Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

In episode 636, Megan chats to Madeline Anderson about transitioning from a 9-to-5 job to becoming your own boss and what matters more when choosing a career - pursuing your passion or making money? Madeline is the Author of Girl Dad and Founder of Girl Dad Network. She was born and raised in Southern California and graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Business Economics. She believes we should all leave the world a better place than we found it, which is why she created and advocates for Girl Dad Network. In this episode, you’ll learn how Madeline managed to balance her full-time job while building her side hustle, Girl Dad. She also shares insights into navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, including overcoming isolation and handling financial uncertainty after becoming her own boss. Key points discussed include: - Leverage your unique background: Your upbringing and relationships can inspire you to create meaningful work that makes a difference. - Prioritize pa

In episode 635, Prerna Malik teaches us how to create a welcome sequence to share content from our blog as well as sell digital products, like courses and ebooks, without being salesy or icky. Co-founder of Content Bistro and a Copyhackers-certified, conversion copywriter, Prerna is the sales strategist and copywriter behind multiple million-dollar launches and 6-figure evergreen sales funnels in niches as diverse as astrology and homesteading! She has written for iconic brands such as Pat Flynn, Amy Porterfield, Copyhackers, Vanessa Lau, Handle the Heat, School of Traditional Skills, and 1000s of others! She is also the creator of the strategy-focused sales copywriting program — Ready-to-Sell. Prerna and her co-founder-slash-husband, Mayank have built an intentionally profitable business while living in India and raising their daughter, Manini.  In this episode, you’ll learn about how to sell in a way that you would want to be sold to, Prerna’s 6C framework for an effective welcome sequence, and why you shou

In this episode, we're diving into why setting goals is key to creating the life we’ve always dreamed of—and how you can start today by planning for an amazing new year ahead. As an entrepreneur, I’ve seen just how life-changing goal setting and planning can be. Taking the time to figure out my “why,” look back on what worked (and what didn’t), and map out a solid plan for the year has helped me crush 90% of my big goals. In this episode, I’m breaking down the five steps that keep me focused, motivated, and moving toward making my dreams happen. Action Plan: 1 - Define your “why": Understand your deeper motivation for being an entrepreneur and keep this at the forefront. 2 - Reflect on the previous year: Review what worked and what didn't work to inform your goals and plans for the new year. 3 - Set clear goals, focuses, and projects for the coming year: Envision your ideal future and set specific, actionable goals to work towards. 4 - Identify upgrades to make: Make a list of small, daily improvements that c

In episode 633, Megan chats to Joe Rodichok about achieving website success in 2025, covering practical strategies for making GA4 analytics more accessible, enhancing technical SEO, and boosting site performance. Joe is the Co-Founder of Phynite Solutions with over 20 years in tech, including 15 years professionally in roles from engineer to Chief Technology Officer at start-ups and later with FAANG companies, solving complex challenges. I’m passionate about helping small business owners grow their websites through clear, straightforward support—something that’s personal to me as the son of two small business owners. My goal is simple: to help you succeed with no BS, just honest solutions. In this episode, you’ll learn about understanding GA4, how to simplify it with the tool Phynite Analytics, while also exploring strategies for monitoring core web vitals to enhance SEO and the impact of AI content scrapers. Key points discussed include: - Understand GA4's focus on ad spenders: Google's restructuring of Goog

In episode 632, Ansley Beutler teaches us how to navigate the complexities of IRS audits as small business owners and how to recognise key red flags that might trigger an audit. Ansley launched her blog, The Fit Peach, in 2018, sharing simple, family-friendly recipes that prove healthy eating can be both delicious and approachable. Her passion for flavor-packed, wholesome meals quickly resonated with a growing community of home cooks and wellness-minded individuals. Building on her experience as a CPA and her firsthand knowledge of running a successful blog, Ansley founded Peach Perfect Financials—a boutique accounting firm dedicated to empowering creative entrepreneurs. Specializing in bloggers and content creators, her firm offers tailored financial services, including bookkeeping, tax planning, and retirement strategies. With a unique blend of professional expertise and industry insight, Ansley helps entrepreneurs navigate the financial challenges of self-employment, enabling them to focus on what they lov

