The LIV Lab

The LIV Lab
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Learn. Innovate. Venture. If you're a student, an early-career professional, or simply someone figuring out what’s next, The LIV Lab is your guide to discovering meaningful work in a changing world. I'm Livia, an incoming senior in high school, still figuring out which career path is right for me. Join me as I explore and discover various different STEM career paths. Each week, I bring you real, unfiltered conversations with trailblazers—from scientists and engineers to startup founders and creative technologists—who are redefining what success looks like. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of guests who are driving change in their industries: how they got started, what a day in their life looks like, the challenges they’ve faced, the pivots they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned. Whether they’re building breakthrough technology, launching bold ventures, or finding new meaning in their work, they all have one thing in common: they’re creating impact on their own terms. I'm here to help you explore career paths, ask better questions, and get inspired to build a future that excites you. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a launchpad for your next step. Let's explore careers together.

  1. You’re Not Being Ignored—Your Message Is | The LIV Lab Episode 30 ft. Carmine Gallo

    FEB 3

    You’re Not Being Ignored—Your Message Is | The LIV Lab Episode 30 ft. Carmine Gallo

    What if the problem isn’t your ideas, but just how they’re landing? You can be smart, prepared, and genuinely onto something… and still watch your message float right past the room. Painful. Confusing. Weirdly common. In this episode of The LIV Lab, I sit down with Carmine Gallo, who’s spent decades studying why some messages stick—and others quietly disappear, no matter how good they are. This isn’t about talking louder, adding more slides, or using bigger words. It’s about understanding how humans actually pay attention, why simplicity is so hard (and so powerful), and what storytelling has to do with getting people to lean in—at work, in interviews, and even in your relationships. We talk about persuasion without the salesy energy, clarity without dumbing things down, and why being “interesting” has very little to do with being flashy. There’s also a reality check on AI, attention spans, and the myth that great communicators are just born that way. If you’ve ever thought, “I know this makes sense—why isn’t it clicking?” This conversation might finally give that question a shape. Learn more about Carmine Gallo at carminegallo.com Check out his new audio original, Viral Voices, when it gets released on February 24, 2026! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6UyZ3VQrWsCq7tCFOedjkq?si=88cbaeae1e6d4593&nd=1&dlsi=c0b92289942347bc Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/viral-voices/id1746109065?ign-itscg=30200&ign-itsct=books_box_link Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Viral-Voices-Audiobook/B0D488T3BV 📩 Share your thoughts: Carmine talked so much about stories, so I want to hear one of yours. Tell me about a moment that stuck with you—and why it still does. Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com. 🎧 Listen in—and stay curious. 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Communication 01:21 Meet Carmine Gallo: Communication Expert 02:20 The Importance of Communication Skills 04:00 Misconceptions About Persuasion 06:49 The Role of Storytelling in Communication 19:21 Simplifying Complex Information 25:28 Thinking Like a Movie Director 32:05 Debunking the TikTok Brain Myth 33:33 The Power of Concise Communication 35:31 The Art of Storytelling 37:48 Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Modern Communication 41:39 Leveraging AI in Communication 49:53 The Importance of Soft Skills 55:35 The Lab Notes

    1 hr

  2. JAN 14

    The Business of Being You | The LIV Lab Episode 29 ft. Jeff Burgess from The BurgeCast

    What if you ran your life the way great founders run their companies? In this episode of The LIV Lab, I feature a blogcast by Jeff Burgess, founder of BCD Video and author of It Worked for Me. Jeff shares ten business principles that helped him build a $100 million company — from trusting your gut to holding yourself accountable. Throughout the episode, I connect these ideas to everyday life through one central theme: you are your business. Your values shape your culture. Your actions are your product. And your reputation is your brand. As the new year begins, this episode encourages you to aim high, move forward without waiting for perfect clarity, and build trust through confidence, listening, and integrity. 00:00 Welcome to The LIV Lab 00:24 Introducing Jeff Burgess and His Business Philosophy 01:46 10 Easy Business Rules That Apply to Everyday Life 01:51 The Power of OPFD: Speed, Accountability, and Quality 04:18 10 Business Commandments for Entrepreneurs 05:05 Connecting Business Principles to Personal Life 13:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections 17:47 Lab Notes

    22 min
  3. The Power of Partial Certainty | The LIV Lab Episode 28 ft. Charles Levin

