What It's Like To...

Interest in "tiny living" is getting bigger.  But what is it, really--what are the benefits, and what do you sacrifice by "going small"?  Tiny house enthusiast Laura Lynch shares what inspired her to trade in her 2300-square-foot house for a home about one-fifth that size; the process of downsizing  ("do you own your stuff,  or does your stuff own you?"); and the wonderfully supportive "tiny" community (of people living in not just small homes, but also vans, schoolies, RVs, and more).  Laura also is a financial planner and helps others with the practical matters involved in transitioning their lifestyles.  Going tiny gave Laura the freedom and opportunities to follow her passions--which she never would have had if she'd been locked in to paying off her big house for years and years. Laura is the host of a podcast called "Less House, More Moola."In this episode:02:06--What is tiny living?05:21--The benefits of having less space07:46--The process of downsizing: why do I get value out of these things?11:55--Reasons why people "go tiny": finances, sustainability, simplicity, lifestyle, the housing shortage14:43--Luxury elements included some tiny homes15:36--Legalization of building tiny homes18:50--People of all ages are going tiny21:12--Focus on your values: what is really important to you?25:03--Traits common to most tiny living enthusiasts26:41--What Laura misses from her big house; comparing living in her big house to her tiny houseWant to know more about Laura?Check out her website: https://www.thetinyhouseadviser.com/Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetinyhouseadviser/Touch base on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesshousemoremoolapod/Link up on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinyhouseadviser/Listen to her podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@lesshousemoremoolapodWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube! Go to https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToPodcastSign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

We're revisiting a popular episode from our archives this week!  It's not easy to get to the top of the world.  It takes a lot of training and determination, a willingness to endure pain and suffering--and no small amount of luck.  Even the most prepared climber can confront a deadly avalanche or fatal turn in the weather.Our guest, Jeff Gottfurcht, was the first person ever to summit the tallest mountain in the world--Mt. Everest--with rheumatoid arthritis.  Hear his incredible tales of ten years of training (including climbing all of the world's biggest mountains); what a climber eats, sleeps, and wears on Everest (you'll never believe Jeff's diet!); what happened on his summit ascent in a -20 degree windstorm; and what it's like to sit at the highest point on earth.Jeff also shares the lessons that have shaped his life that he learned while he was "dancing with fate" on Mt. Everest.Want to learn more about Jeff?Check out his company's website: cyberdive.coWant to know more about What It's Like To...?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List! Go to whatitsliketo.netFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Lots of people say they “like to travel”... but most probably can’t claim they're “travel addicts.” Karen Gershowitz has earned that title by visiting more than 95 countries–many of them numerous times!  She’s worked her career around traveling, and is now a travel writer. She has also published two books about her travels. In this episode Karen shares tales from her adventures and gives tips all travelers can use to have authentic experiences--from taking public transportation, to eating at communal tables with locals, to the benefits of "getting lost."In this episode:01:50--How and why Karen found a career to support her travel habit02:48--The genesis and growth of Karen's love of travel04:47--Tips for finding your way in a new town (take public transportation, sit at communal tables)08:37--The beauty of allowing yourself to get lost and pivoting when things go "wrong"12:40--Karen's thoughts on planned itineraries vs. being spur of the moment15:08--Plan your trip around what you love (food, sports, art, history, etc.)17:39--Be curious about a place and about people18:39--Test case: planning a trip for a fictitious traveler24:39--Tips for traveling in non-English-speaking countries26:30--Thoughts on traveling solo vs. with friends vs. with groups27:55--Journaling while traveling30:30--Places Karen would like to visit, and places she never wants to return 34:42--Tips for dealing with jet lag37:20--Becoming a travel writer (books and articles)Want to know more about Karen?Find links to all of her books and articles at her website: https://karengershowitz.com/home/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube! Go to https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeToPodcastSign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

EJ Snyder has spent 206 days in very tough, uncompromising environments, having to create his own shelters, forage for food, and keep warm in the elements--all in the nude.  EJ--a.k.a. "Skull Crusher"--is an extreme survivalist, and has appeared six times on the reality television show "Naked and Afraid" (as well as other shows). So are reality shows really as challenging as they look? Do the crews ever help out struggling contestants?  EJ shares all the dirt (so to speak), and gives lots of practical tips about how we all can survive extreme situations. After all, even those of us who never plan to spend days or weeks in the bush may find ourselves in a hurricane or blizzard--or, as EJ likes to say, a "zombie apocalypse!"  In this episode:02:09--How EJ got into the Army, and how that led him to "Naked and Afraid"04:41--Why naked?06:19--EJ's major "concerns" in the wild, + the four pillars of survival08:49--Are reality shows rigged? Are they really struggling as much as it appears?12:28--Dealing with the camera crew13:14--The beauty of vulnerability, even for "alpha males"14:01--Story behind the nickname "Skull Crusher"16:23--Why survival skills are important for everyone, not just adventurers20:34--What really surprised EJ from doing "Naked and Afraid"22:37--Losing weight--and what he ate--on the show25:30--How to keep warm in the wild28:19--Why we all need to know survival skills32:18--How EJ's childhood affected who he becameWant to know more about EJ?Find him at his website: www.ejsnyder.com Follow him on Instagram: @ejsnyder333Tweet him on Twitter/X: @ejsnyder333 Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube! Go to https://www.youtube.com/@WhatItsLikeTo2023 Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedIn0R4QUbhXAo42HAmQAnm7Support the show

Todd Jones has crashed into walls, been punched in the face, flown through the air,  tumbled down stairs, and fallen off high buildings, numerous times--willingly.  He is a professional stuntman for movies and television shows.  Todd also is a strongman: among other things, he holds a Guinness World Record for "hearting" horseshoes (bending steel with his hands).  Think all of this sounds almost impossible?  Todd says he's not superhuman--he has simply worked hard and not given up: the secret to his success is perseverance.  In this episode:01:56--How and why Todd transitioned from acting to stunt work02:39--What he learned at "stunt school"--including getting set on fire04:35--How to land correctly from a fall06:28--Todd's first stunt gig08:10--His role on "The Newsroom" that kick-started his career10:53--A typical day on set12:30--The two biggest stunts Todd has ever done on screen17:29--The qualities needed to be a stunt person21:08--What his family thinks watching him on screen22:26--How Todd got started bending steel 25:29--The process of setting a Guinness World Record for "hearting" horseshoes27:33--The power of perseverance: how and why Todd came to believe this so deeply32:46--As you reach your goals, keep setting the bar higher: what else can I do?33:24--How Todd stays in shape34:38--The work schedule of a professional stunt person: "consistently inconsistent"As promised in the episode, here is a link to the episode of "The Newsroom" in which Todd appeared with Jeff Daniels: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2052565/?ref_=nm_rvi_nm_i_1Want to know more about Todd?Find him on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toddryanjonesWatch him on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ToddRJonesFollow him in Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddryanjones/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Jenell Jones has everything she owns with her at all times, and can travel wherever she chooses (as long as the destination is on this continent!). Jenell is a full-time RV (recreational vehicle) traveler.   She spends her life on the road, but Jenell isn't lonely: she runs an RV club for other solo travelers, so they travel "alone, together."  In this episode Jenell recounts her transition to the RV life (she didn't even know how to drive an RV when she decided to buy one!), paring down her "stuff" to what she actually needs (one swimsuit and a few highball glasses made the cut), and talks about how she now spends her days: hiking in Alaska, biking in the Grand Canyon, and eating fresh $10 lobster in Maine.  "I love this lifestyle," says Jenell. "I feel sorry for my old self"--the person who worked a "regular" job and packed in as much as possible during her all-too-short vacations. Now her work, her life, and travel are all packed into one--one very long vehicle.  Jenell is offering a $10 discount to "What It's Like To..." listeners who join the Wandering Individuals Network RV Club.  Go to winsrvclub.com, and use this code: WHATITSLIKETO.h2a3R0Kjq22OGmdkw2BcIn this episode:01:33--How and why Jenell got started RV'ing03:47--A day in the life of Jenell in her RV07:13--Exploring: biking, hiking, visiting museums with other solo travelers09:24--Paring down her belongings to fit in an RV13:37--Key items to live the RV lifestyle16:03--Jenell's thoughts on the idea of "home"18:18--Safety while RV'ing18:54--Personal and logistical challenges she has encountered along the way24:42--Some of Jenell's favorite destinations31:58--The Wandering Individuals Network: what it is, how it works36:36--What Jenell has learned about the US after traveling around it so muchWant to know more about Jenell and the Wandering Individuals Network RV Club?Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/winrvsinglesConnect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winsrvclub/Check out her website: www.winsrvclub.comWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Silja Paulus spent a year pounding weights in the gym, tailoring what she ate (and often massively restricting calories), and sculpting her body--all for a few short minutes posing in a bikini and high heels in front of a panel of judges.  This is the life of a bikini fitness athlete, a form of bodybuilding that requires a particular form of dedication.  Silja had to train her body in a variety of ways--from lifting weights and learning to walk "naturally" in 3-4 inch heels, to dealing with "brain fog," a result of extreme calorie restriction.  Silja shares humorous behind-the-scenes stories too: getting spray tanned with other muscular (sometimes unclothed) bodies; 4:00am makeup calls; and why her best friend needed to shave her back. Silja also opens up about the dark side of this endeavor--women often temporarily lose their menstrual periods, and bodies can rebound and put on excess weight in the aftermath of a competition. Silja is now a health coach, and strives to compete in bikini fitness in a "healthier, more positive" way in the future. In this episode:01:50--Describing what "bikini fitness" is and how it fits into the bodybuilding world04:10--The importance of knowing how to pose correctly and walk in high heels06:55--What it's like backstage at a competition08:46--Why athletes scrub with dishwasher soap and shave everywhere before competitions10:32--The layers and layers of spray tans (and occasional naked bodies)13:22--What Silja would do after a competition14:32--Why Silja switched from marathon running to bikini fitness competitions17:40--How her training changed18:39--How her diet changed22:06--"Brain fog"--what it is and why it happens24:34--Silja's sudden, unexpected weight gain after her last competition26:00--Her new approach: listening to her body, treating it well28:43--Biggest misconception about bikini fitness athletesWant to know more about Silja?Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athleticmindcoach/Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silja.paulus/Link up with her on Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silja-paulus/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Everybody has a superpower--you don't have to be a superhero to have one or to know what it is.  Mary Beth Robinson, a "superpower queen," helps us find out what our special talents are, and how we can best use them to help ourselves and other people.  In this episode, Mary Beth describes her own gift of intuition, and then uses her unique ability to "tune in" to evaluate Elizabeth.  How accurate was she?  We reveal everything during the interview; share how you can find your own superpowers; and show why your creativity, joy and motivation can increase when you're working "in flow" using your own special talents.In this episode:01:44--What is a superpower?03:31--Mary Beth describes her own superpower06:10--How Mary Beth "tunes in" to help others discover their superpowers09:30--Her experience going through life being so intuitive about other people11:43--You can start integrating your superpower into your life right away21:05--Mary Beth "intuits" some things about Elizabeth28:44--Elizabeth reads an email Mary Beth wrote to her right after they set up the interview, and responds to its accuracy32:35--Mary Beth's advice on how Elizabeth can use her superpower moving forward38:27--How anyone can find their superpowersWant to know more about Mary Beth?Check out her website: https://www.superpowerinc.org/Tweet her on Twitter/X:  https://twitter.com/SuperpowerQueen  or @SuperpowerQueen Find her on TikTok: TheSuperpowerQueenWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

At age 10, Rachel Zemach lost her her hearing in an accident.  That obviously changed her life--but, she says, becoming deaf was one of her life's greatest gifts.  In this episode, Rachel shares her experiences going through the world with and without hearing, and offers advice on how hearing people can help and advocate for deaf people (including words and actions both to use and to avoid--hint: don't assume all deaf people can lip read!).  Rachel also offers her opinions about cochlear implants; teaching deaf kids and their parents American Sign Language; the strength and humor of the deaf community; and much more.  She spent many years as a teacher of deaf children, and recently wrote a book, "The Butterfly Cage," chronicling her experiences and observations.   In this episode:03:37--Describing coming home from the hospital at age 10 and realizing things were different05:13--How and why Rachel's love and language stayed strong07:21--Some of the "great gifts" she has experienced being part of the deaf community10:49--Frustrations and challenges Rachel faces14:31--Cochlear implants: what they are, how Rachel feels about them, and the benefits of learning ASL20:47--Why many doctors tell parents of deaf children not to learn ASL, and the harm that causes26:01--Rachel's thoughts on the state of advocacy for deaf people30:26-Rachel's advice to parents of deaf children31:25--The experience of writing a book about her years teaching deaf children33:42--Tips on things hearing people should (and should not) do and say to deaf peopleWant to know more about Rachel?Link up with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-zemach/Tweet her on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachel_zemachSearch up her website: www.rachelzemach.comBuy her book, The Butterfly Cage, at www.bookshop.orgWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

