Tastemaker Talk

Kathryn Doherty is the creator behind Family Food on the Table, and she's been in the food blogging game for over 10 years now. Kinda chic, right? So why would a food blogger in her shoes—with her audience reach and with so much industry know-how—make the decision to publish fewer recipes? It boils down to listening to your instincts and letting what you "should" be doing become less relevant than what you actually enjoy doing. More details in today's episode! Show Links Find Kathryn at FamilyFoodOnTheTable.com Follow along on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest Join us at TC 2027 in San Antonioooooo !

Sometimes food creators think that if they want to see growth, they need to pick a lane and never change it. But guess what? That's actually not how humans work. We evolve, grow, and develop new tastes—and Jessica Hylton Leckie is here to explore how doing so in public can actually make your brand stronger. From launching Jessica in the Kitchen after an 11pm cupcake experiment to building an award-winning food blog with 1,000+ approachable vegan recipes, Jessica is sharing her POV that has fueled 15 years of growth, reinvention, and navigating new seasons of life and content as a food creator. Show Links: Find more from Jessica on her website , on Instagram , TikTok , and YouTube Get your TC 2027 ticket nowwww - Jessica's session is going to be just as informative and inspiring as today's episode!

In this episode, Jordan Gill (Senior Affiliate Marketing Manager at Kit) shares the importance of building an owned audience through email for food creators navigating platform shifts. We're talking about strategies to increase engagement, maintain audience ownership through a smart email approach, and leverage email for community building and revenue. Email doesn't have to be boring or scary, and Jordan is here to make sure you're set up for success! Show Notes Sign up for your Kit account - free until you surpass 10,000 subscribers! Follow Jordan on Instagram Join us in San Antonio for Tastemaker #10 . Jordan will be speaking on our email panel and we couldn't be more excited!

Tara Bench ( Tara Teaspoon ) is here! Live from Kit Studios NYC, we're asking alllll the questions about what she learned working for Martha Stewart in the early 2000's. We also cover how creators can diversify their revenue (and why it's so important), where Tara sees the industry heading in the next 5 years, and her approach to hiring a team that can help you thrive. Lots of gems in this one--enjoy! Show Notes Find Tara on Instagram and on her blog Check out Accio (the tech tool Tara mentions at the end of the ep) Join us for TC 2027 !

In this episode, branding expert Katie Trant ( Foodie Brand Lab ) shares insights on building a strong brand strategy for creators. Katie and Chandice are exploring the importance of understanding your brand's core, and providing practical steps to future-proof your revenue—even amidst platform changes and AI updates. Katie argues that moving beyond simply knowing your personal "why" is a key step, and that all creators should be able to to strongly answer "Why you ?" Tune in for advice to help you anchor your brand to your core values and weather the next round of shifts in the creator economy. Show Notes RSVP for Katie's upcoming webinar Find Katie online at Foodie Brand Lab and Hey Nutrition Lady Follow Katie on Instagram at foodiebrandlab and heynutritionlady Join us at TC 2027 - Foodie Brand Lab will be a sponsor for the first time ever , and we're SO excited!

Abbey and Daphne are LIVE from Kit Studios NYC to chat about what creators need to know from the Social Commerce Summit 2026 in New York. We're sharing hot takes all across the board—we get into the Taylor Swift wedding, the unsung horrors of Disney movie tropes, and also why we think AI is actually the best thing that's happened for creators in a while. 🙊 We also unpack our takeaways from the conference and share why it's important for creators to be in the room where industry conversations with impact are happening! Show Notes Get your ticket to Social Commerce Summit SLC (September 2026, apply for the industry pass!) Join us in San Antonio for more IRL connection and continued education about AI, social commerce, and how to elevate your food content creator business

Jen Holt ( Jennifer Holt Designs ) is here to chat with us about the best ways to turn your food blog into an ad income-generating machine! Sounds fun, right?! Jen has contagious energy and a wealth of knowledge that will have you nodding along and taking furious notes. We're diving into low-lift strategies to make your food blog or website compliant with the latest SEO/GEO/AEO recommendations without feeling like you're writing for robots. Every millisecond counts, and Jen is helping us make the most of each one that readers spend on your site (aka-making you more $$)! Show Notes Grab your free Ad Income Website Blueprint from Jen's site ! Find Jen on IG or FB If you like our podcast, you have to check out Jen's! Listen to The Food Blogger's Table pod Join us at TC 2027 San Antonio !

