Majors Minors & Maybes

Dr. W.
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Careers

Major Minors & Maybes is a narrative podcast about real jobs you may not have heard of told through the stories of fictional characters inspired by true career paths. Hosted by Dr. W., a college professor, mom, and part-time career detective, each episode is a fun, thoughtful deep dive into the winding roads that lead people to unexpected work. Think: Audio storytelling meets career explorationForensic entomologists, microbial ecologists, and other niche-but-fascinating professionalsReal-world insights, told with curiosity, warmth, and a touch of whimsyA quick note: Our short stories are fictional, but the jobs are not. Every character you meet is a composite based on interviews, research, and real professional journeys. If you’ve ever asked, “What else is out there?” This show is for you. It's Perfect for: College students figuring it outCareer changers with big questionsPeople who love science, creativity, and storytellingSubscribe, explore, and get inspired!

  1. VR, Vital Signs & Video Games: The Medical Game Designer

    Jun 2

    VR, Vital Signs & Video Games: The Medical Game Designer

    In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we explore the fascinating world of the Medical Game Designer. The creative minds building video games, VR simulations, and interactive experiences that teach patients, train doctors, and make healthcare less intimidating. Through the story of Andie, a designer creating a game that helps kids understand and manage asthma, we uncover how gaming, medicine, psychology, and technology collide to create real-world impact. From virtual emergency rooms to patient education adventures, this episode dives into: how medical games are developedthe science behind learning through playwhat to study if you’re interested in this careerinternships, volunteer opportunities, and skills that help you break into the fieldWhether you love coding, storytelling, healthcare, or gaming, this episode might just introduce you to a career you never knew existed. Press start on one of the most unexpected careers in healthcare. Show Notes: Medical Game Designer: Turning Healthcare Into a High-Score Mission Dr. W explores the career of medical game designers, who combine game mechanics with medical knowledge to train healthcare professionals, educate patients, support rehabilitation, and reduce anxiety before procedures using tools like VR, AR, and mobile apps. The episode follows eight-year-old Liam using a VR asthma game where levels teach triggers, inflammation, and inhaler use, improving his confidence and adherence. Andie, a biomedical engineering major with a game design minor, is introduced as the creator who partnered with clinicians and developers after seeing kids’ fear in a children’s hospital. Dr. W explains daily work like building realistic scenarios and decision trees, collaborating with medical teams, user testing, and using gameplay data as a research tool, plus pathways into the field, portfolio-building tips, workplaces, schedules, and salary ranges. 00:00 Saving Lives Like a Game 00:19 Meet Dr W and the Quest 00:48 Liam’s VR Asthma Mission 02:05 Andy Builds the Game 03:56 What Medical Game Designers Do 05:03 Office Hours Career Advice 06:44 A Day in the Job 07:55 Majors Minors and Skill Stack 09:15 Breaking In Salary and Workplaces 11:11 Why This Career Matters 11:46 Tech Data and High Scores 12:21 Wrap Up and Next Episode

    14 min
  2. The Mind Behind The Mission: The Aerospace Behavioral Scientist

    May 19

    The Mind Behind The Mission: The Aerospace Behavioral Scientist

    From astronaut teamwork and stress management to designing safer systems for pilots and space crews, this career sits at the intersection of psychology, engineering, neuroscience, and space exploration. But what does an aerospace behavioral scientist actually do every day? How do you study human behavior when gravity disappears? And what can students study now if they dream of helping humans thrive beyond Earth? Through storytelling, curious career exploration, and practical career insight, this episode uncovers a profession most people have never heard of, but one that may shape the future of human spaceflight. Perfect for students who love psychology, aviation, STEM, human performance, design thinking, or simply asking: “How do humans adapt when the world around them changes completely?” Because sometimes the biggest challenge in space… isn’t the rocket. It’s understanding the humans inside it. Show Notes: Aerospace Behavioral Scientist: Engineering Human Resilience in Space Dr. W. introduces the career of an aerospace behavioral scientist, experts who study how astronauts think, feel, communicate, and perform during long-duration missions in confined, high-stakes environments. Through a vignette of subtle crew tension and the example of Luna, a psychology major who added human factors engineering and pursued a master’s in space psychology, the episode explains how these scientists research isolation, sleep, stress, and team dynamics using Earth-based simulations and tools like behavioral monitoring, interventions, and virtual-reality “space inoculation” training. The script outlines relevant psychology specializations, complementary majors (e.g., human factors, aerospace, data science), the typical need for graduate school, workplaces like NASA’s Behavioral Health and Performance Lab and military/aviation labs, and a salary range of $75,000–$150,000. It closes by teasing a future episode on medical game designers. 00:00 Astronaut Mindset Mystery 00:55 Life in a Tin Can 02:46 Meet Luna’s Origin Story 05:54 What They Really Do 08:05 Training and Education Path 11:20 Career Reality and Pay 11:47 Day to Day and VR 12:53 Wrap Up and Next Episode

