"If you're a podcaster and you're not curious, you're probably not going to do well." Key Moments 03:32 Balancing authority and influence 08:48 Curiosity, Understanding, and Respect 12:59 Keeping Audiences Engaged 16:26 Writing a Book  Connect with James Warda and Theron Skees Order the Book - How Does Disney Do That? Use the code DISNEYSHIPFREE James Warda Theron Skees  Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry How to Be a Great Interviewer The tables have been turned as I welcome back James Warda and Theron Skees, the minds behind "How Does Disney Do That?" This time, they ask me some insightful questions about interviewing skills and podcasting. We hit on a few hot topics during our conversation: Curiosity is King: Whether you're hosting a podcast or engaging in any form of storytelling, curiosity drives great conversations. If you're genuinely interested in your guest, it shows—and it leads to more engaging and insightful discussions. Know Your Role: As a podcast host, my primary job is to make my guests shine. By understanding and embracing this role, you can create a space where your guests feel valued and are encouraged to share their best stories and insights. Preparation vs. Spontaneity: While it's crucial to come prepared with questions, it's equally important to stay flexible and listen intently. The best moments often come from following the natural flow of conversation rather than sticking rigidly to a script. We also discussed the perseverance needed to write a book. Kudos to James & Theron for their dedication over 3 years. Between their book, "How Does Disney Do That?", and our conversation you will learn ways you can implement Disney’s strategies to create unforgettable experiences for your customers. Make sure to listen to episode 321 for more tips on how to be a great interviewer and some behind-the-scenes stories from my experiences in podcasting.  enhancing your interviewing skills, storytelling, or simply curious about the magic behind captivating conversations, this episode is a must-listen!  

 " I felt a childlike wonder and when feel that it connects us. And in this world, especially now, we need to be more connected." Key Moments 02:01 The Impact of Storytelling in Themed Entertainment 08:31 Building Experiences with Guest Feedback 12:52 Escapism and The Life of an Imagineer 20:19 Creating Transformative and Immersive Environments 26:39 The Essence of Shared Experiences 29:25 The Power of Storytelling and Experiential Marketing Connect with James Warda and Theron Skees Order the Book - How Does Disney Do That? Use the code DISNEYSHIPFREE James Warda Theron Skees  Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry How Does Disney Do That? It is always a pleasure meeting people that can give more insights into the secrets behind those jaw-dropping Disney experiences we all know and love. That is why I couldn't be more appreciative for the conversation with Theron Skees, a former Imagineer, and James Warda, an emotional storyteller and author. They teamed up to co-author a fascinating new book, "How Does Disney Do That," which dives deep into the stories and feelings that connect us to Disney moments.  Here are three key takeaways from our conversation that are sure to pique your interest: The Power of Emotional Connection: James and Theron emphasize the significance of the emotional ties that guests form with Disney attractions. Understanding these feelings helps make their designs even more impactful. Storytelling as a Tool for Connection: The book is structured as a conversation, featuring stories from fans, designers, and cast members. This not only validates the reader's own experience but also invites them into a larger community of shared emotional journeys. The Role of Feedback and Collaboration: Theron discusses how vital it is for Imagineers to listen to guest feedback and collaborate closely with Disney leadership to create memorable experiences. This principle can be applied to any business that aims to truly understand and meet its customers' needs. This is such a wonderful conversation about storytelling, connection, and making guests feel truly special. Take a listen to episode 320, "How Does Disney Do That?", if you are ready to be transported to the magic of Disney. Make sure  to use the code DISNEYSHIPFREE when you check out after ordering the book at the following link: https://rivershorepress.com/store/how-does-disney-do-that . Along with the book, you'll get a free bookmark.

"Find lessons in everything. Even when you're down for the count for 8 weeks, it's alright. Figure out what you learned during that time and write it down." Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Eight Things I Learned Taking Eight Weeks Off As you may or may not know, I had to take an 8-week break recently due to a medical issue. During this time, I learned quite a few important lessons that I'd love to share with you. During this episode I share eight things I learned taking eight weeks off and why I believe these lessons can benefit everyone. A sneak peek into the 8 lessons I share: 1. Prioritize What Matters 2. Cherish Those Who Reach Out 3. Stay Productive in Different Ways 4. Adapt to a Fast-Moving World 5. Systems Can Save You 6. It's Okay to Share 7. It's Also Okay to Keep It Private 8. Find Lessons Everywhere In every situation, even difficult ones, there's something to be learned. Take the time to reflect and write them down. Every experience, good or bad, can teach you something and contribute to your personal and professional growth. When you document those lessons, they can become powerful stories and insights later for you and those around you. To hear more on each of these lessons, make sure to listen to Episode 319 of the Jody Maberry Show. Thank you for your support and understanding during my time off. I'm looking forward to getting back to our regular schedule and continuing to share more stories and lessons with you all.    

