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The Permission Slip

by podium

Adults seeking permission to change their lives get the encouragement they never received. Host Jamie Chen interviews people at crossroads—the 45-year-old becoming a marine biologist, the executive learning to paint, the parent starting a band. Through honest conversations about fear, family expectations, and finding courage, this show becomes the permission slip listeners need to pursue their own postponed dreams.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Aug 13, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. From Safety Nets to Circus Nets The Actuary Turned Trapeze Artist

    In this engaging narrative, we follow the journey of a risk-averse actuary who dared to swing into the world of trapeze artistry. We explore the paradox of his transition from a profession centered around avoiding risk to one that thrives on it. We discuss the physical and mental challenges he...

  2. From Textbooks to Tattoos The Educator Turned Tattoo Artist

    Join us as we trace the journey of a seasoned educator who dared to swap textbooks for tattoo machines. We explore the transition from shaping young minds to etching art on skin, the reactions from peers and family, and how he found the courage to ink his own path. This episode is a testament to...

  3. From Microchips to Microgreens: The Tech Guru Turned Organic Farmer

    In this episode, we dive into the life of a tech executive who traded in his silicon chips for organic microgreens. We explore his journey from the high-stress world of technology to the calming, earth-connected life of an organic farmer. We discuss the challenges and rewards of this radical life...

  4. From Pinstripes to Palettes: The Investment Banker Turned Fine Art Painter

    In this episode, we delve into the life of an investment banker who dared to swap his suit and tie for a paintbrush and canvas. We explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the joy he found in expressing his creativity. This episode is a testament to the power of pursuing passion over...

  5. From Headsets to Horseback: The Call Center Manager Turned Equestrian Trainer

    In this inspiring episode, we talk to a former call center manager who traded in her headset for a horse's reins. We delve into her journey of overcoming the fear of leaving a stable job, the challenges she faced in the equestrian world, and how she found fulfillment in her newfound passion. This...

  6. From Academia to Animation: The Professor Turned Cartoonist

    In this episode, we meet Dr. Alex Thompson, a tenured history professor who left the ivy-covered walls of academia to follow his childhood dream of becoming a cartoonist. We explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the joy he found in drawing. This episode is a testament to the power of...

  7. From Briefs to Brushes: The Lawyer Turned Wildlife Illustrator

    In this episode, we meet a former lawyer who traded her courtroom battles for the tranquility of nature, transforming her passion for wildlife into a successful career as a wildlife illustrator. We delve into her journey, exploring the challenges she faced, the joy she discovered, and the courage...

  8. From Stethoscope to Stage: The Surgeon Turned Broadway Actor

    Join us as we delve into the life of a renowned surgeon who dared to trade his scalpel for the stage. We'll explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and how he found the courage to follow his dreams of acting on Broadway. This episode is a testament to the power of passion and the magic that...

  9. From Forensics to Fiction: The Crime Scene Investigator Turned Mystery Novelist

    Join us as we dive into the thrilling journey of a former crime scene investigator who traded in her evidence kit for a pen and paper. We'll explore the fears, challenges, and triumphs she encountered while transitioning from solving real-life mysteries to creating her own in the world of mystery...

  10. From Algorithms to Artisan Bread: The Software Developer Turned Baker

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a successful software developer who traded in his algorithms for the art of baking artisan bread. We delve into his transition, the challenges of leaving a secure job, the joy of creating something tangible, and the satisfaction of feeding his community....

  11. From High-Rises to High Seas: The Real Estate Mogul Turned Marine Conservationist

    In this episode, we meet a successful real estate tycoon who trades skyscrapers for coral reefs, dedicating his life to marine conservation. We explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and how he found fulfillment in his new purpose. This episode is a deep dive into the world of marine...

  12. From Spreadsheets to Spices: The Accountant Turned Spice Trader

    In this episode, we meet a former accountant who traded in her spreadsheets for a world of spices. We'll explore her journey of leaving the corporate world to start her own spice trading business, the challenges she faced in learning a new industry, and how she found a new passion in the world of...

