Sparky Life

Send us Fan Mail

On today's Sparky Life, Mae, the Highway Hopper, and her husband Sean share their journey of leaving traditional jobs to start Orbital Jump Freight, a trucking company. They sold their house to fund the business, initially living in the truck as they ventured into the industry. Their story showcases a bold decision to pursue a life on the road, resonating with their passion for freedom and exploration through trucking.

Connect with our guest Mae: @highway.hopper

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, the host Lia Lamela speaks with the author of Confidence For Young Adults, Matt Eisenberg.  "The purpose of this book, deeply rooted in my soul, is to empower our young adults—the torchbearers of tomorrow. By fostering their confidence, resilience, and self-belief, I hope to inspire them to become the embodiment of generosity, kindness, love, and fulfillment. May they not only discover their highest selves but also light the path for others." Matt and Lia discuss career paths, our education system, and skills for success.

Contact Matt @ [email protected]
Website: https://confidenceskillsforyoungadults.com/

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, the host Lia Lamela speaks with the owner of Diamond Electric Solutions, Dominic Sonesen. They explore the journey from an IBEW apprentice to a successful business owner. Dominic highlights the perks of the electrical trade, from benefits to the joy of project completion, and the motivation derived from family. The episode is a testament to the skilled trades' potential and the value of mentorship for the next generation of tradespeople.


Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia
@diamond_electrical_solutions

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this engaging episode host Lia Lamela sits down with Val and Emily, seasoned wastewater treatment plant operators and returning Sparky Life guests. They discuss the intricacies of wastewater management and highlighting the importance of flushing protocols. These women value their trade, emphasizing their contributions to safety, community, and morale in the workplace.

First Sparky Life Episode with Emily and Val Waste Water Operators
From Sewage to Superheros: The Waste Water Industry

Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Building Success in the Electrical Contracting Business: Insights from Rudy @Right_Wire_Electric

As the host of the Sparky Life podcast, I've had the privilege of speaking with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the skilled trades. In this episode, I sit down with Rudy , better known as @Right_Wire_Electric, to delve into his 25-year journey in the electrical contracting business and his unique leadership style.

Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Connect with our guest Rudy: @Right_Wire_Electric

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode , Lia Lamela welcomed electrician Andrea O'Connell, who shared her empowering story of transitioning from a struggling single mother to a passionate tradeswoman. Andrea recounted her serendipitous entry into the construction industry, where she discovered a fulfilling career path. She candidly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her apprenticeship and the importance of finding supportive employers. Andrea's determination to succeed in a male-dominated field and her advocacy for women in trades shone through as she spoke about overcoming stereotypes and using social media to inspire others. Her journey underscores the skilled trades as a viable and rewarding option for financial stability and personal growth, particularly for single parents.

Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Connect with our guest Andrea: @The_Electrician_Chick

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

Be a part of history!

Raya Kenney website is 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
 
Connect with Andrea
Instagram:  @that_electrician_chick

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Ryan, an 18-year-old entrepreneur and HVAC apprentice. They discuss the urgent need for tradespeople and the opportunities within the HVAC industry. Ryan shares his proactive approach to learning and his plans to obtain multiple trade licenses. They discuss the academic system and encourage exploring various fields, including skilled trades, to find one's passion. Ryan emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and offers practical advice to those entering the trade.

In our discussion, we delved into the concerning trend of fewer young individuals entering the skilled trades. It's a topic that's close to my heart, as I've seen firsthand the misconceptions surrounding these essential careers. Ryan, with his entrepreneurial spirit, has recognized the immense opportunities that lie within the HVAC field. He's a first-generation tradesperson who has taken a proactive approach to his future, and his insights are a testament to the value of exploring the trades.

Forget the cliché of "follow your passion." I'm all about exploring as many avenues as possible to truly discover what lights your fire. Ryan's journey is a testament to this approach, and it's something I wish more young people were encouraged to do.

Connect with us:
@sparkylifeoflia

Ryan's Link:
@tradesovercollege

🛠️New Content Daily
📈Follow Me Along My Journey
💡18 Years Old In Trade School With A Vision
🧑‍🎓Empowering The Younger Generation To Do Better

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

Be a part of history!

Raya Kenney website is 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] 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Viola Vargas, is 12 years old and already a trailblazer.  She started her journey with the trades when she was a toddler and growing up she always loved working with tools with her dad. Viola started with cutting wires, but today she helps her dad with HVAC projects.  Not only is she skilled in HVAC but she is an athlete as well, taekwondo, soccer, and track and field. Viola hopes to continue in HVAC as she gets older. She is a proud member of the non for profit Women Pioneers In Unity since August 2023. At such a young age, she has already developed a keen interest in HVAC systems, a field that many might consider unconventional for someone her age. 

Sparky Life is on a mission to expose students to the vast career opportunities in the skilled trades. With hand-selected industry leaders, we're sparking direct conversations and building networks for the future craftsmen and women of America.

🤝 Support Our Mission: For just $3 a month, you can help us expand this program and reach more schools. Your subscription makes a difference! If you're connected to a school that could benefit from our visit, drop us an email at [email protected].

Even if you can't support us financially right now, your presence in our community is invaluable. I'm excited to share this journey with you.

Connect with our Guest Viola IG: @kickin2fixin

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

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

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia speaks with electrical engineer Ayesha Wilson about her career and advocacy for STEM outreach. Ayesha shares her inspiration from astronaut Kalpana Chawla and her path to circuit design.  Ayesha's dedication to teaching and mentorship shines through as she discusses breaking down academic gatekeeping and the value of collaboration between different skill sets in engineering. 

Ayesha is an Electrical Engineer committed to climate-focused technology solutions. She has worked on developing sensors for the restaurant industry, aimed at reducing water and power consumption in dishwashers. 

Ayesha has also worked on farm robotics, where she designed electronics for robots for harvesting fruit in hydroponic grows and designed solutions for UV treatment to replace chemical pesticides. Helping make farms more resilient to labor shortages and climate change.

She combines art and electronics to craft pretty PCB jewelry and conducts workshops in electronics, programming, and soldering. Ayesha is a strong advocate for open-source principles, sharing her designs to foster inclusivity in engineering and reverse gatekeeping.

Connect with our guest Ayesha IG: @Ayesha.ifiqhar
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/

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

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In our latest episode on March 7, 2024, Two Students Stabbed at Local 26 Electrical Training Center: Bullying and Mental Health in the skilled trades we discussed the tragic events which occurred on Feb 13th 2024 in Manassa, VA.  

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast we follow up on the heart-wrenching events that have shaken our community at Local 26. I sat down with a courageous member of our team, who, for their safety, remains anonymous, to discuss the recent tragedies that have left us all searching for answers and longing for change.

Our guest shares personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the atmosphere that seems to have taken root. From the disconnect between students and instructors to the concerning instances of bullying and harassment, it's clear we need to take a hard look at ourselves and the culture we're part of. It's time for a shift towards a more equitable environment.

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