Learning To Live Chaz Okada
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- Business
How do I want to live my life?
Well, my name is Chaz Okada, and I am a college student trying to figure out the answer to that question. Perhaps it is the ultimate question of self-awareness, but to me, the practice of self-awareness is the practice of observing the world around us. On this show, instead of being the "expert," I invite various guests, ranging from industry professionals to peers, who all have interesting passions and knowledge...and we explore how they have answered that question for themselves! This is the journey of how I am Learning To Live...
But I don't want to do it alone, so connect on social media:
Facebook: Learning To Live Podcast
Twitter: @l2lcommunity
Instagram: @l2lcommunity
Website: chazokada.com
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Adriane Steinacker: Physics Lecturer at Yale University Ep.012
In this episode, we sit down with Adriane Steinacker, physics lecturer at Yale University. Professor Steinacker has a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and is a highly regarded instructor amongst the Yale student body. Though her courses are rigorous, Professor Steinacker takes special care to help each student take charge of their education, and we talk about how and why that is important to her in this episode!
Notable Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
1:04 - Teaching philosophy
3:50 - Curiosity and interests
9:00 - Importance of mentors
10:18 - Women in science
13:05 - College experiences and advice
18:55 - Getting a PhD and thoughts on struggle
22:00 - NASA fellowship
29:55 - Philosophy of doing things by hand
34:14 - Inspiring students (and not demotivating them)
36:14 - On challenge, rigor, and greatness
41:20 - Quotes from class
45:30 - Final thoughts/encouragement
TL;DL: At 48:57, I give my thoughts and takeaways on the interview!
Connect with me! (links)
chazokada.com
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :) -
Brian Wampler (Pt.2): Founder/CEO Wampler Pedals, YouTuber, and Podcaster Ep.011
Brian Wampler, founder/CEO of Wampler Pedals, is a well-respected innovator in the world of guitar pedals! Working with artists such as Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, and Tom Quayle, he builds guitar effects that have made a lasting impression in the industry. In addition, he also has a very successful YouTube channel, podcast, and community on social media! In Part 2 of this interview, we talk about the internet, advice for working in the music industry, and choosing a meaningful career path!Notable timestamps:00:00 — Introduction2:17 — Distinguishing the Wampler brand6:05 — The old Wampler link farm and the internet8:25 — What would you have done differently for your business?14:23 — What are you excited about for the future?16:50 — Advice for people who want to work in the music industry?20:11 — Fame: what does it entail?23:58 — Advice for finding your passion27:44 — Dealing with negative comments/feedback30:04 — Getting the right mix for live audio33:00 — Following in family footsteps vs. finding your own pathTL;DL: At 43:43, I share my thoughts and takeaways from the interview!Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)
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Brian Wampler (Pt.1): Founder/CEO Wampler Pedals, YouTuber, and Podcaster Ep.010
Brian Wampler, founder/CEO of Wampler Pedals, is a well-respected innovator in the world of guitar pedals! Working with artists such as Brad Paisley, Brent Mason, and Tom Quayle, he builds guitar effects that have made a lasting impression in the industry. In addition, he also has a very successful YouTube channel, podcast, and community on social media! In Part 1 of this interview, we talk about his journey to becoming a pedal builder, growing his business, and social media influencing!Notable timestamps:00:00 — Introduction2:53 — How did you get into guitar pedals?6:23 — Brian Wampler's unique talent8:36 — First pedals modified and built9:50 — Analog to digital evolution12:55 — The early days and growing Wampler Pedals17:52 — Would you call yourself an influencer? (and various social media platforms!)27:17 — Working with Brad PaisleyTL;DL: At 30:12, I share my thoughts and takeaways from the interview!Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)
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Chuck Surack (Pt.2): Founder/CEO Sweetwater Sound, Inc. Ep.009
Chuck Surack is a lifelong entrepreneur: optimizing paper routes at five years old, building a 725 million dollar business, and rejuvenating several small businesses in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In the second half of this two-part interview, we discuss other online retailers (such as Amazon), Chuck Surack's role in Sweetwater, and his other business ventures. Listen to Part 1 (Ep.008) for more great advice from Chuck Surack!Notable Timestamps:00:00 Introduction1:19 Sweetwater, Amazon, and other online retailers4:40 How Sweetwater manages their customer relationships7:40 SEO and internet presence10:02 Chuck Surack's role in Sweetwater operations11:19 Spreading the Sweetwater message and letters from fans13:49 Warning signs in a business16:49 Chuck Surack's other business ventures20:01 Last words of advice TL;DL: At 21:19, I share my thoughts and takeaways on the interview.Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)
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Chuck Surack (Pt.1): Founder/CEO Sweetwater Sound, Inc. Ep.008
Chuck Surack is a lifelong entrepreneur: optimizing paper routes at five years old, building a 725 million dollar business, and rejuvenating several small businesses in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In this half of the two-part interview, he speaks about the importance of Boy Scout values, how he started working with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Kenny Rogers, and Dolly Parton, and the distinguishing factor of the Sweetwater business model. Check out Part 2 (Ep.009) for more advice from Chuck Surack!Notable Timestamps:00:00 Introduction2:12 The entrepreneurial spirit/getting started10:24 Business and the internet13:12 What is a sales engineer?16:18 Behind the scenes at Sweetwater20:20 Investors and owning Sweetwater23:44 Growing to a 725 million dollar business25:32 Turning entrepreneurial ideas into a real businessTL;DL: At 30:40, I share my thoughts and takeaways on the interview.Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)
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Shawn Dealey: Audio Engineering, Music Production, and Sweetwater Sound Ep.007
Shawn Dealey has spent the majority of his adult life touring with artists such as the Counting Crows, Avril Lavigne, and the Goo Goo Dolls, amongst many other bands. He shares his thoughts and experiences as a Front of House Mixer, Audio Engineer, and Production Manager. He also dives into the contrast between road life and working at Sweetwater Sound, Inc. in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I find his advice for aspiring audio engineers/producers/technicians very insightful!Notable timestamps:00:00 Introduction1:49 Front of House mixing6:53 First recording gig8:40 Life of a touring technician13:04 What artists did you work with?15:36 Building relationships in the music industry17:48 Mentorship/Advice for people interested in music production23:49 Working at Sweetwater26:14 Interacting with artists28:12 Advice for independent artistsTL;DL: At 36:14, I share my thought and takeaways on the interview!Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)