When you’re standing at a fork in the road, it’s tempting to wait for certainty — the “perfect” sign that you’re making the right choice. But what if the people who build the most meaningful careers aren’t the ones who feel 100% sure… but the ones who learn how to take smart risks without losing their purpose?In this episode, I sit down with Charles Levin — founder of Mu Avenue Press, novelist, former tech and business leader, and lifelong reinventor — to unpack what it really takes to choose a path when the future isn’t guaranteed. Charles shares how he went from studying philosophy and ancient Greek to launching businesses, writing bestselling thrillers, and building a publishing company — and what every pivot taught him about resilience, reinvention, and momentum.We talk about the 40–70% rule for decision-making (why waiting for 100% certainty can cost you opportunities), what poker taught Charles about calculated risk, and why purpose isn’t just a mission statement — it’s the people you impact along the way. If you’ve been stuck trying to pick the “right” option, this conversation will help you move forward with courage, clarity, and a compass.📩 Share your thoughts: What’s one thing you’re 40–70% sure you should try — a project, a class, a leap, a conversation? Commit to it for one week and tell me what you chose. Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more episodes on risk, purpose, and growth.
What if the thing you’ve spent your whole life trying to hide… is actually the thing that makes you powerful?In this episode, I talk with Maya Chupkov. She is a podcast host, storyteller, documentary director, and lifelong stutterer. Growing up, Maya’s stutter shaped the classes she was placed into, the way adults perceived her, and the confidence she carried into college and her career. But instead of letting it limit her, she learned to see it as a strength.We talk about how she built a career in communications despite the very thing people told her would hold her back, how she learned to stop hiding and start owning her voice, and why vulnerability became her greatest professional asset. Maya also shares the story behind her successful podcast, Proud Stutter, and the powerful documentary she’s directing on stuttering, identity, and generational trauma.If you are feeling bounded to your challenges, let Maya's story be proof that your struggles don't disqualify you from success. You don’t need a perfect voice, a perfect résumé, or a perfect level of confidence to pursue the career you want. You just need the courage to start where you are.📩 Share your thoughts: What part of yourself have you been hiding in school or in your career because you think it makes you “less than”? How have you (or how can you) use it as a strength?Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth.Learn more about Maya’s work and her podcast at proudstutter.com.
What if the real mark of a great leader isn’t how much they know — but how willing they are to listen?In this episode, I talk with Nelson Mattos, former Vice President at IBM and Google, whose career has spanned continents, industries, and leadership styles. From managing billion-dollar global teams to now running Karimu, a nonprofit that’s transforming rural communities in Tanzania, Nelson has seen leadership from every angle — and he believes its core has nothing to do with hierarchy.We explore how humility and curiosity can redefine leadership in the modern world. Nelson shares how learning to admit what he didn’t know made him a more effective executive, why diverse teams make better decisions, and how vulnerability and trust can drive innovation more than any management strategy ever could. He also opens up about his transition from tech to humanitarian work — and how purpose, empathy, and patience became the cornerstones of his second career.📩 Share your thoughts: Would you have invested in Pokémon Go when it didn’t meet the quota? Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth.Learn more about Nelson’s work with Karimu Foundation at karimufoundation.org.00:00 Introduction to Leadership and The Love Lab Podcast01:33 Nelson Matos' Early Influences and Mentors03:00 The Importance of Seeking Advice and Mentorship03:59 Recognizing and Nurturing Talent07:22 Pursuing a Career in Computer Science09:37 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance14:08 Building and Leading Effective Teams23:11 Making Difficult Decisions as a Leader27:12 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Innovation29:42 Listener Engagement and Social Media30:03 The Essence of Leadership Without a Title31:36 Navigating Hierarchical and Non-Hierarchical Environments34:33 Adapting Leadership Styles to Situations and Cultures41:26 Transition to Volunteering and Its Impact47:20 Challenges and Adaptations in Tanzania55:31 Final Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth
What if success isn’t about climbing the ladder faster, but about how you climb it?In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Abou-Alwan, a lawyer, mentor, and author of How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend. With over 25 years in global law and energy, Natalie shares what true “legend status” really means—why respect, integrity, and human connection matter far more than titles or promotions.We talk about how to balance ambition with authenticity, build a meaningful network, and lead without ego. Natalie opens up about her own nonlinear career path, the moments that taught her resilience, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it takes over. She also shares powerful lessons from her favorite icons, like Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, about mentorship, confidence, and helping others rise with you.For me, this conversation was a reminder that being a legend isn’t about chasing validation—it’s about how you show up, treat others, and stay grounded in your values.As you listen, I’d love for you to think about this: when people talk about you—in your work, school, or community—what do you hope they say? Is it about what you achieved, or how you made them feel? What do you think it means to live your career like a legend?Email me your reflections at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.comLearn more about the podcast at thelivlabpodcast.comPurchase Natalie's book hereDuring our conversation, Natalie shared two books that have shaped her outlook on careers and growth: The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and The Portfolio Life by Christina WallaceBoth explore how modern careers are no longer linear—and how embracing flexibility, purpose, and reinvention can help us live and work like legends.
