The Weight of the Inbetweens: Matt Galle on Loss, Legacy, and New Balance

There is a specific kind of magic found in Southern Europe when food is treated as art. It’s no surprise that Spain -a culture grounded in the visceral pleasures of life- is becoming the final destination for so many restless creatives.

Araia is one of those places that has become a sanctuary. More than just a restaurant, it's a journey through the senses with a philosophy of warmth. It’s a space that feels like a home you’ve known forever, anchored by a nomadic culinary spirit and a "slow-living" approach that whispers to you to stay just a little longer.

One of the minds behind the magic of Araia is Matt Galle. A man who traded the rigid lines of corporate spreadsheets for the fluid, creative freedom of service. He sat down with us to discuss the rhythms of life, the gravity of loss, and the beauty of finding "The Inbetweens."

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1. Who are you, and what’s brought you to this point?

My name is Matt Galle. I grew up just outside D.C., and my early life was defined by the rhythm of sports: basketball, baseball, the constant motion of the game. Naturally, when sports are your world, sneakers become a huge part of your uniform.

I had a very happy childhood because I had incredible parents. My father was deep into sports and had this massive memorabilia collection. Among the signed helmets and jerseys were the shoes. We tend to take after our parents; we inherit their passions like heirlooms. Collecting became my way of connecting with him, especially as I moved into the digital side of the community.

I followed the expected path: Finance and Economics at James Madison, five years in corporate finance in the City. Then, life changed forever. My father got sick, and after a long battle, he passed away. He was my best friend.

His passing was a spiritual awakening. It threw me completely off balance. I realized my finance job no longer felt fulfilling; it couldn’t hold the weight of what I was feeling. I needed a drastic change of scenery -a place to heal- and I landed in Madrid.

The transition to the restaurant world felt seamless because it was yet another thing I had shared with him. We spent so much time together in restaurants; he was the one who taught me to appreciate the pleasure of a meal and the community that forms around a table. When a restaurant is done well, it brings a crowd together.

While exploring Madrid and thinking of opening my own spot, I met Pedro and fell in love with the dining experience he created at Araia. We hit it off instantly. Becoming a partner a year ago wasn't just a business move; it was a pursuit of creative freedom and a way to keep that sense of community alive.

2. If you had to divide your life into chapters, how would you do it?

I have a favorite music artist named Mike who has been a big inspiration for me on the growth and spiritual side and I would say that chapters of my life so far have followed the titles of his albums: The Highs, The Lows, and the upcoming Inbetweens.

The Highs were the post-college rush. The first real paycheck, the secure job, the city lights with friends. Everything felt like a movie, almost too bright to be real.

The Lows were the shadow that followed. COVID hitting, the world at a standstill, my father’s passing, and the crushing uncertainty. There were moments where the grief was so heavy I wouldn't leave the house for weeks. But out of that silence came growth. I had to learn how to enjoy life again. I had to find Madrid.

Now, I’m in The Inbetweens. I’ve learned that living in the extremes—too much of a High or too much of a Low—feels hollow. I’m focusing on the balance now. I’m learning to stay in the middle, where life actually happens.

3. Do you think you’ve "made it"?

I’m on a journey to find balance and happiness. Right now, for the first time in a long time, I feel fulfilled. There’s a quiet peace in that.

4. How do sneakers fit into your life now?

It’s an appreciation for artistry. Whether it’s putting together a fit for a night out or just admiring the construction of a shoe, I see the narrative in it. I remember watching a friend draw and design sneakers—that sparked an interest in the "why" behind the design.

Beyond that, it's about the community. Growing up in the East Coast corridor and visiting those iconic stores... it’s always been about the people the shoes bring together.

5. And why New Balance specifically?

New Balance is the brand I grew up watching my dad wear. It’s a full-circle moment. Seeing them transform from a "dad shoe" to a cultural powerhouse with real credibility has been incredible.

They mastered comfort before it was a trend. Models like the 2000s series with the pods challenge the classic approach: they modernize the silhouette without losing the soul. It’s a brand that feels honest.

6. What does the future look like for you?

I’m trying to go with the flow. I’ve found this newfound freedom in creativity, and I want to protect that. Whether it’s through skate, streetwear, or the restaurant, the plan is to keep creating and building community.

Araia is just the base. It’s the home I’ve built from the lessons my father left behind.

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In a world that demands we move faster, Matt Galle and the team at Araia remind us to find the "Inbetween." Whether it’s the engineered comfort of a New Balance 2000 or the shared vulnerability of a meal in a warm Madrid dining room, the best things in life are the ones that help us find our footing again.

Be sure to check out Araia on your next visit.