Me in under 500 words, because studies show that you lose interest after that
Who I am
I publish and broadcast under the name Elianna Lev. Translated from Hebrew, my first name means “My god answers” and my last name, “Heart”. I still prefer if you call me Elly. 
What I do
I’m a writer, broadcaster, editor, media consultant and storyteller.
Who made me
I come from decent genes: My Swedish mother is a retired model. My Israeli father is a retired, award-winning editor and filmmaker. (Though in journalism school, they warned us not to describe things as “award-winning” as there are many different degrees of prestige when it comes to awards.)
Where I’m from
My homebase is Vancouver but I flitter about once in a while, usually to my hometown of Toronto.
Really, I’m credible
I started my career as a reporter in newsrooms – both in print and radio. This experience was invaluable, and taught me the importance of ethics, credibility and how to spell people’s names correctly.
How I see the world
An editor from the Globe and Mail once told me I have a “quirkier turn of mind”, which I took as a nice way of saying “You’re cuckoo-loco”. I suppose she was accurate.
The people who pay me
Although my first-person writing is provocative and offbeat to some, I’ve managed to establish credible and respected clients who accept me as a professional, despite my bold voice. They include The Canadian Press, National Post, Metro (where I was a columnist), CBC Radio 3, Vice, Mediaplanet, Ecotrust Canada, Tourism Vancouver, enRoute, Dazed and Confused and Toronto Star, amongst others.
I’m also currently a nationally syndicated sex and relationship columnist with Sun News Media.
Career Highlights
I’ve interviewed two Canadian Prime Ministers, David Beckham and Kid Rock at a fancy golf tournament. Here’s a photo.
Also, being mentioned on Jezebel was pretty thrilling. Here’s a screen grab.
Imaginary and real mentors
Bruce LaBruce, Howard Stern, Nardwuar, Mary Lou Finlay.
My “private” side
I usually date or get involved with men who have some sort of acclaim in their industry. (That means they’re FAMOUS, though like “award-winning”, fame has different pedigrees.) Musicians, photographers, filmmakers, skateboarders, and for a very long stretch, comedians. It gave me unique insight into different parts of different industries, which the average person wouldn’t have access to. It also inspired many stories.
This part makes me look good
I spend a few hours a week volunteering with my dog Dutchie at the geriatric and psych ward of a local hospital. This is probably the most rewarding and joyous experience of my life. It’s also the easiest way to make new friends who know a lot more about the world than I do.
I’m a Good Story
For over two years, I wrote a weekly blog called I’m a Good Story. It’s currently going through a re-brand/re-imagination.
My first book, I’m a Good Story, is slated to be (self) published in January 2015.
