Podcasts about female foodie

#278 From food blogging to leading sold-out food tours in Italy, Brooke Eliason of Female Foodie shares how she turned a passion for dining out into a thriving business! In this episode hosted by Kirsten Tyrrel, Brooke reveals how she leveraged SEO and content strategy to grow her brand, why she's shifting to Substack amid changing internet trends, and the unexpected way she built a profitable travel experience. She also opens up about balancing business with family life and offers insights for anyone looking to monetize their interests. Whether you're a food lover, content creator, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways to help you build a business around what you love! What we discuss with Brooke: + Starting Female Foodie as a passion project + SEO strategy for blog growth and monetization + AI's impact on search traffic and adaptation + Shifting to Substack for audience connection + Launching food tours in Italy unexpectedly + Balancing business and motherhood + Monetizing through ads, memberships, and tours + Building community and personal branding + Trusting intuition and evolving with trends Thank you, Brooke! Check out Female Foodie at FemaleFoodie.com. Follow Brooke on Instagram and Substack. And follow us on: Instagram Facebook Tik Tok Youtube Twitter To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors. Want to hear from more incredible entrepreneurs? Check out all of our interviews here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this episode of That Was Delicious, Brooke continues her two-part series on answering the most commonly asked questions about traveling in Italy. She shares practical insights on Italian dining etiquette, tipping culture, how to find the best non-touristy restaurants, and transportation tips. Brooke also dives into cultural nuances, shopping recommendations, and essential travel advice to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience in Italy. Whether you're planning your first trip or are a seasoned traveler, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to enhance your journey.   Key Takeaways [02:10] Dining Etiquette & Coperto (Cover Charge) Restaurants in Italy often charge a "coperto," a small fee covering bread, utensils, and service. It typically ranges from 1–3 euros but can be higher in major cities. Even if you don't eat the bread, you'll still be charged. [03:14] Meal Times & Restaurant Culture Italians eat dinner much later than in the U.S., typically starting at 7 PM or later. Pizzerias and bakeries can be great options for early meals or snacks when restaurants are closed. [10:44] Tipping in Italy Unlike the U.S., tipping is not expected but is appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving 1–2 euros per person is customary. Cash tips are preferred, as most card machines do not include a tip option. [07:55] Interacting with Waitstaff Servers in Italy will not check in frequently like in the U.S. To get a waiter's attention, simply make eye contact or raise a hand instead of expecting them to anticipate your needs. [14:38] How to Find the Best Restaurants Ask locals, including Airbnb hosts, hotel concierges, and taxi drivers. Use AI tools like ChatGPT to find non-touristy dining options. Check out Female Foodie for curated food guides. [17:37] Cultural Norms & Common Mistakes Avoid ordering cappuccino after 11 AM—Italians typically drink it only in the morning. Bread is meant for dipping into sauces, not for snacking before a meal (this practice is called la scarpetta). Italians value slow, unrushed meals—don't expect quick service. [25:20] Transportation & Taxis Many buses now accept tap pay, making public transport more convenient. Always take a taxi from a designated taxi stand or have a restaurant call one—never accept rides from drivers approaching you. Apps like Trainline are great for booking train tickets in advance. [24:32] Shopping & VAT Refunds Great souvenirs include high-quality pasta, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and leather goods. VAT refunds are mainly worth pursuing for high-value purchases (e.g., luxury bags), not small items. [35:48] Using Credit Cards & Cash Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, while American Express is less common. Always carry some euros in cash for small transactions and tipping. ATMs connected to banks are the safest places to withdraw cash. [31:39] Health & Travel Insurance Travel insurance can be helpful in case of medical issues or cancellations. Pharmacies in Italy are well-stocked and many pharmacists speak English. The emergency number in Italy is 112.   Notable Quotes (05:10) “Italians don't eat in a rush. Meals are about presence and gratitude, not just the food itself.” (16:44) “You don't need to learn Italian, but a few key phrases—like ‘grazie' and ‘buongiorno'—go a long way.” (17:37) “Ordering a cappuccino after 11 AM might get you some looks—Italians believe dairy is for the morning!” (28:37) “Never, ever take a taxi from someone who approaches you at the airport. Always use official taxi stands.”   Resources Alessandro Frassica: Florence's Best Panino & The Story Behind Ino How To Win At Travel With The Points Guy, @BrianKelly Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Join thousands of other listeners on our Substack, The Foodletter!   In this solo episode, Brooke takes a heartfelt look back at the ten most impactful moments of 2024 for the Female Foodie community. From recipe development milestones and social media growth to the personal joys of hosting Friendsgiving and building stronger connections through food, Brooke offers a candid reflection on her journey. She shares insights into the evolution of Female Foodie, the challenges and triumphs of hosting food tours in Italy, and the joy of creating culinary traditions that span generations. This episode is a celebration of growth, gratitude, and the universal power of food to connect us all.   Key Takeaways [02:45] Recipe Development Mastery: Brooke shares her growth in recipe creation, including stories behind her chocolate olive oil cake and Christmas croissant eggs Benedict. [11:30] The Pivot to Substack: Transitioning to a newsletter platform, The Food Letter, allows for greater creativity and community connection. [32:10] Friendsgiving Milestone: Hosting her first Friendsgiving for 20+ guests demonstrated the power of organization, community, and culinary joy. [41:10] Female Foodie Tours: Successfully hosting 200 women on immersive Italian food tours showcased the transformative potential of food and travel. [36:00] Personal Food Moments: Brooke's family-centered traditions, like making sushi and her grandmother's fried rice, highlighted food's role in connecting generations. [49:35] Memorable Meal at Vaulter's Osteria: Dining at her favorite restaurant reminded Brooke of food's enduring ability to connect us to people and places. [55:12] Gratitude for Community: Brooke closes the episode with a heartfelt thanks to the Female Foodie community for their support and inspiration.   Notable Quotes (14:57) “Life is too short to eat bad food.” – Brooke Eliason (54:39) “Food connects us to people, places, and memories.” – Brooke Eliason (47:54) “Every woman deserves to come to Italy.” – Brooke Eliason   Resources Episode 58: Annie Fenn: Preventing Alzheimer's Through Food Episode 50: Tipping Has Gotten Out Of Control With Levi DeGarmo Book Recommendation: French Kids Eat Everything Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

