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
TWO PATHS. ONE PASSION: Gaming to gears and driveway to dealership
What happens when childhood hours spent with LEGO bricks and racing video games collide with real-world opportunity? Brandon O'Reilly's journey from Fast and Furious fan to rising MOPAR technician proves that passion can find its path in unexpected ways. Thanks to Galesburg High School's Promise Scholarship and Carl Sandburg College's dual credit program, Brandon transformed his natural problem-solving instincts into a thriving career at YEM Automotive—earning real pay while building real skills.
Joining the conversation is Michelle Batson, whose own automotive journey began with a wrench tossed her way in a childhood driveway. Now a respected service advisor on the GM side of the same company, Michelle represents two decades of growth in an industry that rewards curiosity, grit, and genuine care for craft.
Together, they paint a vivid picture of what it means to grow in the trades—from the dual credit classroom to the professional garage bay, from first oil changes to master technician certifications. Whether you're someone considering the skilled trades or simply love stories about perseverance and finding your calling, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom about building a career with your hands, your heart, and your head fully engaged.