Time We Discuss | Career Exploration Podcast with Real Professionals and Real Stories

Time We Discuss

Career discovery and career exploration at its best! Listen to career discussions and interviews with people doing real jobs and find out what it's really like in the day in the life of various occupations. In this career podcast, learn about the jobs of various professionals. Learn how to choose a career and see if it makes sense for you to go to college or jump right into a career. This career and job resource is the ultimate guide for anyone exiting high school and trying to find the right job OR for anyone in their 30s, 40s, 50s looking to pivot into a new career leveraging what you know.

  1. 11h ago

    A Day in the Life of a Baker: Flour Power, Frosting Frenzy and MORE!

    Turn your passion for baking into a career? What does it really take to run a successful home bakery? In this episode of Time We Discuss, **Brandy Smith LeCours**, owner of Enchanted Flour Bake Shop, shares the realities of working as a professional baker. From custom cakes and oversized stuffed cookies to farmer's markets and wholesale partnerships, Brandy shares what life is really like behind the scenes of a growing baking business. You'll learn how she built a licensed home bakery, where she finds inspiration for new recipes, how she attracts loyal customers, and why running a bakery involves much more than simply baking great desserts. Whether you're considering baking as a side hustle, a full time business, or a career change, this conversation offers valuable insights into the rewards and challenges of the profession. **In this episode, you'll learn: What a typical day looks like for a professional bakerHow to start a licensed home bakeryWhether culinary school is really necessaryHow creativity helps bakers stand out from the competitionWhy farmer's markets are one of the best ways to find customersThe business skills every bakery owner needsThe reality of long work weeks and work life balanceWhat professional bakers can expect to earnIf you've ever dreamed of making a living doing something creative, this episode provides an honest look at what it takes to build a successful baking business. Enjoyed the episodePlease like, subscribe, and leave a comment letting us know what career you'd like us to explore next! ================================================================= Timestamp:00:00 - Turn Your Baking Passion Into a Business00:45 - Typical day, home baking business1:44 - Valuable lesson learned that is worth sharing2:35 - Coming up with new, unique baking ideas3:36 - Some unique flavors4:43 - Filing for home bakery license6:08 - Seeing what other bakers are doing, competitive advantage7:22 - Why start a baking business8:08 - Education required to have a baking business9:49 - To ship or not to ship10:25 - Changing paperwork and timeframes11:17 - Some example bakes (pictures) and the process12:29 - How many hours a week do bakers work?13:16 - All about farmer's markets, referrals, and customers15:01 - Hidden perks of being a professional baker15:43 - Consignment opportunities16:41 - Why bakers have the best job17:01 - Filling in business knowledge gaps18:14 - Why bakers have the worst job18:55 - How much time are you actually baking?19:56 - Niche opportunities20:43 - Thank you to Tara Thistlethwaite21:03 - Brandy Smith LeCours has the floor22:13 - Highlights24:04 - Salary information25:19 - Great pricing information26:06 - Outro ================================================================= Guest Information: Brandy Smith LeCoursEnchanted Flour Bake ShopChester County PA Weekly Farmers MarketsFinancial Advisor (Misty Lunch): Day in the LifeGrant Writing for Beginners, Become a Grant Writer and Work at HomeWhat It's Really Like to Be an Event Planner with Tara ThistlethwaiteWhat Is It Really Like Running a Home Baking Business?================================================================= Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    A Day in the Life of a Baker: Flour Power, Frosting Frenzy and MORE!
  2. Jul 26

    I Design AMAZING Astronaut Suits Every Day AND I'm a Voice Actor!

    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: What a typical day is like for a NASA engineerTraining astronauts for spacewalksHuman performance research and future Moon missionsEducation paths that can lead to NASANASA engineer salary expectationsHow Eryn became a professional voice actorStarting a voice acting business with minimal investmentFiverr, networking, and building clientsVoice acting income potentialThe importance of adaptability and lifelong learningIf 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. ========== Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:50 - Typical day for a NASA Spacesuit Engineer1:33 - How many projects happen at once for you?2:09 - Specific types of projects for NASA engineers.3:48 - Finding your path inside of NASA5:23 - Secret schools to get into NASA7:18 - Most proud project8:34 - Emotional Roller Coaster10:38 - Project Cycles11:20 - NASA isn't for you if ...12:26 - Why Being an Aerospace Engineer at NASA is the BEST Job13:34 - Getting started as a voice actor16:44 - How long to make money as voice over actor20:43 - Resources for aspiring voice actors23:29 - Secret to making a connection while networking24:48 - Shout out to David Benson25:14 - Talent has the floor25:51 - NASA Engineer Conversation Highlights26:45 - NASA Salary Information*27:43 - Voice Acting Conversation Highlights29:36 - Voice Actor Salary Information*30:18 - Outro *See website for references ========== Guest Info: Eryn Andrews Eryn Andrews Voice Acting WebsiteHypnotistVoiceover ArtistBecome a Professional Speaker with Michael HingsonWhat It Is Like Working as a Ghostwriter | Career Insights from Jordan RingWhat It Is Really Like Hosting The Dave Benson ShowVideo Game Voiceover Star - Gina ScarpaBecome a Self Published Sci-Fi Author========== Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    I Design AMAZING Astronaut Suits Every Day AND I'm a Voice Actor!
  3. Jul 19

