Meet Jason: the Pillar of People Ops

This post is part of a weekly series in which we get to know Sifties.

Jason Kulish is our People Operations Generalist, who has been with Sift Science for just shy of a year. He considers himself a foodie, so in his free time he enjoys checking out new restaurants (or – alternatively – hanging out on the couch and catching up on TV). His two favorite restaurants in San Francisco are Brenda’s French Soul Food for brunch and Wayfare Tavern for dinner.

What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?

Comedy. Life can be intense or dull at times, so it’s nice to have something that can make you feel happy and smile. Comedy can also address difficult situations or topics, put them in a new light, and change your perspective. I like comedy in all its forms, whether it’s laughing with friends, watching stand-up, tv, or movies. I especially enjoy political satire, such as Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, which we especially need now.

What are 5 things that make you happy?

1. My friends and family
2. Music – lately I’ve been listening to the Twin Peaks soundtrack because the show is coming back this year. Beach House is good for rainy days but at work when I’m trying to zone out and get stuff done.For work, I try and tune out so I listen to classical music like Philip Glass, Haydn, and Mozart.
3. TV (my favorite of 2016 was Westworld) and movies (my favorite of 2016 was La La Land)
4. Traveling
5. NPR and podcasts – my favorites are This American Life, Radiolab, Reply All

Where were you born?

I was born in San Jose, which is a rarity because I have realized how few people in the Bay Area are actually natives!

Do you have a secret talent?

I’m actually pretty good at archery. I started 12 years ago but haven’t done it in two years, since I moved back to the Bay Area.

You recently took a trip. Tell me about it!

I was in Japan (Tokyo, Hakone, Osaka, Hiroshima, Shimane, and Kyoto) and Taiwan for two weeks! I lived in Japan after college for a teaching program so I have friends over there. I’ve gone once a year for the past three years and try and go to another country in Asia when I go – in 2015 I also went to South Korea and this year Taiwan.

It was my first time in Taiwan. It’s a small country, but there’s a lot to do – there are mountainous areas to look at scenery and drink tea, there’s the town that was the inspiration for Spirited Away, and there’s even coastal cities where you can go surfing! Taipei in particular is known for their night markets with food stands and is the home of Din Tai Fung.