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
BEYOND THE CHAIR: How a career in dental hygiene builds trust, health, and community one smile at a time
Join host Craig Williams for an illuminating conversation with Ashley Reeves, dental hygiene educator at Carl Sandburg College, and Alan Castro Medrano, a recent graduate now serving rural communities at Eagle View Community Health Center.
Discover why dental hygiene is far more than "tooth scraping"—it's prevention, health education, and community care rolled into one essential profession. From cutting-edge laser technology and handheld X-ray devices to the timeless art of building patient trust, this episode reveals the sophisticated training and genuine compassion that define modern dental hygienists.
Alan shares his journey from caring for younger siblings to serving special needs patients across rural Illinois, while Ashley explains how Sandburg's program combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience. Learn about national board certifications, the latest AI applications in dentistry, and why this field offers exceptional job security and meaningful work.
Whether you're a high school student exploring healthcare careers or someone curious about the skilled trades that keep our communities healthy, this conversation will change how you think about that next dental appointment—and the dedicated professionals who make oral health accessible to everyone.