"The very act of just having a schedule and having a bucket that you have to fill with something, that forces you to be creative." Key Moments 02:13 Collaboration between podcasters and ghostwriters in publishing. 06:02 Kent's show "The Daily Writer" offers lessons on writing skills. 07:24 Turn podcast into book by repurposing existing podcast content. 12:17 Book outlines are a framework essential for content creation. 14:45 Two book options: Option 1: Big Kahuna book - multiple chapters per section. Option 2: Bits and pieces book - short chapters for challenges. 20:01 Quickly gather feedback from ideal readers, create a 21-day challenge based on their problems, review similar books, and seek feedback on the outline. 21:09 Get feedback from potential readers for book outline. Don't overthink it. 24:52 Short, focused episodes make editing easier later. 29:53 Promote book through podcast. 33:19 Crafting a book takes time and work, but can be done by yourself or with professional help. 36:29 Scrivener aids writers in organizing and refining content for books, making the process more manageable. 38:15 Recognize the value of creating short books, multiple drafts, and use Scrivener for writing. Resources Kent's website https://scrivener.app/  Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Use a Podcast to Write a Book Kent Sanders is a a writer and professor that helps artists and writers fulfill their creative calling. Recently we combined our talents and collaborated on a webinar to teach others how to use podcasts for book writing. During this episode we talk about this method of creating a book outline and using it as a blueprint for podcast episodes. This episodes can then be transformed into the written work you always dreamed of.  Key takeaways from our conversation: Podcast Consistency: Kent shares the power of showing up regularly on a podcast, and how you can use daily episodes to build content for a book. Commitment over perfection is key.  Crafting Your Outline: Develop a solid book outline before diving into podcast episodes. Utilizing strategies for outlining will transform your content creation process and be your roadmap to success.  Podcast Forward Approach: Discover the benefits of aligning your podcast content with your book project and maximizing your efforts. Find a method that works best for you to  convert your podcast episodes into book material. This episode is a must listen for aspiring writers and podcasters looking for more ways to share their message. One of the reasons Kent and I did this webinar was to see what people thought of this idea. So let me know what you think. Was this a good idea? Or do if you don't think this is good, let me know. If you think it is great, let me know. That'll help out as we look at more ways to create books and podcasts.   

"That's probably one of the things that really has helped me as I meet people. Being in that moment, asking really pointed personal questions to make people feel valued, to learn something new, and be curious." Key Moments 01:21 Ending the 'Come Rain or Shine' Podcast 04:11 Life Advice from Lee Cockerell 06:04 Magical Vacation Planner Conference 12:57 Podcasting Growth from Duo to Solo to Live Audience 21:14 The Next Professional Chapter 23:16 Impact of International Education 25:02 Navigating Career Transitions 28:26 The Power of Networking; Focusing on Client needs, Not our Credentials. 32:12 Adapting Business Strategies in Times of Crisis 36:46 Impact of Practicing Asking Intentional Questions 39:21 Reflecting on Collaborations on the Podcast and Beyond 47:02 Sign Up for Dan's Newsletter to Stay in touch Connect with Dan Sign Up for the Article of the Week aka Article of the Month [email protected] Dan's Website Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry A Tribute to the Come Rain or Shine Podcast After five and a half years of laughter, lessons, and leadership insights, it became time to bid farewell to "Come Rain or Shine" with Dan Cockerell. It's only fitting to highlight some of the unforgettable moments and amusing anecdotes. This final episode reflects on some of our favorite memories, from some silly moments to key business lessons. Really none of it would have been possible without understanding the importance of consistency in business, the role of adaptability, and the impact of strong personal relationships. Adaptability has been a consistent theme throughout our time podcasting together. Dan's approach, especially during the challenges brought on by COVID-19, exemplifies the power of responsiveness to unforeseen circumstances. Launching a daily podcast "Lemons to Lemonade" and conducting a Mastermind call for three months to offer guidance during tough times are prime examples. Hearing him navigate these changes in real time showcased the the value of being flexible and open to change. It’s the key to ensuring longevity and relevance in any industry. Dan shares six key lessons learned from running Cockrell Consulting, highlighting that genuine connections often result in personal value and referrals. These are great reminders for business professionals striving for sustainable growth and a trusted network. By prioritizing value creation and relationship-building, you can create a solid advantage in the competitive business landscape. While working on the podcast Dan and I had a number of moments that reminded us of the importance of engagement and effective communication. The more Dan dove into solo episodes, he found that interviewing podcast guests help refine his conversational skills. For leaders and entrepreneurs alike, the ability to ask the right questions and actively listen is incredibly valuable. It helps lead toward meaningful discussions while and nurturing collaborative partnerships. Make sure to listen to Dan and I reflect on our time recording "Come Rain or Shine" podcast. Stay connected to Dan by signing up for his monthly newsletter. Past episodes are still available so keep listening. I bet you discover something new each time. Here's to the future skies we'll navigate, come rain or shine!

