Umami Seattle
Storytelling | Podcasting | Things Culinary
Preserving cultural heritage is recording it, which is often easier said than done.
The process of researching, interviewing, contextualizing, documenting and engaging people in cultural work can be fraught, political and unrelenting, so it often gets de-prioritized. But storytelling is essential to the viability of a cultural institution. Organizations that document their traditions, practices, beliefs, values, and histories are better equipped to cultivate community, celebrate tradition, and secure future generations.
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Good storytelling is the work of anti-racism. It entices us to devote attention and affection, to share with openness and reciprocation. It is a reckoning of the differences and distinctions among us, a conscientious challenge to bias. ​
Elise Ballard
Creatrix & Host
My name is Elise Ballard Gilbert, but I go by Elise Ballard.
I identify as a writer and storyteller, skills I learned from two decades freelancing in the tech industry as producer, writer, and marketer.
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I care deeply about arts and culture institutions here in Seattle and the PNW. I use my skillset support their missions, offering full-service writing, podcasting and video production
I am creatrix and host of UmamiPodcast.com, a 10-episode series of interviews exploring traditions, beliefs, values, and practices with people at the center of food cultural heritages.
Chris Pfeifle
Co-host
Jared Britt
Jared is our show’s resident sound guy. He co-hosts The Next Episode Podcast with Chris and produces additional shows as TNE Network. Jared is a passionate rock musician and the best dad around. You can find him attending concerts and building things around his MCM home in Seattle.
Producer & Sound Engineer
Jeff Fernald
Collaborator
Jeff is heart behind Umami. He is instrumental in the development of every concept we bring to fruition. A daily collaborator and empower-er, he is partner in life and work with Elise Ballard, where they share their existence in Capitol Hill, Seattle. Umami ideas are a constant source of conversation for them, but Jeff is a builder and carpenter, who always the tangible in mind, which makes a lot more stuff possible.
