Bootstrap Bonfire

Not every interest belongs in the same box.And more importantly... not every blog needs to serve the same purpose.In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I run three different blogs — how they work together, why I built them this way, and how creating an ecosystem of brands has given me more clarity, creativity, and freedom in my business.Because sometimes the problem isn't that you have too many ideas.It's that you're trying to force them all into one place.Curious about experimenting with your blog monetization? One of the tools I mention in this episode is Travelpayouts Drive and its targeted offers feature, which I’ve been testing across my own blogs. 💰In today's bonfire chat, we talk about:Why niching down isn't always the only answerThe difference between creating separate brands vs. forcing everything under one identityHow my three blogs each serve a different purposeWhy clarity matters more than trying to do everythingBuilding multiple income streams without creating chaosFollowing the ideas that keep nudging at youYou don't have to build your business exactly the way everyone else says you should.Sometimes the best strategy is creating an ecosystem that actually reflects who you are. ✨Shoutout to Travelpayouts for sponsoring today's episode! Their referral program allows creators to earn up to $600 per referred creator, plus your referral receives a $100 signup bonus. If you're already sharing blogging resources and helping other creators, it's a simple way to add another revenue stream to your business.💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a weekly free newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategy💭 The Blog Clarity WorkbookIf you're feeling stuck or unsure what to focus on next, this guided workbook helps you reconnect with your voice, define your niche, and take aligned action—without overcomplicating your strategy. It includes reflection prompts, simple trackers, and a 10-day clarity planner to help you build momentum in a way that actually feels good.💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)In my blogging course, we don't just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn't just about what you do—it's about how you relate to your work over time.

What if the most valuable hour in your business isn't the one that pays you today?In this episode, I'm exploring a question that's been stuck in my head all week: what is your highest-earning hour?Because when we're building a blog, we're not getting paid by the hour. We're investing our time now in hopes of creating income, opportunities, and momentum that compound far into the future.And sometimes that changes how we think about where our time is actually best spent.We'll talk about:How to identify your highest-ROI tasksWhy one blog post can be worth far more than you thinkThe difference between immediate income and long-term valueHow your content creates both direct and indirect opportunitiesWhy publishing is often more important than perfectingA simple exercise to help you evaluate where your time is really goingI also share a behind-the-scenes look at my own content analytics and reveal how much some of my highest-performing blog posts earned over the last year.Because when you start viewing your content as an asset, not just a task, everything changes.A little perspective shift if you've been procrastinating, overcomplicating things, or wondering whether your blog is really worth the effort. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a weekly free newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, you can sign up here.💭 The Blog Clarity WorkbookIf you're feeling stuck or unsure what to focus on next, this guided workbook helps you reconnect with your voice, define your niche, and take aligned action—without overcomplicating your strategy. It includes reflection prompts, simple trackers, and a 10-day clarity planner to help you build momentum in a way that actually feels good.→ https://clarity-workbook.teachery.co/clarity-checkout 🌱💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)In my blogging course, we don't just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn't just about what you do—it's about how you relate to your work over time.→ Learn more here

Not all income streams are created equal.And more importantly... not all income streams are aligned.In this episode, I'm diving into one of the most overlooked parts of monetization: building a business that actually fits your personality, energy, and long-term vision.Because making money is one thing.Building a business you still want to run three years from now? That's something else entirely.Not earning from your travel content yet? Sign up for Travelpayouts through my link and receive up to a $100 bonus when you get started. 💰In today's bonfire chat, we talk about:Why copying someone else's business model often leads to burnoutThe difference between aligned income streams and hustle-driven incomeWhy affiliate marketing has remained one of my most sustainable income sourcesHow your income streams can evolve as your business growsBuilding a business that supports your life…not the other way aroundThe goal isn't to maximize every opportunity.It's to build something you can keep showing up for without losing yourself in the process. ✨Shoutout to Travelpayouts for sponsoring today's episode! Their referral program allows creators to earn up to $600 per referred creator, plus your referral receives a $100 signup bonus. If you're already sharing blogging resources and helping other creators, it's a simple way to add another revenue stream to your business.💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a weekly free newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, you can sign up here.💭 The Blog Clarity WorkbookIf you're feeling stuck or unsure what to focus on next, this guided workbook helps you reconnect with your voice, define your niche, and take aligned action—without overcomplicating your strategy. It includes reflection prompts, simple trackers, and a 10-day clarity planner to help you build momentum in a way that actually feels good.→ https://clarity-workbook.teachery.co/clarity-checkout 🌱💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)In my blogging course, we don't just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn't just about what you do—it's about how you relate to your work over time.→ Learn more here

