How Much Can I Make? — Real Jobs. Real Stories. Career Insights

Everyone’s talking about the jobs AI might replace. But what about the jobs it’s creating? In this episode I talk with Meg Columbia Walsh about where the new AI career opportunities are, what kinds of jobs are already emerging, and what you need to learn to stay competitive. We get into AI engineers, data analysts, cybersecurity, prompt design, marketing and why you don’t have to be a programmer to work in this new world. If you’re trying to figure out where the job market is headed, this is ...

You can build a successful career by playing it safe, but you rarely build something great that way. We sit down with Larry Kasanoff, veteran movie producer and former studio head whose credits include Platoon, Terminator 2, True Lies, and the Mortal Kombat franchise. Larry has raised over a billion dollars for film projects and takes us behind the scenes of how movies actually get financed, how producers get paid, and what it really takes to put a Hollywood deal together. We also talk about ...

What does hypnosis really feel like, and can hypnotherapy actually help with anxiety, chronic pain, smoking cessation, habit change, and performance? We sit down with Tommy Giorlando, a professional hypnotist with 20 years of experience in stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy, to separate fact from fiction. He explains what hypnosis is, why it works, how it differs from the dramatic version we see in movies, and what is actually happening when someone enters a hypnotic state. We also talk about hy...

That big mirror behind the bar is not there for vanity, it is there because a bartender’s back is turned at the exact moments something can go wrong. We sit down with Tom Ostoyich, a career bartender who has worked since the late 1990s across New York City, New Orleans, and the Hudson Valley, to pull back the curtain on what bartending actually demands and what it can realistically pay. Then we go to the parts that rarely make it into the glamorous version of nightlife: handling drunk or host...

A job where your “office” might be a hospital room, a birth center, or a stopped car on a bridge sounds impossible until you hear how a doula actually works. We sit down with Mary Riley, a doula who has supported more than 2,500 births, to unpack what real labor support looks like when plans change, policies shift, and emotions run high. Then come the stories that make the work feel real: coaching a couple through an unplanned car birth in bumper-to-bumper traffic and the surprising way...

We talk with Billy, a Broadway stage manager with 30 years of experience, about what it really takes to run a live theater production. He shares how he built his career, what stage managers do during rehearsals and performances, and how they handle missed cues, technical problems, injuries, and emergencies—all while keeping the show moving. Billy also explains how to become a stage manager, the skills you need, the demanding Broadway schedule, job security, union benefits, and how much stage ...

A plumber shows up when your home is one bad valve away from a flood, and that pressure is exactly why the career can pay so well. I’m Mirav Ozeri, and I sit down with Mark Anderson, the plumber I’ve worked with for years, to get the unfiltered truth about plumbing as a job: the crawl spaces, the soot, the late-night calls, and the very real satisfaction of fixing a problem nobody else can solve. If you’ve been hearing that Gen Z is turning to the trades, we unpack what’s driving that s...

We sit down with architect Rob DuPont for an honest look at what an architect career is really like—from architecture school, licensing, and finding your first job to building codes, client demands, long hours, and running your own firm. Rob also breaks down architect salary and earning potential, including why starting pay can be surprisingly low and how experience, networking, specialization, and business ownership can change what an architect can make. We also explore AI in architecture, s...

Your voice can earn real money, but what does a voice-over career actually look like, and how much can a professional voice actor make? We sit down with Heike Bachmann, a German voice-over artist based in New York, to go inside the business of professional voice-over work. Heike explains what the job really involves, from reading scripts with precise time codes to dubbing, lip-syncing, commercials, cartoons, museum audio tours, corporate narration, and medical voice-over work. Heike also shar...

What does a life coach really do? Diane Martinez joins us to explain how life coaching helps people move forward, why so many successful people still feel stuck, and how coaching differs from therapy. We also talk about building a coaching business, what life coaches charge, creating recurring income with Patreon, and the daily habits that can help people change their lives. If you've ever wondered whether life coaching is the right career—or the right investment—this episode is for you. Conn...

