Sparky Life

What Happens When Your Mentor Is Inappropriate? Episode 3 of Series

Lia Lamela Season 2 Episode 136

Send us a text

Every skilled professional needs the right tools to succeed → Get the right tool for YOU at SUPPLY HOUSE — Use code SL5 for 5% off!

🎧 In this episode:
Welcome back to Sparky Life, where Lia pulls back the curtain on one of the darkest, most personal chapters of her trades journey. This episode is about power, silence, and what happens when a mentor becomes a threat. From manipulation to physical intimidation — Lia shares the story she never wanted to tell, but knew she had to.

💥 Inside this episode:
 • The disturbing steak dinner proposition that crossed the line
 • The power of documentation, boundaries, and small phrases like “That’s not okay.”
 • Why this story matters for every woman in the skilled trades
 • A community call: should Lia keep sharing what happened next?

This is more than a story — it’s a warning, a wake-up call, and a guide for anyone navigating toxic power dynamics in male-dominated fields. If you’ve ever felt small, trapped, or unsure if you’re allowed to speak — this one’s for you.


⏱ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – When Mentors Cross the Line
00:26 – Recap: From Shelter to Apprentice
01:05 – The “Steak Dinner” That Said Too Much
01:38 – “Don’t You Think You Owe Me?”
02:31 – Feeling Like It Was All a Setup
03:08 – The Hallway
04:00 – Freezing Up & Losing Power
04:57 – Daily Manifestation: “Larry Will Leave”
05:49 – Larry Gets Himself Fired
06:54 – Why It Still Didn’t Feel Right
07:24 – What I Learned from Not Speaking Up
08:20 – How to Handle These Situations: Step-by-Step
09:23 – Just Saying “That’s Not Okay” Can Shift Power
10:27 – Rewiring the Story (Literally)
11:06 – Why I Do This Podcast
11:25 – What Happens Next? You Decide.

👇 Follow for more blue collar badassery every Thursday!
SPARKY LIFE Podcast on SPOTIFY
SPARKY LIFE Podcast on APPLE
👇 WATCH the episodes on YOUTUBE!
SPARKY LIFE on YOUTUBE


📲 Stay Connected:
Instagram: @sparkylifeoflia
TikTok: @sparkylifeoflia


🛠 Huge thanks to our sponsor: SupplyHouse
Get the best tools & supplies → supplyhouse.com/t-m
Use code SL5 for 5% off!

Support the show

People on this episode

Podcasts we love

Check out these other fine podcasts recommended by us, not an algorithm.

We're Not Fine Artwork

We're Not Fine

WNF Media LLC
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe Artwork

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe