Media Savvy with Bonnie Taub-Dix – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, dives into the must-have tool for every professional looking to stand out: the media kit. Whether you're pitching a brand, a producer, or a reporter, a media kit is your gateway to making a lasting impression. Learn what essentials to include, what to leave out, and how to craft a media kit that truly showcases your expertise, credibility, and personality.

Bonnie also tackles hot topics like whether you should include pricing and social media numbers, sharing personal tips and strategies for maximizing your media kit’s impact. With practical advice and real-world examples, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your media game.

What You’ll Learn:

• The essential components of a media kit, including a compelling bio, contact details, high-resolution images, press coverage, and more.
• Why curating your media highlights matters and how to choose what strengthens your brand.
• What to avoid in your media kit, including outdated content and overwhelming information.
• The pros and cons of including pricing and social media metrics in your kit.
• Strategic tips for tailoring your kit to different audiences and keeping it up to date.

Quick Tips Mentioned in This Episode:

• Consider creating separate kits for media and brands if your audiences have distinct needs.
• Always ask about a company’s budget before quoting rates to avoid undervaluing yourself.
• Balance professionalism with personality in your bio and visuals to stand out.
• Keep it concise: a short, polished kit is more impactful than a long, cluttered one.

Creating a media kit is an investment in your professional future. Take these tips and start building a kit that will leave a lasting impression on the media, brands, and collaborators you want to work with! If you found this episode helpful, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s ready to take their media presence to the next level. Follow me on Instagram @BTDmedia for more media-savvy insights.

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:  Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com
• Download a free chapter of Bonnie’s latest book

In this episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, I’m joined by Elizabeth Ward and Hillary Wright, the dynamic duo known as "The Menopause Dietitians." Together, they’ve become trusted voices in the nutrition space, tackling the often-overlooked topic of menopause and empowering women to navigate this stage of life with confidence and clarity.

We dive into how they identified and built their niche, the challenges and rewards of working as partners without losing their own individual identities. Whether you're a dietitian, a writer, or simply curious about what makes a great collaboration thrive, this episode is packed with insights, practical advice, and inspiration. They don’t hold back on their take on this topic.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Elizabeth and Hillary teamed up to create "The Menopause Dietitians" brand.
• Why menopause nutrition is a crucial yet underserved topic.
• The pros and cons of working with a partner in business and media.
• Tips for identifying a niche and building your reputation around it.
• The role of media training in their success.
• How their individual books contribute to their collective work.
• Advice for anyone considering collaboration or working with a partner.

Links and Resources

• Connect with Elizabeth Ward: @ewardmsrd
• Connect with Hillary Wright: @hwrightrd
• Learn more about "The Menopause Dietitians": @menopausedietplan
• Elizabeth Ward’s book: Expect the Best: Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During, and After Pregnancy 
• Hillary Wright’s book:The Prediabetes Diet Plan: How to Reverse Prediabetes and Prevent Diabetes through Healthy Eating and Exercise
• The Menopause Diet Plan: A Natural Guide to Managing Hormones, Health and Happiness, by Hillary Wright & Elizabeth Ward

Key Takeaways

• "Partnerships are most successful when you balance strengths and have open communication."
• "Media training can elevate your message and make your expertise stand out."
• "Don’t underestimate the power of identifying and serving a niche market.”

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:  Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com
• Download a free chapter of Bonnie’s latest book

Let’s Connect!

Love this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to the Media Savvy Podcast! Follow me on Instagram @BTDmedia for more media tips and updates.

Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, host Bonnie Taub-Dix takes you on a personal journey from shy and insecure to thriving in the media world. If you’ve ever felt like confidence is something other people have but not you, this episode is for you. Bonnie shares heartfelt stories from her own life, from childhood insecurities to overcoming self-doubt in her career as a media expert. You'll learn how confidence is a skill that anyone can build—and discover practical tips to help you step into your strength.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this episode will show you how to silence the self-doubt that’s holding you back and replace it with confidence that sticks.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Bonnie went from a shy, introverted child to a successful media professional.
• The reality of imposter syndrome, even for experienced experts.
• Personal stories about overcoming fear, including Bonnie’s creative solution for handling a live demo!
• 5 practical ways to boost your confidence without needing to see a therapist:

1. Embrace Your Unique Journey – Use your personal experiences as a foundation for confidence.
2. Talk About What You Know – Authenticity is your greatest asset.
3. Own Your Titles – Stop waiting for validation; step into your role as an expert.
4. Get Off the Comparison Roller-Coaster – Compare yourself only to your own progress.
5. Prepare for Success – Create a comfort zone before facing challenges, so you can perform at your best.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to the Media Savvy Podcast so you don’t miss the next installment of the Confidence Chronicles series! Please leave a review and share this episode with someone who could use a confidence boost. Your support helps spread the word and keep the confidence conversation and media making going.

