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.

Timestamps:

- [00:02:50] Aly's love of cooking and writing led her to journalism.

- [00:03:30] Aly, as a freelance journalist, dispels the misconceptions about her job.

- [00:08:04] Aly discusses the importance of timeliness in PR for visibility.

- [00:10:22] Importance of verifying credentials, backing up claims with research, and avoiding heavy brand mentions in unrelated topics.

- [00:14:22] Aly talks about the importance of answering questions with unexpected perspectives.

- [00:16:10] Aly discusses AI in content creation and the need for originality when pitching.

- [00:22:08] Building relationships in PR for success.

- [00:24:37] Aly's love for the versatile, oil-free cooking appliance - the air fryer.

- [00:27:01] Aly's one-stop email for writers and updates.

- [00:30:32] Aly extends her thanks for the shared wisdom and accessibility.

Resources:

-Aly Walansky's Newsletter

About the Guest:

Aly Walansky is a top-rated food journalist who has lent her unique voice and cooking expertise to various print and online publications for over two decades. A BA in journalism from the City University at New York at Brooklyn College has given her the foundation to cover a wide range of topics, from food and travel to lifestyle and news. In 2022, Aly was rated as the #1 food journalist by Muck Rack. Her daily newsletter shares her current projects, industry insights, and more.

Connect with Aly Walansky:

Instagram

For more info on the host:

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