Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

A practical guide to reframing negative thought patterns and inviting more joy, peace, and success into your daily life through intentional mental shifts. Today, I want to dive into the way we talk to ourselves and the narratives we create in our minds. Our brains are naturally wired to focus on the negative—but here’s the good news: we have the power to rewrite that narrative. In this episode, I’m sharing five transformative strategies to help you reframe your thoughts and invite more joy into your everyday life. Action Plan: 1 - Flip the “What If” Spiral: Challenge negative what-if scenarios by intentionally creating positive, empowering alternative narratives. 2 - Rewrite Your Personal Stories: Recognize that the stories you tell yourself are often assumptions, and consciously choose more compassionate interpretations. 3 - Refuse Negative Talk: Disengage from gossip and complaints, instead redirecting conversations towards positivity and inspiration. 4 - Shift “I Have To” to “I Get To”: Transform obligatio

In episode 687, Megan chats to Anna Dearmon Kornick about why a Weekly Planning Session is the best time management tip to start overcoming overwhelm and hitting our goals. Anna Dearmon Kornick is a highly sought after time management coach and keynote speaker, top 1% globally ranked podcast host of It's About Time, and founder of the It’s About Time Academy. A true Louisiana firecracker who has become known for making time management fun, Anna helps busy professionals and business owners struggling with overwhelm manage their time using her personality-driven HEART Method. In this episode, you’ll discover how to revolutionize your time management by creating a personalized weekly planning system for your food blogging business, including the best tools to use and strategies for building habits that last. Key points discussed include: - Weekly Planning is Critical: A consistent weekly planning session can help you anticipate challenges and create smoother transitions between tasks and responsibilities. - Cust

In episode 686, Christine Van Bloem shares how she was able to thrive in her niche and diversify her revenue after losing her cooking school in 2020, fighting against giving up on life post-50. Christine Van Bloem is the owner and head cook in The Empty Nest Kitchen, where she teaches empty nesters how to cook for one or two, while finding the fun in cooking with a healthy-ish vibe. She is also the creator of Menopause Meal Plans, providing tasty weekly menus utilizing the Mediterranean Diet for perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. Christine completed her Culinary Medicine Medical Provider (CCMP) certification and also hosts popular monthly online classes through AARP and the Empty Nest Kitchen podcast. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a reliable income from your food business (without relying on ad revenue), why your niche plays a critical role in diversifying your business and how to rise above personal hardships. Key points discussed include: - Diversification is Key: Explore mu

Have you ever considered attending an in-person retreat with like-minded individuals? In this episode, I talk through 5 major mindset shifts I’ve experienced from attending retreats and how they have impacted my bus I’m super excited to share with you the incredible mindset benefits I’ve discovered from hosting and attending in-person retreats. These aren’t just your typical business events - they’re life-changing experiences that can completely shift how you see yourself and your potential. If you’ve ever felt stuck or isolated in your entrepreneurial journey, this episode is going to open your eyes to the magic of stepping out of your comfort zone. Action Plan: 1 - The power of in-person connections: Creating deep, meaningful relationships beyond virtual networking. 2 - Changing the way we talk to ourselves: Challenging and rewriting negative self-talk narrative. 3 - Identifying blind spots that are holding you back: Getting fresh perspectives from peer. 4 - The confidence boost that comes from external val

In episode 684, Chelsea Cole teaches us how to creatively manage our time and build a successful business—all while navigating the challenges of first-time parenting. Chelsea Cole is a cookbook author, food blogger, and founder of The Cookbook Lab, a course that teaches self-publishing cookbooks. Her website, A Duck’s Oven, focuses on sous vide cooking. She has written two cookbooks, Everyday Sous Vide and Sous Vide Meal Prep and her third, "A Feast of Thorns and Roses," a fan cookbook inspired by the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series, comes out April 1st. She currently lives outside of Portland, Oregon with her husband, son, and daughter on the way. In this episode, you’ll discover strategies for balancing your blog, launching new ventures like writing a cookbook, and embracing first-time parenthood—so you can keep growing your business while showing up for your family. Key points discussed include: - Strategic Outsourcing: Sometimes you have to know when to ask for help. Chelsea’s smart move of delegatin