Megan Benson is the Affiliate & Community Manager at ThermoWorks, one of the most trusted brands in temperature tools that has supported the Tastemaker Conference community from day one. Today she's sharing insights on building aligned creator/brand partnerships and the importance of gathering with your community. Plus, exciting product sneak peeks and reasons why you should care about temperature if you care about good food. Show Notes: Get the Gravitas™ Precision Kitchen Scale Follow ThermoWorks on Instagram Join Tastemaker and ThermoWorks in San Antonio! TC 2027 Tickets Boot Scoot & BBQ tickets

Today on the pod, Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack shares her inspiring journey of building the Muy Bueno brand, rooted in Mexican culture and family stories. We're chatting all about storytelling, authenticity, and community have fueled her success in food blogging, media, and cookbook publishing. Plus, Yvette is sharing something major that she has coming out this fall; tune in for the inside scoop! Find more of Yvette and Muy Bueno: https://muybuenoblog.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muybuenocooking YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/muybuenocooking Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muybuenocookbook/ Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/muybueno/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@muybuenocooking Join us in San Antonio! Tickets for our 2027 Tastemaker Conference are 55% SOLD OUT

What if your dinner choices could help create positive change for the planet? Today Abbey sits down with Sam Kass, former senior food policy advisor to President Obama, to explore how our food systems are deeply intertwined with climate change. Sam’s book, "The Last Supper," reveals not just the issues, but also practical steps we can take to shift our eating habits for the better (without fear-mongering and virtue signaling). It’s not just about buying organic at the farmer’s market—it’s about rethinking what we value as a culture. And our two cents? Food content creators are key players in shaping the views, values, and habits that inform dinner plates across the country. This conversation gives "influencing" a whole new meaning 🍽️ We hope you enjoy! Show Notes Keep up with Sam on Instagram Read (or listen to) The Last Supper wherever you get your fave books Keep your eyes peeled for " How to Live on Earth " — premiering globally on YouTube later this year Join us at Tastemaker Conference 2027 in San Antonio for more convos about the impact of food creators

We are SO excited to be joined by Tastemaker Conference 2027 MC, Kalen Allen! Kalen is an award-winning actor, television personality, and singer, reaching millions of people worldwide across his social media platforms and through his unique content. Today Kalen is chatting with Chandice about the responsibility attached to digital commentary, leading with your art rather than becoming dictated by audience demands, and finding your "cherry limemade." Tune in and enjoy! Show Notes Find Kalen across socials at thekalenallen Join us in San Antonio for Kalen's third appearance as Tastemaker Conference MC ! We had a major echo issue while recording this episode, so we'd like to give a huge shoutout to Kalen for being a true professional and carrying on with the show! 🫶

Daphne and Leslie on the mics this week! Make some noiiiise! We just got back from Kit's Craft + Commerce event in Boise, and we had THE BEST time. Tune in for our 6 takeaways inspired by the mainstage rapid fire session, including the AI tips we think every creator should know, a piece of advice we would give to our past selves, and the joy of experiencing a very human moment together (that may or may not have taken place in the bathroom). Show Notes FLASH SALE ON TC 2027 TICKETS ! Now through June 16. Make sure to use code DL30 to stack an additional sneaky $30 off of the base discount Follow Gabby Beckford , Nicole Burke , and Jay Papasan (all inspiring creators, all mentioned in this ep) Thank you Kit for an amazing event, and all the value you bring to the creator economy! 🫶

In this episode, Maria Lucey shares her journey from dietitian to successful YouTube content creator, exploring strategies for growth, monetization, and community building on YouTube. Discover how to leverage video content for long-term success and authenticity—tune in! Show Links Find Maria on her website Check out Maria's YouTube channel Follow Maria on Instagram Get your TC 2027 San Antonio ticket!

