TradingUp
TradingUp is new podcast series produced by Journey12 in proud partnership with Carl Sandburg College. More than just a podcast, TradingUp is a front-row seat to the lived experiences of men and women who’ve chosen a path that’s too often overlooked—the skilled trades.
In each episode, we’ll shine a light on real people, telling real stories of how they’ve charted careers rooted in technical skill, resilience, and hands-on problem solving. These are not narratives of overnight success or viral fame, but of purpose forged in welding bays, machining shops, dental hygiene labs, and behind the dashboards of diesel engines—where grit, craftsmanship, and passion come together to build something lasting.
Through these conversations, we’ll explore what it means to trade up—not just in job titles or earning potential, but in personal fulfillment, community contribution, and the dignity of meaningful work. We’ll meet individuals who have discovered their calling through Sandburg’s programs and partnerships, and who now keep our communities moving forward—quietly, reliably, and often without fanfare.
At a time when the world seems increasingly tilted toward screens and abstraction, these stories remind us of something vital: that there is extraordinary value in the tangible, in the applied, and in the deeply human act of working with one’s hands. This series honors that work—and the people who do it.
TradingUp is here to challenge assumptions, celebrate possibility, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the trades and the institutions, like Sandburg, that make these journeys possible.
TradingUp
BRAVERY + GED + SANDBURG = CNA: Tabby’s story
Today’s episode takes us into the heart of what second chances—and the people who make them possible—can really mean.
We’ll meet Tabby Heitmeier, a young woman whose early struggles in a traditional high school setting nearly derailed her aspirations—but who found her way back through the kind of personalized support that only a place like Carl Sandburg College’s Carthage Campus can offer. And joining her is Linda Thomas, the tireless campus coordinator whose quiet commitment has helped shepherd countless students back onto pathways of success.
This conversation is raw at times. It touches on systems that didn’t serve Tabby as they should have—but it’s also filled with resilience, mentorship, and the practical hope that comes from having a clear path forward.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to help someone trade up from a place of uncertainty to one of purpose, this episode is for you.