For most of us, climate change is a heavy topic. Ethan Brown has made it his mission to make environmental issues more approachable and understandable--by using humor.  His website and podcast, aptly titled "The Sweaty Penguin," is able to cut through the noise and the doom-and-gloom of the climate conversation with late-night-comedy-style monologues and in-depth conversations with leading global experts on a variety of environmental issues.  In this episode, Ethan shares how he went from being a college student with an interest in satire (but not necessarily climate change) to using his voice--literally--for this important cause.  Ethan also gives concrete advice we all can use to help the climate crisis (and no, you don't necessarily have to become vegan and bike to work every day!).In this episode:01:48: Why and how Ethan got into taking a humorous approach to climate change05:04: How The Sweaty Penguin creates episodes--"deep dives," monologues, experts, and more07:48: How Ethan weaves "the philosophy of comedy" into his podcasts09:38: Dealing with climate change as a scientific--not a political--issue12:54: Why Ethan feels optimistic about the future15:46: Five things we all can do to help the climate crisis19:59: Addressing the vegan vs. meat-eating debate in the climate change conversation27:36: What Ethan has learned about himself and about the issues in the past few yearsWant to know more about Ethan and The Sweaty Penguin?Follow them on Instagram: @ethanbrown5151, @sweatypenguinpodFind them on TikTok: @ethanbrown5151, @sweatypenguinpodSearch for them on X: @ethanbrown5151, @sweatpenguinpodGo to The Sweaty Penguin website: www.thesweatypenguin.com Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

In 2008, Celeste Mergens was volunteering at an orphanage in Kenya when she saw an issue that she couldn't ignore, and decided to try to help improve it.  Through some trial and error, and lots of listening, humility and determination, she founded Days for Girls, which champions women's health and menstrual equity.  Days for Girls has now served 3 million women and girls in 145 countries.  In this episode, Celeste shares stories of Days for Girls (including iterations of the washable pads they provide--she says the first one "was a horrible design, and I could say that because I designed it!")--and the other educational and stigma-shattering goals of the organization.  Celeste also shares her personal journey from a childhood filled with poverty and shaming, to setbacks in her educational goals.  Celeste's insights and perspective into the "seasons" in life, and her belief that all of her experiences taught and led her where she needed to go, are proof that no divide is impossible to bridge.  She recently released a book, entitled "The Power of Days."In this episode:02:05--How Celeste got the idea to start her organization, Days for Girls, and what it does06:33--Celeste's childhood, growing up moving often, sometimes homeless, and how that impacted her outlook11:19--Turning our weaknesses into strengths; reframing our interpretation of experiences14:39--Celeste's career journey (engineer, roofer, writer's conference founder)21:58--What inspired her to start an organization to strive for menstrual equity25:41--The importance of listening, getting feedback from the community to iterate and reiterate on the products and services31:22--What inspired her to write her book, "The Power of Days"33:17--Her advice to others interested in starting non-profit organizations34:35--The importance of gratitude (her license plate even reads GRATA2D!)Want to know more about Celeste and Days for Girls?Find out about Days for Girls: daysforgirls.orgCeleste's website (including a link to her book, "The Power of Days"): https://celestemergens.com/Connect with her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestemergensFind her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celeste.mergensWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Andrew Backer decided to enter his first-ever bicycle race--but not just any old competition: the Trans Am Bike Race, a self-supported, ultra-distance ride that takes weeks to complete (21 days, for Andrew).  Not only did Andrew do it, and complete the ride (a feat in itself); he was sixth overall, and the first American to finish!  In this episode he shares what inspired him to go from weekend rider to racing 4200 miles across 10 states; how he figured out the strategies involved in this particular race (how much--and where--to sleep at night; why it's best to buy food at gas station convenience stores); what it was like to bike through hail, sheets of rain, extreme heat, and driving wind; and how the mental game was as important as the physical preparation to get to the finish line.  