Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

Megan chats with Julie Gaeta about turning hardship into strength through intentional habits, grounded mindset work, and resilience that fuels both life and business. She runs Becoming You with Julie, where she shares plant-based recipes, wellness tips, and mindset strategies to help people feel good. After going through a divorce after 22 years, she rebuilt her life and business from the ground up, which taught her how critical mindset is for success. She’s a holistic health coach, mom of nine, and working on growing her brand into a sustainable business. When Julie’s 22-year marriage ended, she started over with nine kids and a dream. What followed was a journey of deep mindset work, structure, and purpose that transformed her life and blog. Julie shares simple practices for protecting energy, creating momentum, and moving forward, no matter what’s fallen apart. Key points discussed include: Reset your life with clarity: Reflect on what you truly want—and what no longer serves you. Habits ground the chaos:

Laura Ashley Johnson teaches us what it takes to push through massive setbacks and rebuild a thriving food blog with grit, faith, and community. Dinner in 321 is a place for food and nutrition inspiration for cooks of all levels, busy families and food lovers! It’s Laura Ashley’s mission to make cooking fun, share delicious and nutritious recipes (comfort food, crockpot meals, casseroles, southern cooking, and nostalgic recipes), and spread joy! She’s a Kentucky girl now Texan, married, with two kids (one graduate from A&M now a chemical engineer and the other graduating in May in Computer Science from Texas Tech), and a dog named Butter and cat named Newman. She LOVES cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling to NYC, camping in their Airstream, everything Fall and Christmas, and simply spending time at home with her family. Laura Ashley Johnson faced every blogger’s nightmare twice: her website was hijacked for illegal activity and her Facebook audience of nearly half a million was stolen by hackers. In

If your voice has grown faint under the noise of everyone else’s needs, this episode shows you how to tune back in and hear yourself again. There was a season when my voice felt almost gone. Muted by all the demands around me. I didn’t even realize how quiet it had gotten until it was taken away in a painful way. But that loss sparked something powerful and eventually led to creating Eat Blog Talk. If you’ve ever wondered “Where am I in all of this?” then this episode is for you. Action Steps: Ask gentle questions: Pause daily and ask “What do I need right now?” Listen for whispers: Your true voice usually returns as nudges, not shouts. Try journaling: Let your thoughts spill onto paper without editing. Take quiet walks: Go tech-free and notice what surfaces in silence. Release performance mode: Shift from living for others to partnering with your own truth. Join the email list for Take The Exit - Be the first to step inside the story! More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram

Megan chats with Emma Dunham about weaving emotion, story, and simple styling into your food photography so your images connect deeply with your audience and inspire action. Emma Dunham is an award-winning food photographer, author, and founder of The Food Photography Academy. She helps bloggers, photographers, content creators, and food professionals shoot, style, and curate scroll-stopping images that elevate their brand and support their business goals. Through commercial work, creative retreats, and training thousands online, she has built a business around bridging the gap between brilliant storytelling and the visuals to match.  Photography is one of the most powerful tools in a food blogger’s business. In this episode, you’ll learn why your camera gear matters less than you think and how to create images that spark emotion and stop the scroll. Emma shares pitfalls to avoid, the three essential angles to use, and the must-have items to keep in your kit bag. Key points discussed include: Lead with emotio

Nicole Kelley teaches us how to use simple, smart ads to amplify what’s already working in your blogging business without wasting time or money. She is a marketing strategist who helps creative entrepreneurs turn their BEST content into consistent traffic, leads, and sales using Facebook and Instagram ads. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Nicole specializes in building simple, high-converting ad funnels that work behind the scenes, so her clients can spend less time posting and more time creating. She’s worked with bloggers, coaches, and small business owners to grow their audiences, launch digital products, and create sustainable revenue streams without relying on the social media grind. Nicole explains how to stop fearing ads and start using them to grow traffic, email lists, and product sales. She shows us why ads aren’t a sign of failure but a lever for scale, and how even $5 a day can create momentum. Key points discussed include: - Mindset shift: Ads aren’t a sign of failure, they’