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:  Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com
• Download a free chapter of Bonnie’s latest book

In today’s energizing episode of Media Savvy, we sit down with Stefani Sassos, the power behind nutrition and fitness at Good Housekeeping Magazine. Stefani shares her unique blend of expertise and heartwarming authenticity, lifting the veil on the life of a media-savvy nutritionist who can make working with media never seem like a 'heavy lift’ while never leaving her Big Fit Greek ethos behind!

In This Episode:

• Stefani’s Start: How a career in clinical dietetics surprisingly transitioned to the world of media.
• Kindness in Media: The role of faith and family values in shaping Stefani's approach to work and creativity.
• A Day in the Life at Good Housekeeping: The unexpectedly rich and varied tasks of a Nutrition & Fitness Director.
• Media Training: Where Stefani honed her skills for the spotlight and the mentors who guided her.
• Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating high-pressure situations and celebrating rewarding media projects.
• Trendsetting in Media: Staying ahead of the curve and making content stand out across platforms.
• The Perfect Pitch: What catches Stefani’s eye among hundreds of pitches and how she chooses her go-to resources. Also get a glimpse here of what not to do if you want to get your name in the news!
• Fitness as a Superwoman: Balancing a hectic schedule with staying strong and fit, even during pregnancy.
• Advice for Aspiring Media Pros: Stefani’s wisdom for those looking to make their mark in magazine media.

Resources Mentioned:

• Good Housekeeping Magazine
• Stefani Sassos’ Social Media Profiles
• Good Housekeeping’s Snack Awards List

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:   Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 

• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com 

About Our Guest:

Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CDN, the Nutrition & Fitness Director at the Good Housekeeping Institute, is a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and an exemplar of fitness and nutrition expertise. Her dedication to evidence-based content empowers millions to make informed choices for a healthier life. Between CrossFit sessions and family time, Stefani is a driving force for trustworthy health information and a testament to living a balanced life.

Welcome to another dynamic episode of the Media Savvy Podcast—the go-to place for boosting your media skills and transforming yourself into an expert who can't be ignored! I'm Bonnie Taub-Dix, and today, we're diving deep into the fine art of pitching to the media.

In This Episode:

• The Power of Self-Promotion: Understand why being quoted can be more influential than writing full articles.
• Secrets to Crafting Magnetic Pitches: Learn how to create pitches that not only get noticed but make journalists seek you out.
• Turning Quotes into Opportunities: Discover how a simple quote can lead to lucrative partnerships and elevate your career.
• The anatomy of a standout pitch: We’ll dish out the details of a captivating pitch and what makes it work and how to replicate success.
• Mastering the Subject Line: Why your email's first impression could be your ticket to success.
• Strategic Pitching: Get actionable tips on aligning your pitches with media outlets to dramatically increase your acceptance rate.
•  

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:  Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com

• Subscribe and Leave a Review: Help us reach more listeners like you by subscribing and rating us on your favorite podcast platform!

A BIG Thank You:

• Thanks so much for tuning into the Media Savvy Podcast. Remember, your message matters—let’s make sure it gets heard!

In this episode, Bonnie Taub-Dix sits down with the seasoned media dietitian Keri Gans to explore the evolving media landscape and share invaluable insights from their extensive experience in the field. Join Bonnie and Keri as they discuss:

1. Media Evolution: The most significant changes in how dietitians are featured today versus the past glory days of TV and magazines.

2. Maintaining Credibility: Keys to staying credible and reliable with reporters in today’s digital world.

3. Interview Preparation: Tips and tricks for preparing for interviews with online publications compared to traditional media.

4. Secret to Longevity: The “secret sauce” that keeps them in the media spotlight when many others have faded away.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Stories: A favorite behind-the-scenes story from one of Keri’s memorable TV appearances.

6. Handling Unusual Questions: The most unexpected question Keri has ever been asked in an interview and how she handled it.

