Sparky Life

Sparky Life

On Your Construction Network the Sparky Life Podcast with Lia Lamela, every Thursday has remarkable stories and points of view from journeyman and woman who build the things that make our lives work! These lessons learned are not only valuable for those engaged in the skilled trades but frankly for all of us whether we use tools literally or figuratively in our daily lives. I share with you my electrical journey, experiences and insight through engaging banter with those I have met along the way. If you are interested in trade tales, an industry frought with excitement and risk subscribe and be notified every Thursday when trade tales continue. We build the world we want to live in. Let’s band together to create the sparks in our lives!

Episodes

May 15, 2025 10 mins

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: Welcome back to Sparky Life, where we shine a spotlight on the grittiest, gutsiest careers in the skilled trades — and sometimes even the deadliest.


Everyone says skilled trades are dangerous… but which one tops the list?

You won’t believe it — because it’s not what you think...

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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: Welcome back to Sparky Life, where we challenge everything you’ve been told about success, college, and the so-called “right” career path. If you’ve ever felt lost, lied to, or stuck in a soul-sucking cubicle — this one’s for you.

This episode is a wake-up call.

You’ve been fed a fairy...

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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: Welcome back to Sparky Life — your backstage pass to the real, raw, and unapologetic world of blue collar greatness, high-octane relationships, and careers that challenge the status quo.

Today, we’re getting real about something most people only whisper about…What do blue collar wives...

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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: Welcome back to Sparky Life — your official backstage pass to the world of dirty jobs, high paychecks, and careers that make your relatives go, "You do what for a living?!"

Today, we’re answering a BIG question:
Who makes the most money in the skilled trades?

💥 Think ele...

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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: A devastating fire. Locked doors. No escape. This episode tells the shocking true story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire—one of the deadliest workplace disasters in American history—and how it reshaped fire codes, safety laws, and the future of skilled trades.

👇 Follow for mor...

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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: In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lia sits down with Bobby Armstrong – an HVAC technician, entrepreneur, and all-around badass – who opens up about his wild ride through the trades, from childhood struggles to launching his own business.

👇 Follow for more blue collar badas...

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Special thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse – Get the best tools & supplies! https://www.supplyhouse.com

Welcome to the Sparky Life podcast with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, we dive into a crucial topic that everyone should be aware of: the coming biggest recession in United States history and why construction workers and skilled trade professionals are positioned to be the ultimate survivors. We break down the economi...

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Ever wondered why you should NEVER take the elevator during a fire in a high-rise? This video dives deep into the life-saving technology of elevator recall and the critical role it plays in fire safety.

Learn why elevator recall is one of the most important fire safety systems in a building and how it's designed to prevent you from unknowingly entering a dangerous situation.

💡 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor:<...

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March 20, 2025 64 mins

We speak with Megan Switzer for a raw and honest conversation about the complex dynamics of women supporting women, particularly within male-dominated fields.

Get ready for some eye-opening truths as they delve into the question of why women don't always support each other. Drawing on Dr. Sha Andrews' research (as featured in Forbes), they discuss the "power dead even rule" coined by Pat Helm and colleagues from ...

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March 13, 2025 54 mins

In this episode of Sparky Life we discuss the critical role of digital presence in the construction industry with tech guru Daniel Leal. We explore the importance of having a professional website, the impact of technology on business efficiency, and the evolving landscape of education in tech careers. Daniel shares his journey from a small town in Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing the need for skilled trades ...

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In this electrifying episode of The Sparky Life, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the dynamic world of the construction industry with an absolute powerhouse: Barb Allen, a trailblazer with over three decades of experience in leadership, from a licensed carpenter to superintendent and business owner. Join us in todays amazing conversation.

0:00 Introduction: Women Reshaping Construction and Persistent Challenges 
1:00 In...

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February 27, 2025 38 mins

Welcome to the Sparky Life! We welcome Jonathan Cinelli, a strategic construction broker and licensed electrician with three decades of experience, to discuss how to rebuild the foundation of the construction industry.

In this episode, Jonathan addresses the toxic culture within the construction industry and shares his forward-thinking approach to business, which disrupts traditional toxicity and transactionalism.

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February 20, 2025 15 mins

Welcome back to the Sparky Life with your host, Lia Lamela! In this episode, Lia discusses the importance of women supporting women in the construction industry.

Key points from this episode:

• The challenges women face in male-dominated spaces and how networking and support can help.
• An appeal for women to come together, build each other up, and create larger networks for success in their careers.
• The...

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February 13, 2025 51 mins

Join Lia Lamela on The Sparky Life as she interviews Jack Teetor, the creator of the documentary, Blind Logic: The Ralph Teetor Story. This captivating film tells the inspiring story of Ralph Teetor, a man whose life intertwined with the birth of the American automobile age and the industrial revolution.

Discover the extraordinary journey of Ralph Teetor, who despite losing his sight at the age of five, became a leader in ...

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This podcast episode features a discussion between Lia Lamela and Coach Ike, a construction industry veteran, focusing on the challenges and nuances of working in construction, particularly the relationship between tradespeople and superintendents.

The conversation highlights how important it is to understand the pressures and perspectives of everyone on a job site. Coach Ike shares his experiences and insights on leadersh...

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January 30, 2025 49 mins

Welcome to Sparky Life, where we chat with the builders of our civilisation! In this episode, Lia Lamela welcomes James Hatfield, the Chief Revenue Officer of Live Switch, a total disruptor in the trades tech space. James Hatfield, a "blue-collar baddie", shares his journey from running painting and power washing companies to revolutionising how skilled trades operate with innovative tech tools. It's a real conversat...

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Thanks to our sponsor www.supplyhouse.com/t-m - the best place to pick up your construction supplies. 

In this eye-opening episode of The Sparky Life, Lia sits down with Andrea Janzen, founder and CEO of Ambition Theory, to discuss a groundbreaking revelation: mentorship may not be the key to career success as we’ve always believed.

Join Lia and Andrea as they dive deep into the nuances of mentorship, particularly...

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Welcome to this episode of The Sparky Life! Join host Lia Lamela as she catches up with her good buddy, Stephen Richardson, a recent reality TV star from Love is Blind and a dedicated electrician.

In this engaging conversation, Stephen shares his journey in the skilled trades, discussing the challenges he faced during his apprenticeship and how he ultimately found his passion for electrical work. They dive deep into t...

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January 9, 2025 13 mins

Check out www.supplyhouse.com for all your electrical needs! 💡⚡️

In this episode, host Lia Lamela dives deep into the fascinating world of batteries and DC electricity. Have you ever felt that frustration when your device runs out of battery? Join Lia as she breaks down how batteries work, how they are made, and the science behind storing energy.

Discover the components of a typical 1.5V alkaline battery, the rol...

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Welcome back to The Sparky Life! In this electrifying episode, host Lia Lamela sits down with fire protection guru Chad Tester. With a background that spans various aspects of fire safety, Chad shares his journey from commercial fishing to becoming a fire protection expert.

Join us as we dive into:

Chad's unique path into the skilled trades and how he discovered his passion for fire protection.

The i...

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