the dreamcatchers podcast

Welcome to Season 10 of the dreamcatchers podcast! the dreamcatchers is a career strategy and job search firm founded by sisters, partners and former recruiters Marissa Klein and Jamie Sztoser. With a refreshingly personal and empowering approach, they transform the job search process into a journey of clarity, confidence, and success for all job seekers, especially college students, early-career professionals and recent graduates. While the dreamcatchers will always help anyone find a job no matter where they are in their stage of career, Marissa & Jamie are putting most of their efforts lately on a specific group: RISING & RECENT COLLEGE GRADS & THOSE JUST ENTERING THE WORKFORCE. Why? Because they need help and the dreamcatchers know it first hand. Meet Iris, a current client (or a dreamSEEKER in their love language). Like many of her peers, Iris completed her college chapter under the Covid cloud. She has grown up and graduated in the most over-connected and yet under-networked chapter in job search history. A hidden truth about what the dreamcatchers see daily: this group (Gen Z) is coming out of school with little to no guidance or direction on what to do professionally & how to find their way (outside of their supportive parents). Not to mention they're graduating into a challenging job market and many are now attending college in states far from where they eventually want to live. Marissa & Jamie are helping (teaching???) this group how to network on LinkedIn, button up their resumes, figure out what their 'dream job' is, strategize and organize their job search. This episode sheds light on "the Iris journey" so that others might not feel so alone. Iris currently lives and works in Ohio, has always wanted to chase the NYC dream job, and came to Marissa & Jamie to try to figure out what was next. Listen in for words of wisdom, the opportunity to feel seen and validated, and most of all to feel inspired and hopeful about your own job search. A heart felt thank you to Iris for bravely sharing her experience with the dreamcatchers.

Welcome to Season 10 of the dreamcatchers podcast! the dreamcatchers is a career strategy and job search firm founded by sisters, partners and former recruiters Marissa Klein and Jamie Sztoser. With a refreshingly personal and empowering approach, they transform the job search process into a journey of clarity, confidence, and success for all job seekers, especially college students, early-career professionals and recent graduates. While the dreamcatchers will always help anyone find a job no matter where they are in their stage of career, Marissa & Jamie are putting most of their efforts lately on a specific group: RISING & RECENT COLLEGE GRADS & THOSE JUST ENTERING THE WORKFORCE. Why? Because they need help and the dreamcatchers know it first hand. Meet Liam, a current client (or a dreamSEEKER in their love language). Like many of his peers, Liam has grown up and graduated in the most over-connected and yet under-networked chapter in job search history. A hidden truth about what the dreamcatchers see daily: this group (Gen Z) is coming out of school with little to no guidance or direction on what to do professionally & how to find their way (outside of their supportive parents). Not to mention they're graduating into a challenging job market and many are now attending college in states far from where they eventually want to live. Marissa & Jamie are helping (teaching???) this group how to network on LinkedIn, button up their resumes, figure out what their 'dream job' is, strategize and organize their job search. This episode sheds light on Liam's experience so that others might not feel so alone. A Gettysburg College 2024 grad with a double major in psychology and business, Liam got a job working in HR right after graduation, then got laid off, and came to Marissa & Jamie to try to figure out what was next. Listen in for words of wisdom, the opportunity to feel seen and validated, and most of all to feel inspired and hopeful about your own job search. A heart felt thank you to Liam for bravely sharing his experience with the dreamcatchers.

a SPECIAL share brought to you via The Dreamcatchers platform! Marissa was recently at her college reunion (not telling the year but you can guess) and was honored to be interviewed about friendship by roommate, magic maker, hustler, dreamer and fellow University of Richmond almuni - Kim Baker of Kim Baker Foods. Her Feed Your Fire is a mashup discussion about life topics and food. Kim has a beautiful way of marrying her work and her passions... a true dreamcatcher, which is not surprising but is always refreshing. In this episode Kim shares a fun and easy recipe to kick off the summer season while she unpacks friendship and the nourishment of forever bonds. Marissa wanted to share with The Dreamcatchers audience because it was a dose of powerful magic. For more- follow Kim @kimbakerstudios, @kimbakerfoods or @prochiplantenergy LOVE YOU KIMMY!!! And I am so proud of you. xo MLKAY