  13. From Proposals to Portraits: The Event Planner Turned Portrait Artist

    Join us as we delve into the life of a former event planner who found her true calling as a portrait artist. We'll explore her journey, the challenges she faced, and how she overcame them to finally give herself permission to follow her passion. This episode is a testament to the power of...

  14. From Suits to Stanzas: The Business Analyst Turned Poet

    In this episode, we delve into the life of a former business analyst who swapped corporate reports for rhymes and rhythms. We explore the journey that led him to embrace his passion for poetry, the challenges he faced in transitioning from a structured corporate environment to the free-flowing...

  15. From Ledgers to Lyrics: The Accountant Turned Songwriter

    In this episode, we meet a former accountant who dared to swap balance sheets for ballads. We dive deep into his journey, exploring the challenges he faced, the reactions from friends and family, and how he found the courage to follow his passion for music. Tune in to hear his inspiring story and...

  16. From Hard Hats to Haute Couture: The Construction Worker Turned Fashion Designer

    Meet John, a construction worker who always had an eye for fashion. After years of building structures, he decided to build a career in the fashion industry. We'll explore his journey from the construction site to the runway, discussing the challenges he faced, the skills he transferred, and the...

  17. From Highways to High Notes: The Truck Driver Turned Opera Singer

    Join us as we explore the inspiring journey of a long-haul truck driver who dared to swap the roar of an 18-wheeler for the soaring notes of opera. We delve into the challenges of leaving a familiar life behind, the struggles of breaking into a highly competitive field, and the ultimate joy of...

  18. From Cubicles to Canvases: The IT Specialist Turned Wildlife Photographer

    In this episode, we meet a former IT specialist who traded in his cubicle for the great outdoors to pursue his passion for wildlife photography. We delve into his journey, exploring the challenges he faced, the fears he overcame, and the joy he discovered in capturing the beauty of the natural...

  19. From Boardrooms to Boxing Rings: The Executive Turned Professional Boxer

    In this episode, we meet a high-powered executive who left the corporate world to pursue a dream of becoming a professional boxer. We delve into the challenges, the training, the discipline, and the thrill of stepping into the ring. This is a story of courage, resilience, and the pursuit of...

  20. From Politics to Pottery: The Diplomat Turned Ceramicist

    In this episode, we explore the life of a former diplomat who traded international relations for the tranquility of a potter's wheel. We delve into the challenges and rewards of leaving a high-stakes political career to pursue a passion for ceramics. We discuss the fear of starting over, the...

  21. From Trading Floor to Therapy Room: The Stockbroker Turned Psychologist

    In this episode, we meet a former stockbroker who left the high-stakes world of finance to pursue a career in psychology. We explore the emotional journey of trading stocks for therapy sessions, the challenges of returning to school, and the fulfillment found in helping others navigate their…

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  22. From Blueprints to Bestsellers: The Engineer Turned Crime Novelist

    In this episode, we dive into the life of a former engineer who traded in his blueprints for a pen and paper to become a bestselling crime novelist. We explore the challenges and rewards of this transition, the fear of the unknown, and the courage it took to follow his passion. This episode is a...

  23. From Headlines to Harmonies: The Journalist Turned Jazz Musician

    In this inspiring episode, we chat with a former journalist who traded in the newsroom's hustle and bustle for the smooth sounds of jazz. We explore the challenges of shifting from a fact-based profession to an emotion-driven art form, the fear of starting from scratch, and the joy of finally...

  24. From Gridlock to Greenery: The Traffic Controller Turned Landscape Gardener

    Meet a former air traffic controller who swapped the high-stress world of managing flight paths for the serene and therapeutic environment of landscape gardening. We delve into the journey of this transformation, exploring the challenges of leaving a secure job, the fear of starting from scratch,...

