The Business Bestie Podcast

What does a day in the life of a media dietitian really look like? Well, bestie, it’s not just green smoothies and perfectly lit content. It’s car screams, missed windshield wipers, live TV chaos, and yes — moments of pure “I can’t believe this is my job” joy.In this episode, we each take you through a real (very real) day in our lives. From TV segments and content creation to school pickups and tech fails, we’re peeling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to juggle media work, motherhood, and business ownership without losing your mind… most of the time.In this episode, we talk about:What a “typical” day in media life actually includes (spoiler: no day is typical)How we batch content, land segments, and still manage bedtimeTips for social growth without burnout (hello, reposted reels 🙌)The thrill of unexpected brand emails — and the ones we delete on sightWhy we’re obsessed with flexibility and refuse to go back to cubicle lifeKey Takeaways:Flexibility is everything — and media careers can offer that (with a side of chaos).Delegating doesn’t mean giving up control — it means saving your sanity.Repurposing old content is not lazy. It’s genius.There’s no such thing as balance, but there is joy in the juggle.The right opportunities often pop into your inbox when you least expect them.Whether you're curious what this life looks like or just need a reminder that it's okay to do it your way — this episode will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink your to-do list.

Kristen and Gillean dive deep into one of the most essential — and often intimidating — aspects of working in media: contracts. Whether you're creating your own agreement or reviewing one sent by a brand, they break down exactly what to look for, what to include, and how to negotiate with confidence. In this episode, we discuss:When and why you need a contract for brand partnerships and media workHow to create your own contract, including key terms like deliverables, fees, rounds of revisions, payment timelines, and late payment penaltiesWhat to watch for when a brand sends you their contract — exclusivity clauses, usage rights, payment terms, and termination provisionsThe art of negotiation: how to advocate for yourself without damaging the relationshipReal-life stories of contracts gone wrong (and how to avoid the same mistakes)Pits & Peaks: school lunch struggles, press-on nail mishaps, a powerhouse panel appearance, and a budget-friendly Trader Joe's skincare discoveryKey takeaways:Always get a signed contract back before starting any work — verbal or email agreements leave you vulnerableInclude specifics in your own contracts: scope of work, deliverables, revision rounds, reimbursement limits, payment timelines, and late feesWhen reviewing a brand's contract, pay close attention to exclusivity periods and usage rights — these can limit your future opportunities and should be reflected in your rateYou can and should negotiate contract terms; brands are often more flexible than you'd expectYour name, image, and likeness are valuable — charge accordingly for long-term or perpetual usageReview termination clauses to ensure you have adequate notice and protection for long-term arrangementsReady to jump in and join our media mentorship program? Get started here: https://expertwithinfluence.com/media-mentorshipLooking for an in-person event to get together with a community of ambitious, heart-forward women who just get you? Learn more about our next retreat: https://expertwithinfluence.com/2027-retreat Disclaimer: Kristen and Gillean are registered dietitians, not attorneys. The information shared in this episode is based on their personal experience and is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified legal professional before signing any contract.

In this episode, Kristen sits down with Crystal Orozco, a registered dietitian and graduate of the Business Bestie media mentorship program, to talk about her journey from burnt-out corporate wellness dietitian to confident on-air TV personality. Crystal shares how she discovered the media space, navigated her anxiety around public speaking, and built long-term brand partnerships through authentic relationship-building. From her first nerve-wracking live segment to her monthly "Cooking with Crystal" TV series on ABC10, Crystal's story is a testament to facing your fears, pitching relentlessly, and trusting that you'll figure it out along the way.In this episode, we discuss:Crystal's transition from corporate wellness to media and why she made the leapHow she overcame public speaking anxiety and panic attacks to thrive on live TVLanding her first paid TV segment and building long-term brand partnershipsThe power of in-person networking at conferences like FNCE and Expo WestWhy over-delivering and authentic brand alignment keep clients coming backHow the media mentorship program accelerated her learning curve with real-time supportPractical advice for dietitians waiting to feel "ready" before pitchingKey takeaways:No one ever feels ready — you learn by getting in and doing the workThe more you pitch, the more likely you are to hear a yes; rejection is rarely personalIn-person networking is invaluable — brands want to know the personality behind the pitchOver-deliver on every partnership: make it easy for clients to say yes and keep coming backSurround yourself with a community of people who have been there and can guide you in real timeTreat media work like a full-time job — consistency and persistence are what build momentumYou can chase your fears and still enjoy the ride — growth happens outside your comfort zoneReady to jump in and join our media mentorship program? Get started here: https://expertwithinfluence.com/media-mentorshipLooking for an in-person event to get together with a community of ambitious, heart-forward women who just get you? Learn more about our next retreat: https://expertwithinfluence.com/2027-retreat 

