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  • EP71 Navigating the Challenges of Starting a Business
    Feb 19 2026

    In this episode of the Living the Dream podcast, host Sam and guest Joe discuss Joe's journey in starting his own plumbing business, the challenges he faces, and the lessons learned along the way. They explore the importance of customer service, the difficulties of creating leads, and the impact of imposter syndrome on self-worth. Joe shares valuable advice for young entrepreneurs and emphasizes the need for confidence and perseverance in the business world.

    https://linktr.ee/livinthedreampodcast24

    Classic Plumbing Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587392630274

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Studio Updates

    02:12 Joe's Plumbing Journey

    05:26 Challenges of Starting a Business

    10:58 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs

    16:11 Lessons Learned and Imposter Syndrome

    25:07 Customer Interactions and Pricing

    32:35 Conclusion and Future Plans

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    37 Min.
  • EP70 The Realities of Travel Jobs: Pros, Cons, and Family Impact
    Feb 12 2026

    In this episode, the hosts dive into the contrasting lifestyles of travel jobs versus shop jobs, exploring the pros and cons of each. James shares his extensive experience as a traveler, having flown over 1.6 million miles in nearly 14 years, while Sam expresses his preference for the stability of a shop job. They discuss the emotional toll of travel jobs, including missing family events and the loneliness that often accompanies being on the road. James reflects on his journey, including the challenges he faced when he initially left the travel job due to personal circumstances but later returned for the financial benefits.

    The conversation also touches on the importance of maintaining strong relationships while working in a travel job, emphasizing the need for communication and trust between partners. They highlight the unique rewards of travel jobs, such as accumulating hotel points and enjoying free vacations, but also caution about the sacrifices made in family time. Ultimately, the episode provides insights into the realities of both job types, encouraging listeners to consider their personal priorities when choosing between a travel job and a shop job.

    https://linktr.ee/livinthedreampodcast24

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Travel vs. Shop Jobs

    02:03 Pros and Cons of Travel Jobs

    08:06 The Emotional Toll of Travel

    16:19 Maintaining Relationships on the Road

    23:26 The Rewards of Travel Jobs

    37:40 Final Thoughts on Job Choices

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    40 Min.
  • EP69 Unlocking the 'Why': Elevate Your Work Ethic
    Feb 5 2026

    In this episode of the Livin’ the Dream podcast, hosts Sam and Brian delve into the importance of understanding the 'why' behind one's job, rather than just the 'how.' They discuss how many people approach their work in a robotic manner, merely following instructions without grasping the underlying reasons for their tasks. Brian emphasizes that exceptional individuals in any field—be it machining, HVAC, or metrology—understand the significance of their actions and the implications of their decisions. This understanding not only enhances their performance but also prepares them for leadership roles in the future.

    The conversation also touches on the different types of workers: leaders, followers, and those who merely show up. Brian shares anecdotes from his experiences, illustrating how those who grasp the 'why' tend to excel, while those who don't often remain stagnant. The episode wraps up with a call to action for listeners to reflect on their own understanding of their roles and to strive for deeper knowledge in their work, ultimately leading to personal and professional growth.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Setup

    02:19 The Importance of Knowing the Why

    07:57 Understanding Different Types of Workers

    14:27 The Role of Leaders and Followers

    20:26 The Personal Aspect of Work

    25:16 Understanding the Autoclave Process

    27:43 The Importance of Pressure in Composite Bonding

    30:06 Challenges in Metrology and Temperature Control

    35:03 Financial Constraints in Manufacturing

    40:31 Leadership vs. Followership in the Workplace

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    47 Min.
  • EP68 Embracing Setbacks: The Non-Linear Path of Progress
    Jan 29 2026

    In this episode, the host reflects on the nature of progress, emphasizing that it is rarely a straight path. He shares personal anecdotes about setbacks, including challenges with a 1947 tractor and a near house fire, illustrating how these experiences have taught him patience and resilience. The host encourages listeners to view setbacks as part of the journey, reminding them that progress can still be made despite obstacles. He also discusses the importance of learning from mistakes and reaching out for help when needed, reinforcing that growth often comes from overcoming difficulties.

    The conversation serves as a motivational reminder that progress is not linear and that everyone faces challenges in their personal and professional lives. The host expresses gratitude for the support of his community and the lessons learned through recent experiences, aiming to inspire listeners to embrace their own journeys of growth and learning. He concludes by inviting feedback and interaction from the audience, signaling a commitment to continue producing content and engaging with listeners.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction: The Nature of Progress

    01:52 Setbacks and Learning Experiences

    05:59 The Importance of Community Support

    09:50 Owning Mistakes and Moving Forward

    13:29 Conclusion: Continuous Growth and Engagement

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    15 Min.
  • EP67 Drifting Through Life: Cars, Community, and Controversy W/ ZakX
    Jan 22 2026

    In this episode of the Living the Dream podcast, host Sam welcomes guests Richard Heizer and Zak X, who share their unique experiences and insights. Richard Heizer, a paintless dent repair expert from Colorado, discusses his journey from sweeping floors in the collision repair industry to establishing his own successful shop. He also shares his passion for cars and drag racing, highlighting the community aspect of the racing world. Zak X, on the other hand, opens up about his recent unemployment and the challenges he faced after voicing his opinions on social media, which led to his dismissal from a job. He reflects on the importance of free speech and the consequences of standing up for one's beliefs in today's society.

