Tastemaker Talk

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

1. Find Maria on her website
2. Check out Maria's YouTube channel
3. Follow Maria on Instagram
4. 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!⁠

Today Abbey is catching up with Laura Scherb, a food photographer and creator behind Page and Plate!

Laura is sharing how she transitioned from food blogging to professional photography over the past decade, highlighting her evolution of creative style along the way. Because we can't get enough, we're also exploring Substack together, with Laura explaining how she uses it to share recipes behind a paywall while alternating with photo essays and behind-the-scenes content every other week. Tune in and then get crafty!

Show Links

• Follow along on the Page and Plate Substack!

• Follow Laura on Instagram
• Visit Laura's website
• Join us for TC 2027 in San Antonio for more conversations like this one!

Josh Gale has spent the last year building @TheChefOutWest into an engaged community, and a full-time career. Today, he's chatting with Chandice about his journey to 1 million followers across platforms. While growth doesn't happen overnight, Josh is sharing the insights you need if you're looking to catalyze the process (without losing your unique POV). Tune in!

Show Links

• Follow along on www.theChefOutWest.com
• Join us for TC 2027 in San Antonio! 🤠