odd jobs Archives - Marketplace

🎙️ No sensationalism, just facts and context. Donate now

What’s That Like?

A career in the fast lane: what it takes to be a vintage race car mechanic

by Erika Soderstrom

Mar 14, 2025

Marketplace listener Nick Polimeni gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his unique line of work.

Polimeni takes a 1972 Volvo 142E for a spin around the track. Originally purchased by his father in the '90s, it's a car he completely rebuilt.

Courtesy of Nick Polimeni

LISTEN

EMBED

SUBSCRIBE

What’s That Like?

When improv becomes your career

by Erika Soderstrom

Jan 21, 2025

The Theater of Public Policy presents complex, thorny issues utilizing improv comedy.

Tane Danger, center, with the cast of improvisers from The Theater of Public Policy.

Courtesy Danger

LISTEN

EMBED

SUBSCRIBE

What’s That Like?

When balancing is in the job description

by Erika Soderstrom

Dec 20, 2024

Flouber Sanchez is a third-generation circus performer who has been doing high wire performances for nearly two decades.

After about 28 years of performing on a wire 30 feet in the air, Flouber Sanchez has no plans to slow down.

Courtesy Cirque Du Soleil

LISTEN

EMBED

What’s That Like?

Introducing "What's That Like?"

by Erika Soderstrom

Oct 4, 2024

"Marketplace Morning Report" is exploring the odd, unusual and downright weird jobs that help prop up our economy.

Are you a wind turbine technician? A dog chiropractor? How about a golf ball diver? If so, we want to hear from you.

Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

SUBSCRIBE

Final Note

Professional cuddlers for hire in Portland

by Kai Ryssdal

Nov 21, 2014

$60 will buy you an hour of platonic cuddling at a new business, Cuddle Up to Me.

LISTEN

EMBED

SUBSCRIBE