Shows
The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaVoice Actor (Andy Field)In this episode we speak with Andy Field, a Voice Actor or what you might refer to as a Voiceover Artist. Yes, Andy is that guy! The guy you hear in commercials, e-learning courses, documentaries, telephone systems, TV promos, radio ads, and more. His voice is everywhere and you’ve likely heard him before, as he’s worked for such companies as Nike, Toyota, Walmart, The History Channel, Mercedez-Benz, and other brand names. And, if you’re a fan of video games, you may know him as the voice of HandUnit, the handheld computer guide, in the wildly popular Five N...
2025-09-171h 07The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaRodeo Cowboy and Farrier (Nathan Klassen)In this episode we speak with Nathan Klassen, a former rodeo bull rider and full metal jouster and current horseshoer or what is known as a farrier. That’s a hell of a career! Where do we begin?When Nathan was a kid, he dreamed of being a football player or a bull rider. So, in his young teenage years he did both! But as he grew older and saw his potential in football, he put away his spurs for a bit so that he could focus on earning a college football scholarship. He successfully did so, bu...
2025-07-291h 03The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaMotivation: The World's Greatest FailuresIn this Motivational Blast, listen in as I talk about the world's greatest failures and how they were able to persevere and achieve their dreams!Website: www.thedreamvocation.comMaster Class (Identify and Achieve Your Dream Vocation): www.thedreamvocation.com/online-course/YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thedreamvocation Soundtrack by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/li...
2025-06-1206 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaBaseball Scout (Jim Negrych)In this episode we speak with Jim Negrych, former professional baseball player and current professional baseball scout for the St. Louis Cardinals organization. I grew up playing baseball with Jimmy and it was clear from an early age that he was levels above the rest of us. But he didn’t rest on that talent alone. Jimmy worked his tail off as a youth player in the Buffalo, NY area to the point that he earned a college scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh. At the college level his talent and hard work continued to pay off, as...
2025-06-101h 05The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaI'm Back!Don't call it a comeback! As you may have noticed, I have not posted an episode in a while. That's because I've been working on three big projects:A website: www.thedreamvocation.comAn online course to help you identify and achieve the career of your dreams: https://thedreamvocation.com/online-course/A YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thedreamvocationCheck out this episode to learn more!
2025-06-1003 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaTour Boat Captains (Captain T and Captain Kay)In this episode we speak with Tarkan and Kayhan Peksen, known as Captain T and Captain Kay. Captain T and Captain Kay are two young entrepreneurs who own a tour boat company named Paradise Cycle Boat Cruises down in Marco Island, Florida. I met Captain T and Captain Kay when my wife and I booked a sunset cruise during a recent weekend getaway. After chatting with them and hearing a bit about their story, I knew I had to have them on the podcast to hear about their journey as tour boat owners. T and Kak were b...
2024-12-0638 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaVideo Game Designer (Mitchell Wolfe)In this episode we speak with Mitchell Wolfe, a video game designer out of San Diego, California. While I was growing up playing video games, and even now watching my kids play them, I always wondered, “Who are the people that have the cool job of actually creating these games?” Well, Mitchell is one of those cool people! He is a video game designer, specifically an encounter designer which means he designs the way the game feels and what you do with the character within an encounter, such as combat or a social or environmental encounters. Mitchell has w...
2024-10-121h 13The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaInventor and Outerwear Entrepreneur (Howard White)In this episode we speak with Howard White, Inventor and Entrepreneur. Howard is the founder of Constant Mountain, an outdoor jacket company centered around the infinity pocket, which Howard invented and patented. Howard’s story shows us that everyday problems can be turned into career opportunities and that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. About 7 years ago, Howard was enjoying his career as a Product Manager and going to his kids’ sporting events on nights and weekends. On one particularly chilly morning, he was at his daughter’s soccer game and tried to warm hi...
