Eat Blog Talk | Megan Porta

In this episode, we're going to talk about five key things entrepreneurs should avoid bringing on vacation in order to truly disconnect and recharge. I get how hard it can be to fully step away from work, even when you know you need a break. From my own experiences, I’ll share some practical tips and strategies to help you protect your vacations and downtime. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a better handle on the mindset shifts and boundaries that’ll let you truly enjoy your time off. That way, you can come back feeling refreshed and ready to go—without the guilt or burnout. Taking the time to unplug is so important for your well-being and the long-term success of your business. Action Plan: 1 - Avoid unfinished to-do lists: They can cause mental clutter and keep you in work mode during vacation. 2 - Don’t bring business guilt: Reframe downtime as an investment in your creativity and productivity. 3 - Avoid digital leashes: Set specific tech boundaries and remove distracting apps to stay disconnected.

In episode 642, Megan chats to Bjork Ostrom about how to protect your time and mental well-being as a creator and business owner, so you can continue producing your best work and building the business you desire. Bjork loves to find ways to maximize potential - of people, of technology, of life. His wife Lindsay started a food blog a few years ago and they decided to do just that - maximize its potential. They hope to share what they've learned with other food bloggers here on Food Blogger Pro. Bjork is a terrible chef. In this episode, you'll discover effective strategies to organize your workday for maximum focus and reduced mental clutter, while also uncovering ways to find deeper fulfillment in your work. Key points discussed include: - Purpose prevents burnout: Clearly define the purpose and mission behind your work to stay motivated and avoid burnout. - Recognize "enough": Determine what "enough" looks like for your business and personal life, and set boundaries accordingly. - Implement effective system

In episode 641, Laura Arnold teaches us how to set realistic goals for SEO in 2025, staying ahead of AI and algorithm changes. Laura Arnold is a New York City-based Emmy-Nominated Culinary Television Producer, Cookbook Consultant, and award-winning Content Creator with over a decade of experience. She currently is the Supervising Culinary Producer for Food Network’s The Kitchen, and has worked previously at ABC’s The Chew, DotDash Meredith, Good Housekeeping, Food52, kitchn.com, and with many more brands. After learning about SEO through several food clients and brands over the past several years, she kept hearing from clients that they wished a food media expert had an SEO consultancy. She then founded Dang Good Digital, her own SEO consulting business specifically for food creators and bloggers to help them grow their brands, sites, and social media exposure. In this episode, you’ll learn how to analyze your content and niche down to get more traction, why it’s worth investing in video, even if it's not per

In this episode, we're going to talk about five healthy distractions that can help you stop focusing on negative thoughts and feelings. As a business owner, wife, and mom, I totally get how easy it is to fall into cycles of stress, overwhelm, and anxiety. I've been there myself—it's tough to climb out of those dark moments. That’s why I’m excited to share some super practical tips you can try in just five minutes to reset your mindset and recharge your energy. Whether you’re feeling a little off or spiraling into full-on stress mode, these simple distractions can help you get back on track. Action Plan: 1 - 5 minutes of moving your body: Engaging in a quick physical activity like dancing, walking, stretching, or strength training can shift your mood and focus. 2 - 5 minutes of creativity: Tapping into your creative side through doodling, writing, or making something can help you get out of a negative mindset. 3 - 5 minutes connecting with a loved one: Reaching out to someone you care about, whether through a

In episode 639, Megan chats to Justin Moore about how to secure, price and carry out brand deals to generate consistent income using Moore’s eight-step process - “the sponsorship wheel framework”. Justin Moore is a Sponsorship Coach, author, and the founder of @CreatorWizard, a school & community that teaches you how to find & negotiate your dream brand partnerships so that you stop leaving thousands on the table. His latest book, "Sponsor Magnet," offers a succinct distillation of his ideas and frameworks for securing successful brand collaborations. Along with his wife April, he has been a full-time creator since 2014 and has personally made over $5M working with brands. He also ran an influencer marketing agency for 7 years that helped other creators earn millions more. Justin brings a very unique perspective because not only has he been a creator in the trenches doing sponsorships for years but by running an agency, he has insider knowledge behind how big brands choose which influencers to partner

In episode 638, Leslie Shreve teaches us strategies for increasing efficiency and reducing stress during our workdays. Leslie Shreve is a workload management and productivity expert, and the Founder and CEO of Productive Day®, which was established in 2003. Leslie is also the creator of Taskology® The Science of Getting Things Done, a unique, proprietary, and all-encompassing system for workload management and productivity that includes the management of tasks, time, email, information, and more. Leslie works with corporate executives and professionals to show them how to increase efficiency and productivity by up to 300% in as little as 4 weeks, gain 1-2 hours back in their workday—EVERY day, spend up to 50% LESS time in their email Inbox, and reduce stress by up to 90%. In this episode, you’ll learn how to centralize tasks using a digital system, how to create a streamlined process for email and information management and the importance of protected time blocks. Key points discussed include: - Centralize yo

In this episode, we're going to talk about five invitations that can help shift your energy and bring more positivity into your life, especially during challenging times. At the time of recording, I’ve been having one of those weeks where everything feels like it's falling apart. But I realized that in the midst of the chaos, I had forgotten to extend the simple invitations that have the power to shift my energy and bring in the good things I'm seeking. Whether it's inviting guidance from a higher power, support from trusted friends, or peace and rest for myself, these invitations can make all the difference. I encourage you to try extending these five invitations - they may just be the key to turning things around. Action Plan: 1 - Invitation for guidance: Extend an invitation for guidance from your higher power (universe, God, etc.) to find clarity and solutions. 2 - Invitation for support: Reach out to a trusted friend and extend an invitation for support when you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. 3 - Invit

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