Writing Through Loss and Into Purpose | Emma Grey
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #126. In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Grey—bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares her remarkable journey from dreaming of writing as a teenager in Australia to finally becoming a full-time novelist in her 50s. She opens up about how writing became a healing path through personal grief after losing her husband, and how her books, now international bestsellers, are helping others navigate their own stories of love and loss. We talk about embracing rejection as part of the process, finding courage to keep showing up for your creative dreams, and...
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Rooted in Purpose | Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #125. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz—award-winning author, Ph.D. scholar, and founder of Model Behaviors, a nonprofit empowering women and children. Toni’s story begins at 16, when she moved to New York to pursue modeling, eventually working with top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. From runways to research, Toni shares how her winding path led to a life rooted in purpose—blending art, academia, community service, and motherhood. We talk about recognizing when it’s time to pivot, allowing ourselves to outgrow old dreams to make space for new...
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The Heart Behind Hapsy | Andrea Wightwick
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #124. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I’m joined by Andrea Wightwick, founder of Hapsy, the first bubble-free, low-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail company made for drinking well with others. From receptionist to CEO, Andrea shares her inspiring journey building billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry—and the moment she listened to the nudge to finally create something of her own. We talk about the courage it takes to leave stability behind, how to know when it’s time for a change, and why doing what lights you up is always worth exploring. This conversation is a beautiful...
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Shifting into Small Business PR | Gloria Chou
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #123. In this episode, I’m joined by Gloria Chou, award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria shares her incredible journey from being a U.S. diplomat—on track for a stable, prestigious career—to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Gloria opens up about the fears, mindset shifts, and limiting beliefs she had to confront along the way. From cold-pitching journalists without PR experience to building a thriving community of female founders, she proves that you don’t need connections to make an impact—you just need the right approach. We...
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Styles of Joy | SC Perot
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #122. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Catherine “SC” Perot, author of Styles of Joy and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University. SC opens up about her transition from law to teaching, sparked by a deep love for storytelling and a desire to live more authentically. SC shares how a playlist, a Harry Styles concert, and acts of kindness inspired her to reclaim joy during life’s toughest moments. SC reflects deeply on how grief shaped her perspective on life. She describes joy not as an elusive destination but as something we can actively seek—even in the smallest, most...
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Lessons on Woodworking and Entrepreneurship | Simon Perschbacher
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #121. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Perschbacher, owner of Simon Perschbacher Wooden Works, to explore his inspiring journey from a small town in Germany to building a thriving woodworking business in Catskill, NY. Simon shares how starting small but thinking big shaped his approach to both his craft and his life. From starting small and building skills one project at a time to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Simon offers insights on quality craftsmanship and staying grounded. Plus, he reflects on what it’s like to train someone completely new to...
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From Law to Legacy | Monica Lira Bravo
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #120. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I chat with Monica Lira Bravo, founder and managing attorney of Lira Bravo Law. Monica opens up about her journey of overcoming challenges and building a life of service - from the resilience instilled by her parents’ migrant experience to the joy she finds in reuniting families through immigration law. She explains why finding work that fulfills you is essential, how failure can lead to growth, and the importance of giving back. Her dedication to serving her community is a powerful reminder that each of us has the capacity to make an...
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From Vision to Venture | Assia Mahmood
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #119. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Assia Mahmood, the entrepreneur behind Windhaven Academy. Assia shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to creating a childcare center with heart and purpose. As a mother herself, Assia knew she wanted to build a space that truly supports working moms, offering more than just care for kids, but a community for families. She talks candidly about the challenges of entering the industry with no experience, navigating a pandemic, and learning along the way. Driven by her passion for creating a better childcare experience for...
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Embracing Grief, Joy, and the Power of Friendship | Sarah Gormley
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #118. In this heartfelt episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with writer and art gallery owner Sarah Gormley to explore the profound themes of love, grief, and the transformative power of community. Sarah shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write her memoir, The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy including how the loss of her mother was both heartbreaking and healing. We explore the unexpected gratitude that comes with grief, the strength borrowed from loved ones, and the beauty of a supportive community. Sarah’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience...
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The Power of Words | Grace Griffith
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #117. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Grace Griffith, a talented copywriter and messaging strategist who specializes in crafting trust-building content for small businesses. Grace shares her journey from dreaming of being a singer-songwriter to finding her true calling in copywriting. We explore how her love for storytelling and creativity evolved into a passion for helping businesses connect with their audiences through empathetic and impactful messaging. Her story is a testament to the power of following one's creative instincts and the importance of...
info_outlineEpisode #120. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I chat with Monica Lira Bravo, founder and managing attorney of Lira Bravo Law.
Monica opens up about her journey of overcoming challenges and building a life of service - from the resilience instilled by her parents’ migrant experience to the joy she finds in reuniting families through immigration law.
She explains why finding work that fulfills you is essential, how failure can lead to growth, and the importance of giving back. Her dedication to serving her community is a powerful reminder that each of us has the capacity to make an impact. If you’re seeking purpose, this conversation is for you.
Tune in and discover how to create a life—and career—filled with meaning.
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