In episode 683, Chad Allen delivers a game-changing strategy that could transform the way food bloggers think about growing their email lists: the powerful and often overlooked technique of email swaps Chad R. Allen is a writer, speaker, editor, and writing coach. A 25-year publishing professional, he has worked with such bestselling authors as Michael Hyatt, Caroline Leaf, Mark Batterson, and Phyllis Tickle. He is the creator of BookCamp, a training center and community for writers, as well as Book Proposal Academy, an online course. His passion is helping writers craft must-read books that reach large audiences, and he blogs at http://www.chadrallen.com/. In this episode, you’ll learn about email swaps, how they can benefit you, and how to execute them effectively so you can get high-quality, valuable email subscribers. Key points discussed include: - Email is essential: You need an email list to build a solid business because social media is “rented property”. - Anyone can do an email swap: It is best to s

Discipline and freedom go hand in hand - implementing structure in your life can unlock creativity, joy, and long-term success. As entrepreneurs, we can have all the goals, dreams, and good intentions in the world, but without discipline, none of it matters. Lately, I’ve been reading The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin, and one section on discipline really stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me that discipline isn’t about restriction - it’s about creating the freedom to do what we truly love. Let’s dive into five ways you can build more discipline into your life! Action Plan: 1 - Define Your Non-Negotiables: Get clear on what absolutely must happen in your business and life - treat these like brushing your teeth, no excuses. 2 - Create a System, Not Just a Goal: Goals are great, but systems are what keep you moving forward - set up routines that make discipline automatic. 3 - Time Block Like a Pro: Structure your schedule intentionally, dedicating specific time blocks to deep work, content creatio

In episode 681, Megan chats to Megan Keno about key aspects of her 15-year blogging journey that have led to her success, including knowing where to spend your time and when to pivot. Megan is creator and CEO of Homemade Home, a veteran 15 year old food blog, focused on every day elevated dishes and cast iron cooking. Megan is also a cast member of season 4 of FOX's Next Level Chef with Gordon Ramsay. Oh yeah, and he has her cookbook. In this episode, you’ll learn about building a sustainable food blogging business while maintaining authenticity, and why saying ‘yes’ to unexpected opportunities can determine the future of your blog. Key points discussed include: - Authenticity is Key: Staying true to yourself creates opportunities and resonates with your audience. - Slow and Steady Wins: Consistency and intentional content creation are more important than viral trends. - Platform Strategy: Focus on social media platforms where you naturally enjoy consuming content, rather than spreading yourself thin. - Rebra

In episode 680, Coley Gaffney teaches us how to deal with mental health struggles like anxiety and depression while running a food blog. Nicole "Coley" Gaffney is a professionally trained chef and content creator behind the website Coley Cooks. She specializes in seafood and Italian cuisine, and previously had her own business as a personal chef and caterer. Coley has made numerous television appearances, including on QVC, The Rachael Ray Show, The Today Show, and most notably, was 2nd runner up on season 10 of Food Network Star. Coley lives at the southern Jersey shore with her husband and pup, and is passionate about helping people connect through food. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize and address mental health issues without relying on therapy, and why understanding food blogging as a long game is essential to keep a healthy balance with your blog. Key points discussed include: - Mental health struggles are common: Experiencing mental health challenges is a normal part of life, and sharing ex

Here are five practical ways to slow down and savor life, helping you create more balance, joy, and mindfulness in your personal and entrepreneurial journey. Life moves FAST, doesn’t it? If we’re not careful, we get swept up in the hustle, always chasing the next thing, and suddenly, we realize we haven’t truly enjoyed our days. I’ve been there, pushing, striving, and forgetting to pause. But this year, I’m making a conscious effort to slow down, reflect, and soak in life’s little joys. If you’re feeling stretched thin, you are NOT alone. Let’s do this together! Here are five ways we can all slow down and savor life. Action Plan: 1 - Prioritize What Matters Most: Do a time audit, set boundaries, and make sure your daily actions reflect what’s truly important. 2 - Be Mindful in the Present Moment: Take a deep breath, engage your senses, and stop letting distractions pull you away from what really matters. 3 - Simplify Your Day: Clear the clutter from your schedule, cut out unnecessary tasks, and create routine

