How do you build a media career that actually feels true to you? In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Amy sits down with Ellie Krieger to talk about her journey from nutrition student and part-time model to trusted media dietitian, cookbook author, and public TV host. Ellie shares how she stayed true to her values through every twist, turned down sponsorships that didn’t feel right, and why being “an overnight success” took her 10 years. Amy brings her signature warmth and curiosity to a real conversation about career pivots, motherhood, Substack, and everything in between. If you're a health pro dreaming of making a difference through media, this episode is full of honesty, encouragement, and so many gems.

Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian nutritionist, award-winning cookbook author, and media personality known for making healthy food taste delicious. She is the host and executive producer of Ellie’s Real Good Food on public television, and was the star of the hit Food Network show Healthy Appetite. A New York Times bestselling author, Ellie has written seven cookbooks, is a two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, and an IACP award recipient.

Ellie also writes a weekly food column for The Washington Post, hosts a Substack newsletter, and shares her expertise across platforms to help people cook, eat, and live well—without extremes. With a master’s in nutrition education and a background in journalism, Ellie has spent over two decades helping audiences connect the dots between science and what’s on their plate.

Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.elliekrieger.com/
Substack: https://elliekrieger.substack.com/


Master the Media Q&A: https://masterthemedia.co/qa/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:47) Meet Ellie Krieger
(2:33) How Ellie first discovered media dietetics
(4:10) From acting to nutrition: merging two passions
(5:45) Building a media career from scratch (and pitching nonstop)
(8:03) “Overnight success” takes a decade
(9:23) Adapting to digital platforms and where TV is heading
(15:33) The behind-the-scenes of producing a TV show
(17:29) Staying true to your values with brand partnerships
(20:12) Why commodity boards are Ellie’s favorite sponsors
(21:38) Substack as a powerful tool for deep connections
(26:21) Starting and pausing her podcast after 100 episodes
(28:44) Honest talk about marriage, motherhood, and asking for help
(37:10) Final advice for aspiring media dietitians and health pros
(39:25) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Have you ever hit “send” on a pitch and then sat there wondering… was that the right time? In this episode, Amy gets real about when to reach out to brands and media (and when not to). With the holidays here and Q4 wrapping up, timing can make or break your pitch. Amy shares exactly what days and times she recommends for sending emails, how long to wait before following up, and why your follow-up should never just say “checking in.” She also talks about how brands handle end-of-year budgets and why this season is actually a great time to prep for big things in 2026. Whether you're totally new to pitching or just want to stop overthinking the timing, Amy's honest tips will help you pitch smarter, not harder.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:14) Why now’s a tricky time
(2:57) Why Mondays and Fridays are a no-go
(4:12) How long to wait before following up (and what not to say)
(6:27) Follow-up emails that actually get replies
(8:16) How year-end budgets can work in your favor
(9:44) What to know about pitching around the holidays
(11:24) Quiet weeks? Use them to prep for the new year
(12:11) Details on Amy’s free masterclass
(12:33) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever wonder how people actually do it all? In this episode, Amy gets real about what life looks like as a new mom and business owner. She shares the simple systems that help her stay on top of work, show up for her daughter, and take care of herself, all without feeling like she’s losing her mind. Amy walks through how she uses Google Calendar to keep her family organized, why she still makes time for things like acupuncture and massages, and how being honest with herself and her partner helps things run smoothly. It’s not perfect (and she doesn’t pretend it is), but it’s working. If you’re trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between, this episode will make you feel seen and offer some helpful tips as well.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) The conversation that sparked this episode
(2:45) Amy’s approach to parenting and self-care
(4:39 Making part-time childcare work
(5:48) Balancing busy seasons with baby time
(6:44) How Google Calendar keeps their household running
(10:01) Creating to-do lists inside your calendar
(11:45) Time-blocking to stay productive
(12:42) Final thoughts on showing up for yourself and your family
(13:58) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever wonder if it's really possible to land brand deals without a big following? In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Amy chats with Kaitlin Hippley, a Master the Media student, hospital dietitian, and mom of two, who did just that, landing a $15,000 partnership just one month after joining the program. Kaitlin shares her honest journey: from feeling lost in the “mom bubble” to finding something that was truly hers again. She opens up about her doubts, how she built a media kit from scratch (using family photos!), and why you don’t need to be on Instagram to work with brands. If you've been craving something more in your career or just need a little encouragement, Kaitlin’s story is the perfect reminder that it's never too late to go after what lights you up.

