Sparky Life
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Sparky Life episodes

  • The Hammer-Wielding Hero of the Collision Repair Industry

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    In this podcast episode, host Lia Lamela welcomes Chloe Williams, a panel beater technician at Lookers Body Paint and Body Center in Newcastle, England. Chloe shares her journey in the collision repair industry and how she discovered her passion for panel beating. They discuss Chloe's recent experiences, the allure of women in skilled trades, and the lack of women in her field. Chloe also talks about her daily routine and the challenges she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. Lia emphasizes the importance of self-validation and not seeking approval from others. 

    I'm grateful for your continued support and invite you to join us on this journey. Our podcast is also available on YouTube. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode. What resonated with you? What would you like to hear more about? Feel free to write reviews and share your feedback.

    Connect with our guest Chloe Williams Articles: https://www.instagram.com/p/CaVotdzPKFz/?igshid=YzcxN2Q2NzY0OA==

    https://edition.pagesuite.com/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=&edid=5360d043-0631-4590-942e-74194ee1323e&pnum=17


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
    "We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree"


    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    25 min
  • Unveiling the Artistry of Building Automation Systems

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    In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Kyle Veazey, an expert in building automation systems. They discuss Kyle's career journey, the diverse paths within the field, and the steps to enter the industry. The conversation covers various aspects of building automation, including different career paths, networking, and the importance of soft skills. Kyle offers himself as a mentor and shares his contact information for further engagement. This episode is a treasure trove of insights, personal experiences, and practical advice for anyone interested in building automation. I hope you find it as enlightening and inspiring as I did.

    Connect with our guest Kyle Veazey Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleveazey/
    Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia

    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
    "We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree"


    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    42 min
  • What is Work University?

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    In this podcast episode, Lia Lamela, host of the Sparky Life Podcast, speaks with guest Analisa Felix, the podcast host of Work University. They discuss Analisa's approach to conducting informational interviews with professionals from various careers. Analisa emphasizes the importance of uncovering the journey and challenges people face in their careers, rather than just focusing on the surface-level glamour. They also discuss the significance of finding passion and purpose in one's career, as well as the importance of self-discovery and exploring different career paths. Lia has had multiple careers, she can't stress enough the importance of understanding what a day-to-day job looks like before committing to a career. Analisa provides a realistic picture of different careers and help people make informed decisions.


    Connect with our guest Analisa: www.workuniversity.org IG: @workuniversity
    Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia

    Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Be a part of history!
    National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

    Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
    Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Here's the link to donate.
    https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/


    We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
    website
    www.PlatinumWealth.net

    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    29 min
  • An Electrifying Personal Trainer

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    In this episode of the Sparky Life Podcast, host Lia Lamela introduces her guest, Ki Barritt, an electrician and personal trainer for trainees. Ki shares her journey into the electrical trade and her passion for helping women in the trades through personal training. They discuss the challenges of being an electrician, the importance of access to basic resources like electricity and water, and the physical demands of the job. They also touch on the empowerment and independence that comes with being able to do home renovations and repairs. 

    We dive into the type of electrical work Ki does, mainly focusing on domestic work in people's houses. From small jobs to full rewires, Ki and her team tackle it all. She even shares a memorable job where they rewired a house with an incredible view, teaching her valuable lessons along the way.

    But it's not just about the electrical work. We touch on the physical fitness aspect of being an electrician and how Ki incorporates exercise into her daily routine. And we even talk about the empowerment and independence that comes with being able to do home renovations and repairs ourselves.


    Connect with us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia/videos
    Connect with our guest  Ki's links:
    Instagram. -
    https://www.instagram.com/thefemaletradiescoach/
    Facebook -
    https://www.facebook.com/kiomi.barritt/


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

    "We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree"


    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    54 min
  • The Parallels in Skilled Trades and Hunting

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    Are you ready for a thrilling episode of the Sparky Life podcast? Well, get ready because we have a special guest joining us who is going to take us on an exciting journey into the world of hunting and the great outdoors.  In this episode, Lia Lamela chats with Shilou Cote, a huntress and outdoor female mentor. Shilou shares her incredible experiences in hunting, from tracking deer to facing off with bears. Shilou shares her background in hunting and her passion for the sport. As they delved deeper into the conversation, They discovered some surprising similarities between hunting and working in male-dominated fields, like the construction industry. They talked about the challenges, the stereotypes, and the importance of breaking barriers. They also talk about the importance of grooming and self-care in these industries. Shilou shares, as a woman with skilled trades experience.

    Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
    Sparky Life Supports:
    Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Be a part of history!
    National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

    Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
    Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Here's the link to donate.
    https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

    "We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree.”


    We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
    website
    www.PlatinumWealth.net

    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    30 min
  • Is Traditional Education Failing Our Children?

    Send us Fan Mail

    Are you a parent struggling to teach your children important life skills? Do you feel like traditional education systems are not enough to prepare your child for the real world? In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Billy Ivanova, host of the Unlock Your Child's Potential podcast, about the importance of teaching life skills to children and the limitations of traditional education systems.