Who would have ever thought that our new version of work life balance would yet again become well- slightly unbalanced? Russell and Katherine Kommer did! The dynamic duo (and the second married couple on the podcast this season) decided that they were going to answer the new age old question: What if you could "work close to HOME but NOT AT HOME?" Ha! Enter their Excel House, a state of the art facility offering a vibrant coworking community to professional conference rooms, evening classes, and the convenience of business mailboxes. YES, PLEASE!!! Marissa and Jamie tackle the word EXCEL - they do love a double entendre- and enjoy learning all about their incredible career pivots, yin and yang professional relationship, and dreams for the business and the community. And not to worry, The Dreamcatchers will be teaching out of those gorgeous digs soon enough= stay tuned!

Is there anything better than when the dreamcatchers time travel to interview their episode guest? That is a rhetorical questions! In episode 7, Marissa and Jamie reunite with fellow Northern Valley Old Tappan alum, Lisa Ascolese of My Home Hoboken -Engel & Volkers Hoboken & Jersey City. The girls all grew up together in the small same town (your foundation is the beginning of your network!) of Harrington Park, NJ. Lisa catches her old friends up with her story both corporate and personal. From running kids birthday parties just like Jame did once upon a time, to her Siena College and advertising world adventures... her blood and roots drew her back to real estate (she is the sole owner of the giant My Home Hoboken team of EV) and her and her husband Pat (also a NVOT classmate) are in the process of launching pretty much the most brilliant app ever for those in the real estate world and BEYOND. Taking bets that ReStaged will be a household word in the future & you will have heard it via the dreamcatchers first. Genius. Oh yeah, and she tells us all about her road to motherhood. As per usual, M & J could have chatted all day but wrapped a jammed packed catch up session for you to listen to, enjoy, and best of all learn from. #HPPRIDE

Super important but less relevant- listen in to hear the first MARRIED duo to be interviewed on the podcast! The dynamic and renowned Dani Rubin of Pilates Blast and husband Evan Rubin, D.O of The Osteopathic Center for Education & Nutrition (O.C.E.A.N) sat down to talk with the dreamcatchers as they UNPACK the MATTER of WELL-BEING. Dani & Evan run two well known, well loved, and super impactful businesses in their communities. Their career and life paths are incredibly inspirational for Marissa, Jamie, and anyone who takes a listen = true yellow brick road stories with incredible moments to showcase from Rockettes to Lion Taming- don't want to ruin it for you wink. The power couple continue the "local-lebrity" theme the dreamcatchers have been enjoying- Their conversation proves that we truly never know who our neighbors are... and networking and leaning in to the community around us is not only cathartic but ALSO contributes to our job search WELL-BEING. See what we did there?

the dreamcatchers courted Ashley Bissett and her talented colleagues at AB FIT and RIDE to be on the podcast for what seems like forever and woo hoo, they won! Listen in as this powerful group of women tell the story of how they all came to build this incredible, supportive, and inclusive COMMUNITY. Driven by inspiring instructors and dedicated clients, the team at AB is committed to an active lifestyle and a balanced and well-lived life. Marissa & Jamie broadcast live from the Monmouth Beach studio and talk all things COMMUNITY, fitness, leadership, pivots, staying motivated and even Disney Princesses!

Fellow former fashion industry creative, passionate dreamer, & teacher, Deanna Blasi DeAndino sat down with Marissa & Jamie to talk about the power of a positive mindset and our children. Inspired by her own children, the students she taught in the classroom (after her fashion career - we get it, Deanna), and her own personal struggle with postpartum mental health, Deanna created a first of its kind tool that teaches children positive self-talk & builds a foundation for healthy mindset. The Mindset Tapestry is both beautiful and SMART- functioning as a system of positive mirror talk and a tool for caretaker/child bonding. Listen in as The Dreamcatchers lean into Deanna's journey and vision for her new brand and product. All of Deanna's experiences led her to this exciting and pivotal moment and her background and skill sets will now help the next generation grow up with necessary and supportive tools. Way to go, Deanna- START 'EM young! oh, and along the way Marissa "discovered" that Jamie and Deanna share a birthday. #Piscestwins

