Makenna Smith

Photo of Makenna Smith
Location
Italy
Expertise
Persian home cooking, Seasonal Italian cuisine, Farm-to-table storytelling
  • In 2010, Makenna spent a year in Tuscany, harvesting grapes alongside Somali refugees as part of a community agriculture initiative.
  • She has produced narrative-driven stories for NPR and travel podcasts such as Atlas Obscura.
  • She's building a life in Italy, where she's in a long-term, committed relationship with the fruits and vegetables it grows.

Experience

Kenna is a writer and podcast producer with over 15 years of experience creating engaging content across digital media and storytelling platforms. She began her media career working on travel podcasts for SiriusXM and producing a documentary-style show for a state magazine, following U.S. veterans during a 1,175-mile hike. She has contributed stories to NPR and Atlas Obscura, bringing depth and curiosity to her work. Currently, Kenna writes, produces podcasts, and creates content for agriturismos and regional brands in Tuscany and Puglia. She joined Static Media in 2025 to bring her passion for storytelling, food, and culture to life.

Education

Makenna holds a bachelor's degree in Media and Journalism from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Stories By Makenna Smith