• Biochemist into Medical Fiction Author | Dr. Keren Hulkower [56]
    Jan 5 2026

    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

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    43 mins
  • Mom of Three into Tequila Entrepreneur | Mara Smith [55]
    Dec 21 2025

    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

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    38 mins
  • Radio Ad Sales into Pharmacy & Healthcare Marketing | Julie Irving [54]
    Nov 17 2025

    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

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    28 mins
  • Family Business into Certified Alcohol & Drug Counselor | Jeremy Geller [53]
    Nov 3 2025

    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_wrong
    • Rat Park: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction
    • Chris Herren: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Herren
    • Phil Jackson: https://medium.com/@petraivanigova/the-zen-of-phil-jackson-inside-the-mind-of-the-nbas-most-unique-coach-5240bfdcedf6
    • Man’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/@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

    00:55 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

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    58 mins
  • Recruiter into Job Search Influencer | Mike Peditto [52]
    Oct 6 2025

    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/B0FJX996XF
    • RealisticRecruiting: https://www.tiktok.com/@realisticrecruiting?lang=en
    • What 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/7548851206374968590
    • Dave Weinberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweinberg/
    • 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 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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Music Production Coordinator into Fractional COO | Jen Martensen [51]
    Sep 29 2025

    Jen Martensen shares her journey from a college newspaper music critic to becoming a Fractional Chief Operating Officer. Discover the behind-the-scenes world of music production, the evolution of the indie music scene, and the transferable skills that led Jen to work with top artists and manage successful projects in the digital marketing and operations world. Learn about project management, the intersection of creativity and business, and how to leverage fundamental skills across industries.

    ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

    • Jen Martensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmartensen/
    • Brooke Saucier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookesaucier/
    • Stage Magazine: https://www.stagemagazine.org/
    • Barry Bongiovi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-bongiovi-abb4281b/
    • The Triangle Constraint: https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/triple-constraint-project-management-time-scope-cost
    • Backline Business Consulting: https://www.backlinebusiness.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

    00:34 Jen Martensen's College Beginnings

    03:10 Early Career in New York City

    06:34 Learning the Recording Studio Ropes

    08:11 Mentorship and Growth at Power Station

    13:01 Project Management Fundamentals

    16:59 Balancing Creativity and Business

    17:32 The Importance of Contracts in the Music Industry

    20:25 Freelancing and Personal Connections

    22:29 Navigating the Digital Revolution

    25:08 Transitioning to Digital Marketing

    32:23 Founding Backline Business Consulting

    36:01 Defining Business Phases and Roles

    37:27 Exploring Future Career Aspirations

    40:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Tax Law into Trust & Transparency | David Strulowitz [50]
    Sep 21 2025

    David Strulowitz shares his perspectives on emotions as a breadcrumb trail to understanding our inner selves. By recognizing and analyzing our feelings, we can gain valuable insights for both personal growth and business innovation. Join us as we discuss how self-awareness can enhance our decision-making and the potential pitfalls of judgment in our interactions.

    ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

    • David Strulowitz: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-strulowitz-a43aa2b/⁠⁠
    • The Body Keeps The Score: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748⁠⁠
    • Dark Side of the Light Chasers: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-Light-Chasers-Reclaiming/dp/0340819057⁠⁠
    • 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 Understanding Your Feelings

    00:11 The Power of Self-Awareness

    00:32 Applying Emotional Insights

    01:02 Judgment and Its Implications

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • Financial Consulting into Growth Advisor | Aaron Brooks [49]
    Sep 15 2025

    Aaron Brooks shares his experiences and insights through his transition from financial consulting at Anderson Consulting (now Accenture) to business development at Baker Tilly. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships, creating trust, and the value of human flourishing at work. Aaron also discusses the role of introverts and ambiverts in leadership, the challenge of fostering engagement in the workplace, and his passion for transforming the way businesses operate.

    ▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

    • Aaron Brooks: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbrooks/
    • Brian Babendir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianbabendircpa/
    • Sincerity: The Recipe for Living Your Best Personal and Professional Life: https://www.amazon.com/Sincerity-Recipe-Living-Personal-Professional/dp/1636767001
    • Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
    • 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

    00:13 Aaron Brooks' Early Career and Family Business

    00:47 Transition to Financial Consulting

    01:08 Role at Anderson Consulting and SAP Implementation

    02:19 Journey into Staffing and Recruiting

    02:35 Business Development at Baker Tilly

    04:37 Building Trust and Networking

    07:25 The Importance of Relationships in Business

    09:35 Human Flourishing and Workplace Culture

    10:40 Coaching and Mentorship

    19:07 The Role of Leadership and Engagement

    26:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Introvert, Extrovert, Ambivert: Key Differences:

    • Introverts: primarily focused on their inner world
      • Find energy in solitude and quiet reflection.
      • Prefer one-on-one interactions or small groups.
      • May feel drained after social interaction.
      • Tend to be more reflective and thoughtful.
    • Extroverts: primarily focused on the external world
      • Find energy in social interaction and lively settings.
      • Enjoy talking to and being with people.
      • May feel drained by solitude.
      • Tend to be more outgoing and talkative.
    • Ambiverts: comfortable and adaptable in both
      • Exhibit traits of both introversion and extroversion.
      • Can adapt their behavior to suit different social situations.
      • May find energy from both solitude and social interaction.
      • Can be flexible and navigate both social and quiet environments.
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins