What She Does Podcast

What do civil engineering and bourbon have in common? More than you'd think.Morgan Salsman, founder of LQD Assets and BRBN Storage, grew up in Bardstown, Kentucky, the Bourbon Capital of the World, and turned a $5,000 barrel investment at 21 into a full-fledged whiskey business. She breaks down the surprisingly fascinating world of bourbon barrel investing, what it actually means to warehouse whiskey, how tariff wars are shaking the spirits industry, and why craft bourbon is like a snowflake — no two barrels are ever the same.A great pivot story with a side of bourbon education. You will leave smarter and maybe a little thirsty. 🥃#bourbon #WhatSheDoesPodcast #bourbonbarrel #whiskey #liquidassets #barrelinvestment #womeninbusiness

What if someone else could write your book — and do it in your voice?We sat down with Dr. Marcia Layton Turner, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter and founder of the Association of Ghostwriters (AOG), to pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of professional ghostwriting. Marcia shares how she stumbled into the field, what it really takes to write in someone else's voice, and why demand for skilled ghostwriters is actually rising — even in the age of AI.Whether you've ever dreamed of writing a book, wondered how celebrity memoirs get made, or are just curious what it looks like to build a niche writing career, we dig into the real risks of using AI-generated content for your book, including why publishers are rejecting it and what it could cost you legally. Topics include what ghostwriters actually do, the hardest part of the job, red and green flags to look for when hiring one, and why books remain among the most powerful business and authority-building tools available.

Lauren Winter didn't plan to land in digital advertising — but 15 years later, she's running the full operations engine at Vox Media, one of the most recognized names in modern media.As Head of Operations, Advertising, Lauren oversees everything from pricing and planning to campaign execution and delivery — and she's currently building AI and automation into how her teams work every day.In this episode, Lauren gets candid about what it took to grow from that first unexpected job into a senior leadership role, how she thinks about navigating massive industry shifts, and why being calm and solutions-oriented might be the most underrated career skill there is.She also shares what she's learned about balancing work and raising three kids — and why her answer to 'how do you do it all?' is always the same.

Career coaching sounds simple until you realize how much it's actually about trust, resilience, and learning to advocate for yourself.In this episode, we sit down with Masha Finn, a career coach at Merit America, who works with people navigating major career transitions — from resume building and interview prep to handling rejection and entering industries that have historically felt inaccessible.Masha shares what career coaching really looks like day-to-day, why it's a partnership rather than a shortcut, and how AI is reshaping the way candidates present themselves — for better and for worse.Whether you're re-entering the workforce, switching industries, or just trying to understand what's happening with your job search right now — this episode offers honest, grounded perspective from someone working on the front lines every day.

What does it really take to build a career in documentary filmmaking? Maureen Judge — award-winning filmmaker and professor whose work has aired across Canada and around the world — traces her path from studying philosophy in France to directing internationally recognized documentaries for the NFB and TVO. She shares the two skills that matter most: deep listening and a completely non-judgmental presence. Plus, practical advice for anyone considering a career pivot into film — and why the best way to learn is still to watch, and watch again.

What does a Content Director actually do—and how do you build a storytelling career that aligns with your values and evolves with your life?In this episode, Anne Bergman, Director of Content at Claremont McKenna College, shares her candid journey from entertainment journalism to mission-driven storytelling in higher education. She opens up about the pivots, pay cuts, and “yes before you’re ready” moments that shaped a career defined by curiosity and purpose.We also explore:• The day-to-day reality of content creation in higher education• How to make complex ideas feel accessible without dumbing them down• Balancing a demanding career with motherhood and caregiving• How embracing AI tools can increase efficiency without erasing creativity• Why non-linear career paths often lead somewhere more meaningfulWhether you’re rethinking your path, navigating a pivot, or just curious about what content leadership looks like from the inside—take a listen.

