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What It's Like To Be...

Latest episodes

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Jan 28, 2025 • 38min

An Audiobook Narrator

Sean Pratt, an experienced audiobook narrator with over 1,200 titles to his name, shares fascinating insights into the art of storytelling. He discusses the unique challenges of perfecting accents and character voices, while illustrating the emotional nuances required for captivating performances. Sean also highlights the impact of AI on narration and the personal struggles narrators face with ambient noise. His tips for aspiring narrators cover the importance of preparation and the often-overlooked logistical hurdles in this creative profession.
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Jan 21, 2025 • 27min

RESET: How To Change What's Not Working

Discover powerful insights on leveraging change with actionable goal-setting strategies. Experience a relatable tale of misguided customer feedback at a dealership, revealing the flaws in prioritizing metrics over service. Dive into unique approaches to wellness, highlighting the humorous journey of an Australian mother. Uncover the 'miracle question' technique to enrich family and professional relationships. Explore transformative goals through the lens of veterans benefiting from simplified processes, showcasing the power of thoughtful decision-making.
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Jan 14, 2025 • 33min

A Homicide Detective

In this engaging conversation, John Lamberti, a dedicated homicide detective from the LAPD known for his work on cold cases and crime dramas, shares riveting insights from his career. He discusses the emotional toll of delivering devastating news to families and the challenges of tracking down suspects. Lamberti reveals how technology has transformed homicide investigations, especially in solving old cases. He even highlights unique terminologies like '415' and emphasizes the delicate balance between personal life and the demanding world of law enforcement.
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Dec 31, 2024 • 31min

A Toy Distributor

Alan Bass, a third-generation distributor at Stevens International, shares insights from his family's toy and hobby business. He discusses the intricate logistics of forecasting demand for 40,000 products and overcoming customs challenges. Discover why small shops rely on distributors instead of direct orders from factories. Alan reflects on nostalgic moments when he realized his childhood toys were marketing samples, along with the importance of relationships built over generations in the industry. He also touches on adaptations made during the pandemic.
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15 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 38min

An Olympic Bobsledder

Kaylee Humphries, an accomplished Olympic bobsledder and gold medalist for both Canada and the USA, shares her thrilling journey in the world of bobsledding. She discusses the adrenaline of racing down ice tracks at nearly 100 mph and the mental techniques, like visualization, that help athletes succeed. Hear about the financial struggles Olympic bobsledders face and the physical and emotional challenges of the sport. Kaylee also reveals insider terminology and the fears athletes confront, culminating in her aspirations for the upcoming Winter Olympics.
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Dec 3, 2024 • 31min

A Christmas Tree Farmer

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 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?
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Nov 19, 2024 • 33min

A Marine Biologist

Jessica Pate, a Florida-based marine biologist studying manta rays, dives into thrilling tales of swimming with these magnificent creatures. She shares insights about the unique identification methods based on spot patterns and the elusive nature of manta ray reproduction. Discover how drones revolutionize marine research while addressing the conservation challenges these endangered species face. Pate also reflects on her work's joys and struggles, including the frantic race to preserve a rare manta ray for science.
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Nov 5, 2024 • 30min

An Interior Designer

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"?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?
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Oct 22, 2024 • 25min

An NBA Referee

Billy Kennedy, a veteran NBA referee with over 25 years of experience, shares his fascinating journey from local games to officiating major events like the Olympic bronze medal game. He delves into the pressures of silencing 10,000 booing fans and the complexities of collaborating with the replay center. Billy explains the distinct roles of trail, slot, and lead officials, emphasizing their intense focus amid noise. He also humorously discusses the evolution of whistles, showcasing the blend of technology and skill that defines modern officiating.
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Oct 8, 2024 • 28min

A London Cabbie

Join Jamie Owens, a London cabbie who aced 'The Knowledge' exam, as he shares hilarious tales of driving celebrities like the Spice Girls and navigating the bustling streets of London. Discover the rigorous training involved in memorizing thousands of streets and landmarks, and the unique challenges of being a cab driver today. Jamie also dives into the impact of ride-sharing apps on traditional taxi services and reflects on the evolving communication between drivers and passengers in a tech-savvy world.

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