TradingUp

Journey12

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 dis