The Food Blogger Pro Podcast

Bjork Ostrom

Welcome to The Food Blogger Pro Podcast, hosted by Bjork Ostrom from Pinch of Yum! Our goal is to help you create a beautiful, functional, and profitable blog.

  • 59 minutes 36 seconds
    Finding Your Authentic Voice and Scaling Your Food Blog with Rachel Cunliffe

    The power of authenticity, website usability, and new monetization opportunities with Rachel Cunliffe.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 549 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Rachel Cunliffe of Cre8d Design.

    Finding Your Authentic Voice and Scaling Your Food Blog with Rachel Cunliffe

    This episode is packed with wisdom on thriving in the current food blogging landscape! Rachel Cunliffe, who tracks all the trends in her Best Served Hot newsletter, emphasizes that you absolutely have to stop chasing every trend out there and lean into your own style. Your authentic voice and that irreplaceable "human touch" are the only things guaranteed to truly connect with your audience, even as AI enters the mix. This is your number one priority for sustainable growth!

    Beyond the content, Rachel reminds us that the basics still matter: website usability and good design are often neglected, but they are crucial for keeping users happy (and staying monetized). With the food blogging market constantly evolving, success requires striking a balance between a strong, unique voice and paying attention to new monetization opportunities!

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Stop chasing trends and be yourself: Rachel stresses that in today's chaotic online world, authenticity is your secret weapon. Algorithms may shift, but the irreplaceable "human touch" and your unique voice are the only things that truly connect with and grow your audience sustainably. Focus on your strengths and let your genuine self shine!
    • Design matters more than you think: While we obsess over SEO keywords, Rachel points out that basic website usability and design are often totally neglected. Think of your site like your kitchen: if it's messy and hard to navigate, guests (and Google!) won't stick around. Don't skip the step of making your site genuinely pleasant to use.
    • The food blogging landscape is changing: The food blogging landscape is still growing, but the rules are evolving. It's time to look beyond traditional display ads. Pay attention to new monetization opportunities and remember that balancing that authentic voice with smart strategy is the key to thriving in this market shift.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Clariti and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    16 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 14 seconds
    Food Blogging News Roundtable: Brand Partnership Trends, AI Platform Comparisons, and Pinterest Best Practices

    Navigating partnership trends, comparing the big three AI platforms, and Pinterest best practices.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 548 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork is sitting down with our very own Emily Walker to talk through the updates shared in our latest blogging newsletter.

    Food Blogging News Roundtable: Brand Partnership Trends, AI Platform Comparisons, and Pinterest Best Practices

    In this episode, Bjork and Emily break down exactly how to navigate the "Big Three" AI tools (ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude) and explain why building deep brand authority is your best defense in the changing search landscape. If you want to future-proof your business, doubling down on your niche expertise is no longer optional — it's essential.

    They'll then shift gears to practical platform strategies, covering why Pinterest is suddenly obsessed with your site's user experience and the specific metrics that actually drive YouTube growth. Whether you are planning your holiday marketing or just trying to streamline your workflow, this episode is packed with tips to help you adapt without sacrificing quality.

    Three episode takeaways:

    - The "big three" AI assistants aren't all the same: Bjork and Emily break down the key differences between ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. It's not about picking just one; it's about knowing which tool has the right "personality" and strengths for the specific content task you're tackling today.

    - Brand authority is your new SEO superpower: With AI changing how people search, keyword optimization isn't enough anymore. You'll hear about why doubling down on your niche and proving you are the expert is the best defense (and offense) in the era of AI-generated answers.

    - YouTube and Pinterest are craving different things right now: Stop treating all visual platforms the same! Pinterest is prioritizing user experience and site functionality, while YouTube is all about watch time and that crucial first click. Plus, Bjork and Emily chat through why consistency is still king for growing an audience through video.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    9 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 32 seconds
    Inside Crowded Kitchen's Strategy for Growing to 2.4 Million Followers on Facebook

    Turning 5 million social media followers into real revenue, syndicating content strategically across platforms, and prioritizing Facebook with Lexi Harrison from Crowded Kitchen.

    ------

    Welcome to episode 547 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Lexi Harrison from Crowded Kitchen.

    Inside Crowded Kitchen's Strategy for Growing to 2.4 Million Followers on Facebook

    Lexi Harrison and her mom first started sharing food content on Instagram back in 2015 — and what began as a fun creative outlet has now turned into a thriving, multi-platform business with over 5 million followers across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

    In this episode, Lexi shares how they strategically grew their audience, refined their content approach, and learned to make social media work for their business. You'll hear how they navigated major shifts in priorities, why they overhauled their content strategy, and what happened when they decided to take Facebook seriously.

    If you've ever wondered how to build momentum on social media — or how to balance growth and monetization — you won't want to miss this one!

    Three episode takeaways:
    • The benefits of prioritizing social media growth — For Crowded Kitchen, focusing on building their social media following has paid off significantly. Their social media traffic now surpasses their organic website traffic, and they're earning $4,000–$6,000 per week through the Facebook Monetization Program. On top of that, their larger audience has allowed them to secure higher-paying brand partnerships and even land a cookbook deal — clear proof that investing time and effort into social growth can yield major returns.
    • How they use recipe series to drive engagement and new followers — Lexi shares more about their use of series like the "better than storebought" series they ran on social media in early 2024 that helped them grow from 30,000 followers in April of 2024 to over 2.4 million followers on Facebook now. Lexi explains the formula they use for the series, and tips for increasing new follower sign-ups.
    • How they syndicate and recycle content strategically across platforms — With only 200 short-form videos to work with, Lexi explains their content posting schedule, their reposting strategy, and how they recycle content to reduce the workload and allow for time off (like for her maternity leave).

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Raptive and Yoast.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    2 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 58 minutes 29 seconds
    Surviving (and Thriving) in an AI-First Search World with Casey Markee

    Adapting to the evolving search landscape, building an ecosystem around your food blog, and practical strategies for staying visible in an answer-engine-first world with Casey Markee from MediaWyse.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 546 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Casey Markee from MediaWyse.

    Surviving (and Thriving) in an AI-First Search World

    In this episode, we're welcoming back Casey Markee from MediaWyse to talk about the evolving nature of search and traffic.

    Casey shares his latest insights on AI Overviews, their impact on food bloggers, how SERPs are changing, and why great content still wins. Bjork and Casey also chat about whether you should block AI bots, the growing importance of community, and practical strategies for staying visible in an answer-engine-first world.

    If you've been concerned about traffic drops, the future of food blogging, or how AI will reshape content discovery, this episode is a must-listen.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • How AI Overviews are impacting traffic to food blogs — Casey explains the trends he is observing in his site audits and explains what it means for food creators.
    • Why the need for trustworthy recipe creators has not diminished — Casey believes that the need for recipes created by trustworthy food bloggers is stronger than ever, and that the clarity, structure, and usefulness of your food blog will still drive success.
    • How to adapt to the evolving search landscape — Casey shares his recommendations for food blogs to stay relevant — including AI buttons, building an ecosystem around your food blog, Google Discover, and how to get cited in AI overviews.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    25 November 2025, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 39 seconds
    The Creator's Guide to Digital Rights and Copyrighting with Danielle Liss

    Understanding your rights as a creator, your guide to DMCA, and how to use technology to hunt down copycats.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 545 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Danielle Liss (one of our esteemed FBP experts!) of Liss Legal.

    The Creator's Guide to Digital Rights and Copyrighting with Danielle Liss

    If you feel like you're constantly fighting to protect your original work, you're not wrong; content theft is getting sneakier, especially when you throw AI into the mix. In this episode, Bjork and Danielle of Liss Legal simplify how you can protect yourself. The key takeaway here is knowing that the DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is your best friend. You'll learn exactly how to use this powerful tool to shut down content thieves on major platforms, giving you back control over your hard work.

    You'll also hear Danielle share innovative strategies for monitoring your content without getting burnt out. We're talking quick wins like using Google Alerts and reverse image searches, and even how you can leverage AI to spot stolen work faster. The goal here is balance: protect your hustle efficiently so you can get back to doing what you do best — creating amazing new content!

