
What It's Like To Be...
Curious what it would be like to walk in someone else’s (work) shoes? Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath as he explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do. What does a couples therapist think when a friend asks for relationship advice? What happens if a welder fails to wear safety glasses? What can get a stadium beer vendor fired? If you’ve ever met someone whose work you were curious about, and you had 100 nosy questions but were too polite to ask … well, this is the show for you.
Latest episodes

15 snips
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.

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.

Dec 31, 2024 • 30min
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.

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.

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?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.

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.

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"?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.

11 snips
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.

7 snips
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.

Sep 24, 2024 • 31min
A Life Insurance Salesman
David Johnson, a third-generation life insurance salesman, shares his wealth of experience in the industry. He discusses overcoming objections and the delicate balance between business and friendship. Johnson reveals the crucial mistake that can derail a sales career and explains what a 'feed list' is. He emphasizes the importance of building personal connections and setting activity-based goals for success, while reflecting on the invaluable lessons learned from his father that continue to shape his professional journey.