I sat down to talk with the world’s first-ever “travel blogger,” who’s credited with uploading the world’s first travel blog to the World Wide Web in 1994, a year after I (Bri, your "modern-day" travel blogger!) was born.This is a VERY special episode, my fellow bloggers and creators, not only because I’m joined by our collective godfather-in-blogging, but also because Jeff Greenwald, who is a best-selling author, photographer, and monologist, is my dear friend — and I’m honored and humbled to speak with him (and share it with you all here) about his epic travel tales, recounted in his books, and his life’s adventures, most recently of which is his journey with Parkinson’s.So, what’s the true “size of the world” and what is travel actually for?In this unscripted and light-hearted conversation, Jeff and I discuss the 30th anniversary edition of his best-selling book, The Size of the World—a chronicle of his around-the-world overland odyssey from Oakland, California, back to Oakland, California, without boarding a plane. ✈️ We talk about what it means to move through the world with curiosity, intention, and openness, and how travel can shape not just your experiences, but the way you see and tell stories.Again, I’m delighted to bring this intimate conversation between Jeff and me to you all now!Please support Jeff’s writing and learn more about his story and ongoing adventures on his wonderful Substack: Jeffji’s Big World. ❤️ 🐍 ✨ More About the Author:“Jeff Greenwald has published nine books, including Shopping for Buddhas, The Size of the World (for which he created the first online travel blog dispatches for an international audience), Snake Lake, and 108 Beloved Objects. His tales and essays appear in many print and online publications. Jeff’s first voyage abroad, at 17, ended in utter disaster, and a host of subsequent mishaps have provided rich fodder for his storytelling career. His critically acclaimed one-man show, 'Strange Travel Suggestions,' premiered in San Francisco in 2003. Jeff is also the Executive Director of Ethical Traveler, a non-profit dedicated to human rights and environmental protection.”Date and place recorded: Ubud, Indonesia. October 31, 2025

In this episode, I’m walking you through my simple (but very honest) “Output - Outcome” exercise that completely shifted how I look at my work and why improperly measuring your time, effort, or even “busyness” might be the reason you feel stuck.One of the tools I’ve been using for my weekly audits is the Content Analytics dashboard in Travelpayouts.Not auditing your affiliate performance yet? Sign up for Travelpayouts through my link to earn up to a $100 bonus! 💰In today’s chit-chat, we talk about:How to audit your week based on what you actually createdThe difference between inputs (busy work) vs. outputs (real progress)Why organizing, scrolling, and “planning” can become a hiding placeThe outputs that actually move your business forwardHow to align your work with the outcomes you say you wantThis isn’t about doing more!! 🧚 It’s about getting honest about what you’re doing — and whether it’s actually leading anywhere.Shoutout to Travelpayouts for kindly sponsoring today’s episode! Get started using their Content Analytics and Drive features, as mentioned in the episode — the keys to successful and easy affiliate monetization! Sign up through this link to earn up to a $100 bonus 🌟💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course)In my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here

Destination pages are one of the most recommended travel blogging strategies…But do you actually need them?In this episode, I’m breaking down why destination pages are often overhyped (especially for newer bloggers) and how they can quietly drain your time without giving you the results you expect.We’ll talk about:What destination pages actually are (and what they’re for)Why they can be a trap if you build them too earlyWhen they do start to make senseHow to think about user experience, internal linking, and content depthThis isn’t about following another SEO checklist.It’s about building your blog in a way that actually supports your content and your reader. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) In my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