Kaitlin Hippley, M.Ed., RDN, LD, CDCES is a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in education. She is also a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist who works with metabolic and diabetic patients in an outpatient hospital setting. Beyond her clinical work, Kaitlin contributes expert nutrition insight to national media outlets such as Eating Well and VeryWell Health. As a mom of two young children, she focuses on balancing her full-time role with family life while growing her professional presence in the nutrition field.

Connect with Kaitlin:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlintherd/


Grab the FREE pricing guide: https://masterthemedia.co/pricing-guide/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:59) Meet Kaitlin: dietitian, mom of two, and first-time podcast guest
(3:04) Life after maternity leave and the feeling that sparked a change
(4:35) How a free masterclass (and a little competitiveness) changed everything
(7:40) Starting with no website, no social media, and making it work
(9:26) Landing a brand deal just one month in
(10:24) What brand partnerships actually looked like for her
(13:55) How a casual tip turned into a $15K opportunity
(19:41) Fitting brand work into life with a full-time job and two little ones
(21:58) How she approached it with her employer (and why it worked out)
(24:47) Getting featured in top media outlets without burning out
(26:13) Kaitlin’s heartfelt advice for anyone thinking about taking the leap
(28:50) Where to find and support Kaitlin as she grows her platform
(29:52) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Feeling lost in the world of SEO, AI, and backlinks? You’re not alone, and you don’t need to have it all figured out to make real progress. In this fun and super helpful chat, Amy sits down with longtime friend and SEO pro Erica Julson to break down what’s actually working right now to get noticed online. Whether you’re brand new to creating a website or you’ve had a blog for years, Erica explains how to build trust with Google, grow your authority, and use media features (even without a link!) to strengthen your business. They talk about what Google wants to see, how to choose the right page to link to, and the small changes that can lead to big results. It's an honest, encouraging conversation with zero tech snobbery, and packed with easy wins for health pros at every level.

Erica Julson is a registered dietitian and the founder of The Unconventional RD, a brand and community that helps wellness professionals grow their businesses online—especially through SEO, content strategy, and passive income. Since launching her Facebook group in 2017, Erica has supported thousands of dietitians and health experts in building sustainable, profitable brands outside of the traditional 9–5. She’s known for breaking down complex topics like search engine optimization into clear, step-by-step strategies anyone can follow. Erica also runs a membership program, shares insights on The Unconventional RD Podcast, and is a mom balancing business with family life.

Connect with Erica:
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1678624302467757
Tune in: https://www.theunconventionalrd.com/podcast/

Don’t miss the invite to Amy’s free live Q&A sessions happening on November 5. Details at https://masterthemedia.co/qa/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) Who is Erica Julson
(4:02) What SEO really is 
(5:46) How AI is changing search and what to do about it
(7:02) What “being an authority” actually means online
(9:06) Google’s E-E-A-T framework explained simply
(12:49) Why you can’t compare yourself to big media brands and what to do instead
(14:30) What is domain authority, and why does it matter less than you think
(18:29) Even mentions without links still help your SEO
(24:15) Where should backlinks go?
(27:12) LinkedIn, Instagram, or your hospital bio? Best practices for health pros
(30:28) Why backlinks matter
(41:14) How to make a simple website work for you
(43:41) Pillar content ideas that help you stand out even with limited time
(51:27) How to make sure AI knows who you are and what you do
(55:21) Focus on visibility and reputation, not perfection
(59:56) Where to find Erica
(1:01:43) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

What if that free event you’re hosting could actually help you get paid, and not just a little, but a lot? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy walks you through exactly how healthcare professionals can turn simple talks, demos, or even book signings into sponsored events. She shares real-life examples, including her own, and explains how even a low-key event with a small crowd can attract big-name brands. You'll learn what to offer sponsors, how much you can realistically earn, and why your first event doesn’t have to be perfect, it just needs to get started. Whether you're chatting with a local running club or dreaming up your own big gathering, Amy’s here to help you stop working for free and start getting paid for the value you bring.

Don’t miss the invite to Amy’s free live Q&A sessions happening on November 5. Details at https://masterthemedia.co/qa/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:22) What a sponsored event actually is
(3:13) Types of events you can get sponsored
(4:27) What brands might pay
(5:34) Tangible & intangible value you can offer brands
(8:58) Why and how to start small with a “proof of concept”
(12:03) A real student example: turning a free talk into paid packages
(13:11) How to get paid to speak at unpaid conferences
(14:02) Tips for authors: how to get books sponsored at events
(14:58) Sponsored webinars & virtual events
(15:44) Outside-the-box ideas brands actually want
(16:35) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

In this episode of Master the Media, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow dietitian Chrissy Carroll to talk about something that’s on everyone’s mind: AI. What’s it really doing to our media landscape, and how does it affect things like blog traffic, media features, and getting found online? Chrissy’s been in the blogging and digital space for over a decade, and she breaks down what’s changing with Google search (hello, AI answers stealing clicks), how media mentions still matter, and how we can all use AI tools in smart, responsible ways without losing our own voices. If you’ve been feeling unsure about how to work with AI or whether you should at all, this chat will give you clarity, encouragement, and plenty of actionable tips.

