Can you really grow a media and brand partnership business without living in a big city, or even in the U.S.? In this episode, Amy sits down with Melissa Boufounos, a certified holistic nutritionist, mom, and Master the Media coach, who shares how she’s made over $80K in media and brand deals, all while raising her son and living in a small town in Canada. Melissa opens up about how she combined her journalism background with her passion for nutrition, what it's really like to juggle work and parenthood, and why pitching, even when life is messy, is always worth it. This episode is packed with real talk, smart tips, and so many relatable moments.

Melissa Boufounos is a certified holistic nutritionist and media nutritionist based near Ottawa, Canada. She runs MB Performance Nutrition, where she helps teen and adolescent hockey players fuel properly for sports performance. With a background in broadcast and sports journalism, Melissa blends her storytelling skills with nutrition expertise to create content for major outlets like MindBodyGreen, Forbes Health, Shape, and U.S. News. She’s also a media coach for Master the Media, where she helps other health professionals grow their visibility and income through media and brand work.

Connect with Melissa:
Website: https://melissaboufounos.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/melissaboufounos/


Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:02) Meet Melissa and her unexpected path to holistic nutrition
(5:09) What working with a newborn really looked like
(7:11) Writing for major outlets like MindBodyGreen and Fortune
(9:30) Breaking down her $80K in earnings from media and brand work
(13:45) Her favorite brand deals and how they came to be
(15:17) How she works 30 hours or less a week
(19:05) The truth about working in Canadian vs. U.S. media
(25:00) Why she’s careful with brand messaging right now
(28:45) What she's focused on in 2026
(33:03) Melissa’s go-to advice: Always be pitching, even before you feel ready
(35:42) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

What if the best time to show up is actually when things feel the hardest? In this episode of Master the Media, Amy invites you into a real moment from her week, running on little sleep, caring for a sick child, and still choosing to hit record. She talks openly about the pressure to be perfect and why waiting for everything to line up can hold you back. Amy shares encouraging, real-life advice for healthcare professionals who want to get started in media or work with brands, even if they don’t have a polished website or a big social following. This episode is a warm reminder that progress starts with presence, not perfection.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Master the Media Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy

Master the Media Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterthemedia/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:21) Amy’s personal week from chaos and deciding to still show up
(3:26) The myth of waiting for the "perfect" time
(5:04) How to make progress without a website or social media presence
(6:59) How Facebook groups and email lists can help you grow
(8:27) Instagram with one post? Yes, it can work
(10:18) Homemade websites vs. fancy ones: what really matters
(13:14) The only things you actually need to be findable online
(13:40) The truth about “perfect” and why it doesn’t exist
(14:39) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Did you know that brands could be using your name, photo, and video without paying you for it? In this episode, Amy breaks down what “name and likeness” really means and when you should be getting paid for it (spoiler: most of the time!). She walks you through real-life examples with actual numbers, so you know how to confidently quote your worth. Amy also shares when it does make sense to let media use your name and likeness for free, and how that exposure can still open doors to big brand deals down the line. Whether you’re just getting started or want to charge more for what you already do, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and next steps.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/

Master the Media Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy

Reach out to Amy: amy@masterthemedia.co


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:54) What is name and likeness, and why does it matter so much?
(2:54) What brands typically pay for name and likeness (real numbers!)
(5:30) When you’d offer a discount, and why that still adds up
(6:21) What is “whitelisting” and how does that affect your fee?
(7:02) How a few deliverables can equal a $20K project
(7:20) Pitching to media: smaller use, smaller fee
(9:46) When should you not charge for your name and likeness?
(10:11) Getting paid to be on podcasts
(11:39) Why free media exposure is still a big win for your brand
(13:29) Creating an “As Seen In” section to boost your credibility
(14:08) Final takeaway
(15:10) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Can working with brands actually feel good and support your business? In this episode, Amy chats with sports dietitian and mom, Stephanie Militano, about how she went from unsure and undercharging to earning $40,000 in brand partnerships, without sacrificing her values or her time with her daughter. Stephanie shares the real steps she took to pitch brands, price her work, and build lasting relationships beyond social media. She also talks about turning workshops into paid events, saying “no” when something doesn’t feel right, and how brand work has helped her create more space in her week. This is a feel-good, practical conversation for any dietitian thinking about doing more, and doing it on your terms.

