In this episode of ARPOW, hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Amber Matthews, the Director of Operations and Staff Coach for FC United.

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Matt Rebro and Marc Zyla interview Dr. Liang Wee, the Interim Chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community College. They dive into his career journey and his role as a community college leader.

In this episode, hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Aubrey Barnes, a poet, educator, and entrepreneur from the Quad Cities.

Join hosts Matt and Joy in this podcast episode featuring Jared Johnson, the General Manager/CEO of WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, a nonprofit radio station in Rock Island, Illinois.

Join Matt and Joy on this delicious episode of A Real Piece of Work as they talk with Sarah Bluhm Organ, plant manager at the Davenport Kraft Heinz manufacturing facility.

In this episode of "A Real Piece of Work," hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Charlie Hartig, the CEO of Hartig Drug Company, a family-owned pharmacy chain. Matt and Joy have a personal connection to Charlie, as his father and Joy's father-in-law were pharmacy school classmates, and Joy herself worked with him at a pharmacy during her school years.Charlie takes us through his career journey, explaining how he always knew he might work for the family business. With 24 community pharmacy locations and long-term care pharmacy services under his watch, Charlie shares his insights as the CEO of Hartig Drug.The conversation touches on various aspects of the pharmacy field. Charlie discusses the earning potential, with the average pharmacist salary coming in around $123,000 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. He also sheds light on the non-traditional work hours that are often required in healthcare.COVID-19 becomes a focal point of discussion, as Charlie reveals how Harding Drug dealt with the challenges brought on by the pandemic. From adapting their practices to meet increased demand to administering tens of thousands of COVID vaccines, Charlie emphasizes the importance of networking and staying informed during uncertain times.Not limited to pharmacists and technicians, Charlie also explores other career opportunities within the pharmacy field. He encourages students to shadow different roles and highlights the involvement of health science students at Hartig Drug.Finally, Charlie shares valuable advice about teamwork and perseverance. In response to a question from Matt, he emphasizes the value of group projects in preparing for careers that require collaboration. And in a reflection on his younger self, Charlie stresses the importance of treating school like a job and developing grit.As the episode concludes, Matt and Joy express their gratitude to Charlie for his time and for sharing his insights on working in the dynamic and rewarding field of pharmacy.

In this episode of "A Real Piece of Work," hosts Matt and Joy sit down with Ashley DuVal, a Senior Scientist at Mars Wrigley, to delve into her fascinating career in developing resilient and productive cocoa plants. The hosts express their enthusiasm to learn about DuVal's role in breeding, integrated pest management, and farming practices that support cocoa farmers and ensure a sustainable cocoa supply. DuVal sheds light on the challenges that cocoa faces, such as pests, diseases, and climate change.DuVal takes the audience on a journey through her educational background in botany and plant sciences, revealing how her interest in crop breeding developed. She shares that she pursued a PhD in cocoa genetics after Mars Wrigley successfully sequenced the cocoa genome. When questioned about her daily routine, DuVal describes the various facilities her team utilizes, including greenhouses, labs, and field trials, to study cocoa plants and gather crucial data. She emphasizes the importance of global collaboration in deploying research findings.The conversation also touches upon career opportunities and compensation at Mars Wrigley for individuals interested in scientific pursuits. The hosts couldn't resist asking about any free chocolate perks, which DuVal addresses with good humor. For students contemplating a career shift, DuVal wholeheartedly encourages following one's passions, as careers often take unexpected turns. She imparts valuable advice to her younger self, emphasizing the importance of enjoying one's work and recognizing opportunities as learning experiences. This episode truly emphasizes the significance of cocoa and highlights DuVal's impactful contributions through sustainable agriculture research.

Who doesn’t like a good thriller fiction book; one which reminds you to question how safe you are at home, at work and in every step you take? How cool if your REAL daily job was providing security and protection in masses? Well, on this episode of A Real Piece of Work, Matt & Joy have a thriller job interview for you! Shaun Guidebeck, Product Coordinator at Per Mar Security,shares the drive and desire in his career journey and how impactful his role is in the daily security and protection of people he will never meet; their security at the heart of his daily grind.

YOU are the designer of your career story! Have you ever thought about how the approach to life and design can be so parallel? How impactful is the space you live in? Have you ever considered the amount of research, thought, and organization that goes into a well designed and inspirational space? As one of the next ARPOW guests states “once the why is understood, the how becomes far clearer!”

Say YES to this opportunity! Join Matt & Joy LIVE from Forest Grove Elementary as they explore the world of farming and beyond with a curious group of 4th graders and Hans Schneckloth, President of Schneckloth Farms. Note: You won’t just learn about farm life on this podcast episode!