Joe Bongiovanni is the ultimate lifeguard. He's done hundreds and hundreds of rescues. He's now in charge of the Asbury Park beach. He's been protecting people for almost six decades.

In this episode, we talk about what kinds of people work as lifeguards, what do they think of the work, and what are some of the tough and fast decisions they have to make.

Please send suggestions for future guests to projectlaborpodcast@gmail.com.

Our instagram is @projectlabor. Leave a comment or question and we’ll be happy to answer.

Music by Brotheration Records

Project Labor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey. All donations to Project Labor are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.

Help get the word out with a small donation here. Thank you.

Scott’s the very informative manager of BCaf, a cannabis dispensary in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. With his big arms and intense eyes, you could tell Scott has built things. For more than twenty years, he worked building TV and movie sets. When you notice his “I’ve Got Drugs” pins, and you see him carefully drop his reading glasses into place, you start to see a fuller picture of a well-rounded man, a lifelong student who’s built a career on trust: in himself, in his colleagues, and in hard work. Not only is BCaf a unique dispensary, but Scott’s also a one of a kind guy.

Discussion Questions:

• What laws do you think should change?
• Do you think you will have the same interests when you are in your fifties?
• How would you describe Scott’s philosophy of work?
• Why do you think dispensaries are so common?
• Research: People are expected to work into their sixties, but some physical jobs can be very difficult at that age. What are some promotions a person may get to have less physical responsibilities later in life?

Please send suggestions for future guests to projectlaborpodcast@gmail.com.

Our instagram is @projectlabor. Leave a comment or question and we’ll be happy to answer.

Music by Brotheration Records

Project Labor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey. All donations to Project Labor are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.

Help get the word out with a small donation here. Thank you.

How do you teach kids discipline and self-defense? How do you succeed in a male-dominated, aggressive field?

In this conversation, Aliya talks about teaching, admin work and creative opportunities in her role. Like any good teacher, Aliya reminds us, “There’s no 'I don’t know's', no 'I can’t’s'. It’s just, 'I need to learn.'”

Guest Bio:

Aliya was born in Kazakhstan and moved to the states as a kid. Being an immigrant gave her a different perspective on life and responsibilities in comparison to her peers. Growing up, she always wanted to join the military specifically military psychology but due to immigration issues that was not available, so she ended up getting a part-time job in college working in a Pre-K class and loved teaching. Before she knew it, she was 10 years in as the head Pre-K Teacher in a private school. During her time there, she started teaching at the jiu jitsu school where she was training and before long she changed it into her full time. She absolutely loves the world of jiu jitsu and the skills learned on and off the mats whether it's physical or mental. She gets to enjoy traveling and organizing camps all over the world and to meet amazing people from all walks of life that are bound through jiu jitsu. One of her big goals is to continue representing jiu jitsu as a way of life that can be for everyone and is not as scary or intimidating as some people may believe it to be, especially for women.

Discussion Questions:

Do you want to work in an industry that is mostly male or mostly female?

Do you like working with kids?

How would you enforce the rules at your workplace?

Why do you think Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become so popular?

What made Aliya's career change successful?

Please send suggestions for future guests to projectlaborpodcast@gmail.com.

Our instagram is @projectlabor. Leave a comment or question and we’ll be happy to answer.

Music by Brotheration Records

Project Labor is a 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of New Jersey. All donations to Project Labor are tax deductible in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code.

Help get the word out with a small donation here. Thank you.