Marissa & Jamie love a story about someone who took their side hustle and their freelance experience and made it their mainstay. Jenni was hustling before it was "cool" and now she works with her husband in not only a marriage of their experience but a professional marriage as well! Solmark Creative is a digital design & branding studio working with comapnies that make people feel good and know to be leaders in the Boutique Fitness space. Jenni dabbled in all kinds of design work and ever since joining forces with her partner (in crime & life), they have been focused on mainly building brands in the fitness and wellness space. Mike had owned a successful fitness-oriented facility in NYC before making the move with his growing family to South Florida in 2016! The dynamic duo leaned into their NICHE and got comfortable in ONE space, creating community with likeminded people (Think Creative Mornings in Palm Beach to the crew at Flywheel - yes, that one!)... The girls laugh and embrace not taking life too seriously...which frankly, everyone needs a dose of right now.

The Dreamcatchers are hosting their 11th annual "We're Going Streaking" event to help fight Breast Cancer with their long time dreamPARTNER Salon685 - starting today, 10/3. To kick off their celebration, Marissa & Jamie chat with STYLE experts, Alissa Rose & Regina Tuzzo. A hard working, dynamic, community focused, and gorgeous duo who have created the sought after salon on the peninsula & in Monmouth County ... a stones throw from their Staten Island roots. The women talk about passion, STYLE, family, inspiration, and of course their dedication to breast cancer awareness. Lets be fair- the salons & hair are the the OG of self care (for centuries!!!!). Regina & Alissa embody the Dreamcatchers' Can't stop, won't stop mentality- and they are BEAUTIFUL yes- outside but most importantly inside!!!! Enjoy an episode on the WORD, STYLE... and listen to Marissa & Jamie experience a true #dreamCRUSH.

Ah! The Dreamcatchers kick off season 9 with the consummate entrepreneur, Mr. Brian Rice. Perhaps you know him as Captain Brian or your family has experienced the coveted Jersey Devil Sport Fishing camp... maybe he manages your money through Rice Wealth Management or you have rubbed elbows with him doing inspiring work with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County... OR you have seen the work he has done for the small businesses of Fair Haven, NJ. There is not much this home grown Fair Haven father & renaissance man doesn't do during his waking hours and he has a magnetic story that Marissa & Jamie have enjoyed now for years and finally their listeners can to! Grab your coffee and listen in to this NJ self proclaimed Mountain Man tell all but better yet, tell it like it is!

The Dreamcatchers & Bell Works are back & hosting an INCREDIBLE Career Day at their favorite stomping ground & metroburb in Monmouth County- Marissa & Jamie moderated a tried and true staffing expert panel mid MAGIC all about The Future of Work! Listen in, Dream Big, and BREATHE along with the wisdom from staffing experts and fellow dreamers: *Our very own Bell Works maven, Brooke Petrany, Head of Marketing, npz studio+ *Joanna Chavers, Executive Director of Talent Strategy, Atrium *Gerry Spencer, Regional Vice President, Adecco *Guy Bravaco, CPA & Guru, TGC Search

"Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up."- Pablo Picasso Listen in to The Dreamcatchers talk to two dynamos PLUS a few shout outs who are living their dream and then some by making a living out of their creativity. Kathleen Beausoleil and Shayna Schwartz of Detour Gallery. Special thanks to #dreamPARTNER Salon 685 (two of Marissa & Jamie's favorite artists!) whose partnership supported this mesmerizing and truly DREAMBIG episode.

And if International Women's Day in Chicago was not enough, The Dreamcatchers hit the block at Bell Works for yet another inspiring conversation with boss babes making waves in their fields... Women in Tech, Diversity & Inclusion, Design... an incredible roster. Take a listen to the behind the scenes success story of Erin Corcoran of ICIMS; Jaqueece Walton of Atrium Staffing; Jenna Gaudio of VYDIA and our beloved Paola Zamudio of NPZ & Bell Works. Lots of laughs, *a-ha* moments, and references to the MADAME President. We promise that a listen to this one will feel like you were in the audience LIVE action with the whole crew. And one of these days, you all should come as the room was PACKED!