Andrew also shares snapshots of lovely Americans he met along the route who helped him with encouraging words, an offer to fix a tire spoke, and a meatloaf sandwich.In this episode:01:53: What inspired Andrew to take on this challenge04:06: Describing a "self-supported, ultra-distance" bike race05:34: Why several racers dropped out, and mechanical issues Andrew faced along the way12:46: How many miles Andrew rode each day, and how much sleep he got15:45: The obstacles riders dealt with along the route18:00: What Andrew ate to fuel himself--but not weigh himself down21:41: Kind people helping the riders across America23:33: The times doubt or worry crept into Andrew's mind during the three week-long journey31:38: How he entertained himself while riding39:13: Andrew's creative ways to earn money to pay for the race expenses40:16: "You can't do it alone"41:38: How it felt to cross the finish line on day 21Want to know more about Andrew and the Trans Am Bike Race?Watch this interview with him during the race: https://youtu.be/vnLy41GFLwACheck out the Trans Am Bike Race's website: https://transambikerace.com/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

When Adesuwa Elaiho was a little girl, she pretended to be a contestant on cooking shows; now, she actually is one!  Adesuwa is one of the 12 bakers competing  on the Food Network's "Halloween Baking Championship." On this episode, she shares the inside scoop about life on the set of a baking reality show--from the time pressure to what happens when your cake falls apart; how she felt about being judged for her bakes, and her nervousness about how she'd be portrayed after the show was edited.  Adesuwa is a classically-trained chef (she has four degrees from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris), so creating gory, Halloween-themed treats stretched her beyond her comfort zone!  But she came away from the experience feeling validated and grateful.In this episode:03:33--Adesuwa's childhood dreams about being on the Food Network04:56--Her strategy to prepare to be on the Halloween Baking Championship06:30--The challenges of baking under time pressure10:40--How the contestants worked together and agreed not to "sabotage" each other13:34--How a classically-trained chef created gory, Halloween-themed desserts15:42--Adesuwa's thoughts about being judged on the show20:14--Baking with cameras constantly in your face27:39--Getting into the right frame of mind each day before taping the show34:13--Adesuwa's tips for home bakersWant to know more about Adesuwa?Find out about the "Halloween Baking Championship": https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/halloween-baking-championshipConnect with her pastry shop, Asukar: www.myasukar.comWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Barbara Legere experienced every parent's ultimate nightmare: her child died.  Her son took his own life, after years of struggling with mental health issues and addiction.  After an intense period of feeling "in a fog," Barbara started writing, which eventually became a bestselling book, called "Keven's Choice."  In this episode, Barbara shares very personal stories about Keven's life as a boy; his challenges with drugs and his time incarcerated; his stints in rehab; and her experiences on this journey with her beloved son, including why she never gave him "tough love" and what it has been like to survive his loss and to keep going.  Barbara has endured plenty of judgement from others along the way, but her unconditional love for her son, and her empathy for others motivate her to spread awareness of substance abuse and mental illness.  She recently released a second book, entitled "Talk to Me I'm Grieving."In addition to writing, Barbara is a volunteer for for the non-profit TIP (Trauma Intervention Program) where she is called on scene by first responders to give emotional support and help to those involved in traumatic incidents, typically involving the death of a loved one. She also advocates for grief awareness, suicide prevention, and compassion for substance abuse disorder.If you or anyone you know needs support, text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.In this episode:02:27: What Keven was like as a child07:02: The day Keven ended his life 12:20: Best things to say and do--and not to say and do--after someone has lost a loved one20:08: Keven's experiences in jail and rehab25:10: Barbara's journey writing her first book30:29: The TIP (Trauma Intervention Program) for which Barbara volunteers33:16: Confronting the stigma around mental illness and substance abuse, and judgement from neighbors and strangers37:48: Barbara's advice for people who are grieving--and their friendsWant to know more about Barbara?Find all of her social media, podcasts and articles here: https://linktr.ee/BarbaraLegere925Learn about her books: "Keven's Choice, A Mothers Journey Through Her Son's Mental Illness, Addiction and Suicide": https://smile.amazon.com/Kevens-Choice-Mothers-Journey-Addiction-ebook/dp/B09WL1QP6G/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8; "Talk To Me I'm Grieving: Supportive Ways to Help Someone Through Grief": https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Me-Im-Grieving-Supportive/dp/1957430168 Sign up for her newsletter: www.barbaralegere.comFor more information about TIP (the Trauma Intervention Program): https://www.tipnational.org/ Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Movies and TV shows often take us behind the scenes of the New York Police Department--but the truth is often stranger than fiction.  