What It's Like To Be...

Larry Jefferson, a professional Santa Claus based in Dallas, discusses his experience attending 'Santa School', handling kids' requests Santa could never grant, and the impact of their race as a black Santa Claus. They also talk about sleigh refurbishing, payment arrangements for Santas, and childhood memories of Christmas.

Marcus Belin, high school principal in Illinois, shares insights on managing parent complaints, dealing with teenage social media, and the challenges of being an emergency substitute teacher. He discusses the importance of building authentic relationships with students and recognizing them as individuals. The chapter also explores the impact of social media on high school experience and the need for better digital citizenship education. Additionally, educational terms like IEP and 504 are explained, and advice for a better high school experience is shared.

Donna Andrews, the mystery novelist behind the Meg Langslow series, discusses scouting body disposal sites, investigating obscure poisons, and computing royalty payments. They explore the mystery writing process, unusual murder methods, and the economics of being a mystery novelist. They also touch on the challenges of making a living as a writer and share insights into the work of Agatha Christie.

Chris Ekimoff, a forensic accountant who specializes in catching embezzling CFOs and sniffing out corruption, discusses his go-to moves to detect fraud. He shares intriguing cases of financial fraud and embezzlement, emphasizing the significance of tracking spending and providing detailed reports in court. The personal impact and importance of trust in relationships are also explored. From catching criminals like Al Capone to the need for controls and compliance measures, this podcast offers a fascinating insight into the world of forensic accounting.

Explore the demanding schedule and sacrifices of a TV meteorologist, including early mornings and strict bedtimes. Discuss the constant analysis of weather data and simplifying complex information for the public. Experience of being treated like a folk hero and facing unwanted attention. Lightning round discussing 'deformation zone' and competitiveness in the Oklahoma City market. Frustration with weather apps and the future of TV meteorologists in the age of easily accessible weather data.

A criminal defense attorney discusses the misconceptions about defense attorneys and the portrayal of Miranda rights. They highlight the importance of representing accused individuals and share insights into interesting cases, including a man charged with burglary for breaking into his own house. They also explore the challenges and rewards of being a criminal defense attorney.

Laura Heck, virtual couples therapist and co-host of Marriage Therapy Radio, discusses topics such as mystery dates, adult playrooms, habit stacking, and the misuse of 'narcissism' in therapy. She shares insights into observing emotional responses in the first session, the role of psycho education influenced by John Gottman, fear-striking phrases faced by therapists, and the importance of working through people to improve relationships.

A stadium beer vendor shares his encounter with Muhammad Ali, building relationships with customers, the life of a vendor, the closing of Memorial Stadium, lightning round questions about the vending world, and the fear of secret shoppers.

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. 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.