Merry Christmas! In this episode, we are going to talk about five effective strategies for relieving stress and managing the pressure that can build up in our lives as entrepreneurs. As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that keeping stress in check and staying in a good headspace are game-changers—not just for my well-being, but for my business too. That’s why I’d like to share five strategies that have made a huge difference for me. Whether it’s getting better sleep, squeezing in some solid exercise, or practicing gratitude, these tips have helped me break the stress cycle, clear my mind, and tackle challenges with a more positive, resilient attitude. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for managing stress and maintaining overall well-being. 2 - Engage in vigorous exercise: Challenging your body through intense workouts can help complete stress cycles and release built-up pressure. 3 - Speak up and vent: Addressing thoughts and concerns directly, rather than letting them st

In episode 630, Megan chats to Joanne Schweitzer about time management strategies to help us balance the demands of blogging with raising children and building a local brand. Joanne Schweitzer is a successful Italian heritage recipes food blogger and has been blogging part time for 8 years. She has 10K Facebook followers with a local following too and 14K Pinterest followers with 3K in loyal newsletter openers. Joanne’s  tomato sauce and cocktails do best. She does local cooking shows specifically for how to make pasta that have been successful. In this episode, you’ll learn about outsourcing tasks, how to tap into your local network, why newsletters are so effective and how to build a successful blog while still having time for your family. Key points discussed include: - Focus on quality over quantity: Prioritize creating high-quality, authentic content rather than rushing to publish multiple posts per week. - Leverage your newsletter: Invest time in crafting a thoughtful weekly newsletter to build a loyal

In episode 629, Kimberly Espinel teaches us strategies that top food content creators use to build and monetize their audiences on Instagram. Kimberly is an award winning photographer, best-selling author, creative business mentor and Instagram expert dedicated to empowering food bloggers, photographers and content creators to refine their skills, discover their unique style, and develop a social media strategy that works. In this episode, you’ll learn what is meant by ‘being authentic’, why you should prioritize video, understanding your audience, and incorporating a personal touch. Key points discussed include: - Embrace authenticity and vulnerability: Audiences are drawn to creators who share their personal stories and give them a sense of connection. - Prioritize video content: Focusing on reels, TikToks, and YouTube can help you reach and engage your audience more effectively. - Deeply understand your audience: Knowing your target customer's pain points and preferences will allow you to create content th

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 ways to optimize our week so that we can build our dream life. I’m always striving to create my dream week—a vision I hold onto and know I’ll achieve someday, even though it’s not quite here yet. In the meantime, I regularly adjust my schedule to ensure I’m moving in the right direction. When I notice my work-life balance slipping, I make small tweaks to realign, like aiming to keep my workweek under 20 hours. The secret to building your ideal schedule lies in taking it one step at a time with consistent, intentional adjustments. Each week, ask yourself: What’s working? What’s not? Without this reflection, it’s easy to fall into a rut and lose excitement about your week. Here’s how I approach it. Action Plan: 1 - Do a time audit: Tracking how you spend your time for 3-7 days can provide valuable insights to identify areas for improvement. 2 - Look for easy wins: Implement small, impactful changes like meal prepping or delegating tasks to optimize your week. 3 - Set

In episode 627, Megan chats to Katie Trant about how food bloggers can define, build, and maintain a strong brand identity to stand out in a crowded online space. Katie Trant is a branding expert, a copywriter, and an OG food blogger. For more than a decade, she has worked at brand consultancies, helping huge global players define their brands. Recently, Katie has launched Foodie Brand Lab, a course and brand consultancy, especially for food bloggers who want to build a brand, refine their brand strategy, and take their business to the next level. In this episode, you'll learn about the key differences between personal and traditional branding, and practical strategies you can use to develop a cohesive, memorable brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Key points discussed include: - Defining your brand is not a one-time task, but an ongoing process: Your brand should evolve over time as your business and audience grow, so be prepared to continuously revisit and refine it. - Understand the di

