Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rich Herrera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Rich, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
When I kicked off Eat Your Content back in January 2023, imposter syndrome hit hard. It’s so easy to start a podcast now that the stakes can feel surprisingly high—anyone with a mic and a bit of grit can dive right in. But that also made me question myself: ‘What if no one listens? What if I’m just not that interesting?’ The doubts were real.
Then I remembered my ‘why.’ I’m passionate about food, I’m obsessed with pop culture, and I love when those two worlds collide on screen. There’s something electric about diving deep into those intersections with people who are just as into it as I am. And hey, if I loved it, surely there were others out there who would, too.
Now, nearly two years and 60-plus episodes later, I’m still at it—and loving every minute! Honestly, if I kept measuring myself against giants like Joe Rogan, I’d have thrown in the towel ages ago. Instead, I’m here, doing what I love, and finding joy in every conversation. And for me, that’s what it’s all about.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Hi, I’m Rich Herrera, and I’m the host of Eat Your Content, a podcast that celebrates the delicious intersection of food and pop culture. With Eat Your Content, I set out to create a podcast that brings food and pop culture fans together to explore the magic that happens when these two worlds collide. I think what makes the show special is that it goes beyond the surface—we’re not just talking about the latest foodie trends or favorite scenes in film. We’re diving deep into the significance of food as a cultural experience, as a storytelling tool, and as something that connects us all, regardless of background or personal tastes. Every bite on screen has a story behind it, and I’m fascinated by unpacking those layers with guests who are just as passionate as I am.
One of the most exciting parts of what I do is the community that’s grown around the podcast. I’ve had the privilege to connect with such a wide range of people—chefs, food critics, filmmakers, cultural commentators, and everyday food lovers. Each guest brings a unique perspective, and that diversity in voices makes each episode feel fresh and dynamic. I think listeners really appreciate that they can learn something new, feel nostalgic, or just have a good laugh every time they tune in. For me, Eat Your Content isn’t just a show; it’s a space where we can share a sense of wonder and curiosity about the role food plays in our favorite stories and in our lives.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce that we’re expanding Eat Your Content in a few big ways. I’m launching new themed series where we’ll focus on specific topics like ‘Cuisines in Cinema,’ where we’ll take a closer look at how different cuisines have been portrayed in films over the years and what those portrayals say about cultural perceptions and storytelling. Another upcoming series will dive into ‘Food Culture in Popular TV Shows,’ exploring how food has evolved from a backdrop to a central theme in many beloved shows, and why it resonates with audiences. These series will be opportunities for listeners to go even deeper into food history, media analysis, and storytelling, and I’m thrilled about what’s to come.
We’re also hoping to host some live Q&A events where listeners can join in, ask questions, share their thoughts, and maybe even shape future episodes. I think this interactive element will make the experience even more rewarding for our community, bringing us closer to the topics we love in real-time.
Additionally, I’m actively looking to collaborate with more creators, whether they’re chefs with unique insights, film buffs who can bring fresh takes on food in media, or cultural historians with stories to tell. My hope is to keep growing Eat Your Content into a rich and vibrant space where food and media fans can come together, learn, and connect.
So if you’re new to the podcast, I invite you to dive in and join the conversation! I think you’ll find that Eat Your Content offers a mix of fun, nostalgia, and insight into the world of food and pop culture like no other podcast out there. And if you’re as excited as I am about these upcoming projects and episodes, you’re in for a treat!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say there are three key areas that really shaped my journey with Eat Your Content: curiosity, adaptability, and storytelling.
First, curiosity was essential. I didn’t just want to talk about food and pop culture—I wanted to dive deep into these topics, make unexpected connections, and uncover stories that others might overlook. For anyone starting out, I’d say follow that genuine curiosity. If something sparks your interest, don’t just skim the surface; really dig in. Your enthusiasm and knowledge will shine through, and listeners will feel that passion.
Second, adaptability has been huge. Running a podcast is a learning curve, from figuring out the best recording setup to learning how to engage an audience. There’s a lot that changes quickly in media, so being willing to adapt and try new things kept the show dynamic. My advice here is to stay open to new tools, new platforms, and feedback. Don’t be afraid to experiment, especially early on. Every attempt will teach you something valuable.
Finally, storytelling was and is the heart of Eat Your Content. It’s one thing to cover a topic, but to tell a story that resonates with people—that’s what makes an episode memorable. For those starting out, focus on crafting stories that are relatable and engaging. Think about what you want people to feel and take away. And don’t shy away from showing your own personality; it’s that unique voice that will make your content stand out.
At the end of the day, it’s a mix of preparation and playfulness. If you focus on building those skills, you’ll have a strong foundation for whatever direction your journey takes you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, I’m always on the lookout for exciting partnership and collaboration opportunities! I believe that the best conversations happen when diverse voices come together, especially in the realms of food and pop culture. I’d love to connect with chefs, culinary creatives, filmmakers, TV critics, food writers, and anyone who shares a passion for exploring the intersections of these worlds.
I’m particularly interested in collaborations that dive into unique stories—whether that’s uncovering the cultural significance of a dish in a film, discussing food trends that are taking over our screens, or exploring the behind-the-scenes processes of food production in the entertainment industry. I think these conversations not only enrich the content we create but also resonate deeply with our audience, who are eager to explore new angles and insights.
If you’re passionate about these topics and have an idea for a guest feature, a joint episode, or even a creative project that melds food and media, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me directly on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (@richherrera and @eatyourcontent), or you can reach out through the contact page on my website (https://bio.site/eatyourcontent).
Let’s brainstorm some ideas and see how we can create something impactful together. I truly believe that collaboration can lead to innovative and engaging content, and I’m excited about the possibilities!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/eatyourcontent
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatyourcontent
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richherrera1250
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richherrera2
- Twitter: https://x.com/richherrera
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EatYourContent
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=AgKwIYhgwtpXPnSW6Dx7pQ
- Other: Eat Your Content on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eat-your-content/id1659961028
Eat Your Content on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3G5p3wjz7fNbECfS8Vwff9?si=Ko-KsDY0TTaMKmB8_2deGA
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