In this episode of What’s Next?, host Lacey chats with Sean, a third-year Cardozo Law student whose path from pre-med to patent law is anything but ordinary. From navigating the grind of law school to working in healthcare during the chaos of COVID, Sean’s story is packed with curveballs, lessons, and a few laughs.

They get real about Law Review, why patent law excites him, and how music still plays a big role in his life—proof that you can chase multiple passions without losing your mind.

Listen in for:

• What law school is really like
• The leap from medicine to law (and why it worked)
• Why time management is the secret weapon
• Advice for making your own big career pivot

Whether you’re rethinking your future or just curious about the twists and turns of a life in progress, this episode’s for you.

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In this episode of What’s Next? with Lacey, Lacey sits down with emerging actor Dustin Damonte for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about what it really takes to pursue a career in acting. From the nerves of auditions to the exhilarating moments on stage, Dustin shares the highs and lows of navigating the early days of his career. He opens up about the realities of auditioning in New York, the transition from opera to musical theater, and the importance of community, routine, and mental health. His passion is palpable, and his perspective is both grounded and motivating — offering heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a refreshing take on what it actually means to "make it."

05:42 A Day in the Life of an Actor

19:07 The Audition Process: Challenges and Strategies

35:37 Building a Supportive Community

42:49 The Passion for Acting: Why We Do It

48:42 Proudest Moments in Acting

58:23 Transition from Opera to Musical Theater

01:21:10 Advice for Aspiring Actors

01:29:34 Conclusion and What's Next

Support the show: 

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next? 

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey 
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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In this solo episode of What's Next?, host Lacey gets real about one of the most stressful and isolating moments in any career: unemployment. Whether you've just been laid off, are between gigs, or considering a pivot, Lacey shares 5 actionable tips to help you navigate the uncertainty. 

From finding a bridge job that pays the bills, to figuring out balance the budget, to the underrated importance of finding your people - this episode is equal parts pep talk, strategy session, and personal storytime. 

If you're in your "unemployed era" (or just want to be prepared for when life gets messy), this one's for you. 

Highlights:

-Celebrating 30 Episodes

- Launching a Substack

- Topic of the Day: Unemployment

- Tip 1: Get a Bridge Job

- Tip 2: Be Smart with Money

- Tip 3: Networking Over Cold Applying

- Tip 4: Find Your People

- Tip 5: Let Go of Shame

Affiliate links:

Substack - https://substack.com/@laceydikkers

Founder of Rhize episode - https://pod.link/1715368900/episode/f78c69ab4034642a1b521bfe062f126a

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week, Lacey sits down with her college friend Amelia — and yes, they do start with a little nostalgic spiral about their first job mixing cocktails on campus. But from there, it gets into all things health tech.  

Amelia is now a Product Owner at a health tech company, and she’s got a story. We’re talking: prepping for the MCAT, applying to 20+ med schools… and then pulling out of all of them. Yep. Full pivot energy. She walks us through how she trusted her gut, started from scratch, and found her way into an industry she loves.

If you're curious about health tech, want the inside scoop on what a Product Owner actually does, or just need a reminder that it’s okay to change your mind — this episode is it. Amelia drops the kind of honest, no-fluff advice we all need more of.

Pour a coffee (or a cocktail), and press play! Enjoy!

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week, Lacey sits down with Britt, a Partner Manager in Emerging Sales — or, as Lacey puts it, a total powerhouse in the world of advertising and media (cue the Mad Men reboot).

Britt breaks down what it’s really like to work in advertising and sales — the pressure, the pace, and the pivot she made from media planning to a client-facing role in sales. They dive into her career journey, her agency experience, what drives her, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.

Whether you're curious about the advertising industry or just figuring out your next move, Britt’s insight is thoughtful, relatable, and full of sharp advice.

Support the show: 

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next? 

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey 
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week Lacey sits down with Seb, who is in his final semester of grad school, earning a dual degree in Business and International & Public Affairs. They dive deep into his decision-making process—why he chose grad school, why these specific programs, and how his internships shaped his career goals (spoiler: he's eyeing a future in Venture Capital).

Beyond academics, they discuss the challenges of the job hunt, what truly makes a career fulfilling, and the big-picture decisions that shape a professional path. Whether you're considering grad school, navigating your own career transition, or just love hearing about ambitious career journeys, this episode is packed with insight. There really is a treat for everyone!

Support the show: 

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next? 

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey 
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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In this special first solo episode of What’s Next? With Lacey, host Lacey Dikkers shares the story behind the podcast, why she believes informational interviews are the secret weapon of any career journey, and her hopes for the future of the show. She also dives into the types of guests she’s looking to feature—so if you’ve got a great career story, she wants to hear from you! And hey, it’s her first solo episode… so be kind.

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week on What's Next? With Lacey, podcasting expert Nick Castner joins the show to share his journey in the industry.

From launching his own podcast and turning it into a full-fledged company to getting acquired, moving to NYC and working with major names like Condé Nast and Atomic Entertainment, Nick has built an impressive career in podcast marketing and monetization.

He offers valuable insights into the business side of podcasting and what it takes to succeed in the field.

Tune in for a deep dive into his career and the lessons he’s learned along the way!

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week, Lacey sits down with Divya, an accomplished talent agent in the news and broadcasting industry. They first met at the start of their careers as Agent Trainees in a talent agency mailroom, and Divya has since grown into a powerhouse agent in the news department. With a mission to support her clients and shape the future of news, Divya shares her journey and the challenges she’s overcome along the way. Listeners will enjoy an insightful conversation about ambition, perseverance, and what it takes to thrive in a competitive industry. Enjoy! 

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.

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This week Lacey spoke with the brilliant Liz, a TV writer currently writing on a major streaming hit. Liz shares an insider’s view of what it’s like to work on her current show, her creative process, and how she draws inspiration for her own projects. She also opens up about the sacrifices and journey that led her to become a writer, and they dig deep into what it takes to climb the ladder in the industry, all the way from Office PA to the Writer's Room . Liz’s insights are certainly invaluable, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring writers and TV fans alike. Enjoy! 

Support the show:

• Please rate, review and share the podcast with your loved ones!

Need more What's Next?

• Like and Follow What's Next? wherever you are listening to the podcast
• Find me on LinkedIn and Instagram at @Whatsnextwithlacey
• Subscribe to my Substack @LaceyDikkers via https://substack.com/@laceydikkers
• For more info about the show and episodes; check out the website https://whatsnextwithlacey.buzzsprout.com

Hosted, Edited and Produced by Lacey Dikkers.