EP-238 Sarah Bennett, beer and food writer

Take it from me: Journalism, as a career, is a difficult one to hold in 2019’s socio, political, and economic climate. For some though, like today’s guest, LA-area writer and editor Sarah Bennett, it’s way more than a job. It’s how to support her community and the underrepresented voices within it. It’s a way to elevate those who really keep Los Angeles great.

Sarah was formerly a beer and arts contributor to LA Weekly, the premiere Southern California alt weekly publication. But that was before the magazine was purchased by a shadowy, allegedly politically-motivated group of investors who wound up firing most of the weekly’s in-house staff. Since then, the new LA Weekly has invoked the ire of many in the independent journalism world.

Quickly, a group of expat writers and editors regrouped, and created their own new home in a quarterly magazine called The LAnd, where Sarah serves as managing editor. But it’s hardly her only hustle.

Sarah also works as editor at the Long Beach Post, a city publication chronicling the happenings of the large but relatively insular Long Beach community. Here, Bennett studies local restaurants, and, very importantly, beer, among a few other things.

Months ago, Sarah asked me to appear at the California Craft Beer Summit to discuss beer and journalism with other beer writers and gathered brewers.

A few hours before the panel was due to begin, I asked her to give me her thoughts on all things community, city life, beer, and journalism. What she said echoed part of The LAnd’s mission statement: “Angelenos deserve vigorous reporting and thoughtful writing.”

This is Sarah Bennett, beer and food writer and editor. Listen in.