2024-09-131h 04The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaClimate Entrepreneurs (Josh Elliott and Aaron White)In this episode we speak with Josh Elliot and Aaron White, founders of Climate Karen, a climate tech brand committed to making the planet less hot in an innovative way that allows the everyday person to get involved. Josh and Aaron are two badasses who have had experiences and careers that took them all over the world. From drilling water wells in the Amazon to living in African villages where lions were known to prowl, these two have lived adventurous and fulfilling lives. We even talk about these wild experiences in the episode. Now they are teaming u...
2024-08-291h 14The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaMusic Producer (Tom Vrem)In this episode we speak with Tom Vrem, a music producer, guitar player, and cook book author out of Nashville, Tennessee. Tom is a renaissance man to say the least, and may I say across a variety of avenues that are all pretty awesome. Anyone that can produce a killer album, rip a guitar riff and cook up a gourmet breakfast is a cool person to hang out with in my book. I’m a huge music fan so this episode was super fun for me to record. As a music fan, I’ve always wondered how songs...
2024-08-191h 06The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaFashion Designer (Rachel Kroll)In this episode we speak with Rachel Kroll, a fashion designer out of New York City. This episode is special to me because one of my daughters loves fashion and says she wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. So, what better gift could I give her than to interview someone living the Dream Vocation she aspires to? Plus, I’m sure there are a lot of other people out there interested in hearing about the world of fashion, so it’s a win-win for everyone. Rachel’s story is one of following your passion...
2024-07-1149 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaLawyer and Entrepreneur (Joe Shannon)In this episode we speak with Joe Shannon, a lawyer and entrepreneur. Joe is a Personal Injury attorney who runs his own practice in the Chicago area. Truthfully, I always wondered if there were lawyers who loved their careers because outside of television courtroom scenes, it always appeared mundane to me. But, as Joe tells us, while the work does have a tedious side to it, it can be an incredibly interesting and challenging profession with a lot of imagination required to think outside of the box to produce the best outcomes for clients. In addition, as a...
2024-06-2659 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaInvestor and Former Investment Banker (Matt Parsons)In this episode we speak with Matt Parsons, founder and Managing Partner of an investment firm named Camp Lake Capital, which invests in businesses that have between $2 and $5 million of EBITDA, which is a fancy word for cashflow.I’ve known Matt for almost 20 years, as he and I started out as young Investment Bankers together in the early 2000’s, sitting next to each other for 90 hours a week in cubicles while we hammered away at spreadsheets. While I bailed out of the finance game after just a few years, Matt stayed the course due to the inte...
2024-06-131h 00The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaPresident of Major Hospital (Yvette Saba)In this episode we speak with Yvette Saba, President of Edward Hospital in Naperville. Yvette’s career story is one of pursuing what interests you and advocating for yourself. Her story shows that if you follow what interests you, what you have a passion for, you’ll be invested enough to put the time in to become great at it, and if you become great at it, things like promotions and money will begin to be attracted to you, as opposed to the other way around. But, that alone won’tr get you to where you want to be...
2024-06-051h 00The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaUltramarathon and Triathlon Coach (Jenna Carosio)In this episode we speak with Jenna Carosio, ultramarathon and triathlon coach. I met Jenna when I was entering the ultramarathon world a few months back and looking for a coach. She did an awesome job and guided me through my first 50 mile race. But much more interesting than anything I did, was the fact that Jenna was in the middle of taking the leap from the world of construction management to living out her dream of coaching athletes full time. Like many of us, Jenna originally took the traditional route of going to college and taking a...
2024-05-3053 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaProfessional Women's Soccer Player (Ryan Gareis)In this episode we speak with Ryan Gareis, professional women’s soccer player with the Houston Dash. This was an exciting episode for me because 3 of my 4 kids play soccer, so this was like interviewing one of their heroes!Ryan’s path from club soccer to college and eventually to the pros shows what hard work can lead to. While she was blessed with natural athleticism, Ryan discovered at a young age that it’s the extra work you put in that separates the good from the great. This hard work earned her a college scholarship when she wa...
2024-05-221h 01The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaFounder of Soccer Recruitment Business (Chris Cousins)In this episode we speak with Chris Cousins, Founder and CEO of Sports Recruiting USA, a soccer recruitment business with over 90 staff members helping future college players with their college and pro careers. Chris is the perfect example of turning one’s passion into their career. Originally from the UK, Chris came to the U.S. in the early 2000’s to play soccer at an American University in Champaign, IL. When he eventually returned to England after school, some of his soccer player friends asked him about his experience and how they could replicate his path...
