What It's Like To Be...

What It's Like To Be...

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Curious what it would be like to walk in someone else’s (work) shoes? Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath as he explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do. What does a couples therapist think when a friend asks for relationship advice? What happens if a welder fails to wear safety glasses? What can get a stadium beer vendor fired? If you’ve ever met someone whose work you were curious about, and you had 100 nosy questions but were too polite to ask … well, this is the show for you. 

Dan Heath


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 49 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The What It's Like To Be... podcast is an absolute gem that offers listeners a unique glimpse into the lives and experiences of people in various professions. Hosted by Dan, this podcast is engaging, warm, and often poignant. Each episode delves into the nitty-gritty of what it's like to be in a completely different line of work, allowing listeners to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the multitude of career paths out there.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is how easily enjoyable it is. The episodes are easy to listen to, with Dan's conversational style and genuine interest in his guests shining through. The interviews are engaging from start to finish, with each guest offering fascinating insights into their profession. From beer vendors to marriage therapists to defense attorneys, every episode provides an opportunity to learn something new and gain a fresh perspective on different careers.

    In addition, the length of each episode is just right. They are not too long or too short, striking the perfect balance between providing enough detail about the profession without becoming tedious or overwhelming. This makes it easy for listeners to fit an episode into their daily routine or binge-listen without getting fatigued.

    As for drawbacks, one aspect that some listeners might find lacking is the discussion around financial aspects of each profession. While it may not be considered polite or appropriate to ask someone about their income directly, some individuals may be curious about salary ranges or earning potential within certain industries. Adding a general question about income ranges could offer valuable insight without being invasive.

    In conclusion, The What It's Like To Be... podcast is a captivating show that humanizes individuals in various professions and provides an inside view of occupations most people would never consider learning about otherwise. With its engaging host and interesting guests, this podcast has quickly become a favorite among those who enjoy learning about different careers and gaining a deeper understanding of the people who make up our world. Whether you're a long-time listener of Dan's work or someone who stumbled upon this podcast, it is undeniably worth checking out.



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    Latest episodes from What It's Like To Be...

    A Harbor Pilot

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 37:30 Transcription Available


    Scaling three-story rope ladders up the sides of ships, memorizing every rock and current in a harbor, and narrowly avoiding catastrophic collisions with Captain Grant Livingstone, a retired harbor pilot. What do you do when your engine and anchors fail in heavy fog? And how do you dock a ship the size of the Empire State Building?Grant and his twin brother Captain George Livingstone co-authored the recent book Shiphandling, The Beautiful Game.IF YOU LIKE THIS EPISODE: Check out what it's like to be a long-haul trucker, an ocean lifeguard, or a London cabbie.Learn more about StoryCorps and the Story Preservation Initiative at their websites.GOT A COMMENT OR SUGGESTION? Email us at jobs@whatitslike.com WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW? Leave us a voicemail at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: 1. What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean? 2. What's a specific story you tell your friends that happened on the job? It could be funny, sad, anxiety-making, pride-inducing or otherwise. We can't respond to every message, but we do listen to all of them! We'll follow up if it's a good fit.

    A Hospice Nurse

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 38:14 Transcription Available


    Comforting patients as they prepare to transition, navigating end-of-life regrets and frayed relationships, and providing support and advice for fearful families with Heather Meyerend, a retired hospice nurse. How does she know when the end is imminent? And what has the work taught her about the different ways we deal with death?Heather is a contributing author to the book Resilient Faith: Dare To Believe.She was also profiled in The New Yorker in 2016: "A Tender Hand in the Presence of Death"Got a comment or suggestion? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean? What's a specific story you tell your friends that happened on the job? It could be funny or sad or anxiety-making or pride-inducing or otherwise. There's a 3-minute time limit on the message, don't worry if you get cut off. We'll know what happened. We get a lot of messages, so we can't respond to every one, but please know that we do listen to all of them! We'll reach out if we want to follow up.

    A Veterinarian

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 36:52 Transcription Available


    Calming scared cats with pheromone sprays, advising families how to balance their pet's well-being with budget realities, and diagnosing mysterious animal maladies with Dr. Hindatu Mohammed, a veterinarian in Austin, TX. What breed of dog, when having its nails clipped, responds as though it's being murdered? And how did an injured ant shape her career choice?BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean? What's a specific story you tell to your friends that happened on the job? It could be funny or sad or anxiety-making or pride-inducing or otherwise. Just a good story you want to share. There's a 3-minute time limit on the ...