    Three episode takeaways:

    - Your rights as a content creator: The content game is changing super fast thanks to AI and new privacy rules. This means bad actors are getting sneakier with stealing content. But here's the good news: you have implicit rights to the original content you make, and copyright law is your best friend.

    - The lowdown on DMCA: Don't let content thieves win! The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) is the most important tool you have for fighting back. Major platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and even Google have clear processes for reporting stolen work. Learn how to use those forms — they are your weapon of choice!

    - Let technology do the heavy lifting: You can't spend all your time hunting down copycats; you have new content to create! Focus on being smart about monitoring. Simple tools like Google Alerts or reverse image searches are quick wins. Even better, AI isn't just a threat—it can actually help you find similar content and speed up your reporting process.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    18 November 2025, 9:00 am
  • 49 minutes 12 seconds
    Monique Volz On Reinventing Ambitious Kitchen Over 14 Years

    Creating with purpose in a changing digital world, behind-the-scenes of running Ambitious Kitchen for 14 years, and managing burnout with Monique Volz.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 544 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Monique Volz from Ambitious Kitchen.

    Monique Volz On Reinventing Ambitious Kitchen Over 14 Years

    Monique launched Ambitious Kitchen in 2011 as a passion project and now it has grown into her full-time business (with several employees) and a New York Times bestselling cookbook (and another cookbook on the way). In this interview, Monique shares how she has adapted to all of the changes in the food creator landscape over the last 14 years, how her priorties and definition of success have changed, and the different "eras" of her business.

    Due in part to an incredible season of growth during the pandemic, by 2022, Monique was burned-out. The pressure of keeping up with constant content demands — especially in the age of TikTok and Reels — prompted her to take a step back and refocus. She shifted away from the pursuit of virality, re-centered her creative goals, and leaned into the process of writing her first cookbook. In recent years, Monique has downsized her team so that she can focus on creating content (as opposed to managing a team) and returned to what she loves most: creating from a place of joy.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Building a brand takes time and adaptability — Monique spent years balancing her blog with a full-time job before taking her site full-time. In this interview, she chats about the combination of hustle, constant learning, and "right time right place" that led to the success of Ambitious Kitchen.
    • Burnout is real, even when you're doing what you love — The constant pressure to create high-performing content eventually led Monique to reevaluate her approach and change her relationship with social media.
    • Reinvention is essential in a changing industry — By reducing her team size, walking away from YouTube, and refocusing on meaningful content (like her cookbooks!), Monique is embracing a new chapter that aligns more closely with her values.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Member Kitchens and Raptive.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    11 November 2025, 8:00 am
  • 37 minutes 23 seconds
    Food Blogging News Roundtable: Black Friday Strategies, New Raptive Requirements, and a Guide to GEO for 2026

    The future of search, using the exposure effect to build trust, and adapting your content strategy for 2026.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 543 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, we're bringing our very own Emily Walker (Associate General Manager, Food Blogger Pro) back to chat with Bjork about the articles we shared in our latest blogging newsletter!

    Food Blogging News Roundtable: Black Friday Strategies, New Raptive Requirements, and a Guide to GEO for 2026

    In this episode, Bjork Ostrom and Emily Walker discuss the latest articles from the Food Blogger Pro blogging newsletter. They talk about where digital marketing is headed and how to make sure your brand doesn't get left behind. Spoiler alert: If you're only focused on Google, you're missing out! Bjork and Emily break down the reality that users under 45 are looking for answers across an average of five different platforms (yes, we're talking TikTok, Reddit, and all the rest). We delve into the exposure effect, which is a fancy way of saying that the more consistently people see you in different places, the more they trust you.

    Tune in to learn why adapting your content (aka not just copying and pasting) to fit all of those channels is your biggest opportunity right now for brand discovery and building genuine credibility with your audience!