Abbey is back on the mic for her Q2 2026 Founder's Message, and she's sharing all of her thoughts, drawbacks, and joys surrounding the evolution of the creator economy over the last 10 years. With lessons learned from Yesteryear , Abbey's Master's Degree research, and Billie Eilish, the overall message is that creators can get through anything because we are resilient, innovative, and well--creative! Enjoy friends 🫶 Show Links Read Yesteryear and let us know your thoughts asap Check out the Forbes article Abbey reads from: " Why The Creator Economy's Future is About Unifying Social, Brand, and Talent" Apply to be on Tastemaker Talk ! Join us in San Antonio to celebrate and support the creators who power the creator economy. Tickets here!

Join us as we explore the latest trends in food content marketing with Anastasia Shtompel, Forbes Council Member and former Head of Marketing at a multi-million-dollar company. Hit play to discover how niche audiences, strong visual identity, and strategic collaborations can elevate your content. Anastasia is sharing the need-to-know info to position yourself not only as an influencer, but as a BRAND, baby! Show Links: Follow Anastasia for sharp marketing and brand strategy insights. If you’re interested in working with her, you can schedule a call directly. Find Anastasia's IG post from February 3, "Food is the New Status Symbol," HERE! Get your ticket to TC 2027 for more industry-leading conversations

Alyssa Rivers, founder of The Recipe Critic, shares her inspiring journey through culinary school at age 41, overcoming challenges, gaining confidence, and pivoting her food blogging career. Discover her insights on mastering new skills, embracing vulnerability, and building real community in the digital age. Show Links Follow Alyssa on: Instagram Facebook Pinterest Youtube TikTok And join us for Tastemaker Conference 2027 in San Antonio!

Today Abbey sits down with Jack Thomas to explore the future of food content through an ethical lens, covering everything from social commerce and monetization to transparency, sustainability, and the real impact of AI. Jack shares the mission behind ACRE and challenges creators to think deeper about trust, values, and the “optics of local.” Plus, a candid take on industry buzzwords (watch your back “farm-to-table”) and a few exclusive perks for the Tastemaker community. Show Links: Explore what ACRE has to offer creators like you Use code TASTEMAKER20 for 20% off all ACRE annual plans. Those who join before June 20 will be eligible to win a FREE stay at the farmstead! Browse educational resources at WorkPlay XD Check out Jack's Substack! Get your TC 2027 ticket!!

In this episode of Tastemaker Talk, Shaunda Necole shares her journey of transforming her blogs into a media empire, emphasizing the importance of positioning as a media company, leveraging SEO, and building trust through content. She discusses strategies for creating a recognizable brand, adapting to generative search, and maintaining authentic connections with her audience. Show Links: thesoulfoodpod.com shaundnecole.com Follow Shaunda on socials! @shaundanecole across platforms Join us in San Antonio for TC 2027!

Kelli Quinn is the VP of Product, Customer Success, and People Ops at VEOX Inc, and she's also a longtime photographer. Today she's joining Abbey to talk about where creativity meets technology. From her journey into the AI space to practical ways creatives can use it without losing their voice, this episode is all about staying adaptable, thinking for yourself, and using tech as a tool to unlock your best life. Show Links ⁠Visit Kelli's site⁠ ⁠Follow Kelli on IG⁠ Explore the Tastemaker Tunes playlist (shoutout Step Up franchise 😝) ⁠Learn more at TC 2027!⁠

Ready to move beyond relying on one income stream? In today's episode, Lauren Less sits down with Chandice to talk about building a multi-income creator business. We're covering brand deals, social commerce, blogging, email lists, and how to grow without burning out. Show Links ⁠Find Lauren on Substack⁠ Follow Lauren on ⁠IG⁠ and ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Visit Lauren's blog⁠ ⁠Join us in San Antonio for TC27!⁠