    Billy shares her mission to raise her children to be good humans and to fill the gaps left by the school system by teaching them important life skills such as personal finance and developing a winning mindset. Lia and Billy discuss the importance of introducing children to skilled trades and construction careers as potential options and the need for parents to provide their children with information about different career paths.

    There is a need for a more holistic approach to education and parenting, one that values life skills and vocational paths as much as traditional academic ones. It also emphasizes the importance of being present and supportive for children, while prioritizing our own personal growth and self-awareness as parents. So, if you're a parent looking to set your child up for success in the future, tune in to this episode of the Sparky Life podcast.


    Connect with us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia/videos
    Connect with our guest  Billy's links: https://www.unlockyourchildsfullpotential.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/your_childs_full_potential/


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/


    Music by
    https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    30 min
  • Why Build Your Dream Tiny Home?

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    Have you ever considered building your own tiny house? In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela speaks with Megan Pogoda, a tiny house builder and creator of Build it Betties, who shares her journey in the trades and the importance of having more women in the industry. Megan's winding path through different careers led her to build her own tiny house and start Build It Betties to teach other women about the trades. The most valuable lesson from this podcast is the empowering feeling of building and the importance of community, creativity, and problem-solving in the trades. Megan's mission is to create a safe and uplifting environment for women to learn and work in the trades, with healthy food, breaks, and stretching. Join Lia and Megan on this journey and create sparks in your own life.

    Thank you for joining the Sparky Life podcast. If you felt a spark in today's episode, please write a review and subscribe, like, follow, and share the podcast if you want to hear more of the Sparky Life. Let's create sparks in our own lives.

    Connect with us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia/videos
    Connect with our guest Build It Betties on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKY9XBl3MAY&t=68s


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/


    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com



    Support the show

    34 min
  • Exploring the Life of a Charter Boat Captain

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    Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a charter boat captain? In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, I speak with Captain Maria Gay, a charter boat captain with 17 years of experience. Captain Maria Gay shares her daily routine, the challenges she faced as a female captain in a male-dominated industry, and the rewards of providing customers with a unique and memorable fishing experience. 

    The most valuable lesson from this episode is to find a way that works for oneself and tailor the experience to the customers' goals and needs. Captain Maria Gay's story highlights the importance of determination and a positive attitude in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Overall, Captain Maria Gay's story highlights the challenges and rewards of being a charter boat captain.

    Connect with us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia/videos
    Connect with us on IG: @sparkylifeoflia

    Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Be a part of history!
    National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation

    Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
    Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial

    Here's the link to donate.
    https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/

    We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community.  You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
    website
    www.PlatinumWealth.net


    Music by: https://www.purple-planet.com


    Support the show

    35 min
  • Can Women in the Trades Build a Supportive Network?

    Send us Fan Mail

    Lindsay was introduced to the construction industry while studying Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo, where she landed a co-op assignment with a local soil testing company. When she first stepped on to a construction site, she instantly felt at home. Upon earning her degree, Lindsay quickly established a career in Construction Management at PCL Construction, where she developed a reputation for excellence and leadership in various roles, including Estimating, Pre-Construction Services and Project Management. Lindsay continued to develop her expertise as Project Manager and Director of Operations at Reid’s Heritage Construction and Senior Project Manager for Starlight Investments.

    Lindsay Reynolds is a liaison who understands there is a communication breakdown. Her mission is to bridge the gap and create a mutually beneficial experience for all parties involved in the build. A career which began as a project manager and evolved into a construction consultant.  Lindsay is an entrepreneur who owns her own business and host of the podcast She Wears Work Boots, empowering women in the skilled trades.

    Lia and Lindsay share their personal journeys and insights into the world of skilled trades, entrepreneurship, and empowering women. Discover how they break barriers, support each other, and inspire others to step into their own power.  Get ready for engaging banter, trade tales, and a dose of courage every Thursday. Subscribe now to join the movement and ignite your own spark in life and career.


    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
    "We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree."

    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com



    Support the show

    43 min
  • Why is the Risk of Suicide for Men so High in Construction Careers?

    Send us Fan Mail

    In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Aaron Huey, a carpenter with two decades of experience and a coach for tradesmen. They discuss the mental health challenges faced by tradesmen, particularly in Australia, and the importance of changing the "she'll be right" mentality. They also touch on the role of women in the trades, the need for soft skills training, and the cultural differences between the UK and the US when it comes to the perception of tradesmen. Aaron shares his coaching philosophy and how he helps tradesmen improve their mental health and overall well-being. Aaron shares his own experience with mental health challenges and how he turned to coaching to improve his own well-being. He now works to give back to the trades community by providing coaching and personal development resources to help tradesmen improve their mental health and relationships.

    Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
    https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/


    Connect with our guest  Coach Aaron Huey:
    https://instagram.com/aaron_wd_huey?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
    https://www.facebook.com/aaron.w.huey?mibextid=LQQJ4d
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wd-huey-6803341ab


    Music by https://www.purple-planet.com

    SUPPORT THE SHOW!

    Support the show

    48 min

About Sparky Life

From the publisher's feed

On Your Construction Network, welcome to The Sparky Life with Lia Lamela - Your Escape Route from Dead-End Jobs!

Tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Hate your current career? Discover how…