Sparky Life

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the Sparky Life Podcast, where we celebrate careers in construction with your host, Lia Lamela . The Sparky Life Podcast is proudly sponsored by SupplyHouse.com . SupplyHouse.com offers electricians the Trade Masters program, providing benefits like free shipping and order discounts. Visit supplyhouse.com/team to join the program today. This week, we are honored to have...

Send us Fan Mail Are the opportunities available to women in the skilled trades? Tradeswomen Building Bridges non-for-profit organization is a North American network of women working in the construction trades. Noreen and Iesca, members of Building Bridges join the Sparky Life Podcast to discuss their network and if women can access the careers available with in the skilled trades successfully? Su...

Send us Fan Mail Today welcome James Strang, Journeyman Drywaller and Finisher, better known as @jwol_finishes .  It's well known with in the skilled trades community the sparks and drywallers can go head to head.  Who wins this throw down? (music by purple-planet ) Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Since 2016, the IDEAL Electrician National Championship has been a platform that celebrates and showcases the incredible skills of Tradesmen and women across North America via a one-of-a-kind program and competition that ultimately crowns the best of the best electricians each year. Today Lia speaks with Emma Becker, returning semi-finalist, in the national top ten electrician com...

Send us Fan Mail On today's Sparky Life, Benedikte Vatne, a high voltage electrician and EIT field engineer joins Lia Lamela to discuss what it is like to ride a helicopter into work on the mountainous regions of Norway? Connect with our guest Benedikte: @energi_benedikte BIG NEWS SPARKIES: Are you a skilled electrician who wants to win an all-expense paid trip to West Palm Beach, Florida and...

Send us Fan Mail On today's Sparky Life, Mae, the Highway Hopper, and her husband Sean share their journey of leaving traditional jobs to start Orbital Jump Freight, a trucking company. They sold their house to fund the business, initially living in the truck as they ventured into the industry. Their story showcases a bold decision to pursue a life on the road, resonating with their passion f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the host Lia Lamela speaks with the author of Confidence For Young Adults, Matt Eisenberg.  " The purpose of this book, deeply rooted in my soul, is to empower our young adults—the torchbearers of tomorrow. By fostering their confidence, resilience, and self-belief, I hope to inspire them to become the embodiment of generosity, kindness, love, and fulfillment...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the host Lia Lamela speaks with the owner of Diamond Electric Solutions, Dominic Sonesen. They explore the journey from an IBEW apprentice to a successful business owner. Dominic highlights the perks of the electrical trade, from benefits to the joy of project completion, and the motivation derived from family. The episode is a testament to the skilled trades&apos...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode host Lia Lamela sits down with Val and Emily, seasoned wastewater treatment plant operators and returning Sparky Life guests. They discuss the intricacies of wastewater management and highlighting the importance of flushing protocols. These women value their trade, emphasizing their contributions to safety, community, and morale in the workplace. First Spa...

Send us Fan Mail Building Success in the Electrical Contracting Business: Insights from Rudy @Right_Wire_Electric As the host of the Sparky Life podcast, I've had the privilege of speaking with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the skilled trades. In this episode, I sit down with Rudy , better known as @Right_Wire_Electric, to delve into his 25-year journey in th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode , Lia Lamela welcomed electrician Andrea O'Connell, who shared her empowering story of transitioning from a struggling single mother to a passionate tradeswoman. Andrea recounted her serendipitous entry into the construction industry, where she discovered a fulfilling career path. She candidly discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with her apprentic...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Ryan, an 18-year-old entrepreneur and HVAC apprentice. They discuss the urgent need for tradespeople and the opportunities within the HVAC industry. Ryan shares his proactive approach to learning and his plans to obtain multiple trade licenses. They discuss the academic system and encourage exploring various fi...

Send us Fan Mail Viola Vargas, is 12 years old and already a trailblazer.  She started her journey with the trades when she was a toddler and growing up she always loved working with tools with her dad. Viola started with cutting wires, but today she helps her dad with HVAC projects.  Not only is she skilled in HVAC but she is an athlete as well, taekwondo, soccer, and track and field. Viola hopes...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia speaks with electrical engineer Ayesha Wilson about her career and advocacy for STEM outreach. Ayesha shares her inspiration from astronaut Kalpana Chawla and her path to circuit design.  Ayesha's dedication to teaching and mentorship shines through as she discusses breaking down academic gatekeeping and the value of collaborati...

Send us Fan Mail In our latest episode on March 7, 2024, Two Students Stabbed at Local 26 Electrical Training Center: Bullying and Mental Health in the skilled trades we discussed the tragic events which occurred on Feb 13th 2024 in Manassa, VA.   In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast we follow up on the heart-wrenching events that have shaken our community at Local 26. I sat down with a cour...

Send us Fan Mail In this Sparky Life episode Raya Kenney discusses her 11-year journey building a Memorial for Women On The Home Front during World War II, emphasizing visibility and recognition for their contributions. She details the project's design, fundraising needs, and educational goals. Raya highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and advocating for gender equity in skille...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, Lia Lamela and guests Dr. Talia Jackson and Douglas Jensen from the We're Not Fine podcast discuss a stabbing incident at the local 26 JATC in Manassas, Virginia. They talk about the serious issues of bullying and mental health within the construction industry, reflecting on the culture that may contribute to such tragedies. The con...

Send us Fan Mail In this podcast episode, Chris Guyatt, a building automation expert, and Lia Lamela, talk about the lucrative and evolving field of building automation. Chris outlines the business potential, emphasizing the importance of branding, marketing, and understanding electrical controls. He also shares a step-by-step learning path for newcomers, stressing the significance of hands-on exp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela talks with Cate, a second-year apprentice carpenter from British Columbia, about the challenges and experiences of women in the skilled trades. Cate discusses her transition from administrative work to carpentry, and the importance of self-confidence. They address the balance between strength and softness.  Cate discloses...

Send us Fan Mail Live Panel is a new modern platform where leaders in the skilled trades discuss compelling issues facing the construction industry. Live Panel shares remarkable stories and points of view of how journeyman and woman build the things that make our lives work!  These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we us...

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that 1 in 5 women prefer to work with men over other women? We dove deep into this curious statistic and explored the challenges of women supporting women in spaces where we're still breaking ground. Our guest Bogi is a committed automotive industry advocate, dealer-trained BMW and ASE master certified technician, and a fierce proponent for inspiring women to pur...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks to Jeff Naeem, the owner of a New Jersey-based junk removal company. Jeff shares his journey from working in financial services to starting his own business in the skilled trades. He discusses the challenges of obtaining a license in New Jersey, the day-to-day operations of his company, and the importance of treati...

Send us Fan Mail This is Sparky Life's One Year Anniversary! I just want to thank all the listeners.  I am so grateful to you; Sparky Life would never be able to serve the skilled trades community on the level it has if it wasn't for you.  You have helped Sparky Life introduce the skilled trades to people who had no idea all the opportunities available to them within these career paths....

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Shana Francesca, a life designer and CEO of Concinnate LLC, about her unique background making her an expert on transformative leadership. We discuss the impact of toxic leadership in the construction industry, with Shana advocating for intentional and ethical leadership practices.  The construction industry, s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela  speaks with Bettina, founder of Women in FIFO, about her experiences in the mining industry. They discuss the challenges women face, such as sexual harassment and underrepresentation, and the financial benefits of FIFO roles. Bettina shares her journey in the industry and how she achieved financial stability as a single...