    12/12/2025

    The Power of Partial Certainty | The LIV Lab Episode 28 ft. Charles Levin

    When you’re standing at a fork in the road, it’s tempting to wait for certainty — the “perfect” sign that you’re making the right choice. But what if the people who build the most meaningful careers aren’t the ones who feel 100% sure… but the ones who learn how to take smart risks without losing their purpose? In this episode, I sit down with Charles Levin — founder of Mu Avenue Press, novelist, former tech and business leader, and lifelong reinventor — to unpack what it really takes to choose a path when the future isn’t guaranteed. Charles shares how he went from studying philosophy and ancient Greek to launching businesses, writing bestselling thrillers, and building a publishing company — and what every pivot taught him about resilience, reinvention, and momentum. We talk about the 40–70% rule for decision-making (why waiting for 100% certainty can cost you opportunities), what poker taught Charles about calculated risk, and why purpose isn’t just a mission statement — it’s the people you impact along the way. If you’ve been stuck trying to pick the “right” option, this conversation will help you move forward with courage, clarity, and a compass. 📩 Share your thoughts: What’s one thing you’re 40–70% sure you should try — a project, a class, a leap, a conversation? Commit to it for one week and tell me what you chose. Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more episodes on risk, purpose, and growth.

    47 min
  4. Become More Than What You Struggle With | The LIV Lab Episode 27 ft. Maya Chupkov

    11/25/2025

    Become More Than What You Struggle With | The LIV Lab Episode 27 ft. Maya Chupkov

    What if the thing you’ve spent your whole life trying to hide… is actually the thing that makes you powerful? In this episode, I talk with Maya Chupkov. She is a podcast host, storyteller, documentary director, and lifelong stutterer. Growing up, Maya’s stutter shaped the classes she was placed into, the way adults perceived her, and the confidence she carried into college and her career. But instead of letting it limit her, she learned to see it as a strength. We talk about how she built a career in communications despite the very thing people told her would hold her back, how she learned to stop hiding and start owning her voice, and why vulnerability became her greatest professional asset. Maya also shares the story behind her successful podcast, Proud Stutter, and the powerful documentary she’s directing on stuttering, identity, and generational trauma. If you are feeling bounded to your challenges, let Maya's story be proof that your struggles don't disqualify you from success. You don’t need a perfect voice, a perfect résumé, or a perfect level of confidence to pursue the career you want. You just need the courage to start where you are. 📩 Share your thoughts: What part of yourself have you been hiding in school or in your career because you think it makes you “less than”? How have you (or how can you) use it as a strength? Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth. Learn more about Maya’s work and her podcast at proudstutter.com.

    48 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    Inside the Mind of a Google & IBM VP: The New Rules of Leadership | The LIV Lab Episode 26 ft. Nelson Mattos

    What if the real mark of a great leader isn’t how much they know — but how willing they are to listen? In this episode, I talk with Nelson Mattos, former Vice President at IBM and Google, whose career has spanned continents, industries, and leadership styles. From managing billion-dollar global teams to now running Karimu, a nonprofit that’s transforming rural communities in Tanzania, Nelson has seen leadership from every angle — and he believes its core has nothing to do with hierarchy. We explore how humility and curiosity can redefine leadership in the modern world. Nelson shares how learning to admit what he didn’t know made him a more effective executive, why diverse teams make better decisions, and how vulnerability and trust can drive innovation more than any management strategy ever could. He also opens up about his transition from tech to humanitarian work — and how purpose, empathy, and patience became the cornerstones of his second career. 📩 Share your thoughts: Would you have invested in Pokémon Go when it didn’t meet the quota? Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth. Learn more about Nelson’s work with Karimu Foundation at karimufoundation.org. 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and The Love Lab Podcast 01:33 Nelson Matos' Early Influences and Mentors 03:00 The Importance of Seeking Advice and Mentorship 03:59 Recognizing and Nurturing Talent 07:22 Pursuing a Career in Computer Science 09:37 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance 14:08 Building and Leading Effective Teams 23:11 Making Difficult Decisions as a Leader 27:12 Learning from Mistakes and Embracing Innovation 29:42 Listener Engagement and Social Media 30:03 The Essence of Leadership Without a Title 31:36 Navigating Hierarchical and Non-Hierarchical Environments 34:33 Adapting Leadership Styles to Situations and Cultures 41:26 Transition to Volunteering and Its Impact 47:20 Challenges and Adaptations in Tanzania 55:31 Final Reflections on Leadership and Personal Growth

    58 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    Your Guide to Navigating Your Career Like a Legend | The LIV Lab Episode 25 ft. Natalie Abou-Alwan