After hosting our recent Bootstrap group trip in Sumatra, I found myself sitting with a much deeper question than traffic, sales, or growth metrics:What are we actually building online?In this episode, I’m reflecting on the unexpected impact of turning an online blogging community into real-life friendships, shared adventures, and meaningful connections, and how this experience has shifted the way I think about business, creativity, and success!We’ll talk about:The difference between transactional growth vs. meaningful communityWhy real connection changes how you show up onlineThe power of shared experiences in a very digital worldWhy community might be the most valuable thing we build as creatorsThis episode is less tactical and more reflective, a pause to think about where all of this is actually leading.Because maybe success isn’t just about what your business earns.... maybe it’s also about what it creates. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) In my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week’s episode is a really special one because I’m joined by six women from the Bootstrap community while we’re all together in Sumatra, Indonesia after 10 days of jungle trekking, volcano hikes, river swims, karaoke nights, deep chats, and honestly… a lot of laughing.This episode is basically one big cozy group chat. We reflect on blogging, creativity, online friendships, and the kind of community that can grow when people genuinely support one another.We also talk about:How we each found bloggingThe loneliness that can come with online workWhy community matters so much in creative industriesThe surprising beauty of internet friendships becoming real-life ones✨ Follow the amazing women from this episode:Sarah P @organized_adventureLita @litaofthepack_Sarah B @explorenborgenMandy @travelingnaturejournalHolly @littleoneexploresJosie @redwhiteadventuresAnd as always, thanks for being here around the bonfire! 🫶💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) In my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization—we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

“What should I write first?”It sounds like a strategy question… but most of the time, it’s just overthinking in disguise.In this episode, I’m bringing this back to something much simpler: the writing itself.We’ll talk about:Why you don’t need the “perfect” first postHow overthinking disconnects you from your voiceWhat actually makes a blog post worth writingWhy your early posts are meant to teach you, not performSimple ways to start writing from your own experienceBlogging isn’t just content creation.. it’s writing.And if you can learn to enjoy that part… everything else gets a lot easier.So instead of asking “what should I write?”Try asking: what do I want to say? ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💭 The Blog Clarity WorkbookIf you’re feeling stuck or unsure what to write next, this guided workbook helps you reconnect with your voice, define your niche, and take aligned action, without overcomplicating your strategy. It includes reflection prompts, simple trackers, and a 10-day clarity planner to help you build momentum in a way that actually feels good. 💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Pinterest doesn’t get talked about enough in the travel blogging world… but it might be one of the most underrated traffic sources out there.In this episode, I’m sharing why Pinterest has been a steady traffic driver for me for years — and how you can start using it without overcomplicating your workflow.We’ll talk about:Why Pinterest is a visual search engine (not social media)How it captures both attention and intentMy simple, low-effort pinning workflow (under 5 minutes)How Pinterest supports affiliate income, ad revenue, and long-term growthIt’s not flashy. It’s not instant.But it works and it keeps working long after you’ve closed your laptop. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You built the blog.It’s working.You’re making progress, maybe even money.So why do you still feel… stuck?In this episode, I’m sharing a more honest look at this weird phase of blogging, where things are technically “working,” but something feels off when you sit down to create.Because this kind of stuckness isn’t always burnout… and it’s not always failure either.We’ll talk about:The different types of “stuck” (and how to tell which one you’re in)Why success doesn’t remove resistanceThe gap between the experience and the work of turning it into contentWhen to sit through the discomfort vs. when something deeper needs to shiftHow to reconnect with your voice, your process, and your directionSometimes the stuckness is a signal.Sometimes it’s just part of the practice.And learning the difference is where growth really happens.💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

If your blog isn’t growing the way you expected.. you might be pulling the wrong lever.Or trying to pull all three at once 💪In this episode, I’m breaking down the three core levers that actually drive blog growth and how to figure out which one deserves your focus right now.We’ll talk about:The 3 levers: traffic (visibility), conversion (income), and authority (positioning)Why more traffic isn’t always the answerWhere you might be leaving money on the tableHow authority feeds both growth and income over timeHow to choose one lever to focus on (and let the others wait)You don’t need to do everything.You just need to pull the right lever… and give it enough time to work. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠⁠

Hey, you little busy bee 🐝 You’re doing a lot… but your blog still feels stuck.You’re showing up, staying consistent, checking the boxes, and yet the growth you expected isn’t really happening.In this episode, I’m unpacking the difference between being in motion vs. actually building momentum… and why “doing more” isn’t always the answer.We’ll talk about: •The subtle ways busy work shows up (and keeps you stuck) •How perfectionism, procrastination, and “tweaking” can stall growth •Why scattered focus dilutes your energy and results •The difference between productivity and real progress •What actually creates momentum in your blog (traffic, income, authority)Because growth doesn’t come from doing everything.It comes from clarity, depth, and committing to what actually matters, even if that means letting other things go. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠⁠

What if the fastest way to grow your blog income isn’t more traffic, but different types of posts?While traffic posts like itineraries and travel guides are important, they’re not always the content that actually drives revenue. And sometimes the biggest growth opportunity is simply doubling down on what’s already converting.In this episode, we’ll talk about: •What I discovered after analyzing my affiliate dashboards and blog data •Why “where to stay” guides and other buyer-intent posts generate the majority of affiliate income •The difference between traffic-building content and revenue-driving content •How to turn your existing traffic posts into funnels for higher conversions •And how to reverse engineer your next six months of content around your income goalsThis episode is about using your own data to create a clearer path forward, so you’re not just publishing more content, but building momentum toward the income you actually want. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠⁠.💻 ⁠⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠⁠Learn more here⁠⁠

In this episode, I’m inviting you into a bigger reflection: what are you actually building? 🦋 Because if your goals are mixed, your strategy will feel confusing…and that stuckness you’re experiencing might not be about productivity at all. It might be about misalignment.In this episode, we’ll talk about:Why you might feel stuck (even if you're “growing”)How to stop optimizing for goals you don’t actually wantThe difference between creative fulfillment and performanceAnd the question that can clarify your next year in businessThis episode is less about tactics and more about clarity. Because before you scale, post more, or pivot again… you need to know what you're actually building. ✨💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠⁠weekly free newsletter⁠⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠⁠you can sign up here⁠⁠.💻 ⁠Bootstrap Blogging⁠ (My Course) Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → ⁠Learn more here⁠

In this episode, I’m sharing a straightforward look at how my baby Japan blog reached $1,000/month in affiliate revenue — from just a handful of posts! 💖 I break down the content strategy, monetization structure, and decisions that made it possible, plus what I focused on (and what I intentionally ignored).If you’re building a blog or a tighter niche site and want a realistic look at early-stage growth, this episode walks through the numbers and my strategy.💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a ⁠weekly free newsletter⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, ⁠you can sign up here⁠.💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! → Learn more here

If you’re refreshing your analytics multiple times a day… this episode is for you! 👀 Checking your stats (traffic and income) feels productive. It feels responsible. It feels like you’re “running a real business.” 📈 But more often than not, it’s just holding you back!In this episode, I’m talking about:Why constantly checking traffic and affiliate dashboards can stall your growth ❌ The subtle anxiety loop analytics can create 😬 The difference between reactive monitoring and strategic reviewWhen you should look at your numbers, and what's possibly negatively impacting youListen to this if you're constantly focusing on the outcome and what Google is doing and what stats say ... and what to do instead! ✨ 💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefIf you enjoyed this episode, I also send a weekly free newsletter with behind-the-scenes insights on blogging strategy, affiliate growth, and building a sustainable blogging business.Sign up here: https://bucketlistbri.myflodesk.com/bonfire💻 In my course, Bootstrap Blogging, we go beyond surface-level SEO tips. We cover:How to build high-intent content that actually convertsAffiliate strategy rooted in real bloggers’ dataThe mindset required to build something that lasts!Learn more here: https://bootstrapblogging.com/travel-blog-course/

