Tales from the Shift

Shane Peterson
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

New episodes every Wednesday 1PM CST -- Please subscribe! This channel is like Dirty Jobs, without the dirt, the production value, the travel, or the charismatic host. On TFTS, we dive into the real stories behind real jobs - from pilots to librarians, talent managers to DEA Agents. How do you actually break into these fields? What's the day-to-day really like? What don't they teach you in school? We're pulling back the curtain on careers, sharing insider secrets, and maybe inspiring someone to pursue a path they'd never considered. Got an interesting job? I'd love to have you on the show! Email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com !

Episodes

  1. Confessions of a Google Project Manager

    11/12/2025

    Confessions of a Google Project Manager

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com Dan Rogers shares his journey from computer science to project management at Microsoft and Google. He reveals the daily realities of managing complex technical projects, dealing with personalities, and why it's really about managing uncertainty rather than tasks. Like all TFTS episodes, the conversation also takes a deep dive into the world of being a project manager. What it's like, how to get into it, and what's the pay. Escape the Clock by Dan Rogers - https://www.danrogersauthor.com https://www.pmi.org - Project Management Institute 0:00 Intro 1:25 What is a Project Manager? 4:22 Dan's Computer Science Background 9:15 Career Path from Developer to Project Manager 12:30 Working at Startups 18:45 Transitioning to Microsoft 24:20 Inside Microsoft Culture 31:10 Moving to Google 38:25 Google's Work Environment 4 5:50 Differences Between Microsoft and Google 52:30 Technical Project Manager vs Program Manager 58:15 Managing Uncertainty and Chaos 1:04:40 Dealing with Difficult Stakeholders 1:11:20 Work-Life Balance in Tech 1:20:20 Closing Thoughts Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #ProjectManagement #TechCareers #Microsoft #Google #CareerAdvice #TechnicalProjectManager #ProgramManager #TechJobs #ProjectManager #TalesFromTheShift

    1h 22m
  2. Confessions of a Career Nurse

    11/07/2025

    Confessions of a Career Nurse

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com In this episode, Shane interviews Kathy Allen, a career nurse with decades of experience across every major hospital department. Kathy reveals shocking truths about how private equity companies are destroying healthcare by cutting nursing staff, leading to increased patient falls, infections, and adverse events. She discusses her journey through ICU, medical-surgical, pediatrics, emergency room, psychiatric units, and chemical dependency care, sharing heartbreaking and inspiring patient stories. Like all TFTS episodes, the conversation also takes a deep dive into the world of nursing. What it's like, how to get into it, and what's the pay. Kathy's Website: https://www.gutsynurses.com/ Kathy's Email: info@gutsynurses.com Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:28 Career Nurse 2:04 Getting Into Nursing - Education and Career Path 5:25 Nursing Specialties and Salary Breakdown 14:00 Nurse Relationships and Workplace Culture 16:35 Journey Through Hospital Departments 27:46 The Truth About Hospital Staffing 29:17 Working in Psychiatric and Chemical Dependency Units 40:02 Studying Somatic Experiencing and Trauma Healing 41:13 "Gutsy Nurses Save Lives" Book and Program 48:01 Traumatic Burnout vs Regular Burnout 56:50 Closing Thoughts Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay Elevator Music: Thanks to Mykola Odnoroh via Pixabay #Nursing #Trauma #Healthcare #HospitalNurse #Burnout #PTSD #SomaticExperiencing #PrivateEquity #HealthcareWorkers #MedicalTrauma #NurseWellness #HospitalLife #TraumaHealing #NursingShortage #HealthcareReform #NurseBurnout #MedicalCare #HealthcareCrisis #NursingCareer #PatientCare #studynursing

    58 min
  3. Introduction

    11/07/2025

    Introduction

    Hello, welcome to Tales from the Shift

    3 min
  4. Confessions of a Horror Writer

    11/03/2025

    Confessions of a Horror Writer

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com This episode features Nicole Wolverton, a horror writer and academic with a fascinating career journey. Nicole discusses her unique master's degree in storytelling and horror from the University of Pennsylvania. She reveals the lengthy publishing process, often taking 3-4 years from writing to publication. Nicole shares insights from her academic research on how consuming horror builds resilience and coping skills, drawing from studies at Denmark's Recreational Fear Lab. The conversation explores the business side of horror publishing, rejection rates, advance ranges from $1,000 to seven figures, and why horror writers are surprisingly some of the nicest people you'll meet. Nicole offers practical advice for aspiring writers and explains why she believes horror is a much broader genre than most people think. Books By Nicole: A Misfortune of Lake Monsters (2024) Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Misfortune-Lake-Monsters-Nicole-Wolverton/dp/0744309581 Bodies Full of Burning: An Anthology of Menopause-Themed Horror (2021) - Edited by Nicole Amazon Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/Bodies-Full-Burning-Anthology-Menopause-Themed-ebook/dp/B099417CLV The Trajectory of Dreams (2013) Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Trajectory-Dreams-Nicole-Wolverton/dp/1938463447 Pretend You Don't See Her (Kandisha Press, out September 27, 2025)-- her short story in this one is "In The Blood We Live" Additional Resources: Horror Writers Association: https://horror.org/ Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFFWA): https://www.sfwa.org/ Recreational Fear Lab (Denmark): https://recreationalfearlab.com/ Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators: https://www.scbwi.org/ CamCat Publishing: https://www.camcatbooks.com/

