Transferable Skills

Cackle Media | Noah Mishkin

Speaking with guests who have completely pivoted their careers while leveraging their past education, skills, and professional experience into a new and seemingly unrelated field. This is the show that will inspire you with how others have braved big and unconventional career changes, applying their transferable skills.

  1. Aug 6

    Architect into Life Changing Event | Britany Klenda [59]

    Britany Klenda shares her path from architecture during the recession to corporate real estate and occupancy planning. Her shift brought on her skills, such as, data analysis, dashboards, and change management for workplace strategies. Britany discusses how parenthood challenged her hyper work mindset and how her role now blends human needs with space-usage data to guide clients on future workplace decisions. She also shares details about her family’s crisis when her son Bennett’s behavioral changes and led to discovering he had a brain tumor, surgery, rehab, radiation, and chemotherapy, followed by ongoing disabilities and care. The importance of community support, pediatric cancer foundations, and the importance of awareness and giving matter so greatly. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Britany Klenda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britany-glim-klenda-37090237/SAS Architects & Planners: https://sasarch.com/JLL: https://www.jll.com/en-us/locations/chicagoBetween Two Kingdoms: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Kingdoms-Suleika-Jaouad/dp/0399588582Ronald McDonald House: https://ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago.org/central-dupage-hospital/Violet Foundation: https://www.violet-foundation.org/Cals Angels: https://www.calsangels.org/Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation: https://curethekids.org/Camp One Step: https://camponestep.org/JCC Chicago Sunrise Day Camp: https://www.sunrisedaycamp-chicago.org/Dragonfly Foundation - https://dragonfly.org/Bear Necessities: https://bearnecessities.org/Special Spaces: https://specialspaces.org/Make-A-Wish: https://wish.org/illinoisLurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago: https://www.luriechildrens.org/ September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month - a time to honor the incredible strength of children battling cancer, remember those we've lost, and raise awareness of the urgent need for more research, better treatments, and stronger support for families. Every act of kindness matters. You can make a difference by: Donating blood. During Bennett's treatment, he needed more than 30 blood transfusions. Blood donors truly help save lives.Volunteering with a pediatric cancer foundation to support children and families throughout their journey.Preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, giving them one less thing to worry about during an incredibly difficult time.Hosting a fundraiser to support research and family assistance programs through childhood cancer organizations.Sharing our story to raise awareness. Every conversation, post, and share helps shine a light on the need for more research, more support, and more hope. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill ▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Welcome and Show Introduction 00:19 Early Career Connections 01:36 Finding Architecture Passion 03:44 Time Management Lessons 06:13 Recession Work Pressure 08:01 Shift to Corporate Planning 10:33 JLL Consulting Basics 12:35 Hot Desking Change 15:06 Data Meets Human Needs 17:41 Dashboards During COVID 18:25 Family Crisis Begins 22:10 Diagnosis and Aftermath 24:12 Grief Without Words 25:20 Facing High Stakes Surgery 26:13 Hospital Chaos and Breaking Down 27:00 Handing Him to the Surgeon 28:08 Rehab Radiation and Chemo Marathon 29:59 Friends Who Show Up 32:48 After Treatment New Normal 36:27 Living With Fear and Perspective 39:14 Finding Community and Camps 42:28 Work Support and Hidden Strength 44:30 Paying It Forward for New Parents 45:50 Pediatric Cancer Awareness Call 47:11 Closing Thanks and Fight Ahead

  2. Mar 22

    Photojournalism into Farming | Karen Peditto [58]

