CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more cover art

CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more

CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more

By: John Dodds
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Summary

 Cafe W.O.W (Words of wisdom) is a place where host and barista John Dodds unearths the uniqueness of his guests and the crafts they practice. From marketing to music, podcasting to poetry and all stations in between, guests share some of the innermost secrets of their profession as well as a few of their own. Grab a seat and order up your favorite drink of choice. You can stay as long as you like at Cafe W.O.W. The longer, the better.2024 Art Economics
Episodes
  • #7 Unearthing the Hitmaker: Rick Blaskey on Discovering Whitney Houston, Creating Global Anthems, and the Power of Music

    #7 Unearthing the Hitmaker: Rick Blaskey on Discovering Whitney Houston, Creating Global Anthems, and the Power of Music
    Apr 9 2026
    Ever wondered what it's really like to spot a teenage Whitney Houston singing in a tiny New York supper club and help turn her into a global superstar? Or how one song can bring an entire country together — even if it took a whole lot of near-misses and pure luck to get there? Join me,John Dodds, chatting with Rick Blaskey — the music insider behind some of the biggest crossover moments of the past few decades. Rick shares how he launched artists like Russell Watson and violin sensation David Garrett, worked with legends like Barry Manilow and Andrea Bocelli, and created massive anthems that defined events and generations. He opens up about the old music business versus an algorithm-driven world, why great melodies and hooks still matter, and his deep passion for using music to heal and bring communities together. Plus, he opens up about his lifelong passion for Sheffield Wednesday and why fighting for your local club (and community) still matters. He is funny, honest, and full of real behind-the-scenes tales. If you love music stories, underdog journeys, or just a good yarn about how hits (and careers) actually get made I guarantee you will love this episode.

    If you've enjoyed my conversation in Café W.O.W. with Rick Blaskey, please click the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform.

    Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving.

    Do you have ideas for the show? I would love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com.

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who is found at http://www.Jon1st.Co.uk

    Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!

    Cafe W.O.W. Podcast
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    2 hrs and 27 mins
  • #6 Unearthing B2B Wisdom: Paul & Nick Hague's Journey from Northern Streets to a Global Research Empire.

    #6 Unearthing B2B Wisdom: Paul & Nick Hague's Journey from Northern Streets to a Global Research Empire.
    Feb 16 2026
    Join me, John Dodds, in Café W.O.W. for a heartfelt chat with market research pioneers Paul and Nick Hague.

    From humble beginnings and poignant stories of growing up in Bradford and Manchester in the north of England, to building the world's largest B2B research agency, Paul and Nick team share real stories of hustle, family dynamics in business, and timeless lessons on customer experience.

    Dive into how AI is reshaping research (and why the human touch still wins), who really owns your brand, and why CEOs should rethink radical overhauls.

    This conversation is perfect for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in turning data into smarter decisions.

    Listen for the richness of their story, combined with valuable tips on starting your own business and conducting effective market research.

    If you've enjoyed the conversation at Café W.O.W. with Paul and Nick Hague, please click the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform.

    Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving.

    Do you have ideas for the show? I would love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com.

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who is found at http://www.Jon1st.Co.uk

    Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!

    Paul Hague's B2B Frameworks website: https://www.b2bframeworks.com Nick Hague's World's Greatest Business Thinkers Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@WGBTPodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/01G6Y9WnHvykntGhzFxk69 and all major podcast platforms Keywords: B2B market research, father-son business success, B2B research trends, 2026 AI in market research, B2B customer experience, synthetic data market research, human touch in CX, brand ownership, B2B marketing strategies.
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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • #5 Unearthing the Intangible: Dr. James Gregory: Brand measurement authority, and author on Measuring Brands, Risk, and Reinvention

    #5 Unearthing the Intangible: Dr. James Gregory: Brand measurement authority, and author on Measuring Brands, Risk, and Reinvention
    Nov 19 2025

    From a steel-town childhood in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to pioneering the measurement of corporate brand value, before leaping into award-winning fiction, Dr. James Gregory has lived many lives—and measured every one of them.

    In this warm, wide-ranging Cafe W.O.W. conversation with host John Dodds, the father of the CoreBrand Index shares stories from a happy childhood. He later describes his sorrow at the death of his father at a young age, and how losing everything you love can still point you toward everything you're meant to do next.

    Not forgetting how a subway romance launched an agency, a career and a lasting relationship..

    James describes how CEOs begged for proof that branding actually works, including the day Jack Welch forced the industry to grow up.

    James maps his transformation from a life of measurement to one of fiction writing.

    Full of Sharp End tips on personal branding, risk-taking, storytelling, and why "do it now" might be the best business advice ever given.

    A great listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, writers, and anyone wondering how to turn a hunch into a legacy.

    Keywords: corporate branding, personal brand, brand measurement, Core Brand Index, James Gregory, branding ROI, storytelling, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, fiction writing, AI in storytelling

    Dr James Gregory's website - www.jamesrgregory-books.com

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk

    Comments and suggestions please email me: johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com
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    1 hr and 2 mins
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