The Jody Maberry Show

Jody Maberry
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Sep 3, 2025 • 9min

Three Lessons From My First Mentor

"If someone has taken the time to teach you, take the time to teach someone else." Notable Moments 00:02:02 – Learning the responsibility to be great. 00:03:36 – The value of finding where the edges are. 00:05:23 – Applying pressure to rules that don't make sense. 00:06:46 – The importance of building influence before challenging norms. 00:07:37 – Passing lessons from a mentor on to others. In this episode, Jody shares three lessons from the park manager took a chance on him. His name was Jack, and he became his first mentor. He shares the meaning behind some of the things Jack taught him, including expect greatness from yourself, discover the edges of what's possible, and challenge rules that don't make sense. These simple shifts can change how you show up every day in life and as a leader. Read the blog for more from this episode. 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
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Aug 27, 2025 • 18min

Combining Your Passions

"Theme parks and national parks may seem different, but they are both in the people business. Each offers a chance to step away from stress and into something extraordinary." Notable Moments 1:03 – Why Glacier and Yellowstone hold such unique places in my heart 2:22 – How a behind-the-scenes safari ride shifted my perspective 4:17 – The slow realization of connecting ranger life with Disney lessons 7:18 – The surprising way I first connected with Lee Cockerell 9:58 – A recent trip to Chile that opened up new horizons for exploration 13:17 – How early mistakes in parks helped shape better practices worldwide 15:35 – The joy of lecturing on Alaska cruises and engaging with travelers Jody Maberry reflects on the surprising ways his passions for national parks and theme parks connect. From Glacier to Disney, and even adventures in South America, he shares stories that highlight the overlap between nature, storytelling, and service. Read the blog for more from this episode. 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/
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Aug 20, 2025 • 31min

Add Layers to The Story You Tell

"When people dream of being a Cast Member or a Park Ranger it's less about the pay and more about being part of something special." Notable Moments 2:13 – Going from urban planning to Disney to traveling the backroads of America. 4:30 – Similarities between theme parks and natural parks 7:37 – Why uniforms tell stories too 13:35 – The "dream job" appeal of park rangers and Disney cast members 17:16 – Three threads Sam sees across Disney, Universal, and parks 19:25 – How parks decide what story to tell 25:08 – The "layer cake" of storytelling 27:40 – Freeman Tilden's principle of provocation 29:36 – Mr. Toad's Wild Ride as a parable This conversation with author and urban planner Sam Gennawey explores the surprising similarities between theme parks and national parks. Jody Maberry and Sam discuss how stories are layered, why interpretation matters, and what makes an experience stay with us long after it's over. Read the blog for more from this episode. Connect with Sam Gennawey Sam on Facebook Sam's Books Available to Order 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
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Aug 13, 2025 • 15min

Find Your Expertise

"Disney leaders have an unmatched ability to balance big-picture vision with meticulous attention to the smallest details." Notable Moments 00:54 – What makes Disney leaders different 02:18 – The value of high standards and detail 04:28 – Common mistakes in transitioning from corporate to personal ventures 05:19 – The need for clarity in defining your value 06:50 – Travel habits: judging communities by their pizza 08:17 – Glacier National Park and finding "your park" 09:36 – Lessons from international travel 10:52 – Donut shop recommendations 12:08 – Why locals know the best spots 13:23 – A memorable stop in Pine Mountain, Georgia In this episode, Wes Gay returns to ask me three unscripted questions. Our conversation leads to insights on what sets Disney leaders apart, why clarity is crucial for executives transitioning into their own ventures, and the hidden gems you find when you travel like a local. I share stories from workshops, travel adventures, and the importance of blending big-picture vision with detail-focused execution. Read the blog for more from this episode. 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
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4 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 32min

Use Your Expertise to Create a Framework

In a compelling discussion, Wes Gay, a messaging and branding consultant, reveals strategies to combat business confusion and leverage expertise. He encourages starting introductions with a problem-focused approach and emphasizes the importance of a simple, intentional website. Wes defines a framework as a key tool for delivering results and discusses how to distill complex ideas into actionable patterns. He also highlights the 'thin to win' principle and underscores the value of targeting a specific audience for maximum impact.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 29min