Vic Ferrari spent 20 memorable years as a member of the NYPD, most of them as a detective.  In this episode, he shares stories from his many hours on the job, and on the streets:  targeting car thieves; sitting overnight with a just-deceased man; working at Ground Zero on 9/11; and lots of crazy anecdotes too (like how he almost got his gun belt stolen from a bathroom stall).  Learn about what goes on during the different shifts--and which one is known for "big game hunting"--and why, despite everything, Vic doesn't consider himself "brave."In this episode:Vic's interest in police work began at a young age (02:04)Inside the Police Academy (02:55)Qualities you need to be a good police officer (06:36)Why you can't play your day (or your week) in the NYPD (09:01)How you get yourself to repeatedly go into dangerous situations (13:11)One example of "I can't believe this was my work day today"(17:17)Day shift vs. 4:00-midnight shift vs. overnight shift (21:09)Why a sense of humor is essential in law enforcement (23:32)Working in the auto theft division of the NYPD (28:31)Being in the NYPD on 9/11 (31:41)Want to know more about Vic?Find him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicferrarinypd/Follow him on X:  @VicFerrari50 Check out his books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01IIQXLBCWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the showSupport the show

Making a podcast requires a lot more than just sitting in front of a microphone, hitting "record," and talking with a guest--as I've learned over the past few years.  To find out what it takes to make a good podcast, and make it grow, I turned to an expert: Colin Gray, the founder and CEO of ThePodcastHost.com.  Colin gave me tips and advice that can apply to other podcasters as well--and many of his tips can be used by anyone, in any field: be a good listener,  stop being a perfectionist, and more (listen to the interview to get his many other useful tips!).In this episode:Why do most podcasters get into podcasting? (02:42)How best to approach launching a podcast (03:42)Finding your "niche"--demographics vs. psychographics (07:51)Choosing which ways to market a podcast (13:49)The "strength" and "sticking points" of podcasting (16:47)How Colin got into podcasting and created ThePodcastHost.com (18:46)Various ways to make money from podcasting (21:32)How to make the process efficient and sustainable (27:09)Ideas to cut down on editing time (30:26)Marketing with video clips vs. still images (37:50)Advice to avoid "podfade" (41:21)Want to know more about Colin?Find out about his company: ThePodcastHost.comLink up with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colinmcgray/?originalSubdomain=ukWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the showSupport the show

Debi Silber experienced two major betrayals: first by her family, and then by her husband.  What did she do next? She didn't just sit on her couch and wallow. She used her story as her own case study as she embarked on a PhD about betrayal; came up with groundbreaking discoveries; and eventually founded an institute to help others heal and transform from their own betrayals.  In this episode, Dr. Silber shares her experiences with betrayal; why it feels so different from other forms of trauma; the discoveries she made about healing from betrayal; why she remarried her husband; and how the whole ordeal affected their kids.  In this episode:How and why Debi got into studying betrayal (03:24)Where Debi was in her life when all this happened (04:41)Why betrayal is different from other traumas (08:13)Why she remarried her husband: "rebuilding is always a choice" (10:06)How the betrayal affected their kids (12:24)Signs of post-betrayal syndrome (15:48)The five stages of betrayal (21:32)The importance of group support in moving through the stages (37:07)Want to know more about Debi?Check out her website and business: https://thepbtinstitute.com/Read her books: https://thepbtinstitute.com/books/Follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debisilber/?hl=enWant to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Eleven years ago, Terry Tucker learned he had an extremely unusual form of melanoma.  Since then he has had two amputations, one of his foot and later of his leg above the knee.  He recently learned he also has tumors in his lungs.  Terry has endured physical pain most of us will never know.  Yet, as he says, "Suffering is optional."  Terry has been more than resilient--he has used his experiences to gain perspectives on life that everyone can use: control your mindset and work towards continual self improvement.  In this episode, Terry shares his journey from Division I college basketball athlete to successful careers in law enforcement and business, to his current role as "cancer warrior."  