In this episode, Juliana Parker shares what it takes to guide mothers through labor, manage high-stakes emergencies, and bring calm to one of life's most intense experiences. From debunking TV myths to the reality of emergency C-sections, she offers a behind-the-scenes look at a career built on compassion, quick thinking, and resilience. Whether you're curious about healthcare careers or simply want a window into the delivery room, this conversation is one you won't forget.In this episode, we explore:• The truth behind TV portrayals of childbirth — and what labor actually looks like• Why reassurance is one of the most powerful tools in healthcare• How nurses manage burnout and build long, sustainable careers• The surprising flexibility and career paths within the nursing profession• What it takes to stay calm when everything depends on your next move

In this episode of What She Does, we sit down with Dr. Tsolair Hovsepian, a general dentist and small practice owner, to explore what a career in dentistry actually looks like from the inside. Tsolair walks us through the full scope of her day — from routine checkups and cosmetic work to the less visible side of running a business: managing staff, navigating insurance reimbursements, and keeping cash flow steady. She also shares the emotional high of watching a patient completely turn their oral health around, and the heartbreak of watching someone ignore advice until it's too late.We talk about what it was like entering a historically male-dominated field, the instincts that make a great dentist, and why robots are already showing up in dental offices. Plus — the advice Tsolair would give her younger, pre-med self.In this episode:✦ What a typical day looks like for a general dentist ✦ The reality of owning and operating a dental practice ✦ Why dentistry can offer work-life balance ✦ The emotional side of helping patients improve their health ✦ How technology and robotics may shape the future of dentistry

How do celebrities end up on television interviews? The answer often starts with a talent booker.In this episode of What She Does, Annie and Liane talk with entertainment journalist and talent booker, April Neale, about building a career in media through connections, adaptability, and relentless curiosity.April shares how she reinvented herself multiple times — from writing and PR to television booking — and explains what talent bookers actually do behind the scenes. She discusses the importance of relationships with publicists, understanding audience expectations, and staying flexible in a constantly changing media landscape.If you’re interested in careers in entertainment, journalism, PR, or television production, this episode reveals the real skills behind booking the guests audiences love to watch.

What does it really mean to 'know how to use the tools'?In this episode of What She Does, we sit down with Cassie Homsi, Sales & Operations Analytics Manager and Technical Trainer in the beverage distribution industry. With nearly two decades of software engineering behind her, Cassie has built a career doing something rare: she speaks both fluent technical and fluent human.She went from building insurance software in Texas to riding along with beverage salespeople in Southern California — all in the name of understanding the business from the ground up. Her greatest skill isn't any specific tool. It's translation.In this episode:✦ The difference between knowing the buttons and knowing the story✦ Why curiosity must be balanced with tight boundaries✦ How AI enhances — not replaces — her role✦ Career pivots into tech and analytics✦ Being a woman in a male-dominated technical space — and what's changed✦ The explosive rise of non-alcoholic beveragesHer advice: learn broadly. Define your role tightly. Keep going.

What does it really take to front an all-female Guns N' Roses tribute band and take it around the world? Jenna Syde — stage-named in tribute to David Bowie, lead singer and self-managed boss of Paradise Kitty — gives us the real story.In this episode, Jenna peels back the curtain on what most people never see: the accounting, the tour logistics, the HR challenges of managing a rotating cast of five personalities across international tours, and the real cost of being the boss. She also shares the emotional high of playing to 50,000 people at the Iowa State Fair with fireworks going off — and the crushing "tour blues" of coming home to do the dishes afterward.From Barbie and the Rockers play sets to stages in India, Australia, and the Caribbean, Jenna's story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and knowing your worth. She's also a caregiver, nanny, and hospice worker — because yes, she really does wear all the hats.In this episode:How Paradise Kitty went from a fun side project to a global touring bandThe business skills every aspiring musician needs (and nobody talks about)What it's like to inspire women in India to take the stageThe pants-splitting stage disaster that taught her to always pack a spareIf you’ve ever wondered whether being a musician is “just performing,” this episode will change your mind.Because being a rock star is a business.

Think being an elementary school teacher is just about grading papers and summer vacation? Think again.This week on What She Does, we sit down with Sydney Higginson, a fifth-grade teacher who pulls back the curtain on one of the most demanding and rewarding careers. From the shocking number of certifications required to the magical "aha moments" that make it all worthwhile, Sydney shares what it's really like to shape young minds.You'll hear about:The multi-year credentialing journey most people don't know about (spoiler: it's way more than you think)Managing 25+ fifth graders through fractions, five-paragraph essays, and friendship dramaWhy elementary school teachers are part teacher, part nurse, part counselor, and part parentThe heartwarming story of a foster care student who changed Sydney's perspective on teachingA typical day that starts at 7:30 AM and includes PE, math, robotics club, and everything in betweenIf you've ever wondered what elementary school teachers actually do all day—or if you're considering teaching yourself—this episode is a must-listen. Sydney's passion for education is contagious, and her insights into patience, time management, and caring for the whole child will resonate whether you're a parent, educator, or just curious about what happens behind classroom doors.

