Episodes

  • What Family Lawyers Really Deal With Every Day

    What Family Lawyers Really Deal With Every Day
    Jan 11 2026
    What is it really like to be a family law attorney?In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with family law attorney and law firm owner Jolee Vacchi to explore the realities of practicing family law. From divorce cases and child custody disputes to emotional resilience, work life balance, and starting a law firm, this conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes of a legal career many people are curious about but rarely understand.Jolee practices family law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and focuses on compassionate divorce and mediation. She shares what family law attorneys actually do day to day, how often they are in court, and how emotionally demanding this area of law can be. The conversation also covers mental health support for attorneys, burnout in the legal profession, and why compassion is essential when working with families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.This episode is especially valuable for anyone considering law school, exploring legal career paths, thinking about becoming a family law attorney, or curious about how divorce and custody cases really work.In this episode, we discussWhat a family law attorney doesDivorce law vs family lawChild custody and court appearancesThe emotional challenges of family lawMental health and burnout in legal careersWork life balance for attorneysStarting a family law firmCareer paths and pivots within lawWho family law is and is not right forAbout our guestJolee Vacchi is the founder of Foundations Family Law and Mediation Center, serving clients across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She is also the co host of the Divorce Detox podcast, where she shares legal insights alongside emotional regulation strategies for people navigating divorce.About Time We DiscussTime We Discuss is a career discovery podcast where we interview professionals across industries to learn what it is really like to do their jobs. Each episode explores career paths, daily responsibilities, challenges, and unexpected insights to help listeners make more informed career decisions.Subscribe for more conversations about real careers and real work.=============================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:44 - What do family lawyers really do?1:39 - Difference divorce attorney and family attorney2:07 - How often are you in court?3:25 - Working in tandem with social workers4:30 - Separating person and professional life6:34 - Mental well-being and lawyers7:26 - Why family law?9:25 - Importance of wanting to help people10:34 - Pivoting out of family law11:49 - Work-life balance for a family lawyer13:18 - Starting her own firm16:07 - Preparing to leave and being an entrepreneur16:36 - Getting that first client18:29 - Expectations for PTO for attorneys19:52 - Hidden perks of being a family attorney21:26 - This isn't for you if ...22:22 - Thank you Ashley22:46 - Talent has the floor.23:33 - Outro=============================================Guest Information:Jolee VacchiFoundations Family Law and Mediation WebsiteDivorce Detox Podcast WebsiteAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Day in the Life of an Estate Attorney, Children's Book AuthorStart a Social Media Marketing Agency and Make BANK!Life as a Trial /Divorce Attorney with Russell LittleWhat It Is Really Like Hosting The Dave Benson ShowLicensed Professional Counselor of Mental HealthDecluttering for a Living=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    24 mins
  • Tabletop Games Product Designer

    Tabletop Games Product Designer
    Jan 4 2026

    What is it really like working in product design and the board game industry?

    In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with product designer Dougal Grimes to explore his career designing toys and games for global brands. From studying product design engineering in Scotland to working in games marketing and product design, Dougal shares what it takes to build a career in the tabletop game industry.

    This conversation dives into how creativity and engineering come together in product design, the role of education versus hands on experience, and how board games have continued to grow even in a digital world. Dougal explains why tabletop games remain important for connection, creativity, and face to face interaction, especially as screen fatigue becomes more common.

    You will learn how Dougal broke into the toy and game industry, what product design teams actually look like inside major companies, and what the day to day reality of designing games is really like. He also shares honest advice for anyone considering a career in product design, game design, or the board game industry today.

    Topics covered in this episode include:

    • Product design careers
    • Game design and board game development
    • Working in the toy and game industry
    • Education and career paths in product design
    • How board games continue to grow in a digital age
    • What it takes to succeed as a product designer

    If you are interested in product design, board games, creative careers, or learning what different jobs are really like, this episode is for you.

    Listen to more episodes of Time We Discuss and explore careers through real conversations with professionals from a wide range of industries.

    Be sure to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy learning about unique career paths and creative industries.

