Sparky Life

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. The construction industry is facing a knowledge collapse—and it's creating the biggest wealth opportunity of our generation. While Elon Musk and Jordan Peterson warned about population collapse in 2023, there's a parallel crisis happening right now in skilled trades that nobody's talking about. The shocking reality: 50% of the construction workforce is over 46 years old. Within 20 years, half of all skilled tradesmen and women will retire—taking decades of irreplaceable knowledge with them. In 2023, we had 7 workers retiring for every 1 entering. Even with improvement to 5:2 in 2026, the gap is massive. But here's the opportunity: This crisis is driving salaries through the roof. Gary Vaynerchuk and Cody Sanchez are calling it—the next millionaires will be electricians, plumbers, and skilled trades professionals. Even Google is training their own trades workers for data centers. In this episode, you'll discover: Discover the best tools @ www.liveswitch.com Click here: TRY THE FREE TRIAL LIVESWITCH Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. This past Thanksgiving holiday, In November 2025, a fire in Hong Kong killed hundreds. Residents heard NO alarm. By the time they realized what was happening, it was too late. That's not just a tragedy — it's a wake-up call about why fire alarm systems aren't optional. They're the difference between escape and disaster. In this episode, we break down: How fast fire actually spreads (spoiler: you have less than 5 minutes) Why the Hong Kong towers went up so fast (bamboo scaffolding + plastic netting = fuel ladder from hell) What temperatures you're dealing with in a real fire (600°F at eye level) Why proper fire alarm design isn't just code compliance — it's your only shot at getting people out alive If you're an electrician, fire alarm tech, or anyone in the trades — this is YOUR reminder that the work you do literally saves lives. Key Takeaways: Discover the best tools @ www.liveswitch.com Click here: TRY THE FREE TRIAL LIVESWITCH Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. In this special Sparky Life Thanksgiving episode, crew member Derik Vidale takes the mic to celebrate YOU — the Sparky Life community, the tradespeople who build our world, and the host who started it all, licensed journeywoman electrician, Lia Lamela. 🍂🦃 In a world still obsessed with “college degree or bust,” Sparky Life stands loud and proud as counter‑culture: a place for the builders, the wire-pullers, the welders, the HVAC cowboys, the carpenters, the plumbers — the people who literallymake our homes, workplaces, and cities possible. Today, we’re giving thanks for: You’ll hear how Sparky Life grew from Lia’s own story — a licensed journeywoman electrician who didn’t just talk about the trades, she lives them — into a global platform now ranked in the Top 5% of podcasts worldwide. Not because of hype or big media money, but because of honest stories, real struggle, and real transformation. Discover the best tools @ www.liveswitch.com Click here: TRY THE FREE TRIAL LIVESWITCH Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. Did you know that secretly… we are all electricians? Every single cell in your body—from your skin to your brain—runs on electricity. You are literally powered by ion flows, voltage gradients, and tiny biological batteries humming inside your tissues right now. We're exploring developmental bioelectricity—the study of how cells use electrical signals to shape bodies, heal wounds, and even regenerate missing organs. Most people think electricity in the body only happens in the brain or the heart. But modern research has shown that every cell has a voltage, called the resting membrane potential. Episode Timeline & Key Points: [0:00] Introduction - You're All Electricians [1:30] Bioelectricity Fundamentals [4:15] Cellular Power Generation [7:20] Voltage as Communication [10:45] Developmental Bioelectricity [14:30] Slow vs. Fast Electrical Signals [18:15] Body's Electrical Architecture [22:00] Electrochemical Balance [25:30] Wound Healing Science [29:45] Regeneration Research [33:20] V-ATPase Breakthrough [36:00] Closing & Implications Research Citations: #Bioelectricity #Trades #CareerChange #Electrician #Science #Regeneration #Health #SparkyLife #SkilledTrades #BotoxToBolts #Anatomy #Healing #MedicalScience #ElectricalGrid Discover the best tools @ www.liveswitch.com Click here: TRY THE FREE TRIAL LIVESWITCH Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. I was losing thousands of dollars every month. Not from bad jobs or clients who didn't pay — but because I physically couldn't get to all my appointments. Stuck in traffic. Running late. Calling clients at 4 PM saying "Sorry, can't make it today." Then I discovered LiveSwitch — a video platform built by a former painting contractor who understood exactly what we go through. And the origin story? It was originally created to save lives during school shootings. In this episode, I'm recapping my conversation with James Hatfield, Chief Revenue Officer of LiveSwitch, and sharing how this tool has saved me 20+ hours per week and thousands in lost revenue. Click here: TRY THE FREE TRIAL LIVESWITCH www.liveswitch.com Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. What if quitting your corporate job to swing a hammer could make you MORE money? Christina, @christina_nomadak, ditched her sales career to become a union carpenter—and now runs her own successful construction business. In this episode, she's breaking down the REAL path from paycheck-to-paycheck to building wealth in the trades, including the cash flow mistakes that almost tanked her business and why unions are the secret weapon nobody talks about. Check out Christina's company Home Nomadak Builds What You'll Learn: What's the biggest AI enhancing trade business using instant video? Check out the tool that improves estimates and customer satisfaction LiveSwitch www.liveswitch.com Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. March 2023 marked a turning point for Sparky Life Podcast. In this reflective episode, Lia revisits her conversation with Dustin Stelzer , creator of Electrician U who was a guest on the Sparky Life Podcast show Women In the Trades: Is It Even An Issue, and examines how much has evolved in just two years—both personally and industry-wide. This episode explores why this generation demands better work environments, and what it really takes to retain women in the trades. From proving yourself to building legacy—this is the evolution we need. Key Topics Covered: Timestamps: CHECK US OUT ON YOUTUBE @sparkylifeoflia Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. If you're tired of dead-end jobs, paycheck-to-paycheck living, or wondering how to escape poverty without going into massive student debt - this episode is for you. In this episode hear about: Poverty Problem Nobody Talks About Concetta Gets Electrocuted Into Her Career The Union Advantage - 3 Pensions and Full Benefits Why Women Belong in Construction Your escape route from dead-end jobs. Brought to you by SupplyHouse.com - Real inventory. Real humans. Real solutions for trade professionals. If you would like to hear Concetta's full story you can listen to: Why Skilled Trades Are The Best Careers for Women In 2024? Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. This episode of Tool Time with Lia, I breakdown two essential tools for electricians: the Milwaukee Knockout Tool and the Milwaukee Rotary Hammer. We go over the features, usage, and benefits of each tool, emphasizing the importance of proper technique and safety. I share personal anecdotes and insights on how these tools can enhance efficiency and craftsmanship on the job site, ultimately helping electricians make informed decisions about their tool investments. Takeaways These two are the tool tools. The Milwaukee Knockout Tool is essential for electricians and the Rotary Hammer is versatile for different tasks. Choosing the right tool can save you money. Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE - Use code SL5 for 5% off! Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. What if the difference between earning $100K or $500K in the trades had nothing to do with your tools, speed, or skill? In this episode of The Sparky Life, Lia talks with Patricia Oholeguy, a bookkeeping expert who helps contractors and tradespeople turn financial chaos into clarity. Find Patricia here - www.claritycompassllc.com From QuickBooks headaches to cashflow mistakes, Patricia reveals how mastering your money is the real secret weapon in growing a sustainable business. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, HVAC tech, or GC, this episode shows you how to stop winging it and start winning with your numbers. 💬 We talk about: • Why trades pros avoid bookkeeping (and pay for it later) • The hidden habits of six-figure and seven-figure contractors • How to fix your financial foundation without becoming an accountant • When to delegate and hire a bookkeeper • The mindset shift from “I hate numbers” to “I run my numbers” If you want to stop leaving money on the table, this conversation could change your entire career. ⸻ 🎧 Listen now to learn how to build a smarter, stronger trade business — and finally take control of your money. 💪 Sponsored by: SupplyHouse.com — Get 5% off your next order with promo code SL5. Code applies to purchases under $1,000 and first time buyers. Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off! When disaster strikes, everyone sees the firefighters and first responders—but what about the invisible guardians who prevent tragedy in the first place? This episode shines a spotlight on fire alarm electricians: the unsung heroes who make sure alarms sound, exits light up, and lives are protected 24/7. Every school, hospital, and office tower depends on their work—even if nobody realizes it. What You’ll Discover: The Real Impact:Career Transformation:A Day in the Life:Why This Path is Future-Proof:Ready to Trade Up Your Life? If you want a career where your work matters—and pays—this episode is your blueprint. Discover how to join the ranks of these invisible heroes and finally escape the dead-end job grind. Action Steps: Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off! Ever wake up and wonder, “Is this really all there is?” You’re grinding, you’re exhausted, and yet it feels like everyone else is racing ahead while you’re stuck in place. Here’s the truth: you’re not lazy, you’re just misaligned—and it’s time to break free. In this episode of The Sparky Life Podcast, Lia gets brutally honest about what it really feels like to hit rock bottom, why feeling stuck is actually a signal (not a curse), and the exact mindset shifts that can turn your career around. You’ll hear Lia’s own story of escaping dead-end jobs, the mistakes that nearly broke her, and how she built a life and career she’s proud of—without a fancy degree or “following her passion.” If you’re ready for zero-BS advice, real talk about skilled trades, and a blueprint for getting unstuck, this is your episode. Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off! 🎧 In this episode: This week on Sparky Life, we’re breaking barriers — and glass ceilings — with Jennifer Harrison, Vice President of Merchandising at SupplyHouse. Jennifer didn’t apply for her executive role. Her CEO created the position for her after one conversation. In a field where less than 7% of leadership roles are held by women, her story is not just rare — it’s revolutionary. 💥 Inside the episode: • The moment her leadership potential was spotted — before she saw it in herself • Why introverts make exceptional leaders in construction • The power of writing your own “permission slip” • What it really takes to lead in a male-dominated industry • How to smash through imposter syndrome • The “old school” leadership style that’s keeping good people silent — and how to change it • Why SupplyHouse has one of the most collaborative, modern cultures in construction • Her advice to the shy, quiet woman who doesn’t see her own potential (yet) This episode is a masterclass in transformative leadership — and a permission slip for every woman who thinks she has to wait to be chosen. You don’t. You already are. ⸻ ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Sparky Life 00:17 – Only 6% of Leadership Roles Are Held by Women 00:26 – How Jennifer’s CEO Created Her VP Role 01:10 – From Introvert to Executive 02:51 – Do Women Wait Too Long to Lead? 06:40 – Writing Yourself a Permission Slip 07:46 – Women Leading Differently: Transformational vs Transactional 10:45 – Leah’s Journey from Shy to Leading Crews 11:37 – Why Presence in a Room Matters 12:09 – Building Culture at SupplyHouse 14:11 – Why Chasing Money Isn’t the Goal 15:17 – If You’re at a Toxic Company: Leave 17:05 – Mistakes, Pivots, and CEO-Level Support 20:00 – Gaining Confidence as a Leader 23:30 – Why Collaboration Is So Rare in Construction 24:11 – Gatekeeping, Fear, and the 2008 Scarcity Mindset 26:22 – How to Build a Team That Speaks Up 29:02 – A Message for Shy Women With Big Potential 31:53 – “Leadership Is a Choice, Not a Title.” 38:39 – Final Words of Empowerment 39:36 – The Sparky Life: Subscribe & Share! 👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday! SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY SPARKY LIFE Podcast on APPLE 👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE! SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE ⸻ 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia ⸻ 🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m Use code SL5 for 5% off! Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off! Meet Mark Hedstrom: Executive Director of Skilled Careers Coalition, skilled trades champion. Mark’s journey from manufacturing and healthcare consulting to leading the Skilled Careers Coalition gives him a unique perspective on America’s skilled trades gap—and why philanthropy is the secret weapon for fixing it. In this episode: Key Takeaways: Stigma | Decades-old myths are holding back talented people from life-changing careers Philanthropy | Nonprofits can experiment and drive innovation where industry is stuck Language Shift | “Skilled careers” > “blue collar”—words matter for respect and opportunity Parental Mindset | Parents need to see trades as equal to college or military for their kids’ futures The skilled trades gap isn’t just about open jobs—it’s about changing mindsets, language, and opportunities for an entire generation. Mark’s coalition model shows how teamwork across sectors can make a real difference. Ready to challenge what you’ve heard about trades? Share this episode with someone rethinking their career path, and subscribe for more zero-BS insights on breaking free from dead-end jobs. Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off! 🎧 In this episode: Welcome back to Sparky Life, where Lia pulls back the curtain on one of the darkest, most personal chapters of her trades journey. This episode is about power, silence, and what happens when a mentor becomes a threat. From manipulation to physical intimidation — Lia shares the story she never wanted to tell, but knew she had to. 💥 Inside this episode: • The disturbing steak dinner proposition that crossed the line • The power of documentation, boundaries, and small phrases like “That’s not okay.” • Why this story matters for every woman in the skilled trades • A community call: should Lia keep sharing what happened next? This is more than a story — it’s a warning, a wake-up call, and a guide for anyone navigating toxic power dynamics in male-dominated fields. If you’ve ever felt small, trapped, or unsure if you’re allowed to speak — this one’s for you. ⸻ ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – When Mentors Cross the Line 00:26 – Recap: From Shelter to Apprentice 01:05 – The “Steak Dinner” That Said Too Much 01:38 – “Don’t You Think You Owe Me?” 02:31 – Feeling Like It Was All a Setup 03:08 – The Hallway 04:00 – Freezing Up & Losing Power 04:57 – Daily Manifestation: “Larry Will Leave” 05:49 – Larry Gets Himself Fired 06:54 – Why It Still Didn’t Feel Right 07:24 – What I Learned from Not Speaking Up 08:20 – How to Handle These Situations: Step-by-Step 09:23 – Just Saying “That’s Not Okay” Can Shift Power 10:27 – Rewiring the Story (Literally) 11:06 – Why I Do This Podcast 11:25 – What Happens Next? You Decide. 👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday! SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY SPARKY LIFE Podcast on APPLE 👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE! SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE ⸻ 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia ⸻ 🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m Use code SL5 for 5% off! Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SH5 for 5% off! Here helping people actually make the leap into skilled trades—especially those who feel stuck, too old, or lacking experience. Ditch the myth that you need years of experience or fancy degrees to start a career in the trades! In this episode, Lia spotlights Mackenzie’s leap from self-doubt to landing her first electrician apprenticeship. You’ll get a reality check on what it really takes to break in, practical steps you can take this week, and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. Whether you’re worried you’re too old, don’t have the “right” background, or just don’t know where to start, this episode is your no-BS roadmap to getting your foot in the door—plus, actionable tips to keep your momentum going. We are NOW on YOUTUBE @sparkylifeoflia, Come Join the Sparky Crew! Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SH5 for 5% off! 🎧 In this episode: This week on Sparky Life, Lia dives into one of the most honest and vulnerable chapters in her journey through the trades. From surviving abuse to navigating the complicated, coded dynamics of being a woman in a male-dominated industry — this episode is raw, revealing, and unforgettable. 💥 Lia shares: secret backdooractually This is the kind of story that needs to be heard — especially by women considering the skilled trades. It’s about power, perception, and what it really takes to not just survive, but thrive, in a world that wasn’t built with you in mind. ⸻ ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – From Shelter to Pre-Apprenticeship 01:04 – Falling in Love with the Trades 01:25 – Studying Abuse & Body Language 02:17 – The Psychology of Predators 03:05 – Rebuilding with Electricity 03:31 – Dyslexia, Measuring Tapes, and Math 04:11 – Getting Help from a Mentor Teacher 05:03 – How I Got into the Union 05:49 – The Secret “Back Door” into Unions 06:54 – What You’ll Really Earn as an Electrician 08:25 – Equal Pay for Women in the Trades 09:14 – Becoming the Only Woman on the Crew 10:03 – Learning Soft Skills from “Captivate” 10:29 – My Sopranos-Style Mentor 11:55 – Trying to Fit In with the Guys 12:11 – “You’ll Always Be the Woman in the Room” 13:01 – Realizing the Illusion of Acceptance 14:07 – The Gut Feeling I Couldn’t Ignore 15:04 – The Toxic Culture Around Reporting 16:16 – The Moment Everything Changed 16:40 – What Comes Next… 👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday! SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY SPARKY LIFE Podcast on APPLE 👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE! SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia ⸻ 🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m Use code SH5 for 5% off! Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional need the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SH5 for 5% off! Ever wonder why you feel like a rockstar after nailing a tricky install? Turns out, your brain is literally hardwired to love working with your hands. In this episode, we break down the wild science behind why the trades aren’t just good for your wallet—they might be saving your sanity. We dive into Dr. Kelly Lambert’s research on the hand-brain connection, the infamous Fruit Loop rat experiment (yes, it’s as weird as it sounds), and why construction work is basically therapy with a paycheck. Plus, the real talk about mental health in the trades, and why your desk-job friends are turning into anxious potatoes. If you’ve ever felt that rush from building something real, this episode explains exactly why your brain loves it—and why more people need to get their hands dirty. Key Topics Covered reallyWe are NOW on YOUTUBE @sparkylifeoflia, Come Join the Sparky Crew! Support the show

Send us a text Every skilled professional need the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SH5 for 5% off! Welcome back to Sparky Life, where we don’t just wire up circuits — we rebuild lives. This week, Lia opens up like never before in one of the most powerful episodes to date. From a women’s shelter with nothing but bruises and a backpack, to making six figures as an electrician — this is the real story behind the spark. Please seek professional advice if you are dealing with the topics raised in this episode. The shelter that helped and that was referenced in this episode - https://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/ 💥 Lia shares: women’s trades pre-apprenticeshipso wrongrock bottom is a solid foundation This episode is raw, vulnerable, and unforgettable. It’s for anyone who thinks it’s too late, too hard, or too scary to start over. Because Lia did — and she’s not just surviving anymore. She’s thriving. ⸻ ⏱ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Sparky Life 00:26 – From Shelter to Six Figures 01:00 – The Plot Twist That Saved My Life 01:42 – Seven Careers and a Pinball Life 02:31 – Tattoo Removal & Helping Survivors Heal 03:01 – The Law Change That Changed Everything 03:23 – The Romance That Turned Into a Nightmare 04:39 – Building a Business in the Fishing Industry 05:10 – $10k → $75k in One Year 06:04 – When It All Fell Apart 06:30 – The Truth About Domestic Abuse 07:07 – Red Flags, Control, and Violence 08:04 – Why So Many Women Don’t Get Away 08:31 – Fleeing Across State Lines 09:05 – Waking Up and Rebuilding 09:36 – A Women’s Pre-Apprenticeship Changed Everything 10:01 – Rock Bottom Was the Foundation 10:31 – What’s Coming in the Next Episode 👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday! SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY SPARKY LIFE Podcast on APPLE 👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE! SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE ⸻ 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia ⸻ 🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m Use code SH5 for 5% off! Support the show

Every skilled professional need the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SH5 for 5% off! What if college isn’t the only path to success — or even the best one for you? In this episode of The Sparky Life Podcast, we’re flipping the script on career planning and breaking down how you can launch a high-paying, hands-on career in the skilled trades — no degree or experience required. You’ll learn: 12 weeks75,000 job openings per yearhint: both are solid, but one averages over $93,000Whether you’re a student, a parent, or someone looking for a career reset, this episode will show you that working with your hands can build more than just buildings — it can build your future. 👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE! SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE 📲 Stay Connected: Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia 🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m Use code SH5 for 5% off! Support the show