Life as a..

EP159_Life as an Awarded Television Film Director

🎬 Ever wonder what it really takes to become a successful TV director?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Shannon Flynn, a four-time Emmy Award-winning television director whose credits span Disney Channel, Netflix, HBO, AppleTV, and more.
From Sesame Street to Blippi, she shares what it's like directing major shows, working with celebrity talent, and navigating the fast-paced world of television production.
💡 Discover key career insights, challenges on set, and how to thrive in this competitive field.
A must-listen for future filmmakers, creatives, and media pros!
To learn more about Shannon and her work, be sure to check out the following:
LinkedIn
IMDB
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EP158_Life as an Optometrist

What does a career in optometry actually look like?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Dr. Deborah Wang, Director of Career Development at SUNY College of Optometry, to explore the wide-reaching world of vision care and professional growth in healthcare.
👁 From clinical practice to shaping young optometrists’ futures📚 Behind the scenes carving out a career in optometry 💡 Real-world advice for aspiring optometrists and healthcare professionals
Whether you’re a student, career changer, or curious professional, this episode is packed with valuable insights!
To learn more about Dr. Wang and her work, be sure to check out the following:
LinkedIn
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EP157_Life as a Rural Revitalization Entrepreneur

If you’re curious about what it takes to turn passion, purpose, and global perspective into a thriving rural revitalization business—this is a must-listen!
Get direct insights from someone actually doing it.
What does it really take to build a mission-driven business in the Japanese countryside?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Kira Bella rural revitalization entrepreneur and founder of Kirameki, to explore how she’s blending sustainability, cultural preservation, and community building in a remote Japanese town.
🌏 From 41 countries traveled to finding purpose in rural Japan
🎥 How her videos reached 4M+ views and earned her a tourism ambassador role
💡 Advice on using social media to build community, business, and impact
Whether you're a purpose-driven professional, aspiring entrepreneur, or just curious about a different way of life—this one’s for you. 
To learn more about Kira and her business, be sure to check out the following:
Kirameki
LinkedIn
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
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EP156_Life as a Biotech Startup Entrepreneur

What does it really take to turn personal adversity into groundbreaking innovation?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Katarina Maloney, biotech entrepreneur and founder of IQMIND, to uncover how her journey through traumatic brain injury led to building a company at the edge of science and tech.
🧠 From life-altering injury to launching a cutting-edge neurotech startup
🤝 Partnering with Red Bull, Harvard, and Yale to push brain performance forward
💡 Expert insights on mission-driven entrepreneurship and biotech innovation
Whether you're a startup founder, student, or purpose-driven professional, this episode is full of powerful takeaways!
To learn more about Katarina and her business, be sure to check out the following:
IQMIND
LinkedIn
Instagram
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EP155_Life as a Restauranteur

What does it really take to run a successful restaurant—and scale beyond it?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Jared Ferrall, founder of Crafty Ramen, to uncover the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of the restaurant business.
🍜 From Michelin-starred kitchens to launching a frozen ramen empire
🌏 How traveling the world helped Jared hone his culinary craft
💡 Expert insights on scaling from restaurant to retail
Whether you're a foodie, aspiring entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode is packed with insights!
To learn more about Jared and his business, be sure to check out the following:
Crafty Ramen
Linkedin
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
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EP154_Life as an AI Tech Entrepreneur

🚀 What does it take to build and scale an AI-powered tech company?
In this episode of LIFE AS A.., we sit down with Adam Nathan, Founder & CEO of Blaze, an AI-driven marketing tool that skyrocketed to $7M+ in revenue in just 15 months.
💡 Insights on AI & Entrepreneurship:🔹 The realities of building an AI startup from scratch🔹 Lessons from scaling and securing $46M in funding🔹 Why NOW is the best time to launch a business
If you’re curious about AI, tech startups, or the future of work, this is a must-listen!
To learn more about Adam and his business, be sure to check out the following:
Blaze
Linkedin
Instagram
X
Get Blaze CEO Adam Nathan's cheat codes to building and growing a $150M company in your inbox every week with Startup Tycoon. Powered by Adam's experience shipping product to millions, raising $46M, and hyper scaling to $7M+ in revenue in 15 months with only 25 people. Subscribe here
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EP153_Life as a Zoo Veterinarian

What’s it like to be a zoo veterinarian—especially in a foreign country? 🐾🌏
In this LIFE AS A.. episode, we explore the fascinating world of zoological medicine with Miaka Ogawa, an Associate Veterinarian at Kobe Animal Kingdom in Japan.
🐾 A Day in the Life – Discover the realities of caring for exotic animals.🔍 Career Insights – Explore career paths for veterinary science graduates.💡 Expert Advice – Learn what it takes to thrive as a zoo vet.
If you love animals and are curious about veterinary careers, this is a must-listen!
Tune in for all of this and more!
To learn more about Miaka and her work, be sure to check out the following:
Linkedin
Instagram
Kobe Animal Kingdom
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EP152_Life as a Career Development Specialist

What does it take to become a Careers Development Specialist?
In this LIFE AS A... episode, Ladi Mohammed shares her journey in career guidance and employability development, offering a rare glimpse into this impactful and evolving profession.
🎓 Day in the Life: Discover the realities of shaping education and career pathways.🌍 Career Insights: Learn how global trends and AI are transforming career development.💡 Expert Advice: Hear Ladi’s guidance for those looking to enter the field.
If you're passionate about helping others find their path, this is a must-listen!
Tune in for all of this and more!
To learn more about Ladi Mohammed and her work, be sure to check out the following:
Linkedin 
GETT
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EP151_Life as a Plastic Surgeon

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Life as a Plastic Surgeon 
What does it take to become a plastic surgeon? In this LIFE AS A... episode, Dr. Halperin Ben Ami shares her journey in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, offering a rare glimpse into this challenging yet rewarding medical field.
🏥 Day in the Life: Explore the realities of performing surgeries and patient care.
🔬 Career Insights: Learn about professional options within the field of plastic surgery practice.
🚀 Tech Insights: Learn about the evolving role of technology and AI in plastic surgery.💡 Expert Advice: Hear Dr. Halperin’s guidance for aspiring plastic surgeons.
If you're curious about the world of plastic surgery, this is a must-listen! 
Tune in for all of this and more!
To learn more about Dr. Halperin Ben Ami and her work, be sure to check out the following:
Linkedin 
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EP150_Life as an Accomplished Puppeteer

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Life as an Accomplished Puppeteer  
Step into the magical world of professional puppetry with six-time Emmy nominee Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, best known as the performer behind Abby Cadabby and Elmo’s dog Tango on Sesame Street! 
Get ready to hear insights on the following, plus much more! 
Professional Puppetry - Breaking It All Down!
Puppetry Mastery - Tips to Succeed
Leslie's Pathway into Puppetry
A Day in the Life on Sesame Street
Other Work Insights off Sesame Street
Advice & Tips for Those Interested in Professional Puppetry
Guest Appearances From Some Cute and Cuddly Friends
Much more! 
From creating original shows to bringing beloved characters to life, this conversation is perfect for aspiring puppeteers and fans of performance artistry!
Tune in for all of this and more!
To learn more about Leslie and her work, be sure to check out the following:
Leslie's Portfolio Website
Humor With a Heart
Linkedin 
Instagram
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