What does a product marketer actually do? And can you really build a tech career with an English degree?Beth Barach demonstrates that you can. A Product Marketing leader in cybersecurity, Beth has led go-to-market strategy at Cisco, Akamai, and high-growth startups—transforming complex products into clear, compelling stories that help businesses understand value and make decisions faster. Product marketing blends strategy, storytelling, and influence, and Beth shares how she brings those elements together in practice.In this conversation, we trace her path from English major to cybersecurity leader, discuss why non-technical perspectives strengthen tech teams, and explore how curiosity and clear communication fuel long-term career growth. Beth also explains how she influences without authority, connects product, sales, and leadership, and unlocks opportunities by simplifying complexity.This episode is for anyone curious about product marketing, considering a move into tech, or looking to leverage communication skills in a strategic role.

What if your biggest disaster became your greatest teacher?75% of people worldwide fear public speaking. Urmi Hossain was one of them.Her first speech? A complete disaster. She spoke so fast she couldn't understand herself, sat down with her hands over her face, and thought, "That's it. I'm done."But someone gave her feedback. She slowed down. Found structure. Kept practicing.Now she's a motivational speaker training women at nonprofits, speaking at conferences, and using her voice to make change.In this episode, Urmi Hossain, a Canada-based finance professional and budding motivational speaker shares her journey from glossophobia to global impact—and proves that your worst moment can become your breakthrough.

In this episode of What She Does, Pilates instructor and studio owner Andrea White breaks down what the job actually involves—from anatomy and spinal health to training, client work, and business ownership. We explore how a creative career can evolve into a sustainable profession, and why non-linear paths often make more sense in hindsight.

In this episode of What She Does, we talk with Paige Fingerhut Charnick, a Southern California real estate broker who specializes in probate and trust sales. With more than 30 years of experience across real estate, escrow, and legal work, Paige shares what this complex specialty really involves, how she built her career, and why self-awareness and ethics matter in high-stakes transactions.This conversation explores what it’s really like to build a real estate career, how specialization shapes success, and what Paige has learned along the way.

In this episode of What She Does, music publicist Melissa Dragich breaks down how the music industry—and the role of publicists within it—has fundamentally changed. From the decline of traditional music journalism to the rise of digital platforms like TikTok, Melissa shares how publicity has evolved in a post-COVID world.She discusses building long-term client relationships, balancing career and family life, and why adaptability is now an essential skill in entertainment PR. Melissa also reflects on the growing role of digital marketing and AI in publicity—while making the case that relationships will always remain at the core of successful PR.

Bookkeeping may seem simple—but it’s anything but. Abby Higginson shares her career pivot from magazine publishing, the day-to-day challenges of keeping small business finances on track, and the skills that make her work essential, from problem-solving to client communication.

Grace meets grit. Behind the tutus and twirls is a master of structure, storytelling, and stamina. Leigh shares how she rebuilt her relationship with dance as an adult. She turned it into an inclusive career that welcomes every body to the barre. From creating a viral Zombie Ballet to running a hybrid ballet company, she reveals the discipline, imagination, and purpose behind her work.

Get to know Emmanuelle, a National Parks Tour Guide who turns every trail into a story. Equal parts explorer, entertainer, and encyclopedia, she leads with curiosity, humor, and a true love of the wild. In this episode, she shares what it takes to guide visitors through the landscapes she knows by heart—and brings nature to life one fun fact at a time.

Hey there! Launching December 16, What She Does is the podcast that spills the tea on surprisingly cool jobs – and the women behind them. Each episode takes you inside a career journey, from the first spark to the unexpected twists that shaped it. You’ll hear the real stuff — how she got there, the detours and curveballs, the personality traits, the life lessons, and how her profession is evolving. Think of it as part career confessional, part field guide to the modern world of work.Join us to see what she does and whether it is something you might do next.