Stephanie Militano, MS, RD, CSSD, is a board-certified sports dietitian and the founder of SM Nutrition, where she specializes in helping high school and college athletes fuel for performance while healing their relationship with food. With a strong focus on relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S) and disordered eating, Stephanie combines science-based strategies with compassionate care to help young athletes feel stronger, more confident, and supported both on and off the field.

In addition to her private practice, Stephanie works with brands she genuinely believes in to create educational, athlete-focused content. Her work includes product development, workshops, and sponsored partnerships that align with her mission to promote safe, effective, and sustainable nutrition.

She’s also a mom, passionate about flexible work-life balance, and a big believer in doing business in a way that feels authentic and joyful.

Connect with Stephanie:
Website: https://smnutritionrd.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/highschool.athlete.nutrition/


Grab the FREE pricing guide: https://masterthemedia.co/pricing-guide/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:52) Meet Stephanie and her story
(3:32) Jumping from a full-time job to private practice
(5:16) Learning to pitch and price with confidence
(7:06) What brand work looks like beyond social media
(8:42) Earning $40K in brand contracts this past year
(10:15) How she turned a simple workshop into a sponsored event
(14:17) Upcoming brand collabs and local partnerships
(15:20) Saying no to deals that don’t feel right
(17:39) Helping develop products behind the scenes
(19:32) A long-term partnership she truly believes in
(21:41) A look at Stephanie’s weekly schedule
(23:43) How brand work brings more clients, too
(25:33) Why collaboration beats competition
(27:35) Stephanie’s advice for dietitians getting started
(29:01) What’s next and where to find her online
(30:32) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

How do you build a media career that actually feels true to you? In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Amy sits down with Ellie Krieger to talk about her journey from nutrition student and part-time model to trusted media dietitian, cookbook author, and public TV host. Ellie shares how she stayed true to her values through every twist, turned down sponsorships that didn’t feel right, and why being “an overnight success” took her 10 years. Amy brings her signature warmth and curiosity to a real conversation about career pivots, motherhood, Substack, and everything in between. If you're a health pro dreaming of making a difference through media, this episode is full of honesty, encouragement, and so many gems.

Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian nutritionist, award-winning cookbook author, and media personality known for making healthy food taste delicious. She is the host and executive producer of Ellie’s Real Good Food on public television, and was the star of the hit Food Network show Healthy Appetite. A New York Times bestselling author, Ellie has written seven cookbooks, is a two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, and an IACP award recipient.

Ellie also writes a weekly food column for The Washington Post, hosts a Substack newsletter, and shares her expertise across platforms to help people cook, eat, and live well—without extremes. With a master’s in nutrition education and a background in journalism, Ellie has spent over two decades helping audiences connect the dots between science and what’s on their plate.

Connect with Ellie:
Website: https://www.elliekrieger.com/
Substack: https://elliekrieger.substack.com/


Master the Media Q&A: https://masterthemedia.co/qa/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:47) Meet Ellie Krieger
(2:33) How Ellie first discovered media dietetics
(4:10) From acting to nutrition: merging two passions
(5:45) Building a media career from scratch (and pitching nonstop)
(8:03) “Overnight success” takes a decade
(9:23) Adapting to digital platforms and where TV is heading
(15:33) The behind-the-scenes of producing a TV show
(17:29) Staying true to your values with brand partnerships
(20:12) Why commodity boards are Ellie’s favorite sponsors
(21:38) Substack as a powerful tool for deep connections
(26:21) Starting and pausing her podcast after 100 episodes
(28:44) Honest talk about marriage, motherhood, and asking for help
(37:10) Final advice for aspiring media dietitians and health pros
(39:25) Outro

