Sparky Life
Lia Lamela
On Your Construction Network the Sparky Life Podcast with Lia Lamela, every Thursday has remarkable stories and points of view from journeyman and woman who 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 use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives. I share with you my electrical journey, experiences and insight through engaging banter with those I have met along the way. If you are interested in trade tales, an industry frought with excitement and risk subscribe and be notified every Thursday when trade tales continue. We build the world we want to live in. Let’s band together to create the sparks in our lives!
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Top 10 Sparky Life Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Sparky Life episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Sparky Life for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Sparky Life episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
The Modern-Day Jacques Cousteau
Sparky Life
10/12/23 • 42 min
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela speaks with Alexis Armstrong, a geologist and host of the Smoko Podcast. Alexis shares her experiences working on a deep-sea drilling vessel and her passion for representing women in STEM and skilled trades.
They discuss the barriers and biases faced by women in these fields, the origin of the name "Smoko" for Alexis' podcast, and the differences in gender representation and support between Canada, Australia, and the United States. Alexis shares her journey in the mining industry and offers advice for women interested in pursuing similar careers.
Connect with our guest Alexis Armstrong Links: https://linktr.ee/thesmokopodcast
Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front MemorialBe a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation
Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea
Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community. You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
Creating A Trade Job Platform
Sparky Life
10/05/23 • 28 min
In this episode of the Sparky Life podcast, host Lia Lamela interviews Jeff Bond, the creator of Trade Jobs, a platform that connects skilled tradespeople with job opportunities. Jeff shares his background in the skilled trades and explains how the idea for Trade Jobs came about.
They discuss the challenges of finding qualified tradespeople and the need for better education and awareness of trade career options. Jeff explains the benefits of using the Trade Jobs platform for both employers and employees, and they also discuss the changing nature of employment in the trades industry.
Jeff shares upcoming plans for Trade Jobs and encourages listeners to get involved.
Connect with our guest Jeff Bond Links: www.gettradejobs.comConnect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front MemorialBe a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation
Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea
Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community. You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
07/20/23 • 29 min
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 traditional education systems.
Billy shares her mission to raise her children to be good humans and to fill the gaps left by the school system by teaching them important life skills such as personal finance and developing a winning mindset. Lia and Billy discuss the importance of introducing children to skilled trades and construction careers as potential options and the need for parents to provide their children with information about different career paths.
There is a need for a more holistic approach to education and parenting, one that values life skills and vocational paths as much as traditional academic ones. It also emphasizes the importance of being present and supportive for children, while prioritizing our own personal growth and self-awareness as parents. So, if you're a parent looking to set your child up for success in the future, tune in to this episode of the Sparky Life podcast.
Connect with us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sparkylifeoflia/videos
Connect with our guest Billy's links: https://www.unlockyourchildsfullpotential.com/https://www.instagram.com/your_childs_full_potential/Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
03/30/23 • 29 min
Today we speak with Chris Heskett, host of Wild Nutrition Podcast and full-time health and fitness coach, to discuss the importance of a healthy and active lifestyle, especially for people entering the trades.
Connect with our guest Chris, Owner of PEAK Wellness Coaching
Wild Nutrition Secrets for Women Facebook Group
PEAK Wellness Coaching https://linktr.ee/chrisheskett18Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
https://linktr.ee/sparkylife
Sparky Life recommends book: Endure by Cameron Hanes
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
03/28/23 • 9 min
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
Sparky Life recommends book: The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
A Boilermaker with a Booming Book Part 1
Sparky Life
02/16/23 • 29 min
We’re thrilled to speak with Hilary Peach today, author of Thick Skin: Field Notes from a Sister in the Brotherhood. Her story evolves from her years of experience as a welder and as one of the only women in the Boilermakers Union. Listen close to discover trade secrets from Hilary about the unseen world of industrial construction.Connect with our guest Hilary Peach/Author/Welder/Boilermaker: Thick Skin: Field Notes from a Sister in the Brotherhood by Hilary Peach
https://www.hilarypeach.ca/books
Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Sparky Life Supports: Raya Kenney's Foundation Women Who Worked on the Home Front MemorialBe a part of history!
National Memorial to the Women Who Worked on the Home Front Foundation
Here's Raya and a little about her memorial
Congress approves Women Who Worked on the Home Front Memorial
Here's the link to donate.
https://marnie-kenney-sfg2.squarespace.com/checkout/donate?donatePageId=63d1d506217f9e44111ecfea
Apply for Skilled Trades the Mike Rowe Scholarship:
https://www.mikeroweworks.org/scholarship/
"We recognize a good education doesn’t always require a four-year degree.”