As we move into 2026, this isn’t about blowing up your blog and starting from scratch. I’m sharing what realignment can look like for your blog and business, and how to pivot without reacting to temporary traffic dips. We talk about:Moving from “building a blog” to building a body of workReleasing resistance around how you “should” be showing upBreaking habits that disconnect you from your creative voiceResetting your daily rhythms (before you reset your strategy)Signs your blog doesn’t need a restart Creating from alignment instead of algorithm pressureIf you’ve been feeling disconnected from your own creative direction… this episode will ground you!!! 🩷 💌 Get my Bootstrap Newsletter + Monthly BriefI send a free ⁠weekly newsletter⁠ where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections, ⁠you can sign up here⁠.💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability. Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time! Want to join us? Learn more here: https://bootstrapblogging.com/travel-blog-course/

If you’ve felt tired, behind, or unsure about your blog lately — this one’s for YOU, gf! 💖 I spent a few quiet months off the mic 🎙️ (oops!) because I noticed just HOW EASY it is to confuse productivity with progress when you’re always publishing.So, in this episode, I’m sharing my reflections on stepping back from giving "equal balance" to everything, all the time — blogging, content creation, and the constant pressure to “keep up.” 🥴 We discuss misalignment and what became clearer when I stopped "producing" — including what didn’t disappear: my skills, my experience, and my belief in slow, sustainable blogging!! 🌱 💻 This isn’t really a how-to episode or a new year reset. This is your invitation to reflect on: Recalibrating your relationship with YOUR work/artistryLetting go of the noise around you (especially the holidays/new year hype)And remembering what actually matters if you want to build something that lasts! ❤️‍🔥 💌 Weekly Newsletter + Monthly BriefI also send a weekly free newsletter where I share behind-the-scenes reflections on blogging, creativity, and slow growth — plus a monthly Bootstrap Brief with:Paid creator & writing opportunitiesEditorial pitch callsWellness + creative resources beyond blog strategyIf you want thoughtful reflections instead of constant noise, you can sign up here.💻 Bootstrap Blogging (My Course)Inside my blogging course, we don’t just talk about strategy, SEO, or monetization — we also focus heavily on mindset, clarity, and sustainability.Because building a blog that lasts isn’t just about what you do — it’s about how you relate to your work over time!→ Learn more here: https://bootstrapblogging.com/travel-blog-course/

If you’ve ever wondered why some travel blogs effortlessly dominate Google/search engine results (hi, 👋) while others struggle to rank, this episode is for youuuu. I’m breaking down the power of content hubs and topical clusters, and why they’re the foundation of my sustainable, evergreen SEO strategy! 🌿 Learn how to structure your blog so posts actually support each other, how to identify cornerstone/pillar content, and why this approach builds long-term authority. This is the strategy to adopt! Tune in now to think bigger about your site’s structure and smarter about your SEO.For more free resources, check out the blog!

I reflect on my speaking experiences at two very different but equally inspiring conferences: TBEX, the world’s largest travel blogging conference, and the Book Passage Travel Writers & Photographers Conference, which just celebrated its 33rd year. I share what it was like to connect with fellow creators, writers, and industry leaders, and my journey of being a participant at my first travel blogging conference (TravelCon) in 2022, how it led me to speaking at now my 4th conference, and how they’ve reshaped the way I think about storytelling, community, and the future of travel blogging. 🩷 Read more about my big five takeaways of these two conferences.And if you're a creator/blogger, read this guide for even more travel blogging conferences to attend!As for my creative travel writing friends and authors, there are soooo many to shout out, but I shall attempt to share the love below (in no particular order). Please go read and follow:Jeff Greenwald (Substack and books, including one of my favorites, Snake Lake)Don George (GeoEx editor, author of The Way of Wanderlust)Lily Ghirma (Tourism Lens)Robert Holmes (Travel Photography)Eliot Stein (ft. his new lovely book, Custodians of Wonder)And many more that I'm adding soon!In hopes of meeting you at a conference in the future, x Bri

In this short and sweet episode, I dig into the difference between ACTIVE vs PASSIVE income for bloggers and content creators. I talk about the upfront work that goes into so-called “passive” streams of blogging, such as affiliate marketing or ads, and how they compare to active-active income streams like brand partnerships/social media/content creation.You’ll hear why both active and passive income play a role in building a sustainable blogging business, what to expect at different stages of growth, and how to transition toward a process that builds on a core foundational practice, ultimately generating active work into passive income.This episode is for anyone curious about how (travel) bloggers make money long-term AND how to build a business that gives you more tangible and practical "freedom." How do you want to FEEL in your business?How can you bounce back from "the slump?" How can you achieve true passive income?We'll go over this, and more! ✨ Need more advice on how to start or grow your blog? Read more blogging tips on the blog at Bootstrap Blogging.

