Hi Reader!

This month has been a mix of pinch-me moments and powerful reminders of why I love this work so much.

First, some big news: I’m officially a contributor to EatingWell magazine! 🥳 This one feels especially full-circle since I’ve loved the magazine for years (and I'm quoted in it many times). It’s a reminder that media relationships can grow in unexpected, and incredibly rewarding, ways when you keep showing up and adding value.

Bonnie's Bites shows how a last-minute food demo reminded me that even seasoned pros feel that pre-camera flutter. The magic isn’t in being perfect ... it’s in staying flexible and letting your personality shine when things don’t go as planned. Today's Q&A tackles one of the most common questions I get about building confidence on camera: how to handle controversy.

This month’s Media Savvy Podcast is all about making your media work for you. Learn how visibility turns into opportunity and why getting seen is only the first step toward getting paid.

So grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let’s talk about what it really takes to grow your media presence (with a little heart, humor, and human touch along the way).

And BTW -- welcome new subscribers! I'm so happy you're a part of our BTD Media Makers community!

I appreciate you being here,

Bon

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Bonnie's Sound Bites

What You Don’t See on Camera

I was looking for a photo this week and came across this reminder of what it feels like when that flash of panic hits right before a food demo. Even after years of doing media, that quick heartbeat still shows up. It’s not about fear; it’s about focus. You’re suddenly aware that a lot needs to happen at once: smiling, stirring, speaking, staying on message, and trying not to set anything on fire.

Behind every smooth food demo you see on camera… is me secretly praying I don’t burn myself, drop a spatula, or say something silly while sautéing 😅

This snapshot reminds me of a last-minute food demo with a brand I know and love. I found out about the shoot only a few days before we filmed, which made it equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking.I’ve done hundreds of brand partnerships and media demos, but no matter how many I do, there’s always a bunch of butterflies when the camera starts rolling. Maybe that’s part of what keeps it exciting.🤩

Even seasoned pros get nervous before a demo or interview and the secret isn’t eliminating the, it’s learning to use them. That energy helps you connect, stay present, and let your personality shine through.

Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection: the more you practice, the more natural you feel on camera.

Seeing that photo brought back how much of media work happens behind the scenes, long before anyone sees the finished clip. It’s the deep breath before the camera rolls, the quick recovery when something goes wrong, and the ability to stay yourself through it all.

That’s the part of media you can’t always predict, but with the right prep and presence (and media training 😉), you’ll handle it in the moment like it was meant to happen.
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You Asked, I answered:

Question: "How do you answer questions during interviews that are on controversial topics?"

Answer: Oh yeah on this question ... it's one I get often. Controversial topics can make even the most seasoned pros nervous, but this is also where credibility and clarity matter most.

When a reporter asks about a heated subject, like seed oils, for example, I remind myself that my role isn’t to pick sides. It’s to bring context, science, and calm to the conversation. I focus on facts, avoid fear-based language, and use phrases that keep the discussion balanced, such as:

“What the research shows is…”
“It’s not as simple as good versus bad…”
“Here’s what people often misunderstand about this topic…”

That approach keeps the tone professional and lets your expertise shine, even when the subject gets sticky.

But the real key isn’t chance; it’s strategy. I’ve spent years building relationships with journalists, editors, and producers, which means when stories about nutrition trends come up, my name is already on their radar. That’s why I’m interviewed multiple times a month, not because I’m lucky, but because I’ve built trust.

I was recently interviewed for a Better Homes & Gardens story by Amy Brightfield about seed oils, a topic that’s sparked plenty of debate online. The conversation was a great reminder that your credibility grows every time you help the public move past the headlines and toward real understanding.

The next time you face a tough question, take a breath, lead with science, and let your professionalism speak louder than the noise.

📅 Book a free discovery call with me.
Let’s get your voice out there in a way that feels real and rewarding and let’s get you noticed by brands so you can finally make the money and get the recognition you deserve.

And because you’re part of my BTD Media Makers crew, you’ve got something even better—direct access to me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ Just hit Reply with your burning questions, and I’ll personally help you get unstuck. (Have you tried this yet? What are you waiting for?!)

🌟 One of the easiest, least expensive ways to get your name in the news and become a valuable resource for media is just a click away: Btdmedia.teachable.tcom/p/media-masterclass 🌟 You'll also get lots of bonuses including a workbook, a media makeup guide, an audio-video handout and a perfect pitch tip sheet.

Need some help with knowing what to pitch? Don't miss out on your free copies of the Better Than Dieting News Digest HERE . You'll see the exact topics, titles and quotes journalists are looking for.

From Media to Money -- Turning Influence into Income

You’ve been on TV. Quoted in a magazine. Podcasted about town. And yes, it felt amazing…until you realized your bank account didn’t get the memo.

Here’s the reality: being in the media is great for your ego, but ego doesn’t pay the bills. What actually matters is knowing how to turn exposure into real income.

In this Media Savvy Podcast episode 38, From Media to Money: Turning Influence into Income, I break down:

💰 Why paying random PR firms won’t get you paid ... but your own strategy will. You should be paid for media, not paying for placements!

💴 How media is just the front door. You have to step inside to find consulting gigs, webinars, recipes, speaking opportunities, and more waiting for you

💵 The secret to repurposing one feature into multiple revenue streams (yes, even if you don’t have a huge following)

🤑Behind-the-scenes roles that pay (like content consulting, recipe creation or helping brands with messaging)

💰 How to spot opportunities you didn’t even realize were money-makers

No fluff. No guesswork. No gimmicks. Just clear, actionable insights on how to make your media work for your business and your wallet.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to finally get paid for your expertise, not just your exposure.

👋 Follow @BTDmedia for pep talks, practical tips, and reminders that your voice matters.

👉Listen to Media Savvy with Bonnie Taub-Dix on your favorite podcast channel and YouTube or check links below.

💥 NEWS FLASH 💥 : If we haven't personally connected -- let's do it! Send a DM to @BTDmedia on Instagram if you have any questions about how I can help you or... just hit REPLY to this email!