Everyone has natural talent. Something that “Sweet Life” strives to do is expose people to unusual, unconventional and unknown careers. You never know what might strike you. How do you know if you don’t know about it? Maybe I can help you with a vocational epiphany! Or maybe my guest can!

Curtis Adney teaches a class through Pasadena City College Extension called, “What Were You Born To Do?” He has developed his own system for figuring it all out. Have fun!

**I apologize to Mr. Adney for mispronouncing his name as Adley. One typo snowballed. Lesson learned!


Sweet Life, Topic: What Were You Born to Do? with Curtis Adney

We’ve all been there. Admit it -- We’ve all found ourselves at a networking event, club meeting or business dinner feeling a little awkward or nervous, not knowing what to say or where to begin. Of course, it would be grand to make some dazzling impression and woo anyone within earshot of our beguiling quips. 

Vandye Forrester is the owner and founder of The Forrester Institute in Garden Valley, Idaho where he designs communications programs for companies. He teaches a class through PCC Extension called, “Social Skills for Professional Success.” He holds a Masters in Speech Communication from Cal State Long Beach.

Sweet Life, Topic: Social Skills for Pros with Vandye Forrester

I will admit that I have been a little slow to embrace social media and blogging. However, being that I am currently in the market for a job, I’m looking at postings quite a bit. More and more, companies are asking for social media expertise and blogging experience.  

Blogging has gained serious respectability and creditability with everyone from The Huffington Post to National Public Radio. Bloggers are in demand. So, no more delay. Let's get on board and maybe even have some fun!

BOB COHEN has over 25 years of experience in high-technology computer security and safety. He teaches “Blogging for Fun and Profit” through the Pasadena City College Extension program. 


Sweet Life, Topic: Blogging for Fun & Profit with Bob Cohen

Historically, people in diverse cultures have sought assistance from matchmakers because they were thought to have a deeper understanding of human character, a wider connection to acquaintances, and greater knowledge and experience to help someone choose a marriage partner. 

Nowadays, we still might need a little help now and then...

Tammi Pickle is a matchmaker and Vice President of Elite Connections, “a Private and Exclusive Dating Agency,” where she has worked since 2000. Who makes a great matchmaker? Could you be one, too? Listen and find out!


Sweet Life: Matchmaking with Tammi Pickle

When you watch a TV show or movie, how often does the music get your attention? Maybe more than you think! Music adds depth, fills in dialogue, creates mood and even elicits emotion. 

CATHI BLACK makes this her career as a Music Supervisor for films and television. She got her start in Canada working in concert promotion and merchandising, which eventually led to producing music and film festivals in Vancouver at the height of the Seattle grunge explosion.

After making the move to Los Angeles in 2001 she soon landed at EMI as an Associate Music Supervisor and worked on such films as Enemy at the Gates, The Score, Life or Something Like It, and Beyond Borders.

Though the quality of her phone connection is unfortunate, Cathi and her job are so great that I'm posting anyway for those who are too interested in what she has to say to care! Enjoy!

*Photo by Jerry Pilato: Black Keys Concert


Sweet Life: Music Supervision with Cathi Black

Left brain...right brain....maybe you're both! Culinology is where science and creativity meet in the kitchen lab! The best of both worlds.

The Institute of Food Technologists defines food science, in part, as "the discipline in which the engineering, biological, and physical sciences are used to study the nature of foods, and the improvement of foods for the consuming public. Mix that with some good old chef-ing creativity and you have a research chef.

Carol Borba is Vice President of Innovation at Mattson, one of the largest independent developers of new products for the food and beverage industry located in San Francisco. Past clients include PepsiCo, Kraft, Heinz, McDonalds, and Mrs. Fields. She is also a member of The Research Chefs Association which has trademarked the term “culinology,” the combination of culinary arts and food science. These people are research and development chefs, or culinologists!


Sweet Life: Culinology with Carol Borba

Have you known any great leaders? Was it a teacher? A boss? Maybe a mentor? What was it about them? What did they do or have that really set them a part? 

Scott Thayer enlightens us. He holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from USC, and has developed a course at Pasadena City College in Pasadena, California called Personal Exploration of Leadership. 


Sweet Life: Leadership with Scott Thayer

We all have ideas...ideas of a great new * something * that would surely sell big! I know I do! But how do you get these products from your head to your hands?? Is your idea even possible? This is when you need to talk to a product designer AND a product engineer! What's the difference? So glad you asked...listen to Adam Tavin, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Engineer for Focus Product Design in Palo Alto, California. Sounds like SO MUCH FUN!!!

Sweet Life PCC