"People make huge big deals of celebrities, but they very seldom give praise to the something that's way more important than celebrity, which is a great father or a great mother." Key Moments 02:13 The Impact of Parenthood on Empowering Children 04:44 Value of Handwritten Memories 08:18 Celebrating Unnoticed Heroes: Parents 11:15 Character is Remembered More than Achievements 15:35 Balancing Career on the Road and Family 17:21 Writing About Family Stories in Maria's Scarf Connect with Zoro Zoro the Drummer Website Order Maria’s Scarf Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Making Parenthood a Priority As we do on this show, when we have a guest, they come back the very next week to ask me 3 questions. Zoro the Drummer is kind enough to return for a great conversation around making parenthood a priority. His questions highlight the importance we both place on prioritizing family, making sacrifices to be present for children, and the role fatherhood has played in our lives, both personally and professionally. Our last conversation showcases how Zoro skillfully balances his passion for music with his dedication to parenting. Commitment to family doesn't hold you back. We have both found it important to make every moment count. For him, it's chose red-eye flights just to tuck his kids into bed. I shared my own experience flying back from a conference across the country to be there for my son's birthday. It's the moments we show up for that our kids remember, not the conferences we speak at. Presence is the best gift we can offer. Maria's Scarf, Zoro's memoir, is a great example of the profound impact his mother, had on him, and how this influenced his book. His relationship with his mom sets the rhythm for his outlook on fatherhood and life. He shares how his mother's encouraging spirit lived on at her funeral, which was attended by those touched by her kindness. From pharmacists to grocery clerks. True legacies are made of love and the positive influence we have in our daily interactions. Zoro the Drummer's commitment to handwritten notes to his kids echoes the daily letters I write to my own. Writing letters to my kids every day has become a way I am able to express love, capture moments, and craft a legacy no matter where I am. These notes have become my own manuscripts, documenting life through storytelling and letter-writing. Much like I love park preservation, these letters have a way of preserving an emotional legacy my children, by capturing growth moments and familial bonds. This conversation was such a great way to show how our day-to-day interactions and the way we treat others leaves a lasting impact, especially on our family. Make sure to listen to the full episode and remember to honor the relationships that shape our world.

“I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn't have the heart to let him down." Key Moments 02:23 Persuing Lifelong Passion 08:25 Using Personal History in Writing 11:09 Writing a Memoir  17:45 Perception and Memories 21:51 Finding Purpose By Overcoming Challenges 26:32 The Power of Emotional Connection 29:22 Empowering Youth Through Storytelling 36:15 Power of Friendship and Community Support 39:23 Vision and Perception Connect with Zoro Zoro the Drummer Website Order the Book Maria's Scarf Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry The Impact of Long Term Friendship Few navigate the rhythm of life with as much heart and soul as Zoro the Drummer. During our conversation Zoro takes us through a collection of lessons directly from his mother and the his life, captured meticulously in diaries and a variety of mementos. These are the building blocks of his memoir, "Maria's Scarf". His book highlights the impact of enduring friendships, such as his with music icon Lenny Kravitz, the ways their lives intertwine, and how it lead to success and dreams realized. The book aims to inspire youngsters just as athlete stories inspired a young Zoro. Zoro the Drummer has an impressive collection of memorabilia including report cards, band program programs, and ticket stubs. His commitment to preserving his history offers us a unique window into the life of a musician and the tangible milestones of his career. He celebrates his vision, perception, and unwavering optimism, which he says were instilled by his mother. Those are what he credits for his growth, his faith, and his successes in life. Despite being turned down by publishers over 100 times, Zoro the Drummer’s perseverance paid off when his memoir was finally accepted with a major publisher. He sees this delay as divine design - time for him to craft his writing skills, preparing him for the book's success. The book is a blend of heartwarming, heartbreaking, hilarious, and hopeful. As Zoro says, stories can fuel hope - a sentiment that he hopes readers will share worldwide. Zoro the Drummer's story is not only about his ascent from challenging beginnings but also underlines the power of persistence, the significance of relationships, and the indelible impact of a supportive community. His memoir is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to dream and to triumph.  