    1h 6m
  5. Confessions of a Science Communication Writer

    10/27/2025

    Confessions of a Science Communication Writer

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com This episode is about Amy Weldon, a science communications professional who made the difficult transition from dolphin trainer to helping scientists connect with the public. The conversation explores why people's eyes glaze over when discussing climate change, how to reach skeptical audiences in rural America, and the devastating impact of budget cuts to institutions like NASA. Amy discusses her master's degree in science communications, the explosion of this field in recent years, and her own podcast interviewing scientists and STEM professionals. She explains how science communicators act as translators, taking complex research and making it accessible to everyday people juggling multiple jobs and family responsibilities. Amy's Podcast Blue Collar, White Coat - https://www.youtube.com/@BlueCollarWhiteCoat National Association of Science Writers: https://www.associationofsciencecommunicators.org/ Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #ScienceCommunication #Podcast #CareerStories #DolphinTrainer #STEM #NASA #ClimateChange #VaccineEducation #ScienceEducation #CareerTransition #PublicHealth #ScienceWriter #WorkplaceStories #TalesFromTheShift #SciencePodcast #careers #jobs

    1h 8m
  6. Confessions of a Job Recruiter

    10/26/2025

    Confessions of a Job Recruiter

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com Join Shane Peterson as he interviews Jennifer Johnson, a professional job recruiter who calls herself a "matchmaker for professionals." In this revealing episode, Jennifer shares the inside secrets of the recruiting world. Jennifer explains the intricate process of matching hiring managers with perfect candidates, the 50+ hours it typically takes to hire someone, and why the job description is "the Bible" for any job search. Jennifer reveals shocking stories about candidates who've tried to use ChatGPT to fake their way through interviews, the differences between university programs and how they affect candidate quality, and why understanding industry-specific technical details is crucial for successful recruiting. Jennifer Johnson Email: itsjennjohnson@gmail.com Jennifer's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jns.adventures Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM): https://www.shrm.org/ LinkedIn Learning Recruiting Courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/recruiting Indeed Career Guide for Job Seekers: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice Glassdoor Company Reviews and Salary Information: https://www.glassdoor.com/ Bureau of Labor Statistics - Human Resources Specialists: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/human-resources-specialists.htm Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #JobRecruiter #CareerAdvice #RemoteWork #TalesFromTheShift #JobSearch #HumanResources #ResumeTraining #CareerChange #DigitalNomad #JobInterview #HiringProcess #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #CareerTips #Recruiting #JobHunting #RemoteLife #TravelAndWork #CareerPodcast #JobMarket

    48 min
  7. Confessions of a Political Campaign Organizer

    10/09/2025

    Confessions of a Political Campaign Organizer

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com The YouTube version includes images, video, and diagrams in addition to the video of the host and guest. In this fascinating deep dive, Matthew Adams pulls back the curtain on the world of political organizing. As both a seasoned political organizer and current California candidate, Matthew reveals the realities of campaign work that most people never see. From going door-to-door facing constant rejection to the surprising truth about why passionate political junkies might actually struggle in this role, Matthew shares stories about what it's really like to work behind the scenes in American politics. Matthew explains the difference between working on presidential campaigns versus local races, and reveals why political organizing attracts mostly young people willing to work for very little money. This episode provides an unfiltered look at one of the most misunderstood jobs in American democracy. Matthew's election site: sites.google.com/view/adams4assembly/home Chapters: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:23 What is a Political Organizer? 00:01:36 How Many Organizers Per Campaign? 00:04:18 Getting Started in Political Organizing 00:05:12 Matthew's Personal Journey 00:21:43 Door-to-Door Safety and Stories 00:22:41 Why Passionate Political People Struggle 00:28:08 Presidential Campaign Experience 01:04:07 How Campaigns Get Your Information 01:06:25 Final Advice for Aspiring Organizers Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #PoliticalOrganizer #CampaignWork #Politics #BehindTheScenes #TalesFromTheShift #PoliticalCareers #CampaignLife #ElectionWork #PoliticalJobs #Democracy #VoterOutreach #CampaignStrategy #PoliticalReality #JobInterview #CareerAdvice #PoliticalCampaigns #GovernmentJobs #PublicService #PoliticalScience #CaliforniaPolitics