Ever wondered if you could transform your relationship with food and make it a celebrated part of your life? In today's episode I'm joined by Brooke Eliason of Female Foodie, a true foodie with a vibrant love for all things culinary. Together we dive deep into her journey, exploring her heartfelt relationship with food, her experiences with diet culture, and her transformative trips to Italy. We discuss the beauty of intuitive eating, the joy of food rituals, and how embracing food as a celebration can enrich your life and relationships. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or someone looking to heal your relationship with food, this conversation is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical tips. Referenced episodes: Here Lies Monica, How to Use It Not Abuse It, Intuitive Eating Sign up as a Supporter to get access to our private, premium, ad-free podcast, More Personal. Episodes air each Friday! Favorite Things 8 Year Giveaway! Access exclusive supporter benefits Free DSL Training Sticky Habit Intensive Waitlist Full Show Notes This episode is sponsored by LMNT, get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/Progress; and by AirDoctor, use code MONICA for up to $300 off air purifiers; and by Lolavie, Get 15% off LolaVie with the code PROGRESS at https://www.lolavie.com/PROGRESS #lolaviepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Show Notes: Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Rome Tour Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Tuscany Tour Fresh off a seven-week adventure hosting Female Foodie tours in Italy, Brooke shares seven invaluable lessons she learned from Italian food culture in this episode. From perfecting signature dishes to savoring slow meals, Brooke's observations offer a glimpse inside Italian cuisine and what makes it so spectacular. Whether you're a foodie, a home cook, or you simply love Italy, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to bring a touch of Italy into your own kitchen.   Key Takeaways: Perfect Signature Dishes: Italians perfect their signature dishes by cooking them repeatedly, resulting in unparalleled quality and consistency. Implement this by focusing on a few key recipes and refining them over time. (03:02) Cook with Seasonal and Local Ingredients: Embrace the seasons and cook with what is regionally available, enhancing flavors and freshness. Visit local farmers' markets for inspiration and fresh produce. (07:08) Keep It Simple: Simplicity is key in Italian cuisine. Use high-quality ingredients and let them shine without overcomplicating dishes. Aim for fewer ingredients with better quality. (10:15) Moderation over Restriction: Italians enjoy their food without obsessive restrictions. Focus on balanced portions and enjoy a variety of dishes in moderation. (14:53) Include Children in Food Rituals: Italians cherish involving children in meals and cooking, fostering a love for food and family traditions. Encourage kids to help in the kitchen and make mealtime a shared experience. (21:18) Value Family Recipes: Preserve and pass down family recipes to maintain culinary heritage and create lasting memories. Spend time cooking with older family members to learn and document traditional dishes. (24:25) Savor Slow Meals: Italians take time to enjoy their meals, using food as a vehicle for connection and conversation. Make an effort to slow down and savor your meals, especially during family gatherings. (30:35)     Notable Quotes: "Food is the vehicle for connection and discussion and intimacy." - Brooke (35:08)   Timestamped Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction and recap of Italy trip 01:33 - Announcing 2025 Female Foodie tours 03:02 - Lesson 1: Perfecting signature dishes 07:08 - Lesson 2: Cooking with seasonal and local ingredients 10:15 - Lesson 3: Keeping it simple 14:53 - Lesson 4: Moderation over restriction 21:18 - Lesson 5: Including children in food rituals 24:25 - Lesson 6: Valuing family recipes 30:35 - Lesson 7: Savoring slow meals   Resources: Follow Female Foodie on Instagram Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Rome Tour Subscribe for info on the Female Foodie Tuscany Tour

