How Much Can I Make? — Real Jobs. Real Stories. Career Insights

Ever wonder what it’s really like to have a job on Broadway? In this star-powered episode, we sit down with the dazzling Lauren Blackman, a seasoned Broadway actress who's built an impressive career on and off the big stage. From understudying Marian in The Music Man (yes, alongside Hugh Jackman!) to originating roles in shows like Anastasia and Lempicka, Lauren gives us an all-access pass to the world of professional theater.

We dive into the real-deal career insights: how to land an agent, nail auditions, keep your voice and sanity intact, and stay resilient in a tough but thrilling industry. If you’ve ever dreamed of performing under the lights or just want to know what the job of a Broadway actor really takes—Lauren lays it all out with warmth, honesty, and a whole lot of sparkle.

Tune in to hear how she navigated her career, why storytelling fuels her passion, and how every performance is a chance to “give the dream back to somebody else.”

Click here to watch Lauren perform with Hugh Jackman at Radio City Music Hall!

Resources
Actors Access

Playbill Jobs

Broadway Express

Broadway World

Visit our website at https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/ to submit jobs suggestions for future episodes. Please FOLLOW us and/or WRITE A REVIEW and SHARE with anyone who's curious about their next career move.

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

Mastering LinkedIn - With Meg Columbia-Walsh

What if your dream job is only a few clicks away?

In this special episode of How Much Can I Make?, Mirav chats with powerhouse entrepreneur Meg Columbia-Walsh to reveal how to turn LinkedIn from a simple profile into a career-launching machine.

Spoiler: LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé—it’s a direct line to the people and opportunities that can change your life. Meg—trailblazing CEO, Columbia University Fellow, and the force behind four successful IPOs (yes, four!)—shares her insider strategies on making your profile shine, reaching out with confidence, and building a network that actually works for you.

Whether you’re job hunting, exploring your next career move, or just want to stand out in your industry, this episode is packed with practical, tips to help you land the job you’ve been chasing. 

Tune in and let Meg show you how to work smarter, not harder, toward your career goals.

For career change ideas →

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

Dog Groomer

What’s it like to turn your love of dogs into a full-time job? 🐶 In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, we sit down with Sara Gildersleeve, a seasoned dog groomer who’s spent nearly 20 years transforming scruffy pups into showstoppers—and building a career she loves in the process.

From suds and shears to wagging tails and loyal clients, Sara shares the real deal on what it takes to thrive in the world of grooming. She offers candid career insights on starting your own business, managing the physical demands of the job, and staying on top of trends (yes, mohawks are still a thing!).

If you're exploring new paths and think working with animals might be your thing, this episode might just be your sign. Tune in and get a fresh cut of career insight—no clippers required. ✂️🐾

Resources
How to become a pet groomer
National Dog Groomers Association of America

Visit our website at https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/ to submit jobs suggestions for future episodes. Please FOLLOW us and/or WRITE A REVIEW and SHARE with anyone who's curious about their next career move.

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

TV Producer Career Insights

Explore the career insights of a TV producer with Robin Feldman as she reveals what happens after filming wraps. This episode delves into the essential post-production phases, from managing tight deadlines and budgets to overcoming daily production challenges. Robin shares her journey breaking into the TV industry in Vancouver, highlighting key success factors like persistence, professionalism, and collaboration in a showrunner-driven environment.

Gain valuable job advice about broadcast vs. streaming schedules, union dynamics, freelance work, negotiating rates, and how side hustles can boost earnings. Whether you're considering a career change or curious about career opportunities in television production, this episode offers practical tips and insider knowledge about the job market and making money in the entertainment industry.

Additional related episodes include insights from a TV camera woman, a sitcom writer, and a network TV news editor, providing diverse perspectives on career paths in the TV world.

* Listen to the camera woman episode: <https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/episodes/tv-camera-woman-invisible-yet-essential?rq=tv>

* Listen to the Sitcom writer episode episode<https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/episodes/mcox9j001f097nm6l0gaanemfr0fns?rq=sitcom>

* Listen to Network TV News editor <https://www.howmuchcanimake.info/episodes/the-job-of-tv-news-editor?rq=tv%20news%20editor>

This episode was first published in February. 2025

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

Caterer - Entrepreneur

Ready to turn your side hustle into a real business? In this special Entrepreneur Corner episode of How Much Can I Make?, Mirav sits down with Marcey Brownstein— boss, and owner of a thriving catering company—to talk about the career path that took her from party-planner-on-the-side to full-blown food industry success.

