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Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work at NASA? In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with NASA engineer and professional voice actor Eryn Andrews to explore two fascinating careers that could not seem more different, yet both require creativity, problem solving, and a passion for continuous learning.
Eryn shares what it is really like working as an engineer supporting human spaceflight, including training astronauts, preparing for spacewalks, conducting human performance research, and helping NASA develop future missions to the Moon. She explains how engineers specialize in different areas, why adaptability is one of the most important skills on the job, and what it feels like knowing your work directly contributes to the success of astronauts in space.
We also discuss how someone can build a career at NASA. Is there a specific college you need to attend? Does NASA only hire aerospace engineers? Eryn explains why there is no single path into the agency and why people from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds can find opportunities there.
In the second half of the interview, Eryn shares how she unexpectedly launched a successful voice acting business while working full time at NASA. Learn how she got started with affordable equipment, built her first client base through Fiverr, expanded her network through conferences and professional communities, and turned a simple side hustle into a thriving second career.
If you are interested in engineering, aerospace, voice acting, freelancing, or simply learning about unique careers, this episode is full of practical advice and real world insights.
In this episode we discuss:
If you enjoy learning about unique careers and hearing directly from professionals working in their fields, be sure to subscribe for more interviews on Time We Discuss.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Typical day for a NASA Spacesuit Engineer
1:33 - How many projects happen at once for you?
2:09 - Specific types of projects for NASA engineers.
3:48 - Finding your path inside of NASA
5:23 - Secret schools to get into NASA
7:18 - Most proud project
8:34 - Emotional Roller Coaster
10:38 - Project Cycles
11:20 - NASA isn't for you if ...
12:26 - Why Being an Aerospace Engineer at NASA is the BEST Job
13:34 - Getting started as a voice actor
16:44 - How long to make money as voice over actor
20:43 - Resources for aspiring voice actors
23:29 - Secret to making a connection while networking
24:48 - Shout out to David Benson
25:14 - Talent has the floor
25:51 - NASA Engineer Conversation Highlights
26:45 - NASA Salary Information*
27:43 - Voice Acting Conversation Highlights
29:36 - Voice Actor Salary Information*
30:18 - Outro
*See website for references
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Guest Info:
Eryn Andrews
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Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Have you ever wondered what it's really like to work as a professional violinist? Is a music degree required? How do professional musicians find gigs? And can you actually earn a living performing music?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, I sit down with professional violinist Wendy Provencher to explore what life is really like as a full time musician. Wendy shares how she built a career performing at weddings, corporate events, private parties, and with orchestras while also running a successful music school. We discuss the daily life of a professional musician, how networking leads to more opportunities, why continuous practice is essential, and what aspiring musicians should know before pursuing this career.
Whether you're considering a career in music, already studying an instrument, or simply curious about the business side of professional performance, this conversation offers practical advice and firsthand insight from someone living the career every day.
In this episode we discuss:
If you've ever dreamed about performing music professionally, this episode provides an honest look at both the creative and business sides of the profession.
Subscribe for more real career conversations with professionals from unique and interesting occupations.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Typical day for a professional violinist
1:43 - What violin practicing is like.
2:49 - Opportunities to play music professionally
4:14 - Getting a job as a musician
5:18 - Importance of and how to network
7:04 - Business to Business Networking
8:59 - What successful marketing could look like
11:37 - What Education Looks Like for a Musician
16:11 - Insurance for Musicians
18:27 - Learning Other Instruments and Genres
20:23 - Busy Seasons and Quiet Seasons?
22:02 - Allegro Event Music and Learning Allegro
26:38 - A Business Lesson to Learn Sooner
28:10 - Shout out to Tara Thistlethwaite
29:03 - Conversation Highlights
30:43 - Salary Information (see website for references)
32:05 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Wendy Provencher=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Is a career as a yoga therapist right for you? In this episode of Time We Discuss, Anna Taylor shares what it is really like to work as a yoga therapist, including how yoga therapy differs from traditional yoga classes, the education and certification required, startup costs, salary potential, and the rewards and challenges of building a successful practice.
While many people think yoga is simply about flexibility and exercise, yoga therapy takes a personalized approach to helping people improve their physical and emotional well-being. Anna explains how movement, breathing techniques, mindfulness, and self compassion can help clients manage chronic pain, anxiety, stress, and other health conditions.
Whether you are considering becoming a yoga therapist, are already a yoga instructor looking to expand your career, or simply want to learn more about this growing profession, this interview offers valuable insights into the day to day realities of the job.
In this episode we discuss:
If you enjoy honest career interviews featuring professionals from unique occupations, be sure to subscribe to Time We Discuss for new episodes that help you discover careers you may never have considered.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - Difference between yoga and yoga therapy
3:20 - How long do you treat clients for yoga therapy
4:44 - Education required to be a yoga therapist
6:06 - How many hours do you work doing yoga therapy?
8:16 - Yoga therapy in a home
9:26 - How common is virtual yoga therapy vs. in person?
10:36 - Should yoga instructors pursue therapist certification?
12:20 - Niches for yoga therapists
13:45 - Hidden business costs specifically for a yoga therapy business
15:13 - Getting that first client
20:05 - Somatic healing, somatic yoga, somatic movement
21:45 - Worst part about being a yoga therapist
22:56 - Best part about being a yoga therapist
23:30 - Thank you to Bassanti
23:51 - Talent has the floor
25:22 - Yoga Therapist Career Highlights
26:57 - Job data
27:26 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Anna Taylor=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Professional calligrapher and wedding invitation designer Alex Zimmerman shares what it is really like to turn beautiful handwriting into a creative career.
From designing custom wedding invitations to engraving personalized gifts at live events, Alex explains how she built a successful business with very little upfront investment and a passion for creativity.
Learn how to get started in calligraphy, what tools you actually need, how much practice it takes, and why formal education is not required. Alex also discusses the realities of running a creative business, finding clients, working with wedding couples and brands, balancing flexibility with entrepreneurship, and overcoming the self doubt that stops many artists from pursuing their dreams.
Whether you are exploring artistic careers, looking for a low cost business idea, or wondering if calligraphy could become your next side hustle or full time profession, this conversation offers practical advice and an honest look at the profession.
In this episode we discuss:
If you enjoy learning about unique careers and hearing directly from professionals about what their jobs are really like, be sure to subscribe to Time We Discuss for new career interviews every week.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Calligraphy Business Supplies
1:35 - Calligraphy Fonts
2:10 - Calligraphy Training
3:49 - Calligraphy Sets (Quality vs. Price)
5:34 - How to Start a Business (Calligraphy Business)
6:15 - Calligraphy and Personalized Gifts
7:41 - Calligraphy as a Live Event Business
8:40 - Quit Teaching
9:42 - Working with Brands and Brand Agencies
12:12 - Wedding Invitation / Professional Wedding Invitations
14:00 - More About the Live Event Calligraphy Business
15:04 - Education Needed to be a Calligrapher
15:43 - Calligrapher is the Best Job
16:14 - Calligrapher is the Worst Job
17:57 - Creative Entrepreneurship and the Home Business
19:52 - Calligrapher / Hand Letterer Perks
21:18 - Creative Business Challenges
23:14 - Thank You to Tara Thistlethwaite, Event Planner
23:37 - Talent Has the Floor
24:34 - Professional Calligrapher Highlights
26:15 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Alex Zimmerman=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Thinking about becoming a home baker or starting your own home baking business? Before you preheat the oven, watch this!
In this episode of Time We Discuss, Kathy Pry shares what it's really like running a successful home baking business from her own kitchen. From decorating custom cakes and building a loyal customer base to navigating Pennsylvania home bakery regulations, Kathy offers an honest look at the sweet rewards and unexpected challenges of the profession.
You'll learn how she turned a passion for baking into a thriving side business, why social media is essential for attracting customers, and what aspiring bakers need to know about licensing, scheduling, and creating products people actually want to buy.
We also discuss cake decorating, subscription dessert boxes, repeat customers, home bakery laws, and the products Kathy refuses to make because they are simply too much trouble.
