Simone Salis

About Me

Hi, I’m Simone.

This is where you get what I make, like my deep conversations podcast and the newsletter about tech that you can use without being used by it.

Me in 30 seconds

I’m an Italian-born American writer, radio host, and creative producer based in Chicago.

In a pre-algorithmic era, I hosted and wrote original shows for Comedy Central, Discovery Networks, and the public radio. I now help tech companies produce creative assets and define creative strategies, leading teams that deliver and test high performing content to improve crucial KPIs. I handle media production from start to finish, bridging business and creative goals.

I pursue critical thinking, exercising, outdoor activities, and tinkering with humane tech.

More me

I live in Chicago with my husband and dog, and I am technically a Roman (born and raised in Rome, Italy.)

I earned a living as:

  • āœ… Pre-algorithmic YouTuber.
  • āœ… Comedy Central Italy’s Senior Correspondent.
  • āœ… Public radio host and producer.
  • ā˜‘ļø Senior Creative Manager at tech companies.
  • āž• Random things: Japanese anime voice actor in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gundam, Code Geass, or Media instructor at Columbia College—and more.

I’ve always self-produced my work through writing, design, coding, recording, acting, and editing.

In my early 20s, I studied as an industrial designer and linguist, but became neither: I performed and taught improvisation on stage for almost a decade across continents and theaters like The Second City and the iO Chicago—while also graduating from YCombinator’s Startup School.

I grew up to incarnate that notorious intersection between technology and liberal arts.

Dithered sepia image of Simone sitting at a table, looking at something out of the frame

I care about empathy, tools, and community.

I am a strong believer in tech that empowers people without using them: I am convinced that this is achievable even in our current society, and that we live under the ethical imperative to support and pick products aligned with these ideas.

Which email provider you use matters. Which search engine you choose matters. Which apps you decide to install matters.

You recycle because you care about the environment: Why shouldn’t you also take deliberate action towards your data? Data influences your life just as much as the environment does.

I think a lot about how tools affect our lives and relationships. That’s why I produced over 40 hours of audio conversations with exceptional guests from Pixar, Google, The Second City, and more.

ā€œMetaphorically speaking, a person's ideas must be the building he lives in—otherwise there is something terribly wrong.ā€
ā€Œā€Œ — SĆøren Kierkegaard

My minimal website is made publishing Markdown with ʕ•ᓄ•ʔ Bear.

Newsletter

Get my writing via email, see what’s inside here.

You can also follow me via RSS (simone.org/feed).

If you need to reach out, you can use sim [{AT]} simone {[DOT}] org (agencies, services, etc. please save everyone’s time and avoid messaging me.)