Eat Blog Talk

In this episode, I talk about the idea that we can hold two seemingly opposite truths at the same time - and how that can actually be where our real growth and success as entrepreneurs live. I'm so glad you're here for another mindset-focused episode of Eat Blog Talk. Today, I'm diving into a topic that's been heavy on my heart lately—duality in entrepreneurship. As entrepreneurs, we often think we have to fix our flaws before we can feel successful, but what if it's actually about holding space for both our strengths and imperfections? I'm sharing a story from the Flavor Media Summit that beautifully illustrates how powerful it can be to embrace the "both/and" in ourselves. Action Plan: 1 - Acknowledge duality in your journey: Notice when you're feeling two things at once and give both feelings permission to exist. 2 - Resist the urge to fix yourself first: You don't need to wait until you're fearless or confident to move forward—just start. 3 - Stay present in your imperfections: True success comes from showing up, even when things feel messy or imperfect. 4 - Honor your contradictions: You can be both proud and nervous, grateful and overwhelmed—this is normal and powerful. 5 - Practice naming the dualities: Say them out loud or journal them—"I am both X and Y"—to build resilience and self-compassion. Get in touch with Megan below. YouTube | Website | Instagram

In episode 705, Megan chats to Yasmin Henley about how to build a sustainable, multichannel food blogging brand without losing your spark or your sanity. Yasmin is the recipe developer and content creator behind By The Forkful, sharing delicious vegetarian recipes that are easy to put together and meals the whole family can enjoy. In this episode, you'll learn how Yasmin grew her blog into a full-time business by showing up consistently across platforms in a way that works for her life, energy, and values. Key points discussed include: - Leverage multiple platforms strategically: Yasmin shares how focusing on SEO first, then adding TikTok and Instagram, helped her create a steady traffic flow that doesn't rely on one source. - Batching is your best friend: Creating and editing multiple recipes and videos at once maximizes productivity and helps avoid creative fatigue. - Keep systems simple and repeatable: Yasmin walks through her exact workflow—from keyword research to publishing and promotion—that keeps her content consistent across platforms. - You don't need to show your face on video: If video content feels intimidating, start by focusing on food-centered footage and using voiceovers to build connection. - Data doesn't lie—go back and look: Yasmin emphasizes reviewing past content monthly to see what worked and reusing or updating it to boost performance. - Social media can revive your blog: A viral TikTok video helped Yasmin bounce back from being removed from an ad network and reignited her blog traffic. - Let your mindset fuel your momentum: Reminding herself to do things her future self will thank her for helped Yasmin push through slow early growth periods. - Start small and grow from there: You don't have to be on every platform right away—try one new thing at a time and build from what works. Connect with Yasmin Henley Website | Instagram

In episode 704, Jackie Thesing shares how food bloggers can go beyond their blogs by pursuing sponsored posts, media appearances, and other visibility opportunities to grow their brand. Jackie Thesing left her corporate job in 2017 to stay home full time with her daughter. Since then, she has welcomed two more children and started her dessert blog, Sweet Girl Treats! She launched the blog as a way to find something for herself outside of motherhood, and it has turned into SO much more. In this episode, you'll learn actionable tips for landing brand sponsorships, making media connections, and confidently putting yourself out there, even when it feels scary. Key points discussed include: - Start with a media kit: Create a simple one-pager to showcase your blog, offerings, and photography—it's the first step to pitching brands professionally. - Pitch brands you genuinely use: Authenticity matters, so look in your pantry or at your favorite products to find meaningful partnership opportunities. - Explore different types of brand collaborations: From recipe development to UGC and sponsored posts, there are many ways to work with companies. - Be bold and follow up: Don't be afraid to message brands on social or follow up multiple times—persistence pays off. - Media appearances build credibility: Local TV shows are often looking for fresh content—reach out and offer to share your expertise. - Interviews and articles expand your reach: Podcasts, online magazines, and lifestyle publications offer valuable backlinks and visibility. - Imposter syndrome is normal—but push through: You know your stuff, and you have something valuable to offer. - Your work has value—charge accordingly: Follower count isn't everything; your content is worthy of fair compensation. Guest Details Connect with Jackie Thesing Website | Instagram

This episode explores why the most transformative growth happens after the end of an event (like conferences, masterminds or retreats) - and how to harness that energy intentionally. I just got back from the Flavor Media Summit in Savannah, and wow—what a whirlwind! Today I'm sharing from the heart while everything is still fresh. It's so easy to think the big work happens in the room—at the conference, on the Zoom call, during the retreat—but the truth is, the real transformation begins after you leave. I'll walk you through what that means and how to take meaningful steps forward once the initial energy fades. Action Plan: 1 - Pause and Reflect: Take intentional time to slow down and journal on what moved you the most from the experience. 2 - Choose One Anchor Action: Pick a single powerful idea and commit to it—don't overwhelm yourself with too many goals at once. 3 - Follow Up on Relationships: Reach out to people you connected with and nurture those new or deepened relationships. 4 - Protect Your Post-Room Energy: Carve out space to stay aligned and avoid tasks that drain your soul. 5 - Reframe the Crash: If you feel depleted, it's a sign of growth—honor that expansion instead of judging it. Get in touch with Megan below. YouTube | Website | Instagram

