Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

Megan chats with Chanda Coston about building real success without burnout and why hustle culture is not worth the price. Chanda Coston is a U.S. Navy Veteran, Business Strategist, and Founder of Chanda Co., where she helps entrepreneurs build profitable, purpose-driven businesses without sacrificing peace or passion. With over 20 years of leadership experience and a background in project management, she teaches systems, mindset, and strategy that enable creative professionals, like food bloggers, to grow sustainably, delegate effectively, and avoid burnout. Her coaching blends structure and soul, because clarity and calm are the ultimate success tools. Burnout is not a badge of honor. In this episode, Chanda breaks down what sustainable success actually looks like and why systems, boundaries, and self trust matter more than working harder. This conversation is a reset for anyone who feels overwhelmed, reactive, or constantly behind. Key Topics Discussed: Burnout is a warning, not a requirement: If your busin

Vinny DelGuidice teaches us how to build a sustainable food blogging workflow using batching, planning ahead, and reusing what already works. Vinny DelGiudice is the creator of Always From Scratch, an Italian-American family food blog he started six years ago. He is a professional photographer, dad, and husband who focuses on developing nostalgic family recipes from his and his wife's childhood, meals that make it easier for families to sit down at the table and enjoy time together. Burnout is not a requirement for success. Vincent shares how he stopped forcing creativity, built a repeatable workflow, and learned to do less while growing more. This episode is a reality check for food bloggers who feel overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in constant decision mode. Key points discussed include: Choose your creative time: You will make better content faster when you stop forcing creative work into the wrong hours. Batching saves your sanity: Planning shoots and tasks in advance removes decision fatigue and keeps mo

Megan chats with Cheryl Norris about what the transition from corporate employee to full time blogger really looks like and how to navigate it with purpose. Cheryl Norris is the founder of the Bakes by Brown Sugar baking blog, where she specializes in baked goods for the homebaker. She combines her technical background as a mechanical engineer and self-taught baker to write detailed recipes and explain the baking science behind her recipes. She lives in Porltand, OR with her husband. She recently left her full time job and now operates her food blog full time. In addition to her business, Cheryl loves to travel. Her favorite city is Paris, but her favorite food country is Japan. She also loves to read and is always up to learning something new. Cheryl's story is raw, honest, and deeply helpful for anyone dreaming of going full time. She walks through the emotional and logistical challenges of leaving a 37 year career, the mindset shift that changed everything, and the systems that helped her step into entrepr

Natalie Battaglia teaches us simple and sustainable Instagram growth strategies that attract loyal followers without burnout. Natalie Battaglia is the founder of The Mindful Mocktail, a blog and Instagram community dedicated to helping people celebrate without alcohol. What began as a way to share simple, beautiful mocktails has grown into a global destination for wellness-inspired drinks that anyone can make at home. Through her website, social channels, and book The Mindful Mocktail, Nat inspires people to drink mindfully, explore new flavors, and find joy in the ritual of making a beautiful drink. If you are tired of shouting into the Instagram void, this conversation will feel like oxygen. Natalie breaks down the exact behaviors that helped her build a global brand, including the five minute reel that brought in more than two hundred thousand followers. She offers clear, doable strategies for retention, repurposing, analytics, and building true community so you can grow with intention instead of pressure.

Hanelore Dumitrache explains Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and what bloggers must change now to stay visible in an AI driven search world. Hanelore is a food blogger, AI strategist, and founder of the tech startup Whimzi AI. She helps creators and businesses future-proof their work through innovative, human-centered AI solutions. Hanelore is also the creator of AEO Audits, a pioneering framework that teaches bloggers how to stay visible in AI-driven search. Her mission is to make AI approachable, practical, and genuinely exciting for everyone. Search has transformed and AI engines no longer rely on rigid keyword matching. Instead, they understand intent, context and entities in a way traditional SEO cannot cover alone. Hanelore breaks down AEO, the new optimization approach that helps search engines correctly interpret your content and surface it inside AI answers. She explains why bloggers are losing traffic, what AEO does differently, and the exact shifts you can begin making today to prepare your blog f