How do you become a successful personal trainer, and how much can you really make? In this episode, I sit down with personal trainer, licensed massage therapist, and martial arts expert Geoff Staz to explore the realities of building a career in fitness. We discuss personal trainer salary, certifications, getting clients, opening a fitness business, and why long-term success depends more on habits, nutrition, and self-trust than quick fixes. Whether you're considering a career in personal tra...

We talk with John Michelotti, of Catskill Fungi about turning mushroom obsession into a real career through education, value-added products, and deep respect for the forest. We break down what mycologists actually do, what’s safe for beginners, and where the money is in mushrooms versus where it simply isn’t. Connect with John and his farm: Event schedule: https://catskillfungi.com/collections/events Products: https://catskillfungi.com/collections/frontpage Substack: https://substack....

Thinking about a career in e-commerce photography? In this episode, we talk with product photographer Julie Benedetto about what it really takes to build a successful business photographing products for online stores and developing retail brands. Julie explains what makes product images sell, why styling and lighting matter as much as the camera, and how much of the work happens before and after the shutter click. We also discuss pricing, licensing, AI's impact on commercial photography, find...

We talk with Feldenkrais practitioner Leigh Scott, author of Secrets Babies Hold, a multi-media book about how babies develop through movement, touch, and sensory experiences during their first year of life. Leigh explains the science behind the Feldenkrais Method, shares practical ways parents can support healthy infant development, and discusses common concerns about milestones, muscle tension, and learning to crawl and walk. Whether you're a new parent, grandparent, caregiver, or healthcar...

We talk with NYC urban planner Eddie Joe about what city planners actually do and how cities are designed in the real world. From post-pandemic retail strategy and neighborhood revitalization to affordable housing, zoning, and economic development, Eddie explains how urban planners help shape the communities where we live, work, and travel. We also discuss urban planner salaries, career opportunities, transitioning from architecture into city planning, and the skills needed to succeed in the ...

Pam Meredith has a remarkable job: she’s a professional medium who helps people connect with loved ones who have passed away. In this episode, she shares her career journey, offering unique insights into what it’s really like to work between the worlds of the living and the spirit. What makes her perspective so compelling is her belief that mediumship isn’t rare, it’s a natural human ability that can be developed by anyone. She even shares practical techniques, for anyone who wants to try rea...

We talk with Joe Ness about building a career that combines filmmaking, travel, technology, and entrepreneurship. What started as a simple experiment with a vertical TV evolved into immersive video walls seen in casinos, hotels, healthcare facilities, and public spaces around the world. Joe shares how he traveled to nearly 100 countries capturing extraordinary footage, the costs and risks behind creating world-class visual content, and why he believes authentic, real-world moments matter more...

How do you build a successful photography career in the age of smartphones and AI? In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, photographer Caroline White shares how she turned photography into a thriving business, from personal branding and online dating photos to her signature underwater maternity photography. We discuss what professional photographers really earn, how photography pricing works, how to attract clients, and what it takes to stand out in a competitive creative industry. Caroline...

Nuttha Goutier came to Canada from a small village in Thailand with little money, limited English, and one clear vision: help people feel healthier and more connected. Today, her Sabai Thai Spa brand spans multiple locations and 13 franchise territories across Canada. In this episode, Nuttha breaks down how she launched her first spa with less than $1,000 and no business background — and grew it into a brand where a single location can hit $1.7M a year. If you're thinking about opening ...

We sit down with franchise consultant Dr. Tom DuFore to get honest about what franchising really is and why it is not a set-it-and-forget-it income stream. We break down how to tell if a business can franchise, what fees and royalties actually look like, and what makes franchise systems succeed or fall apart over time. • franchising as a growth and distribution method rather than a business type • why “passive income” still requires training, support, and real operational work • three franchi...