  25. From Spreadsheets to Symphony: The Accountant Turned Orchestra Conductor

    In this episode, we meet an accountant who dared to trade his spreadsheets for a baton. We explore his journey from the world of numbers to the realm of music, his passion for symphony, and the courage it took to become an orchestra conductor. Join us as we delve into the challenges and triumphs…

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  26. From Scrubs to Sculptures: The Nurse Turned Ceramic Artist

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a dedicated nurse who, after years of service, discovers a new passion in the world of ceramics. We delve into the challenges and rewards of embracing a creative path, the therapeutic benefits of pottery, and the courage it takes to reshape one's life....

  27. From Lecture Halls to Lullabies: The Professor Turned Children's Book Author

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a tenured professor who left academia to pursue a lifelong dream of writing children's books. We delve into the challenges and rewards of this transition, the struggle of stepping away from a secure job, and the joy of creating stories that inspire young...

  28. From Silicon Valley to Vineyards: The Tech Entrepreneur Turned Winemaker

    Join us as we dive into the story of a tech entrepreneur who traded in his digital dreams for the art of winemaking. We explore the challenges and rewards of leaving the fast-paced tech world for the slow and patient process of winemaking. Learn about the parallels between startups and vineyards,...

  29. From Corporate Ladder to Yoga Mat: The CEO Turned Yoga Instructor

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a high-powered executive who traded board meetings for meditation and business strategies for yoga poses. We delve into the challenges and rewards of leaving a high-stress corporate world to pursue a life of mindfulness and wellness. Join us as we…

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  30. From Algorithms to Aromas: The Data Scientist Turned Perfumer

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a data scientist who traded in her algorithms for the art of perfume making. We delve into the world of scents, the courage it took to leave a stable job, and how she uses her analytical skills in her new craft. This episode is a testament to the fact…

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  31. From Briefcase to Ballet Shoes: The Corporate Lawyer Turned Professional Dancer

    In this inspiring episode, we explore the story of a high-flying corporate lawyer who traded in his briefcase for ballet shoes. We delve into his journey of overcoming societal norms, the challenges of starting over in a physically demanding field, and how he found his true calling on the dance...

  32. From Newsroom to Novels: The Journalist Turned Fantasy Writer

    Join us as we delve into the life of a seasoned journalist who dared to leave the newsroom behind to craft worlds of fantasy and fiction. We'll explore the transition from hard facts to boundless imagination, the challenges of breaking into the literary world, and the joy of creating something...

  33. From Lab Coats to Play Scripts: The Scientist Turned Theater Director

    In this episode, we meet Dr. Alex Hart, a successful molecular biologist who decided to trade his lab coat for a director's chair. We delve into his journey of leaving a secure career in science to pursue his lifelong passion for theater. We discuss the challenges he faced, the reactions from his...

  34. From Skyscrapers to Greenhouses: The Architect Turned Urban Farmer

    In this episode, we meet a successful architect who traded blueprints for plant seeds, transforming urban spaces into lush, green farms. We explore the challenges of leaving a lucrative career for a passion-driven pursuit, the impact of urban farming on communities, and the courage it takes to…

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  35. From Code to Canvas: The Software Engineer Turned Abstract Artist

    In this episode, we explore the journey of a successful software engineer who dared to swap code for canvas. We delve into the challenges of transitioning from a tech-driven world to the realm of abstract art, the struggle to balance creativity with financial stability, and the joy of finding…

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  36. From High Heels to Hiking Boots: The Fashionista Turned Wildlife Conservationist

    Join us as we explore the journey of a high-profile fashion editor who traded her glamorous city life for the rugged outdoors, pursuing her passion for wildlife conservation. We delve into the challenges, surprises, and rewards of her transition, and how she found the courage to step away from…

    more
  37. From Spreadsheets to Scripts: The Accountant Turned Screenwriter

    Join us as we delve into the life of a former accountant who dared to follow his passion for storytelling and became a successful screenwriter. We'll explore his journey, the challenges he faced in the transition, and how he managed to balance his financial responsibilities while pursuing his...