Megan chats with Lindsay Pinchuk about simplifying your marketing through her SWEEP framework so you can finally stay consistent without burning out. Lindsay is an award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, and small business mentor who's among the less than 1% of female founders to successfully lead her company through an acquisition. She built her first company, Bump Club and Beyond, from just $500 into a 7-figure brand with partnerships that included Target, Nordstrom, Huggies, and Unilever, reaching over 3 million people every month before selling the business to a large agency holding company. Today, Lindsay is the founder of Dear FoundHer..., a top 0.5% podcast and community supporting women business owners over 40. Through her podcast, newsletter, mentorship program, and her signature SWEEP framework, she helps entrepreneurs simplify their marketing, grow their businesses, and build long-term success. She built a seven figure business without an ad budget, and the strategy behind it is surprisingly simple

Megan chats with Megan Flatt about how your hormone cycle affects your ability to focus and the simple shifts that let you work smarter, protect your brain and get bigger results by doing less. Megan Flatt is the founder of Let's Collective, a business strategy firm helping entrepreneurs achieve more revenue, time, and fulfillment—without the hustle. Megan is also the author of Focused: Reclaim Your Time, Ditch Overwhelm, and Do Less Better, where she blends research and practical strategies to help people do less, better. When she's not strategizing, Megan can be found with a stack of romance novels, a fresh set of office supplies and usually a latte. Learn more at letscollective.co This episode reframes productivity in a way that feels sane again. Megan explains what actually helps your brain focus, why multitasking backfires, and how to plan in cycles that match your energy and biology. She digs into the default mode network, the value of "done" definitions, and the three step planning framework she uses w

Tasheena Womack teaches us how to break free from perfectionism, reframe failure and build the kind of mindset that makes you unstoppable. Tasheena founded Simply Tasheena in 2011 as a lifestyle blog that has since partnered with major brands including Disney, Goya®, Hilton, Mazda, and Kodak. With a Master's degree in Organizational Management and Leadership, she has built multiple successful ventures and spoken at over 100 organizations throughout the tri-state area. Tasheena specializes in helping entrepreneurs develop the mindset strategies needed to transform creative passions into sustainable businesses. She strives to empower others with practical tools for entrepreneurial success and personal growth. Tasheena talks about shifting out of fear, treating mistakes as data, creating an evidence file, and taking bold action without waiting for things to be perfect. If you have felt stuck, hesitant or discouraged lately, this episode will clear that fog fast. It is the kind of mindset reset that changes how y

Megan chats to Kat Duncan about sustainable organic traffic and why intentional content, email strategy and high volume output matter more than chasing trends. Kat is the CEO of Honeycomb Media, a women-owned and operated marketing agency that works primarily with food bloggers. Passionate about marketing and social media from a young age, Kat has spent the past five years helping bloggers grow their online presence. Under her leadership, Honeycomb Media has become especially strong at driving organic traffic for food bloggers. She lives on the coast of South Carolina with her husband and their two kids. Kat loves that her work revolves around food and is dedicated to giving bloggers the tools and support they need to succeed in such a competitive space. She breaks down the platforms that actually move the needle right now and why food bloggers should lean into email, Pinterest, social search and consistent publishing. She shares what is working for clients across Honeycomb Media, how to approach Newsbreak an

Hannah Holzum teaches us about what it really feels like to start a food blog in 2025 and why courage, community and simple systems matter more than anything. Hannah is a registered dietitian and food blogger who shares healthy, balanced takes on family favorites. As a mom of three daughters, she knows firsthand how busy weeknights can be, so she focuses on creating recipes that are simple, nourishing, and kid-approved. Her goal is to help families enjoy mealtime together without the stress of cooking multiple dishes. She is only ten months into her blogging journey, but she has already built systems, invested in smart help, and navigated the overwhelm that comes with being brand new. She walks through the mindset shifts that helped her move forward quickly, the early investments that paid off, and the importance of ignoring traffic obsession in favor of serving real people. If you are starting a blog or thinking about it, you will walk away feeling braver, clearer and less alone. Key points discussed include

