Dr. Maura Grady joins me this week as we talk about higher ed careers, but also more than that as usual. It's not just her career path to higher ed, but what she learned along the way about herself, how to not attach outcomes to identity, and what drove her to English. All of this and more in part one of a two week conversation with one of the best and smartest people you'll find anywhere.

The truth is that both Maura and her husband, Tim, have taught me so many things. They've done so like all good teachers do, without judgment or "condescending me" (that's a movie quote for those of you out there, b/c Dr. Grady also teaches about such things).

Also, a talk with a college professor who teaches on movies had to be dubbed with the line from the higher ed classic, Animal House.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

If you can’t be yourself in the interview… you don’t want the job.

This episode is a real conversation about authenticity, career alignment, and why so many people feel stuck in work that doesn’t fit.

We get into:

• Red flags in interviews (on both sides)
• Why people change jobs more than ever
• The danger of tying identity to your title
• How to actually find meaningful work

No fluff. Just honest perspective.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

Every once in a while you meet someone who reminds you that the most meaningful work does not come with a flashy title. It comes through presence, curiosity, and the ability to truly listen.

Matt Trukovich is a barber, but what happens in his chair goes far beyond a haircut. From factory floors to cleaning bathrooms to running an MMA promotion, his journey is built on saying yes to opportunities others might overlook. Along the way, he has developed a philosophy rooted in purpose, empathy, and the dignity of all work.

In this conversation, we explore identity, masculinity, growth, and what it means to build a life with intention. Matt shares how travel reshaped his worldview, why many men struggle with purpose, and how learning to “enjoy the toil” can change everything.

This episode is about more than a career. It is about becoming the kind of person who shows up, listens well, and keeps evolving.

If you have ever wondered what your work really means or where your path is heading, this one will stick with you.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.