Marcey didn’t start her job in food. But after years in another field, she followed her gut (and her taste buds) and started saying yes to small catering gigs. Fast forward a few years: she's running a bustling operation with a staff, a pro kitchen, and a reputation for events that wow!

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business, or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with career insights—from taking the first leap to managing a growing team. Tune in to hear how Marcey cooked up a career she loves—one plate at a time.

Listen to more business & Entrepreneur →

Connect with Marcey: https://www.marceybrownstein.com/

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

Dog Trainer

Ever dreamt of ditching your desk job to hang out with dogs all day? That’s exactly what Lisa did—and in this episode of How Much Can I Make?, she joins Mirav to share how she turned her passion for pups into a full-blown career as a professional dog trainer.

Lisa didn’t just wake up a trainer—she started by volunteering at shelters, soaking up every bit of canine wisdom she could. Over time, she built her skills, her confidence, and eventually, her own business helping dogs (and their humans) live better lives together.

From career insight on how to get started, to the real behind-the-scenes of what dog training actually involves (hint: it’s not all belly rubs), Lisa gives the full scoop. If you’ve ever thought, “Could I actually make a living doing what I love?”—this episode is for you. 🐾

Resources
American Kennel Club - How to Become a Dog Trainer
Animal Human Society - Becoming a dog trainer
Association for Professional Dog Training

Visit our website at HowMuchCaniMake.info to suggest jobs you'd like us to cover, and don't forget to follow us and share with friends who are curious about their next career move.

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

 Broadway Stage Manager

Ever wonder who keeps Broadway shows running like a well-oiled machine? Meet Billy, a Broadway stage manager who joins Mirav to share career insights from his 30+ years behind the scenes of hits like Hello, Dolly!, Art, and Master Class.

Billy’s job may not have been in the spotlight, but he was the one calling the shots—literally. From cueing lights to calming nerves and wrangling chaotic schedules, he’s seen it all. His career began in high school theater and took him all the way to Broadway (with a few unforgettable detours).

If you’re curious about the real engine that drives live theater—or just love a good backstage story—this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and eye-opening moments about the highs and hustle of stage management. Curtain’s up, let’s go!

More resources about stage management
Berklee College of Music
American Association of Community Theater
Backstage.com - How to Become a Stage Manager

Visit our website at HowMuchCaniMake.info to suggest jobs you'd like us to cover, and don't forget to follow us and share with friends who are curious about their next career move.

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.

 Food Manufacturer

Here’s some tasty career insight for all you foodies out there: ever dreamt of turning your homemade goodies into a real-deal business? In this episode of Entrepreneur Corner, Mirav sits down with Lisa Protter—CEO and co-founder of Organic Nectars—to talk about her job as a food manufacturer and the wild ride from basement startup to full-on warehouse operation in the Hudson Valley.

Lisa carved out a career in clean, organic, plant-based treats long before “dairy-free” and “raw agave” hit the mainstream. She shares how she scaled her passion project into a thriving business that handles everything in-house—from importing ingredients to manufacturing and distribution. Spoiler: no co-packers, no shortcuts, just pure hustle.

Thinking about launching a food brand or just curious how your favorite alt-sweets get made? This episode dishes out the delicious truth of food entrepreneurship. Grab a snack and tune in!

FDA - How to Start a Food Business

Cornell Food Venture Center

How to Start a Food Business from Home

Visit our website at HowMuchCaniMake.info to suggest jobs you'd like us to cover, and don't forget to follow us and share with friends who are curious about their next career move.

Trying to figure out what career might actually fit you? Take my QUICK CAREER QUIZ  and see your matches, NO EMAIL, NO HUSTLE,  just 5 questions:
Visit howmuchcanimake.info

Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation

About the host: Mirav Ozeri has always been drawn to storytelling and journalism, especially the stories of everyday people.

In the 90’s She founded her own video production company, producing, directing, and editing documentaries and videos for political organizations which led to a 17-year career at CBS News, where she served as a producer/editor, helped launch CBS MarketWatch, and later worked as a senior editor and segment producer until the program was acquired by Dow Jones.

During her years at CBS, Mirav developed and produced a television pilot built around a simple idea: giving people an honest look at what different careers are really like. Although the pilot was never picked up, the concept stayed with her. Years later, she brought it back as How Much Can I Make?, a podcast that explores real jobs, real stories, and the many paths people take to build a career.