Eat Blog Talk

Megan chats with Ryan Sparzak and Becca Mills about why in-person retreats offer food bloggers a unique blend of connection, creativity, and clarity you just can't find online. Becca Mills is the recipe developer, writer, and photographer behind Fork in the Kitchen, a food blog dedicated to approachable, flavor-forward vegetarian recipes. She's passionate about making meatless meals feel effortless and exciting for home cooks of all skill levels. With a background in education and a love for sharing the "why" behind the recipe, Becca empowers her audience to cook with confidence, without relying on hard-to-find ingredients or meat substitutes. Outside the kitchen, she's usually sipping a homemade latte, playing with her dog Basil, or soaking up the sun on her paddleboard. Ryan Sparzak is the creative force behind Cookery Amendola, where he works alongside his mother to craft memorable dining experiences tailored to each guest. Inspired by his parents—his mother's heart in the kitchen and his father's love for gathering. Ryan grew up appreciating the magic that happens around the table. His passion for elevated culinary experiences was sparked during his first unforgettable meal at Barbara Lynch's No. 9 Park, where he discovered the power of storytelling through food. Today, Ryan brings that inspiration to life, using local, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that honor tradition while offering something deeply personal. At Cookery Amendola, each plate is a story, celebrating flavor, connection, and the joy of sharing a meal. What makes the Eat Blog Talk retreats so unforgettable? Becca and Ryan share behind-the-scenes insights from past events and delves into why showing up in person can completely transform your blogging business. Whether you're thinking about attending or just curious about what really happens at these retreats, you'll love the mix of fun, flavor, and inspiration. Key points discussed include: - The power of in-person connection: Discover why attending a retreat is a totally different experience than an online mastermind. - Food that fuels creativity: Ryan's personalized menus elevate every retreat - think seasonal, sensory, and yes, even gluten-free Detroit-style pizza. - Magic in the margins: From late-night snacks to conga lines and spontaneous ice cream runs, the unscripted moments often become the most meaningful. - A space to reset and refocus: Learn how the fall retreat offers a much-needed pause from overwhelm and a way to recalibrate your business with clarity. - Behind the chef's process: Hear how Ryan crafts every meal around attendee tastes and how his mom helps pull it all off behind the scenes. - Comfort is the vibe: Think Victorian mansions, pajamas-all-day masterminding, and Trader Joe's candy at your fingertips. - Why collaboration trumps competition: Retreats attract all levels of experience, but everyone leaves feeling like part of the same creative tribe. - What consistent action really means: Ryan shares the one takeaway he keeps hearing, and applying, in his own entrepreneurial journey. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 307: Transform Your Business Through In-Person Blogging Retreats with Melissa Erdelac Connect with Becca Website | Instagram Connect with Ryan Instagram

Emily Baksa teaches us how to confidently sell low-ticket digital products by shifting our mindset, simplifying strategy, and making the most of our email lists. Emily Baksa is a copywriter and marketing strategist who helps food content creators gain creative and financial freedom so they keep loving what they do. She helps her clients create more time, money, and ease through a diversified content strategy that boosts traffic, builds community, and generates independent revenue streams. Inspired by the chefs she worked alongside during her six years in hospitality, she launched her business to help creatives like them thrive. She has since partnered with over 20 food content creators, establishing herself as an industry leader and featured speaker at events like the Tastemaker Conference. Learn how to build sustainable income with digital products, why mindset is your biggest hurdle, and how to confidently step into the role of "salesperson" without feeling salesy. Emily breaks it all down with practical, proven strategies for getting more eyes (and buyers!) on your offers. Key points discussed include: - Selling is serving: Shift your mindset from "selling is scary" to "selling adds value" - it's about helping your audience, not manipulating them. - Start small, succeed big: Low-ticket digital products ($5 - $20) are powerful revenue generators when sold through a well-nurtured email list. - Copywriting that connects: Effective sales emails lean into emotion, transformation, and storytelling - not a boring list of features. - Ditch perfectionism: Your first launch won't be perfect, and that's okay - launching messy is better than not launching at all. - Email is your secret weapon: Use segmentation, intentional sequencing, and opt-outs to create email funnels that convert without overwhelming your list. - Reframe unsubscribes: Losing the wrong people from your list is actually a win - it makes space for the ones who truly want what you're offering. - Confidence compounds: The more you sell aligned products, the easier and more natural it becomes. Practice builds belief. - Your value is real: Stop giving everything away for free. Your work is worth more than a free blog post - it's time to charge for convenience, curation, and expertise. Connect with Emily Baksa Website | Instagram

Saying no can feel uncomfortable, but when done with love and intention, it becomes one of the most powerful ways to honor your energy and create space for what truly matters. I know how hard it can be to say no—especially when you're someone who wants to show up, perform, and please. But here's the truth: when we say no to what drains us, we create space for joy, alignment, and our true selves to shine. In this episode, I'm sharing my own journey of learning to release guilt around saying no and how doing so made me feel lighter, freer, and more whole. Action Plan: - Honor your body's whispers: Fatigue and tension are signals, not glitches—listen and respond with care. - Let go of what no longer fits: Release outdated roles or expectations to make room for the real you. - Choose alignment over logic: A choice that feels right may not always make sense on paper—and that's okay. - Trust your inner signals: When joy fades or your breath shortens, it's time to reassess what you're saying yes to. - Set loving boundaries: Boundaries aren't barriers—they are invitations for peace and clarity. More from Megan YouTube | Website | Instagram

Megan chats with Jessie from Life as a Strawberry about strategic hiring, thoughtful systems, and what it really takes to grow a food blog into a thriving, values-driven business. Jessie Johnson is the founder of Life As A Strawberry, a food and recipe site that shares well-tested recipes for weeknight comfort food. Her team is known for breaking complicated recipes and techniques into accessible, easy-to-follow action steps. Jessie grew up working in catering and community kitchens, and spent her academic career studying sustainable food systems and food security. After grad school, Jessie went full-time with Life As A Strawberry and never looked back. Today, Life As A Strawberry is a full-fledged media company with multiple verticals - including Everyday Artisan Bread, an online bread-baking course - and team members across the country. This episode is packed with gold for food bloggers ready to level up—from creating sustainable systems to building a team that supports long-term success. Jessie gets real about burnout, hiring with intention, onboarding like a pro, and why "should" isn't always a good enough reason. Whether you're still flying solo or scaling a business, you'll walk away with fresh motivation and practical tools. Key points discussed include: - Time tracking tells the truth: Find out what you're really spending time on. - Your first hire matters most: How to choose—and afford—the right support. - Teams cost more than you think: Jessie breaks down the hidden expenses. - Content planning can spark joy: Use her "Model T" system to balance strategy and fun. - A "no list" saves your sanity: Protect your time by deciding what you won't do. - Onboarding isn't an afterthought: Create systems once—then hire with ease. - Letting go unlocks growth: Even when it's work you love, it might be holding you back. - Ignore the rules: Jessie built success without Instagram, and you can too. Connect with Jessie Johnson Website | Instagram

Want more clicks from your pins? It starts with understanding what "fresh content" really means on Pinterest today. In episode 722, Laura Rike teaches us how to use fresh pins, vertical video, and smart AI practices to grow our reach and stay ahead of Pinterest's evolving algorithm. Laura Rike is a Pinterest Strategist and owner of SimplyPintastic® who helps entrepreneurs and content creators increase online sales and sign more clients with the power of Pinterest utilizing organic methods and scaling with ads. She has helped clients and students bring in over 50k+ in monthly revenue. Her clients have become industry leaders with 6-figure businesses and are growing sustainably by ranking on the first page of Google and getting targeted email leads daily. Laura has been featured on Social Media Examiner, Tailwind, MeetEdgar, Agorapulse and Ecamm Network. Get practical tips for creating pins that perform, without falling into outdated habits or risky shortcuts. Key points discussed include: - Why video pins still matter: And how to make them work with minimal effort. - What "fresh pins" actually are: It's more than swapping out text. - The best pin sizes to test now: Layout and dimensions that catch eyes. - The truth about AI-generated images: What's safe (and what's not) on Pinterest. - AI copy? Yes—but do this first: Use it smartly without harming performance. - You can stop stressing over schedulers: Which ones to use and why it no longer matters. - How to revive older content with ease: Use collages, roundups, and strategic repins. Connect with Laura Rike Website | Instagram

Learn how to intentionally step into the next chapter of your life and business with clarity, courage, and self-trust. It's my birthday week—woohoo! And birthdays always make me reflect, so I'm getting a little deep in this episode. If you've been feeling like you're stuck or ready for change, this one's for you. Your next chapter is waiting, but you have to pick up the pen and write it. Let's talk about how to do that with clarity and purpose. Action Plan: - Reflect honestly on the past year: Look at what felt great, what didn't, and what lessons you're taking forward. - Get clear on what you want next: Define the next chapter based on your values, not outside expectations. - Release limiting stories: Identify and rewrite beliefs that are keeping you small or stuck. - Make small, consistent shifts: Don't wait for a big moment—daily intentional actions will build your new story. - Own your role as the author of your life: Trust yourself to write this next chapter—even if you feel uncertain. More from Megan YouTube | Website | Instagram

If your Pinterest strategy hasn't evolved in years, it's time for a reset. In episode 720, Megan chats with Pinterest expert Laura Rike about how to revive your traffic by updating board names, rethinking old pins, and adapting to Pinterest's current algorithm. Laura Rike is a Pinterest Strategist and owner of SimplyPintastic® who helps entrepreneurs and content creators increase online sales and sign more clients with the power of Pinterest utilizing organic methods and scaling with ads. She has helped clients and students bring in over 50k+ in monthly revenue. Her clients have become industry leaders with 6-figure businesses and are growing sustainably by ranking on the first page of Google and getting targeted email leads daily. Laura has been featured on Social Media Examiner, Tailwind, MeetEdgar, Agorapulse and Ecamm Network. Learn how to ditch outdated strategies, fix your boards, and make Pinterest work for you again in 2025. Key points discussed include: - Pinterest traffic isn't gone—it's just hidden: Discover what's really happening in your analytics. - Board names make or break reach: Why generic or branded board titles don't cut it anymore. - The legacy pin myth: Old pins need fresh designs to stay effective. - Are Pinterest ads worth it?: When to invest—and when to hold off. - Collage pins are a game changer: A new format that makes repurposing content easy. - Small tweaks, big wins: How regular board audits can improve visibility fast. Episode resources Connect with Laura Rike Website | Instagram

In episode 719, Ella Padilla Mitchell shares how food bloggers can stay on top of food trends to create content that resonates and drives engagement. Ella is the hungry brain behind Eatin With Ella, a food and travel brand where she documents everything from street eats in Hong Kong to secret pasta spots in Seoul. She creates content that makes people say "I need that in my mouth now," and she's not afraid to hop a plane (or just a Phoenix freeway) in the name of flavor. She's built a following by keeping it real, fun, and full of carbs—with a side of good lighting and better vibes. In this episode, you'll learn how to spot, leverage, and creatively adapt food trends to grow your online presence and connect with your audience on multiple platforms. Key points discussed include: - Spot trends early by scrolling TikTok: TikTok is usually where food trends originate before making their way to Instagram or Facebook. - Leverage curiosity and engagement: If a viral video sparks questions in the comments, that's your cue to create a recipe or offer insight that adds value. - Translate trends into blog content: Don't just stop at social media—turn viral ideas into structured, accessible recipes on your blog with clear measurements. - Use SEO strategically: Incorporate phrases like "viral TikTok recipe" or "copycat [creator's name] dish" to capture what people are actually searching for. - Ask locals when traveling: When seeking foodie gems abroad, Ella recommends asking locals, exploring Reddit, and watching Anthony Bourdain episodes for authentic finds. - Post imperfect content consistently: Let go of perfectionism - showing up regularly—whether you're polished or not—is how you open the door to exciting opportunities. - Batch content to avoid burnout: Take advantage of creative bursts by batching content, so you can schedule posts and give yourself breathing room during low-energy periods. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 705: How to Build A Multi-Channel Brand Without Burning Out With Yasmin Henley. Connect with Ella Padilla Mitchell Website | Instagram

Discover how to find peace and purpose by accepting the natural ebbs and flows of your creative and entrepreneurial journey. Do you ever feel like you're not doing enough or that you've somehow lost momentum?Especially mid-year, it's easy to question everything. But what if you're not doing anything wrong? What if you're just in a different season—and that season is asking for slowness, rest, or reflection instead of hustle? Let's talk about surrendering to the moment and finding peace in where we are. Action Plan: - Acknowledge that you're not a machine: Your value isn't tied to constant productivity—rest and reflection are essential parts of growth. - Stop resisting the season you're in: Fighting against slow periods adds unnecessary suffering—lean into them instead. - Name your current season: Give it a title like "Rest" or "Rebuilding" to honor and legitimize it. - Adjust your pace intentionally: Repurpose content, schedule breaks, and give yourself permission to pause without guilt. - Trust that unseen growth is happening: Just like roots grow underground, your quiet season is setting the stage for future blooms. More from Megan YouTube | Website | Instagram

In episode 717, Megan chats to Shawna Clark about how to tell a story through food photography using simple yet impactful prop styling techniques. Healthy Foodie Girl, We are a mother-daughter duo passionate about creating healthy recipes that are full of flavor and easy to make. We believe that eating well should be delicious and effortless. Together, they share lightened-up versions of favorite dishes, using fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Their goal is to inspire others to enjoy a balanced, flavorful approach to healthy eating. In this episode, you'll learn how to elevate your food photography with thoughtful props that add emotion, texture, and interest. Shawna explains how to style with intention—even if you're just starting out Key points discussed include: - Props tell a story: Use props to create mood, emotion, and visual interest that complements the food. - Start simple: Matte plates, smaller sizes, and herbs go a long way in making your photos more appealing. - Use what you have: Ingredients from the recipe can be great props—parsley, citrus, grains, etc. - Add texture and layering: Linens, vintage silverware, and wood add warmth and dimension to your scenes. - Think outside the box: Shawna shares how she uses wrapping paper, fabric, and even custom pottery in her shoots. - Plan around timing: For time-sensitive food like ice cream, prep your scene ahead of styling. - Create with intention: Take test photos, make adjustments, and let the photo evolve as you shoot. - Vintage and handmade props add depth: Seek out one-of-a-kind items from thrift stores, flea markets, or eBay to spark nostalgia and emotional connection. Connect with Shawna Clark Website | Instagram