We support financial advancement for the skilled trades community. You can reach out to Jennifer Markwell at Platinum Wealth email [email protected]
website www.PlatinumWealth.net
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
A Laborer On the Path to Leadership
Sparky Life
02/02/23 • 26 min
In this episode, we speak with Stephanie Schaefer, a laborer located in NY with local 79. Stephanie divulges what it's like to be a laborer. Get the info and laugh with us!Mentioned in the episode: Holt construction https://holtcc.comCheck out local 79
Nontraditional Employment for Women (program for women interested in getting into the trades) https://www.new-nyc.org
Connect with us: @sparkylifeofliaSparky Life recommends book: Grit by Angela Duckworth
Music by https://www.purple-planet.com
Why be a Carpenter?
Sparky Life
01/26/23 • 22 min
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 license from more than one State). Special endorsements may be required if you or your company drivers are driving any of the following vehicles: a truck with double or triple trailers.Connect with us: @sparkylifeoflia
Mentioned in episode Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.comMusic by https://www.purple-planet.com
05/23/24 • 70 min
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. May they not only discover their highest selves but also light the path for others." Matt and Lia discuss career paths, our education system, and skills for success.
Contact Matt @ [email protected]
Website: https://confidenceskillsforyoungadults.com/
Construction Industry needs a REVOLUTION
Sparky Life
03/06/25 • 64 min
In this electrifying episode of The Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the dynamic world of the construction industry with an absolute powerhouse: Barb Allen, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in leadership, from a licensed carpenter to superintendent and business owner. Join us in todays amazing conversation.
0:00 Introduction: Women Reshaping Construction and Persistent Challenges
1:00 Introducing Barb Allen: Extensive Experience and Perspective
2:30 Being Labelled "Difficult" as a Female Leader
4:30 Leadership Techniques: Letting People Come to Their Own Conclusions
7:30 The Initial Shock of Women in the Trades
8:30 Shift to Microaggressions and Unconscious Biases
11:30 Differences in Male and Female Conversational Styles
12:30 Dealing with "Yesing to Death" and Lack of Follow-Through
14:30 Leadership Title Without Actual Authority
17:30 Bosses Undermining Authority and the Importance of Reinforcement 19:30 The Constant Need to Reprove and Reasons for Women Leaving 21:30 Having Conversations with Leaders About Lack of Authority
25:00 Using the Socratic Method for Leadership Discussions
27:30 Approaching Leaders with the Assumption of Good Intentions
28:30 Sponsor Message: Supply House
29:30 Lack of Understanding from Clients and Design Teams
31:30 Assumptions About Women's Lack of Field Experience
34:30 Leadership Skills Versus Trade Skills and the Peter Principle
37:30 The Necessity of Leadership Training and its Impact on the Bottom Line
40:30 Reasons for Leaving Jobs: Bad Bosses Versus Pay
41:30 The Cost of Employee Turnover and the Practice of Pigeonholing 43:00 Differences in Male and Female Leaders Letting People Go
46:00 Being the One to Speak Up in Meetings and Male Colleagues' Reactions
48:00 Advice on Speaking Up and Potential Career Repercussions
52:30 Example of Inappropriate Industry Event and Varying Reactions
57:30 The Importance of Building a Strong Support Network
58:30 Where to Find Barb Allen and Her Podcast
Follow Barb here - www.constructionbarb.com or @constructionbarb
Thanks to our sponsor SupplyHouse! - Visit www.supplyhouse.com/t-m
🔥 Don’t forget to LIKE 👍, COMMENT 💬, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 for more motivation & success tips!
📲 Follow me on social media for more adventures:
Instagram: @yourconstructionnetwork
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesparkylifepodcast
#construction #womeninconstruction #leadership #mentorship #career #trades #superintendent #genderequality #podcast #lialamela #barballen #thesparkylife #constructionbarb #constructivebehaviors #empowerment #building #industry #2025
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FAQ
How many episodes does Sparky Life have?
Sparky Life currently has 118 episodes available.
What topics does Sparky Life cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Personal Growth, Construction, Women, Mindset, Work, Podcasts, Business and Careers.
What is the most popular episode on Sparky Life?
The episode title 'What is Junk-A-Haulics?' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Sparky Life?
The average episode length on Sparky Life is 35 minutes.
How often are episodes of Sparky Life released?
Episodes of Sparky Life are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Sparky Life?
The first episode of Sparky Life was released on Jan 7, 2023.
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