    15 min
  3. Majors Minors & Maybes: Season 2 Trailer

    Season 2 Trailer

    Majors Minors & Maybes: Season 2 Trailer

    Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Season 2 of Majors, Minors & Maybes is back! This time, we’re digging even deeper into the careers you didn’t know existed, but suddenly can’t stop thinking about. We’re talking about the kind of jobs that make you pause mid-scroll and say, “Wait that’s a thing?” The kind of careers your guidance counselor definitely forgot to mention. The kind that sound made up… until they’re not. This season, we’re opening the door to even more curious and quietly fascinating professions, one story at a time. So, whether you’ve got a five-year plan, no plan, or a color-coded spreadsheet that’s hanging on by a thread, you’re in the right place. Because around here, curiosity is the major and everything else? Optional. Season 2 drops now and you’re going to want to take notes! Show Notes: Unexpected Paths: Careers Shaping the Future The script introduces a season focused on innovative, future-shaping careers that people often stumble upon rather than plan for, highlighting jobs most people aren’t aware exist. It invites listeners who wonder “what else could I be doing?” to follow along as the show traces unexpected paths to uncover emerging roles shaping the future before they’re widely known. Dr. W. positions the season as a guide for those seeking alternatives beyond familiar options and closes by addressing that season two begins now. 00:00 Careers You Stumble Upon 00:11 Digging for Future Jobs 00:20 Hidden World of Work 00:23 Following Unexpected Paths 00:30 Jobs You Haven't Heard Of 00:33 Shaping the Future Early 00:39 What Else Could I Do 00:42 Season Two Starts Now

    1 min
  4. Fashion Without Fabric: The 3D Garment/Apparel Designer

    May 5

    Fashion Without Fabric: The 3D Garment/Apparel Designer

    What happens when fashion meets the future? Enter the world of the 3D garment/apparel designer. The pros turning pixels into pants and software into style. In this episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes, we follow Lila, a digital designer whose “day at the office” includes sculpting clothes in 3D, stress-testing fabrics in virtual wind tunnels, and making sure a gown drapes flawlessly before a single thread is cut. It’s fast, it’s sustainable, and it’s transforming how the fashion industry works, from haute couture to your hoodie. Bonus: You’ll even hear from Mikelle Drew-Pellum, a real 3D apparel designer, about why this career is more than a trend. It’s the future of fashion. If you’ve ever wondered who designs the clothes you can’t yet touch but already love, this episode is for you. Mikelle Drew-Pellum 383designstudionyc.com instagram.com/383design linkedin.com/in/mikelledrew tiktok.com/@383design Show Notes: 3D Garment/Apparel Designer: Fashion Built in Pixels Before Fabric Dr. W launches season two of “Majors, Minors, and Maybes” by spotlighting the 3D garment/apparel designer, a career blending fashion, code, and sustainability by creating virtual garments that drape, stretch, and move before any physical sample is made. Through a day-in-the-life of Lila, the episode shows digital prototyping, instant global collaboration, stress-testing fit and fabrics, and designing metaverse-only couture for avatars. Dr. W explains how tools like CLO 3D and Browzwear speed timelines, reduce textile waste, and expand fashion into digital wardrobes, and includes insights from 3D designer Mikelle Drew Pellum on patternmaking, virtual sewing, accurate fit, and sustainability gains from fewer physical samples. The episode suggests relevant majors, key skills, work settings, a $60K–$100K+ salary range, and teases next week’s career: Aerospace Behavioral Scientist. 00:00 Season Two Returns 01:44 Meet the 3D Designer 02:02 A Day With Lila 03:59 Office Hours Breakdown 05:13 Pro Explains the Process 05:54 How to Get Started 07:29 Why 3D Changes Fashion 08:41 Sustainability Impact 09:55 Digital Fashion Boom 10:58 Wrap Up and Next Episode