What if getting fired—or dropping out—wasn’t a setback, but the start of something bigger?In this episode, we dive into the story of Jeff Burgess, who went from a college dropout with no direction to the founder of a multimillion-dollar tech company. His journey isn’t about luck—it’s about grit, self-belief, and learning how to sell yourself long before selling any product.From his father’s tough-love wake-up call to building a $100M business without a degree, Jeff shares the lessons that schools don’t teach: how to bet on yourself, lead with confidence, and turn every “no” into a new opportunity. Whether you’re chasing your first internship or redefining your path, this episode will remind you that your biggest asset isn’t your résumé—it’s your mindset.For more of Jeff Burgess, check out his latest book, It Worked For Me: My Life Seizing Opportunity and Building Success, and view his work at https://jeffburgessauthor.com/.00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab00:38 Introducing Jeff Burgess01:52 The Universal Salesman02:50 Jeff's Early Career Struggles08:47 Finding Success at Tech Aids18:11 Starting His Own Company31:13 The Importance of Mentorship32:53 Get Connected!
College applications don’t have to control your life.If you’re anything like me, this season feels overwhelming — essays, deadlines, decisions, and the constant chatter of where everyone else is applying. It’s easy to feel like your future depends on every choice you make right now. But what if it doesn’t?In this solo episode, I share my honest reflections as a high school senior in the middle of it all. From the late-night worries to the unexpected advice I’ve picked up along the way, I’ll take you behind the scenes of what it really feels like to navigate this process. My hope is that you leave not only with more clarity, but also with a little less weight on your shoulders and a reminder that this journey is about you.00:35 The Stress of College Applications01:18 Five Key Tips for College Applications02:11 Tip 106:44 Tip 209:10 Tip 312:22 Tip 414:17 Tip 516:03 Recap and Final Thoughts
What really drives a career forward—raw talent, perfect timing, or sheer determination? In this episode of The LIV Lab, Dr. Daniela Seabra Oliveira reveals how all three shaped her journey from a math-loving student in Brazil to receiving the Presidential Early Career Award at the White House.Daniela opens up about the challenges of moving to a new country, navigating language barriers, and finding her footing in a male-dominated field. Along the way, she shares why passion often follows talent, how luck and serendipity quietly influence success, and why the early years of your career are the best time to take bold risks.Her story is both inspiring and practical—showing that true drive comes from within, and that embracing uncertainty can unlock opportunities you never imagined. Whether you’re exploring careers in STEM, considering graduate school, or simply searching for direction, this conversation will push you to rethink what it means to build a meaningful path.00:00 Introduction: Challenging the Passion Narrative00:58 Meet Dr. Daniella Seabra: A Journey of Passion and Drive02:18 High School Days in Brazil: Discovering a Love for Math and Logic06:24 University Life: From Undergraduate to Master's09:08 First Industry Role: Leading a Team in Brazil13:38 Transition to the US: Pursuing a PhD at UC Davis25:07 The Role of Luck in Success26:02 Finding Mentors and Role Models27:38 PhD Journey and Research Focus29:09 Teaching at Bowden College33:03 Receiving the Presidential Early Career Award37:37 Transition to University of Florida42:32 Advice for Aspiring PhD Students47:37 Current Role at the National Science Foundation50:19 Reflections and Career Advice
We’re always told to dream big: land the perfect job, get into the most prestigious school, or chase the ultimate achievement. But what if those big goals — the ones meant to drive us forward — are actually holding us back?In this episode of The LIV Lab, I sit down with Jordan Grumet — a hospice doctor, author, and personal finance podcaster — to talk about something we all feel pressure around: purpose.Jordan shares his journey from becoming a doctor after losing his father, to burning out in medicine, to finding deeper meaning in hospice care. We discuss his idea of Big P Purpose versus little p purpose, and why chasing small things that light us up often leads to more joy and impact than striving for huge, unattainable goals.Our conversation also dives into the future of work, the power of storytelling, and the role money plays in building a meaningful life. Jordan explains why money should be seen as a tool instead of the goal, how financial independence opens up space for purpose, and why authentic connections matter more than wealth or achievements. What I loved most is that he doesn’t frame purpose as something you must find, but as something you can build step by step.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:14 Dr. Jordan Grumet's Early Life and Career04:40 Transition to Hospice Care and Financial Independence07:44 Discovering Purpose and Financial Independence10:03 The Purpose Paradox and Social Media's Role20:43 Big P vs. Little p Purpose29:31 Finding Purpose and Purpose Anchors32:29 Baseball Cards and Childhood Joys33:04 The Art of Subtraction33:43 The Spaghetti Method34:07 Reflecting on Childhood Passions37:23 Goal Setting and Purpose41:23 Money and Happiness45:53 Financial Independence and Purpose53:03 Incorporating Purpose into Your Career01:00:55 Final Thoughts and Advice