So much of blogging and content creation pushes us to show up more, post faster, and keep up with the algorithms. But if what you’re sharing is something anyone else could put out, it’s usually because you’ve taken yourself out of the equation.In this episode, I reflect on how easy it is to lose our own voice in the noise — and what happens when we do. I talk about why weaving in YOUR unique stories, perspective, and wisdom isn’t just what makes your content unique, it’s what makes it worth creating in the first place! ✨ This is an honest conversation about stepping off the hamster wheel and coming back to yourself in the process.

Let’s talk burnout, shall we? Take it from me, who has learned the hard way... burnout isn’t a badge of honor, and success doesn’t have to mean doing it all, all the time 😮‍💨 In this reflective episode, I’m sharing how my definition of success has shifted over the years—from hustle and perfectionism to something much more grounded and flowy!I'll discuss what it means to build a blog (and a life) rooted in ease, purpose, and alignment, especially in an industry that often pushes or "influences" a hustle mindset, virality, and productive output. We get into it in this episode!!!! If you’ve been questioning your pace, your purpose, or what “success” really looks like for you… This one’s for youuuu, gal! 🩷 ✨ This is your invitation to grow a blog that aligns with your life. Learn more about my course at Bootstrap Blogging

Let’s talk money money MONEYYYY because YES, it is possible—even in 2025 and beyond—to turn your (travel) blog into a profitable business.In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I went from making zero dollars as a hobby blogger to consistent $10K+ months through my blog business—with a lot of ups and downs and hesitancy along the way (but also a lot of heart and trusting in the process, too!). I’ll walk you through the different income streams I’ve built from affiliate commissions, blog ads, private coaching, content creation and tourism board collabs, and selling digital products—and how they all come together to support a sustainable blogging life. 🤪 This isn’t a get-rich-quick story!! It’s my real journey, flaws included. And my goal is to bring more transparency to this space to help you see what’s possible for you, too.✨ Want to learn how to build and monetize your own blog? Check out Bootstrap Blogging for the full course.Get more freebies on my Resources page!📚 Additional book recs mentioned: You Are A Badass at Making Money (affiliate link)

Think you need to travel full-time, have a huge following or readership, publish every day to be a successful travel blogger, or that it's too late for you to start a blog ("blogging is dead!")? Think againnnn! 😏 In this episode, I’m dismantling some of the most common travel blogging myths I hear all the time—and probably believed myself in the beginning. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough or not cut out for blogging, this is your permission slip to let go of that pressure and move forward with clarity and freedom. This episode is short, honest, and straight to the point! ✨ Want help starting or growing your blog with intention? Learn more about my signature course, Bootstrap Blogging

Welcome to the very first episode of Bootstrap Bonfire!! 🔥 I’m Brittany, or better known as Bucketlist Bri—travel blogger, digital nomad, course creator, and your go-to resource for building a (travel) blog that actually gets read and ranked and can financially support your lifestyle.In this intro episode, I’m sharing the backstory of how I went from casually blogging as a way to document my 14 months of study abroad in France, to running multiple successful blogs, earning passive income, scaling to six figures, AND teaching others to do the same through my signature online blog course, Bootstrap Blogging!You’ll hear about the real behind-the-scenes of my blogging journey, where I stumbled along the way, and what you can expect from future episodes of Bootstrap Bonfire.Whether you’re dreaming of starting a travel blog or you’ve been stuck in the blogging trenches, this is your warm and honest welcome into the world of blogging with intention! Grab a cozy drink, pull up a seat by the fire, and let’s get into it! 🥰 Links & goodies!Read the blog Download free resources✨ Check out my signature blogging course, Bootstrap Blogging, where I teach you how to build a blog that grows and makes money—step by step!