You Have a Cool Job

On this episode we’re talking with Carie Grant, a dog trainer who opened her own pet boarding and training business. Carie graduated from the prestigious Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior, where she learned positive training methods, including clicker training. But Carie’s world wasn’t always filled with wagging tails. Listen as she explains her transition from a career in mortgage lending to the world of dog training.

Peterson's interviews Dave Dellecese, creator of the comic book series Holidaze.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, our podcast guest works with computer hacking, but don’t worry, he isn’t the bad guy. Mike Harris is a consultant who finds weaknesses in a company by attempting to hack the system as a hacker would. In other words, he’s an ethical hacker. But Mike’s job title is fluid, as he explains that he is a sort of jack of all trades when it comes to the computer security field. He explains while he has chosen breadth in his career, while others may choose depth. Mike talks about the ways his job has and hasn't changed with all the attention given to cybersecurity in recent years. He also shares how he got into the field, and talks about the classes he teaches. Mike explains that the field he's in creates a social setting for people who are interested in computer security.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we focus on a person whose career centers around social goals rather than a specific industry. Coltrane Stansbury works to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as community engagement on a local to national level. Coltrane earned his Master’s of Public Policy at Rutgers University Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. He then began his work in policy, and explained how this was a perfect jumping-off point for his career. Discussing the various industries he has served in, Coltrane talks about how each position feeds into his ultimate goal of eradicating poverty. He explains how he is able to stay focused on this goal. Coltrane shares the most satisfying moments in his career, and gives advice to up-and-coming professionals on making an impact personally and professionally.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to someone who works with brides, celebrities, actors, and even students who soak up her knowledge of beauty and color. Brittany Chambers is a makeup artist, hairstylist, educator, and founder of Fluff, a beauty salon in Denver. Brittany explained how beauty was actually her plan b, after her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina were no longer practical. She talks about her time in Los Angeles working with the entertainment industry before she landed in Denver. Her first goal was to make the process of hair and makeup, specifically for brides, much more efficient. Brittany shares who her main clients are, which changes depending on the day of the week. She also talks about trade schools and how this can be a great alternative to college for students who are interested in an industry such as beauty. Brittany leaves us with advice on balancing business and art within the beauty industry.