    13 min
  5. Checked, Curated & Carry-On Ready: The Personal Travel Gear Curator

    12/16/2025

    Checked, Curated & Carry-On Ready: The Personal Travel Gear Curator

    It's our season finale and we are going out in style with wrinkle-free, perfectly packed layers. In this episode, we meet Jordan, a personal travel gear curator who turns chaotic packing into a luxury experience. Think RFID kits, climate-smart wardrobes, and outfits tailored by region, vibe, and weather app. But that’s not all, we’re reflecting on our wild ride through the wonderfully weird world of work, and giving you a sneak peek at what’s ahead. So before you jet off for the holidays, press play, because your passport isn’t the only thing getting stamped with inspiration. Show Notes: Unpacking the Role of a Personal Travel Gear Curator In the season finale of 'Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W, a professor and part-time career sleuth, introduces us to the unique and fascinating job of a personal travel gear curator. This professional ensures clients travel efficiently and in style, preparing them with everything from wardrobes to tech gadgets. We meet Jordan, a travel gear curator who shares their experience of organizing perfect travel kits for various climates and needs. The episode not only delves into the logistics and creativity required for the role but also explores the potential career opportunities in travel consulting, luxury concierge services, and fashion logistics. Dr. W. wraps up the season with tips and insights, encouraging listeners to look into their quirks for potential career paths and teasing the upcoming second season. 00:00 Introduction to the Personal Travel Gear Curator 00:54 Meet Jordan: The Personal Travel Gear Curator 01:26 The Art and Science of Packing 01:46 Season Finale Reflections 02:19 Final Office Hours: Holiday Edition 02:40 Career Advice for Travel Enthusiasts 03:09 High-End Travel Curation 03:28 Season Wrap-Up and Future Plans 03:57 Holiday Wishes and Farewell

    4 min
  6. Words Meet Wonder: The Hybrid Writing Science Consultant

    11/18/2025

    Words Meet Wonder: The Hybrid Writing Science Consultant

    What do you get when you cross a researcher with a storyteller? A hybrid writing scientific consultant. These are the folks who make complex science not just readable, but unforgettable. In this episode, we follow Milo from grant proposals to blog posts, decoding breakthroughs in genetics one minute, and drafting policy briefs the next. Whether it’s helping doctors understand the latest studies or turning lab results into public health campaigns, Milo's job is where precision meets prose. Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at a career that blends curiosity, communication, and just the right amount of caffeine. If you've ever asked, “But who translates the science?” This one is for you. Show Notes: The Hybrid Writing Science Consultant: Bridging the Gap Between Data and Storytelling In this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W. dives into the unique and fascinating career of a hybrid writing science consultant. Meet Milo, a professional who translates complex scientific ideas into clear and engaging narratives for various audiences, including research teams and the general public. Learn what it takes to succeed in this role that demands both precision and creativity. Dr. W. discusses the skills required, potential career paths, and the significant impact this career has on bridging the gap between science and society. Ideal for those with a background in science and a passion for storytelling, this episode unveils how such professionals make scientific information accessible and impactful. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:27 Meet Milo: The Science Whisperer 00:52 A Day in the Life of a Science Consultant 01:50 Is This Career for You? 02:24 The Dual Role: Researcher and Writer 02:56 Building a Career in Science Consulting 03:48 Where Science Consultants Work 04:10 Skills and Salary Insights 04:51 The Impact of Science Writers 05:22 Conclusion and Next Steps