    1h 9m
  8. Confessions of a Strategic Marketer

    10/09/2025

    Confessions of a Strategic Marketer

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com Note that the YouTube version includes images, video, and diagrams in addition to video of the guest and host. Join host Shane Peterson as he sits down with Hank Smith, an international marketing and business development leader with over 15 years of experience in the strategic marketing space. In this episode, Hank takes us behind the scenes of the marketing world, sharing insights about how strategic marketers really work, what drives their campaigns, and the surprising realities of building brands and driving business growth. This conversation covers everything from the technical aspects of marketing strategy to the personal motivations that keep professionals passionate about their craft. Whether you're curious about marketing as a career path or just want to understand how the industry really works from an insider's perspective, this episode offers valuable insights into a field that touches every business. Additional Relevant Links: Twenty Ads That Shook The World: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0609807234?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title American Marketing Association: https://www.ama.org/ Marketing Land - Industry News: https://marketingland.com/ HubSpot Marketing Resources: https://www.hubspot.com/marketing Content Marketing Institute: https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/ MarketingProfs Training: https://www.marketingprofs.com/ Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:20 How Hank Got Started in Marketing 5:00 Early Career and TV Production Background 15:00 Transition into Strategic Marketing 25:00 What Strategic Marketing Really Involves 35:00 Work-Life Balance in Marketing 45:00 Career Progression and Pay in Marketing 55:00 Industry Relationships and Networking 1:05:00 Marketing Secrets and Behind-the-Scenes Stories 1:15:00 Advice for Aspiring Marketers 1:21:00 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #Marketing #StrategicMarketing #MarketingCareer #BusinessDevelopment #TalesFromTheShift #MarketingSecrets #MarketingJobs #DigitalMarketing #BrandMarketing #MarketingStrategy #MarketingProfessional #CareerAdvice #MarketingInsights #BehindTheScenes #MarketingIndustry

    1h 23m
  9. Confessions of a Navy Corpsman

    10/09/2025

    Confessions of a Navy Corpsman

    If you have an interesting job and would like to be a guest on the show, email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com Note: The YouTube version contains some images, videos, and diagrams in addition to the host and guest video. In this episode, host Shane interviews Johnny Flores, a former Navy Hospital Corpsman who shares his remarkable journey from reluctant recruit to combat medic. Johnny reveals the unexpected path that led him to become a "corpsman", serving as the Navy's version of a medic who provides medical care for both Navy personnel and Marines. Johnny candidly discusses the realities of military medical training, including learning emergency procedures like battlefield amputations, and shares fascinating stories about working alongside international military medical personnel. Warning: This episode contains verbal descriptions of disturbing medical situations and may not be suitable for squeamish listeners. Johnny's Company: https://florespodcastproductions.com/ Navy Hospital Corpsman Information: https://www.navy.com/careers/hospital-corpsman ASVAB Test Information: https://www.asvabprep.com/ Military Medical Training Overview: https://www.military.com/education/military-medical-training Navy Boot Camp Information: https://www.bootcamp4me.com/navy-boot-camp/ Marine Corps and Navy Relationship: https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/585838/relationship-between-navy-and-marine-corps/ Chapters 0:00 Intro 0:32 Welcome and What is a Navy Corpsman? 1:52 Johnny's Path to Military Service 3:12 ASVAB Testing and Career Options 5:16 Hospital Corpsman Training School 6:00 Training Intensity and Washout Rates 33:15 Working with International Military Personnel 35:00 Medical Training and Emergency Procedures Theme music thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@moodmode via Pixabay #NavyCorpsman #MilitaryMedicine #NavyMedic #TalesFromTheShift #MilitaryStories #HospitalCorpsman #NavyTraining #CombatMedic #MilitaryCareer #NavyLife #MarineCorps #MedicalTraining #MilitaryService #VeteranStories #NavyBootCamp #ASVAB #MilitaryExperience #FieldMedic #NavyVeteran #MilitaryPodcast

    57 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

New episodes every Wednesday 1PM CST -- Please subscribe! This channel is like Dirty Jobs, without the dirt, the production value, the travel, or the charismatic host. On TFTS, we dive into the real stories behind real jobs - from pilots to librarians, talent managers to DEA Agents. How do you actually break into these fields? What's the day-to-day really like? What don't they teach you in school? We're pulling back the curtain on careers, sharing insider secrets, and maybe inspiring someone to pursue a path they'd never considered. Got an interesting job? I'd love to have you on the show! Email me at talesfromtheshiftpodcast@gmail.com !

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Peterson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Soffley LLC 2025
  • Show Website
    Tales from the Shift