On The Job

Former BMX bro Devon Lampman turned his two-wheel passion into a maintenance gig at Barton Springs Bike Rental & Tours - eventually becoming a co-owner of the Austin, TX mainstay. Now if he can just find some qualified employees willing to work during their heavy traffic periods: weekends and vacations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Career Fairs - which may feel like an anachronism in 2025 - turn out to be deceptively fertile places for employers and job hunters alike; we speak with an expert who has some helpful advice for first-timers and introverts braving these potentially intimidating events.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we first met Demeny Pollitt, the founder of Girlington Garage in Vermont, she was extricating her mom as her business partner and hiring more mechanics. On this episode, she faces new personnel challenges - and new opportunities - as she continues to run her successful, woman-focused garage despite the odds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cody travels around as a carpenter for large stage productions. Recent events offered him an opportunity to step into a new, more senior role - leaving him in a quandary that is becoming more common these days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corporate banker-turned-professional dating coach Grace Lee transformed her personal journey into a professional rebirth - and she's full of tips and tactics that can help anyone looking to make a match - with a new partner or a new job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With all the hoopla around AI as a hiring tool, we check in with two experts to understand the advantages - and disadvantages - of using machines to make hiring decisions - a fascinating discussion full of tips and insights for job seekers and recruiters alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former college athlete and QSR hourly wage-earner, Brian Garvey, Express Pros' youngest franchise owner, has transformed his trademark determination and reliability into a successful career helping others find their life's work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Carey ditched his successful marketing career to launch his own butcher business. We check in to see how the meat trade is treating him as he transforms from processing to offering direct-to-consumer products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Adam Markel has learned the transformational power of making a professional pivot firsthand, and he shares his tips and tricks with us. https://adammarkel.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former offensive lineman - for a bunch of NFL teams - Pete McMahon applies gridiron grit to his Ames, IA Express franchise. https://www.expresspros.com/amesia/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For seasoned beer and hot-dog hawker Jonah Fialkow, perfecting his game-day salesmanship has helped pave the way to launching a rapidly growing reality TV-centric start-up. https://bracketology.tv/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navy vet John Bethell starts over in a small town, yet finds himself in a familiar, and gratifying, role. https://piedmontprintandframe.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fly-fishing guide Erica Nelson is welcoming a whole new segment of folks into her outdoorsy paradise. https://www.awkwardangler.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Murphy Is a fifth generation funeral director. Will there be a sixth? https://www.williammurphyfuneralhomeinc.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vanessa Vaught finds serenity, and a brand new livelihood, on a Texas dance floor. https://www.doubleornothingtwostep.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Erlich, a former carpenter who is now a Fellow at Harvard, gives us a look at the jobs market, and the ascendance of the “toolbelt generation.” https://clje.law.harvard.edu/team/mark-erlich/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brandon Dunn was born into rodeo royalty. And for twenty years he fulfilled his destiny -- until a tragic car accident ended his career. Or nearly ended it. Brandon tells his story of loss and rehabilitation, and welcomes us into the fascinating world of rodeo clowning. To see Brandon in action, check-out his page here. (http://www.roblittle.com/)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Demeny Pollitt is an automotive technician and the founder of Girlington Garage, a female-run auto garage in South Burlington, Vermont. In operation since 2009, Pollitt’s business has not only survived, but thrived. Ms. Pollitt talks about taking the leap to entrepreneurship, entering a male dominated industry, and the joys/challenges of business ownership. Find out more about her business here (https://girlingtongarage.com/).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finding work in this economy doesn't have to be arduous. Tune in to hear from Olivia, an Express Employment Professionals Employment Specialist-turned-Operations Manager and one of her Associates, Leon, who she's helped place, to find out how the process has impacted both of their lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Little has a very enviable work calendar. As a cruise ship comedian with over 200 outings to his credit, Rob has seen places and ports most of us only dream of. But life aboard the ship isn't all laughter and sunshine. You can find out more about his comedy stylings here (http://www.roblittle.com/).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jake Wright is a self-described food carnie; a rambling pizza rover. After a failed attempt at a career in music production, Jake decided to combine the two things in life that most excite him: pizza and welding. Now, he tows his mobile pizza oven around Texas, making pizzas at music festivals, rodeos, and even his own wedding. To get your own mobile pie, check out his website (https://www.ohmypizzapie.com/).