What It's Like To Be...

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? 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.

Join seasoned barman Brian Wynn, who has spent three decades in Dublin's pub scene, as he shares engaging stories from behind the bar. From mastering the art of bartending to creating a lively atmosphere, Brian dives into the nuances of customer interactions and the culture of 'craic' that defines Irish pubs. Hear about the hilariously bizarre moment a customer threw a dog at him and discover the adrenaline rush of navigating busy nights. Brian's insights reveal the interconnectedness of community and camaraderie within the bar world.

Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a pioneering brain surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, shares his inspiring journey from migrant farm worker to neurosurgeon, as detailed in his book, "Becoming Dr. Q." He reveals the intricate preparation that goes into performing surgeries, likening the operating room to a symphony where teamwork is crucial. Dr. Q discusses the emotional weight of life-or-death decisions, advancements in brain surgery, and how family influences shaped his career. His insights highlight the delicate balance between personal life and the demands of surgery.

Chris Chowda Hill, the commanding officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, shares riveting insights from his naval career. He delves into the unique culture of Navy aviators, including the fun and personal process of assigning call signs. Hill discusses the strategic advantages of aircraft carriers and the intense operational pressures pilots face. He emphasizes the crucial role of morale in leadership, detailing how effective communication and compassion can inspire crew performance, especially during challenging deployments.

Brenda Hawkins, a dedicated daycare owner from Maryland with over 30 years of experience, shares her insights into the world of early childhood education. She discusses the evolution of childcare, the importance of playful learning, and the bonds formed with children. Brenda humorously tackles the 'dope and drop' stereotype and recounts transformative experiences with kids, from meltdowns to joyful moments. Her passion for creating a nurturing environment shines through as she reflects on building trust with families and the challenges of maintaining care amidst health outbreaks.

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.