What does the Federal Reserve actually do and what does your $20 have to do with the entire U.S. economy?

In this episode of Careers IRL, Anoop Mishra, Regional Executive and Senior Officer for the Birmingham Office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, takes us behind the scenes of economics, financial services, and the Fed.

We explore the money skills every teenager needs—from saving, spending, and investing to understanding credit, debt, and interest rates—and why practicing these skills while the stakes are small matters. Anoop also shares the money lessons he wishes he'd learned earlier, why any first job can build valuable career skills, and why some of the most important skills in finance aren't math skills at all. They're listening, critical thinking, communication, and decision-making.

If you had $20, what would you do with it? Spend it, save it, or invest it? This episode might change how you think about the answer.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Anoop Mishra

Title: Regional Executive and Senior Officer – Birmingham Office

Company: Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta

What he really does: Anoop helps the Federal Reserve understand what's actually happening in Alabama's economy, not just by studying numbers, but by listening to business and community leaders and combining those conversations with economic data. That information helps inform the Atlanta Fed's understanding of economic conditions and monetary policy.

He also brings extensive experience from business and financial services, having previously owned a consulting firm, served as a CEO and COO, and worked in Strategy/Financial Services at Accenture.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

• Financial literacy

• Money management

• Saving

• Spending

• Investing

• Budgeting

• Networking and relationship building

• Asking good questions

• Personal responsibility

• Reliability and showing up on time

• Learning from mistakes

• Learning how to learn

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/AnoopMishra1/

📚 About the Books Behind This PodcastThe Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories, it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Careers IRL podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story.

When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.

📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

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What does it really take to fly a fighter jet into combat and keep going if something goes wrong? Not just bravery, but preparation, resilience, smart decision-making, and the ability to recover fast under pressure.

In this episode of Books That Build Skills, retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Kim "KC" Campbell shares the real skills behind flying 100+ combat missions, landing a battle-damaged aircraft, and leading when the stakes are high. She breaks down how courage isn’t fearlessness, it’s action anyway.

This conversation explores what it actually takes to become a fighter pilot: resilience, preparation, decision-making under pressure, and learning from mistakes. Kim also shares how small habits—like checklists, debriefs, and preparation—build confidence for big moments, and how kids and teens can start practicing those same skills right now.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Kim “KC” Campbell

Title: Fighter Pilot

Company: U.S. Air Force Colonel (Retired)

What she really does:As a member of the United States Air Force for 24 years, Kim flew the A-10 Warthog protecting troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan and later in South and Central America. She led teams of up to 1,000 people, taught leadership and courage, and now helps kids (and adults) learn how to face fear and keep moving forward.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

• Resilience & recovery after failure

• Decision-making under pressure

• Preparation → confidence

• Using checklists to reduce stress

• Clear communication

• Learning from mistakes (the fighter-pilot debrief)

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

🎯 Guest Website: https://kim-kc-campbell.com/

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell

🎯 Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087531585608

🎯 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kchawg987

🎯 Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kim-kc-campbell

📚 What Is Books That Build Skills?

Short Episodes. Real People. Real Careers. Real Skills. Zero Boring Adult Talk.

Every episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how incredible careers are built—aviation, military leadership, teamwork, decision-making—plus the mistakes, risks, and skills learned along the way. From “I kinda like this…” → “Whoa… I really DID THAT.”

Stories + skills = power.

juvenile fiction series, books for ages 8–14, books for grades 6–9, books for tweens, Books for teens, podcast, podcast for students, podcast for teens, learning through stories, fighter pilot career, women in aviation, Air Force pilot, leadership skills for kids, resilience for teens, decision making skills, military careers, courage in combat, fighter pilot, aviation career

What if we've been asking kids the wrong question for decades? Instead of asking, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" maybe we should ask something far more powerful: Who do you want to become?

That one shift changes everything.

In this premiere episode of Careers IRL, author, entrepreneur, educator, and Books That Build Skills founder Loxley Browne introduces a completely different way for kids, parents, and educators to think about careers, life skills, reading, curiosity, and preparing for the future.

This episode launches the new direction of Careers IRL—a weekly family-friendly podcast that introduces kids to real professionals, real careers, and the real skills that build successful lives.

Instead of telling kids they have to pick one career at age twelve, Loxley encourages them to become explorers—discovering careers, collecting skills, asking questions, and building confidence one conversation at a time.

Parents will also discover why reading, curiosity, communication, leadership, and problem-solving matter far more than memorizing job titles.

Whether your child dreams of becoming an astronaut, engineer, veterinarian, artist, entrepreneur, or hasn't figured it out yet...this episode is where the adventure begins.

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn't just a collection of adventure stories—it's the foundation behind every Careers IRL episode.

Each book follows a curious teen inventor solving real-world challenges using the same skills you'll hear professionals talk about on this podcast: communication, leadership, problem-solving, creativity, resilience, project management, critical thinking, and STEM thinking.

The podcast introduces you to people who use those skills every day.