Megan chats with social media strategist Shannon McKinstrie about creating Instagram stories that actually convert, without overthinking, overproducing, or burning out. Shannon McKinstrie is a social media mentor & strategist on a mission to eliminate the neverending content-creation guesswork and overwhelm so business owners can actually enjoy promoting their business and engaging with their audience on social platforms without burning out. If Instagram stories intimidate you or feel like another box to check, this episode will change your mind. Shannon McKinstrie breaks down the art of storytelling on Instagram in a way that's approachable, human, and fun. She shares her three-story formula, engagement hacks that feel natural, and simple ways to connect with your audience beyond recipes. You'll learn how to show up consistently, grow your visibility, and build trust with your followers. No perfection required. Key points discussed include: - Start simple: Three stories a day is all you need to build tra

Molly Patrick teaches us about creating a values-driven business through genuine connection, radical honesty, and community that sustains itself without ads, gimmicks, or burnout. Molly is the co-founder of Clean Food Dirty Girl, a global community known for its honest, inclusive approach to plant-based living. Raised off-grid in New Mexico, Molly learned early to value simplicity, hard work, and humor - principles that still shape her work today. A lifelong vegetarian and vegan since 2010, she has been alcohol- and cigarette-free since 2015 and now lives on the island of Maui, leading a thriving movement that helps people eat more plants and live more intentionally. For over a decade, Molly has built a thriving global community around eating more plants, not through viral hacks or paid ads, but through heart, storytelling, and trust. She has turned authenticity into strategy and connection into sustainability. In this conversation, she and Megan dive deep into what makes communities stick, how to serve befor

Megan chats with Zoe Forestier about using structure, batching, and mindful planning to protect your energy, sustain creativity, and actually enjoy the blogging journey, especially during high-pressure seasons. Zoe is the voice behind Girl Meets Fire, where she shares Puerto Rican recipes with a global audience. Her work blends tradition with modern strategies, from food photography to SEO-driven content planning. Alongside the blog, she developed the Firestarter Planner, a tool designed to help food bloggers streamline their workflows, track ideas, and stay consistent without burning out. Her passion lies in making content creation manageable and sustainable for fellow bloggers. Food blogging can feel like juggling a dozen spinning plates. Zoe has found a system that keeps her grounded. She shares how she uses planning as both a productivity and mindset tool. From batching content before Q4 chaos to color-coding creative focus, she teaches us how organization can actually spark more joy.  Key points discusse

Rachel Cunliffe teaches us about transforming a cluttered website into a calm, focused space that serves both you and your readers. Rachel is the founder of Cre8d Design, a web design and development studio that helps creators and businesses build websites that are beautiful, clean, user-friendly, and fast. Cre8d has worked in the space for over two decades, specializing in custom WordPress design, audience experience, and content strategy. At Cre8d, the team partners closely with clients to clarify their goals, organize their content, and create websites that genuinely reflect who they are and that people love to use. Their work blends thoughtful design, modern tech, and a deep respect for the people behind the websites. Over time, even the best food blogs start to feel like overstuffed pantries: too many ingredients, not enough order. Web designer Rachel Cunliffe joins us to explain how to know when it's time for a redesign and how to approach it with clarity, calm, and intention. She breaks down the proces

Megan chats with Diane Woodford about living a life led by love, embracing purpose in uncertainty, and why the most powerful thing food bloggers can do right now is be deeply human. Diane Woodford is a retired critical healthcare professional and educator. She is also a published author, speaker, philanthropist, co-host of Love Drops Podcast, creator of Paths2transformation website, and world traveler. With a deep commitment to serving humanity, Diane focuses on mentoring young women and raising the energy wherever she goes. Diane is currently traveling around Europe with her husband Charles on a remarkable journey, embodying love in action as One Love Ambassadors spreading love at every stop while making incredible human connections. Diane Woodford shares her journey of traveling the world with her husband, Charles, spreading compassion and human connection wherever they go. From overcoming near tragedy to offering hope through storytelling, Diane reminds us that love is the ultimate creative force and the o

Megan chats with Melissa Seideman about turning your email list into your most powerful marketing tool, no algorithm required. Melissa is a former 15-year history teacher and the CEO of Not Another Virtual Assistant (NAVA). She helps busy entrepreneurs, especially fellow CEO moms, take the stress out of marketing so they can focus on what they do best. NAVA provides strategic email marketing solutions that drive consistent sales and build strong customer relationships, all while freeing up valuable time. Your email list is more than a newsletter. It's your most reliable business asset. Melissa shares how to use it to consistently drive traffic, boost engagement, and make money. Learn how to build irresistible opt-ins, segment your audience, design engaging weekly emails, and monetize strategically. Whether you're just starting or ready to revamp your entire system, this conversation will give you a blueprint for sustainable email success. Key points discussed include: Email over algorithm: Stop waiting for so

"Someday" is a myth that keeps you waiting. This episode helps you trade it for today and finally take that first step. I used to say "someday" all the time: someday I'll write a book, someday I'll slow down, someday I'll care for myself. But someday never came until I created space and just started. That's when everything shifted. This episode is a reminder that life isn't waiting for later. It's happening now. Action Steps: Spot your some days: Notice where you're delaying dreams with the word someday. Reframe the myth: Understand that perfect conditions will never arrive. Take one step today: Write a sentence, go for a walk, or block an hour. Choose presence: Replace waiting with courage and simple daily action. Build now, not later: Remember freedom is created in today's choices, not in tomorrow's promises. Join the email list for Take The Exit - Be the first to step inside the story! More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram

Destini Copp teaches us how to transform your knowledge into scalable, automated income streams that sell while you sleep. Dr. Copp is a business growth coach and digital product strategist. She helps business owners turn their digital products into consistent, scalable revenue using growth flywheels and AI-powered systems. If you've ever thought about creating a digital product but weren't sure where to start (or what to do when one flops) this episode is your go-to guide. Destini shares how to identify your best product idea, craft an irresistible mini-course or ebook, and design sales funnels that work. You'll also learn how to simplify your tech, monetize your newsletter, and infuse more of you into every offer. Key points discussed include: Start with a spark: Choose a product that aligns with your passion and expertise - it will sustain you long-term. Mini-courses win: Short, actionable workshops build connection and can't be replicated by AI. Lead magnets that convert: Begin with a simple freebie, then

Megan chats with Eat Blog Talk community manager Taryn Solie about what's truly working in food blogging right now, what's not, and the big changes coming to Eat Blog Talk in 2026. This candid conversation pulls back the curtain on the current food blogging landscape: what's thriving, what's fading, and how Megan and Taryn are evolving Eat Blog Talk to better serve the community. If you've felt the turbulence of 2025's AI and algorithm shifts, this one will help you recalibrate, refocus, and reconnect. Key points discussed include: Community is your lifeline: Stop going it alone, connection is non-negotiable for success. Email is the new MVP: Taryn shares creative, low-lift ways to grow your list and diversify income. Video builds trust: Why showing your face (or at least your voice) can future-proof your brand. Experiment boldly: Short-term tests and gut-led creativity can reveal long-term wins. Consistency is queen: From publishing to relationships, it's the decade-long growth driver. Diversify with intenti

Fear often feels like a stop sign, but it's really a doorway. This episode shows you how to step through it toward freedom and growth. Fear has kept me stuck in places I didn't belong, like a toxic corporate job I should've left long before I was fired. But that loss became one of the best gifts of my life. Fear is not the enemy. It's a signal pointing to where growth lives. In this episode, I invite you to see fear differently and take a brave step forward. Action Steps: Reframe fear: Recognize it as a signal, not a stop sign. Identify the doorway: Ask what opportunity your fear might be pointing to. Take a small step: Write one line, send one email, or lift one weight. Practice saying no: Release fear of disappointing others with one simple no. Act with fear beside you: Remember courage is action taken even with fear present. Join the email list for Take The Exit - Be the first to step inside the story! More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram