What It's Like To Be... with Dan Heath
Dan HeathCurious what it would be like to walk in someone else’s (work) shoes? Join New York Times bestselling author Dan Heath as he explores the world of work, one profession at a time, and interviews people who love what they do.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 73 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Society & CultureCareersBusiness | |||
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Latest Episodes
Guiding grieving families through arrangement meetings, orchestrating meaningful memorial services within days, and preparing bodies for viewing with Heather Hill, a funeral director in North Carolina. What's different about doing makeup on a dead pe... more
Landing the Perseverance rover on Mars, working in clean rooms to minimize the microbial bug count, and slogging through hundreds of engineering trade-offs with Swati Mohan, an aerospace engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. What are the "sev... more
Defusing a crisis after an ambassador hinted at a preemptive strike on Russia, delivering demarches in multiple languages, and surviving the frantic evacuation of the Kabul embassy with John Johnson, a retired diplomat who spent more than twenty year... more
Wiring a neighborhood back to life after a tornado, coveting the work of helicopter linemen in Faraday suits, and surviving the collapse of a rotten utility pole with Elden Rivas, a journeyman lineman in Houston, Texas. What is the one sound on the c... more
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Reviews
- So Interesting!
So often, initially the job title doesn’t even sound that interesting to me and I end up listening to the pod a day or so after posting. Invariably, I am amazed!!! From beach / ocean lifeguard to harbor captain. All the jobs it takes to keep a country running, many that we (or at least I) never think about (much). Great pod!!
Apple Podcasts5E_Munch
United States21 days ago - A favorite listen
Whenever there is a new episode, it goes to the top of the queue. They are fun and engaging, always a treat to get the inside scoop on something I will likely never do. Dan is thoughtful with his questions and shows a genuine curiosity for his guests
Apple Podcasts5ALM81279United States22 days ago - Glad I Came for a Visit
… to this Podcast ! Learning new things about jobs from actual workers is brilliant with the wrap-up synopsis is perfect.
Apple Podcasts5Gutfeld FanUnited Statesa month ago - Love this
This is one of my favorite podcasts! I genuinely look forward to each episode of What It’s Like. It’s fascinating to hear directly from people about their jobs—the good, the challenging, and everything in between. I am so happy that I found it!!!
Apple Podcasts5EvalinkzUnited Statesa month ago - Always Insightful
I was fascinated by Studs Terkel’s “Working” when I read it as a teenager, and have always been interested in how people learn to do their jobs and what makes them both good and fulfilled. This podcast delivers with deft interviewing by Dan and ongoing insights into what it’s like to do a job AND wider lessons for the rest of us too.
Apple Podcasts5SendhilUnited States2 months ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #10 | United States/Business/Careers |
Apple Podcasts | #14 |  Canada/Business/Careers |
Apple Podcasts | #22 |  United Kingdom/Business/Careers |
Apple Podcasts | #223 | Canada/Business |
Apple Podcasts | #26 |  Australia/Business/Careers |
Apple Podcasts | #134 |  Italy/Business/Careers |
Talking Points
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Audience Metrics
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Frequently Asked Questions About What It's Like To Be...
What is What It's Like To Be... about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The show offers intimate, human-centered conversations with people who love what they do, spanning trades, public service, the arts, science, and entrepreneurship. Episodes foreground practical realities, gearheads and grit, daily routines, and the human stories behind professional expertise—from linemen wrestling with storms to health inspectors enforcing safety, chefs crafting memorable menus, and researchers shaping public understanding of risk. Across samples, the host's curious, empathetic approach surfaces surprising anecdotes, tradecraft details, and the mindset that makes a profession compelling. The format tends to blend technical gloss with personal narrative, making complex work approachable and inspiring for listeners considerin... more
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How many listeners does What It's Like To Be... get?
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What are the audience demographics for What It's Like To Be...?
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Which podcasts are similar to What It's Like To Be...?
These podcasts share a similar audience with What It's Like To Be...:
1. Choiceology with Katy Milkman
2. Hidden Brain
3. Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda
4. Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
5. The Economics of Everyday Things
How many episodes of What It's Like To Be... are there?
What It's Like To Be... launched 3 years ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on What It's Like To Be...?
Recent guests on What It's Like To Be... include:
1. Heather Hill
2. Swati Mohan
3. John Johnson
4. Elden Rivas
5. Justin Dwyer
6. Kaillie Humphries
7. Sophie Williams
8. Aaron Williams
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.