    A Software Engineer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 30:33 Transcription Available


    Tracing mysterious errors to their source, jousting with product managers, and rolling out new features (without breaking the old ones) with Taylor Hughes, a software engineer. How did one failed software fix ruin Christmas for kids around the country? And what is "spaghetti code"?Taylor is currently a co-founder and the CTO at Hypernatural.ai.NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A City Manager

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 35:08 Transcription Available


    Mediating pickleball noise disputes, shepherding communities through thorny decisions, and practicing radical pragmatism with Martha Bennett, city manager of Lake Oswego, Oregon. What is it that makes public hearings so noxious? And what's the difference between "Big P" and "Little P" politics? NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Barman

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 35:40 Transcription Available


    Pouring pints for thirsty tourists, defusing situations with drunk patrons, and finding flow in the Friday night rush with Brian Wynne, a barman in Dublin. What caused one customer to throw a dog at Brian? And what is "craic"?If you'd like to reach-out to Brian, we'll pass along your note. Just email dan@whatitslike.comNEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Brain Surgeon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 40:30 Transcription Available


    Zapping parts of the brain to know where to cut, operating a mouth-controlled microscope that's worth more than a house, and carrying the weight of life-or-death decisions with Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a brain surgeon at the Mayo Clinic. How do you preserve a mathematician's expertise when removing tumors? And how did he go from picking tomatoes to performing brain surgery?Dr. Q wrote about his remarkable journey to the operating room in the book, Becoming Dr. Q: My Journey from Migrant Farm Worker to Brain Surgeon.He was also featured in the Netflix documentary series The Surgeon's Cut.NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here. You can also listen to it on Audible and at Apple Books.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Aircraft Carrier Commander

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 35:03 Transcription Available


    Commanding a floating city of 5,000 sailors, intercepting Houthi missiles in the Red Sea, and stripping rank from sailors who cross the line with Captain Chris "Chowdah" Hill, commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier. How do you stop a fighter jet in 2-seconds? And what are “midrats”?NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Daycare Owner

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 28:18 Transcription Available


    Singing cleanup songs, tiring out kids before naptime, and battling the "babysitter" stereotype with Brenda Hawkins, a daycare owner in Maryland. How has childcare changed over the years? And what is a "dope and drop"?NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Audiobook Narrator

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 38:04 Transcription Available


    Fine-tuning the perfect accent for a character, recording for hours in a sound-insulated booth, and tracking down obscure pronunciations with Sean Pratt, an audiobook narrator. What is "punch and roll"? And what kind of voice do you need to be a great narrator?EXTRAWe spoke with Sean about his work narrating the David Foster Wallace literary behemoth Infinite Jest. That part of the interview didn't fit into this episode, but you can listen to it here!NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    RESET: How To Change What's Not Working

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 27:03


    We've got something a little different and special for you this week! The day this is dropping, January 21st, is the launch day for my new book, called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. We're running an excerpt (a whole chapter!) from the audiobook on this podcast.You can buy the full audiobook, hardcover, or Kindle version here!We'll be back next week with a new episode of the show, talking with a professional audiobook narrator!NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book out now called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book and order it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Homicide Detective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 33:24 Transcription Available


    Cracking decades-old murder cases, delivering unthinkable news to victims' families, and tracking suspects across borders with John Lamberti, a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. Why are cold cases harder to solve these days? And what's a "415"?NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book coming out January 21st called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Toy Distributor

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 30:59 Transcription Available


    Forecasting demand for 40,000 different products, arranging for model kits to traverse the globe from Chinese factories to mom-and-pop hobby shops, and enduring random customs inspections with Alan Bass, a hobby kit and toy distributor. Why can't shops place orders directly with factories and cut out distributors? And what is it like to discover your childhood toys were actually samples given out for market research purposes?The hobby kit and toy distributor business he runs is Stevens International. You can find his family's brick-and-mortar hobby shop, AAA Hobbies and Crafts, in Magnolia, NJ, and an online store at MegaHobby.com. NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book coming out in January called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Olympic Bobsledder

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 39:29 Transcription Available


    Hurtling down an ice track at nearly 100mph, perfecting the practice of visualization, and shaving off hundredths of a second with Kaillie Humphries, an Olympic bobsledder. What's the most feared track in the world? And how do athletes practice when there's no ice in the summer?NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book coming out in January called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Christmas Tree Farmer