    What if success isn’t about climbing the ladder faster, but about how you climb it? In this episode, I sit down with Natalie Abou-Alwan, a lawyer, mentor, and author of How to Navigate Your Career Like a Legend. With over 25 years in global law and energy, Natalie shares what true “legend status” really means—why respect, integrity, and human connection matter far more than titles or promotions. We talk about how to balance ambition with authenticity, build a meaningful network, and lead without ego. Natalie opens up about her own nonlinear career path, the moments that taught her resilience, and the importance of recognizing burnout before it takes over. She also shares powerful lessons from her favorite icons, like Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, about mentorship, confidence, and helping others rise with you. For me, this conversation was a reminder that being a legend isn’t about chasing validation—it’s about how you show up, treat others, and stay grounded in your values. As you listen, I’d love for you to think about this: when people talk about you—in your work, school, or community—what do you hope they say? Is it about what you achieved, or how you made them feel? What do you think it means to live your career like a legend? Email me your reflections at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com Learn more about the podcast at thelivlabpodcast.com Purchase Natalie's book here During our conversation, Natalie shared two books that have shaped her outlook on careers and growth: The 100-Year Life by Lynda Gratton and The Portfolio Life by Christina Wallace Both explore how modern careers are no longer linear—and how embracing flexibility, purpose, and reinvention can help us live and work like legends.

    43 min

  7. 10/06/2025

    Why Confidence (Not Credentials) Closes Every Deal | The LIV Lab Episode 24 ft. Jeff Burgess

    What if getting fired—or dropping out—wasn’t a setback, but the start of something bigger? In this episode, we dive into the story of Jeff Burgess, who went from a college dropout with no direction to the founder of a multimillion-dollar tech company. His journey isn’t about luck—it’s about grit, self-belief, and learning how to sell yourself long before selling any product. From his father’s tough-love wake-up call to building a $100M business without a degree, Jeff shares the lessons that schools don’t teach: how to bet on yourself, lead with confidence, and turn every “no” into a new opportunity. Whether you’re chasing your first internship or redefining your path, this episode will remind you that your biggest asset isn’t your résumé—it’s your mindset. For more of Jeff Burgess, check out his latest book, It Worked For Me: My Life Seizing Opportunity and Building Success, and view his work at https://jeffburgessauthor.com/. 00:00 Welcome to the Live Lab 00:38 Introducing Jeff Burgess 01:52 The Universal Salesman 02:50 Jeff's Early Career Struggles 08:47 Finding Success at Tech Aids 18:11 Starting His Own Company 31:13 The Importance of Mentorship 32:53 Get Connected!

    34 min

  8. 09/24/2025

    The Five Essentials That Will Change How You Apply to College | The LIV Lab Ep. 23

    College applications don’t have to control your life. If you’re anything like me, this season feels overwhelming — essays, deadlines, decisions, and the constant chatter of where everyone else is applying. It’s easy to feel like your future depends on every choice you make right now. But what if it doesn’t? In this solo episode, I share my honest reflections as a high school senior in the middle of it all. From the late-night worries to the unexpected advice I’ve picked up along the way, I’ll take you behind the scenes of what it really feels like to navigate this process. My hope is that you leave not only with more clarity, but also with a little less weight on your shoulders and a reminder that this journey is about you. 00:35 The Stress of College Applications 01:18 Five Key Tips for College Applications 02:11 Tip 1 06:44 Tip 2 09:10 Tip 3 12:22 Tip 4 14:17 Tip 5 16:03 Recap and Final Thoughts

    18 min
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Learn. Innovate. Venture. If you're a student, an early-career professional, or simply someone figuring out what’s next, The LIV Lab is your guide to discovering meaningful work in a changing world. I'm Livia, an incoming senior in high school, still figuring out which career path is right for me. Join me as I explore and discover various different STEM career paths. Each week, I bring you real, unfiltered conversations with trailblazers—from scientists and engineers to startup founders and creative technologists—who are redefining what success looks like. Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of guests who are driving change in their industries: how they got started, what a day in their life looks like, the challenges they’ve faced, the pivots they’ve made, and the lessons they’ve learned. Whether they’re building breakthrough technology, launching bold ventures, or finding new meaning in their work, they all have one thing in common: they’re creating impact on their own terms. I'm here to help you explore career paths, ask better questions, and get inspired to build a future that excites you. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a launchpad for your next step. Let's explore careers together.

Information

  • Creator
    The LIV Lab
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    The LIV Lab