Your Construction Network

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  Kiara Tymec ,...

In this episode of the Sparky Live podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Mae Krier, one of the original Rosie the Riveters. Mae shares her experiences working at Boeing during World War II, her advocacy work, and her efforts to honor women on the home front. She discusses the importance of respect, the role of women in society, and the need for equal pay.  Mae's journey from being a riveter at B...

In this episode of the Sparky Live podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with author Simone Stolzoff about his book "The Good Enough Job." They discuss the concept of finding meaning outside of work and the observations Simone has made about blue collar and white collar workers.  Simone shares his perspective on work, emphasizing that it shouldn't be the sole measure of self-worth. He expl...

In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela welcomes wastewater treatment plant operators Emily Grace and Val Gacek. Emily and Val share how they got involved in the field, the income range in the industry, and unique experiences they've had on the job. They also discuss the lack of interest in their field and the gender dynamics they encounter. Lia expresses admiration for her...

Are you a parent struggling to teach your children important life skills? Do you feel like traditional education systems are not enough to prepare your child for the real world? In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Billy Ivanova, host of the Unlock Your Child's Potential podcast, about the importance of teaching life skills to children and the limitations of trad...

In this episode of the Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela speaks with licensed psychologist Dr. Kate Kelly about the benefits of trade careers, particularly in the construction industry, for mental health. They discuss the importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and empathy in the workplace, as well as the link between the body and mind in somatic-based therapies for trauma recovery. The conv...

In this week’s episode, we sit down with Brooke, who’s life trajectory has shown that you can experience the wonders of many trades, careers, and more! Brooke went from being a welder, to a business owner and podcaster, to a plumber, all the while raising three little ones at home. She shares with us the joys and hardships of each of these chapters of her life, as well as some critical advice for...

Today we meet with the amazing Carmyn Stanko, a one-of-a-kind woman pioneer, who organized a union from her home in Vermont. Her journey isn’t only empowering; it’s electrifying! Hear what it takes to organize a trades union from a fellow sparky. University of Vermont  https://www.uvm.edu Connect with us : @sparkylifeoflia Music by  https://www.purple-planet.com

Making construction a girly thing to do! The podcast highlights career and life advice through experiences and discoveries of women in the industry kicking butt with host Megan Switzer. This podcast talks to all people about breaking the glass ceiling while wearing a steel toed boots. Don't forget to subscribe!.

How important is physical strength in a construction career? Today I share about my own journey in building up physical and mental strength and as I prepare my full dive into a lifestyle geared for success in the trades.  Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia https://linktr.ee/sparkylife YouTube: @sparkylifeoflia Sparky Life recommends book :  The Power of One More  by Ed Mylett Music by  https://www....

In this episode the Master Electrician, Dustin Stelzer, enlightens the apprentice on construction culture and gender in the electrical industry. Electrician U was founded by Dustin Stelzer, a Master Electrician, in Austin, Texas. He created  Electrician U in 2016 by making training videos for electrical work on YouTube and Instagram, so that anyone out there who sought a deeper knowledge of the cr...

In this episode we speak with Jennifer Crane, a pipefitter living in Ohio. Jennifer gives us the ins and outs of working as a pipefitter. This homeowner at the age of 21 gives us the breakdown and build up of big benefits in the pipefitter trade. Dive in and see what parts of your story “fit” in with Jennifer’s, as she shares with us about what lights her up! Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia Spar...

This podcast talks to all people about breaking the glass ceiling while wearing a steel toed boots with Megan Switzer. Megan has a Masters in Electrical Engineering Technology from Purdue University. She has lived in on the West Coast for the first four year of her career but has moved back to the East Coast in January 2022. Megan has worked in data center industry for the last 5 years. She works...

Meet Taz Wilson, an ironworker who’s sharp as nails, hard as steel, and sweet as pie. Taz gives us the details on what it's like to work in this field and how to stay positive on the job site. Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia Sparky Life recommends book :  Endure  by Cameron Hanes Music by  https://www.purple-planet.com

Making construction a girly thing to do with Megan Switzer! The podcast highlights career and life advice through experiences and discoveries of women in the industry kicking butt. This podcast talks to all people about breaking the glass ceiling while wearing a steel toed boots. Don't forget to subscribe to Your Construction Network!

In this episode, we speak with Mackenzie Pearl, a carpenter living in Maine. Mackenzie describes what it's like working as a carpenter, and shares her secret on how to not limit yourself. Join us to learn about Mackenzie’s kickass career! Topics Discussed In The Episode: What is a CDL? A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) must be obtained  through their home State (it is illegal to have a l...