The books let you practice those same skills through exciting adventures, hands-on projects, recipes inspired by the story, career exploration activities, and family discussion questions.

When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks.

Stories become experiences.

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What do golf and your future career have in common? More than you think. This week, as The Masters begins at Augusta National — the most prestigious golf tournament in the world — we’re talking about the real skills behind the game: focus, communication, networking, and etiquette. Because sometimes the most important lessons don’t happen in a classroom… they happen on a golf course.

“Golf gives you four hours with someone — and that’s where real relationships are built.”

This episode is about how golf teaches life skills that translate directly into careers and leadership. We talk about communication, networking, focus, learning from mistakes, and personal discipline. Golf is a sport where you compete against yourself, learn patience, and build relationships — all skills that matter in the real world. If a student can learn to focus on a golf shot while blocking out distractions, they can learn to focus on goals in life too. This episode connects sports, life skills, and career development in a way kids and parents can both understand.

Name: Rob NorthcuttTitle: Investor / Capital AllocationWhat they really do: Rob helps decide where money should be invested and how businesses grow. But one of the most important parts of his career isn’t spreadsheets — it’s relationships. Golf has helped him build friendships, business relationships, and communication skills that have helped him throughout his career.

• Communication

• Networking

• Focus & Concentration

• Learning from Mistakes

• Discipline

• Personal Responsibility

• Etiquette & Manners

• Confidence

• Goal Setting

• Competing Against Yourself

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

❤️ Donate to our literacy programs: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Donate

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story.When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

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What does it actually take to be on the news? Not just talking on TV — but reading, writing, thinking fast, solving problems, and working as a team under pressure. In this episode, we meet a real TV reporter and learn the skills behind the stories you see on the news every day. If you’ve ever wondered how TV reporters do their job — this episode is for you.

This episode is about the real skills behind careers in media, reporting, and storytelling. Jeh Jeh Pruitt explains how reading, writing, listening, and preparation are the foundation of his career as a FOX News reporter. Students will learn that being on TV isn’t about being famous — it’s about communication, teamwork, and solving problems quickly.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Jeh Jeh Pruitt

Title: Reporter

Company: FOX News Birmingham

What he really does: Jeh Jeh is a television news reporter. He reads, writes, interviews people, solves problems quickly, and explains important stories so the community can understand what’s happening in the world around them.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

• Reading comprehension

• Writing

• Communication

• Listening

• Public speaking

• Preparation

• Teamwork

• Problem solving

• Thinking quickly under pressure

• Financial literacy

• Empathy

• Technology & AI tools in media

  
  

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jermelle-jehjeh-pruitt-6a773418

🎯 Guest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jehpruitt

🎯 Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jehpruitt

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story.When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure. Visit us at BooksThatBuildSkills.org to find out more!

juvenile fiction series, books for ages 10–15, books for grades 6–9, books for tweens, Books for teens, podcast, podcast for students, podcast for teens, learning through stories, TV reporter career, journalism careers, FOX News reporter, communication skills for students, public speaking skills for kids, media careers, storytelling careers, reading and writing skills, jobs in news, broadcasting careers, career exploration for students

Have you ever met a real person who inspired a character in a book? In this episode, you will. Makayla Galler is the real-life inspiration behind Raye in the Charms Book Series—and her story is even more incredible than fiction. She started flying gliders at 15, earned her pilot’s license in high school, and is now working toward becoming a Navy aviator—and maybe even an astronaut one day.

This episode is about what it really takes to build a future: showing up, working hard, managing your time, and putting yourself out there even when it’s uncomfortable. Makayla explains how networking, persistence, communication, and planning helped her move from a student with a dream to someone actively working in aviation and the military pathway. If you’re a student trying to figure out what to do with your life—or a parent trying to help your child find direction—this episode is a roadmap.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Makayla Galler

Title: Aviation Student, Navy ROTC

Company: Arizona State University

What she really does: Makayla studies aviation and unmanned aerial systems (drones), earned her pilot’s license while still in high school, and is working toward becoming a Navy aviator. She also mentors and inspires students who are interested in aviation, STEM careers, and military service pathways.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

• Persistence

• Time Management

• Networking

• Communication (professional, interviews, media, teamwork)

• Spatial Awareness & Safety

• Goal Setting

• Preparation & Advocacy

• Showing Up & Trying New Things

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makayla-galler

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story. When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

juvenile fiction series, books for ages 8–14, books for grades 6–9, books for tweens, Books for teens, podcast, podcast for students, podcast for teens, learning through stories, aviation careers, Navy ROTC, women in STEM, drone pilot, aviation student, career exploration for teens, life skills for students, time management for students, networking skills for teens, goal setting for teens, STEM careers for girls

What does it take to fly a helicopter off a Navy ship in the middle of the night? Not bravery alone. Not luck. It takes training, teamwork, and the courage to make calculated decisions when everything is on the line.

