How do you build a lasting career in food when media, platforms, and business models keep changing?

In this episode of The Perfect Bite, host Sarah Perkins sits down with food writer, editor, cookbook author, and media entrepreneur Chandra Ram to talk about building a career that evolves with the industry instead of resisting it.

From restaurant PR to leading Plate Magazine for over a decade, working at Food & Wine, and now running her own independent publishing and consulting work, Chandra shares what it takes to stay adaptable in ever-changing food media.

This conversation explores:

• How to build a career in food media today
• Why there’s no single path into the industry
• Transitioning from traditional media to independent work
• Cookbook writing and editorial strategy
• Building a portfolio career across platforms
• Why showing your work matters more than waiting for permission

Chandra’s story is a reminder that sustainable careers are built through experimentation, adaptability, and consistently putting your work into the world.

Whether you’re a writer, chef, founder, or creative entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insight into building a career that evolves with you.

Subscribe to Chandra’s Substack Another Bite with Chandra Ram! You can learn more about her past work and purchase any of her cookbooks at www.chandraram.net. You can follow Chandra on Instagram @chandrasplate. 

Subscribe to The Perfect Bite podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! Want to watch the entire episode? Head here to our YouTube!

You can follow us on social media @perfectbitepod and sign up for our newsletter on Substack!