How Did You Get Here?

Hosted by Jamie Kirsten Howard

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May 2026

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About the show

A Career Path Podcast We sit down each episode with someone to discuss how they got to where they are today in their career. Any field, any job, same five questions. Hosted by Jamie Kirsten Howard https://linktr.ee/glitterburrito

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44 recent

May 4, 202638 min

Cameron McCarty - Payload Operations Director for NASA

HDYGH, Cameron? From theatre camp to POD for NASA, Cameron joins us to talk moon dust, lunar orbit tomato seeds, astronauts: they're just like us, and growing organic matter for humans in space. We also get a preview of future lunar exploration. 🌛 NASA Internships Portal NASA Plus Artemis Program Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:19 Cameron McCarty's Childhood Dreams and Career Path 02:47 First Job at Coca-Cola Space Science Center 03:59 Outreach and Education in Space Science 07:16 Science Payloads on the International Space Station 09:54 Private Industry and Commercial Payloads in Space 11:01 Biofabrication and 3D Printing in Space 12:33 Educational Background and NASA Internships 18:58 Favorite Moments and Surprises in Space Operations 21:58 Working the Night Shift and Observing Earth from Space 25:51 Upcoming Missions and Future of Lunar Exploration 27:59 Surprises and Challenges in Space Payload Operations 32:43 Myth Busting: The Reality of Working at NASA 41:06 Cameron’s Final Thoughts

April 6, 202651 min

Kevin Rooney - Criminal Defense Attorney

HDYGH, Kevin? We talk growing up with a strong sense of justice, being thrown into a murder case at 18, when rejection is redirection, night court in NYC, coming back to California, and how social media reshaped the legal landscape. Connect with Kevin Just Mercy and work by Bryan Stevenson Connect with Jamie Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Kevin Rooney’s background in criminal justice01:03 - Kevin's childhood aspirations and early interest in fairness and justice02:19 - First internship at age 18 and a formative case involving a young shooting victim03:36 - Transition from prosecutor to defense attorney and lessons learned04:37 - The importance of understanding clients' backgrounds and building trust05:50 - Kevin’s first big job clerking for a U.S. District Court judge07:51 - Experiences in New York’s night court and high case volume09:17 - Building trust with clients through consistent, empathetic communication10:56 - The significance of understanding the systemic influences on defendants’ lives12:39 - The importance of knowing clients beyond the police reports13:36 - Kevin’s switch from prosecution to defense and insights into systemic issues15:11 - Community dialogue between inmates, victims' families, and prosecutors17:00 - Lessons from transformative courtroom and community experiences18:44 - Kevin’s move to New York, adapting to the fast-paced legal environment19:37 - Navigating social media as a defense attorney and authentic branding22:31 - Impact of social media on the legal profession and public perception27:10 - The importance of due diligence and evidence review in criminal defense32:20 - Common misconceptions about defense attorneys34:00 - The role of credibility and honesty in courtroom success35:50 - Bryan Stevenson’s influence and the importance of seeing clients as humans41:08 - How social media can be a tool for connection and transparency46:40 - Kevin’s most memorable courtroom success and profound client moments52:43 - Telling stories of clients' journeys from incarceration to freedom55:02 - Closing thoughts: the importance of authenticity, empathy, and continuous learning

March 30, 202647 min

Heather - Midwife

HDYGH, Heather? We talk the nuances of medical education, the importance of bodily autonomy, and common myths about midwives and birth options. Connect with Heather: Instagram - The Rainbow Midwife https://therainbowmidwife.com Connect with Jamie Support The Yellowhammer Fund Resources: The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin The Business of Being Born (Documentary) Why Not Home? (Documentary) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Midwifery and Personal Journeys 01:53 The Role of Midwives in Reproductive Justice 05:57 Early Influences and Career Path 09:54 Experiences in Healthcare and Nursing 13:50 Transitioning to Midwifery School 17:38 The Midwifery Education Experience 25:32 The Role of Midwives in Labor Management 28:33 Navigating Birth Choices and Stigmas 31:47 The Importance of Prenatal Care 35:43 Postpartum Support and Care 40:08 Addressing Misconceptions about Midwifery 43:17 Preparing for a Career in Midwifery keywords midwifery, birth, reproductive justice, healthcare, pregnancy, postpartum, home birth, hospital birth, medical emergencies, birth myths

March 18, 202653 min

Lindsey Harris - Marketing & Starting Your Own Agency

HDYGH, Lindsey? Creator of Unicorn Creative Co Lindsey Harris chats about being born into a business, what brands get wrong about marketing, pressures of today's workplace, and nineties nostalgia. Connect with Lindsey UnicornCreative.co ⁠Connect with Jamie Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unicorn Creative 03:00 The Evolution of Marketing 05:53 Customer-Centric Marketing 08:55 The Impact of Social Media on Marketing 11:55 Authenticity in Brand Relationships 14:52 Lessons from Experience 18:07 Founding Unicorn Creative 20:50 Empowering Future Generations 30:03 Empowering Each Other in the Workplace 32:33 Navigating Modern Work Pressures 34:25 The Creative Drain in Fast-Paced Environments 37:58 Defining Success and Continuous Growth 43:32 The Importance of Honest Conversations in Marketing 45:14 Dispelling Myths in Marketing and Business keywords Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Authenticity, Women in Business, Social Media, Direct to Consumer, Branding, Data Analytics, Leadership, Small Business