Carrying around endless “shoulds” can feel like a crushing backpack of pebbles. This episode helps you set them down and trade them for truth and freedom. For years I lived under the weight of “shoulds”. I should stay in this job, I should be more grateful, I should run my business like they do. It left me exhausted, resentful, and depleted. When I started questioning those shoulds, everything changed. In this conversation, I’ll walk you through how to swap shoulds for wants and lighten your load. Action Steps: -Notice your shoulds: Pay attention to how often they creep into your thoughts. -Question the rules: Ask whether a should truly belongs to you or if it’s borrowed. -Swap language: Replace “I should” with “I want” or “I choose” and feel the difference. -Write them down: Identify three shoulds and rewrite them into aligned wants or no’s. -Seek truth, not perfection: Remember that freedom comes from living your own definition of success. Join the email list for Take The Exit - Be the first to step inside

Megan chats to Elena Davis about how to weather algorithm storms, refresh content with intention, and lean into authentic connection to keep growth alive. Cucina by Elena is a food blog for simple, high-quality, and flavorful Italian, American, Mexican-inspired, and Mediterranean recipes. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal, a nostalgic family dish, or a stunning dessert, my recipes are made to be approachable, delicious, packed with real ingredients, and full of love. If you believe in the power of simple recipes that connect, comfort, and inspire, you’re in the right place!  Elena shares her story of perseverance after multiple algorithm hits. She reveals the strategies that helped her revive traffic, from updating posts to leaning into community and experimenting with video and AI. Key points discussed include: - Community is the safety net: When algorithms shift and traffic tanks, it’s your readers who will carry you through. - Update old content: Refreshing posts is often more powerful than

Jamie I.F. talks about what it was like losing $80K a month in affiliate revenue, rebuilding from the ground up, and what keyword research really looks like in the age of AI. He is a former affiliate SEO who once scaled to $80,000 per month before the HCU update brought that down to nearly zero. Now, Jamie focuses on building software for SEOs and other niches. One of his tools, Answer Socrates, helps bloggers generate thousands of topic ideas and cluster them into organized groups so they can focus on the fun part: writing. By leveraging SEO, Jamie has grown the tool to over 100K monthly users and has also found creative ways to drive traffic through platforms like Reddit. Jamie shares the wild ride from skyrocketing affiliate earnings to starting over after Google’s updates. He teaches us how to approach keyword research differently in the AI era, how Reddit is reshaping SEO, and why feelings, not just facts, win traffic today. Key points discussed include: Affiliate highs and lows: One decision brought in

Sometimes life looks abundant from the outside, but inside you may feel numb or empty. This episode explores why that happens and how to rediscover sparks of aliveness. I’ve been in that place where everything looked good on paper - my calendar was full, my family cared for, my fridge stocked - yet inside I felt hollow. It’s confusing and even scary to admit that emptiness when you think you should feel grateful. But that ache isn’t a flaw, it’s an invitation. In this episode, I share stories and practices that helped me follow sparks of joy back to a life that feels alive again. Action Steps: - Pause and breathe: Notice that emptiness isn’t a sign you’re broken, but a signal to pay attention. - Reframe fulfillment: Recognize that abundance outside doesn’t guarantee fullness inside. - Notice sparks: Watch for small moments that stir joy, then let yourself follow them. - Try simple practices: Step barefoot in the grass, sing in your car, or sip tea without distractions. - Say no when needed: Protect your energ

Molly Madigan Pisula teaches us how to plan vacations as a blogger so you can unplug, recharge, and come back stronger without the stress of reentry. Molly is a food blogger and food photographer. After beginning her career in the corporate world of high-tech marketing, she decided to forge a new path in the food industry. She received her certificate in French pastry, then opened a small business as a personal chef. For over 12 years as a chef, Molly cooked weekly meals for busy families, taught cooking classes, and catered small events. Now Molly runs the recipe blog, Vanilla Bean Cuisine, featuring French-inspired seasonal recipes for both everyday and entertaining. Time away from your business is essential, but most of us dread the chaos that comes before and after. This episode is a roadmap for prepping your blog, managing your mindset, and creating smooth reentry so vacations actually feel restful. Key points discussed include: - Prep ahead with purpose: Why doing more than just one week of work pays of