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Search is multi-platform now: People under 45 are using an average of five platforms (hello, TikTok and Reddit!) to search for things. If your brand is only visible on one, you're missing out on serious discovery.
    • Use the "exposure effect" to build trust: This concept shows that the more often people see your brand pop up across different channels, the more credible and trustworthy you become. Consistency is the key to building audience loyalty!
    • Adapt your content strategy: Since readers are everywhere, your content has to evolve. You need to tailor your approach; think short-form videos, engaging in forum discussions, etc. to fit the specific demands of each platform for better engagement.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    4 November 2025, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Scaling a Team and Reaching 2 Million Monthly Pageviews with Isabel Orozco-Moore from Isabel Eats

    Embracing slow and steady growth, scaling a food blog without losing joy or balance, and hiring team members with Isabel Orozco-Moore from Isabel Eats.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 542 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Isabel Orozco-Moore.

    Scaling a Team and Reaching 2 Million Monthly Pageviews

    In this episode, we're welcoming back Isabel Orozco-Moore from Isabel Eats, who first joined us on the podcast back in 2019, just after she had narrowed her niche to Mexican recipes. Since then, she's grown her blog from 650,000 to over 2 million monthly pageviews and grown her team to 3 full-time employees (including her husband!) and several contractors. Isabel shares how she's built a sustainable business by focusing on slow, intentional growth, smart hiring, and maintaining joy in her work.

    Bjork and Isabel chat about how she avoids the comparison trap, what it's like working with her husband, and how she uses tools like Airtable to stay organized while managing a growing team. Isabel also gives us a peek into her upcoming cookbook project (coming spring 2027!) and shares what it really takes to scale a business while still loving what you do.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • How Isabel balances making, managing, and scaling — Even as her traffic and team have grown, Isabel has stayed connected to the creative side of her business by focusing on what she loves most — developing recipes in her niche and creating videos — not managing a team.
    • Systems and support are game changers — Hiring strategically, using tools like Airtable, and taking advantage of Raptive's SEO support have helped Isabel delegate tasks, stay organized, and focus on the creative work she loves.
    • Balance fuels longevity — From setting boundaries around her work to prioritize family time to avoiding comparison, Isabel shares how finding balance has kept her passionate, efficient, and motivated.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Raptive.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    28 October 2025, 8:00 am
  • 1 hour 16 minutes
    Maximize Efficiency with AI (Without Losing Your Voice) with Trey Griffin from Raptive

    The future of AI, leveraging custom GPTs, and the importance of personal branding with Trey Griffin from Raptive.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 541 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Trey Griffin from Raptive.

    Maximize Efficiency with AI (Without Losing Your Voice) with Trey Griffin from Raptive

    In this episode, Bjork and Trey Griffin get real about AI, which is here to be your new workhorse, not your competition. They dive into how tools like Custom GPTs can give you a massive efficiency boost, helping you move past the grunt work of brainstorming and drafting so you can focus on creative risks and developing better ideas. By letting AI handle the routine tasks, you're freeing up your most valuable resource (your time!!!) to strategize and stay ahead of a rapidly changing content landscape.

    The biggest factor that will keep you relevant? Your human touch. Since AI can create a mountain of content, your unique personal branding and authentic storytelling is now more crucial than ever. They'll talk about why the creators who build genuine connections and layer their own personality into their work are the ones who will stand out in a saturated market. This episode provides the blueprint for leveraging AI for speed while ensuring your core content remains something only you can create.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Think of AI as an assistant rather than a replacement: Think of tools like Custom GPTs as a way to ditch the grunt work, like brainstorming or first drafts. That way, you can spend more time on the things that truly matter. The efficiency boost is real, letting you take more creative risks and move faster.
    • Your "human touch" is the secret sauce: With AI making it easier for everyone to create something, your personal branding and unique storytelling is what will make you stand out. The human element — your voice, your perspective, your emotion — is what people connect with and what AI simply can't replicate. Don't overlook it!
    • Staying nimble in a changing landscape: There's no denying that the content game is being reshaped by AI, which brings both opportunities and threats to creators. This technology is only going to get better, so keep experimenting with new tools and be ready to adapt how you create and how people consume content.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    21 October 2025, 8:00 am
  • 47 minutes 28 seconds
    Authenticity, AI, and Audience Connection with Stephanie Woodin from Raptive

    Building relationships with your audience, thriving as a content creator in a crowded market, and adapting to AI with Stephanie Woodin from Raptive.