2024-05-141h 02The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaChef (Andrew Evanisko)In this episode we speak with Andrew Evanisko, a chef in Vail Colorado. Ever since watching the movie Chef with John Favreau I’ve been fascinated by the culinary life. Since watching that movie I’ve devoured any type of entertainment that has to do with cooking, including the movie Burnt with Bradley Cooper, the show The Bear, and of course the late Anthony Bourdain’s television shows and books. So, I was super excited to dive into the world of a real-life chef like Andrew. In the interview, Andrew tells us how it took him a few yea...
2024-05-071h 08The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaProfessional Actor (Andrew Gombas)In this episode we speak with Andrew Gombas, an actor based on the east coast. Andrew’s story is one of following your calling in life, following what it is that stirs you inside. In the interview you’ll hear Andrew talk about the challenges of being a working actor and how it’s not all the glitz and glamour we see in the tabloids. There’s a lot of hard work, networking, hustling for next jobs, and hours spent honing his craft. But, as Andrew says, there is nothing that he has found in li...
2024-04-301h 07The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaGuitar Maker (Derek Lenard)In this episode we speak with Derek Lenard, a guitar builder, or luthier as it’s known within the music industry. Firs of all, guitar builder. I mean, is there a cooler sounding career than that? Imagine being at a party and someone in the group asks what everyone does for a living. Someone says Accountant, someone says sales, and someone says guitar builder. I’m hanging out with the guitar guy. I’m hanging out with Derek!Derek’s story is one of just getting started, just taking one small step. When his grandfather passed aw...
2024-04-2354 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaKeynote Speaker and Bestselling Author (Jeff Rogers)In this episode we speak with Jeff Rogers, Corporate Emcee, Bestselling Author, and Keynote Speaker. Jeff’s background and path to his Dream Career is incredibly fascinating. His original path was in the field of entertainment, where he worked as an actor at the world-famous Second City theater and planned to use that platform to go to Saturday Night Live and then leapfrog into TV and films like Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and others have done. However, as Jeff grew in his career, he began to realize that that wasn’t necessarily what he actually wanted...
2024-04-161h 11The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaHead of Zoological Medicine at Shedd Aquarium (Dr. Karisa Tang)In this episode we speak with Dr. Karisa Tang. Dr. Karisa oversees the veterinary medical program at the world famous Shedd Aquarium in Chicago!I have to say this was one of my favorite interviews of all time. Throughout my life, whenever I’ve visited a zoo or aquarium, I always wondered who had the awesome job of taking care of such a wide variety of animals. Well, Dr. Karisa is that person! From dolphins to penguins to sea otters to fish and beyond, Dr. Karisa and her team oversee the health and wellness of over 25,000 animals at...
2024-04-0957 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaPaleontologist (Dr. Sam Heads)In this episode we speak with Dr. Sam Heads, a paleontologist and the founding Director and Curator-in-Charge at the Center for Paleontology at the University of Illinois. As Sam himself says, he’s the kid that never grew up. At age 5 he was walking on a beach collecting seashells and pebbles in northern England with his father when he saw something interesting in one of the seashells. He asked his father about it and when his dad explained to him that it was a fossil which was likely hundreds of millions of years old, Sam was hooked! He decided th...
2024-03-151h 17The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaLuxury Car Repair Technician and Shop Owner (O.J. Lopez)In this episode we speak with Luxury Repair Technician and Shop Owner OJ Lopez. I’ve known OJ for a few years and while we didn’t see eye-to-eye when we first met, today I am proud to call him a friend as well as an inspiration. This might be the coolest podcast episode I’ve done yet because not only was it my fist in-person interview, but we recorded the episode in OJ’s shop surrounded by high performance vehicles such as Lamborghinis, Porsches, and American muscle cars!But even cooler than the atmosphere is OJ’s s...