Kim Cauti talks about how chronic illness reshaped her perspective on business, hustle culture, and why prioritizing health can actually fuel growth in unexpected ways. Kim is a food blogger, photographer, and content creator focused on gluten free, high protein "better for you" recipes for people who have chronic illness or are simply looking to treat their bodies better while still eating deliciously! When burnout or illness strikes, it’s tempting to push harder, but slowing down may be the secret to building a stronger, more sustainable business. This episode reveals how honoring your body, creating boundaries, and embracing rest can unlock creativity, clarity, and even bigger results. Key points discussed include: - Rest fuels growth: Why stepping back can increase traffic and revenue. - Boundaries protect energy: How saying no creates space for creativity and healing. - Nervous system care: Simple practices that calm burnout and reduce anxiety. - Food and health connections: Why what you eat directly imp

Explore how raising your standards in small but meaningful ways can elevate your results and transform your business. For years, I thought growth meant doing more, but I’ve realized it’s about doing better. Raising your standards isn’t about perfectionism, it’s about creating a baseline you’re proud of. This shift not only attracts better opportunities but also helps you feel more aligned with your work. Action Steps: - Identify tolerations: Pinpoint three areas where you’ve been settling. - Define your baseline: Decide the minimum you’re willing to accept moving forward. - Upgrade gradually: Tackle one small area at a time until it becomes habit. - Hold yourself accountable: Keep commitments even when no one’s watching. - Pair standards with compassion: Use them to empower, not to shame yourself. More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram Resources Megan’s recommended books and resources

Megan chats with Amy Northard about how to treat your blog like a business, what expenses you can write off, and how to finally feel confident about finances as a food blogger. Amy Northard is the Accountant for Creatives®. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who specializes in working with creative small business owners to make taxes and bookkeeping less stressful. She has a passion for helping small business owners navigate the financial aspects of starting and operating a business so they can focus on their craft. Money can feel overwhelming, but the right systems and mindset will save you stress, time, and money. This episode covers the essential steps to separate hobby from business, make smart financial decisions, and prepare for tax season without panic. Key points discussed include: - Start with separation: Why opening a business bank account is the easiest first step. - Bookkeeping basics: How to track income and expenses without overcomplicating it. - Avoid hobby status: What the IRS looks at

Enza Whiting teaches us about the power of community in food blogging and why finding your people can transform both your business and your joy. She has been a food blogger for about 4 years. This is her second career and her passion. Before this, she was a director for a national insurance company for 34 years. Her website memorializes their traditional family recipes, traditions, and new family favorites. Blogging can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this conversation, we dive into how building a trusted group of peers can accelerate growth, reduce overwhelm, and keep your passion alive. Enza shares her journey from corporate life to blogging and how surrounding herself with supportive peers has been the key to her momentum. Key points discussed include: Community beats isolation: Why blogging becomes more sustainable when you stop doing it alone. Find your circle at conferences: How in-person events can spark lasting relationships. Consistency matters: Meeting regularly keeps accountabili

Learn how to protect your joy and energy during the busiest season so you can hit your goals without burning out. Q4 is such a whirlwind, isn’t it? There’s so much opportunity for growth and revenue, but the pressure can be overwhelming. I’ve been through seasons where I let the busyness steal my joy and leave me depleted by the holidays. I don’t want that for you, so let’s talk about how to guard what matters most this season. Action Plan: - Set non-negotiables: Choose three baseline commitments for your well-being. - Add joy breaks: Infuse small, simple pleasures into your daily workflow. - Ruthlessly prioritize: Focus only on what truly moves the needle this season. -Schedule downtime now: Block rest before the chaos begins and protect it. - Guard your mornings and work time: Keep distractions away so you start strong and stay focused. More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram Resources Megan’s recommended books and resources