We've done 19 taste tests since 2020 and have blind tested hundreds of popular food products and today on That Was Delicious, host Brooke Eliason recaps the very best (and the very worst) of each taste test. If you've loved the Female Foodie Taste Tests but are looking for consolidated results, this episode is for you!      Show Notes:  Subscribe to Female Foodie on Instagram for exclusive access to our brand new taste tests in 2024 Vanilla ice cream taste test  Eggnog podcast taste test  Eggnog taste test Peppermint bark taste test Chocolate milk taste test Butter taste test Chocolate chip taste test Cinnamon roll taste test Yellow cake taste test Yellow cake recipe  Trader Joe's ice cream taste test Hot chocolate taste test Popcorn taste test Hot dog taste test Peanut butter taste test Pickle taste test Oreo taste test Potato chip taste test Brownie taste test Watch our taste tests on YouTube Subscribe to Female Foodie on Instagram for exclusive access to taste tests

On this episode of That Was Delicious, Female Foodie recipe developer Katie Calton and Brooke Eliason discuss food trends from 2023 including chili oil, puff pastry, butter boards, Korean food, and more. After hashing over what they loved (and perhaps didn't like) about these trends, Katie & Brooke discuss predictions for 2024 food trends, including types of entrees, salads, specific ingredients, and how they believe people will be cooking toward the end of 2024.   Resources: Brownie Pecan Pie Recipe Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad Recipe Mango Pie Recipe Coffee Cake Cookies Recipe Patagonia Provisions Lemon Olive Spanish White Anchovies Mini Circle/Sphere Ice Cube Tray Protein Foundry Avocado Toast Recipe Turtle Cookies Recipe Bolognese Recipe Spinach Artichoke Dip With Lemon & Panko Follow Female Foodie on Instagram Follow Katie Calton on Instagram

A short and sweet episode that answers the question I've asked every single guest on the show, “If you could go back and visit one meal from your lifetime, which would it be, and why did it mean so much to you?”    We are beyond thankful to our listeners near and far. Thank you for supporting us at Female Foodie and wishing you a very Merry Christmas!   Fried Rice Recipe Favorite Nigiri Recipe Follow Female Foodie on Instagram

