Ben Zino started filming wildlife in his backyard at 15 years old — no car, no fancy gear, just a passion for conservation. Nearly a decade later, his channel The Wild Report has grown to 80,000 subscribers and 300 videos, all while working a full-time job. Whether you're a wildlife creator or not, Ben's approach to storytelling, packaging, and staying passionate will resonate with any creator building on the side.

About Ben:

Ben Zino is a conservation biologist and environmental educator with a passion for getting people excited about the amazing wildlife that we share this planet with! His content brand, The Wild Report, focuses on inspiring viewers to get outside and engage with local green spaces and conservation efforts.

Connect With Ben:

YouTube Channel

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Timestamps:

0:00 — The unpredictability of filming wildlife 0:30 — Intro: Meet Ben Zino from The Wild Report 2:00 — How The Wild Report started at age 15 4:00 — How the channel has evolved over a decade 6:30 — Planning trips & being sought out by researchers 8:00 — How YouTube has changed in the wildlife space 11:00 — On-location filming tips: always get more B-roll 13:00 — Time management as a part-time creator 15:30 — Improving storytelling: the thesis statement method 17:30 — Example: copperhead snake thesis statement 18:30 — Evolving on-camera presence: teacher vs. fact presenter 20:00 — Ben's minimal filming kit & tools 22:00 — Authenticity & transparency on YouTube in 2026 22:45 — Monetization: seasonal income & creative freedom 25:30 — What Ben wishes he learned sooner 27:00 — The importance of packaging & ethical thumbnails 29:30 — Final advice: keep your content ecosystem vibrant

In this episode, Dusty sits down with Thomas Gojkovich, the creator behind Thomas Custom Woodworks, a thriving YouTube channel with over 161,000 subscribers. Thomas shares his incredible journey from being a full-time PE teacher with zero woodworking experience to building a successful online business centered around workshop furniture and woodworking education.

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Thomas:

Thomas is a woodworking content creator who went from zero woodworking experience to building a thriving YouTube channel and online business in just five years. A former full-time PE teacher and continuing personal trainer, Thomas now helps beginner and intermediate woodworkers build professional-quality workshop furniture through his digital plans, YouTube tutorials, and upcoming online course.

Connect With Thomas:

YouTube Channel /// Woodworking Academy Course

In this episode, Dusty sits down with Ryan Brutt, the creator behind Auto Archeology, a YouTube channel dedicated to uncovering rare and forgotten cars in barns, garages, and yards across America. Ryan shares his unique journey from accidental car enthusiast to successful content creator, discussing how one chance encounter with a buried 1971 Plymouth Cuda changed his life forever.

Join Creator Communities. A place to gather with other creators every single day. This provides access to Our Private Discord Server, Monthly Mastermind Group, and MORE!

Hire Dusty To Be Your YouTube Coach

YouTube Channel Reviews (Audit): Get a 7-10 minute personalized video review of your YouTube channel with honest, actionable feedback for just $50.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: Each week I document what I'm doing in my business and creative journey, share new things I've discovered, mistakes I've made, and much more!

All Tools Mentioned On The Show: The Ultimate Entrepreneurs Resource. This is the spreadsheet where I keep all of the tools mentioned by all the guests on the podcast.

Follow The Show:

Facebook /// X /// YouTube /// Instagram

About Ryan:

I'm an automotive archaeologist, I go and dig up cool old cars in all sorts of neglected situations.

Connect With Ryan:

Facebook /// Youtube /// Instagram