A Clinical Ethicist

A Civil Aviation Engineer

Jul 7, 202630 minSummary

In this episode of What It's Like To Be, host Dan Heath explores the career of Eileene Veles Vega, a civil aviation engineer specializing in airport runways. Veles Vega provides an inside look at the technical complexities of her profession, explaining how engineers account for variables like air density, temperature, and wind patterns to determine runway length. She offers a fascinating perspective on pavement management, describing the meticulous process of inspecting runways for cracks and structural defects to ensure safety. The conversation covers the realities of working in a field where funding fluctuations and environmental constraints often necessitate complex compromises. Veles Vega also shares stories from the field, including the unique challenge of managing wildlife near active runways and the satisfaction of seeing a project transition from paper designs to physical infrastructure. Ultimately, the episode highlights the role of aviation engineers as the silent heroes of transportation. By building the essential infrastructure that connects people and businesses, they create the foundation for travel while striving to remain invisible in the daily lives of those who use their work.

An Air Traffic Controller

Jun 30, 202631 minSummary

In this episode of What It's Like To Be, host Dan Heath explores the high-stakes world of air traffic control through a conversation with Michael Regent. Moving beyond the common view of air traffic control as merely a monitoring job, the episode highlights the intense, real-time problem-solving required to manage airport efficiency and public safety. Regent explains the delicate balance between maintaining a smooth, rhythmic flow of aircraft and implementing safety buffers during adverse conditions, likening the process to adjusting a volume knob based on the environment. The discussion delves into the complex organizational hierarchy of the profession, from the ground and local controllers in airport towers to the national command center that manages system-wide traffic. Regent shares candid stories about the psychological demands of the role, including the necessity of maintaining focus even when operations appear routine. He discusses the critical importance of clear communication, the pressure of immediate decision-making, and the emotional resilience required after near-miss incidents. By the end, listeners gain a profound appreciation for the invisible choreography that allows thousands of flights to traverse the sky safely every single day.

A Flight Attendant

Jun 23, 202629 minSummary

In this episode of What It's Like To Be, host Dan Heath explores the multifaceted world of a flight attendant by interviewing veteran crew member Linda Bele. Beyond the common perception of serving drinks, the conversation reveals a profession that requires balancing the roles of safety officer, counselor, and caretaker. Linda shares insights into the industry’s evolution, noting how mandatory dress codes and archaic grooming standards have shifted over time, reflecting broader cultural changes. The discussion highlights the unique social dynamics found at thirty thousand feet, where flight attendants often become accidental confidants for passengers dealing with personal struggles, from grief to anxiety. Linda explains that while the job offers travel and flexibility, it also involves significant physical strain and health hazards, such as increased exposure to UVA radiation. The episode also touches on the practicalities of the role, including the complexity of scheduling, the "jump seat confessions" shared by travelers, and the necessity of situational awareness. Ultimately, the episode paints a vivid picture of life inside the cabin, portraying flight attendants as essential figures who provide hospitality and support within the confined, unpredictable environment of air travel.

An Airline Pilot

Jun 16, 202638 minSummary

In this episode of What It's Like To Be, host Dan Heath sits down with veteran commercial airline pilot Paul Drush to pull back the curtain on the realities of life in the cockpit. The conversation explores the intricate, high-stakes nature of the profession, moving beyond the stereotypes to reveal how pilots manage everything from complex emergency checklists to the nuanced interpersonal dynamics of a flight crew. Drush shares gripping insights into the stressors of the job, including the psychological weight of maintenance delays and the challenges of managing passenger behavior. He provides a fascinating look at the technical side of flying, explaining how GPS spoofing can create terrifying, false terrain warnings and recounting his own experience navigating a genuine, catastrophic engine failure. Throughout the discussion, Drush emphasizes the vital role of rigorous training and the comforting, methodical nature of checklists in maintaining safety. By blending stories of mid-air emergencies with the breathtaking beauty of the views from the flight deck, the episode offers a humanizing portrait of a career defined by immense responsibility, technical precision, and a constant, calm vigilance.

(Bonus) From StoryCorps: "Sideliners"

Jun 9, 202617 minSummary

In this bonus episode, the podcast features a special presentation from StoryCorps titled Sideliners. The episode shifts the spotlight away from superstar athletes to celebrate the essential, often unseen workers who make the sporting world function. Through a series of intimate conversations, the episode highlights individuals whose dedication and unique roles provide the backbone of the games fans love. The stories range from a professional NBA referee sharing the personal challenges of officiating to a legendary Baltimore Orioles beer vendor who views his work with the discipline of a professional athlete. Listeners also hear from the Mabs Maniacs, a dance troupe for plus-sized men, and the daughter of Red Klotz, the founder of the Washington Generals. These narratives explore the meaning of professional pride, the courage to embrace unconventional paths, and the satisfaction of finding purpose in roles that others might overlook. By weaving these voices together, the episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to the sideline contributors who find glory, joy, and profound life lessons in the spaces just outside the frame of the main event.