Hi there, Ari here!
I'm a food studies scholar, food writer, and former entertainment industry professional with an interest in the relationship between culture, the environment, and - you guessed it - food. I’ve contributed extensively to multiple online food publications and use the writing, communications, and story development skills I gained while working in film and television to tell stories that get people to care about where their food comes from, and demand a more sustainable, equitable food system. Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed the effects of climate change firsthand as unprecedented fires have roared through my city (we’re talking thick smoke and red skies - scary stuff). I believe this climate crisis can be mitigated by better food production practices, and that starts with educating consumers.
After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts, I went on to work at United Talent Agency in their well-known Agent Training Program. From there, I went on to the wonderfully weird (and now sadly defunct) digital production company, Super Deluxe, where I learned the ropes of web content production and development. I then had the privilege of working for Breaking Bad producer Mark Johnson as his assistant, and was credited on his last two major studio films, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie and The Little Things.
Now, I want to bring the skills I gained from my past life in entertainment into the world of food media. I’m currently working towards my Masters at NYU’s Food Studies program, and have taken a dive into food writing. I’ve contributed to online food publications Stone Pier Press and Cook and Culture, covering topics from conscious consumerism apps to Native American food sovereignty.
When I’m not hunting down ingredients for the latest NYT Cooking recipe, I can be found blasting true crime podcasts around the house, or desperately trying to learn how to skateboard. I have the bruises to prove it.