What It's Like To Be...

Justin Snodgrass, a seasoned car mechanic with over 30 years of experience and owner of Snodgrass Auto Repair in Colorado, shares fascinating insights into the automotive world. He discusses the detective work behind diagnosing vehicle issues, including a humorous tale of a Cadillac's troublesome seat. Justin reveals the shady side of $19.99 oil changes and the complexities of pricing repairs. Plus, he highlights the unique challenges and rewarding moments that keep him passionate about solving automotive mysteries.

Join Rose Davin, a seasoned pharmacy technician and buyer from Rochester, New York, as she shares insights from over 20 years in the field. Learn about the critical role pharmacy techs play in medication safety, from counting pills to managing million-dollar drugs. Rose discusses the rigorous safeguards preventing opioid theft and the emotional impact of medication errors. Discover the staggering costs of life-saving medications and the complexities of the prescription process. Her stories paint a vivid picture of a vital, often overlooked profession.

Steve Love, CFO at SIFT, specializes in online fraud prevention and has an impressive background in finance with both public and private tech companies. He discusses the balancing act of forecasting earnings while managing team demands and the importance of resource allocation. Steve shares a gripping story of addressing a significant financial miscalculation in front of investors, revealing the high stakes of financial credibility. He also reflects on the emotional toll of layoff decisions and the evolving role of CFOs in navigating complex startup environments.

Steven Peljovich, owner of Michael's Deli in Boston, passionately discusses the art of traditional deli culture. He shares the intricate process of turning brisket into corned beef and the importance of human interaction in a tech-driven world. Steven reflects on memorable customer relationships, particularly with longtime patron Rita Manor, and emphasizes the charm of delivering quality service. He also touches on the challenges of integrating online orders while keeping the heart of the deli alive through genuine connections.

Allissa Haines, a massage therapist with 20 years of experience, shares her unique insights from the field. She discusses the role of music, particularly Mozart, in enhancing the massage experience. Allissa navigates the challenges of client interactions, including enforcing boundaries with inappropriate requests. Touching on emotional moments, she recounts a moving house call that made her cry. Additionally, she delves into the importance of effective communication and the multifaceted nature of running a massage therapy practice.

Grant Livingstone, a retired harbor pilot with 34 years of experience at the Port of Long Beach, shares thrilling tales of his maritime adventures. He discusses scaling three-story rope ladders and the intense focus required to guide giant vessels safely into port. Listeners will learn about a hair-raising docking experience in thick fog where quick thinking was crucial. Grant also reflects on the beauty of the sea and the artistry of navigating ships, revealing the hidden complexities behind this vital profession.

Heather Meyerend, a retired hospice nurse and contributing author to the book Resilient Faith: Dare To Believe, shares her profound experiences in end-of-life care. She discusses how to navigate the emotional complexities faced by patients and families, emphasizing the importance of honest communication and balancing autonomy with expectations. Through heartfelt stories, Heather explores finding joy and dignity in death, the moments of grace shared with patients, and the essential role of compassion in hospice care.

Dr. Hindatu Mohammed, a dedicated veterinarian from Austin, Texas, reveals her journey into animal care, sparked by a childhood encounter with an ant. She discusses the humorous and heart-wrenching realities of diagnosing non-verbal pets, including how to calm anxious cats with pheromones. Dr. Mohammed shares insights on balancing pet care with client budgets and the emotional weight of end-of-life decisions. Listeners will also enjoy anecdotes about tricky dog breeds and the importance of effective communication in veterinary practice.

In this discussion, Taylor Hughes, co-founder and CTO at Hypernatural.ai, shares insights from his extensive background in software engineering, including stints at Facebook and Google. He recounts a hilarious Christmas incident where a software fix went wrong, causing chaos for children everywhere. Taylor dives into the realities of debugging and the infamous 'spaghetti code'. He also discusses the delicate dance between engineers and product managers, emphasizing how they navigate technical debt while striving to deliver seamless user experiences.

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?IF YOU LIKE THIS EPISODE: Check out what it's like to be a high school principal, a PR crisis manager, or a turnaround consultant.WANT MORE EPISODE SUGGESTIONS? Grab our What It's Like To Be... "starter pack". It's a curated Spotify playlist with some essential episodes from our back catalogue. GOT A COMMENT OR SUGGESTION? Email us at jobs@whatitslike.com FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Email us at partnerships@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.