    Violinist Shares the BEST Way to Succeed as a Musician

    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: What a typical day looks like for a professional violinistWhether you need a music degree to become a professional musicianHow musicians find paying performance opportunitiesThe importance of networking and building professional relationshipsMarketing yourself as a musicianPerforming with orchestras, chamber groups, and at private eventsWhy learning multiple instruments can increase job opportunitiesRunning Allegro Event Music and Learning AllegroSalary expectations for professional musiciansAdvice for anyone considering a career in musicIf 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. ================================================================= Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:46 - Typical day for a professional violinist1:43 - What violin practicing is like.2:49 - Opportunities to play music professionally4:14 - Getting a job as a musician5:18 - Importance of and how to network7:04 - Business to Business Networking8:59 - What successful marketing could look like11:37 - What Education Looks Like for a Musician16:11 - Insurance for Musicians18:27 - Learning Other Instruments and Genres20:23 - Busy Seasons and Quiet Seasons?22:02 - Allegro Event Music and Learning Allegro26:38 - A Business Lesson to Learn Sooner28:10 - Shout out to Tara Thistlethwaite29:03 - Conversation Highlights30:43 - Salary Information (see website for references)32:05 - Outro ================================================================= Guest Information: Wendy ProvencherLearning AllegroAllegro Event MusicAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Musician and Audio Engineer with ChromesthesiaWhat It's Really Like to Be an Event Planner with Tara Thistlethwaite================================================================= Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    Violinist Shares the BEST Way to Succeed as a Musician
  4. Jul 12

    Yoga Therapist Career: Yoga Healing, Job Satisfaction and MORE!

    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: What yoga therapy really isHow yoga therapy differs from yoga instructionEducation and certification requirementsWorking with private clientsOnline versus in person sessionsStarting your own yoga therapy businessMarketing challengesCareer flexibility and specializationStartup costsSalary expectationsThe best and most rewarding parts of the professionIf 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. ================================================================= Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:36 - Difference between yoga and yoga therapy3:20 - How long do you treat clients for yoga therapy4:44 - Education required to be a yoga therapist6:06 - How many hours do you work doing yoga therapy?8:16 - Yoga therapy in a home9:26 - How common is virtual yoga therapy vs. in person?10:36 - Should yoga instructors pursue therapist certification?12:20 - Niches for yoga therapists13:45 - Hidden business costs specifically for a yoga therapy business15:13 - Getting that first client20:05 - Somatic healing, somatic yoga, somatic movement21:45 - Worst part about being a yoga therapist22:56 - Best part about being a yoga therapist23:30 - Thank you to Bassanti23:51 - Talent has the floor25:22 - Yoga Therapist Career Highlights26:57 - Job data27:26 - Outro ================================================================= Guest Information: Anna TaylorAnna Taylor's WebsiteAnna Taylor's Book (code TWAD10 for discount)Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental HealthBecoming a Sports PsychologistBecoming a Mentor with Doug LawrenceRun Your Own Yoga Business the Easy Way!Becoming an Art Therapist, What's it Really Like?================================================================= Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    Yoga Therapist Career: Yoga Healing, Job Satisfaction and MORE!
  5. Jul 5

    Is Calligraphy a REAL Job? Find Out Now!

    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: How to become a calligrapherThe supplies and startup costs you needLearning calligraphy without a degreeWedding invitation designLive calligraphy at weddings and corporate eventsBuilding a creative businessFinding clients and growing your brandThe best and most challenging parts of the jobFlexible scheduling and seasonal workAdvice for aspiring creative entrepreneursIf 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. ================================================================= Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:33 - Calligraphy Business Supplies1:35 - Calligraphy Fonts2:10 - Calligraphy Training3:49 - Calligraphy Sets (Quality vs. Price)5:34 - How to Start a Business (Calligraphy Business)6:15 - Calligraphy and Personalized Gifts7:41 - Calligraphy as a Live Event Business8:40 - Quit Teaching9:42 - Working with Brands and Brand Agencies12:12 - Wedding Invitation / Professional Wedding Invitations14:00 - More About the Live Event Calligraphy Business15:04 - Education Needed to be a Calligrapher15:43 - Calligrapher is the Best Job16:14 - Calligrapher is the Worst Job17:57 - Creative Entrepreneurship and the Home Business19:52 - Calligrapher / Hand Letterer Perks21:18 - Creative Business Challenges23:14 - Thank You to Tara Thistlethwaite, Event Planner23:37 - Talent Has the Floor24:34 - Professional Calligrapher Highlights26:15 - Outro ================================================================= Guest Information: Alex ZimmermanAlex's Calligraphy WebsiteAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Become a Silhouette Portait or Caricature Artist (Emily Byrne)5 High-Paying Jobs for Former Teachers5 High Paying Jobs for Teachers Who Want a Career ChangeWhat It's Really Like to Be an Event Planner with Tara ThistlethwaiteBecome a Performance Coach================================================================= Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    Is Calligraphy a REAL Job? Find Out Now!
  6. Jun 28

    Home Baker Career: Sweet Surprises, Cake Decorating Disasters And More!

