Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer living in Los Angeles. Her journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal and others. On the brand side, she regularly works with Peloton, Calm and Equinox. She holds an MFA in creative writing from The New School in New York City. In 2022, her short fiction was shortlisted for The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers. She is also the recipient of the 2023 theOffice fellowship.
What does a journey mean to you?
A journey is an exploration on foot that changes the contours of your mind.
Which other country or location most inspires you?
I’m always inspired by French people’s dedication to pleasure. Whenever I’m there, I remember to look up from my phone, meander through bookstores and jog along the Seine without caring about my pace. It’s heaven.
Where would you go back to, and why?
The Netherlands! From running in the Amsterdamse Bos to eating flaky, buttery fish at The Good Champion, I would do it all again.
Top insider tip for Los Angeles?
Don’t miss Tar & Roses in Santa Monica, which serves miso black cod that is so delicious that I lost all verbal skills when I first tasted it. Other favourites include the ricotta gnocchi, yellowtail crudo and charred baby broccoli.
What journey would you most like to go on?
My boyfriend and I are dreaming about buying an RV and roaming across the West Coast. I’m picturing vast canyons, drizzly beaches and plenty of freezing-cold swims.