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/1440300852
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want 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

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/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want 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

Julie Irving shares her skills journey from working in radio ad sales to transitioning into pharmacy and healthcare marketing. Fun times hearing about her strategies for success amid the COVID-19 pandemic while working at a major pharmacy brand on their marketing team.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Julie Irving: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieirving/
• Efrem Epstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efremepstein/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:39 Julie's Early Career in Radio

05:45 Transitioning to Marketing

08:53 Marketing Strategies and Roles

13:23 Healthcare Marketing Challenges

25:36 Navigating the Job Market

27:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts