What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath

Sophie Williams, owner and baker at Raven Bakery in Bellingham who bikes her deliveries and works with local whole grains. She talks about tinkering recipes like a gingerbread that needed hotter baking, adapting to variable local rye harvests, running a bike-based community bakery, scaling from solo baker to team leader, and the physical craft of preserving bodies and workflow.

Join Aaron Williams, a skilled dog groomer from Alabama, as he shares his insights on the unique world of pet grooming. Discover the psychological artistry behind the grooming table and how it influences dog behavior. From battling dreaded anal gland expressions to decoding the sounds of nail clipping, Aaron reveals the intricacies of his craft. He also shares hilarious anecdotes about bites and his encounters with 'fernados'—wild grooming storms that can occur with dirty double-coated dogs. Tune in for an enlightening glimpse into this rewarding profession!

Lieutenant Colonel Susan Upward is a Staff Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps, providing legal counsel on military justice and operational law. She shares insights on how military justice differs from civilian systems and the challenges of advising commanders during combat. Hear her bold story of calling a commander's plan 'colossally stupid' and her role as a crucial 'speed bump' to impulsive decisions in high-stakes situations. Susan also reflects on mentoring junior Marines and adapting her legal advice to meet diverse leadership styles.

Yaronda Kilgo, a dedicated elementary school teacher and North Carolina's Southwest Regional Teacher of the Year, shares her vibrant classroom experiences. She discusses using songs and dances to ease kindergarteners into school life and the importance of kinesthetic learning. Yaronda also highlights the various roles teachers take on, from counselor to nutritionist, and the challenges of teacher retention. A touching story about empathy shaped by her second-grade experience and the joy she finds in student breakthroughs makes her passion for education truly inspiring.

In this enlightening conversation, Grace Jackson, a humanitarian worker and country director for GiveDirectly in Malawi, shares her experiences managing Ebola responses in Sierra Leone and discusses the transformative power of cash aid. She reveals how low-income families often buy essentials like chickens with cash transfers, equating the first payment to a Christmas gift. Grace emphasizes the importance of local aid workers and their role amid crises, while also navigating the skeptical landscape of government and donor concerns about cash aid efficacy.

Carlos Miguel Prieto, a renowned music director and conductor, delves into the art of conducting beyond mere gestures. He shares insights on how phrasing and tempo can transform the meaning of classical pieces like Beethoven's Fifth. Carlos emphasizes preparation as the backbone of performance, detailing his unique score markup system and the necessity of efficient rehearsals. He also recounts how he navigates live mishaps with humor and respect, and the incredible spontaneity that comes from working closely with musicians.

Doug Powell, a master electrician and co-founder of Lumen Brothers Electric, shares fascinating insights about the world of electrical work. He explains the essential role of the National Electrical Code and warns of the dangers of DIY jobs, like backstabbed outlets. Doug reflects on his journey from stand-up comedy to mastering trades, emphasizing the growing appeal of blue-collar work among young people. Plus, his harrowing tale of a 277-volt shock highlights the risks electricians face daily, making for an electrifying conversation!

In this engaging talk, Trayvon Robinson, a professional baseball player with 19 years of experience, shares his journey through the minor leagues and his brief MLB stint. He vividly recalls the hustle of minor league life, including travel on sleeper buses and superstitions that kept him grounded. Trayvon's emotional major-league debut included a memorable catch that landed him on SportsCenter. He also opens up about the mental challenges of hitting, the pressure of constant auditions, and his transition to coaching, finding purpose after retirement.

Join seismologist Lucy Jones, a pioneer in earthquake science from Southern California, as she explores the intricacies of monitoring seismic activity and advocates for earthquake preparedness. She shares her unique approach to counting waves during tremors and explains how a nuclear test ban treaty inadvertently advanced seismic research. Discover why earthquakes are inevitable as LA inches toward Alaska and learn about her compelling strategies for engaging communities in disaster readiness through vivid scenarios and storytelling.

Cindy Wolf, a James Beard-winning executive chef and owner of Charleston in Baltimore, shares her culinary journey. She dives into the art of butchering whole alligators and crafting dishes like grilled sweetbreads. Cindy reveals what it was like to cook for the legendary Julia Child and discusses her desire to remove certain popular items from her menu. The conversation also touches on the challenges of managing a fine-dining kitchen, from staff dynamics to precise cost calculations for her signature dishes.