What happens when you stop waiting for opportunities and start creating them?In this episode, I sit down with Libardo Lara Peñaranda, Principal Partner Technical Specialist at IBM, whose story shows how taking agency can transform your career and your life. Growing up in Colombia, Libardo began in mechanical engineering but made the bold choice to add a second degree in systems and software. That decision set him on a path that carried him from designing his first system for a nonprofit, to solving complex data problems for banks and telecoms at IBM, to moving to the U.S. for a master’s in data science at Johns Hopkins—all while balancing work and family.We dig deep into what taking agency really looks like: making decisions before you feel fully ready, planning your next step even while excelling in your current role, and learning to balance sacrifice with vision. Along the way, Libardo opens up about the world of data science—what the work actually involves day to day, how math and statistics underpin the field, and where AI is heading as it becomes an everyday tool rather than a job replacer.If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not steering where you’re headed, this episode is a reminder that agency—not chance—is what shapes your future.00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab00:44 Introducing Lo Bardo: A Journey from Columbia to Data Science02:01 Career Reflections and Advice from Lo Bardo03:27 Educational Background and Career Beginnings05:24 Transition to Software Engineering11:40 Consulting and Data Analytics at IBM14:12 Pursuing a Master's in Data Science in the US25:01 The Role of Math and Statistics in Data Science28:40 Current Role and Future of AI36:52 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
How do you carve your own path when the well-worn ones don’t fit?For Anna Harutyunyan, the answer started with walking away. She stepped back from a corporate software career that didn’t excite her, held out for the right role in a competitive analog mission, and embraced the unknown until she became Armenia’s first analog astronaut.Anna’s journey spans robotics engineering studies in Germany, leading a NASA EL Space engineering team, conducting cognitive performance research on astronauts, and training with international crews in Armenia, Poland, and Switzerland. She is also the founder of Rocket Space Academy, working to expand Armenia’s presence in the space sector, and host of the Mission Analog podcast, amplifying the work of analog astronauts worldwide.In this episode, Anna shares how persistence, self-reflection, and even imposter syndrome shaped her into the leader and innovator she is today. From living in simulated space habitats to presenting research at global conferences, her story proves that turning down the wrong opportunities can be just as important as chasing the right ones.If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the right track—or wondered what it takes to transform childhood passions into groundbreaking work in space and robotics—Anna’s story will leave you rethinking the power of “no” and the possibilities it can open. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Saying No00:27 Meet Anna Harutyunyan: The Armenian Analog Astronaut01:35 Dancing Khari: Cultural Bonding in Space02:47 From Programming to Robotics: A Journey of Passion04:39 Rediscovering Childhood Dreams09:11 University Life and Mars Exploration13:11 Leading at NASA: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome17:51 Joining the Armenian Analog Mission24:15 Analog Missions: Testing and Simulations24:58 Living in a Simulated Environment25:56 Joining the Polish Analog Astronaut Training Center26:39 First Experience as an Analog Astronaut28:36 Daily Life in the Habitat30:45 Mental Math Research32:19 Simulated Axiom Four Mission35:05 Challenges and Team Cohesion40:42 Starting the Mission Analog Podcast41:51 Rocket Space Academy and EOS Mission44:24 Final Reflections and Advice