We all know and love college sports, but do we know what goes on behind the scenes? On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Jason Smith, a college athlete recruiter. Jason is the Director of Recruiting Services for NCSA, Next College Student Athlete. Jason starts by explaining his personal story as a high school and college athlete. Jason worked for years as a college baseball coach at each NCAA level, before landing at NCSA. He shared the admittedly tough transition he experienced before finding his groove as a recruiter and coach to students and their families, and now "coaches the coaches" as he says. He talks about the misconceptions in his field, and gives advice for student athletes and their families.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, meet trivia host David Gottlieb. David works for Last Call Trivia as host as well as a creative specialist–meaning he also gets to create the trivia questions. David shares his process of coming up with questions for the shows, as well as comical stories from his years hosting trivia. He talks about the community that is formed between hosts and trivia teams, and reflects on how a job as a trivia host started as a side gig for him, but has transformed into a fulfilling career.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Trish Bonney, who gets to create beautiful living spaces as a career. Trish is an interior designer who has a day job as a designer at Kieding, a commercial building interior design company, and a side hustle as the founder of Tab interior designs. Trish didn’t think she could make a living as a designer when she was young, and first went into the military, and then worked as a teacher before returning to her artistic inclinations. Trish shares why she started her own company despite the fact that she does not always enjoy the business side of running an interior design business. She shares her perspective on co-working, as she hired her business partner two years ago and has a strong opinion about how these relationships should work. Trish talks about her design process, and how she is working to make Tab Interior Designs as sustainable as possible so she can leave her day job and make her business her number one priority.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to the sister owners of Zoo Chateau, Kili and Keaton Crawford. Zoo Chateau is a private zoo in Golden, Colorado, that houses rescue animals and ambassador animals of all shapes and sizes. Zoo Chateau features fun ways to get involved with the animals, most famously, kangaroo yoga. You can also rent the house on the property, fulling immersing yourself in the experience. The two share how they came up with the idea for Zoo Chateau and how the business transformed into what it is today. They share their mission in educating people about having pets responsibly and caring for animals. The Crawfords also talk about their signature experience, kangaroo yoga, which has earned them tons of recent media attention. The two laugh about how this isn't the career they expected and love doing something that is so unique. Kili and Keaton share their hopes that others will continue to find ways to think outside the box when it comes to their careers.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Katrina Gustafson. Katrina owns Karma Yoga, a boutique style yoga studio with a traditional style. Katrina talks about how her goal with her studio is to incorporate the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of yoga, rather than just the physical. Katrina shares how she utilized local small business resources to start her business, after gaining experience through another studio. She explains why there is a high turnover for yoga teachers, and shares how she navigates this. Katrina also talks about how she teaches yoga and expects her teachers to instruct their classes in this manner. She shares the demographic of her clients, and what people come to the studio to gain. Katrina also gives advice for entrepreneurs like herself, urging people to follow their dreams.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Laura Forczyk, an astrophysicist. Laura owns Astralytical, a consulting company for space industry professionals. Laura shares her childhood interest in space and how this grew into a career in astrophysics. She talks about her educational background at the Florida Institute of Technology, the University of Alabama in Huntsville, and the University of Central Florida. After achieving her doctoral degree, she found that she wanted to utilize her interpersonal skills. Right after having her first child, Laura started Astralytical. She discusses the need to bring humanity into the work space, especially in the science world. Laura shares her experience bringing her infants to conferences she attends. Laura talks about her clients and daily work. She says she wants to get more information out there about how we use space in our everyday lives, and hopes to grow her business in this way. Accordingly, she stresses the need for various fields as they relate to space, rather than the traditional STEM avenues of study.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, meet Kristina Thayer, a modern candle-maker. Kristina owns Candelaria, an artisan boutique for candles and other locally-made crafts located in the Santa Fe Art District of Denver. She shares her background with candles, and why she decided to open her own store. Kristina works with local artisans who are able to sell their work in her store, and hosts classes for candle making, painting, embroidering, and more. She explains why connecting with the community is important to her, and discusses her charity project, Burn Brightly. Kristina also talks about the location aspect of a boutique store like hers, and how her location works for her customer needs.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Michele Hanley, an urban farmer. While her job title may seem like an oxymoron, Michele has built her business, Mile High Urban Farming, on the concept that people who live in urban spaces can in fact grow their own food. Michele has a history of creating huge gardens, which she learned from her grandfather. When the economy crashed and Michele couldn't work as a professor, she decided to switch directions and carry on her grandfather's legacy. Through Mile High Urban Farming, Michele is able to work with city dwellers to grow plants and food anywhere, whether it's an apartment balcony or a small plot of land in someone's backyard. She talks about the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and how quality is lost in commercial grocery stores. She also shares how she is able to form long-lasting connections with people and their children when she works with families, inspiring even picky children to eat their fruits and vegetables.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to wedding photography duo Casey Wigotow and Vanessa Miranda. The two run Two One Photography, which Casey started 10 years ago before Vanessa joined her. Casey tells the story of how she got into photography and launched her business, and Vanessa shares how she came into the picture. The two share what it's like to be inserted into this big day for a couple and their family, and what they love about capturing these special moments. Casey is getting married herself this month, and discusses what it's like to be on the other side of the process. Vanessa and Casey also talk about the business of photography and how they acquire clients.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Justin Matott, author of books with titles like “I think my dog might be a nerd”, there’s a fly on my toast, and Ol’ Lady Grizelda. He speaks to students about bullying, teaching them to embrace their own talents and unique personalities. These gigs have earned Justin a fair amount of media attention, and he visits many elementary schools. He tells the heartwarming story of the impact he made on a student struggling with abuse years ago. Justin also works with students in writing workshops, where he encourages them to be creative and write with humor. He talks to parents about encouraging this creativity in their children as well.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Shari O’Loughlin. Shari is the Executive Director of the Children’s Grief Center of New Mexico. Despite the fact that Shari deals with loss and tragedy, she couldn’t be more positive and ready to help and connect with others. Shari talks about her role as the head of the Children's Grief Center, and how she got involved. She talks about her personal experiences with loss and how her vulnerability allows her to connect with others. Shari discusses different approaches to dealing with grief, and how this affects youths. She also talks about the book she wrote, Life from the Ashes: Finding Signs of Hope After Loss, and how she uses the book to help grieving families find hope.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Kate Anderson, who leads the Engineering and Modeling Group at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Kate explains the world of renewable energy, sharing trends in the field and major projects she works on. She talks about the combination of technical science work,  leadership of a group of scientists, and energy consulting that her job requires. As Kate switched her career from aerospace to renewable energy, she shares her motivation and how working in such a pressing field is both motivating to her as well as her coworkers, creating a team that is passionate about the work that they're doing.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Jeanine Pesce, founder of RANGE. RANGE is an outdoor culture creative agency that operates in both the consulting and editorial spaces. Jeanine shares why there are so many elements to RANGE and how the agency has come together to occupy a very niche space. She talks about the name of the company and how it has multiple meanings, and how each theme of RANGE magazine follows this style. Jeanine discusses her background in fashion and trend forecasting coupled with her first experience at Outdoor Retailer trade show, which was where she decided to take her background into the outdoor industry. Sharing her plans to focus on key elements and skills, Jeanine gives us a glimpse into the future of RANGE.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to someone who may be at your school assembly, graduation, or work event. Chris Natzke is an inspirational speaker and leadership coach. Appropriately, this episode is full of inspiration. Chris shares what led him to impact people's lives, which includes martial arts, impactful mentors, and his prior career moves. He talks about the main principles he teaches both adults and youths, and how he's been able to grow as a speaker and leader.

On this week’s episode of you have a cool job, we talk to a man who makes a very specific piece of equipment: the mouthpiece of a trumpet. Peter Pickett owns Pickett Brass Mouthpieces and Blackburn Trumpets, a company that started in his garage. Peter discusses the slow and organic startup of his company, and how he mainly relies on reputation as marketing in this traditional craftsman industry. He talks about the niche business environment of trumpet mouthpieces, how his background in both engineering and music came full-circle, and how he determines what monetary risks to take with his company. Peter also gives advice to others who want to start a business.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, Victoria Wagner shares her story of buying a martial arts studio at the age of 19. Now that she has successfully ran the business for over two years, she shares what she learned about running a business, as well as the adversities she's faced due to her age and gender. Victoria discussed her goals for her students and studio, as well as her motivation for what she does despite challenges–like balancing college with her business and making ends meet. Victoria talked about her personal connection to martial arts, as well as her work with other women.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Bryan Dik, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of jobZology. Bryan is also a psychology professor at Colorado State University, and talks about how these two world of his complement each other. Bryan tells the story of how he and his business partners started jobZology, what he learned about running a business, and how he's developed the company. Bryan also talks about the "ivory tower phenomenon" and how he is able to use his research in the "real world". He also shares what interests him about vocational psychology, and how this interest was spurred.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Eleanor Allen, CEO of Water for People. Water for People works to bring safe drinking water and sanitation to South America, India, and East Africa. Eleanor discusses how the company works with local governments to create a sustainable system. Eleanor left her corporate engineering job three years ago to switch to nonprofit with Water for People. She talked about the rewarding aspects of her job by giving examples of human impact. With an extensive background in both sustainable engineering and business, Eleanor translates her wealth of knowledge into her position as CEO. Eleanor is particularly passionate about opportunities for women and girls, who are more directly involved with water in these countries. She works to help these women and girls gain leadership positions in their communities, as she has experience working in a field historically dominated by men.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Artin Teymourian. Artin is a senior scientist at Hai Tech Lasers, and works in the laser technology field. Unfortunately, he has yet to put lasers on the heads of sharks, per the movie Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. But, his work with lasers has made its way into the mainstream world of business and manufacturing in various industries. Working with small companies, Artin uses innovation and creativity to find novel methods of engraving, as well as other uses for lasers. Artin discusses his physics background in academia, before his move to laser technology. He talks about the advancement of laser technology and field growth, as well as what certifications are needed to work with certain industries.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Tony He, a snowboard instructor and coach for the Chinese province team, the Hebei Para-Snowsports Team. Tony shares what it's like teaching everyone from beginner to advanced riders at his home base, Keystone, Colorado, and the different types of risks he manages. Over the summer, Tony makes his way to New Zealand, where he coaches the Para-Snowsports Team. He works with these athletes on their racing and adaptability in different conditions, and some go on to compete in the Paralympic Games. Despite the passion Tony has for the sport and his students, he made a point to mention that he works in the service industry, and that it is not all fun and games.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Brandon Woo, a software engineer for social media giant LinkedIn. Brandon works on the business to business, or more specifically, advertiser to advertiser side of the company. He talks about the culture at LinkedIn, where hours are non-traditional and he feels connected despite the size of the company. Brandon also explains why so many engineers like himself are needed at companies like LinkedIn. Graduating college recently, Brandon shares we he sees both his career and the future of his role going. He also gives advice for others new in their careers who may feel a sense of "impostor syndrome", and explains how he has personally shifted this mindset.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Dr. Joel Stone. Joel is a veterinarian with a winding path. While he always wanted to work with animals, he started off doing this as a research scientist. Joel worked in everything from aquariums to animal labs, and happened upon an idea that he later turned into an invention. Joel founded Dr. Stone's Scientific Solutions based on his invention, Better Breath™ for Pets, which is a product that kills the bacteria in a pets teeth using a water tablet solution. Switching from research to veterinary care when he moved back to his home state, Joel now works exclusively with cats.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Helga Sommer. Helga is the Chief of Engineering at the Port of Miami, which spans 518 acres and is known as the "cruise capital of the world". Needless to say, this carries a lot of responsibility and Helga describes the hectic aspects of her job. But, she also talks about how this chaos is what she's always wanted, as she decided to be an engineer from a very young age. Helga shares how she made her way to the Port of Miami, and what the culture is like nowadays in engineering as a woman.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Becky Rezac, a surgical technician. Becky shared how she became a surgical tech, and prefers the side of medicine that is, "see the problem, fix the problem". She talks about how she has witnessed the culture within the operating room and hospital as a whole shift in a positive direction, and how she's part of that. Becky trains students who are coming out of school on how to be in her position, but she also makes this point of building confidence in new surgical technicians and letting them know they can speak up.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Jake Urban, who works with a very specific force of nature–avalanches. Jake educates people on navigating backcountry terrain through his company, the Jackson Hole Outdoor Leadership Institute in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He teaches avalanche courses for recreational learners like backcountry snowsports enthusiasts, as well as the professionals: ski patrol, mountain guides, avalanche forecasters, even avalanche course instructors themselves. With 25 years in the industry, including search and rescue experience, Jake shares how it all started when he saw a lack of formally trained avalanche educators, and decided to do something about it. He talks about the upward trend of the industry as more and more people try their hand in backcountry sports, and how the fine line of staying safe in the backcountry is a blend of science and psychology.

On this week’s episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to the man behind the magic of Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Lollapalooza, and many more. Steve Lieberman is a lighting and production designer who works on some of the most intricate music festivals and nightclubs. He talks about the sometimes months-long setup, creative elements, and skills needed to make it happen. Steve shares firsthand how the music festival scene has exploded into what it is today, and what the production looks like with these new expectations.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk with fine artist Adam Freed. Adam describes the path he took before he began selling his art. He explains the ways his business and venue scene has changed as the market has shifted. Adam also shares some of his process in creating the art itself.

On this week's episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to Marissa Jacobs, a life and career coach. Marissa explains what exactly a life coach is, and how she helps others. She specializes in two main groups of people, and explains why this is important for her coaching style. Marissa also talks about the field in terms of its progression and various credentials. All this and more on You Have a Cool Job.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, meet Rod Hoffmann, a toy designer and owner of Big Eye Studio. Rod gives us a glimpse into the toy making industry, and what designing toys for big companies like Disney and Marvel is like. He shares how the business is changing and moving towards selling directly to consumers, rather than to distributors. Rod tells us where he sees the industry in coming years and where he is taking his business. He also talks about what keeps him inspired to keep creating, and how young designers can get into the industry.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, Kim Spuhler shares her experiences in the fire service, and what she does now as a Community Risk Reduction Specialist. Kim explains what the fire service means to her, as well as the variances in job opportunities within the service.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, Michael Dabrowski describes his second career as an acupuncturist. Michael runs his own practice and explains the ins and outs of alternative medicine as it pertains to acupuncture. Michael also shares how he got into healthcare after a career in software.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, Judith McIntyre Galecki shares the life of a full-time classical musician. As a cellist in the Colorado Symphony, Judith performs every weekend of the company's season, playing everything from the old classics to live music that accompanies movie screenings.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, Matthew Ranson, a fermentation scientist, shares how his job ranges from projects that run across fields. Matthew works with anything from beer brewing to corn ethanol, and shares his story of how he got to where he is today.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, Dana Benton, a principle dancer at Colorado Ballet, shared her journey to working in a ballet company and starring in lead roles. Immersing us in the dance world, Dana explained the structure, seasons, and work life of professional dancers.

On this episode of You Have a Cool Job, we talk to a man who is a small business owner, entrepreneur, and sausage maker. He comically shares how he became a small business owner and what his day to day work is like.

From Peterson's is a podcast highlighting those who took their profession in a unique direction, and what they did to get there. We’re here to motivate you and show how interesting, fulfilling, and anything but average your career can be by talking with people who took a path less traveled. We’ll ask these fascinating professionals how they got to where they are based on their education, experience, and anything or anyone else that contributed to their careers. This week we talk to an atmospheric scientist who describes her role working on air quality modeling at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.