A podcast about food and pop culture

Eat Your Content was born from a passion to dive deep into the world of food and entertainment. Food is everywhere on TV right now—from the fiery kitchens of Top Chef entering its monumental 22nd season to the Emmy-sweeping show, The Bear capturing our hearts. And let's be real, is there a network left that Gordon Ramsay hasn’t taken over? Whether it's sizzling competition shows, mouthwatering dramas, or foodie films, Eat Your Content is where you’ll get in-depth recaps, hot takes, and expert analysis of your favorite food-focused shows and movies.

But it doesn’t stop there. As a local food writer in Jacksonville, FL, I also shine a spotlight on our thriving restaurant scene, giving local chefs and restaurateurs a platform to share their stories. From hidden gems to local legends, you’ll hear the untold tales behind the dishes that make Jacksonville’s food scene one to watch.
 

I launched Eat Your Content in January 2023, but the spark was lit months earlier after I binge-watched The Bear Season 1. The show was everywhere, and after devouring the entire season in one weekend, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I didn’t just want to talk about The Bear—I needed to, and not just with anyone. I wanted a real chef’s perspective on how closely the show mirrored the chaos and grind of running a kitchen. As a food writer in Jacksonville, FL, I reached out to a chef friend, and we did a deep dive into The Bear Season 1. We both loved it, and he was blown away by how accurately it portrayed the struggles of opening a restaurant.

From that conversation, Eat Your Content was born. We recorded our first episode in October 2022, but here’s the kicker—I had zero idea how to start a podcast! I recorded our talk, and then spent the next two months diving headfirst into the world of podcasting. Google and YouTube became my best friends as I learned everything from editing with Audacity to navigating podcast hosting and getting listed on directories like Spotify for Podcasters.

By January 2023, I hit upload and officially launched Eat Your Content into the world. I had no big expectations—just the drive to keep recording because I genuinely loved it. Of course, the dream is to monetize, but for now, I’m having a blast. I get to meet amazing people who share my passion for food and pop culture, and we get to talk about what we love. That’s the real magic behind Eat Your Content.
 

Balancing a full-time job, family, and launching a podcast isn’t easy, but it’s all about finding the right rhythm. Sometimes, guests aren’t available when it’s convenient for me, but if I really want them on the show, I make it work. That balance between work, life, and podcasting requires flexibility, but I’m lucky to have incredible support.

My wife has been my biggest cheerleader. She gives me the space to record, edit, and dive deep into interviews, understanding the time it takes to make it all happen. She’s genuinely happy that I’ve found something that lights me up, and her belief in my success keeps me going.

My full-time job actually funds the podcast—most of the tools I use to record and edit are free, which helps a ton. I do pay for hosting and invest in better gear to up the production quality, but there are affordable options out there to make your podcast sound top-tier without breaking the bank. I’ve also tapped into podcast communities on Facebook for networking and learning. The advice and connections I’ve gained there have been priceless.

The hybrid nature of my job helps a lot too. I work remotely most of the week, which gives me the flexibility to juggle work and podcasting. And I’m lucky to have a cool boss who’s supportive of my podcasting goals, as long as my work is on point. That kind of understanding is rare these days, and I don’t take it for granted.

Between finding guests, interviewing, editing, and promoting, I probably spend 20-30 hours a week on my podcast. It’s a lot, but with an amazing wife and a supportive work environment, it doesn’t feel like a grind—it’s pure joy.
 

As a new podcast still building its subscriber base, landing sponsorships is the dream. Ideally, I want to connect with businesses that see the value in advertising on Eat Your Content. But right now, I’m focused on growth and the bigger picture.

Since launching in January 2023, I’ve hit about 3,400 downloads across all podcast platforms. It’s a solid start, but there’s still plenty of room to grow. In January 2024, I took the leap into video and started uploading episodes to YouTube. So far, I’ve racked up 5,200 views and 17 subscribers. It’s not a huge number, but I’m proud of the progress. Every download and view feels like a step toward something bigger.

For now, what I gain from podcasting is the pure joy of connecting with new and fascinating people who share my passion for food and pop culture. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.
 

These days, the barrier to starting a podcast is incredibly low, and there are so many free tools available that anyone can jump in. When I first started, I kept it super simple—just a pair of headphones and my laptop’s camera. It wasn’t the prettiest setup, but it got the job done. I’m lucky to have a great boss who let me use Microsoft Teams for recording, which was a lifesaver because good free podcast recording options are surprisingly scarce.

For editing, I’ve relied on free software—Audacity for audio and CapCut for video. I eventually splurged on CapCut’s paid version for some extra features, but the free version is perfect for getting started and learning the ropes. Over time, I upgraded my gear to level up the podcast. I swapped out the basic headphones for a standalone mic and headphone setup and upgraded to a 4K webcam to ensure I looked and sounded professional.

When it comes to interviews, I keep it flexible. For remote interviews, I still use Microsoft Teams. For in-person interviews, I’ve pieced together an affordable setup with my iPhone, a couple of lapel mics, a tripod, and some fill lights—all for under $100. It’s proof that you don’t need a massive budget to get started.

Most of my guests come from social media—I slide into DMs, pitch the show, and more often than not, they say yes. Being a food writer in Jacksonville, FL, has also helped me develop some local contacts, and I’ve invited many of them onto the podcast. I do as much research on my guests as I can, and while I’m not quite at Sean Evans Hot Ones level yet, I make sure to ask thoughtful, well-prepared questions. My guests seem genuinely impressed with the depth and clarity of the interviews, and that’s been a rewarding part of the process.
 

When it comes to marketing my podcast, I’ve gone all-in on social media. I share episode clips on Instagram Reels, TikTok, X, Facebook, YouTube Shorts, and Threads—casting a wide net to reach as many potential listeners as possible. I’ve also taken it offline by telling everyone I know, from coworkers to family, about the show. And for those random moments when I meet new people? I’m prepared with stickers, business cards, and even a T-shirt featuring my podcast cover art and a QR code. Believe it or not, people have actually scanned my shirt in public and found the podcast! That’s a pretty wild feeling.

Recently, I took my marketing efforts up a notch by creating a media kit, which was a fun process. I used Canva’s free version to design it, and in doing so, I dove deeper into my analytics than ever before. Before the media kit, I was mostly focused on download numbers, but now I pay attention to listener locations, demographics, and other key insights.

Interestingly, most of my audience comes from Apple Podcasts—46%, to be exact. Spotify trails behind at 11%, but it's all part of understanding where my listeners are and how to reach them better.
 

The biggest advice I can give to anyone thinking about starting a podcast is simple: just do it. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time because that moment doesn’t exist. The perfect time is right now. Honestly, everything you need to get started is already in your pocket—your smartphone and a pair of earbuds are all it takes to launch your first episode.

When I recorded my first episode back in October 2022, I spent the next two months researching before finally uploading it in January 2023. The best research tool? YouTube. There’s an endless stream of how-to videos out there, and it’s an incredible resource for beginners. I recommend following channels like Buzzsprout, Spotify for Podcasters, and Libsyn—these are some of the industry leaders, and their tips are gold. Once you dive in, the YouTube algorithm will start feeding you more related content, so your learning can really snowball from there.

Another key piece of advice is to listen to podcasts. It’s one thing to create, but it’s equally important to consume content, too. Take note of how other podcasters structure their shows, what they do well, and how they engage their audience. You can adapt their best practices and make them your own.
 

You can catch Eat Your Content on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube! Stay connected by following me on social media @richherrera and @eatyourcontent for all the latest updates. And don’t forget to check out my website for more content and behind-the-scenes action at bio.site/eatyourcontent.