We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dalia Colón a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dalia, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

My last full-time job was as a radio reporter. When I was pregnant with my first child 13 years ago, my news director, Scott, told me, “You can work from home if you want. My wife works from home, and it works out really well for her.”

I didn’t realize what a gift Scott had given me.

Being a mom of two now, I appreciate the relative ease of working from home. I fit in work in between carpool, laundry, dinner prep and taking the dogs out to do their business.

Better still, the change in work location came with a change in mindset. Never again would I accept a full-time 9-to-5.

Today, I’m a part-time podcast host/producer, part-time TV host/producer/editor, author of “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook” and freelance writer. I acknowledge the privilege in having health insurance through my husband’s job. I also acknowledge the immeasurable peace and creativity I’m afforded.

Whether I’m interviewing an artist in her studio, editing podcast episode on the lanai with my dogs at my feet or visiting a library to give a talk about Florida food history, every day feels like a field trip. I love exploring my community and my own interests.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have a bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism from Ohio University and a master of arts in teaching Spanish from Kent State University. I worked a magazine and newspaper reporter before transitioning to radio and TV.

For several years, I served as producer for “The Zest,” a podcast that celebrates Florida food. I later became the executive producer and host, which led to greater visibility. University Press of Florida reached out to ask if I’d be interested in writing a cookbook. It was the COVID-19 pandemic. I was drowning in work and childcare, but this seemed like a fun distraction, so I figured, why not?

Writing “The Florida Vegetarian Cookbook” has opened up more doors than I could’ve imagined. Today I give cooking demonstrations on TV, I have served as a judge for the James Beard Awards, I have a calendar full of paid speaking engagements, and I’ve met many of my culinary heroes.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I’d learned about A.I. sooner. It’s a fantastic tool for transcribing audio, coming up with article headlines and brainstorming interview questions. Using A.I. leaves me more time to do the creative work that only I can do.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I was a newspaper reporter, I was writing a story about a young female beatboxer. I wanted to learn how to record audio of her to post on the newspaper’s website.

My mentor, Jeff, introduced me to his friend who worked at the local NPR station. I wound up becoming an “informal intern,” going to the station for two hours each morning before heading to my actual job at the newspaper.

The staff were so patient with me. They taught me to produce audio stories, including the beatboxing piece and several other stories that were broadcasted on the radio station.

Years later, I received an out-of-the-blue call from Scott, the radio station’s new news director, whom I’d never met. He said that the staff spoke highly of me, and he invited to apply for a job opening as a health reporter.

I got the job.

My radio connections led to my work in TV and, eventually, producing and hosting “The Zest Podcast.” So I have the beatboxer to thank for my career in broadcasting, podcasting and food journalism. We have become friends, and now I call the radio staff my colleagues.

Being open to learning new skills can set you on a path that you’d never imagine.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://daliacolon.com
• Instagram: daliacolon
• Facebook: daliacolon
• Twitter: daliacolon
• Youtube: daliacolon

Image Credits

Chip Weiner