    =================================================================

    Timestamp:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:43 - Talking product design
    1:52 - Proper education for product designers
    2:57 - Getting started in the game and toy industry
    5:18 - Marketing and games
    7:15 - Industry outlook from the inside
    10:36 - The best way to get into the toy and game industry
    13:11 - Types of jobs in product design
    15:53 - Remote and in-person work for product designers
    18:40 - Difficulty in breaking into the games industry
    21:17 - What's not to like about this work?
    23:39 - Talent has the floor
    25:03 - Outro

    =================================================================

    Guest Information:

    Dougal Grimes

    • Dougal's Website

    Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:

    • Work as Board Game Writer
    • Becoming an Inventor, From Idea to Success
    • Creating a Company Mandatory Fun Trivia (Gordon Southard)

    =================================================================

    Time We Discuss Links:

    Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
    Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
    YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
    Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
    Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
    More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
    Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
    Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
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    Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    25 mins
  • Start an Indie Publishing Company Easily in 2026!

    Start an Indie Publishing Company Easily in 2026!
    Dec 28 2025
    What is it really like owning an independent publishing companyIn this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with Susie Schaefer to explore what it is actually like running an independent publishing company. From helping authors publish their first book to guiding experienced writers through complex industry decisions, Susie shares what happens behind the scenes of indie publishing and why understanding how the industry works is critical for success.Susie launched her publishing company in 2019 after decades of experience in human resources, media, and hospitality. What started as a career transition quickly became a thriving business, even during the COVID pandemic. In this conversation, she explains how transferable skills, strong systems, and relationship building play a major role in building a sustainable publishing business.You will hear why publishing still matters in a digital world, how independent publishing gives more people the opportunity to share their stories, and why preserving personal and historical narratives is so important. Susie also breaks down common mistakes new authors make, including why simply uploading a manuscript to Amazon often leads to disappointment.This episode is especially valuable for aspiring authors, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about careers in publishing. Whether you want to publish your own book, start a publishing company, or understand how books really make it into bookstores and libraries, this conversation offers practical insight and real world experience.In this episode, we discussWhat an independent publishing company actually doesHow Susie transitioned into publishing later in her careerCommon pitfalls new authors face when publishing a bookWhy industry knowledge matters more than everHow networking and referrals drive long term successWho publishing is and is not a good career fit for=================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:52 - Why create a publishing company?2:11 - Creating a company during COVID3:23 - Get noticed easily online4:46 - Useful skills for starting an indie publishing company6:05 - Revisiting, why publishing?7:52 - Typical day in a publishing company9:01 - Pitfalls to avoid for self published authors10:28 - Time needed to publish11:15 - On publishing other people's books12:14 - Getting clients and authors13:19 - Effective advertising14:01 - Least favorite part of the day15:24 - Importance of hiring a business coach16:21 - This job isn't for you if17:48 - Pain points for starting a publishing company19:46 - Networking groups specifically in this industry22:15 - Reacting to sudden changes in the industry23:41 - Talent has the floor24:27 - Outro=================================================================Guest Information:Susie SchaeferFinish the Book Publishing WebsiteFinish the Damn Book PodcastAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Become a Virtual Assistant in 2024 - Complete Guide!A Day in the Life of a Behavior Specialist Coach | Business CoachingBecoming a Mentor with Doug LawrenceSmall Business Process Improvement Consultant (Marty Dunn)Being a Real Exorcist (Laura Van Tyne)=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    25 mins
  • Wrapping Up Season 2 and Unpacking Season 3

    Wrapping Up Season 2 and Unpacking Season 3
    Dec 21 2025

    This is the official wrap up of Season 2 of the Time We Discuss podcast. This episode looks back on more than 60 guests who opened the door to some of the most fascinating careers you can imagine. From astrologers and exorcists to sommeliers, ballerinas, voice actors, beekeepers, and registered patent agents, this season proved that you can build a career from almost anything.

    In this episode, Dan shares Spotify achievements for 2025, highlights fan favorite moments, and retells the most inspiring stories of the year. You will also get a preview of Season 3, launching January 4th, which includes conversations with a web designer, grant writer, home stager, herbalist, and even an animal telepath.

