What It’s Like to Be…a Seismologist
Monitoring global networks of seismometers, evangelizing for stronger buildings instead of better predictions, and measuring LA’s slow crawl toward Alaska with Lucy Jones, a seismologist in Southern California.
Culture
What It’s Like to Be…an Executive Chef
Butchering whole alligators, costing out every plate down to the garnish, and perfecting grilled sweetbreads with Cindy Wolf, an executive chef.
What It’s Like to Be…a Speechwriter
Writing for the ear rather than the eye, racing to meet teleprompter deadlines, and recasting lost memories as timeless advice with Stephen Krupin, a speechwriter.
What It’s Like to Be…a Floral Decorator
Crafting floral masterpieces that disappear within hours, dealing with the eccentricities of wealthy clients, and making 3am runs to the flower market with Paul Hawkins, a floral decorator in England.
What It’s Like to Be…a Car Mechanic
Cracking automotive mysteries one diagnostic code at a time, mastering the art of quoting complicated repairs, and playing the “what kind of noise is it?” guessing game with Justin Snodgrass, a car mechanic who owns his own shop.
What It’s Like to Be…a Pharmacy Tech
Counting out pills in fives, working with million-dollar drugs, and ensuring the right medication in the right dose gets delivered at the right moment with Rose Davin, a pharmacy technician.