Megan chats with Kelsey Smith, who went from beauty YouTuber to successful food blogger, about how to reinvent your blog with intentional pivots and smart systems (instead of giving up completely). Kelsey Smith is the recipe developer and content creator behind By Kelsey Smith, where she shares shortcut, no-fuss comfort food for busy families. Her recipes focus on simple, time-saving ingredients that make homemade cooking feel doable, even on the busiest nights. From no-bake desserts to one-pan meals, everything is designed to minimize effort without sacrificing flavor. Blogging rarely follows a straight path. From beauty YouTube videos to a food blog that now out-earns Kelsey freelance work, this story shows how resilience, systems, and incremental changes can lead to sustainable growth. Key points discussed include: - Pivot with purpose: See how shifting niches can unlock new energy and direction. - Incremental change works: Learn how small, steady steps prevent burnout and create momentum. - Ride the ups

Matt Molen teaches us how to transform email from a dreaded chore into a powerful, money-making, audience-building machine. Matt Molen is the CEO of Email Crush (emailcrush.com) and the creator of Email on Autopilot (emailonautopilot.com), the course that helps creators grow email lists fast, send stuff people actually open, and automate the rest so it runs while you sleep. He’s helped hundreds of bloggers go from “Ugh, I should really send a newsletter…” to “Whoa, email is an awesome traffic driver!” Whether you want to DIY your strategy or hand it off completely, Matt’s your guy. His boutique agency runs email for some of the biggest creators online, the ones whose content you’ve read, bookmarked, or binge-scrolled at 2 a.m. Email can be your strongest growth tool - if you know how to use it. Learn how to send emails with purpose, grow your list with confidence, and see results that truly matter. Key points discussed include: - Why consistency is everything: Learn why sending emails regularly builds trust a

Discover how starting your day by creating before consuming can shift you from reaction mode to creative flow and completely transform your energy. I know how tempting it is to reach for your phone first thing in the morning. I’ve been there too, scrolling emails and feeds before even checking in with myself. But I’ve learned that when I create first, even in the smallest way, everything feels different. This little shift has the power to change your entire day, and I can’t wait to share how. Action Steps: - Anchor your energy: Create before outside noise influences your mindset. - Strengthen your voice: Trust your own ideas by putting them first each morning. - Build self-trust: Just ten minutes of output can spark momentum for the whole day. - Start small: Journal, sketch, record a memo, or open a draft, keep it simple. - Make it stick: Use rituals, trackers, or accountability partners to stay consistent. More from Megan YouTube | Website |  Instagram Resources Megan’s recommended books and resources

Megan chats with Sarah Seeds from Plant Based Ginger about the surprising power of narrowing your focus to grow a loyal audience, attract brand partnerships, and create lasting impact. Sarah Seeds has been plant-based for over 20 years, and nothing makes her happier than getting people to rethink veggies. For her, food is creativity, connection, and a little bit of kitchen magic. Whether it’s turning zucchini into crispy fries, chickpeas into dreamy hummus, or filling your plate with bold, colorful plants, her goal is simple: to help you fall in love with veggies, one delicious bite at a time.  We dig into why doing less can actually help you grow more. Sarah shares how choosing one clear focus transformed her blog, brought exciting brand collaborations, and kept her creative energy alive. If you’ve been resisting niching down, this episode will give you the clarity and motivation you need to move forward with confidence. Key points discussed include: - Start with what you love: Passion is the best fuel for b

Mimi Council talks about her journey from running a bakery for over a decade to building a flourishing food blog rooted in organic, approachable recipes. Mimi Council founded one of the first organic bakeries in the country and ran it for over a decade before selling it. During that time she wrote 3 cookbooks. Now she’s a recipe developer, photographer, and food blogger. She also focuses on recipes for your dog in addition to bakery-style desserts.  This episode offers practical insight for anyone moving from brick-and-mortar food business into blogging. You’ll learn how to translate in-person experience into online success, avoid common pitfalls, and embrace the freedom and creativity that blogging allows. Key points discussed include: - Leverage existing audiences: Carry over loyal customers and social media followers to jump-start blog growth. - Invest in photography skills: Strong visuals build credibility and make recipes irresistible. - Keyword research is the new costing: Just like bakery pricing, keyw