Learn how to harness the power of Reddit to increase your blog traffic and deepen audience engagement with expert insights from Robin Means. The Vegan Dollhouse is based in northern California. Taking inspiration from cute animals, sweet lolita, and tea parties, I make cute and colorful vegan food and desserts. I've been making vegan food for 25 years, and I'm still as passionate as I was on day 1. In episode 702, you'll learn how Reddit can be a game-changing platform for food bloggers looking to drive meaningful traffic, connect with niche audiences, and spark new content ideas. Robin shares practical strategies, her personal Reddit routine, and how to avoid common missteps when getting started. Key points discussed include: - Reddit can drive massive traffic with less effort than other platforms: Robin gets three times more traffic from Reddit than Pinterest, while spending one-third of the time. - Start by engaging, not posting: Build "karma" by commenting and interacting with others before sharing your own content to avoid being flagged as spammy. - Find your niche subreddits: Subreddits are highly specific communities. Robin shares that finding the right ones with high engagement (20K+ members) is essential for success. - Follow each subreddit's rules: Every subreddit has unique posting guidelines. Read and respect these carefully to avoid bans or deleted posts. - Engagement is key to visibility: Posts that receive strong engagement can hit the "hot" section, skyrocketing your visibility and clicks. - Reddit isn't about followers: It's one of the only platforms where your success isn't dependent on follower count—brand new users can go viral. - Use Reddit to gather content ideas: Reddit is a goldmine for learning what your audience is asking for and brainstorming new recipe ideas. - Expect honesty—and sometimes criticism: Feedback is raw and unfiltered. While it can sting, it often helps improve your content. Connect with Robin Means Website | Instagram

In episode 701, Megan celebrates reaching 700 episodes by bringing her team together to answer your questions about food blogging, content creation, mindset and life. Dan Porta is a team builder at heart, currently growing Strategic Partnerships for Eat Blog Talk and further developing in-person events. With past experience in educational travel, Dan has cultivated a passion for bringing people together and facilitating positive learning experiences where meaningful connections can flourish. It's all about other people :) Catharina is a podcast producer, video editor and social media expert who loves working with passionate entrepreneurs, helping them make their content ideas come to life. She's a foodie at heart and used to work in hospitality before becoming a content producer. Since collaborating with Megan on EBT's podcast episodes, she has developed a keen interest in the food blogging space and hopes to help many more food bloggers expand their horizons into audio and video. Taryn has been blogging at Hot Pan Kitchen since 2018 and began the Grill Like A Mother podcast in 2022. She participated in several of Megan's masterminds and worked behind the scenes at EBT before stepping into the role of community manager. Taryn loves bringing her knowledge and connections to the EBT community to help other food bloggers reach their goals! In her downtime, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her husband, twin boys, and their labradoodle, Pretzel. In this episode, you'll learn valuable insights about how to future-proof your blog in the age of AI, picking a successful niche and growing on Pinterest and YouTube. Key points discussed include: - Monetizing Beyond Ads: Diversify your income streams across multiple platforms with intention, aligning each effort with your audience's unique needs. -Niching Down Successfully: Choose a niche that genuinely excites you and has long-term potential to keep you engaged and your audience served. -Future-Proofing Your Blog in the Age of AI: Consider how evolving tech like AI might reshape platforms like Google, and explore sustainable income sources beyond ad revenue. -Pinterest Strategy Amid Volatility: Despite fluctuating traffic, staying consistent and patient on Pinterest can still yield long-term results. -Growing Your Email List: Use a mix of tactics—like lead magnets, guest podcasting, and strategic collaborations—to steadily build your list. -Staying Consistent with Content: Create a content plan that matches your energy and resources, so you can maintain output without burnout. -YouTube Trends in 2025: Understand whether long-form or short-form video fits your brand, and what content styles are currently performing best. -Business Mindset & Daily Routine: Prioritize flexibility and self-care to stay grounded, productive, and aligned with your goals. Guest Details Connect with Dan Porta Website Connect with Catharina Joubert Instagram Connect with Taryn Solie Website | Instagram

Feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, I share five powerful affirmations to help you stay calm, grounded, and resilient through even the toughest weeks. We all hit those weeks where everything feels overwhelming, and it's tough to find our footing. In today's episode, I'm sharing five affirmations that have truly helped me stay grounded during chaotic, stressful times. These simple but powerful phrases can shift your mindset and give you a real sense of peace when you need it most. Action Plan: 1 - Relax, Trust, Let Go, Surrender: Anchor yourself by releasing control and allowing things to unfold. 2 - I trust myself: Remind yourself that you are capable, intuitive, and strong enough to handle any challenge. 3 - I choose peace: In the midst of chaos, intentionally create inner calm by making peace your priority. 4 - I give myself permission to pause: Know that resting is not weakness—it's necessary for creativity and clarity. 5 - Everything is Happening in Perfect Timing: Trust that life is unfolding exactly as it should, even if you can't see it yet. Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram

In episode 699, Megan chats to Reed Dunn about how discovering the Food Social platform helped him combat creator isolation and reignite his passion for food blogging. Reed Dunn's journey in the kitchen began as a young child in small-town Kansas, where he spent hours learning how to cook by digging through cookbooks and mimicking what his mom was doing. In 2018, after a month of sharing what he was eating on Instagram, friends and co-workers encouraged him to start an account dedicated to his recipes. Pesto & Potatoes was born, and it's where he shares his passion for cooking through wholesome plant-based and pescatarian recipes inspired by the Pacific Northwest and the many regions in which he has lived. In this episode, you'll learn how finding a supportive creator community can completely transform your food blogging journey and how Food Social offers unique opportunities for connection, traffic, and monetization. Key points discussed include: - Food Social bridges the isolation gap for creators: Reed talks about feeling alone in his blogging journey and how Food Social gave him a space to connect with like-minded creators. - The platform is free and built by creators, for creators: Food Social was designed to address real challenges food bloggers face, offering a recipe-sharing platform with monetization and analytics tools. - It's easy to get started and low-risk: Joining and uploading content is simple, making it a great option even for those already overwhelmed by platforms. - Monetization opportunities are built in: Creators can earn from page views, participate in paid brand activations, and use affiliate links—all within the platform. - The platform drives actual traffic: Food Social helps generate meaningful traffic and visibility without the algorithm stress of other platforms. - Community-building happens both on and off the platform: Weekly Zoom happy hours, Slack channels, and real-time feature updates foster a strong sense of collaboration and connection. - It supports authentic brand relationships: Reed appreciates how Food Social introduces him to brands he genuinely connects with, going beyond surface-level influencer marketing. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 665: Build an Online Business Without Relying On Social Media – Powerful Collaboration Strategies for Food Bloggers with Brett DuPree Connect with Reed Dunn Website | Instagram

In episode 698, Eloise Jennes talks about how what felt like a massive failure on Instagram actually became the catalyst for clarity, growth, and deep alignment in her food blogging business. Elo is a plant-based food blogger, meal prep expert, and founder of Cooking With Elo, where she helps stressed-out professionals, overwhelmed parents, and health-conscious students make healthy plant-based eating way more doable and way less chaotic. With her Master's in food innovation and obsessive love for systems, checklists, and pantry organization, Elo helps you feel confident in the kitchen, even with tofu, tempeh, and beans on the menu. So if you've ever wished someone would just tell you what to cook, how to prep it, and when to eat it—she's your girl. In this episode, you'll learn how to reframe failure as a learning opportunity to refine your niche, improve your blog and discover a clear business path rooted in passion and purpose. Key points discussed include: - Failure isn't failure—it's unmet expectations: Eloise shares how she redefined her Instagram experiment as a learning opportunity, not a flop. - Hard work can still feel fruitless—until it pays off: Posting 100 blog posts and 100 Instagram reels in 100 days didn't go viral, but it laid a strong foundation for her business. - Systems matter: Eloise used Google Sheets smart chips and her love of organization to manage content creation efficiently. - Clarity comes from action: Pushing through the challenge helped Eloise realize her true niche had been there all along—plant-based meal prep. - You gain confidence through repetition: Creating content daily improved her storytelling, video editing, voiceovers, and technical workflow. - Burnout is real—listen to your body: She worked 14-15 hours a day, 7 days a week, and ended up with stress-induced gastritis, teaching her to build in sustainability. - Trust the process: Eloise held onto the belief that everything was leading somewhere, and it eventually unlocked new products, programs, and media opportunities. - Teaching is mastery: Shifting from "storyteller" to "teacher" allowed Eloise to embrace her strengths and lead her audience more effectively. If You Loved This Episode… You'll love Episode 668: The Growth Mindset Shift – How Failure Leads to Success with Donnie Lygonis Connect with Eloïse Jennes Website | Instagram

Here's a simple 5-step method I created to help stay calm, present, and grounded when you're facing uncertainty and bracing for the unknown. In this episode, I'm diving into a mindset strategy that helped me through a really intense week filled with anxiety and uncertainty. When life feels overwhelming and fear creeps in, it's so important to have a simple plan to stay grounded. I'll walk you through the exact five steps I used to calm my mind, stay present, and truly enjoy the moments that mattered most. If you ever find yourself stuck in a cycle of worry, these steps will help you find your way back to peace. Action Plan: 1 - Acknowledge your awareness: Notice when your mind is jumping ahead to worst-case scenarios — awareness gives you back your power. 2 - Set a clear intention: Decide to stay grounded and present, even when challenges are looming. 3 - Focus on your breath: Take three deep, intentional breaths to signal to your body that it's safe. 4 - Tune into your senses: Name three things you can see, hear, or feel to anchor yourself to the present moment. 5 - Redirect your thoughts: Practice gratitude, flip a negative "what if" into a positive one, and envision something you're excited about. Get in touch with Megan below. Website | Instagram