Support the show

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Have you ever hit “send” on a pitch and then sat there wondering… was that the right time? In this episode, Amy gets real about when to reach out to brands and media (and when not to). With the holidays here and Q4 wrapping up, timing can make or break your pitch. Amy shares exactly what days and times she recommends for sending emails, how long to wait before following up, and why your follow-up should never just say “checking in.” She also talks about how brands handle end-of-year budgets and why this season is actually a great time to prep for big things in 2026. Whether you're totally new to pitching or just want to stop overthinking the timing, Amy's honest tips will help you pitch smarter, not harder.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:14) Why now’s a tricky time
(2:57) Why Mondays and Fridays are a no-go
(4:12) How long to wait before following up (and what not to say)
(6:27) Follow-up emails that actually get replies
(8:16) How year-end budgets can work in your favor
(9:44) What to know about pitching around the holidays
(11:24) Quiet weeks? Use them to prep for the new year
(12:11) Details on Amy’s free masterclass
(12:33) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever wonder how people actually do it all? In this episode, Amy gets real about what life looks like as a new mom and business owner. She shares the simple systems that help her stay on top of work, show up for her daughter, and take care of herself, all without feeling like she’s losing her mind. Amy walks through how she uses Google Calendar to keep her family organized, why she still makes time for things like acupuncture and massages, and how being honest with herself and her partner helps things run smoothly. It’s not perfect (and she doesn’t pretend it is), but it’s working. If you’re trying to juggle work, family, and everything in between, this episode will make you feel seen and offer some helpful tips as well.

Learn how to earn $50,000 in brand partnerships in just 6 months: https://masterthemedia.co/masterclass/


Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(2:19) The conversation that sparked this episode
(2:45) Amy’s approach to parenting and self-care
(4:39 Making part-time childcare work
(5:48) Balancing busy seasons with baby time
(6:44) How Google Calendar keeps their household running
(10:01) Creating to-do lists inside your calendar
(11:45) Time-blocking to stay productive
(12:42) Final thoughts on showing up for yourself and your family
(13:58) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!

Ever wonder if it's really possible to land brand deals without a big following? In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Amy chats with Kaitlin Hippley, a Master the Media student, hospital dietitian, and mom of two, who did just that, landing a $15,000 partnership just one month after joining the program. Kaitlin shares her honest journey: from feeling lost in the “mom bubble” to finding something that was truly hers again. She opens up about her doubts, how she built a media kit from scratch (using family photos!), and why you don’t need to be on Instagram to work with brands. If you've been craving something more in your career or just need a little encouragement, Kaitlin’s story is the perfect reminder that it's never too late to go after what lights you up.

Kaitlin Hippley, M.Ed., RDN, LD, CDCES is a registered dietitian and licensed dietitian with a Master’s degree in education. She is also a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist who works with metabolic and diabetic patients in an outpatient hospital setting. Beyond her clinical work, Kaitlin contributes expert nutrition insight to national media outlets such as Eating Well and VeryWell Health. As a mom of two young children, she focuses on balancing her full-time role with family life while growing her professional presence in the nutrition field.

Connect with Kaitlin:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kaitlintherd/


Grab the FREE pricing guide: https://masterthemedia.co/pricing-guide/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(1:59) Meet Kaitlin: dietitian, mom of two, and first-time podcast guest
(3:04) Life after maternity leave and the feeling that sparked a change
(4:35) How a free masterclass (and a little competitiveness) changed everything
(7:40) Starting with no website, no social media, and making it work
(9:26) Landing a brand deal just one month in
(10:24) What brand partnerships actually looked like for her
(13:55) How a casual tip turned into a $15K opportunity
(19:41) Fitting brand work into life with a full-time job and two little ones
(21:58) How she approached it with her employer (and why it worked out)
(24:47) Getting featured in top media outlets without burning out
(26:13) Kaitlin’s heartfelt advice for anyone thinking about taking the leap
(28:50) Where to find and support Kaitlin as she grows her platform
(29:52) Outro

• Master the Media for Dietitians, Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mediamasterywithamy
• Dietitians on the Blog Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/789355101157569
• Need a Guest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/264636544981623

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a tip on growing your income and impact through the media! And if you’re feeling extra generous, leave a review—it helps more healthcare pros like you find the show. Thanks for being here—I can’t wait to hang out with you again next time!