Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

Megan chats with Christina Musgrave about the mindset shifts that helped her leave corporate life, grow her blog into a business, and build a sustainable path forward. Christina Musgrave is the creator of Tasting with Tina, a popular food blog focused on simple, elevated weeknight meals for busy home cooks. Her recipes have reached millions, and she’s built a thriving business that includes brand partnerships, food photography, and her upcoming cookbook Tasting Every Day: Weeknight Feasts. Christina’s mission is to help others feel empowered in the kitchen—and in their lives—through beautiful, approachable food. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs don’t come from another tool or tactic, they come from how you think. This episode digs into the mindset shifts that can help you show up with confidence, stay consistent, and actually enjoy the ride of blogging. Key points discussed include: - Stop waiting for perfect: Taking messy action is what gets you closer to your goals. - Keep things moving forward: Even sma

Sarah Franklin from Lulu teaches us how to turn our content into professional-quality books that build our brand and create new revenue streams. Sarah is the Public Relations Manager for Lulu.com, the publishing and print on demand company started in 2002 by Red Hat Founder Bob Young. Her primary role is to educate creators about the benefits of Lulu. With over 16 years experience in the publishing industry, Sarah is passionate about helping authors find ways to connect with their audience. In previous roles, she led author public relations campaigns and coached many more in preparation for their book launches. She lives in Raleigh with her family. Publishing a cookbook does not have to mean chasing a traditional book deal or managing inventory from your garage. Sarah shares how food bloggers can use Lulu’s print-on-demand platform to create beautiful, flexible products without the hassle. From simple PDFs to polished spiral-bound books, this episode will help you see your content in a whole new light. Key po

When nothing seems to be working despite all your effort, the secret may not be doing more, it may be letting go. Discover how loosening your grip allows space for guidance, clarity, and miracles to flow in. Sometimes life throws us into seasons where no matter how much effort we put in, nothing seems to move forward. I’ve been there, and recently I had to remind myself of the power of letting go. Clinging tightly can feel like control, but it often keeps us from receiving the answers and blessings we need. In this episode, I share tools and perspectives that helped me loosen my grip and trust that life is unfolding exactly as it should. Action Plan: - Notice where you’re gripping too tightly: Pay attention to areas in your life where you feel white-knuckled and overly controlling. - Try visualization tools: Use a balloon or shelf visualization to release what isn’t yours to control. - Create a trust archive: Write down past experiences where letting go brought the outcome you needed. - Practice physical rele

Megan chats with Ty Kilgore about why most SEO strategies fail and what it really takes to see lasting traffic growth in 2025 and beyond. Ty Kilgore is your go-to SEO and Digital Marketing guru with over 16 years of experience under his belt! Ty is all about getting results, having successfully boosted rankings for more than 1000 sites across 40+ industries, including big names like Verizon, Dell, and Mary Kay. In 2018, he founded Everything Digital Marketing to share his passion and help small business owners navigate the often-confusing world of SEO. When he’s not diving into SEO strategies, you’ll find him enjoying life in sunny Austin, Texas, with his three amazing kids and his wife. Feeling stuck in an SEO rut? You’re not alone. Ty delivers a must-hear reality check on what’s working in SEO today, what’s outdated, and how to rebuild your strategy with precision. From content formatting to intent-based keyword research and the impact of AI overviews, this episode is packed with actionable insights and min

Megan chats with her husband Dan about the unexpected moment that sparked her memoir and how a decade of RV travel inspired the story she needed to tell first. 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. This episode dives into the deeply personal, wildly entertaining journey behind Megan’s upcoming memoir. After years of wanting to write a book, it wasn’t until she unplugged from work completely that the right story emerged. From Montana storms to family campfires, Megan shares how storytelling, self-discovery, and seasonality aligned at just the right time to bring this project to life. Key points discussed include: - Unplugging creates clarity: Taking a real break from work and noise can unlock id