It's that time of year again when schedules seem to be full to the brim, everyone's adjusting to the new school year, and it's not quite the season to be spending copious amounts of time on dinner. Today on That Was Delicious, Brittney Hanks is sharing 5 easy meals you can make when you don't feel like cooking–all thanks to her new cookbook, Costco One Stop Meals. Embrace the joy of effortless meal prep and make cherished memories over delicious dishes thanks to this book that requires only one stop at one of our favorite places to shop: Costco.    In this episode we not only cover 5 super easy, convenient dinner ideas but we also discuss Brittney's story on how her brand Home and Kind got started, her mission to simplify and streamline things to make life at home better, and what's next for Home and Kind.      Resources: Get Brittney's New Cookbook, Costco One Stop Meals (Update: The magnetic bookmarks mentioned in the episode are temporarily sold out, but you can still use code FEMALFOODIEGIFT to receive a free Costco shopping list notepad when you add both the cookbook and notepad to your cart.). Connect with Brittney on Instagram Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Headed on vacation soon? Or do you simply want to find better restaurants in your hometown? One of our most frequently asked questions is “how do you decide where to eat in a city you've never been to?”   Today on That Was Delicious, host Brooke Eliason uncovers 17 tips for finding incredible places to eat whether you're at home or out of town, including best practices for consuming crowd-sourced food ratings (such as Google, Yelp, Tripadvisor, etc.), how to digest recommendations on social media, and her personal favorite ways to cull restaurant recommendations that you can trust.      Resources: Female Foodie Restaurant Guides Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Today we know Ken Forkish as the James Beard Award-winning cookbook author and restauranteur of several iconic Portland restaurants, but it wasn't always that way. After dreaming of breaking free from his career in corporate America, Forkish opened his now-beloved bakery in Portland, Ken's Artisan Bakery in 2001. Ken lost over $70,000 in that first year but thankfully after two years of building his dream, Ken knew that he was going to make it.   Between the bakery, his pizzeria (Ken's Artisan Pizza), and his three inspiring and thorough cookbooks focused on bread and pizza, we cover it all in this episode from business ventures to recipe development to favorite restaurants of Ken's.     Resources: Connect with Ken on Instagram Buy Ken's First Cookbooks Online Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Today we're covering 20 of our top travel tips for eating out in Italy. If you plan to visit Italy in the next year (or dream of going someday!) then this episode is a must-listen-to before your vacation.   As a bonus, we're sharing 5 general Italy travel tips at the end of the episode that answer some of our most frequently asked questions, including the most important item to pack on your trip and how many days to spend in each city.     Resources: Female Foodie Italy Restaurant Guides Female Foodie Italy Tours Waiting List Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Crystelle Pereira began cooking in her mother's kitchen at a very young age, but it wasn't until 2019, just before the lockdown of 2020, that Crystelle's family requested that she start baking. After dabbling in several cake recipes and decorating techniques at home, Pereira's family encouraged her to apply for the 2021 season of Great British Bake Off. Thinking there was no chance she'd get on the show and after nearly a dozen rounds of interviews and applications, Crystelle received the call that she had been chosen as one of the 12 finalists on what she affectionately refers to as "Bake Off".  From successes and challenges in the GBBO tent to her post-Bake Off life including her stunning new cookbook "Flavor Kitchen", we discuss it all on this episode of That Was Delicious. Resources: Connect with Crystelle on Instagram (US Book Tour Details Here) Connect with Crystelle on Tiktok Buy Crystelle's Cookbook on Amazon Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

In 1990, Michael Brooks and Brad Otton landed in Italy as natives of Colorado and Washington respectively, never having had authentic Italian food let alone bonified pizza napoletana. After falling in love with the life-changing culinary offerings of Italian cuisine, they found it difficult to enjoy anything remotely close to what they had in Italy back home. After years of dreaming about their own Neapolitan pizzeria, Brad finally opened their first location in Henderson with subsequent locations in partnership with Michael in Salt Lake City, Summerlin, Pasadena, and Oxnard to follow. Their story is one of overcoming challengings not without a less-than-ideal pilot restaurant location, staffing issues, and virtually zero restaurant experience between the two of them. As the late Jonathon Gold so perfectly said after dining at one of their California locations, "The pizza at Settebello is closer to real Naples pizza than any place that has ever existed in Los Angeles”. Resources: Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana Website Connect with Settebello on Instagram Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Si Foster is known and loved by thousands as the creator and talent behind A Bountiful Kitchen, but this episode takes a deep dive into the often untold story of A Bountiful Kitchen. From her unique childhood as a Japanese American to learning how to cook as a young adult to the early days of ABK, this episode illustrates how this self-taught cook built a highly trusted brand and cult following by doing as she states in her motto: "Cook A Meal, Create A Memory." Resources: Si's Cookbook Si's Instagram Connect with Female Foodie on Instagram

Meet your host of That Was Delicious, Brooke Eliason. In this episode, Brooke shares the three chapters of her life that contributed to her immense love for all things food. From taking overexposed point-and-shoot- pictures of food as a child to countless waitressing jobs to her early 20s when she started her humble Blogspot Blog (named "My Eats. My Thoughts." originally), this episode is a deep dive into how Female Foodie came to be and where it is now. This episode also introduces what you can expect on the show, including interviews with people who have shaped the gastronomic world with stories behind their restaurants, products, brands, and recipes. Thank you for being here. Let's eat. Resources: Female Foodie Website Female Foodie App Female Foodie Italy Tours Connect with Brooke on Instagram

In this week's episode Kelsey discusses grown up grilled cheese, her family Valentine's Day traditions and the key to making restaurant quality steak at home. Maybe this year you'll opt for a sweetheart meal at home? Kelsey also chats with one of her favorite accounts on Instagram, the Female Foodie – Brooke Eliason! They discuss Kelsey's interactive cookbook DVD, traveling the world with little ones, and the value of sharing family dinner. Brooke is also the February guest recipe contributor on Recipe Club, featuring her recipe for 30-minute Meatballs. They finish by discussing Brooke's #1 tip to make dinner time easier and the kitchen tool essentials they'd be lost without.Get full show notes and more information here: https://kelseynixon.com/podcast004

This week we sit down with Brooke Eliason, better known as Female Foodie. Getting her start in West Yellowstone, Montana, Brooke has made a name for herself creating a bank of restaurant reviews with her team of unbiased foodies. Listen in to hear the story of her long, slow build of turning a passion for food into a business with a national following.