In episode 678, Megan Porta chats with McKenna Pulda, Emily Christensen, and Amy Coyne about how to successfully collaborate on a cookbook. McKenna Pulda is a former choir teacher turned sourdough enthusiast, recipe developer, and mom of two. After receiving her first sourdough starter 4 years ago, her love for baking quickly turned into a passion for creating delicious, from-scratch recipes with a sourdough twist. Since starting her blog, Simplicity and a Starter, in 2023, McKenna has shared 150+ tried-and-true sourdough recipes and also co-authored a cookbook, Our Sourdough Table, featuring long-fermented and quick sourdough recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Emily is the creator and voice behind Country Roads Sourdough, where she shares tried-and-true sourdough bread and discard recipes, along with helpful sourdough tips and techniques. After leaving her corporate brand management career to become a stay-at-home mom, she quickly realized she needed a creative outlet and began hosting local so

In episode 677, Debra Eckerling teaches us how to start a successful podcast or live stream by leveraging our existing food blog content and audience. Debra Eckerling is a goal-strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster. The creator of The DEB Method for goal-setting simplified, Debra works with individuals, teams, and businesses on personal and professional projects, networking strategy, and book/book proposal development. She hosts GoalChatLive/GoalChat and the Taste Buds with Deb podcasts, and is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting." In this episode, you’ll learn how to break through common barriers and launch a podcast or live show that supports your brand and expands your reach. Key points discussed include: - Podcasting doesn’t have to be perfect: You don’t need expensive equipment or flawless execution—just start recording and sharing your content. - Time management is key: Look at your current schedule and find ways to eliminate ta

Building consistency in your habits is the key to long-term success - learn five simple steps to make habits stick, even when life gets in the way. There’s so much power in being consistent with your habits, and it’s not about being perfect or overly ambitious. It’s about showing up, even in small ways, every single day. I recently read a quote that really stuck with me: "Forming good habits isn't about being perfect, it's about being more of who you are." That hit me hard because when we build habits that align with who we truly are, they become effortless and life-changing. Let’s break it down into five steps so you can build habits that stick for the long haul! Action Plan: 1 - Start Small and Build Gradually: Begin with tiny, manageable habits and gradually build on them. 2 - Make Habits Non-Negotiable: Treat your habit as a must-do part of your day, no exceptions. 3 - Track Your Progress and Celebrate Wins: Use a tracker and celebrate small wins to stay motivated. 4 - Stay Committed Even When Results Are

In episode 675, Megan chats to Laura Piper about how to leverage Pinterest Trends to increase your visibility and drive more traffic to your food blog. Laura Piper is a Pinterest expert who works exclusively with food bloggers. Her mission is to help them make Pinterest their #1 traffic source without feeling frustrated or overwhelmed. Using her proven Pinterest strategies, along with in-depth Pinterest trends and keyword insights, she simplifies the platform for food bloggers, allowing them to focus on what they love most—creating amazing new recipes. In this episode, we break down practical strategies for using Pinterest Trends effectively, helping you create timely content that reaches the right audience at the right moment. Key points discussed include: - Pinterest Trends is a goldmine: This free tool helps you identify what people are searching for and when to publish your content for maximum impact. - Use seasonal trends to your advantage: Find emerging trends early to ensure your content gains traction

In episode 674, Alicia Gonzalez Tome teaches us practical strategies for managing time efficiently, optmizing for SEO and balancing life and blogging - especially as a part-time blogger. Alicia Gonzalez Tome is a GF & DF nomad foodie who loves nature and sports. She had a thyroid disorder that led her to change her diet and was part of her natural recovery from this autoimmune disease. Originally from Spain and based in Australia since 2017, she is constantly traveling and currently living in her campervan along the NSW coast. In this episode, you'll learn key strategies for efficiently managing a food blog, from photography tips to time management strategies, while keeping balance in your life. Key points discussed include: - Be intentional with content: Focus on high-volume keywords and recipes that will drive traffic to your blog. - Use the right tools: Investing in tools like RankIQ, SEMrush, and the Feast plugin can save time and boost efficiency. - Batch content creation: Plan ahead and shoot multip