    The conversation delves into various topics, including the differences between drifting and drag racing, the sense of community in motorsports, and the impact of social media on personal and professional lives. Both guests share their thoughts on the current political climate, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the importance of transparency in discussions about immigration and social issues. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about their experiences with cars and the racing community, leaving listeners with a mix of humor and thought-provoking insights.

    If you feel inclined to help him on his Journey here is his link tree.

    https://linktr.ee/Thezakx?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Guests

    01:37 Richard Heiser: From Collision Repair to Car Enthusiast

    02:33 Zak X: Unemployment and Protests

    04:24 The World of Drifting vs. Drag Racing

    05:47 Community in Racing: Then and Now

    17:14 Zak's Experience with Unemployment and Social Media Backlash

    21:39 Law Enforcement Challenges and Support

    22:53 Protests and Political Theater

    23:58 The Need for Open Dialogue

    26:55 Education and Parental Involvement

    29:15 The Impact of Social Media on Society

    32:36 Personal Experiences with Protests

    37:24 Immigration and Naturalization Perspectives

    39:30 Future Aspirations and Opportunities

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    45 Min.
  • EP66 The Hidden Crisis of Quiet Quitting
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode, the host discusses the phenomenon of 'quiet quitting,' where employees disengage from their work without formally resigning. The conversation explores the reasons behind this behavior, including lack of recognition, inadequate training, and poor management practices. The host emphasizes the importance of communication, coaching, and understanding employee needs to prevent quiet quitting and foster a more engaged workforce. Strategies for both employees and managers are provided to address and overcome the challenges associated with quiet quitting.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Quiet Quitting

    02:32 Understanding the Causes of Quiet Quitting

    05:32 The Role of Management in Employee Engagement

    08:43 The Importance of Communication and Coaching

    11:35 Strategies to Overcome Quiet Quitting

    14:07 Final Thoughts on Employee Motivation

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    24 Min.
  • EP65 Building Leaders from Within: A New Approach
    Dec 11 2025

    In this episode of the Livin’ the Dream podcast, host Sam interviews Shenar Wood, president of Dynetek Solutions. They discuss the challenges faced by blue-collar workers in leadership roles, the importance of training and promoting from within, and the need for a positive company culture. Shenar emphasizes the significance of trust, continuous learning, and the balance between productivity and trust in leadership. The conversation also touches on the importance of checks and balances in data management and the need for proactive management strategies.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Shenar Wood and Dynetek Solutions

    03:07 The Promotion Trap in Blue Collar Work

    05:59 Understanding Leadership and Management Skills

    08:45 The Importance of Internal Promotion and Culture

    11:51 Cross-Training and Versatility in the Workforce

    14:40 Building Trust and Integrity in Leadership

    17:54 The Balance of Productivity and Trust in Teams

    23:08 Investing in Personal Growth

    23:51 The Importance of Leadership Training

    24:50 Empathy in Leadership

    25:46 Understanding Job Costs

    27:38 Proactive vs. Reactive Management

    28:33 The Value of Education in the Field

    30:09 Applying Math in Blue Collar Work

    31:06 Numbers Tell a Story

    32:46 Trusting Data and Checks and Balances

    35:32 The Role of Excel in Management

    37:45 Planning Ahead in Projects

    39:10 Taking Action on Projects

    41:01 Learning from Mistakes

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    44 Min.
  • EP64 The Importance of Leadership Training
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode of the Lululemon Dream Podcast, host Sam discusses the concept of the 'promotion trap'—the pitfalls of promoting individuals without adequate training. He emphasizes the importance of preparing potential leaders through training and mentorship, rather than simply rewarding performance. The conversation explores the consequences of untrained leadership, the significance of communication, and the value of learning from failures. Sam provides practical advice for evaluating leadership potential and highlights the need for a big-picture perspective in management.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to the Promotion Trap

    00:56 Understanding the Promotion Trap

    03:50 The Importance of Training for Leadership

    07:37 Promotion Shouldn't Be a Test

    10:02 Evaluating Leadership Potential

    11:38 The Role of Communication in Leadership

    15:29 Consequences of Unprepared Promotions

    18:27 The Dangers of External Leadership

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    28 Min.