Ever dreamed about starting a food blog, but not sure how you could make money from it? My guest today is Brooke Eliason, also known as the blogger behind Female Foodie, a blog that brings readers the best restaurant recommendations across the country (because Brooke believes that life's too short to eat bad food). I was introduced to Brooke by donut blogger Rory Balkin I interviewed back in Episode 264 - and just like Rory, Brooke is monetizing her love of food in some really unique ways - so even if you’re not a food blogger, or a blogger at all this episode is going to blow your mind wide open on all the possibilities out there for you to put different, creative streams of revenue in place in your side hustle. Brooke started her blog back in 2010, and it’s fascinating to get to hear step by step how she started it as a simple passion project and turned it into an entrepreneurial empire with over 60 contributors in 9 cities and counting. Today we’re talking about: How Brooke created a profitable food blog by solving a common problem. How Brooke’s passion project turned into her full time business. The process Brooke used to create and sell a product to her audience. Why bloggers need multiple streams of revenue. Brooke's process for bringing on blog contributors and building her team. Brooke’s side-hustle to self-employed story. How Brooke makes money decisions in her business. The one belief Brooke had to change about herself to get where she is today. So, what’s a blogger who writes restaurant reviews and creates city guides to do during a global pandemic when the majority of the country’s restaurants are shut down? You’ll find out from our episode that Brooke has multiple streams of revenue, and while she probably didn’t anticipate something quite like COVID-19 happening, I think it’s the perfect example of why it’s so important for not just bloggers but any kind of business to have more than one way of making money. I asked Brooke how she pivoted and here’s what she said: “The main pivot has been the restaurant inspired recipes! This was my mom's idea. The response has been incredibly positive and interestingly enough my social media following and engagement have skyrocketed. The entire situation seemed all doom and gloom once I realized that restaurants would be closed for weeks, and even though I'm still missing eating out so much, this challenging time has brought new opportunities and helped me stretch and grow to new capacities! I listened to a Chalene Johnson podcast from Build Your Tribe right when everything started to crumble and she mentioned that we grow the most when times are challenging, not when things are going perfectly, and I agree!” Right now on her Instagram she and her contributors are highlighting the best take-out and make-at-home copycat recipes. Go check out Female Foodie’s Instagram to see how a professional blogger is pivoting with her content during the pandemic - it’s super creative. Because life’s too short to eat bad food, even when you’re staying home. My favorite quotes from Brooke: “It's always important to surround yourself with people who believe in you.” “It's been a lot of trial and error, which I think is the fun and hard part of entrepreneurship.” “You can’t get a no unless you ask.” “When you own something that's yours, you just have complete control.” “I can actually reach those big goals, but not if I think small. I have to believe in it and trust the process and everyday slowly chip away at those goals.” “I've had to learn that I'm still working on this, to not compare, and to stay in my lane.” “Don't let other people take away from what you're building. You are unique and only you can provide the value that you're providing to your community." Resources mentioned in this episode: Female Foodie MediaVine AdThrive Matt Molen - Email on Autopilot The War of Art – Steven Pressfield Bio: Brooke Eliason ("e-listen") is Salt Lake City native and started her blog Female Foodie in 2010, solely as a passion project with one goal in mind: to document all the restaurants she ate at that summer. Female Foodie is now a multi-city website and brand covering the best restaurants in places like Austin, Portland, Chicago, and Los Angeles. She has worked with over 60 contributors in the past four years with a mission to bring her readers the best restaurant recommendations across the country, because life's too short to eat bad food. Brooke has been traveling full-time with her husband and baby since October 2018 in search of the best tacos, pizza, donuts, and fried chicken across the country. Connect with Brooke: Female Foodie Website Instagram Facebook YouTube Pinterest Twitter Build a website in just 5 days (even if you're not techie) at www.free5daywebsitechallenge.com Learn how to market yourself online without ads, algorithms or spending all your time on social media at www.howtomarketyourselfonline.com Learn how to get your first web design client at www.startafreelancewebdesignbiz.com Leave a Review!