February 16, 202636 min

NPR and All Things Considered with Bill Siemering

HDYGH, All Things Considered? Bill Siemering, the history-making creative mind behind National Public Radio's vision and mission statement and its iconic show All Things Considered, talks the path from a one room schoolhouse to beginning a radio program that would become a cultural touchstone. Links: Bill's charity Read more about Bill Connect with Jamie Chapters 00:00 The Origins of a Radio Visionary 02:45 Building NPR's Mission Statement 05:41 The Birth of All Things Considered 08:31 Challenges and Triumphs in Public Broadcasting 11:07 The Evolution of Radio and Podcasting 14:13 A Legacy of Community Engagement 16:21 Reflections on a Career in Radio

February 9, 202657 min

Robyn Miller - Raptor Care & Education for Auburn University

HDYGH, Robyn? We chart the path from English lit to letting large birds fly, with a pit stop in Dollywood. Auburn University Raptor Center Connect with Jamie Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robin Miller and Her Journey 02:58 Early Aspirations and Career Path 05:44 Transition from Literature to Raptor Conservation 08:27 The Impact of Volunteering at the Raptor Center 11:22 Researching 19th Century Avian Eco-Criticism 13:56 Career Development and the Raptor Center Experience 16:09 Applying for the Raptor Job and Family Support 18:52 Full Circle Moments in Career 21:35 Working with Eagles at Dollywood 24:23 Becoming a Board Member and Future Aspirations 27:30 A Passionate Homecoming 29:00 A Day in the Life of a Raptor Specialist 32:44 Game Day Traditions and the War Eagle 39:06 Myths and Realities of Working with Raptors 46:07 The Science of Raptor Care 52:07 Making a Difference in Conservation

January 25, 2026Episode 391 hr 16 min

Alicia - Confessions Of A Former Zookeeper

HDYGH, Alicia? We talk primates, precarious pathways, and getting stabbed by a large bird in this honest look at professional animal care. Connect with Jamie & the pod Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zookeeping Journey 02:40 Childhood Aspirations and Early Influences 05:43 First Jobs and Early Experiences 08:42 Education and Career Path 11:48 Transitioning from College to Career 14:31 Navigating the Job Market During a Recession 17:33 The Role of Communication in Career Development 20:34 Reflections on Education and Future Aspirations 27:57 From Temp to Zookeeper 32:11 Finding Passion in Animal Care 39:00 Internship Insights 43:54 Wild Encounters: Stories from the Zoo 56:31 Dispelling Myths 56:55 The Reality of Animal Care Work 59:47 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Animal Care 01:02:52 Behind the Scenes: Zookeeper Stories 01:05:51 From Zookeeper to Environmental Advocate 01:13:44 Passion and Purpose in Animal Care 01:16:44 Reflections on Success and Future Aspirations

January 5, 20261 hr 1 min

Brigit - Professional Photographer

HDYGH, Brigit? A professional photographer of almost a decade for both portraits and sports, Brigit joined us to talk how being adopted, leading tours in North Korea, and a love of film shaped her career path. Brigit's Photography Brigit on socials Jamie across the internet Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Professional Photography 01:02 Brigit's Journey to Photography 02:30 Academic Background and Interests 03:47 Experiences in North Korean Tourism 09:24 Cultural Insights and Human Connections 15:04 Transition to Professional Photography 18:27 Unexpected Career Changes 20:24 CIA Dreams and Language Skills 23:11 First Jobs and Unique Experiences 27:04 The Impact of Early Jobs on Photography 33:22 Creativity as a Muscle 37:43 Documenting Our Lives in the Digital Age 41:12 Teaching and Unexpected Paths 44:01 The Value of Photography and Expectations 46:11 Success in Photography: Quality Over Quantity 51:59 Finding Your Niche in a Saturated Market 54:46 Dispelling Myths in Photography 57:25 Reflections on Success and Personal Growth Keywords professional photography, career path, storytelling, North Korea, creative journey, photography business, capturing moments, cultural insights, photography myths, personal growth

October 6, 202559 min

Harry Lyles Jr. - College Football Analyst, Reporter & Writer

HDYGH, Harry? ESPN's Harry Lyles Jr. found time during peak football season to talk the importance of hard work, networking, and mental health in building a successful career. Come for the need for authenticity in reporting, stay for his skincare routine and the value of therapy. Connect with Harry Find therapy through Open Path Collective Connect with Jamie + all links Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Harry Lyles Jr. 02:56 Early Career and First Jobs 06:01 Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience 08:56 Education and Learning on the Job 11:55 The Importance of Networking 14:54 Taking Risks in Career Choices 17:52 Turning Points and Major Career Moves 20:39 Joining ESPN and First On-Camera Experience 29:09 The Unexpected Opportunity 29:51 Preparation and Behind the Scenes 31:28 Live vs. Taped Reporting 34:17 Humanizing Athletes 36:13 First Game Day Experiences 38:47 Myths of Sports Reporting 44:04 Defining Success and Making It 55:37 Mental Health and Self-Care

September 15, 202550 min

Kelli Hykes - Public Health & Public Service

HDYGH, Kelli? This episode we cover Kelli Hykes' path from personal health crisis to public health servant and her future hopes of higher office. Support Kelli Connect with Jamie Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Public Service and Local Governance 05:21 Kelly's Journey to Public Health and Policy 10:10 Advocacy and Legislative Work in Public Health 15:10 Education and Personal Growth in Public Policy 20:35 Family Influence and Future Generations in Public Service 25:18 Continuous Progress and Collaboration 26:18 Bipartisan Efforts in Policy Making 27:27 Listening to Constituents' Needs 29:57 Diversity in Representation 32:34 The Journey to Public Service 34:56 Reclaiming the Term 'Politician' 35:59 Health Challenges and Advocacy 39:34 Finding Meaning in Work and Life 43:21 Preparing for Public Life 47:06 The Importance of Community Engagement