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 31:16 Transcription Available


    Shearing Christmas trees into their classic shape, fighting back weeds and blackbirds, and planting 5,000 trees a year with Sheldon Corsi, a Christmas tree farmer near Cincinnati, Ohio. What does a tree baler sound like? And what makes Christmas tree farming distinctive within the world of agriculture?NEW BOOK ALERT!You may be aware that I've written or co-written five business books, including The Power of Moments and Made to Stick. I've got a sixth book coming out in January called RESET: How to Change What's Not Working. It's a book intended to help you and your team get unstuck, to overcome the gravity of the way things have always worked. Learn more about the book or preorder it here.Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Marine Biologist

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 33:25 Transcription Available


    Swimming with 20-foot manta rays, suffering through grant applications, and rushing to the whale freezer with Jessica Pate, a marine biologist based in Florida. How have drones changed her work? And what's wrong with being a "parachute scientist"?Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Interior Designer

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 30:44 Transcription Available


    Perfecting the soft finishes, dealing with divorcing couples, and cultivating the perfect network of artisans with Julie Anne Burch, an interior designer. Why did she need a crane to move a piano? And how can interior designers create a "moment"?Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An NBA Referee

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 25:41 Transcription Available


    Ignoring 10,000 booing fans, collaborating with the replay center, and striving for perfection with Billy Kennedy, an NBA referee. What happens when you get a call wrong? And what's the difference between the trail, slot, and lead officials?Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A London Cabbie

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 28:27 Transcription Available


    Outsmarting drunks, competing with ride-share apps, and discovering that some of your passengers were Spice Girls with Jamie Owens, a London cabbie. How much does it cost to buy a cab? And what's "The Knowledge"?You can find Jamie on YouTube at his channel "Jamie The Cabby".Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Life Insurance Salesman

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 31:57 Transcription Available


    Overcoming "soft objections," hustling to line up meetings, and navigating the line between business and friendship with David Johnson, a third-generation life insurance salesman. What is the mistake that "ruins careers" for salespeople? And what is a "feed list"?Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Camera Operator

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 30:57 Transcription Available


    Framing a scene to draw in the audience, dealing with screaming directors, and getting lost in an actor's performance with Pauline Edwards, a camera operator. What's it like filming a reality TV show? And what's a "swingle"?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Long-Haul Truck Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2024 32:18 Transcription Available


    Hauling 32,000 lbs of dead rats, strategically planning every turn and pit stop, and soaking up the highway sunrises and sunsets with Kathy and Gene Lednicky, team truck drivers. What's the chatter like on the CB radio? And what's a "lumper”?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Summer Camp Director

    Play Episode Play 59 sec Highlight Listen Later Aug 13, 2024 32:56 Transcription Available


    Conjuring a world where kids can reinvent themselves, running a small town in the woods, and witnessing camp counselors falling in love with Eric Sasson, a summer camp director. What happens on the last night of camp? And why does the question "Do you have a minute?" spark anxiety?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Ice Cream Truck Driver

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2024 28:30 Transcription Available


    Transforming school buses into ice cream trucks, watching kids grow up (one popsicle at a time), and struggling to keep the freezers running with Erin Bailey, an ice cream truck driver in New Jersey. What's her best selling treat? And does she ever get sick of the ice cream truck song?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Ocean Lifeguard

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 34:56 Transcription Available


    Learning to read the ocean, performing CPR on a dolphin, and leading daring (and sometimes foolish) rescues with Ed Vodrazka, an ocean lifeguard in California. What are the signs that someone is in trouble in the water? And how do you stay vigilant after many hours in the tower?Ed is the author of a couple of books about ocean lifeguards, including Stories from Sea Level: The Heroic and Humorous Adventures of California's Ocean Lifeguards.Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Secret Service Agent

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2024 27:55 Transcription Available


    Scanning crowds for suspicious behavior, learning how to leap from moving vehicles, and investigating every threat to the president with Cindy Marble, a retired Secret Service agent. What's it like to witness history up close? And what is "left of boom"?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Tennis Coach

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 28:38 Transcription Available


    Scouting for signs of greatness, bolstering players after heartbreaking losses, and fighting the "yips" with Vesa Ponkka, a veteran tennis coach. Why are tennis matches played in silence? And what's a "lucky loser”?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A PR Crisis Manager

    Play Episode Play 34 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 32:53 Transcription Available


    Taking late-night phone calls from panicked clients, dueling with company lawyers over what to disclose, and rushing to preempt unfavorable stories with Chris Thomas, a PR crisis manager. What was it like to manage the media frenzy surrounding the Elizabeth Smart case? And what's the worst possible answer to a journalist's question?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Creative Director

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later May 21, 2024 26:50 Transcription Available


    Churning out creative possibilities on tight timelines, crafting bespoke stock images with help from AI, and pitching unique ideas to risk-averse clients with Jo Skillman, a creative director in Texas. Why do a lot of creative directors grind their teeth at night? And what is a "swoop and poop"?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Dog Trainer

    Play Episode Play 19 sec Highlight Listen Later May 7, 2024 30:04 Transcription Available


    Reading canine body language, boarding dogs to teach them manners, and training the dogs' owners with Keely Korbel, a dog trainer. Is it a good idea to clone your dog? And what is a "marker word"?We want to hear from you! TAKE OUR SURVEY to help us learn more about you and what you like about the show. Fill it out before May 31st and we'll send you a stainless steel travel mug for your efforts, while supplies last!Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An Archaeologist

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2024 30:53 Transcription Available


    Unearthing ancient wine cellars, finding the right places to dig, and tracing the arc of lost civilizations with Eric Cline, an archaeologist. What's the difference between a shard and a sherd? And what will archaeologists of the future make of us?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    An FBI Special Agent

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2024 29:00 Transcription Available


    Building cases against MS-13 gang members, flipping a suspect in an interrogation, and writing countless subpoenas for phone records with Dan Brunner, a retired FBI Special Agent. What's the significance of the "1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle"? And what does it take to get a fugitive on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Cattle Rancher

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2024 29:33 Transcription Available


    Raising cattle in the high desert, hauling calves to auction, and protecting the herd from mountain lions with Chachi Hawkins, a cattle rancher in southwest Texas. How did she go from selling clothes to selling cattle? And does she ever get attached to particular calves?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    (BONUS) From Choiceology: “The Superforecasters”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 38:28


    We've got a special bonus episode for you this week! Our friends over at Choiceology, the podcast hosted by Katy Milkman, explores the lessons that can be gleaned from behavioral economics. They tell true stories with high-stakes, sharing what the latest research tells us about making better decisions. In this episode, called “The Superforecasters”, they examine President Barack Obama's decision to move forward with the raid on what was thought to be Osama bin Laden's compound in Pakistan back in 2011. But, as you'll hear, there were doubts, and the costs of getting the mission wrong would have been massive. How was that decision made? And what can it tell us about how to make better predictions?Katy Milkman is a professor at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the author of the national bestseller How to Change. You can learn more about Choiceology at the show's website.Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Turnaround Consultant

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 30:27 Transcription Available


    Diagnosing what ails struggling companies, choosing the "least crappy option", and managing constant stress with Jeff Vogelsang, a turnaround consultant. What kind of personality do you need to lead turnarounds? And what does it mean to make someone "available to industry”?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Nurse

    Play Episode Play 37 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 29:47 Transcription Available


    Caring for patients with serious burns, making sure the correct leg gets operated on, and working 24 hours straight with Teresa Shuster, a nurse in Florida. How did a patient change the trajectory of her career? And what's a "Code Brown"?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Stand-Up Comedian

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2024 30:07 Transcription Available


    Crafting jokes that kill, hustling to find gigs, and improvising based on the audience's reaction with Chris Grace, a stand-up comedian. What's the worst he's ever bombed? And what is a "bringer" show?Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Hair Stylist

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2024 28:54 Transcription Available


    Cutting to accentuate the client's eyes and ears, plotting to tame Einstein's hair, and riding the ups and downs of entrepreneurship with Ona Diaz-Santin, a hair stylist and owner of 5 Salon & Spa in New Jersey. What's the most irritating way a client can respond to a haircut? And why was she christened "The Hair Saint"?Our show takes a lot of inspiration from Studs Terkel's classic book Working. It features interviews Terkel did with more than 100 different people from different jobs: police officers, waitresses, gravediggers, private investigators. His guiding question? "What do they do all day?" Radio Diaries actually got their hands on the audio that Terkel recorded of his interviews and collected them into an episode that you can listen to here.Follow us on Instagram!Got a comment or suggestion for us? You can reach us via email at jobs@whatitslike.comWant to be on the show? Leave a message on our voice mailbox at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Welder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2024 30:15 Transcription Available