    If you love discovering real career stories, subscribe and stay connected for another season of fresh and surprising interviews.

    =================================================================

    Timestamp:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:47 - Spotify Achievements
    1:33 - Some highlighted careers from season 2
    2:10 - Registered Patent Agent
    2:45 - Grammy-Nominated Musician
    3:09 - Video Game Voiceover Artist
    3:38 - Beekeeper
    4:20 - Professional Paranormal Podcaster
    4:34 - Late Night Show Host
    5:07 - Big Story - Pool Cleaner
    5:58 - Sommelier
    6:25 - Raising money to fight cancer
    7:17 - Anyone can do anything
    8:27 - Coming up in Season 3
    9:12 - Outro

    =================================================================

    Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
    • Become a Registered Patent Agent
    • The Incredible Story of Glenda Benevides, Grammy Nominee
    • Video Game Voiceover Star - Gina Scarpa
    • What It's Really Like to Be a Beekeeper (Ben Cooper)
    • Creating a Company Mandatory Fun Trivia (Gordon Southard)
    • Become a Silhouette Portait or Caricature Artist (Emily Byrne)
    • Being a Real Exorcist (Laura Van Tyne)
    • Inside the Life of a Professional Astrologer (Susan Reynolds)
    • Market Growth Professional
    • Becoming a Sommelier with Nathan Bihm
    • Jim Harold Career in Podcasting
    • What It Is Really Like Hosting The Dave Benson Show
    • Dallin Huso, Successful Flamingo Pool Business in Arizona from Nothing

    =================================================================

    Time We Discuss Links:

    Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
    Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
    YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
    Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
    Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
    More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
    Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
    Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
    Instagram: Time We Discuss on Instagram
    Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    9 mins
  • What's it like being a PROCESS Improvement Consultant?

    What's it like being a PROCESS Improvement Consultant?
    Dec 14 2025
    Do many people dream of being a small business consultant focusing on improving processes?If you run a small business and feel like your days are filled with putting out fires, this episode of Time We Discuss will feel like someone finally turned on the lights. In this conversation, Dan interviews small business consultant Marty Dunn, whose specialty is helping service based companies transform their operations through clear and sustainable process improvements.Marty works with electricians, plumbers, landscapers, marketing firms and many other owners who are great at their craft but overwhelmed by the constant stress of running a business without dependable systems. Throughout the episode he breaks down how better workflows, documented steps and predictable operations can turn a chaotic business into one that grows with confidence.You will hear how Marty analyzes bottlenecks, redesigns communication pathways and teaches leaders how to support their teams while building repeatable systems. He explains why process improvements are the foundation of profitability and how strong leadership habits make it easier for teams to follow new procedures. Marty also shares valuable real world advice about networking, early stage entrepreneurship, emotional resilience and the shift from employee to owner.What you will learn in this episodeWhy most small service based businesses struggle due to unclear or inconsistent processesHow process improvements reduce stress, eliminate bottlenecks and create smoother daily operationsThe Build Break Build leadership approach that strengthens teams during changeHow to move from being a do everything owner to leading a business that runs predictablyWhy networking groups like BNI can become an extended sales team for small businessesHow financial clarity and operational structure work together to support smart growthWhat new entrepreneurs should document before hiring their first employee or taking their first clientHow Marty’s background in finance, cybersecurity and operations shaped his process driven methodWhy strong community involvement and team mentorship matter in both business and sportsWhether you are an established owner or considering leaving a full time job to start your own business, Marty offers clear steps and relatable stories that show how powerful process improvements can be. His company, Mingma, helps business owners create documented workflows, strengthen their operations and build teams that work with consistency and confidence.=================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:27 - Typical day like as a process improvement consultant1:07 - Background before consulting4:10 - Education background for consulting5:41 - Forming the company7:27 - Relating music and sports to business12:16 - Pivoting into consulting14:34 - Importance of networking for small businesses19:34 - Talent has the floor20:52 - Outro=================================================================Guest Information:Marty DunnMingma WebsiteAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Becoming a Sommelier with Nathan BihmDecluttering for a LivingPro Organizer Organizes Offices, Homes, and Lives.Becoming a Mentor with Doug Lawrence=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    21 mins
  • CREATE a Successful YouTube Channel Now

    CREATE a Successful YouTube Channel Now
    Dec 7 2025
    In this episode of Time We Discuss, meet Dave Benson of the Dave Benson Show! Dave's late night style show highlights musicians, directors, actors, writers, etc. and gives those artists with a quieter voice (among the noise) a place to talk about their craft.Learn how to create a successful YouTube channel from scratch and grow your audience. Discover the best practices for optimizing your videos, creating engaging content, and increasing your visibility on the platform. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced creator, this video will provide you with valuable tips and strategies to help you achieve your goals and build a loyal following.In this episode of Time We Discuss, host Dan sits down with Dave Benson, creator of The Dave Benson Show, to explore what it is really like running a late night style talk show in the digital age. Dave opens up about his creative journey, how he built his show from the ground up, and why he focuses on spotlighting actors, directors, filmmakers, musicians, and creative professionals who rarely get attention on traditional talk shows.Dave shares how consistency, commitment, and a clever use of LinkedIn helped him grow from sporadic episodes to a fully booked guest list months in advance. He also walks through his weekly workflow, balancing a full time career in another city while writing monologues, researching guests, filming, editing, and releasing a new episode every Monday.We dive into his signature monologue process, why he avoids politics and focuses on fun stories, and how he added segments such as YouTube creator news and a sixty second movie review. Dave also explains how his background outside the entertainment world shaped his creative approach and how a simple work presentation awakened his passion for video production.Other key topics includeHow short form content and YouTube Shorts helped grow his channelThe challenges and joys of interviewing different types of guestsThe importance of giving a voice to creators outside the A list spotlightFuture plans for bringing *The Dave Benson Show* to streaming platforms like Tubi=================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:45 - Hosting the Dave Benson Show1:34 - Why the late night show style?2:49 - What makes the Dave Benson Show different from other shows?4:11 - How do you find your guests?7:50 - Balancing a job and being a YouTube creator10:02 - Inspiration for the monologue12:43 - How did you get the education to do all of this?15:24 - What is the best part of being a YouTube creator?17:30 - Tips for creators - what works and what doesn't?20:35 - Fun facts for the host of Time We Discuss22:23 - Strongman competition23:24 - What do you like least about being a content creator?25:03 - All about editing and social media27:21 - Talent has the floor28:08 - Outro=================================================================Guest Information:Dave BensonThe Dave Benson Show WebsiteThe Dave Benson Show on YouTubeAlso Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Writing and Marketing Science Fiction (Aaron Ryan)Become a Self Published Sci-Fi AuthorJim Harold Career in PodcastingThe Wondering Monsters Podcast=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    29 mins
  • What's it Like Running a SUCCESSFUL Gourmet Chocolate Business?

    What's it Like Running a SUCCESSFUL Gourmet Chocolate Business?
    Nov 30 2025

    From Jackson, Michigan, we're speaking with Gilbert Chocolates owners Brian and Sally Krichbaum.

    Discover the sweet world of entrepreneurship as we delve into the life of a successful gourmet chocolate business owner. Learn the secrets to running a thriving business in the competitive world of artisanal chocolates. From crafting unique flavor profiles to managing a team and expanding a customer base, we'll explore the highs and lows of building a brand that's synonymous with luxury and indulgence. Whether you're a chocolate lover, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the inner workings of a successful business, this video is for you. Get ready to indulge in the rich world of gourmet chocolate and learn what it takes to make a business truly successful.

    Brian and Sally share how they went from engineering and raising a family to becoming chocolatiers. They explain what a typical day looks like in a working chocolate factory, how they maintain original recipes created in the eighteen hundreds, and how they keep century old equipment running while still innovating with new flavors.

    You will hear how they revived classic products, introduced new creations based on customer trends, and learned to work together as partners both at home and in the factory. They also talk about navigating modern challenges, growing a historic brand, building customer loyalty, and supporting the local community.