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Terri Weldon, who has been working for Express Employment Professionals for over 40 years. She shares her secrets to long term professional happiness - ones that can apply to any workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a thrill seeker and born caretaker, Aysia Bly found her dream job as a pediatric flight nurse--where she performs her duties while soaring above Philly in a helicopter. But the job is inherently dangerous, and as a mom to a young son, Aysia must contend with that risk everyday. You can learn more about her at her Website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist, author and baseball fan Michael Walden gives us a macro look at an economy that has bounced back surprisingly well post-covid, and offers a generally favorable outlook about what is coming down the pike. You can purchase his 'economic thrillers' at this Amazon Author Page.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Rowland started her own painting business without really knowing it. A champion of the gig economy, her new venture has thrived during the pandemic and shows no signs of stopping. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March of 2021, the shipping freighter Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days and captivated the world. In this episode, we dive into what the event says about our economy, and what it says about us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spencer Lanning lost his job during COVID, and is one of many people who were forced to face their demons in the isolation of the pandemic. Coming out the other side, he now protects Vermonters from hackers in his job as a cyber security analyst. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marcellie Bellinger cleaned up the streets of Yonkers, NY – literally. He takes his job as a Ranger seriously, and brings his infectiously optimistic work ethic everywhere he goes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Educator and software engineer Thierry Mugabo Uwilingiyamana knows what the stakes are when education isn't allowed to flourish – so he's dedicated his life to spreading knowledge and giving kids the tools they need to love learning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Carey leaves his stable, decade-long career in marketing to make a risky move doing something he loves – being a butcher. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

General store manager Karen Banks perseveres through the turbulence of losing her employees, and the huge influx of customers coming into her small Vermont town.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brown University economist Mark Blyth sets the stage for Season 6 of "On The Job" by telling the story of how we got where we are today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the season five finale of "On The Job," we meet Leonette. Her path to her career - she's a Law Clerk at the US Department of Education - had more than a few twists and turns. In fact, she started law school in her 30s, after realizing that she could help to address the yawning gap in African-American and female representation in the legal field. Now, she's using her degree to advocate for others who lack a voice: victims of predatory for-profit colleges. She's part of the DOE's Borrower Defense group, and is responsible for processing claims against these unscrupulous schools. Turns out that Leonette found her niche after all, and her work is helping others - many of them new to the country and to the English language - regain their footing so that they, too, may find their niches. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Afua Bruce's career in data science and technology is dotted with a bunch of impressive acronyms: IBM, the FBI (!), even working for the POTUS (Obama) as Executive Director of the National Science and Technology Council. Now, she's taken on a new challenge as Chief Program Officer for Datakind, a global non-profit that harnesses the power of data science and AI in the service of humanity. Heck, she even has her own statue as part of the #IfThenSheCan women in STEM initiative (https://ifthenshecan.org). Tune in to hear an amazing story of a truly unique life path. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like so many food industry workers, Meg lost her job during the pandemic. And instead of going back on the job hunt in this historically challenging environment, she decided to gamble on herself. She launched Das Butterhaus (https://dasbutterhaus.com), named for her love of German pastries - and now she's baking in a local kitchen and selling her delicious concoctions for pickup and delivery. Learning how to be an entrepreneur - bookkeeping, marketing, etc. - at the same time she's standing up her new business has been all consuming, but she's relishing her newfound contact with her customers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If Kitty Hailey didn't exist, some enterprising author would have conjured her up. A well put-together woman of a certain age, she resembles a hip kindergarten teacher - a fact which has served her well in her actual occupation; she's a private investigator. Using the skills she's honed over decades of investigative work, Kitty has risen to a position of prominence in her field, evolving from the typical "cheating spouse" assignments to doing trial work that has had positive, life-changing impact for the folks she's worked with. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the height of the pandemic, unemployment peaked at around 15%. And many of the jobs lost, especially in industries that were already seeing disruption through automation and outsourcing, may never come back. Enter Benny Boas and the Burlington Code Academy. He and his co-founder Alex Horner have created a 'boot camp' to teach people new skills, primarily in software coding and interface design. BCA is a lifeline for folks trying to attain new, work-from-home friendly skills - especially single parents who are balancing raising children with making a living. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jaye Gardiner is about as perfect an example of a modern-day renaissance person as you can get. A first-generation American of Belizean descent, a scientist and cancer researcher, she spends what little free time she has creating and publishing aspirational comics to increase students' STEM literacy. She's a born teacher, capable of reducing complex science into simple and easy to grasp metaphors. You can check out her company, JKX comics, here (https://www.jkxcomics.com/). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the Calabrese family, based in Utica, New York, serving their community is a family tradition. In 2013, John Calabrese Sr. and his wife Lori embarked on a new career by opening up their own Express Employment Professionals franchise. Intrigued by the business, their son, John Jr., joined the cause and began doing the important work of matching candidates with companies and vice versa. Along the way, he noted that a lot of the area's unemployed were also veterans - many of them homeless and struggling. So he and his family launched the Veterans Supply Drive initiative, using two repurposed military vehicles to collect and distribute food and clothing, as well as monetary donations for like-minded charities. Twenty tons of donated food later, John Jr has received awards for his important and proactive work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you tap into your inner salesperson? For Chris Lundy, a late-bloomer and raconteur who takes pleasure in knowing that the medication he sells can change lives, it's all a matter of attitude. And after a stint in the PR department for the Philadelphia Eagles, his segue into pharma sales has provided him with plenty of championship moments. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For those of us fortunate enough to be able to work from home during the pandemic, our new normal finds us juggling the pressures of work, family and health in ways we hadn't previously experienced. Imagine being responsible for 45 elderly folks spread across three bucolic residential homes during all of this? And not just accounting for them, but catering to their every need, honoring their extremely specific food requests, staging an elaborate Easter party and tending to their life and death medical needs in the face of an especially threatening virus.For Josh Winn, it's not just a labor of love, it's a compassionate calling. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catering - and food service in general - is a challenging work in the best of times. And now, with public-facing events still mostly shut down, Heather Bublick and her business partner/chef/husband D'Andre Carter have found new ways to bring their gourmet comfort food to the masses via "Soul & Smoke." They're serving their delicious fare to school kids in need, unemployed hospital workers, nursing homes and "the populations that need us most" in their native Chicago. You can make donations to them directly through Venmo (@feastandimbibe) or Zelle ([email protected]). Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just about 200,000 of the estimated 3.5 million truckers on the road today are women - and that number represents a 65% increase over the last decade. Today we catch up with one of them, Ingrid Brown, a 5'2" 50-something grandma who's been driving a rig for over four decades. Calling from the cab of her truck, Ingrid, whose role has been deemed "essential" throughout the Covid-19 crisis, gives us insight into what keeps her happily rolling across the country as she surpasses the 4 million mile mark, looking forward to spending time with her family while simultaneously dreaming about her next journey. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), the coronavirus is only the latest chapter in a vocation that requires constant vigilance. Meet Kyle Robillard, an EMT/Fireman/Sports Doctor, who tells us how multi-tasking tends to be a way of life for emergency responders, even as the stakes become more personal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wind turbines have changed the way our country operates and are only becoming more popular – creating highly skilled jobs along the way. In this episode, we talk to skilled technician Jim Slicer as he maintains turbines in Vermont. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teachers and school administrators have been navigating the new normal and attempting to continue doing what they've always done: enrich the knowledge and lives of students everywhere. In this episode, elementary school teacher Gail Campopiano shares the ways in which her approach to her role has changed, and the deeper connections that make teaching such a rewarding, if at times difficult, profession. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can you do your job better, advance in your career and unlock your potential? Listen along as Dr. Julie Gurner, Executive Performance Coach, shares how to identify and understand behaviors that allow people to level up in their careers and everyday lives. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Tom Harrison, a former park ranger turned cartographer, as he patiently navigates the world around him and turns his adventures into high-quality maps. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can a job become more than a job? Sometimes a job becomes an identity and a legacy through all the people your job touches. How you live on through the people you know and had an effect on. This is the story of an elephant trainer and activist, Jim Laurita, who died a few years ago. Jim was adored by the community and started an organization called “Hope for Elephants” to help rehab hurt elephants and educate the community. When he died mysteriously, the community was devastated. This story is told through Jim’s family, friends and fellow trainers - an extraordinary person doing an extraordinary job, and the legacy he left behind.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a job lead to a life-changing relationship? In this episode, listen to several short stories of couples falling in love - on the job. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.