How Did You Get Here?

Hosted by Jamie Kirsten Howard

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May 2026

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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 ProgramChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:19 Cameron McCarty's Childhood Dreams and Career Path02:47 First Job at Coca-Cola Space Science Center03:59 Outreach and Education in Space Science07:16 Science Payloads on the International Space Station09:54 Private Industry and Commercial Payloads in Space11:01 Biofabrication and 3D Printing in Space12:33 Educational Background and NASA Internships18:58 Favorite Moments and Surprises in Space Operations21:58 Working the Night Shift and Observing Earth from Space25:51 Upcoming Missions and Future of Lunar Exploration27:59 Surprises and Challenges in Space Payload Operations32:43 Myth Busting: The Reality of Working at NASA41:06 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 KevinJust Mercy and work by Bryan StevensonConnect with JamieTimestamps: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 Midwifehttps://therainbowmidwife.comConnect with JamieSupport The Yellowhammer Fund Resources:The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin The Business of Being Born (Documentary) Why Not Home? (Documentary) Chapters00:00 Introduction to Midwifery and Personal Journeys01:53 The Role of Midwives in Reproductive Justice05:57 Early Influences and Career Path09:54 Experiences in Healthcare and Nursing13:50 Transitioning to Midwifery School17:38 The Midwifery Education Experience25:32 The Role of Midwives in Labor Management28:33 Navigating Birth Choices and Stigmas31:47 The Importance of Prenatal Care35:43 Postpartum Support and Care40:08 Addressing Misconceptions about Midwifery43:17 Preparing for a Career in Midwifery keywordsmidwifery, 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 LindseyUnicornCreative.co⁠Connect with JamieChapters00:00 Introduction to Unicorn Creative03:00 The Evolution of Marketing05:53 Customer-Centric Marketing08:55 The Impact of Social Media on Marketing11:55 Authenticity in Brand Relationships14:52 Lessons from Experience18:07 Founding Unicorn Creative20:50 Empowering Future Generations30:03 Empowering Each Other in the Workplace32:33 Navigating Modern Work Pressures34:25 The Creative Drain in Fast-Paced Environments37:58 Defining Success and Continuous Growth43:32 The Importance of Honest Conversations in Marketing45:14 Dispelling Myths in Marketing and BusinesskeywordsMarketing, 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 charityRead more about BillConnect with JamieChapters00:00 The Origins of a Radio Visionary02:45 Building NPR's Mission Statement05:41 The Birth of All Things Considered08:31 Challenges and Triumphs in Public Broadcasting11:07 The Evolution of Radio and Podcasting14:13 A Legacy of Community Engagement16:21 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 CenterConnect with JamieChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Robin Miller and Her Journey02:58 Early Aspirations and Career Path05:44 Transition from Literature to Raptor Conservation08:27 The Impact of Volunteering at the Raptor Center11:22 Researching 19th Century Avian Eco-Criticism13:56 Career Development and the Raptor Center Experience16:09 Applying for the Raptor Job and Family Support18:52 Full Circle Moments in Career21:35 Working with Eagles at Dollywood24:23 Becoming a Board Member and Future Aspirations27:30 A Passionate Homecoming29:00 A Day in the Life of a Raptor Specialist32:44 Game Day Traditions and the War Eagle39:06 Myths and Realities of Working with Raptors46:07 The Science of Raptor Care52:07 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 podChapters00:00 Introduction to Zookeeping Journey02:40 Childhood Aspirations and Early Influences05:43 First Jobs and Early Experiences08:42 Education and Career Path11:48 Transitioning from College to Career14:31 Navigating the Job Market During a Recession17:33 The Role of Communication in Career Development20:34 Reflections on Education and Future Aspirations27:57 From Temp to Zookeeper32:11 Finding Passion in Animal Care39:00 Internship Insights43:54 Wild Encounters: Stories from the Zoo56:31 Dispelling Myths56:55 The Reality of Animal Care Work59:47 Challenges of Neurodivergence in Animal Care01:02:52 Behind the Scenes: Zookeeper Stories01:05:51 From Zookeeper to Environmental Advocate01:13:44 Passion and Purpose in Animal Care01:16:44 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 PhotographyBrigit on socials Jamie across the internetChapters00:00 Introduction to Professional Photography01:02 Brigit's Journey to Photography02:30 Academic Background and Interests03:47 Experiences in North Korean Tourism09:24 Cultural Insights and Human Connections15:04 Transition to Professional Photography18:27 Unexpected Career Changes20:24 CIA Dreams and Language Skills23:11 First Jobs and Unique Experiences27:04 The Impact of Early Jobs on Photography33:22 Creativity as a Muscle37:43 Documenting Our Lives in the Digital Age41:12 Teaching and Unexpected Paths44:01 The Value of Photography and Expectations46:11 Success in Photography: Quality Over Quantity51:59 Finding Your Niche in a Saturated Market54:46 Dispelling Myths in Photography57:25 Reflections on Success and Personal GrowthKeywordsprofessional 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 HarryFind therapy through Open Path CollectiveConnect with Jamie + all linksChapters00:00 Introduction to Harry Lyles Jr.02:56 Early Career and First Jobs06:01 Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience08:56 Education and Learning on the Job11:55 The Importance of Networking14:54 Taking Risks in Career Choices17:52 Turning Points and Major Career Moves20:39 Joining ESPN and First On-Camera Experience29:09 The Unexpected Opportunity29:51 Preparation and Behind the Scenes31:28 Live vs. Taped Reporting34:17 Humanizing Athletes36:13 First Game Day Experiences38:47 Myths of Sports Reporting44:04 Defining Success and Making It55:37 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 KelliConnect with JamieChapters00:00 Introduction to Public Service and Local Governance05:21 Kelly's Journey to Public Health and Policy10:10 Advocacy and Legislative Work in Public Health15:10 Education and Personal Growth in Public Policy20:35 Family Influence and Future Generations in Public Service25:18 Continuous Progress and Collaboration26:18 Bipartisan Efforts in Policy Making27:27 Listening to Constituents' Needs29:57 Diversity in Representation32:34 The Journey to Public Service34:56 Reclaiming the Term 'Politician'35:59 Health Challenges and Advocacy39:34 Finding Meaning in Work and Life43:21 Preparing for Public Life47:06 The Importance of Community Engagement