2024-03-091h 10The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaDocumentary Filmmaker (Sarah Potter)In this episode we speak with Sarah Potter, documentary filmmaker and storyteller. I love films, so this interview was incredibly interesting to me, as I always wondered what the process of making a documentary actually looks like. Sarah does an amazing job telling us how documentary films are made, with storytelling at the heart of her filmmaking. She tells us how they center the story around interesting characters and communicate captivating stories through that character. What also made this interview fascinating is learning that neither Sarah nor her colleagues had a background in filmmaking before getting into t...
2024-02-261h 00The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaVeterinarian (Dr. Donna Jacobsen)In this episode we speak with Donna Jacobsen, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine who works primarily with dogs, cats, and other small animals. I was excited for this episode because when whenever you ask kids what they want to be when they grow up, many will say that they want to be a Veterinarian. Donna became the profession that all of those little kids dream of becoming!However, Donna herself did not always dream of becoming a veterinarian. She was actually a pre-med student at Yale, a common path at the prestigious university, before deciding to go against...
2024-02-231h 01The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaReal Estate Agent (Rick Miranda)In this episode we speak with Rick Miranda, Real Estate agent. I’ve known Rick for several years and from the moment I met him it was clear that he was a hard worker. But I didn’t realize the extent to which this man grinds until we did this interview. Rick started working full-time at just 15 years old, putting in 40+ hours a week at McDonalds and even covering his own dental care as a teenager! As he became an adult he transitioned into the automotive industry where he built a successful corporate career with a nice salar...
2024-02-1457 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaTech Entrepreneur (Grant Small)In this episode we speak with Grant Small, a tech entrepreneur. Grant is a fascinating individual. He’s a person who sees an opportunity, envisions a solution to that opportunity, and then builds that solution. An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, Grant has built and sold several businesses. While his specialty is in consulting and cybersecurity, he’s unafraid to take on any challenge, as proven by his foray into the coffee space and even a flirtation with Shark Tank! Grant’s story is an inspiration, as he proves that anyone willing to think outside of the b...
2024-02-061h 02The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaLicensed Clinical Social Worker (Guy Caprio)In this episode we speak with Guy Caprio, a licensed clinical social worker at Loyola University. I first met Guy in a Bible study 15 years ago and hadn’t spoken to him since, but I always remembered him because he was the man that told me how he left the high dollar, high powered world of financial trading to become a therapist for college students. As someone who was in finance myself at the time and not loving it, I remember thinking how much I admired this man for taking his shot and reaching for his dreams. So...
2024-01-2859 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaGenetic Counselor (Divya Baxi)In this episode we speak with Divya Baxi, a genetic counselor who works in the fertility field. Now, I must admit, I had no idea what a genetic counselor was before speaking with Divya and had actually never heard of the profession. However, through our discussion I learned what a unique and fast growing profession this is. As a counselor, Divya’s role straddles both science and counseling. Her role is to support fertility patients by guiding them through the decision as to whether or not to have genetic testing on embryos, what the appropriate tests would be...
2024-01-1755 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaHigh School Principal (Brandon Wojcik)In this episode we speak with Brandon Wojcik, a high school principal out of the Buffalo, NY area. I have known Brandon for literally my entire life (spoiler alert, he’s my cousin) and he has always been an inspiration to me. Brandon grew up in a single parent household and built himself into a successful businessman in his 20’s. However, while he was making great money, he was working 60 – 80 hours per week and beginning to think about the bigger things in life, primarily his family and his time. That led Brandon to re-evaluate and step away from business so tha...
2024-01-0757 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaGovernment Relations/Lobbyist (Pat Brady)In this episode we speak with Pat Brady, a government relations professional or what we often refer to as a lobbyist. This was an incredibly interesting interview because prior to this I always had a very narrow view and limited understanding of what a lobbyist actually is and does. I’ve heard the name tossed around many times in the news over the years but never really understood what these folks did. After speaking with Pat, I gained a newfound understanding of and respect for this critical role and how it helps to move the levers within the complex ma...