Could following your passions—not a checklist—be the real secret to getting into your dream school?In this episode, I talk with Abhinav Agarwal, a Stanford graduate with a master’s in artificial intelligence and the CTO of KOS AI. Guided by his core value of technology for social change, Abhinav’s journey spans founding an education nonprofit in high school, writing a book to demystify the scholarship process for international students, and now developing a non-invasive wristband that could transform life for millions living with diabetes.We explore how embracing genuine passions—not resume checklists—opened unexpected doors, why creative outlets like tango and photography can enrich a technical career, and what it’s really like to lead a health tech startup through innovation and clinical trials. Along the way, Abhinav shares insights on staying true to your values, navigating big career decisions, and designing technology that touches lives.If you’ve ever wondered how to turn curiosity into impact—or what it takes to balance ambition, creativity, and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to find your own guiding principle and follow it.00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab00:31 Meet Alban Agarwal: A Journey to Stanford01:43 Advice for Aspiring Students06:31 Finding Your Career Path10:31 Inspiration Behind Tech for Social Change14:14 Writing 'Mapping Horizons'20:42 Pursuing Higher Education at Stanford29:06 The Role of Data Science31:58 Innovating in Health Tech with Coast AI40:12 A Day in the Life of a CTO43:28 Reflections and Future Aspirations45:10 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
What separates those who dream of becoming doctors from those who actually make it?In this episode of The LIV Lab, host Livia Roder sits down with Dr. Ravi Kumar, a neurosurgeon whose journey combines years of rigorous training, an insatiable curiosity about the human brain, and a deep commitment to healing. Dr. Kumar shares how he went from studying marine biology to discovering his passion for medicine, and ultimately, neurosurgery. He reflects on the highs and lows of medical school and residency, from the grueling hours and life-or-death moments to the joy of saving patients against the odds.As a former member of the Texas A&M Medical School Admissions Committee, Dr. Kumar also offers an insider’s perspective on what makes a strong medical school application and what aspiring doctors should focus on to stand out. He talks candidly about perseverance, burnout, and the importance of truly loving the path you choose—because medicine is not just a career, but a calling.Whether you’re fascinated by the brain, considering a future in medicine, or simply inspired by stories of passion and purpose, this episode invites you to discover the mind behind the scalpel.00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab with Dr. Ravi Kumar01:04 Dr. Kumar's Life-Saving Story04:18 Choosing a Career in Medicine06:17 The Path to Medical School07:17 Building a Strong Medical School Application12:44 Overcoming Rejection and Persevering15:23 The Intensity of Medical School17:04 Navigating the Residency Application Process18:24 Mastering Practice Questions19:01 Choosing Your Medical Specialty19:38 Applying to Residency Programs20:02 The Residency Interview Process20:28 The Match Process23:34 Residency Life and Challenges26:38 A Day in the Life of a Neurosurgeon28:18 Dealing with Burnout32:00 The Dr. Kumar Discovery Podcast35:30 Final Reflections and Advice
What does it take to go from a curious kid in Cameroon to a PhD candidate at Stanford, shaping the future of brain tech?In this episode, I talk with Favour Nerrise, an electrical engineering PhD student at Stanford who’s using AI to tackle neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Favour shares how her early love for science—sparked by her mother in medicine and her father in engineering—grew into a passion for computer engineering, hackathons, and global health initiatives like Clean Africa.From joining the National Society of Black Engineers in high school to interning at SAP and contributing to quantum sensing research, Favour’s story is full of curiosity, impact, and community. We also dive into the challenges of clinical AI research, the importance of meaningful relationships, and how she balances leadership, research, and service.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a career at the intersection of AI, healthcare, and leadership—or how to turn your passions into purpose—this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction and Early Life05:23 Discovering Engineering07:02 High School Projects and Hackathons08:58 University of Maryland Experience13:58 Internships and Professional Growth18:21 PhD Journey at Stanford22:39 Crafting a Career from Interests23:03 Current Research and Projects24:19 Digital Biomarkers and AI in Healthcare26:08 Challenges in Clinical Data and AI28:21 Leadership and Community Impact29:29 Balancing Multiple Roles33:41 Future Goals and Healthcare Innovations40:15 The Importance of Curiosity
Season 2 is here—with a new name and an even bolder mission. What began as STEMCast is now The LIV Lab: Learn. Innovate. Venture.This season spotlights founders, researchers, and trailblazers who aren’t just navigating careers—they’re redefining them. It’s all about innovation, purpose, and building a path that truly matters.Tune in to hear what’s new, what’s evolving, and what it means to create work with impact. Welcome to The LIV Lab!