I explore six powerful lessons from taking nearly three weeks completely unplugged from work, showing how presence, rhythm, and intentional boundaries can bring peace and clarity to life and business. This summer’s three-week RV trip with my family changed me in ways I didn’t expect. I unplugged more deeply than I ever have since starting my business in 2010, and it was a complete reset for my mind, body, and spirit. In this episode, I’m opening up about the powerful lessons I brought home from that stillness, things about trusting my body, honoring my natural rhythm, and letting go of what doesn’t serve me. My hope is that you’ll find inspiration to create your own space for rest and clarity, no matter how long you can step away. - Listen to your body: Pay attention to physical and emotional signals, they’re guiding you toward alignment, not working against you. - Honor your natural rhythm: Protect the pace that fuels your best energy and creativity, making it non-negotiable in your schedule. - Recognize the

Lauren Less teaches us about embracing rest, setting boundaries, and cultivating a healthier, more sustainable mindset as a food blogger. Lauren Less combines her passions for food and helping others by creating a space where people can find allergy-friendly recipes, chronic illness support, non-toxic lifestyle suggestions, and health and wellness tips. She discusses everything from fitness with chronic illness to tips for traveling with food allergies and everything in between. This conversation is a refreshing reset for creators caught in hustle culture. Lauren brings her unique blend of food blogging experience and therapeutic training to the table, sharing tangible strategies for slowing down, prioritizing wellness, and doing business on your own terms. If you’ve ever felt burnt out, stuck in comparison mode, or guilty for taking a nap, this episode will feel like a permission slip to breathe. Key points discussed include: - Hustle doesn’t equal success: Lauren shares how slowing down helped her create be

Ethan Monkhouse from Naviro teaches us how to use AI to grow an intentional audience, create tailored content, and stop wasting energy on the wrong metrics. Ethan Monkhouse is a London-based behavioural systems engineer and co-founder of NAVIRO, an AI platform built to help creators identify and monetize their highest-value audience segments before they even follow. With a background in high-performance ad strategy for brands like Lexus and Audi, Ethan now helps digital entrepreneurs - including food bloggers - turn passive traffic into superfans and revenue. His work blends psychology, automation, and creator-first systems that scale without burnout. If you’re overwhelmed by social media, tired of guessing what your audience wants, or unsure how to make digital products that actually sell, this episode is for you. Ethan breaks down how to use AI-driven tools to gain clarity, automate the data-heavy parts of audience building, and get your content in front of the right people without burning out. Key points d

Miracles often begin with a simple act of asking—done with trust, openness, and the belief that something beautiful is already on its way. Today we’re diving into a topic that’s so close to my heart—how to ask for miracles and expect them with confidence and calm. I’ll share a very personal story about a moment when I asked for a miracle and received an answer in the most beautiful and unexpected way. If you’ve ever wondered whether it's okay to ask for something bigger than yourself, this episode is your permission slip. Action Plan: - Ask from a place of surrender: Let go of the “how” and lean into trust. - Recognize the quiet miracles: Peace, clarity, and inner calm are often the signs you've been given what you need. - Believe you're worthy of divine support: Your desires are not silly—they're sacred. - Expect with joy, not tension: Hold space for goodness without gripping tightly. - Write it down and walk in belief: Declare your miracle, then live as though it’s already unfolding. More from Megan YouTube

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

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, p

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 bou

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 a

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 stil

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 Yo

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

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 you

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 g

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: Ingredien

In episode 716, Dianne Jacob reveals what it really takes to get your cookbook published—from crafting an irresistible proposal to standing out in a saturated market. Dianne Jacob coaches food writers on how to get a cookbook published, pitch freelance stories, start newsletters, and improve the quality and effectiveness of their writing. She specializes in book proposals. Dianne is the author of a multiple award-winning book on food writing, Will Write for Food: Pursue Your Passion and Bring Home the Dough Writing Recipes, Cookbooks, Blogs and More. She also co-authored two pizza cookbooks with chef Craig Priebe and has won awards for her food writing in such publications as The Washington Post, Food & Wine, and Lucky Peach. Dianne has judged cookbooks for the James Beard Foundation and the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She has also judged for a national magazine awards. Previously a journalist and newspaper, magazine and publishing company editor-in-chief, she writes a monthly fre