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
  • #4 Unearthing The Art Of Performance with Jason King Jones, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

    #4 Unearthing The Art Of Performance with Jason King Jones, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
    Jul 15 2025


    Join John Dodds at Cafe W.O.W. as he pulls up a chair with Jason King Jones, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, to unearth the heart of theater and its power to connect us all.

    From his roots in rural Missouri to leading a vibrant festival, Jason shares how Shakespeare's timeless words and the magic of live performance shape communities, inspire creativity, and embrace life's uncertainties.

    Dive into his journey of "growing a life" through art, mentorship, and resilience, and discover why theatre remains a vital force in today's fast-paced world.

    Perfect for theater lovers, aspiring actors, and anyone curious about the transformative power of storytelling, and its impact on business performance.

    If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with Jason King Jones, please show some love by clicking 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? John would to hear them. Drop him a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com.

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

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • #3 Unearthing the Art of Words with John Simmons - master storyteller, and brand strategist

    #3 Unearthing the Art of Words with John Simmons - master storyteller, and brand strategist
    Jun 3 2025
    Join host John Dodds at Café W.O.W for a warm, and insightful conversation with John Simmons, a brand strategist and writer who has shaped stories for global brands, penned novels, poetry, and much more. From his King's Cross roots to crafting tone of voice for companies like Guinness, Waterstones, and Air Products, John reveals how discipline, curiosity, and a notebook fuel his creative life. Discover why he writes to think, how constraints spark imagination, and what a walk in the woods taught him about poetry. Whether you're a writer, marketer, or dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in finding your voice and telling stories that matter.

    If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with John Simmons and me, John Dodds, please show some love by clicking 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 thoughts on the show? I'd love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com.

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

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk
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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • #2 Unearthing White House Jazz and Haunted House Mysteries with award winning pianist and paranormal expert Eric Mintel

    #2 Unearthing White House Jazz and Haunted House Mysteries with award winning pianist and paranormal expert Eric Mintel
    Apr 11 2025
    Step into the world of Café W.O.W. with host John Dodds as he welcomes jazz composer, pianist, and paranormal investigator Eric Mintel for an unforgettable conversation.

    From captivating audiences at the White House to tracking down the mysterious Beast of Bray Road, Eric's journey weaves together the soulful strains of jazz with the eerie allure of the supernatural.
    In this episode, explore how this self-taught virtuoso, mentored by Dave Brubeck's spirit, transformed a garage jam session into the renowned Eric Mintel Quartet while nurturing a deep fascination with the paranormal through Bucks County Paranormal Investigations.

    You'll hear personal stories of UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and ghostly mists alongside Eric's reflections on jazz's healing essence and the struggles of today's musicians in a shifting industry.

    For aspiring jazz artists, Eric shares three invaluable tips that stand out: First, he emphasizes the importance of mastering the history of jazz—knowing its roots and current landscape to push the genre forward. Second, he urges musicians to become so proficient on their instrument that creativity flows effortlessly, a skill honed over years of dedication. Finally, he encourages having fun with the music, keeping the joy and spontaneity alive to connect with audiences authentically.

    These insights, born from decades of experience, offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges and rewards of a jazz career. Whether you're drawn to jazz's improvisational magic, intrigued by paranormal mysteries, or seeking inspiration from a life lived boldly, this episode delivers.

    Find out where to watch Eric's eerie documentaries and catch his next gig!

    If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with Eric and me, John Dodds, please show some love by clicking 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 thoughts on the show? I'd love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com.

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

    Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • #1 Unearthing Desk Job Dreams and Podcast Glory with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder of The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast

    #1 Unearthing Desk Job Dreams and Podcast Glory with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder of The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast
    Mar 14 2025

    Join host John Dodds at Café W.O.W. for an in-depth conversation with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder and voice of The Solid Verbal Podcast, the nation's top independent college football podcast.

    From climbing the corporate ladder at Fortune 500 giant Air Products to boldly ditching stability for his passion, Ty's journey is a masterclass in chasing dreams without burning out.

    Discover how this Penn State grad, once a backyard sports commentator, turned a quirky hobby into a podcasting powerhouse—syndicated on SiriusXM, showcased at South by Southwest, and downloaded millions of times.

    Unearth the secrets behind Solid Verbal's rise, from its 2008 debut to navigating the chaos of COVID-19, and why Ty waited 13 years to go all-in.

    Packed with actionable insights, Ty shares three game-changing tips for aspiring podcasters: ignite your passion with a topic you love, set realistic goals to fuel steady growth, and prioritize your audience to build a thriving community.

    Whether you're a college football fanatic, a podcasting newbie, or curious about balancing corporate life with creative pursuits, this episode delivers humor, wisdom, and inspiration.

    Sip an Old Fashioned with us and learn how Ty's corporate exit led to podcast triumph—plus, peek into the future of podcasting in an AI-driven world.

    If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café WOW with Ty and me, John Dodds, please show some love. Click the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform. Your support secures your spot for future episodes and keeps Café WOW thriving.

    Do you have thoughts on the show? I'd love to hear them. Email me at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com. Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Unearthing Craft & Wisdom at Café W.O.W. with John Dodds

    Unearthing Craft & Wisdom at Café W.O.W. with John Dodds
    Mar 14 2025

    Introduction

    Welcome to Café W.O.W. where host John Dodds—your barista, bartender, and guide—invites you to sip on intimate conversations that unearth the uniqueness of a rich blend of crafts and the minds behind them.

    And W.O.W.? Those "words of wisdom" that fill up the learning tip jar.

    From marketing maestros to musical virtuosos and strategic geniuses to podcasters and poets, each episode promises a front-row seat to the secrets, struggles, and triumphs of those shaping their professions.

    Expect a rich brew of words of wisdom, served with a dash of humor and a splash of inspiration—perfect for anyone craving deeper insights into the art of mastery.

    Whether you're a creative soul, a career explorer, or just love a good story, Café W.O.W. delivers a brand promise: leave every chat enlightened and energized.

    Please hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on your favorite podcast platform, bring your own bottle (or curiosity), and join us for a journey into the unexpected. We're brewing new episodes soon!

    Behind the idea of Cafe W.O.W Podcast

    The concept of Café W.O.W. hinges on creating a cozy, conversational space—mirroring the timeless allure of a café—where diverse crafts and their practitioners are celebrated.

    The podcast's core idea is to "unearth" the hidden layers of various professions, from the practical to the poetic, blending professional expertise with personal storytelling.

    Promising "words of wisdom" (W.O.W.) taps into listeners' desires for actionable insights and authentic narratives. At the same time, the casual invitation to "bring your own bottle" fosters a sense of community and informality.

    This setup ensures variety—keeping episodes fresh across industries—while maintaining a consistent thread of discovery and inspiration, ideal for curious minds.
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    1 min