If you've ever wondered whether a baker career is right for you, this episode provides valuable insights into the day to day reality of running a baking business from home.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Whether you're interested in cake decorating, baking as a side hustle, starting a cottage bakery, or exploring a career as a baker, this interview offers practical advice and real world experience.
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Timestamp:
00:00 - Turn Your Baking Passion Into a Business
00:48 - A Day in the Life of a Home Baker Side Hustle
01:25 - Baking Secrets: How to Freeze Cake Successfully
02:41 - The Most Profitable Baked Goods to Sell
03:30 - Transitioning from Hobby Baker to Selling Online
04:59 - Marketing Your Bakery Business on Social Media
06:24 - How to Avoid Tricky & Unprofitable Baked Goods
07:03 - Using Edible Printers for Cookie & Cake Decorating
07:48 - Launching a Driveway Cake Cart & Subscription Box
09:03 - Hidden Barriers to Shipping Baked Goods
10:00 - Consignment Shops & Alternative Places to Sell Food
11:07 - Best Venues & Markets for Selling Your Goods
13:00 - Catching Traffic from Neighborhood Yard Sales
13:54 - Self-Taught vs. Culinary School for Professional Bakers
15:00 - How to Level Up Your Cake Decorating Skills
16:13 - The Best and Worst Parts of Being a Home Baker
16:53 - Building a Business on Repeat Customers
17:18 - The Hardest Parts of Home Baking: Late Nights & Power Outages
18:37 - Baking Timelines: Why Cold Cake Travels Better
19:56 - Understanding Pennsylvania Cottage Food Laws
21:15 - The Strict Rules of a Licensed Home Kitchen
22:46 - Hidden Perks: Driveway Cake Stands & Community Magic
24:56 - Baking for Good: Supporting Local Non-Profits & Charities
26:50 - Key Takeaways: Longevity, Organization, and Finding a Niche
28:38 - Reality Check: How Much Money Do Home Bakers Actually Make?
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Guest Information:
Kathy Pry
Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
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Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Thinking about becoming a divorce mediator? What is it really like helping couples navigate separation, conflict, and emotional conversations without going to court?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, divorce mediator and attorney Mardi Chadwick Balcom shares what it is really like working in divorce mediation. We discuss mediation versus arbitration, the emotional side of divorce work, burnout in family law careers, work life balance, mediator salary expectations, and the skills needed to succeed in conflict resolution careers.
Mardi also explains:
If you are interested in careers in law, psychology, counseling, conflict resolution, family law, or mediation, this episode gives an honest behind the scenes look at the profession.
About Time We Discuss:
Time We Discuss is a podcast and YouTube channel exploring what it is really like working in different careers. Each episode features professionals sharing the realities, challenges, salaries, career paths, and day to day experiences of their jobs.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:43 - Arbitration and Mediation, What's the Difference?
2:23 - Typical day for a divorce mediator
4:17 - Do people use mediators alongside lawyers?
5:27 - Personal qualities needed to be a successful mediator
6:45 - Do mediators need to have a law degree?
7:53 - Is your work mostly nights and weekends?
9:13 - How many divorce mediation sessions are needed?
10:35 - Do firms hire divorce mediators?
11:55 - Changing careers from a divorce mediator
13:15 - Mediator certifications
15:17 - Learning how to run a business as a divorce mediator
16:42 - Why a divorce mediator is the best job
17:51 - Why a divorce mediator is the worst job
19:21 - Work life balance for a divorce mediator
20:16 - Hidden barriers to entry
21:26 - Hidden perks for divorce mediators
22:35 - Thank you Jolee Vacchi
22:50 - Talent has the floor
24:07 - Highlights
25:58 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Mardi Chadwick-Balcom, Esq.=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Are you looking to start a business but aren't sure where to begin? This episode of Time We Discuss offers essential business tips and five in-demand service based business ideas that can be ready by fall. Learn how to start a small business with low investment and set yourself up for success as the holiday season approaches. Subscribe for more career deep dives and unique paths you probably did not know existed.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:31 - College Mentor / Academic Coaching / College Prep
1:25 - Professional Holiday Decorator
2:22 - Corporate Gift / Event Concierge
3:10 - Seasonal Property Maintenance / Leaf Removal
3:59 - Mobile Pet Groomer
4:57 - Outro
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Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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You went to school to become a teacher, now that's the LAST thing that you want to be. So what do you do now with a specialized degree?
