In this episode of the Becoming You Podcast I have guest Aly Walansky join us, a prolific freelance journalist with a passion for cooking, writing, and truth-telling. Aly navigates us through her experiences in the industry, from discussing her writing processes and dealing with insomnia to her views on AI-generated content. Tune in as Aly shares the importance of building relationships, staying original, and staying true to one's authentic voice in a rapidly evolving journalism landscape.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

- The journey of Aly's career, moving from a childhood interest in romance novels to a love for journalism covering lifestyle, food, travel, and news.

 

- Aly's writing process and the importance of diversifying writing topics to keep things fresh and engaging.

 

- Insight into the misconceptions of freelance journalism and the dedication and creativity required for writing for multiple outlets.

 

- The increasing prevalence of AI-generated content and the importance of maintaining a unique voice to stand out.

 

- The evolution of resources for writers, shifting from physical resources to online platforms, and the value of building a broad network in the industry.

 

- Aly's transition from traditional journalism to entrepreneurship, highlighting the significance of quality over quantity, relationship building, and establishing a consolidated platform for her work.

 

Highlights:

• Aly's love of cooking and writing led her to journalism.
• Aly, as a freelance journalist, dispels the misconceptions about her job.
• Aly discusses the importance of timeliness in PR for visibility.
• Importance of verifying credentials, backing up claims with research, and avoiding heavy brand mentions in unrelated topics.
• Aly talks about the importance of answering questions with unexpected perspectives.
• Aly discusses AI in content creation and the need for originality when pitching.
• Building relationships in PR for success.
• Aly's love for the versatile, oil-free cooking appliance - the air fryer.
• Aly's one-stop email for writers and updates.
• Aly extends her thanks for the shared wisdom and accessibility.

 

Resources:

 

-Aly Walansky's Newsletter

 

About the Guest:

Aly Walansky is an award-winning travel and food journalist with over 20 years of experience in the field writing for many outlets, from Wine Enthusiast to Food Network, Forbes, TODAY Show, Southern Living, AllRecipes, The Kitchn, and many more. Muck Rack rated her the #1 food journalist of 2022, and she spent much of the pandemic cooking at home, stretching the budget and ingredients, for her Instagram audience, so that everyone could be together and cooking together, and no one felt alone. Her Substack, which she sends out six days a week, was recently rated a Substack bestseller and reaches thousands of people each and every day.

 

Connect with Aly Walansky:

Instagram

 

For more info on the host:

Visit www.rebeccacafiero.com and follow Rebecca on Instagram @rebeccacafiero  and @becomingyoupodcast !!