    7 min
  7. Practice Makes Perfect: The Clinical Simulation Specialist

    11/04/2025

    Practice Makes Perfect: The Clinical Simulation Specialist

    What do medical manikins, high-stakes drama, and behind-the-scenes brilliance have in common? Meet the Clinical Simulation Specialist. These are the folks who builds immersive healthcare training scenarios where the stakes feel real, but the patients are not. From heart attacks on cue to VR surgical rehearsals, Taylor here you will how a blend of tech, theatre, and medicine prepares our future healthcare heroes. It’s part ER, part Hollywood, and 100% real-world impact. Get ready for a career that’s got adrenaline, innovation, and just a dash of stage fright. Show Notes: Behind the Scenes of Medical Training: The Role of a Clinical Simulation Specialist In this episode of Majors, Minors, and Maybes, Dr. W. delves into the fascinating world of clinical simulation specialists. This unique profession blends technology, healthcare, and theater to create lifelike medical emergencies for training purposes. From programming high-fidelity mannequins to handling VR simulations, these specialists ensure healthcare providers are well-prepared for real-world emergencies. The episode covers job responsibilities, necessary qualifications, and potential career paths in this innovative field. Next, the show teases a look into the role of science writers who turn complex data into accessible information. 00:00 Introduction to Clinical Simulation 00:44 Meet the Clinical Simulation Specialist 01:03 A Day in the Life of a Simulation Specialist 02:14 The Impact and Scope of the Role 02:50 Is This Career for You? 04:01 Pathways to Becoming a Simulation Specialist 05:20 Fun Facts and Advanced Simulations 06:27 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

    7 min
  8. Bonus Track: Ink, Evidence, and a Touch of Gore

    10/28/2025 ·  Bonus

    Bonus Track: Ink, Evidence, and a Touch of Gore

    This Halloween bonus episode of Majors, Minors & Maybes takes us into the shadows of the courtroom with a career you’ve probably never heard of, the medical-legal illustrator. Think of them as detectives with a pencil translating X-rays, medical jargon, and surgical notes into visuals so clear they can sway a jury. In this bite-sized, slightly spooky side quest, we peel back the curtain on a day in their life, explore how art and anatomy collide in the pursuit of justice, and even hear directly from a real medical-legal illustrator! Expect a touch of gore, a dash of whimsy, and plenty of curiosity as we sketch out a job that proves truth really can be illustrated. Perfect for Halloween week, or anytime you like your careers with a little extra edge. Show Notes: Unveiling Medical-Legal Illustration: The Art of Courtroom Clarity In this special Halloween edition of 'Majors, Minors, and Maybes,' listeners are introduced to the intriguing world of medical-legal illustration. The host explores a career that bridges the gap between medicine and law, transforming complex medical evidence into clear, visual stories for the courtroom. Featuring insights from professional medical-legal illustrator Annie Gaugh, the episode delves into the unique responsibilities and impactful work of these illustrators in cases of catastrophic injury, medical malpractice, and wrongful death. From sketching detailed anatomical drawings to working closely with radiologists and testifying doctors, medical-legal illustrators play a crucial role in justice. With only about 2,000 medical illustrators globally and a mere 20% specializing in the legal field, this niche career offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of art, science, and law. 00:00 Introduction to the Halloween Special 00:18 What is a Medical Legal Illustrator? 02:10 A Day in the Life of a Courtroom Artist 02:50 Balancing Gore and Clarity 03:36 The Role of Medical Legal Illustrators in Court 05:13 The Niche Field of Medical Legal Illustration 07:12 Conclusion and Halloween Sign-Off Meet Annie Gough: https://injuryillustrated.com/about-annie-gough/ Don't forget to check out her book: Injury Illustrated: How Medical Images Win Legal Cases by R. Annie Gough, MS, CMI

    8 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Major Minors & Maybes is a narrative podcast about real jobs you may not have heard of told through the stories of fictional characters inspired by true career paths. Hosted by Dr. W., a college professor, mom, and part-time career detective, each episode is a fun, thoughtful deep dive into the winding roads that lead people to unexpected work. Think: Audio storytelling meets career explorationForensic entomologists, microbial ecologists, and other niche-but-fascinating professionalsReal-world insights, told with curiosity, warmth, and a touch of whimsyA quick note: Our short stories are fictional, but the jobs are not. Every character you meet is a composite based on interviews, research, and real professional journeys. If you’ve ever asked, “What else is out there?” This show is for you. It's Perfect for: College students figuring it outCareer changers with big questionsPeople who love science, creativity, and storytellingSubscribe, explore, and get inspired!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. W.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Danielle Webster 2025
  • Show Website
    Majors Minors & Maybes