Chrissy Carroll, MPH, RD, is a registered dietitian, marathoner, and longtime blogger who’s been working in the digital media space since 2010. She's the creator behind Snacking in Sneakers, a blog that blends nutrition and fitness advice for runners and triathletes, and she also runs Build a Wellness Blog, where she helps fellow health professionals grow their online businesses with blogging, SEO, and smart use of AI. Chrissy has a passion for helping others turn their expertise into sustainable, income-generating platforms, and she’s known for making even the most technical topics (hi, AI!) feel fun and doable. When she’s not writing or coaching, you can find her logging miles on the road or hanging out with her husband, son, and rescue pup.

Connect with Chrissy:
Website: https://buildawellnessblog.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourblogtoday

Catch the Masterclass Replay: http://masterthemedia.co/replay


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:09) Who is Chrissy Carroll?
(3:55) What’s happening with AI tools, like Sora and ChatGPT
(6:57) Why Google traffic is shrinking and what zero-click searches mean
(8:39) Do media mentions still matter for SEO in the age of AI?
(13:49) Should you use AI to respond to media queries?
(16:03) How AI “hallucinates” and why that’s risky
(20:53) Why AI isn’t great at keyword research or stats (yet)
(23:46) Best AI tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, GenSpark & more
(27:54) How to write better AI prompts
(30:16) What’s next for AI and the future of media
(35:44) The importance of adaptability in media careers
(37:13) Ethical questions and staying informed on AI policies
(38:08) Where to find Chrissy Carroll online
(39:11) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Not sure what to say after chatting with a brand at a trade show? You’re not alone, and Amy’s got you covered. In this episode of Master the Media, Amy shares her go-to steps for following up with brands after events like FNCE, in the kind, encouraging way she’s known for. From figuring out who to contact to writing an email that feels natural (not salesy), she walks you through exactly what to do, when to send it, what to say, and how to stand out. If you’re a health pro hoping to turn those expo convos into paid partnerships, this episode will make you feel like you’ve got a coach in your corner.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:18) Why post-trade show follow-up matters
(3:38) What to do after meeting brands at an expo
(4:58) Who to talk to at booths and what to ask
(6:37) When to and when not to follow up
(7:55) Writing a follow-up email that gets responses
(12:14) What to do if they don’t reply right away
(13:45) Info on the free masterclass for health pros
(14:14) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Is it really possible to take time off as an entrepreneur without everything falling apart? In this episode, Amy shares her honest story of taking 12 full weeks off for maternity leave after welcoming her daughter, Annabelle. She talks about what worked, what surprised her, and how her business not only kept going... it grew. Amy walks through the exact steps she took to prepare her team, support her students, and keep things running while she stepped away to focus on family. If you’re a business owner wondering how to take real time off (and actually enjoy it), this episode is for you. Amy’s warmth, honesty, and practical tips make this feel like a conversation with a good friend who’s just a few steps ahead.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:21) Amy returns from maternity leave and the first months of motherhood
(3:11) Transitioning back to work
(4:40) How Amy planned her business for time off
(5:57) Key staff and automation strategies
(8:04) Extending student memberships
(9:29) Keeping lead generation going
(11:25) Advice for solopreneurs
(13:38) Lessons learned & what’s next for her business
(15:33) Sign up for the free masterclass on Oct 22
(15:51) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever felt like speaking on camera or in front of a crowd just isn’t your thing? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy shares her personal story from being super shy in grad school to showing up confidently on national TV. She opens up about the small steps that helped her feel more at ease, like going out to eat alone or chatting with strangers at work. Amy also walks you through how she gets ready for speaking events today, from what she wears to how she protects her energy as an introvert. If you’ve ever been nervous about public speaking, this episode will give you real, simple tips to help you feel more prepared and way less overwhelmed. No perfection needed, just progress.

Free Guide to Get You Started: https://masterthemedia.co/start

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:58) A terrifying first on-camera experience
(3:46) How a surprise TV assignment changed everything
(5:07) Building confidence through everyday work
(6:49) Media training tips that still apply today
(9:10) Embracing mistakes and imperfection on camera
(11:46) The pre-presentation routine that changed the game
(15:21) Why preparation is everything for on-camera success
(17:28) Showing up fully, no matter the size of your audience
(19:04) Free guide to help you get started with media work
(19:16) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!