Meet Kaiti Dovyak | Sonographer, Violinist, Podcaster

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaiti Dovyak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaiti, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balancing my podcast, Muggle with a Mic, with my work life and personal life has changed in the 4 years of the podcast. At the beginning, during COVID, working on the podcast was quite easy. I had a large amount of spare time away from my normal working hours as a sonographer (ultrasound technologist). I spent my free time at home planning future episode topics and guests, creating graphics for social media and post production editing of the episodes. As we slowly transitioned out into the post-covid world, I had to adapt to less time available for the podcast but the same level of excitement and motivation to make more episodes and talk with friends about movies and television. And every podcaster can attest to this … you get fatigued. If you have your own small podcast, you don’t have a team of people working on each episode. You have me, myself and me. Setting up episodes, special guests, live in person events, promoting, editing and so much more is all done by one person … me. This can be draining at times even when you are having fun. That is why taking a break is a good thing. Don’t let the thing that brings you joy become something that no longer brings you joy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Professionally, I work as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. No, not stenographer. I am not sitting in court typing short-hand. A sonographer is an ultrasound technologist. Yes, I scan the babies, but so much more. How did I get into this field? My freshman year, I was undecided. I knew I wanted to find a job that would be financially comfortable, available in the area and in the technology field. What does every area have? A hospital. What is a more tech-savvy department in a hospital? Medical Imaging. But with my background in music, ultra-SOUND, was the most appealing to me. During my studies I very much enjoyed my ultrasound physics course, it was just the way my brain works. How does this form of technology take one sense: sound, and produce another: sight/image. Not only did I find the science behind ultrasound interesting, I also thought in this field I would be able to help people. Coming from a long line of nurses in the family, including my grandmother a nursing instructor in Pennsylvania and my mother, I knew I wanted to help people with my profession. I try to treat each and every patient with dignity, respect, and a little humor. Just the way my mother and grandmother would want to be treated and would want me to treat them. After graduating from the University of Rio Grande with a Bachelor’s degree I have been at the same hospital for 13 years making images from sound. This fascination with the science of sound started with violin, morphed to ultrasound and has contributed to podcasting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am slightly bi-locational. I am from Gallipolis so my first instinct would be to show them around town. Gallipolis is the real life Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. So, you have to start with the city park, especially during Gallipolis in Lights at Christmas time. It is truly magical. Then walk down the street in either direction and you’ll find something to your liking. Whether it’s listening to The Ohio Valley Symphony at the Historic Ariel Theatre, dinner and a movie at The Colony or just a good slice of pie at Lorobi’s pizza. You can also see at the Our House Tavern the jacket of the the Marquis de Lafayette (yes, the General from Hamilton) who left it there when visiting the town. Gallipolis is full of memories had and memories to be made. My other suggestions are for if you are visiting Jackson, Ohio. I would definitely recommend Sixth Sense Brewing, they have a great atmosphere and food. If you’re not a night owl, early bird’s can enjoy a cuppa at The Spot. If you have a sweet tooth stop by Michael’s Ice Cream where they know the right combination of sweet and salty with their fresh roasted peanuts on their iconic Bubble.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother. She is who has inspired, encouraged and pushed me to be creative. My first vivid memory of this was as a first grader I came running home from school and excitedly asked my Mom if I could play the little guitar? As you can imagine, she was thoroughly confused, but was determined to decipher my request. She called my principle the next day to find that the previous day multiple musicians from our local symphony had visited the school and played their stringed instruments … one of which was the violin. And now, after 29 years, I continue to play my violin among many other instruments all due to my mother’s encouragement of the arts and my creative side. She has also been extremely supportive during my podcasting ventures and is always there to lend creative help and has even been featured on multiple episodes.

Website: https://linktr.ee/mugglewithamic

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mugglewithamic/

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mugglewithamic/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mugglewithamic