2023-12-2041 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaInterventional Pain Management/Anesthesiologist (Ammar Divan)In this episode we speak with Ammar Divan, an Interventional Pain Management Physician. Ammar’s specialty is as an Anesthesiologist, which for the lay-person like myself, that’s the doctor who puts you under when you go in for surgery. Interventional Pain Management is a subspeciality of anesthesiology. Ammar chose this sub-specialty because while anesthesiology interested him, he wanted to have more personal interaction and 1:1 communication with his patients because as he himself said, when you’re an anesthesiologist your patients are typically, well, asleep. Ammar’s story is one that I’m sure many out there can resonat...
2023-12-1752 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaInterior Decorator (Crissy Loberg)In this episode, we speak with Crissy Loberg who is an Interior Decorator. Crissy, like many people, didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life when she was younger but found her calling as her passions and interest met opportunity. She always had a flare for design, to the point that people began noticing how nice her own home looked and then asked Crissy for help designing their homes. Crissy saw an opportunity to create a career around her skills and passion and over time built up a strong client base, many of which come back to...
2023-12-071h 01The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaSales Executive and Budding Entrepreneur (Dan Mayer)In this episode we speak with Dan Mayer, a seasoned sales executive who recently took the leap and took action on his a long-held dream of starting his own business. After years of success as a Sales professional at some of Silicon Valley’s best companies such as IBM, Salesforce, and Box, Dan decided that it was time to carve out his own path and begin pursuing his dream so that he wouldn’t be left wondering, “What if?” He is now on that path and officially launching his new company, The Sales Cycle, in January 2024. The Sales Cyc...
2023-11-201h 02The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaChristian Pastor (Steve Andres)In this episode we speak with a good friend of mine, Pastor Steve Andres. Steve is truly living out his vocation, as he felt called to be a Christian minister in his teenage years. However, while Steve may have known his course in life from an early age, it doesn’t mean his career didn’t have twists and turns. Just like most people I interview that have found their Dream Vocation, Steve had to discover his own path. From starting out in El Salvador working with children and teenagers, to coming back home and leaving Bible college after only...
2023-11-1444 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony Bellagamba(Solo Cast) I Know What You're FeelingI know what you're feeling right now. You feel lost, lie there' something you're supposed to be doing with your life but you can't figure it out. You feel anxious, like there is something inside of you just bursting to get out but you have no idea what it is. You feel like everyone else has their life figured out, like you're alone on this island of uncertainty and anxiety. You wonder why every other person knows what they want to do with their life, yet your thoughts bounce from one thing to another, never truly having that "Aha!" m...
2023-10-3115 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaGang Unit Detective, Secret Service, Office of Inspector General (Drew Snarey)In this episode we speak with Drew Snarey, a friend of mine who has built an amazing career across multiple law enforcement agencies. Drew started out as a local patrol policeman in Michigan and was eventually elevated to being a detective in a gang unit. Working in some of the most dangerous situations on the streets, Drew built a strong reputation for getting the job done, to the point that he was able to leverage his success and become a member of the Secret Service. Contrary to what I, and many people believe, the Secret Service does much more...
2023-10-231h 14The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaCommercial Real Estate (Derrick Stricker)In this episode we speak with one of my best friends in the whole world and one of the most entertaining people you’ll ever meet, Derrick Stricker. Derrick is a commercial real estate professional, working across the industry as a broker, investor, and even a developer. Derrick lives his passion everyday by helping to literally build the community around him. However, like many people that have found their Dream Vocation, Derrick’s path in life took a few turns before ultimately finding his true calling. He crisscrossed not only the professional landscape but the country as well...
2023-10-231h 10The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaNurse Practiconer (Jennifer Radich McCann)In this episode we speak with Jennifer Radich McCann. Jen is a nurse practitioner specializing in women’s health. Jen has a passion for helping care for people, especially women. She is a strong advocate for women’s health needs, especially women in underserved areas. As she herself says, she like “helping people that need help” and also loves educating women. Jen is a family friend from back home near Buffalo, NY and someone that I always looked up to when I was young because I saw her going to college and then for her Masters when the reali...