In episode 626, Jillian Leslie teaches us how we can effectively monetize our businesses through the creation and sale of digital products. Jillian Leslie is co-founder of the blog, Catch My Party, and software company, MiloTree, which empowers bloggers to sell digital products to their audiences. Jillian is also the host of The Blogger Genius Podcast, where for the past six years, she's been interviewing successful online entrepreneurs, content creators, and industry experts. Jillian's goal is to empower bloggers and creators to build successful online businesses so they can change their lives and have the freedom they crave. In this episode, you’ll learn how to get started, selling simple digital products like ebooks or guides, how to leverage tools like ChatGPT for ideas, and MiloTree for easy setup. Key points discussed include: - Start simple with digital products: Begin with an ebook or guide that solves a specific problem for your audience, rather than trying to create an overly complex offering. - Exp

In this episode, we're going to talk about how to overcome the fear of taking risks in your business so that you can thrive as an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur means embracing calculated risks, even when they feel intimidating. While I naturally lean towards high-risk opportunities, I always assess the risk-reward ratio before taking the leap. Risk-taking in entrepreneurship isn’t about being reckless—it’s about being strategic. Truthfully, there are moments when I’m absolutely terrified of the risks required to grow as an entrepreneur. I know how overwhelming it can feel to push beyond your comfort zone. So, how do I manage it? How can you determine if a risk is worth taking? And what steps should you take after overcoming those entrepreneurial fears? Let’s explore five practical strategies to help you confidently navigate risk-taking as an entrepreneur. Action Plan: 1 - Evaluate the risk: Take the time to write down and analyze the potential risks in your business, whether financial, emotional or othe

In episode 624, Megan chats to Danielle Hayden about developing a healthy mindset when it comes to business spending and why wise business investments pay off. Danielle is a CPA, author, Co-Founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting. She is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer who is rewriting what it means to provide bookkeeping and consulting services to high-earning female business owners. The Kickstart Accounting Inc. team is the one-stop-shop that provides their clients with bookkeeping services as a tiered system that grows with the business as needed. Additionally, they offer online courses (think all things money mindset), payroll services and tax consulting services. Since their founding in 2015, the Kickstart team has helped thousands of high-earning service-based business owners grow and scale their businesses to new heights. In this episode, you’ll learn about using an accounting system to track income and expenses, how to align spending with business goals, and invest in areas like advertising and mar

In episode 623, Dalit Vaknin shares her journey of overcoming the challenges of building a successful blog in her second language, English, and how other non-native English speakers can do the same. Dalit, a former dietician, is a passionate food blogger and culinary enthusiast. After relocating to the US, she turned her love for food into a thriving blog specializing in artisanal ice cream. Dalit's mission is to inspire others, especially those whose first language is not English, to pursue their passions through writing and blogging. She believes language should never be a barrier to sharing your unique voice and stories with the world. In this episode, you’ll learn how to keep motivated when blogging in English as your second language, how to overcome self-doubt and use visual aids and other useful tools. Key points discussed include: - Embrace the journey: Blogging in a second language may be challenging, but approach it with an open mindset and celebrate your progress along the way. - Leverage visual aid

In this episode, we're going to talk about why prioritizing community and building relationships are a critical part of your business. As a food blogger and entrepreneur, I can't stress enough how important it is to prioritize community in 2025. I know it can feel scary or uncertain to invest in things like conferences, retreats, and masterminds, but trust me, it's going to pay off big time. The key is to approach it with intention and a willingness to be vulnerable. Get out there, connect with your peers, and don't be afraid to go deep in the right communities. And if your budget is tight, no worries - you can always create your own community hub. The most important thing is to show up consistently, wherever you decide to plant your flag. Do that, and you'll see the rewards in your business and personal life. Here, I’ll share five specific action steps that can help guide you on this community-building journey. Action Plan: 1 - Understand the power of connection: Community and meaningful connections can have

