Learning To Live

Chaz Okada
  • 5.0 (15)
  • CAREERS

My name is Chaz Okada, and this is an interview series where I sit down with business leaders, professors, and experts to get a glimpse of how they live their lives!

Episodes

  1. 09/02/2019

    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 :)

    52 min

  2. 03/05/2019

    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 :)

    45 min

  3. 02/25/2019

    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 :)

    34 min

  4. 02/17/2019

    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 :)

    24 min

  5. 02/10/2019

    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 :)

    34 min

  6. 02/10/2019

    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 :)

    39 min

  7. 01/15/2019

    Mike Vaughn: Finding Satisfaction with Precast Concrete Ep.006

    Mike Vaughn, President of Vaughn Concrete Products, is a Professional Civil Engineer who works hard to provide the best precast concrete products possible. Precast concrete? May sound boring at first, but it turns out that it is used in a wide variety of places. In this interview, we discuss Mr.Vaughn's journey, struggles/successes, and he gives great advice for finding satisfaction in one's work. Click here to watch a video on Mr.Vaughn's contribution to the precast concrete industry.There are a lot of questions in this interview, so here are notable timestamps:00:00 — Introduction2:10 — Interview start3:42 — What is precast concrete?5:54 — Benefits of being an engineer9:10 — Advice for aspiring engineers14:09 — Importance of building relationships and a little story18:45 — Solving challenges with labor...and some great advice!25:30 — Mutually beneficial relationshipsTL;DL: at 30:18, I give my thoughts/takeaways on the interview!Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)

    34 min

  8. 01/06/2019

    Teiko and Brian Richy (Pt.2): Entrepreneurial Challenges and Realism Ep.005

    In today's world, entrepreneurship is the "cool" thing to do. However, many people (including myself) are guilty of romanticizing it. In this interview, Teiko and Brian Richy highlight the not-so-glorious aspects and challenges of being a business owner. I also share my thoughts on overcoming setbacks. See episode 4 for part 1 of this interview.00:00 — Introduction2:40 — Overcoming challenges6:20 — On being sued12:48 — What is it like to do business internationally?18:06 — Working together on a vision20:40 — Advice for starting a businessTL;DL: At 25:26, I share my thoughts and takeaways on the interview.Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)

    29 min

  9. 12/31/2018

    Teiko and Brian Richy (Pt.1): Entrepreneurship as a Parenting Strategy Ep.004

    Most people try to separate their work lives from their home lives...Teiko and Brian Richy have made a lifestyle from melding their marriage, business, and family together. Owners of a structural glasswall company for Squash and Racquetball courts (A Best Enterprises, Inc.), they have done hundreds of jobs throughout the USA. This interview is two parts, so be sure to give them both a listen!00:00 — Introduction1:22 — A Best Enterprises, Inc. Overview2:26 — How did you get into the industry?3:22 — Advice for dealing with a bad employer4:08 — Early days and starting the business10:50 — What is a moveable glass wall?14:52 — Sales cycle challenges20:26 — Family/work balance24:16 — On being scammed26:06 — Freight/logistic challengesTL;DL: At 33:09, I share my thoughts and takeaways Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)

    35 min

  10. 12/09/2018

    Captain Mike McCasky and Steve Butler: A Pilot’s Journey and Flight Simulators Ep.003

    Episode 3 of the Learning To Live Podcast is all about aviation! With two interviews this week, we follow Captain McCasky, a passionate pilot who is now the Managing Director of Flight Training at a major airline, and Steve Butler, Maintenance Supervisor of Simulator Operations at the world’s largest flight training center.  Capt. McCasky walks through his “becoming a pilot” story, and he gives advice for overcoming the many challenges in that process. Then, Steve Butler talks about falling into the flight simulator world through the Air Force, moving to United Airlines, and gives tips on becoming a simulator technician! Click here for a video/article about the simulators. 00:00-1:34 — Introduction (Captain McCasky Interview) 1:34-10:43 — Becoming a pilot 10:43-14:29 — Overcoming challenges/advice 14:29-15:41 — Resources for aspiring pilots 15:41-16:54 — How to explore careers (Steve Butler Interview) 16:54-18:07 — Introduction to flight simulators 18:07-19:46 — Career path/Air Force 19:46-24:01 — Sim systems/experience 24:01-28:58 — Life at the training center 28:58-32:30 — Advice and how to become a sim tech TL;DL: I share my thoughts and takeaways at 32:30 Connect with me! (links)chazokada.comFacebookTwitterInstagramPleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)

    35 min

  11. 11/25/2018

    Steve Barrow: Leadership, Business, and Life Ep.001

    Flooring and tile…it’s not boring hard work and tedious details; it’s an exercise in the art of building relationships and helping people! Steve Barrow shares his journey from skiing in college to owning a flooring and tile business. Now retired, he reflects on the twists and turns his career has taken, as well as his thoughts on running a successful business. Mr. Barrow touches on a few ideas including key employees, opportunities in life, interpersonal relationships, and life/business motivations! 0:00-1:33 — What is a hod carrier? 1:33-6:38 — College/early career 6:38-8:04 — Creation of Cody Flooring and Tile 8:04-9:10 — Creating/recognizing opportunities 9:10-10:54 — Growing a small business/building relationships 10:54-13:04 — Why do most small businesses fail? 13:04-16:26 — Importance of key employees 16:26-19:40 — Company size and recession 19:40-23:37 — Dealing with problematic employees 23:37-25:15 — What is the purpose of business? Money? Value? 25:15-26:19 — Turning opportunity to success 26:19-27:48 — What do I do if I don’t have a vision or know what I want to do? TL;DL: I share my takeaways and key points at 27:48 Connect with me! (links) chazokada.com Facebook Twitter Instagram Pleases share, rate, and review the podcast too :)

    32 min

  12. 11/19/2018

    Introduction: Learning To Live Podcast

    Learning To Live

    2 min
  • 12 Episodes

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

My name is Chaz Okada, and this is an interview series where I sit down with business leaders, professors, and experts to get a glimpse of how they live their lives!

Information

  • Creator
    Chaz Okada
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2019
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 Chaz Okada
  • Show Website
    Learning To Live