    Pushing perfectionism to its limits, suffering third degree burns from slag, and having your welds “shot” by X-rays with Matt "Lucky" Reed, a welder in Florida. What happens to welders' eyes if they don't wear protective hoods? And what's a time-tested way of trolling a fellow welder?Follow us on Instagram!Want to be on the show? Leave a message on our "tip line" at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Piano Teacher

    Play Episode Play 29 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 2, 2024 27:03 Transcription Available


    Delivering the perfect first lesson, working with 89-year-old students, and learning how to charge for your work with Christina Whitlock, a piano teacher in Indiana.  How does she help students hear the "heartbeat of music'"? And what is it like to teach a student from first grade through college?Want to be on the show? Leave a message on our "tip line" at (919) 213-0456. We'll ask you to answer two questions: What do people think your job is like and what is it actually like? What's a word or phrase that only someone from your profession would be likely to know and what does it mean?

    A Professional Santa Claus

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2023 30:20 Transcription Available


    Refurbishing old sleighs, reviewing advance dossiers on kids, and going to “Santa School" with Larry Jefferson, a professional Santa Claus based in Dallas. How does he handle situations when kids ask for something Santa could never grant? And what would a kid have to do to get coal?Music credit:"Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

    A High School Principal

    Play Episode Play 21 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 12, 2023 30:13 Transcription Available


    Managing complaints from parents, handling the horrors of teenage social media, and serving as an emergency substitute teacher with Marcus Belin, a high school principal in Illinois. How does it feel for everyone in town to know him as The Principal? And what exactly is a “sandwich email”?

    A Mystery Novelist

    Play Episode Play 34 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 28, 2023 30:05 Transcription Available


    Scouting body disposal sites, investigating obscure poisons, and computing royalty payments with Donna Andrews, the mystery novelist behind the Meg Langslow series. How do you make a living as a mystery novelist? And could Tylenol be a murder weapon?Know someone who is a great storyteller that we should talk to about their job? Email us at jobs@whatitslike.com

    A Forensic Accountant

    Play Episode Play 28 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 29:22 Transcription Available


    Catching embezzling CFOs, sniffing out a corrupt private school headmaster, and sifting through fake invoices with Chris Ekimoff, a forensic accountant. What are his go-to moves to detect fraud? And who is the most famous forensic accountant (besides Ben Affleck)?

    A TV Meteorologist

    Play Episode Play 23 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 30:19 Transcription Available


    Tracking a 2.5-mile-wide tornado, fretting over forecasts, and waking up at 2:30am with Lacey Swope, a TV meteorologist for News 9 in Oklahoma City. How does she deal with fans and stalkers? And what is the “deformation zone”?You can see Lacey's daily forecasts on the News 9 website. She's also on Instagram.Got thoughts on the show? Reach out to dan@whatitslike.com

    A Criminal Defense Attorney

    Play Episode Play 18 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 27:38 Transcription Available


    Defending a man prosecuted for breaking into his own house, carrying clients' burdens, and dispelling a myth about Miranda rights with Mike Panella, a criminal defense attorney from Orlando.Got thoughts on the show? You can reach us at dan@whatitslike.com

    A Couples Therapist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 28:14 Transcription Available


    Mystery dates, adult playrooms, habit stacking, and the misuse of “narcissism” with Laura Heck, a virtual couples therapist. Laura is also a co-host of the podcast Marriage Therapy Radio.Want to share your thoughts on the show? Email dan@whatitslike.com

    A Stadium Beer Vendor

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 15, 2023 27:49 Transcription Available


    Meeting Muhammad Ali, handling fans who are alcoholics, pouring with no foam, and dreaming about one last game with Howard Hart, who spent three decades as a stadium beer vendor. If you want to see Howard in action, The Washington Post put together a great video feature on him in 2014.

    Coming Soon: What It's Like To Be...

    Play Episode Play 15 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 18, 2023 1:59


    Curious what it would be like to walk in someone else's (work) shoes? Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath as he explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do. What does a couples therapist think when a friend asks for relationship advice? What happens if a welder fails to wear safety glasses? What can get a stadium beer vendor fired? If you've ever met someone whose work you were curious about, and you had 100 nosy questions but were too polite to ask … well, this is the show for you. 

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