Have you ever thought about just packing up a few bags and hitting the road for an entire year? Well that’s exactly what my sister Brooke from Female Foodie did this past year and today she’s sharing with us her ups and a few downs, why they did it, what she learned, some of her best tricks and tips for traveling and living out of a suitcase long term with a husband, a dog and a baby, and what her best advice is for someone wanting to do the same. Buckle up because this episode is going to be an adventure! Show Notes:   femalefoodie.com   Instagram @femalefoodie Helpful Apps to use while traveling -Turo https://turo.com/en-us -Strava https://www.strava.com/ -All Trails https://www.alltrails.com/ Brooke’s best Airbnb tips video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpepdjVMcaY Google Flights-Find great deals on flights    Produced by Dear Media

Welcome to Vice of Life, the show where we come to you with a topic of intrigue, interest, and general vice. In this second episode of "shared vice," the gang checks out one of the chocolate capitals of the world, Salt Lake City, Utah.  From Cumming's to Hatch's, we explored Female Foodie's list of "8 Best Chocolate Shops in Salt Lake City," and tell you all about it. If you want to get ahold of the show, follow us in the following places: e-Mail: ViceofLifePodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @ViceofLifePodcast Twitter: @ViceofLifePod Enjoy the show!

Some people say that blogging is dead, but don't tell that to Brooke from Female Foodie. She uses blogging to drive her business. Want to know her secret? It all lies in SEO (Search Engine Optimization for you new-to-blogging friends). In this episode, Brooke shares all of her SEO secrets and tips. She even let's you in on how she beats out all of the big websites to get at the top of Google. In this podcast we mention: My free step-by-step guide to setting up your Wordpress blog: http://iammichellegifford.com/start-blog-guide/ Female Foodie: https://www.femalefoodie.com/ Plugins: Yoast Keyword everywhere Keyword Planners: SEM Rush Moz Google Adwords

This week I sit down with my sister Brooke from the blog Female Foodie, but we don’t talk much about food, we actually talk about how she completed an iron man, which is a 2.4 mile swim, 114 miles on a bicycle, and then a 26.2 mile full marathon at the end. She went from being that girl in grade school who was one of the last to finish and absolutely hated the mile run in PE, to hearing the words “Brooke Eliason, you are an Ironman!” I can’t wait for you guys to be inspired by her story of overcoming obstacles and even people who doubted her, and re-live her experience training for and completing an Ironman.

Brooke Eliason (pronounced “e-listen”), is a 20 something native of Salt Lake City who was raised in a "blogger family" (her mom and sister also have successful blogs), where her mother taught her the love of all things food and photography. She started Female Foodie in 2010 while she was living in the little touristy town of West Yellowstone, Montana (population 1,321) and decided to document her experiences trying every single restaurant in town. After leaving West Yellowstone, she continued to document and promote favorite foodie spots that she felt everyone should know about. In 2014 she jumped on the social media bandwagon and, for the first time, was able to experience being a part of the foodie community. Today, femalefoodie.com consists of over 30 contributors in 15 cities, who do everything from review popular restaurants to rank the best places to eat in different cities. On today's episode, Nate and Brooke discuss their mutual love of food, and how that love led Brooke to start what was initially a food blog after waiting tables during her summers in West Yellowstone. They chat about the importance of having a catchy name and keeping your url (09:00), the early stages of the blog and how it has evolved over time with help from social media and the "foodie" community (15:00) and how food guides have become their main source of content (20:00). Brooke takes us through her process of selecting her contributors and how she grew her little blog into a fully fledged business (25:00) and some of her most popular/favorite content (29:30). Brooke discusses the feedback she gets from her followers/readers and the cities where Female Foodie has the biggest wealth of recommendations (34:00) including Austin, TX and New York City. Brooke talks about how she chooses her restaurants to review and how she avoids writing negative reviews (44:00). Nate asks what Brooke's favorite foods are and they go off on a Mexican food rant, before finishing with a countdown of her favorite restaurants in Salt Lake City, Portland, Park City, New York and Dallas (50:00). They finish the podcast with a "7 seconds or less" segment where we get to know Brooke a bit better (58:00) before previewing what's upcoming from female foodie in the near future!

This week’s guest: Brooke Eliason – Founder of the Female Foodie blog, sharing restaurant reviews, recipes, and swoon-worthy photos. She makes lists, builds her collaborative network, and trolls online negativity so her contributing team, and the rest of us, know where to go for food that makes us feel alive and avoid diabetes.