Feeling stuck, stressed, or stretched too thin trying to "hustle" your way to success? In this episode, we sit down with best-selling author and National TV nutrition expert DJ Blatner, RDN, to unpack the surprising link between joy and achievement. DJ shares how ditching the hustle-at-all-costs mentality — and learning to ask "is there any way I could make this a hell yes?" — completely transformed her career, from landing an unconventional sports dietitian role with the Chicago Cubs to building a business rooted in fun instead of burnout.We dig into practical tools for reclaiming joy in everyday life: the "are you having fun?" phone reminder that keeps you honest, why singletasking beats multitasking for productivity and peace of mind, and how surrounding yourself with bigger-thinking people (hello, retreats) can shift your entire mindset. Plus, DJ opens up about her hilarious side-hustle history — from candle-making flops to poop-improving cookies — proving that entrepreneurial joy doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful.If you're a dietitian, entrepreneur, or busy parent looking for permission to have more fun without sacrificing success, this conversation is your reminder that joy isn't the reward for hard work — it's the strategy.In this episode:Why "hell yes or no" isn't the only choice — and how to find the middle groundThe story behind DJ's unconventional path to becoming a sports dietitianHow single tasking and presence can amplify joy (and productivity)Why surrounding yourself with bold, big-thinking people changes everythingOur first entrepreneurial ventures (wax candles, bedazzled phone cases, and poop-friendly cookies included)

One-off projects are exciting—but if you're looking for more stability in your business, consulting might be the missing piece.In this episode, we're pulling back the curtain on one of our favorite income streams and sharing exactly what consulting looks like as a media dietitian. From long-term brand partnerships to recurring monthly retainers, we're talking about how consulting can create a strong foundation for your business while still giving you the flexibility to pursue TV segments, sponsored content, writing, and everything else you love.We also share the biggest pros and cons, how we've landed consulting opportunities, what brands are actually looking for, and why relationships and networking continue to open doors year after year.If you've ever wondered how to move from one-off projects to predictable monthly income, this episode is for you.We’d love to have you join us for our upcoming Media Mentorship in August. If you’d like more information or to view the application, check out the link below: https://expertwithinfluence.com/media-mentorship In This Episode We Discuss:What consulting actually looks like as a media dietitianWhy consulting creates more predictable incomeThe biggest pros and cons of consulting workHow to land long-term consulting opportunitiesWhy networking is your biggest assetCreating proposals that brands want to say yes toMonthly retainers vs. hourly pricingExamples of consulting projects we've worked onHow to turn one-off projects into long-term partnershipsKey Takeaways:Consulting gives you the opportunity to build recurring income while keeping the flexibility of entrepreneurship.Brands hire consultants for their expertise—not simply for their time.Long-term partnerships are often built through consistent relationships and networking.A strong proposal helps brands clearly see the value you bring.Defining your scope of work upfront protects your time and prevents scope creep.Monthly retainers can provide consistency while allowing room for flexibility.Every one-off project is an opportunity to build trust that can lead to something bigger.Diversifying your income streams creates more stability and less stress as an entrepreneur.Showing up consistently and doing great work is still the best way to grow your business.Sometimes you have to "borrow confidence" and figure things out along the way.Consulting has been one of the biggest building blocks in our businesses because it creates stability without sacrificing flexibility. We hope this episode gives you ideas for how you can start creating long-term partnerships of your own.