster of excitement and nerves, but man, was it an adventure! I took my audience along for the ride, showing them all the incredible spots I discovered as a first-timer in Vancouver, Canada.

From hidden gems to those must-visit places there’s something about exploring a new place on your terms, feeling that mix of excitement and independence.

I wanted my audience to feel that rush, that “go for it” vibe. I mean, travelling solo at least once? It’s a whole new world out there waiting to be explored. And trust me, it’s a life experience you won’t want to miss!

Here’s the link to the videos:

Living My Dream At 30| TRAVELING SOLO To VANCOUVER CANADA��

24 HOURS IN VANCOUVER ����| Must Visit Places, Best Spots to Eat

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

Absolutely, the best part of being a YouTuber is the incredible connection I get to build with my audience. It’s like having a global family—sharing experiences, stories, and laughs across borders. The joy of inspiring others and receiving their feedback, knowing I’ve made an impact, is beyond rewarding.

On the flip side, the toughest part would be navigating the occasional creative block. Yup, they sneak up like unexpected speed bumps and that pressure to constantly deliver high-quality content can be a challenge.

But hey, it’s all part of the creative rollercoaster, right?

They’re those detours on a road trip that make the journey wild and unpredictable. So, yeah, they might slow things down, but they sure make the ride interesting!

What are your future plans for your channel?

Well, I’ve got some epic plans cooking up for my YouTube channel for 2024.

I’m eager to dive deeper into exploring the Canadian lifestyle and uncovering more hidden gems and dishing out more epic travels, quirky local experiences, and a backstage pass to my daily adventures.

The ultimate goal is to keep the good vibes flowing, inspire a ton of folks to embrace life’s adventures, and sprinkle a little magic in their day.

But wait, there’s more. I’m gearing up to craft a special course for all the content creators out there. I’ve been through the grind, so I want to smoothen that learning curve for others diving into this digital world.

Plus, I’m all about team expansion and exploring new income streams in the digital realm.

So much to explore, and I’m pumped to make it happen!

Where can we follow you?

Instagram | YouTube

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

I absolutely adore Peter McKinnon, he’s an absolute wizard in visual storytelling. I admire his ability to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, always pushing the creative envelope!

His passion for photography and videography? It’s infectious, and it’s something that constantly motivates and inspires me in my own content creation journey. Peter’s a true Canadian creator legend!

The post My Digital Life: Local YouTuber Pooja Verma (PEEKAPOO) appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

What is your channel called, and what is it about?

I go by “Chris Must List” on YouTube and I consider myself a World Traveller, specifically travelling to the cities and countries not often visited by average tourists. Some would consider me an adventure traveller. For example; over the last 6 months I’ve visited Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Iraq, Somalia, Ukraine, Belize, Honduras, and Jamaica to name a few.

When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?

My first YouTube video upload was in 2021, and I’ve always loved to travel so it only made sense to bring a camera along for the journey. Please keep in mind that I’ve been travelling very heavily for the last decade prior to that without a YouTube channel. Youtube gave me an opportunity to share a glimpse of my adventures with the world.

Who were you inspired by? Any influences?

I’m inspired by life itself, and all of those that have visited every country in the world before me. My mission is to see all 197 countries and experience 197 different cultures.

How would you describe your audience?

I have a very loyal and diverse audience from all over the world. People tend to watch my videos out of curiosity, love for adventure, or also enjoy the road less travelled which has inspired others to go visit themselves or simply experience it through my lens. I am very grateful for the wide range of ages, religions and ethnicities that follow my content. It’s great seeing so many different people coming together and enjoying what I do best – travel.

What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?

I work alone, from ideas to organization, then filming, editing and uploading – it’s all done by myself. My goal is to keep it simple and not overcomplicate my process – keeping my content real, raw, and an honest perspective not influenced by the media. I buy a ticket to a new country, walk and talk to strangers while filming my day in a new city. Once I’ve shot my day, I give it a slight edit then upload it to my channel for millions to watch. I take pride in filming my content, editing and uploading all on the same day. So the day you watch my content, I filmed it!

How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?

Money has never been my motivation for YouTube, although it has started paying well through the ads on my videos. I am the owner of a digital marketing agency but as my YT channel continues to grow rapidly, I can see myself making YouTube my full-time passion over the next year.

What is your favourite piece of content you have created? 

Tough question, I’ve had so many incredible trips all over the world, but one of the recent trips was travelling throughout Afghanistan last summer. Seeing a country not often visited, and meeting with so many wonderful Afghanis. It is my definition of a great travel adventure. You can watch it here.

What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?

The best part is the unknown adventure that awaits upon visiting new places, tasting new foods, meeting new people, and the thought of not knowing what is around the next corner really excites me. The worst or most challenging part of being a traveller is being away from my beautiful wife and children in Toronto. As a father of three, it is never easy to leave, and the emotions of being away are always difficult for me.

What are your future plans for your channel?

Growth, and dedication. I’m still learning the ins and outs of producing and filming content that’s worth watching. What started as a passion project, is quickly becoming an addiction that is taking over every spare moment of my life. My ultimate goal over the next 5 years is to visit all 197 countries (I’m currently at 123 countries now) and grow my YouTube channel to a million plus subscribers.

Where can we follow you?

Website | Youtube | Instagram

PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?

Seal On Tour is another Canadian with a similar addiction to travelling solo around the world.

The post My Digital Life: Toronto Youtuber Chris Must appeared first on Toronto Guardian.