Thinking about leaving teaching but not sure what comes next?
In this episode of Time We Discuss, we break down 5 high paying careers that teachers can transition into using the skills they already have from the classroom. From project management to recruiting, grant writing, and implementation roles, these jobs offer strong salaries, career growth, and surprisingly low barriers to entry.
If you are a teacher feeling burned out, looking for better work life balance, or simply exploring alternative careers for teachers, this video will help you discover realistic career paths outside of education.
In this episode, we cover:
We also discuss:
If you are wondering:
...this episode is for you.
Visit TimeWeDiscuss.com for the salary resources discussed in this episode!
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:22 - Project Manager
1:22 - Change Management Consultant
2:18 - Corporate Recruiter
3:18 - Proposal / Grant Writer
4:22 - Implementation Specialist
5:17 - Quick Win to Boost Your Career Change
5:48 - Check out Part 1 in the Series
5:59 - Outro
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Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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Thinking of becoming a DJ? Before you buy equipment or book your first event, listen to this first.
In this episode of Time We Discuss, live event DJ Nick Vecchio breaks down what it is really like working as a DJ behind the scenes. From weddings and school dances to corporate events and pool parties, Nick shares the reality of building a career in the DJ industry.
We discuss:
Nick also shares advice for people just starting out, including how to gain experience, find mentors, and build confidence behind the microphone.
If you love music, entertainment, live events, or are considering becoming a wedding DJ or event DJ, this episode gives you an honest look into the career.
Subscribe for more real career conversations and behind the scenes insights from professionals across a wide variety of industries.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - DJ typical day
1:33 - How to make money as a DJ, full-time
2:52 - Other gig opportunities to make money as a DJ
4:39 - Insurance for DJs
5:13 - Controlling the room as a DJ
7:35 - The DJ persona / the clown persona
8:14 - DJ Career path - Getting started as a DJ
10:10 - DJing for beginners
11:11 - How age can factor in
12:51 - How to mix live vinyl/digital
14:42 - Education for a DJ career path
15:49 - Social media and being a DJ
18:00 - Local Venues: Station 142 and Saloon 151
18:59 - The Professional DJ Career Path: Exiting
20:37 - DJ, the Best Career Because...
22:31 - Anecdote, Dad Rock
24:13 - Thanks to Tara Thistlethwaite, Event Planner
24:36 - Nick Vecchio has the floor
25:27 - Recap
27:43 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Nick Vecchio=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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What is it really like working as an art therapist? In this episode of Time We Discuss, Sarah Balascio shares an inside look at the world of art therapy, creative arts therapy, mental health counseling, and helping people heal through creative expression.
Sarah explains how art therapists work with clients of all ages in hospitals, schools, treatment centers, senior centers, nonprofits, and private practice settings. We also discuss how to become an art therapist, education requirements, salary expectations, career flexibility, and what actually happens during an art therapy session.
If you are interested in psychology careers, mental health jobs, counseling careers, creative careers, or helping professions, this episode gives a realistic look into the field of art therapy and what it takes to succeed.
In this episode we discuss:
Sarah also talks about her book, “Art Therapy Directives: An Intervention Toolbox,” designed for art therapists, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in therapeutic creative expression.
Whether you are exploring career options, considering graduate school, or curious about how creativity can support mental health, this episode offers valuable insight into the growing field of art therapy.
Subscribe for more career interviews and behind the scenes conversations about what jobs are really like.
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Timestamp:
0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Defining the Creative Arts Therapies
1:22 - Where you can work as an art therapist
5:02 - Is art therapy used for physical ailments?
5:48 - What age groups receive art therapy?
8:34 - Art Therapy Exercises and Art Therapy Activities
11:07 - Job opportunities for art therapists
17:49 - Why an art therapist is the best job
23:26 - Talent has the floor
24:46 - Thank you
25:03 - Recap
26:39 - Outro
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Guest Information:
Sarah Balascio=================================================================
Time We Discuss Links:
Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
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