7. Advice to Younger Self: The one piece of advice Keri would give to her younger self just starting out in media.

8. Balancing Act: Strategies for balancing a busy media career with personal life and avoiding burnout.

9. Staying Relevant: How Keri keeps her content fresh and engaging in the age of social media influencers.

10. Favorite Media Moment: Keri’s favorite media moment and a dream media opportunity she still has on her bucket list.

11. Top Media Tip: Keri’s favorite media tip for newcomers to the industry.

Tune in for a captivating conversation filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and a peek into the future of media dietetics. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best in the business!

Keri’s Resources:

• Keri Gans' Official Website: www.kerigansny.com
• Keri on Social Media: Instagram -  @kerigans  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KeriGansNY/  X - @kerigans
• Keri’s Book: The Small Change Diet
• Keri’s Podcast: The Keri Report

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:   Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 

• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com

If you’ve been watching political shows of late, and I don’t know how you can avoid them, I’m sure you’ve noticed how frustrating it is when a guest is asked a question and they answer with a completely different answer that had nothing to do with the question. You know what I mean? It drives me crazy.

However — there are times during YOUR interviews when it’s important to know how to pivot and dance away from a difficult question or a topic that you don’t want to talk about. And that’s what we’re going to address today.

In this episode, Bonnie Taub-Dix discusses how to handle difficult questions during media interviews. She introduces three powerful techniques: bridging, flagging, and hooking.

In This Episode:

• Learn how to pivot or dance away from difficult questions during media interviews.

• Bridging is a technique that allows you to transition from the interviewer's question to your own key messages

• Flagging is a way to signal important information to the audience.

• Hooking involves using compelling information or questions to keep the interviewer and audience engaged.

These 3 techniques can help you control and steer your media interviews, ensuring that your key messages are communicated effectively.

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Better Than Dieting Newsletter: https://bit.ly/BTDsubscribe 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:  Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN
• Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 
• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com

Prepare to dive into the world of media matchmaking with the Emmy-nominated culinary-lifestyle expert and entrepreneur Parker Wallace. In this episode of the Media Savvy Podcast, Parker opens up about her unique career trajectory that merges the roles of talent broker and talent, her passion for connecting talents (particularly dietitians) with brands, and the secret sauce behind successful brand partnerships.

In This Episode:

• Creating a Unique Niche: Parker shares the spark that led to the founding of her talent brokerage, including why she chooses to represent dietitians.
• Media's View on Dietitians: Addressing the recent portrayal of dietitians in media and how brand partnerships can showcase the profession positively.
• Matching Talent with Brands: The intricate process of ensuring a perfect fit between talent and brand campaigns.
• Behind-the-Scenes Magic: A look at what goes into producing a flawless 3-minute segment.
• Staying Ahead in Brand Partnerships: Adapting strategies to stay relevant in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and media including its challenges.
• Tools of the Trade: Parker's must-have gadgets and practices that fuel and cement her success.
• Energy in the Spotlight: The importance of infusing fun-loving energy into on-camera work.
• Social Media Savvy: Leveraging social platforms for project amplification and content engagement.

Resources Mentioned:

• Good Life Television: @officialgoodlifetv
• Parker's Social Media Channel: @parkersplate
• Parker’s email: parker@parkersplate.com

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:   Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 

• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com 

About Our Guest:

Parker Wallace is an Emmy nominated journalist turned culinary-lifestyle expert and entrepreneur. With a career that has spanned across television, writing, and political reporting, Parker brings a wealth of experience and energy to every project she touches. Through her work with Good Life Television, Parker dedicates herself to training and booking talents for campaigns that capture the attention of any audience.

In this episode, Ellie Krieger show us where nutrition wisdom meets culinary excellence and how she’s brought that to her media journey. Ellie, a James Beard Award-winning author, host of hit shows like "Healthy Appetite" on Food Network and "Ellie's Real Good Food" on Public Television, shares her approach to a life where, as she so perfectly says: “In my food world, there is no fear or guilt, only joy and balance.” Listen in to see how Ellie became a superstar based upon a foundation of authenticity and trust.