He has powerful words of wisdom that you won't soon forget.In this episode:Terry explains his extremely rare form of melanoma (03:28) Terry's journey with the medication interferon, and its effect on him (05:01)  Why Terry believes it's important to ask a lot of questions, be your own best advocate, and stay curious (10:56)What led to Terry's foot needing to be amputated (12:23) His reaction when he learned his foot would be removed (14:17)What led to Terry's second above-the-knee amputation (18:54)Where Terry's motivation and positive outlook comes from (24:41)Why Terry does at least one thing every day that scares him (29:33)Terry's thoughts on people being born "full"--not "empty" (37:02)Terry's "Four Truths" (38:15)What cancer has taken from Terry--and what it has NOT taken (and never will) (45:58)Want to know more about Terry?Order his book, Sustainable Excellence, Ten Principles to Leading Your Uncommon and Extraordinary Life, here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GLGVTVSCheck out his website, Motivational Check: https://www.motivationalcheck.com/  Link up with him on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/terry-tucker-9b5605179/Find him on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/motivationalcheckTweet him on Twitter:  https://mobile.twitter.com/terrytucker201Check him out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sustainableexcellenceauthor/Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Dave Albin knows all the reasons you don't want to walk with bare feet on 1000 degree hot coals--after all, he didn't want to do it either!  He was first presented with the opportunity at a Tony Robbins seminar many years ago.  But he did it--and soon thereafter was working as the Fire Captain for Robbins.  Albin now runs his own company, Firewalk Adventures, where he uses fear-based elements like glasswalking, firewalking, board breaking, arrow breaking, and fire eating to show people what is really possible in life.  Albin has seen (thousands of times) how the fears you don't overcome become your limits.  Firewalking shows that when you take a first step--don't stop! Keep moving forward.As mentioned in the episode, here is the link to Oprah Winfrey's firewalk with Tony Robbins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iypdbvsDkOoIn this episode:What is a firewalk?  (02:05)Dave's first experience firewalking at a Tony Robbins seminar (08:58)The feeling after accomplishing a firewalk (17:17)How Dave began working with Tony Robbins (19:28)Branching out on his own with Firewalk Adventures (21:58)What corporations/employees get out of firewalking and glasswalking experiences (23:31)The  long-term benefits of breaking through fear (28:05)Dave's past experiences as an alcoholic and how he turned his life around (31:28)Main lessons Dave learned from working with Tony Robbins (33:44)The role gratitude plays in Dave's life today (40:34)Want to learn more about Dave?Find him on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-albin/Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firewalkadventures/Explore the Dave Albin Firewalk Academy at https://firewalkadventures.com.  On the top row of tabs, click on "Firewalk Academy"--on that page, click on the "Schedule a Call" button.  Use this code for a discount: 6 8 28. Want to know more about "What It's Like To..."?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List to receive our newsletters and insiders' information! Go to whatitsliketo.net (sign-ups are at the bottom of the page)Follow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show

Elizabeth explains why she's replaying the episode, "What It's Like to be a Voice Actor" with John Malone (hint: she's away on vacation--but there's more to it than that); and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what went on during the taping of John's interview.Show notes from John's episode:A voice actor can be a silly animated bear one day, the voice on a luxury car commercial the next day, and ALL the characters in an audio book the following day.  On this episode, John Malone--an award-winning professional voice talent--shares what it takes to do his job... and do it well: from what a home recording studio should include, to how he finds the voices for his wide-ranging repertoire. There are two words in the job title: voice actor--and both are critical to success!  The acting part is huge; this job is not just about having a "good voice."  It also takes a lot of hustle and a lot of training and a lot of hard work.  If you think this is an easy money, work-from-home-in-your-pajamas type of job... think again. John has an inspiring story of shifting to this career mid-life that may inspire you to re-think your path as well.Want to know more about John?Check out his website, Malone Zone (where you can hear lots of samples of his work):  malonezone.comConnect with him on Facebook: @MaloneZoneVOFind him on Twitter: @TheMaloneZoneFollow him on Instagram: @malonezonevoWant to know more about the "What It's Like To..." podcast?Sign up to be on our Insiders' List! Go to whatitsliketo.netFollow us on social media:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInSupport the show