2023-10-1434 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaChiropractor (Dr. Bob Aarestad Jr.)In this episode we speak with Dr. Bob Aarestad Jr., a Chiropractor who, like a lot of our podcast guests, found his passion and purpose after a few stops and starts in other fields. Bob explored several careers when he was young, including mechanic, personal trainer, and massage therapist. However, it was after working in a chiropractor’s office for a few months as a massage therapist that he realized there was something more for him. In fact, Bob woke up one day and felt a calling that he was meant to be a Chiropractor. He was so sure th...
2023-09-3052 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaOwner of Creative Marketing Agency (Beth Carter)In this episode we speak with Beth Carter, the founder of a creative marketing agency named Clariant Creative. Beth is an awesome woman, whose story is one of perseverance and never being afraid to try something new. In fact, that’s exactly how she started her marketing agency. When I asked her if she, as the head of a marketing business, was always interested in marketing she basically said she never once thought about marketing, let alone worked in the field when she was younger! It was after staying at home for a few years to raise her...
2023-09-3058 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaSocial Enterprise/CEO of Mananalu (David Cuthbert)In this episode we speak with David Cuthbert. David’s career is personally an inspiration to me, as he has excelled across a variety of chapters in his life and built an amazing and diverse career. He began his career in special operations for the navy, leading land and underwater explosive disposal teams. I’ll tell you one thing, that’s a lot cooler than anything I’ve ever done. But he didn’t stop there, because after his time in the military David worked his way up to become the CEO of a very successful cloud services provider. These two...
2023-09-2749 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaEconomist and Economics Professor (Joe Mazur)In this episode we speak with Joe Mazur, an Economist and Economics professor at Purdue University. Joe is a long-time friend of mine, having started in Investment Banking with me before realizing his calling was elsewhere. He’s also, without a doubt, the smartest person I’ve ever met. Joe’s story is one that I hear often, whereas he had an interest when he was younger but didn’t think that path was practical. It all started when his Dad came home from a meeting one day and told Joe how he met a person from a Think T...
2023-09-1948 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony Bellagamba2nd Grade Teacher (Jason Anderson)In this episode I speak with Jason Anderson, 2nd grade teacher in the Naperville, IL area. Jason is a good friend of mine and after hearing from so many parents about how their kids all love Mr. Anderson, I said, “Hey I have to interview the teacher that everyone loves!”.When he was young, Jason dreamed of being a football player, but after realizing he wasn’t going to be able to move to the next level, he turned his attention to teaching. Teaching is a bit of a family business for Jason, as several of his relati...
2023-09-1443 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaSpecial Operations, Jiu-Jitsu, and Humanitarian Relief (Mark Turner)In this episode we talk to Mark Turner. As I was thinking about how to describe Mark and his career for this intro, only one word kept coming to mind: BADASS! If you took only Mark’s first career, which was as a special operations soldier in the Marines, he already qualifies for that title. But after a storied career in the Marines, Mark wasn’t content to just do the 9 to 5. He continued to pursue purpose and passion by first competing in jiu-jitsu and then opening what has become a world-renowned jiu-jitsu academy. On top of all that, Mark...
2023-09-061h 07The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaNon-Profit Entrepreneur (Jonny Imerman)In this episode we talk to Jonny Imerman. I heard Jonny speak at a non-profit event more than 10 years ago and was instantly captivated by his story, but also by his energy and passion. When Jonny was 26 he experienced a life changing event when was diagnosed with testicular cancer. During that fight, he received an outpouring of love from friends and family. But what he didn’t have was someone who had been there before who could answer questions and just empathize. Years later, Jonny took that experience and co-founded Imerman Angels: a peer-to-peer support community that connects cancer fi...
2023-08-1715 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaHealthcare Innovator (Eric Hargarten)In today’s episode we speak with Eric Hargarten. Eric is a Healthcare Innovator but his entire arc is one of the more diverse and inspiring stories I’ve come across since starting this podcast. From entering the Air Force directly out of High School to majoring in Physics in college, entering the world of Investment Banking, and ultimately pursuing his passion of being an innovator in the field of Healthcare, Eric has always followed his own calling. When adversity and naysayers have stepped in his path, he has always looked to his own compass. Eric’s story is one of...