Its true! The Dreamcatchers and some of their favorite East Coast colleagues hopped a flight to Chitown to showcase an incredible panel of women for Bell Works Chicagoland in celebration of International Women's Day 2023 & an EMPOWERMENT theme. Listen in to the stories and wisdom from Amy Wilhelmi of Balance Wellness Collective; Jenny Lundquist of Jen Rose Media; Nicole Woodcox Bolden of Thriving with Baby; Pam Orr of Fellowship Housing and of course our partners in magic, Paola Zamudio of NPZ Studio and Tootsie Olan of Tootsie Olan Productions. The women talk Chicagoland, empowerment, equality, and share their professional journey to a live audience in the SQUARE recorded by our friends at Shared Universe for you to enjoy.

Whats the MAGIC word, you ask? RETREAT with the Dreamcatchers as they *UNPACK* (see what we did there? wink) the stories of both Kerry Bray of Wander Travel Company & Siobhan Gallagher of Monarch Wellness (And Poe, and Rumble, and and and) . The dynamic duo have married their talents to create an incredible retreat at a chic all-inclusive resort sandwiched between the Carribbean Sea and the Mayan jungle. Just what we needed...a dose of inspiration, a hint of relaxation, and the whimsy of an upcoming vacation. Listen in to all of the incredible details and dream big with this crew as they share their beginnings, their nows, and their hopes for their brands and in turn all of you. Its a true RETREAT.

Talk about exemplifying The Dreamcatchers goal to #aspiretoinspire, Simone Topel helps women all over the world overcome self-dobut and build confidence so they can live a successful and fulfilled life that is authentic to them. Ahem. Great minds think alike and its far from easy for each and every one of us to stay true to our own #selfbelief. Simone shares her fresh perspective and wisdom and once again Marissa & Jamie swoon for an incredible life & mindset coach. We never stop growing and learning from one another and Simone's global and GenZ POV is refreshing and inspiring. Oh & she may or may not be Jamie's cousin and the next Gabby or Glennon or Maria! You heard it here first! (Special shout out to partner & fellow #dreamPIVOTER, SPORT COUTURE, for sponsoring this incredible episode of inspo!)

Well, this episode is a long time coming and one big & magical *DUH* - Marissa & Jamie chat with like minded dreamers, doers, founders, & MOMS from Learning Motherhood & Working Mom Notes. Guests Kimberly and Ashley host their own podcast called MotherhoodCareerCollide and the conversation & call to action was not one moment too soon. In this special *Cross Over* event, The Dreamcatchers talk Corporate America, Pivots, Parenting, Balance, Safe Space and more- and frankly would have talked for days with these dynamos. Special thanks to #dreamPARTNER Career Canvas for supporting this episode. Marissa & Jamie truly enjoy working with other professional healers- the more we all do to help one another, the better the professional world will be.

Do you believe in MAGIC? You know the duo Dreamcatchers do... Take a listen to this unprecedented episode of #WHATSYOURSTORY with fellow dreamer, doer, leader, and believer - Magician Shaun Jay. Shaun started his career at the early age of 12 and his passion, study, dedication, and work ethic has earned him prestige in his industry and around the world. When he is not performing, he is helping others create Magic via 3D design and printing. Marissa & Jamie are blown away by his journey and of course he may or may not share a few fun tricks up his sleeve. Shaun has shared his talent on Fox TV, ABC TV, NBC TV, Masters of Illusions TV, The CW, and the TEDX stage...and now with all of us. Pinch us!

This episode is a SNACK! Listen to the sister DUO sing, speak, & poet (yes, using it as a verb!)with friend, neighbor, and local guru Mannikka Rosa. A mother, a teacher, a guest speaker, a spoken word artist, a writer, a DANCER, and the FOUNDER/CREATOR of the Educationalist Method, which empowers youth to share their stories by fostering hip-hop education in the classrooms. Every WORD shared on this podcast is worth its weight in gold!!!!