In This Episode:

• Ellie's Nutritional Philosophy: Unveiling the mantra of joy and balance in Ellie's food world.
• The Dietitian's Dilemma: Addressing the challenges faced by dietitians in the clinical field and what it’s like to play a role in attaining and maintaining brand partnerships as well as how to select brand partnerships that resonate with personal values.
• Cutting Through Diet Culture: Ellie discusses the nuances of diet culture in our society and her take on the anti-diet movement.
• Science Meets Food: Discover how Ellie stays at the forefront of nutritional science to inform her audience.
• Beyond Food Trends: Learn how Ellie's responsible influence steers clear of fads while still captivating audiences and learn her strategy to which recipes she creates and why. Ellie also shares approach to food trends and maintaining integrity in media messages.
• The Art of Cooking and Food Photography: Peek into Ellie's kitchen after a busy day and her process of working with professional photographers.
• Managing Media and Content Creation: Insights into Ellie's methods for juggling various media platforms and why it’s important to have different income streams.
• Do You Need a Team: We discuss the pros and cons of hiring an agent or manager in a media career.
• Newsletter Nuances: The strategy behind Ellie's engaging Substack newsletter, what makes it so special and what differentiates a paid vs free menbership.
• Future Flavors: Exciting projects Ellie has on the horizon.
• Media Wisdom: Ellie shares invaluable advice for those looking to make their mark in the media landscape
• Top Tip: “Live a creative life and don’t worry about perfection — that’s what pushes us and helps us grow and make really cool things happen.” 

Resources Mentioned:

• Ellie Krieger's Website: https://www.elliekrieger.com/ 
• Ellie’s Cookbooks: https://www.elliekrieger.com/books/ 
• A Taste of Ellie's Recipes: https://www.elliekrieger.com/recipes/ 
• Ellie's Substack Newsletter: https://substack.com/@elliekrieger 
• Ellie’s Real Good Food Show: https://www.elliekrieger.com/ellies-real-good-food/
• One Real Good Thing Podcast: https://www.elliekrieger.com/podcast/ 

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:   Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@bonnietaubdix 

• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com 

Get your notepads ready for a masterclass in journalism and storytelling as we chat with Anna Medaris, a maestro of the written word and a connoisseur of compelling narratives. From her hectic days in a newsroom as an Editor to navigating the dynamic world of freelancing, Anna reveals the ins and outs of a media career built on authenticity, diligence, and a an obvious talent for putting pen to paper.

In This Episode:

• Anna's Writing Roots: Unearthing whether the legend of writers as childhood bookworms applies to her.
• Editorial Evolution: Transitioning from US News to Insider and the roles' diverse demands.
• Freelancing Freedom: The switch from structured environments to setting her own editorial agenda and what it’s like to BYOB (be your own boss).
• Networking Nuances: How industry relationships shape a freelancer's opportunities and the art of the pitch and how those relationships prove to be invaluable throughout her career.
• Freelance Fluctuations: The unpredictable rhythm of freelance life's highs and lows.
• Deadline Discipline: Why beating, not just meeting, deadlines can make or break media relationships and decide whether your quotes make it to a story.
• Credibility Checks: The hunt for expert sources in a world where influence is not always tied to expertise.
• Story Sculpting: A peek into Anna's strategy and creative process for new articles.
• Inspirational Ink: Finding the muse for stories and staying sharp in the journalism game.
• Impactful Investigations: A personal recount of a story that resonated deeply with Anna.
• Journalism's Journey: Predictions for the evolving landscape of health and wellness reporting.
• AI in Journalism: Navigating the benefits and pitfalls of using AI in writing.
• Audience Attunement: Crafting content that resonates with readers and simplifies complex topics especially those relating to health and wellness.
• Wisdom for the Wordsmiths: Anna’s key advice for aspiring media professionals on how to stay savvy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Anna Medaris on Instagram, X (Twitter), & LinkedIn: @annamedaris
• Anna’s Website: annamedaris.com

Bonnie’s Resources:

• Bonnie’s proven media training course: How To Work With Media and Make The Media Work for You: https://btdmedia.teachable.com/p/media-masterclass 
• Bonnie’s website: https://betterthandieting.com 
• BTD Media Makers News Digest: https://bit.ly/BTDMediaMakers 
• Follow Bonnie on Social Media:   Instagram:@bonnietaubdix and                        @BTDmedia X (Twitter):      @eatsmartbd Facebook: @BonnieTaubDix.RDN

• Bonnie’s Book: Read It Before You Eat It - Taking You from Label to Table
• Get in touch: mediasavvybtd@gmail.com 

About Our Guest:

Anna Medaris, a former editor turned fabulous freelancer, has made a name for herself with her insightful reporting and relatable writing style. Anna navigates the media world with an authenticity that resonates with readers and colleagues alike. She continues to craft stories that not only inform but also connect on a human level, proving that the best journalism is not just read; it's felt.