Stop letting negative thoughts and words hold you back—this episode explores five things to stop saying and thinking to create a more positive, fulfilling life. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of our words and thoughts. What we tell ourselves shapes our reality, and sometimes, we don’t even realize how much negativity we let in. I recently made a commitment to be more intentional about the things I say and think—and let me tell you, it’s not always easy! But the shifts I’ve noticed already are incredible. If you want to create a better future for yourself, join me as we talk about five things to stop saying and thinking so you can start seeing real change. Action Plan: 1 - Stop complaining about things you can't control. Complaining drains your energy and keeps you stuck. Instead, focus on gratitude and actionable solutions. 2 - Stop gossiping about others. Gossip creates negativity and doesn’t serve you. Shift conversations to positive or productive topics. 3 - Stop making excuses. Excuses h

In episode 672, Megan chats to Dana Shrager about how to stand out in today’s crowded online food blogging space by embracing authenticity and developing a unique voice. Dana Shrager is the recipe creator at Dana’s Table, where she shares recipes for Jewish holidays and healthy-ish family dinners. She started a recipe website 13 years ago to share recipes with family and friends. Three years ago, she rebranded and began running her site full-time. Now, she helps readers from around the world feel confident cooking and gathering loved ones around their holiday tables. In this episode, you'll learn how to develop a distinct blogging voice, build trust with your audience, and create content that resonates in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Key points discussed include: - Find Your Unique Point of View: Defining your niche and personal style helps you stand out among the many food blogs online. - Authenticity Matters: Readers connect more with real, relatable content rather than polished perfection. - Commu

In episode 671, Amy Coyne teaches us the exact strategies she used to rapidly grow her sourdough blog, Amy Bakes Bread, from 100,000 to 10 million page views in just 2 years. Amy Coyne is a sourdough teacher, recipe developer, and mom to four awesome kiddos. She has grown her website over the last two years from 100K pageviews in 2022 to almost 10 million pageviews at the end of 2024. She shares tried-and-true sourdough recipes on her website and with her Instagram and social media communities. In this episode, you'll learn how Amy leveraged Instagram, built a strong community, deeply engaging with her audience, and strategically optimizing her blog to drive millions of page views. Key points discussed include: - Don’t underestimate consistency: Amy posted daily on Instagram for over a year, which significantly contributed to her growth. - Engage with your audience: She prioritized answering followers’ questions and tailoring content to their needs. - Leverage social media for blog traffic: Instagram played a

Struggling with overthinking? In this episode, Megan shares five powerful strategies to stop ruminating and reclaim your mental clarity. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of overthinking, replaying past conversations, or worrying about things you can’t control—trust me, I’ve been there. Recently, my business coach called me out on how my own thoughts were draining me, not the external events I blamed. It was a wake-up call! So today, I’m sharing five simple but effective ways to break free from rumination and get back to a place of peace and productivity. Let’s put an end to the mental spirals together! Action Plan: 1 - Meditation: A simple daily habit to quiet the mind and break the overthinking cycle. 2 - Journaling: Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper for instant clarity. 3 - Healthy Distractions: Shift your focus with an activity that keeps your mind engaged. 4 - Reframing & Resetting: Catch negative thoughts and flip the script to regain control. 5 - Change Your Environment:

In episode 669, Megan chats to Chris Panteli about how food bloggers can build high-quality backlinks and boost their domain authority using digital PR strategies. Chris Panteli is the co-founder of Linkifi, a digital PR link-building agency that specializes in securing high-quality media links for clients. His entrepreneurial journey took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 33, leading him to sell his family's fish and chip shop business. Panteli holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Economics from the University of Liverpool. In January 2022, Panteli co-founded Linkifi, which rapidly grew to generate $50,000 per month within its first year. The agency focuses on responding to PR requests from journalists on behalf of clients, helping them secure valuable online links and enhance their SEO performance. Panteli is also a podcast host, co-hosting "Market Movers: Building Brands and Links with Linkifi," where he shares insights on branding, SEO, and link-building strategies. His