In episode 621, Megan chats to Jessie-Sierra Ross about her experience of traditional cookbook publishing, including how to pitch, propose and promote a cookbook. Jessie-Sierra Ross is a former professional ballerina turned food blogger and home entertaining specialist. Originally from Boston, she traded in her pointe shoes for an apron, and hasn’t looked back since! A self-taught, cook and food stylist, Jessie is the personality behind her blog, “Straight to the Hips, Baby”. Known for her step-by-step recipes, easy elegance, and light and bright photography style. Working alongside her photographer husband, Jessie creates food and drink recipes for her blog, and features in magazines, as well as on TV, via cooking segments on NBC, PBS, and BloomTV Network. Jessie-Sierra is currently working on her latest creative project, a floral-inspired cookbook with Schiffer Publishing. In this episode, you’ll learn about the detailed process of recipe testing, photography, the role of an editor in refining the manuscrip

In episode 620, Michelle Puster teaches us how to silence our inner critic and the RAIN (Recognize, Allow, Interconnect, Nurture) method to manage overwhelm and stress as an entrepreneur and parent. Michelle is a mom of three kiddos and is a marriage and trauma therapist and most recently a podcaster/blogger. On her podcast and blog she shares her true life story of recovery from parenting burnout using mindfulness, mediation, and self-compassion. In this episode, you’ll learn more about balancing the challenges of running a business and parenting and how to proactively address burnout by managing your sleep, movement, and social connections. Key points discussed: - Recognize your feelings of overwhelm and burnout: Don't ignore or suppress these emotions, as they will only persist. Instead, acknowledge and validate what you're experiencing. - Practice self-compassion: Be kind and understanding towards yourself, rather than harshly judging or criticizing yourself. - Silence your inner critic: Challenge the neg

In this episode, we're going to talk about 5 things you can start doing right now that might change your life. Over the past year, I've tried out a bunch of little changes in my life, and let me tell you, some of them have been total game-changers for me. Sure, they might seem super simple, but these hacks have seriously transformed how I feel and function day-to-day. They've lifted this mental weight off me, boosted my energy, and helped me stay laser-focused on what really matters. Even trying out just one or two of these strategies could make a huge difference in your life and business. So let me break them down for you... Action Plan: 1 - Get comprehensive blood work done: This can help identify any vitamin, hormone, or other imbalances that may be contributing to low energy, mood swings, or other health issues. 2 - Outsource email management: Hiring an assistant or using email management tools can help you regain control of your inbox and reduce the mental clutter it can cause. 3 - Create a goal card and

In episode 618, Megan chats to Nora Bourdeau about balancing a blog with other commitments, highlighting the significance of living one's "why" and the value of small, consistent actions to propel progress over time. Nora Bourdeau started Balancing Bowls in 2022 as a way to record her recipes and share them with friends and family. Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. While the blog has a flexitarian approach to cooking, Nora loves to cook with beans and lentils so you will find lots of legume recipes and information on the blog. Living outside of Boston, Ma, with her husband and three kids, she is also a full-time high school art teacher. In this episode, you’ll learn about creating routine that serves your ‘why’, recognizing daily wins, regardless of how small they are, and focusing on the process over perfection. Key points discussed: - Embrace mini momentum: Recognize that progress is made through small, consistent steps

In episode 617, Chandice Probst and Abbey Rodriguez teach us how to thrive as a food blogger in the creator economy, including how to niche down and diversify revenue streams beyond traditional advertising. At Tastemaker Conference Abbey, Chandice and their team work daily to provide community, education and experience to the food creator community. Our main goal is to legitimize the creator economy which is set to be a 500 billion dollar industry by 2027. We'd love to discuss this very topic using the discussion ideas below that we feel would resonate with you and your audience. In this episode, you’ll learn about the creator economy's rapid growth, projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, how to leverage personal branding and the significance of in-person events for fostering connections. Key points discussed: - Diversify your revenue streams: Explore options beyond just advertising, such as memberships, cookbooks, and brand sponsorships to create a more sustainable business model. - Leverage your personali