    Karen Peditto shifted from photojournalism to working in food systems and eventually farming. Karen describes how smartphone cameras changed the photojournalism landscape, how social anxiety pushed her away from traditional reporting, and how AmeriCorps at a Pittsburgh food bank led her into food policy, access, and program management. Eventually, she joined Wagner Farm, using communication and education skills to support a modern diversified growing operation and public learning. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Karen Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannbullock/Mike Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeditto/Episode with Mike: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62nCCV2jjKlid5n17sk4pKUSDA: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/What%20is%20Organic.pdfWagner Farm: https://glenviewparks.org/facilities/historic-wagner-farm/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill ▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:28 Early Farm Mornings 01:05 Photojournalism Dreams 02:02 Smartphones Change Everything 06:40 Ethics and Privacy Lines 09:05 Still Taking Photos 11:22 Anxiety and Career Pivot 13:11 AmeriCorps and Food Studies 15:59 Food Bank Disillusionment 20:22 Farm Stand Program Impact 24:44 Quitting and Farm Truck Foods 28:15 Eggs and Food Education 29:11 Egg Yolk Truths 29:36 Label Marketing Myths 30:57 Ethics And Flavor 32:39 Why Local Food Struggles 35:07 CSA Explained 37:22 From Mom To Farm Job 41:01 Inside Wagner Farm 44:03 Garlic Lesson Moment 45:05 Talking To Strangers 47:24 Why Wagner Farm Rocks 49:34 Flower Field Wins 52:36 Baking Dreams Ahead 54:31 Final Thanks And Wrap

  3. Feb 2

    Financial Analyst into Men’s Health & Fitness | Andy Feltovich [57]

    Andy Feltovich shares his journey from being a Financial Analyst to specializing in Men's Health and Fitness, and discusses his podcast 'Orthodox Apostasy', the importance of purpose and calling, and how his background in finance has equipped him with unique skills for his current role as a health and performance coach. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Andy Feltovich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feltovichfit/Gerald Norby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldnorby/FeltovichFit: https://www.youtube.com/@feltovichfitOrthodox Apostasy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZVztaBmHseeXFLMwZBhuYHow to Lie with Statistics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393310728Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l ▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:28 Andy's Podcast and Philosophy 02:24 The Concept of Laziness and Perfectionism 05:31 Purpose and Calling Framework 09:02 Andy's Career Journey 19:55 Transition to Men's Health and Performance 28:36 The Screen Framework and Coaching Philosophy 32:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  4. Jan 5

    Biochemist into Medical Fiction Author | Dr. Keren Hulkower [56]

    Dr. Keren Hulkower regals us with many stories of his days working in labs and into his career transition from biochemistry to becoming a medical fiction author. Dr. Hulkower discusses his new book 'Early Detection,' his experiences in both the scientific and writing communities, and how his scientific background influences his creative writing. He also shares personal anecdotes, offers insights into the publishing process, and talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing a scientific career with a passion for writing. Intriguingly, the episode includes mentions of gastrointestinal research and explores the competitive nature and politics of laboratory research. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Keren Hulkower: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keren-hulkower-37819710/Erick Mertz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickmertzwriting/https://www.isaakhulkowerllc.com/Great Stories Don't Write Themselves: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Stories-Dont-Write-Themselves/dp/1440300852Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l ▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills 00:07 Guest Introduction: Dr. Keren Hulkower 00:24 Journey into Medical Fiction Writing 00:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing 02:15 Balancing Science and Writing 03:41 Support Systems and Writing Process 04:43 Publishing and Editing Insights 08:48 Career in Biomedical Engineering 09:42 Early Scientific Interests 19:58 Competitive Nature of Scientific Research 20:24 Challenging Research Methods 21:36 Standardizing Cancer Diagnosis 23:17 Data Manipulation Scandals 24:29 Theranos and Proficiency Testing 26:36 Navigating Lab Politics 29:02 Adapting to New Research Fields 34:55 Balancing Writing and Research 41:51 Future Endeavors and Teaching

  5. 12/21/2025

    Mom of Three into Tequila Entrepreneur | Mara Smith [55]

