Capital Qs: Introducing Jolena Podolsky, CRL's New Associate Editor
The Downstate transplant to Albany shares the seating chart for the dinner party of her dreams, two close encounters of the avian kind, and her mission in her new role.
You may have noticed a new name in the signature at the bottom of some recent CRL IRL stories. That’s because we’ve been sitting on a secret: Empire Media Network, the parent company behind Capital Region Living and Saratoga Living, recently hired a new associate editor who’ll be heading up our digital coverage—including CRL IRL!—from here on out.
I could introduce Jolena Podolsky, the Downstater who cold-called us in April to say she was moving to Albany and needed a job in digital media, but I’ll let her do it.
—Natalie
Q: What’s your origin story?
I’m a 26-year-old digital storyteller. Born in Queens, then raised in the lower Hudson Valley, I found a deep appreciation for both urban community spirit and slow-paced rural life. I’m the eldest daughter of three—please give me your condolences—and became the first person in my family to graduate with a bachelors in both English and creative writing! My birthday lands on the lucky date 11/11, and if you’re into astrology charts, I’m a Scorpio sun, Capricorn moon, and Gemini rising. Besides writing here, I run my personal Substack thoughts & prayers, and you can find me on social media @theonlyjolena.
Q: Your last employer was a group of nuns. What’s something they taught you about life?
Yes, it’s true. I left my Manhattan job to help a group of Dominican Sisters with their social media pages. As a practicing Catholic, I already knew the religious lore—so nothing new there. However, as someone who’s super afraid of dying, these remarkable women taught me that death is a celebration of life, one that is ending and beginning somewhere else.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were moving to Albany?
Words alone cannot describe the amount of self-inflicted stress I gave myself with future planning, job hunting, and budgeting once I got the news that I was moving to Albany. (I had less than a month to figure out everything) So, here’s a mood board that captures the first 24 hours:
Important Note: After the 24 hours, I got myself together, which allowed me to focus on the fun aspects of moving to the Capital Region :)
Q: You moved in June 1. What’s been your first impression of the Capital Region?
Honestly, I’m vibing here. When I did a deep dive into the r/Albany subreddit forum, I got nervous with the polarizing opinions about Albany. However, I’ve spent enough time in Columbia County with my partner, who lived there throughout his childhood, to recognize that there’s a bunch of hidden gems and lovely strangers that make the region so captivating.
I tell people that my goal, in this new role of mine, is to prove everyone with a negative opinion about this region wrong.
Q: Any thoughts on the birds in this part of the world?
Now Natalie…
Since moving to my pre-war apartment building, I’ve quickly discovered that many birds also reside here. Whether it’s on the balcony, trees in the parking lot, or on the rooftop, birds seem to love this little building.
Last weekend, one not-so-small bird decided to break into my apartment at 10pm and fly in circles around the living room. Since the bird does not pay rent, my partner and I safely escorted the bird out…after chasing it for a good 30 minutes. I should’ve been prepared for this, considering the fact that two days prior, a different bird flew straight into my chest in the building’s parking lot.
Q: What attracted you to Empire Media Network, and how was your first week?
The creative landscape. When I was on the hunt to find a new job, I prioritized opportunities that would allow me to connect with other humans and utilize my creative skills. Empire Media Network gave me that and more. And for that, I’m very grateful, especially since I essentially cold-called EMN President Tina and asked for a job that I wasn’t sure existed yet.
My first week was so surreal. One day I’m participating in a photoshoot in Schenectady, then the next day I’m working at Capital Region Living’s BestieFest at The Hangar at 743. It’s a bonus to work with a kind team and meet cool 518 people.
Q: What’s something you lose track of time doing?
Reading. I finished Madeline Cash’s Lost Lambs: A Novel at 12:30am last night.
(My bedtime is 9pm.)
Q: If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
I simply cannot narrow down this answer to one person. Great dinners involve multiple people. Therefore, I am providing the dinner chart of my dreams.
Despite never meeting any of the guests listed, I just feel that the table conversations would be substantial, funny, and good energy all around.
Q: What local places/events are you looking forward to going to?
There’s so many places saved in my Google Maps for me to visit. My former coworkers want me to attend the Adirondack Balloon Festival in Queensbury this year, so that’s something to look forward to!
Q: What are your hopes for this next chapter of your life?
I hope for many things in my life. In this chapter, I want to expand my creative horizons and showcase the hidden beauty buried within the region. I am also hoping to cultivate more friendships, and continue to walk alongside my partner as we both chase our dreams.