    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: How Kathy turned a hobby into a profitable home bakeryWhat a typical day looks like for a working bakerWhy cakes and cupcakes are her most popular productsHow Facebook helps generate new customersWhat it takes to operate a licensed home kitchenThe importance of organization and time managementCreative ways to grow a baking businessWhy helping people celebrate life's biggest moments makes the job worthwhileWhether 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. ======================================== Timestamp:00:00 - Turn Your Baking Passion Into a Business00:48 - A Day in the Life of a Home Baker Side Hustle01:25 - Baking Secrets: How to Freeze Cake Successfully02:41 - The Most Profitable Baked Goods to Sell03:30 - Transitioning from Hobby Baker to Selling Online04:59 - Marketing Your Bakery Business on Social Media06:24 - How to Avoid Tricky & Unprofitable Baked Goods07:03 - Using Edible Printers for Cookie & Cake Decorating07:48 - Launching a Driveway Cake Cart & Subscription Box09:03 - Hidden Barriers to Shipping Baked Goods10:00 - Consignment Shops & Alternative Places to Sell Food11:07 - Best Venues & Markets for Selling Your Goods13:00 - Catching Traffic from Neighborhood Yard Sales13:54 - Self-Taught vs. Culinary School for Professional Bakers15:00 - How to Level Up Your Cake Decorating Skills16:13 - The Best and Worst Parts of Being a Home Baker16:53 - Building a Business on Repeat Customers17:18 - The Hardest Parts of Home Baking: Late Nights & Power Outages18:37 - Baking Timelines: Why Cold Cake Travels Better19:56 - Understanding Pennsylvania Cottage Food Laws21:15 - The Strict Rules of a Licensed Home Kitchen22:46 - Hidden Perks: Driveway Cake Stands & Community Magic24:56 - Baking for Good: Supporting Local Non-Profits & Charities26:50 - Key Takeaways: Longevity, Organization, and Finding a Niche28:38 - Reality Check: How Much Money Do Home Bakers Actually Make? ======================================== Guest Information: Kathy Pry KP Cakes WebsiteSt. Agnes Day Room WebsiteIcing Smiles WebsiteIcing Images - Big Blue PrinterBake for GoodAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode: What It's Really Like to Be an Event Planner with Tara Thistlethwaite======================================== Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    Home Baker Career: Sweet Surprises, Cake Decorating Disasters And More!
  7. Jun 21

    Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk

    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: How divorce mediation actually worksWhether mediators need law degreesWhy emotional regulation matters in mediationWhat a typical day looks like as a mediatorHow lawyers transition into mediation careersThe challenges of working with couples during divorceThe biggest rewards and hidden perks of the professionIf 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. ================================================================= Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:43 - Arbitration and Mediation, What's the Difference?2:23 - Typical day for a divorce mediator4:17 - Do people use mediators alongside lawyers?5:27 - Personal qualities needed to be a successful mediator6:45 - 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 mediator13:15 - Mediator certifications15:17 - Learning how to run a business as a divorce mediator16:42 - Why a divorce mediator is the best job17:51 - Why a divorce mediator is the worst job19:21 - Work life balance for a divorce mediator20:16 - Hidden barriers to entry21:26 - Hidden perks for divorce mediators22:35 - Thank you Jolee Vacchi22:50 - Talent has the floor24:07 - Highlights25:58 - Outro ================================================================= Guest Information: Mardi Chadwick-Balcom, Esq.Mardi's WebsiteThe Regulated Lawyer PodcastFree Online CourseAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:HypnotistTrauma Coach: The Unexpected Healing CareerDay in the life of a Corporate LawyerFinancial Advisor (Misty Lunch): Day in the LifeWhat It Is Really Like to Be a Family Law Attorney (Jolee Vacchi)================================================================= Time We Discuss Links: Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads

    Divorce Mediation No Judges Just Real Talk

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Career discovery and career exploration at its best! Listen to career discussions and interviews with people doing real jobs and find out what it's really like in the day in the life of various occupations. In this career podcast, learn about the jobs of various professionals. Learn how to choose a career and see if it makes sense for you to go to college or jump right into a career. This career and job resource is the ultimate guide for anyone exiting high school and trying to find the right job OR for anyone in their 30s, 40s, 50s looking to pivot into a new career leveraging what you know.