    Welcome to episode 540 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This is the first episode of Can't Be Automated: A Raptive Series on Scaling, Standing Out, and Staying Human. To kick-off the series, Bjork interviews Stephanie Woodin from Raptive.

    Authenticity, AI, and Audience Connection

    This week, we're joined by Stephanie Woodin to pull back the curtain on her brand-new podcast with Raptive, Ctrl+Alt+Ask, and dive into the fast-changing world of the creator economy.

    Stephanie has spent years working with top creators at Raptive, and now, as the host of Ctrl+Alt+Ask, she's taking calls from creators to talk about everything from burnout and branding to revenue strategies, AI, SEO, and more. She's the perfect person to chat with Bjork about the unique challenges creators face today.

    In this episode, Bjork and Stephanie unpack what it takes to thrive as a content creator in a crowded space, how AI is reshaping the industry, and practical ways to grow and connect with your audience.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • Authenticity is key to standing out —Stephanie shares how standing out today means showing up as your real, relatable self. Authenticity is key to building trust, positioning yourself as an expert, and staying ahead of AI-generated content.
    • Building relationships with your audience is crucial — Success isn't just about great content, it's about connection. Stephanie explains how treating your audience like real people (because they are!) can transform your brand and build long-term loyalty.
    • How AI is transforming content creation and brand deals — Stephanie breaks down how AI is shifting the way brands work with creators — and why being the "face" behind your blog or business matters more than ever.

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Raptive.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    14 October 2025, 8:00 am
  • 44 minutes 53 seconds
    The Journey to $100k as a Content Creator with Johnny Brunet

    Niching down, the power of a simple sales funnel, and preventing burnout with Johnny Brunet.

    -----

    Welcome to episode 539 of The Food Blogger Pro Podcast! This week on the podcast, Bjork interviews Johnny Brunet.

    The Journey to $100k as a Content Creator with Johnny Brunet

    Johnny Brunet's story is proof that a pandemic pivot can lead to major success! He went from stand-up comedy to mastering the Blackstone griddle, finding his sweet spot by creating content specifically for beginner cooks. He shares the secret sauce of his content empire: how he strategically focused on one niche tool to stand out and why targeting the starting-out crowd was the perfect gap in the market for massive growth.

    Beyond the cooking, Johnny gets real about the business, breaking down his successful revenue mix of YouTube AdSense, eBooks, and affiliate marketing. You'll get his best advice on keeping your sales funnel incredibly simple and the importance of smart content marketing to drive product sales. This episode will give you the blueprint for turning a niche idea into a full-time income without spreading yourself thin.

    Three episode takeaways:
    • The power of niching down: Johnny's big pivot from comedy during COVID shows that sometimes you have to roll with life's changes! He found massive success by niching down to a specific tool (hello, Blackstone griddle!) and focusing on beginner cooks, proving there's gold in filling those market gaps.
    • The simple sales funnel is your friend: Believe it or not, you don't need a crazy-complicated setup to make money! Johnny broke down his successful monetization mix of YouTube AdSense, eBooks, and affiliate marketing, emphasizing how a simple sales funnel and smart content marketing are key to actually moving those products.
    • Don't spread yourself too thin: If you're creating content, take a note from Johnny: don't try to be everywhere at once. He recommends focusing on one type of content and, even better, just documenting your own learning process. It keeps you from spreading yourself too thin and is a great way to keep your audience engaged!

    Resources:

    Thank you to our sponsors!

    This episode is sponsored by Yoast and Raptive. Learn more about our sponsors at foodbloggerpro.com/sponsors.

    Interested in working with us too? Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and how to get started here.

    If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions for interviews, be sure to email them to [email protected].

    Learn more about joining the Food Blogger Pro community at foodbloggerpro.com/membership.

    7 October 2025, 8:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App