    Mara Smith, former CPA and attorney turned founder of Inspiro Tequila, discusses leadership, parenting, and what really transfers across professional and personal life. Rather than following a single linear trajectory, her journey defines how hard skills (law, accounting, strategy) and so-called “soft” skills (empathy, decisiveness, adaptability) compound over time. She also helps clarify and explain key differences between various types of tequila. The conversation also touches on the challenges Mara faces as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, her commitment to quality and authenticity, and the role of empathy and leadership in her entrepreneurial journey. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Mara Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-smith-inspiro/Mark Bromberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbromberg/Inspiro: https://inspirotequila.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l ▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills 00:17 Understanding Tequila Varieties 01:52 Mara's Career Journey: From Law to Business 03:41 Balancing Family and Career 05:27 Transition to Entrepreneurship 14:14 Challenges and Success in the Tequila Industry 21:29 Balancing Parenting and Leadership 22:37 Direct Feedback and Clarity in Leadership 24:19 Tequila Entrepreneurship and Family Dynamics 29:50 Building a Brand from Scratch 30:53 The Inspiration Behind the Brand Name 33:14 Guilty Pleasure Jobs and Organizational Skills 37:32 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

  6. 11/03/2025

    Family Business into Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor | Jeremy Geller [53]

    Jeremy Geller joins us to discuss his journey, deciding whether to follow in his family's footsteps or carve his own path. His story delves deep into battling addiction and achieving ten years of sobriety, becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and pursuing a master's in social work. We talk about the challenges of overcoming addiction, finding personal identity, the importance of community and connection, and how Jeremy applies his life experiences to being a coach and counselor. Additionally, the episode explores the broader implications on mental health and the importance of support and communication.  ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Jeremy Geller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-geller-9a822987/Johann Hari: https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrongRat Park: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addictionChris Herren: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_HerrenPhil Jackson: https://medium.com/@petraivanigova/the-zen-of-phil-jackson-inside-the-mind-of-the-nbas-most-unique-coach-5240bfdcedf6Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Beacon-Classics/dp/080701883X/https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Beacon-Classics/dp/080701883X/Viktor Frankl and Crabbing: https://alearningaday.blog/2015/03/29/viktor-frankl-and-crabbing-the-200-words-project/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills 00:55 Jeremy Geller's Background and Career 01:36 Journey to Sobriety 03:16 Struggles with Family Expectations 06:13 Understanding Addiction and Recovery 16:29 The Role of Community and Connection 19:09 Challenges in Treating Addiction 28:36 Struggles with Moderation and Goal Setting 29:24 Continuous Improvement and Overcoming Addictions 31:56 The Concept and Challenges of Social Work 40:21 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development 43:55 Engaging Youth in Conversations about Substance Abuse 48:28 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Coaching 57:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

  7. 10/06/2025

    Recruiter into Job Search Influencer | Mike Peditto [52]

    Mike Peditto is a former recruiter who has transitioned into a well respected and influential job search influencer. Mike shares his journey from working at Kaplan Test Prep, moving into recruiting, and eventually becoming a full-time content creator. He discusses his experience with job seeking, the importance of creating relatable content, and the challenges and strategies in today's job market. Mike also sheds light on the often misunderstood ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and the nuances of the hiring process. ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬ Mike Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeditto/https://mikepeditto.com/Mike’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJX996XFRealisticRecruiting: https://www.tiktok.com/@realisticrecruiting?lang=enWhat Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS): https://www.jobscan.co/blog/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-applicant-tracking-systems/How Salary Range Works: https://www.tiktok.com/@realisticrecruiting/video/7548851206374968590Dave Weinberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweinberg/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemediaX: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLCYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskillSign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfTWant to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview 00:16 Editing Challenges and Podcasting Insights 00:41 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation 09:54 The Journey to Becoming a Content Creator 25:41 Recruitment Industry Insights 32:52 Digital Footprint and Online Behavior 39:19 The Power of Storytelling in Career Journeys 40:40 Navigating Career Challenges and Building a Personal Brand 42:32 From Content Creation to Career Opportunities 46:05 The Realities of Job Searching and ATS Systems 56:57 Effective Resume Tips and Job Search Strategies 01:03:29 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Job Searching 01:15:57 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Speaking with guests who have completely pivoted their careers while leveraging their past education, skills, and professional experience into a new and seemingly unrelated field. This is the show that will inspire you with how others have braved big and unconventional career changes, applying their transferable skills.