What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath

Summary

Ever wonder what it is actually like to be the person responsible for the invisible systems that keep our world running? In What It's Like To Be, bestselling author Dan Heath invites you to step inside the daily lives of professionals whose roles are often overlooked, misunderstood, or hidden in plain sight. From the high-stakes coordination of air traffic controllers and the technical precision of aviation engineers to the profound, quiet gravity of a clinical ethicist, this show pulls back the curtain on what it takes to do a job when the pressure is on and the stakes are real. This isn't a show about celebrity careers or corporate ladders. Instead, it is a deep dive into the human side of labor. Dan Heath excels at finding the rhythm of a profession, uncovering the psychological demands, the checklists, and the personal values that drive people to love what they do. Whether he is interviewing a commercial pilot navigating an engine failure or celebrating the essential sideline workers who make professional sports possible, the episodes reveal the grit and dedication required behind the scenes. Each conversation serves as a bridge between your own experience and a stranger’s reality, turning complex technical or emotional work into compelling, human stories. If you have ever been curious about the inner workings of a career you didn't even know existed, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the people who build, maintain, and navigate the world around us.

Updated Jul 8, 2026