How Much Can I Make? — Real Jobs. Real Stories. Career Insights

How do you build a successful photography career in the age of smartphones and AI? In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, photographer Caroline White shares how she turned photography into a thriving business, from personal branding and online dating photos to her signature underwater maternity photography.

We discuss what professional photographers really earn, how photography pricing works, how to attract clients, and what it ta...

Nuttha Goutier came to Canada from a small village in Thailand with little money, limited English, and one clear vision: help people feel healthier and more connected. Today, her Sabai Thai Spa brand spans multiple locations and 13 franchise territories across Canada.

In this episode, Nuttha breaks down how she launched her first spa with less than $1,000 and no business background — and grew it into a brand where a single loc...

We sit down with franchise consultant Dr. Tom DuFore to get honest about what franchising really is and why it is not a set-it-and-forget-it income stream. We break down how to tell if a business can franchise, what fees and royalties actually look like, and what makes franchise systems succeed or fall apart over time.
• franchising as a growth and distribution method rather than a business type
• why “passive inco...

How do songs get placed in Netflix shows, commercials, films, and video games - and how much money can musicians actually make from music sync licensing? In this episode, Mirav talks with music sync licensing expert Elise Schiller about the business behind sync deals, music placements, and licensing songs for TV, film, streaming, advertising, and gaming.

Elise explains how songs are pitched to music supervisors, what makes a track &...

We talk with legendary NYC death investigator Barbara Butcher about what it really takes to walk into a death scene, read the evidence, and help the dead get justice. We also get honest about the human cost, the pay, and what she learned from 23 years and more than 5,500 investigations. Barbara shares the realities of forensic investigation, the emotional toll of the job, how people enter this career field, and how much death inves...

How to Build a Real Art Business: Selling Sculpture, Gallery Representation, and the Long Game - with Alex Kveton

What does it actually take to make a living as a sculptor? In this episode, we sit down with sculptor Alex Kveton and Barbara to trace a career that began with escaping communist Czechoslovakia and grew into a thriving fine art business - with stainless steel sculptures placed in prestigious institutions including MoMA a...

Landscape Designer Career

Landscape design is one of those careers that blends creativity with real earning potential - and you don’t need a degree to get started. In this episode, we talk with landscape designer and gardener Dean Riddle about what it actually takes to build a career in landscaping, what garden designers really do, and how much you can make.

We also talk about the realities of gardening in the Northeast- especi...

Jewelry Designer

A jewelry business can look effortless online, but behind it is real work—pricing, production, sourcing, and staying profitable as gold and silver prices rise. In this episode, jewelry designer Serena Van Rensselaer breaks down how to build a jewelry brand, from learning silversmithing to turning it into a sustainable business. We cover jewelry designer income, pricing strategies, startup costs, and how revenu...

Career Reinvention

Thinking about changing careers? We talk with Cynthia Cohen about how she pivoted without starting over by building on existing skills instead of erasing the past. From New York to today’s remote work landscape, we break down what it really takes to switch careers, stay competitive in a shifting job market, manage fear, and turn your experience into new opportunities.

Cynthia's Website: https://righta...

TV Producer Career Insights

Explore the career insights of a TV producer with Robin Feldman as she reveals what happens after filming wraps. This episode delves into the essential post-production phases, from managing tight deadlines and budgets to overcoming daily production challenges. Robin shares her journey breaking into the TV industry in Vancouver, highlighting key success factors like persistence, professionalism, and collab...

Systems Engineer

This week—timely with Artemis II—we revisit a standout episode with NASA contractor systems engineer Johanna Siegel.

Johanna reveals what it really takes to build mission-critical hardware for the Artemis program—and the career opportunities and earnings potential that come with it. In this deep dive, discover how engineers translate complex requirements like radiation protection and life support sy...

Photographer 

In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, we dive into the world of photography as a career, exploring job ideas, earnings, and success factors with professional photographer Phil Mansfield. From the early days of film to modern lifestyle assignments, Phil shares career insights and explains how a photography career evolves over time.

We break down how photographers get paid, how creative professionals price their w...

Fencing Coach 

What does it take to turn fencing into a rewarding career—and how much can a fencing coach earn?

In this episode of How Much Can I Make?, fencing coach Pamela Dressel shares invaluable career insights about making money in this niche sport.   She dives into lightning-fast strategy and the unglamorous grind of footwork and conditioning.

We cover coaching income, private lessons, club models, and the real ...

Hypnotists

Explore the intriguing career opportunities in hypnosis with a professional hypnotist Tommy Giorlando. 

In this episode we dive deep into the job market for hypnotists, uncovering what the work entails, the training required, and the factors that contribute to success in this unique field. Tommy shares valuable career insights about how hypnosis works, its practical benefits, and why this profession is more than just ...

Bankruptcy Lawyer 

Struggling with overwhelming debt, IRS notices, or nonstop creditor calls? In this episode, Massachusetts bankruptcy attorney Barry Levine dives deep into how bankruptcy laws offer legal debt relief and a fresh start, empowering listeners to regain control of their finances and careers. 

With 45 years of experience helping individuals and small business owners, Barry breaks down the bankruptcy process ste...

Operating-Room Nurse

Ever wonder what really happens behind those operating room doors? In this episode, longtime OR nurse Patti Columbia Walsh shares valuable career insights from her 40-year experience in one of healthcare's most high-stakes jobs. From anticipating every surgeon’s move to handling medical emergencies, she reveals the fast-paced reality and success factors of working in the OR.

If you’re explorin...

Reinvention  

AI is reshaping the job market. Layoffs are rising. Being “qualified” isn’t enough anymore.

In this episode, Ilana Golan, founder of Leap Academy, explains how to pivot strategically in today’s AI-driven economy. We break down career reinvention, the hidden job market, building a portfolio career, and how to position yourself before opportunities go public.

If you’re considering a caree...

Mediator

In this episode, discover what a family mediator really does and how much you can earn in this career. New York family mediator Alison Block Gerson shares how divorce mediation offers a faster, less expensive alternative to traditional court litigation, reducing conflict and helping couples reach workable agreements. 

We dive into detailed comparisons between mediation and court processes, including training requirement...

Entrepreneurship 

In this episode, we break down an entrepreneurship playbook for starting and growing a business - without relying on big ideas, passion, or excessive risk. 

Jim Beach, host of School for Startups, joins us to challenge the most common startup myths that stop founders before they ever make money, and shatters the belief that success requires a brilliant, original idea.

Jim shares how he built a 100-station r...