    If you love gourmet chocolate, small business stories, or behind the scenes looks at unique careers, this episode offers a rich and memorable deep dive.

    Topics covered include:

    • What it is like to own a gourmet chocolate company
    • How Gilbert Chocolates preserves historic recipes and traditions
    • How new chocolate flavors and products are developed
    • Running a small business in a modern market
    • The challenges and rewards of long standing family based brands
    • Insights for anyone interested in artisan foods or career transitions

    =================================================================

    Timestamp:
    0:00 - Intro
    0:48 - Typical day for a chocolate business.
    2:19 - When did you purchase the chocolate business?
    3:28 - Transferable skills for a successful chocolate business
    5:42 - Why buy a chocolate business?
    7:13 - Unexpected perks of owning a chocolate business
    10:33 - Advice for new chocolate businesses
    12:50 - Sales and fads
    14:26 - Filling knowledge gaps leading to success
    19:17 - Keeping fresh with recipes
    21:31 - Who creates new recipes?
    23:41 - Talent has the Floor
    25:07 - Outro

    =================================================================

    Guest Information:

    Brian and Sally Krichbaum
    • Gilbert Chocolates Website
    Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:
    • Become a Professional Speaker with Michael Hingson
    • What It's Like as an Ice Cream Scientist (Dr. Maya Warren)
    • How to Become a Working Musician

    =================================================================

    Time We Discuss Links:

    Official Website: Time We Discuss Website
    Original Music: Original Music furnished by Dan Swift
    YouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTube
    Spotify: Time We Discuss on Spotify
    Apple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple Podcasts
    More Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other Platforms
    Twitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/X
    Bluesky: Time We Discuss on Bluesky
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    Threads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    25 mins
  • Pause for What's Really Important | Thanksgiving 2025

    Pause for What's Really Important | Thanksgiving 2025
    Nov 23 2025
    Thanksgiving in 2025 leaves me feeling thankful for my visitors, subscribers, guests, and other podcasters. It's important that we take a minute with mindfulness at the forefront and recognize the wonderful things that we each have.Remembering that my goal is to help others that are lost professionally or are unfilled in their career, I remember several key guests and videos from 2025.This episode has a little something for everyone. Whether you are a creator, seasoned professional looking for fulfillment, or kind of quirky, this one can help steer you in the right direction. All hope is not lost!Stay tuned to gain valuable insights and inspiration from the experiences of professionals working unique and fulfilling jobs. =================================================================Timestamp:0:00 - Intro0:52 - LinkedIn post.1:37 - Theads post.2:23 - Thankful for comments3:02 - Thankful for views and subs3:32 - Special thanks to my guests4:00 - Thank you fellow podcasters4:12 - The Challenge4:41 - Building a successful small business5:11 - How writers can make money5:33 - Become or find a mentor6:11 - Professional speakers7:03 - Completely weird and unusual jobs8:15 - Outro=================================================================Also Mentioned Directly or Indirectly in This Episode:Time We Discuss Careers - the Back Story of Time We DiscussWriting and Marketing Science Fiction (Aaron Ryan)Become a Self Published Sci-Fi AuthorBecome a Magic Fantasy Author with Jennifer ShawDallin Huso, Successful Flamingo Pool Business in Arizona from NothingBecoming a Mentor with Doug LawrenceBecome a Professional Speaker with Michael HingsonJim Harold: A Career in Paranormal Podcasting=================================================================Time We Discuss Links:Official Website: Time We Discuss WebsiteOriginal Music: Original Music furnished by Dan SwiftYouTube: Time We Discuss on YouTubeSpotify: Time We Discuss on SpotifyApple Podcasts: Time We Discuss on Apple PodcastsMore Podcast Platforms: Time We Discuss Podcast on Other PlatformsTwitter/X: Time We Discuss on Twitter/XBluesky: Time We Discuss on BlueskyInstagram: Time We Discuss on InstagramThreads: Time We Discuss on Threads
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    9 mins