How do songs get placed in Netflix shows, commercials, films, and video games - and how much money can musicians actually make from music sync licensing? In this episode, Mirav talks with music sync licensing expert Elise Schiller about the business behind sync deals, music placements, and licensing songs for TV, film, streaming, advertising, and gaming. Elise explains how songs are pitched to music supervisors, what makes a track “syncable,” how sync licensing deals work, and why one placeme...

We talk with legendary NYC death investigator Barbara Butcher about what it really takes to walk into a death scene, read the evidence, and help the dead get justice. We also get honest about the human cost, the pay, and what she learned from 23 years and more than 5,500 investigations. Barbara shares the realities of forensic investigation, the emotional toll of the job, how people enter this career field, and how much death investigators can make in cities like New York and across the U.S. ...

How to Build a Real Art Business: Selling Sculpture, Gallery Representation, and the Long Game - with Alex Kveton What does it actually take to make a living as a sculptor? In this episode, we sit down with sculptor Alex Kveton and Barbara to trace a career that began with escaping communist Czechoslovakia and grew into a thriving fine art business - with stainless steel sculptures placed in prestigious institutions including MoMA and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library, and represented by ...

Landscape Designer Career Landscape design is one of those careers that blends creativity with real earning potential - and you don’t need a degree to get started. In this episode, we talk with landscape designer and gardener Dean Riddle about what it actually takes to build a career in landscaping, what garden designers really do, and how much you can make. We also talk about the realities of gardening in the Northeast- especially in places like New York and New Jersey - including short grow...

Jewelry Designer A jewelry business can look effortless online, but behind it is real work—pricing, production, sourcing, and staying profitable as gold and silver prices rise. In this episode, jewelry designer Serena Van Rensselaer breaks down how to build a jewelry brand, from learning silversmithing to turning it into a sustainable business. We cover jewelry designer income, pricing strategies, startup costs, and how revenue comes from direct sales, wholesale, and collaborations with movie...

Career Reinvention Thinking about changing careers? We talk with Cynthia Cohen about how she pivoted without starting over by building on existing skills instead of erasing the past. From New York to today’s remote work landscape, we break down what it really takes to switch careers, stay competitive in a shifting job market, manage fear, and turn your experience into new opportunities. Cynthia's Website: https://rightarmproductions.com/ Trying to figure out what career might actually fit y...

TV Producer Career Insights Explore the career insights of a TV producer with Robin Feldman as she reveals what happens after filming wraps. This episode delves into the essential post-production phases, from managing tight deadlines and budgets to overcoming daily production challenges. Robin shares her journey breaking into the TV industry in Vancouver, highlighting key success factors like persistence, professionalism, and collaboration in a showrunner-driven environment. Gain valuable jo...

Systems Engineer This week—timely with Artemis II—we revisit a standout episode with NASA contractor systems engineer Johanna Siegel. Johanna reveals what it really takes to build mission-critical hardware for the Artemis program—and the career opportunities and earnings potential that come with it. In this deep dive, discover how engineers translate complex requirements like radiation protection and life support systems into hardware that protects astronaut lives, plus real salary insights a...

Photographer In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, we dive into the world of photography as a career, exploring job ideas, earnings, and success factors with professional photographer Phil Mansfield. From the early days of film to modern lifestyle assignments, Phil shares career insights and explains how a photography career evolves over time. We break down how photographers get paid, how creative professionals price their work, and why usage rights and licensing fees are critical to...

Fencing Coach What does it take to turn fencing into a rewarding career—and how much can a fencing coach earn? In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, fencing coach Pamela Dressel shares invaluable career insights about making money in this niche sport. She dives into lightning-fast strategy and the unglamorous grind of footwork and conditioning. We cover coaching income, private lessons, club models, and the real skills behind the sport—strategy, discipline, and teaching. If yo...

Hypnotists Explore the intriguing career opportunities in hypnosis with a professional hypnotist Tommy Giorlando. In this episode we dive deep into the job market for hypnotists, uncovering what the work entails, the training required, and the factors that contribute to success in this unique field. Tommy shares valuable career insights about how hypnosis works, its practical benefits, and why this profession is more than just stage shows. Discover earnings breakdowns between stage perf...

Bankruptcy Lawyer Struggling with overwhelming debt, IRS notices, or nonstop creditor calls? In this episode, Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine dives deep into how bankruptcy laws offer legal debt relief and a fresh start, empowering listeners to regain control of their finances and careers. With 45 years of experience helping individuals and small business owners, Barry breaks down the bankruptcy process step-by-step, including asset protection rules, timelines for d...

Operating-Room Nurse Ever wonder what really happens behind those operating room doors? In this episode, longtime OR nurse Patti Columbia Walsh shares valuable career insights from her 40-year experience in one of healthcare's most high-stakes jobs. From anticipating every surgeon’s move to handling medical emergencies, she reveals the fast-paced reality and success factors of working in the OR. If you’re exploring a career in nursing or considering a career change, Patti's real job advice a...

Reinvention AI is reshaping the job market. Layoffs are rising. Being “qualified” isn’t enough anymore. In this episode, Ilana Golan, founder of Leap Academy, explains how to pivot strategically in today’s AI-driven economy. We break down career reinvention, the hidden job market, building a portfolio career, and how to position yourself before opportunities go public. If you’re considering a career change, worried about AI replacing jobs, or ready to increase your earning potential, t...

Mediator In this episode, discover what a family mediator really does and how much you can earn in this career. New York family mediator Alison Block Gerson shares how divorce mediation offers a faster, less expensive alternative to traditional court litigation, reducing conflict and helping couples reach workable agreements. We dive into detailed comparisons between mediation and court processes, including training requirements, private mediation rates in New York, and court-referred m...

Entrepreneurship In this episode, we break down an entrepreneurship playbook for starting and growing a business - without relying on big ideas, passion, or excessive risk. Jim Beach, host of School for Startups, joins us to challenge the most common startup myths that stop founders before they ever make money, and shatters the belief that success requires a brilliant, original idea. Jim shares how he built a 100-station radio footprint without traditional syndication, using the d...

Interview With AI What happens when five leading AI systems are asked the same questions? In this special episode, we bring Gemini, Claude, Grok ChatGPT and Copilot to the same table to confront the issues shaping our future—jobs and automation, AI safety, AGI risk, intimacy, loneliness, and climate impact. We start with introductions and move to jobs - which ones are changing first, which skills matter next, and why creativity alone isn’t AI-proof. Then we discuss AGI—what it is, why it matt...

Keynote Speaker What happens when you lose your voice—and the career you built around it? For Jennifer Brown, that moment became the catalyst for a powerful career reinvention. Today, she’s a globally recognized keynote speaker and one of the leading voices in diversity, equity, and inclusion. In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, Jennifer shares real-world career insights into what it takes to build a successful keynote speaking business. We talk about personal branding, storytellin...

Economics Journalist Understanding basic economics can significantly impact your job and earnings. We sit down with Peter Coy, a veteran economics journalist who has written for Bloomberg Businessweek, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Peter shares career insights into the economics of journalism, explaining how stories are pitched and shaped, and how innovative platforms like Substack and AI are transforming media careers. He offers practical job advice on navigating inc...

Digital Entrepreneur Discover practical job ideas and career insights in digital entrepreneurship. What if you could learn a practical web skill over a single weekend, build a simple website for a local business, and turn it into steady monthly income? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Raad to break down a realistic path from beginner to profitable digital entrepreneurship. We talk about building websites for local businesses, creating income-producing digital assets, and growing a servi...

Digital Real Estate What if your next big investment isn’t a building—it’s a blog? In this episode, digital real estate expert Matt Raad breaks down how he buys simple content websites, renovates them with SEO optimization, and turns them into reliable passive income. He explains why passion niches—like gardening, wellness, crafts, and hobbies—are some of the most profitable online business opportunities. We cover exactly how to buy websites safely, how to find undervalued sites on Flippa, ho...

Fragrance Evaluator Jillian Friedman shares career insights from the fragrance industry, including global differences in taste, why synthetic ingredients can actually lead to safer, more sustainable formulas. We explore how a fragrance evaluator influences what you smell—from the first spark of a creative brief to the final bottle on the shelf. If you’re curious about a career in the fragrance industry, this episode is for you. And if you enjoyed it, please leave a quick review and shar...

Cyber Security Expert Cybersecurity is one of today's fastest-growing career opportunities, offering high earnings and strong job security as cybercrime continues to evolve. Most cyberattacks don’t start with elite hackers—they start with your email address and phone number. We sit down with Rivka Tadjer, CEO and co-founder of Zero Hack, to break down how modern cybercrime really works—and how protecting people and companies has turned into a lucrative career path. Rivka breaks down the most ...

Electrician Entrepreneur If you’re searching for high-paying jobs, career change ideas, can your make good money without college? Or just curious about an electrician career - this episode is for you! Today we’re talking with Eli, a master electrician whose career spans trade school, apprenticeships, residential wiring, commercial work, factory-scale power systems, and hundreds of generator installs. Eli breaks down how to become an electrician, electrician apprenticeship, the re...

Cannabis Farm What’s it really like to work on a cannabis farm — and how much can you make? This episode takes you inside a legal cannabis grow operation to break down jobs, pay, career paths, and the realities of working in the cannabis industry. This week I’m talking with Beck Mooney, Director of Operations at Supernaturals NY, who takes us behind the scenes of running a legal cannabis farm in New York. She shares in-depth job tips and career insights for anyone interested in this gro...

Restaurant Owner Job Considering a career change or looking for new job ideas? In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Nicole Cawley, who transitioned from 20 years in corporate banking to becoming a successful restaurant co-owner and entrepreneur. Nicole shares invaluable career insights about the realities of restaurant ownership, including operating margins, staffing challenges, and real estate decisions. If you're curious about making money through a new career path or entrep...

Lighting Designer Career Go behind the scenes of Broadway with four-time Tony Award–winning Lighting Designer Kevin Adams. He breaks down what a theatre lighting designer actually does, the skills you need to get started, and the unexpected twists of his career path. The jaw-dropper? Adams reveals how Broadway designers really make their big money—including income streams, payment structures, union and more. Perfect for anyone curious about Broadway careers, creative jobs, and how much you ca...

How to Start Swoop Scoop Business Can $1,200, a bucket, and a rake turn into a multimillion-dollar company? Yes — and Will Milliken is living proof. Find out about jobs in the pet waste removal industry - from entrepreneur William Milliken, Founder of Swoop Scoop®, one of the fastest-growing pet waste removal businesses in the country! It’s simple, low-cost, and you can start making money from day one. If you thinking about a career change or wish for an amazing side hustle, this ...

Dog Groomer Are you dreaming about turning your passion for dogs into a rewarding career? Want to know how to become a dog groomer? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Gildersleeve, a grooming professional with over 20 years of experience in the pet industry. Discover the essential skills, earnings potential, and the hustle required to thrive as a dog groomer. From her first job bathing dogs to perfecting intricate grooming styles, Sarah shares her insights into what it takes...

Broadway Actress What does a real Broadway career look like behind the spotlight? In this episode, we talk with actress Lauren Blackman—whose credits include Hello, Dolly!, Anastasia, Lempicka, Ragtime, and The Music Man alongside Hugh Jackman—about the true job behind the dream. Lauren gives rare career insights into the grind of the theater world: the early-morning audition lines, the union rules that shape every paycheck, the constant cycle of rejections and callbacks, and the electric pay...