"We often do know what the problem is. It's acknowledging it and taking action on it that really matters." Key Moments 02:10 Desire to learn with trustworthy, motivated group. 7:45 Power of Mastermind Groups 09:53 Self-motivation and accountability: take action or release. 11:24 Choose intentional actions to achieve desired lifestyle. 16:38 Importance of being over doing in leadership. 19:06 Powerful message resonates deeply, bringing positive impact. 24:14 Seek improvement, take action to find happiness. 26:22 Experiences matter more than years of service. Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Joining me are two special guests that recently soaked in the sun and wisdom at the latest Creating Magic Mastermind in Orlando, Florida. I always say each event is better than the last, and this time was no exception. Katie Currens and Tim Dyck are going to help unpack the event and the impact it has had on them. This Mastermind is one where the word "be" became a powerful mantra given by, Lee Cockrell, advocating for presence and authenticity in our everyday encounters. Katie returns for her third mastermind experience, and admittedly echoes my sentiment that this may have been the best one yet. And after years of attempting to come, Tim Dyck shares his eagerness to learn from a group of so many uniquely motivated individuals. We explore how Lee emphasized the need for personal responsibility and what it truly means to "be" in business and life. Some of our key takeaways: Embrace the Opportunity to “Be": Remember, who you are is as important as what you do. Infuse "being" into your daily practices. Learn from the Collective: The combined knowledge and experiences of a group can be a catalytic force for personal and professional development. Act with Intent: Acknowledge problems, move past excuses, and deliberately craft the life you envision through thoughtful planning and action. The mastermind isn't just an event; it's a journey. This episode offers more than just a glimpse into a mastermind; it invites you into a circle of professionals passionate about deliberate living and authentic being. For anyone looking to tap into a network of motivation and actionable advice, consider this your call to action to join the next Creating Magic Mastermind this fall. As we were reminded during the most recent event, it's not just the years of service, but rather the experiences we create for others and ourselves that carve out a life well-lived. Ready to dive into the magic yourself? Stay tuned for registration details for our fall mastermind event. Spots will fill quickly, so keep an eye on your inbox for the opportunity to be part of this life-changing experience.

Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Preparing for the Spotlight Liz Wilcox returns for another conversation. This time we flip the script and she gets to ask me three questions. We talk about preparing how to prepare for the spotlight when you face big moments and unexpected attention. Highlights from our conversation include: Embrace Your Uniqueness: I spent a lot of time initially doubting my voice for podcasting. Over time I came to realize that my uniqueness became one of my biggest assets. It's what gets me recognized time and time again. Embrace what sets you apart, as it may be the very thing that captivates others. Leadership Transition: As you move up in leadership, remember it's not about you – it's about removing obstacles for your team. There is an impactful way to make the transition from being technically proficient in a role to effectively leading others. Turn the focus from oneself to the team, empowering leaders to listen, remove obstacles, and lead with empathy. Ground Yourself: I touched upon self-preparation for heightened visibility and being in the spotlight, emphasizing the significance of grounding oneself, and reconnecting with your purpose to navigate increased attention effectively. Make sure to listen to the full episode for more on how to ground yourself to stay true to your purpose and intention. Also check out Liz's website and sign up for her email list for a wealth of free resources on email marketing. 

“I found that the more I step into myself the more successful I become, and the safer people feel around me.” Key Moments 03:26 Aligning passions with knowledge for greater impact 10:13 Prioritizing low cost to serve majority population. 12:45 Challenges with blogging and why email lists are crucial. 17:59 Strive for self-acceptance and authenticity as a guide to success. 20:12 Surround yourself by a community that affirms and empowers your uniqueness. 27:33 Membership sign up at lizwilcox.com includes a free offer. Connect with Liz Wilcox Website: lizwilcox.com Connect with Jody www.jodymaberry.com About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodymaberry/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry Shifting from a successful RV travel blog to establishing a thriving membership site doesn’t happen by chance. For Liz Wilcox it came down to leaning into her authentic self with a desire to help others on a topic she knows well; email marketing.  Liz is a great example of someone that has made an impact by leveraging her unique strength.  She realized her potential in email marketing despite being known as a sarcastic RV blogger. Embracing her education background and passion for helping people, she pivoted to start a successful email marketing membership site, serving thousands while staying true her authentic self. One of the ways she started to help others was by building a community. By offering a $9 per month membership, she was able to focus on making a large impact for a large number of people, echoing Costco's model. This approach made email marketing templates and tools accessible to many entrepreneurs. In turn by creating a supportive community she is bringing in consistent revenue. Authenticity breeds comfort. By being her authentic self she has allowed others to feel safe and comfortable in her community. She encourages them to embrace their unique selves. Promoting psychological safety and creating a sense of community has been a key to her membership's success. Make sure to listen to our full conversation for more about email marketing. And make sure to visit lizwilcox.com for a free welcome sequence, newsletter samples, and 52 subject lines to kickstart your email marketing journey