  38. From Courtroom to Kitchen: The Lawyer Turned Pastry Chef

    Join us as we delve into the life of a high-powered attorney who traded in her briefcase for a rolling pin. We'll explore the challenges and triumphs of her journey, the fear of leaving a secure job, and the joy of finding passion in the art of baking. This episode is a testament to the power of...

  39. From Stethoscope to Microphone: The Doctor Turned Stand-Up Comedian

    In this episode, we delve into the life of Dr. Alex, a successful physician who left his white coat behind to pursue his passion for stand-up comedy. We explore the challenges he faced, the reactions from his peers and family, and how he managed to find humor in the midst of a drastic career...

  40. From Wall Street to Wheat Fields: The Banker Turned Farmer

    In this episode, we talk to a former high-powered investment banker who traded in his suit and tie for overalls and a tractor. We'll explore his journey of leaving the concrete jungle for the open fields, the challenges he faced, the reactions of his family and friends, and the fulfillment he…

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  41. From Boardroom to Classroom: The Executive Turned Teacher

    In this episode, we meet Alex, a former high-flying executive who decided to leave the corporate world to pursue his passion for education. We explore his journey of transitioning into teaching, the challenges he faced, and how he found fulfillment in shaping young minds. This episode is a...

  42. The Ripple Effect: How Personal Reinvention Changes Everything

    In this powerful finale, we revisit previous guests six months to a year after their initial interviews to examine the broader impact of their life changes. The episode explores how their transformations influenced their communities, inspired others to make changes, and shifted their own...

  43. The Financial Leap: Funding the Dream Without Breaking the Bank

    Financial experts and career changers share practical strategies for making major life transitions financially viable. The episode examines innovative funding approaches, from crowd-sourcing to micro-entrepreneurship, and how to maintain financial stability during career transitions. Through case...

  44. Breaking Cultural Barriers: When Dreams Defy Tradition

    Through the stories of three individuals from different cultural backgrounds, we examine how they overcame traditional expectations to pursue unconventional paths. The episode features a first-generation immigrant leaving law for comedy, a traditional Asian family's son becoming a pastry chef…

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  45. Power Chords & PTA Meetings: The Mom Who Rocks

    Lisa Rodriguez, a 38-year-old mother of three, chronicles her transformation from PTA president to lead singer of a punk rock band. The episode delves into the complexities of balancing family responsibilities with personal aspirations, the impact on her children's perception of her, and the...

  46. Canvas & Courage: Breaking Free from the Corner Office

    Former tech CEO Michael Zhang shares his journey of rediscovering art after 25 years in the corporate world. The episode examines his struggle with impostor syndrome in art classes, the therapeutic impact of creative expression, and how he built a new identity beyond his executive title. We…

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  47. The Biology of Starting Over: Dr. Sarah Mitchell's Mid-Life Plunge

    Meet Dr. Sarah Mitchell, a former marketing executive who at 45 left her six-figure salary to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist. The episode explores her journey through graduate school alongside students half her age, the financial implications of her career switch, and…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Adults seeking permission to change their lives get the encouragement they never received. Host Jamie Chen interviews people at crossroads—the 45-year-old becoming a marine biologist, the executive learning to paint, the parent starting a band. Through honest conversations about fear, family expectations, and finding courage, this show becomes the permission slip listeners need to pursue their own postponed dreams.

HOSTED BY

podium

Produced by podium Studio

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Permission Slip have?

The Permission Slip currently has 47 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Permission Slip about?

Adults seeking permission to change their lives get the encouragement they never received. Host Jamie Chen interviews people at crossroads—the 45-year-old becoming a marine biologist, the executive learning to paint, the parent starting a band. Through honest conversations about fear, family...

How often does The Permission Slip release new episodes?

The Permission Slip has 47 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Permission Slip?

You can listen to The Permission Slip on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Permission Slip?

The Permission Slip is created and hosted by podium.
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