Ever wondered what life is like as an undergrad at a top university?In the season one finale of Stem Cast, we wrap up with part two of an in-depth conversation with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan. David delves into the intricacies of student life at a large university and gives us a window into the highs and lows. He talks about balancing intense workloads and engaging in cutting-edge research on vitamin B12 in the Biophysics lab. He shares his experiences, from the challenges of cold weather to the rewards of finding a good social and academic balance. The episode is packed with insights for future college students and STEM enthusiasts, making it a must-listen.
Ever wondered what biophysics actually is—or how undergrads find their place in cutting-edge research?In this insightful episode of StemCast, we sit down with David Cooper, a biophysics and chemistry student at the University of Michigan, who shares his candid journey of choosing (and re-choosing) the right path.David explains what biophysics really involves—from studying protein crystal structures to applying physical techniques to solve biological problems. He also talks about what it’s like doing research at a major university as an undergrad, the reality of massive lecture classes versus intimate lab work, and why he’s now planning to shift from academia to toxicology and public health.We also dive into David’s college application experience, his honest reflections on expectations versus reality at Michigan, and his best advice for anyone trying to balance ambition with happiness.If you’re curious about finding your fit in STEM, understanding what research looks like at a top school, or figuring out how to design your own path—this episode is for you. Ask ChatGPT
College isn’t just about lectures—it’s about impact.To kick off our mini series, College, Unfiltered, we sit down with Grace, a recent University of Michigan graduate in biomedical engineering, who turned her degree into a platform for innovation, leadership, and global health design. From building low-cost medical devices for underserved communities to leading a 200-member global health organization, Grace shows us what it means to design with empathy.She also shares how a hands-on internship sparked her passion for quality engineering, what it’s really like studying at a top STEM school, and why she’s shifting fields for her master’s degree.If you’re curious about engineering with impact, leadership in college, and crafting a mission-driven career, this one’s for you.
Can you go from strumming guitar chords to writing production-ready code at Big Tech? Matthew Martinez did just that—and more. In this inspiring episode of StemCast, we sit down with Matthew, a former elementary school teacher and music major who pivoted into software engineering through a 12-week coding boot camp.He opens up about the challenges of breaking into tech without a traditional CS degree, landing roles at Meta and Amazon, navigating imposter syndrome, and balancing career growth with parenthood. Matthew also shares how ADHD shaped his productivity systems, why he pursued an MBA, and what keeps him passionate about problem-solving through code.Whether you’re considering a career change or curious about what it’s really like working in Big Tech, this episode is packed with honesty, insight, and the message that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Wonder what it takes to get into Cornell and which path it will lead you down? In this episode of StemCast, we sit down with Emily Vick, a Cornell electrical and computer engineering grad who now works as a software engineer at YouTube. Emily shares how her high school love for STEM led her to Cornell, how she navigated Google internships, and why trying different classes and experiences helped shape her career path.She also opens up about building confidence in Cornell’s competitive environment, the importance of soft skills, and why your first career choice doesn’t have to be your last.If you’re exploring careers in tech or curious about what it’s really like to study at Cornell, this episode is full of insight and inspiration!
Have you ever wondered how scientists bring damaged ecosystems back to life? In this episode, we dive into the world of ecological restoration with Claire Wilhelm Safian, a restoration ecologist at UC Santa Barbara. Claire takes us behind the scenes of North Campus Open Space, a once-degraded wetland that has been transformed into a thriving habitat. From reviving endangered plant species to monitoring biodiversity, Claire shares the science, challenges, and rewards of restoring nature. Plus, they reveal how you can get involved in conservation—no matter your background. Don’t miss this fascinating look at rebuilding ecosystems from the ground up!