2023-08-171h 05The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony Bellagamba(Solo Cast) Get Off The TrainIn t his episode I talk about the bullet train that is life and how stepping off once in a while can be a great think. From the time you are a child you are told what to do - get the good grades so you can get into the good college, choose the good major so you can get the good job, keep moving up in that good job to get the better paycheck. Those aren't necessarily bad things, but from time to time you need to step back and ask yourself why you are doing them. What...
2023-07-2813 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaFireman and Paramedic (Aaron Rutter)In this episode we speak with Aaron Rutter, a fireman and paramedic. Aaron is another great example of someone who found their passion, but took a few detours along the way. From coaching lifeguards to joining the military just after 9/11 and deploying to Iraq, Aaron took a few detours (but necessary and helpful ones!) before becoming a full fledged fireman and paramedic in the Chicago suburbs.This is a great story of perseverance and finding your passion through a few turns. It’s also an eye opener to learn more about the role of a fireman and pa...
2023-07-2152 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony Bellagamba(Solo Cast) FailureIn this episode I talk about failure and how the fear and stigma of it is far worse than the failure itself. Give it a listen!
2023-07-2109 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaPhysical Therapist (Joe Agostinelli)In this episode we talk with Joe Agostinelli, a Physical Therapist. Physical Therapists are basically movement experts. They help people improve the quality of their life and return from injury by providing hands on care, prescribing exercises, and educating the patients.Joe was an athlete in High School and knew fairly early on that he wanted to pursue a career in physical therapy because it combined his love for sports, helping people, and science. Over the years he has built his career to the point that he now manages multiple physical therapy clinics and dozens of physical...
2023-06-2252 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaVirtual Reality Entrepreneur (Amir Berenjian)In this episode we talk with Amir Berenjian, the owner of an immersive technology company that empowers people with new age technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality. After spending 12+ years in the Investment Banking industry, Amir made a pivot and not only become an entrepreneur, but did so in the cutting edge space of immersive technology. Today he has an 8,000 sq ft building up in Minnesota where students, businesses, and individuals come to learn about the future of technology. From elementary school students to high powered executives, people come to the lab, put on the goggles, and...
2023-06-151h 11The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaWealth Manager (Zac Larson)In this episode we speak Zac Larson. Zac is the co-founder of a Wealth Management firm. His business helps people to organize and manage their finances in a way that allows them to accomplish their goals and live a life of purpose. In fact, in the podcast you’ll actually hear Zac say his goal is to help people “live intentionally and live generously” Zac’s path in life was inspired by his own upbringing, as he came from a family of hard workers but who worked in fields that didn’t necessarily always pay well or come with g...
2023-06-1245 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaLuxury Car Guru (Nathan Merz)Today we talk to Nathan Merz out in Seattle. Nathan is a "car guru" who turned his passion for automobiles into an amazingly successful and, frankly, cool career. From a very young age Nathan was captivated by cars, so much so that he convinced his parents to let him buy his first car at age 13. He quickly discovered that he could flip those cars for profit and became a successful entrepreneur as a teenager, owning and selling around 50 cars before he even had a license! After taking a detour into the traditional corporate world after college, Nathan took a...
2023-06-0859 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony Bellagamba(Solo Cast) Don't Chase MoneyMy first attempt at a solo cast. Don't chase money, chase your passion and money will follow. Maya Angelou's quote here sums up the message as well as it can be:“You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off of you.” - Maya Angelou
2023-05-2612 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaMarine Infantry and D.E.A. (Tony Friel)In this episode we speak with Tony Friel. Tony started his career as a marine infantry officer and even took himself to the next level by becoming a member of the special forces within the Marines. After 10 years in the military, Tony transitioned careers and became a DEA agent. During his time in the DEA, he pursued large drug busts, developed informants, tracked dirty money and was even a member of the special response SWAT team. Tony’s story is one of perseverance and just generally being a badass. If you’re interested in the military, federal law enforcement, or j...
2023-04-161h 33The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaPizza Entrepreneur (Ric Gruber)Hey everyone, in this episode we speak to Pizza entrepreneur Ric Gruber. And yes, the story of becoming a pizza entrepreneur is as cool as it sounds! Like a lot of people, Ric was pursuing another passion before ultimately finding his true love in the pizza business. He started his career as a lawyer in the technology space, working on patents and intellectual property. That in itself was an amazing story, as he worked multiple side hustles just to keep afloat while learning the business. Within a year of grinding it out, Ric was being invited to speak on...
2023-03-2556 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaRehabilitation Doctor (Dr. Kris Musgraves)In this episode we talk to Dr. Kris Musgraves, a good friend of mine that I went to college with. Dr. Musgraves is a rehabilitation doctor, also known as a physiatrist (pronounced Fiz – I – Atrist). A rehabilitation doctor works with patients who have an ailment that prevents them from functioning the way they did before they were sick. Dr. Musgraves has worked with everyone from stroke patients, those brain injuries, gun shot victims, veterans retrurning from war, and even children with birth defects – all patients that have a difficult time taking care of themselves and functioning like they did before...
2023-03-1853 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaFarmer and Arborist (Duncan Simonson)In this episode we interview Duncan Simonson who has built his career in the green industry. The Green Industry centers around the environment, basically defined as any product or service that preserves and enhances the quality of the environment. Duncan became interested in the green industry during a brief stint in the Peace Corps down in Panama. He then came back to the United States and started his career as a farmer, working on community farms. After years as a farmer, Duncan stayed within the green industry and transitioned into the role of an Arborist. If you are unfamiliar...
2023-03-1452 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaOccupational Therapist (Katie Sennstrom)In this podcast we talk to Katie Sennstrom. Katie is our first woman guest, so as a father of two daughters (in addition to two boys), I was very excited for that. Katie is an Occupational Therapist, which is a branch of healthcare that helps people of all ages, from newborn through elderly, who have physical, sensory or cognitive problems. The role of an occupational therapist is to help these folks regain independence in all areas of their lives and assist with barriers that affect a person’s emotional, social, and physical needs. Basically, occupational therapists help people regain ind...
2023-03-0553 minThe Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaMarine Force Recon/Special Operations and Cybersecurity (Maurice Uenuma)In this episode we talk to Maurice Uenuma who has actually had two careers. His first career began after graduating from the US Naval Academy when he was an Infantry Officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Later on in his Marine Corps career, Maurice was selected and trained as a Force Recon/Special Operations Officer. If you don’t know what that is, it’s basically the elite of the elite warriors serving our country. After 9 years in the Marines, Maurice moved into the civilian world and p...
2023-01-261h 14The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaNuclear Engineer (Brandon Blackburn)In this episode I interview Brandon Blackburn, Nuclear Engineer. You'll hear about the complex but incredibly fascinating industry of Nuclear Power as well as Brandon's career within that industry. The Nuclear Engineer profession is both unique and niche, made up of a small group of professionals who are incredibly intelligent, passionate, and as Brandon himself says, unique in their own right. Brandon does a great job of telling us about this uncommon but captivating career and how he realized from a young age that he had a passion for Nuclear Power. Check out this amazing industry and Brandon's inspiring...
2023-01-121h 01The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaWine Entrepreneur/Marketer/Sales Manager (Brian Wallace)In this episode I interview Brian Wallace, the founder and owner of Luxury Wine Partners. Brian provides Brand Management and National Sales Manager services to small wineries. Basically, he serves as the sales and marketing arm of wineries that are just starting out and don't yet have the financial capital to hire those services in house. Brian helps them establish their brand, messaging, and price points and also helps take them to market. If you have a passion for wine or an interest in entrepreneurship, marketing, or sales this is a great episode for you!
2023-01-051h 03The Dream Vocation Podcast with Tony BellagambaPilot (Mark Ziegler)In this episode I interview Mark Ziegler. Mark is a pilot who dreamed of flying since he was a child, pursued that dream and persevered through ups and downs, flew helicopters and airplanes for the Navy, and today is a pilot for a major airline. He tells us of his journey and also provides advice on how to chase your dream vocation!
2022-11-2757 min