In this episode of Books That Build Skills, retired Navy helicopter pilot and commander Julie Vida shares the real skills behind one of the most demanding careers in the world — and how those same skills start developing long before adulthood.

This conversation connects the skills inside the Charms books with the real-world skills used in high-stakes careers. Julie Vida served 24 years in the U.S. Navy, flying helicopters on missions ranging from supply delivery to search-and-rescue and submarine hunting. She explains how students today can develop the same core skills used by pilots, leaders, and innovators.

You’ll hear how teamwork, geography, physics, decision-making, confidence, and trust play a role in both aviation and everyday life. And you’ll discover why the skills you’re learning right now may lead to careers you haven’t even imagined yet.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Julie Vida

Title: Helicopter Pilot & Commander

Company: Navy, Retired

What she really does: Julie Vida is a retired U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and commander who served for 24 years. Today she leads the growth team at a government contracting company that supports the federal government and Department of Defense by delivering advanced engineering and technology systems. Her job involves building partnerships, identifying mission-critical opportunities, and helping teams win projects that support national security.

🔧 Skills Highlighted in This Episode

⛭ Courage and calculated risk

⛭ Leadership and decision-making

⛭ Teamwork under pressure

⛭ STEM skills in aviation (physics, geography, aerodynamics)

⛭ Trust and crew communication

⛭ Time management in demanding careers

⛭ Budgeting and resource planning

⛭ Networking and connecting people

⛭ Confidence building

⛭ Following curiosity to discover your path

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

❤️ Donate to our literacy programs: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Donate

📚Participate in the 31-day Reading Challenge: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/middle-grade-march

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianavida

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story.

📘 Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

📚 What Is Books That Build Skills Podcast?

Short Episodes. Real People. Real Careers. Real Skills. Zero Boring Adult Talk.

🗳 YOUR VOTE MATTERS

If this topic resonated, vote by:

👍 Liking the video

💬 Leaving a comment

📤 Sharing it with someone curious about this path

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If this channel consistently shows up with conversations you’d actually want in your feed—subscribe.

juvenile fiction series, books for ages

What if the future of space exploration started on a farm?What if crop rotation was once considered radical? What if preserving history was actually protecting tomorrow’s breakthroughs?

Welcome to Mount Vernon — and yes, it matters to space.

In this Middle Grade March special, Sara Marie Massee from George Washington’s Mount Vernon connects 18th-century farming innovation to modern sustainability and scientific thinking. We explore crop rotation, soil health, civic duty, and the women who saved Mount Vernon from collapse. This episode shows how research, leadership, and systems thinking build nations — and careers.

🎙 Guest Info

Name: Sara Marie Massee

Title: Manager, Historic Trades Department

Company: Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

What she really does: She leads the living history team at Mount Vernon, managing demonstrations like blacksmithing and farming while overseeing research, preservation projects, and public programs. She blends leadership, research, communication, and historical analysis every single day.

🛠️ Skills Highlighted in This Episode

⛭ Systems thinking

⛭ Scientific experimentation

⛭ Crop rotation & sustainability

⛭ Research & documentation

⛭ Leadership without formal power

⛭ Civic responsibility

⛭ Project management

⛭ Preservation science

⛭ Analytical thinking

⛭ Passion-driven career paths

📘 EXPLORE MORE

📖 Buy the books: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Shop

❤️ Donate to our literacy programs: BooksThatBuildSkills.org/Donate

🎯 Guest Website: MountVernon.org

🎯 Guest LinkedIn: LinkedIn.com/company/MountVernon

🎯 Guest Facebook: Facebook.com/HistoricMountVernon/

🎯 Guest Instagram: Instagram.com/mount_vernon

🎯 Guest Youtube: youtube.com/c/mountvernon

📚 About the Books Behind This Podcast

The Charms Book Series isn’t just a set of stories—it’s the foundation of everything you see on the Books That Build Skills podcast.Each book follows a curious teen inventor navigating real-world challenges using the same skills our podcast guests talk about—problem-solving, communication, leadership, resilience, and STEM thinking. The podcast shows kids who uses these skills in real life. The books let them practice those skills through story.

When kids read the books and watch the podcast together, learning sticks. Characters make choices, face consequences, and solve problems—just like the professionals you’re meeting in this episode. That’s why we say these are books that don’t just entertain… they build skills.📘

Explore the books, read along, and turn every episode into a real-life learning adventure.

📚 What Is Books That Build Skills Podcast?

Short Episodes. Real People. Real Careers. Real Skills. Zero Boring Adult Talk.

Every episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how incredible careers are built—(industries relevant to this guest)—plus the mistakes, risks, and skills learned along the way. From “I kinda like this…” → “Whoa… I really DID THAT.”

🗳 YOUR VOTE MATTERS

If this topic resonated, vote by:

👍 Liking the video

💬 Leaving a comment

📤 Sharing it with someone curious about this path

When certain topics light up, I invite guests back for longer, deeper-dive episodes—walking kids through the full path from middle school → college → career, step by step.

Your engagement helps decide