Remembering Ron Logan

"When you're creating something new, nobody can tell you how to do it because it hasn't been done yet." Notable Moments 00:52 – Ron's Disney legacy and first meeting with Jody 02:45 – Behind-the-scenes stories of parades and halftime shows 03:31 – Founding Disney Theatrical and Broadway tales 05:27 – Ron on budgets and working with Michael Eisner 06:55 – Teaching philosophy and student impact at UCF 10:16 – Value of live Q&A during teaching events 11:10 – Concept for a comprehensive Disney show history book 13:05 – Teaching career before and after Disney 16:03 – Encouragement to students: "Take no prisoners" 17:17 – Creating the Wild West show for Euro Disney 22:14 – On innovation: "Look again. There's always another answer." 23:22 – Ron and Lee on candor, truth, and leadership 27:17 – Final voicemail from Ron to Jody Several years ago, Lee Cockerell surprised me when he said Ron Logan wanted to meet me. Ron, a Disney Legend who led global live entertainment for Disney, had seen my work with Lee and wanted help with legacy projects. That one introduction became a years-long friendship filled with stories, lessons, and laughter. Ron never did anything halfway. Whether we were watching videos of Disney parades or Super Bowl halftime shows, he narrated every decision with incredible detail and purpose. He'd talk through the music, the floats, the camera angles. Every element crafted for the perfect guest experience. It was storytelling, design, and leadership rolled into one magical conversation. We never recorded a podcast together, something I regret. But I do have clips that are small treasures of his voice and wisdom that I've held onto. In this episode, I share some of those pieces with you. You'll hear Ron reflect on budget discipline, the value of good teams, and his unwavering commitment to teaching the next generation. Ron Logan was a master of his craft and a generous mentor. He taught that creativity is problem-solving with heart and his legacy proves it. I miss him. But I'm honored to share his voice with you. 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
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Jul 23, 2025 • 20min

Finding Meaning in Your Work

"Even if no one remembers your name, your work can live on." Notable Moments 00:03 – What gives Jody's life meaning: Chile, conservation, and future purpose 00:06 – The "Find Your Park" campaign and connection to nature 00:08 – Who Jody would bring if marooned 00:10 – Why emotions often drive decisions before logic catches up 00:13 – Upcoming projects Jody is excited about 00:17 – Reflections on past podcasts and learning from collaboration In this episode, Chip Huth returns to ask Jody three unscripted questions. Their conversation dives into legacy, meaning, and the emotional drivers behind our decisions. Jody shares a transformative experience in Chile that reshaped how he thinks about his life's impact and what fuels his future ambitions. They discuss the value of relationships, storytelling, and preparing for what's next. A lighthearted start with a Fresca story leads into meaningful insight on conservation, creativity, and the quiet legacy we all leave behind. Read the blog for more about this episode. Connect with Chip About Chip Huth Arbinger.com/ Listen to the Leading Outward Podcast 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
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Jul 16, 2025 • 46min

Use Experience to Build a Unique Perspective

"It's not who you are when the badge is on. It's who you become when the badge comes off that really shows your leadership." Notable Moments 04:52 – Chip reflects on being recognized from "Kansas City SWAT" 13:25 – How insecurity and hardship shaped Chip's family's drive 18:33 – Why law enforcement became Chip's path to service 23:05 – Transitioning leadership experience beyond law enforcement 30:07 – How defensive tactics teach problem solving under stress 35:09 – Practical advice for journaling, reflection, and staying curious 40:49 – Arbinger's podcast "Leading Outward" Chip Huth, retired Kansas City Police Major and current Arbinger Institute consultant, joins Jody Maberry to share how 30 years of real-world leadership became the foundation for a new chapter of service. From growing up in adversity to becoming a trusted voice in organizational leadership, Chip offers wisdom on turning insecurity into strength, journaling for self-awareness, and how solving problems under pressure becomes a superpower in any field. Read the blog for more from this episode. Connect with Chip About Chip Huth Arbinger.com/ Listen to the Leading Outward Podcast 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
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Jul 9, 2025 • 14min

How You Operate Makes the Magic

"It's not magic that makes it work. It's the way we work that makes it magic." Notable Moments [01:10] – Living List travel destinations: Australia and Austria [04:50] – What makes Disney's people and operations so special [09:29] – The quote I live by: "Do your best and forgive yourself." [11:10] – Pushing my limits: rafting in Chile with DeJuan Rivers [13:18] – Final thoughts on bold moves and great stories Denella Ri'chard returns with three questions that guide our conversation to conversation about dream destinations, life lessons from Disney, and pen pals turned lifelong friends. I share my thoughts on how operational excellence makes the magic, what Austria means to me, and why the quote "Do your best and forgive yourself" keeps showing up in my life. We also talk about facing fears, bold moves, and the surprising connection between theme parks and national parks. Read my blog for more from this episode. Connect with Denella Ri'chard Order Traveling With Grace by Denella Ri'chard Denella Ri'chard's Instagram 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
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Jul 2, 2025 • 37min

How to Remake Yourself

"You never know where God is going to take you. But embrace the moments. Even in times of change, when it may seem hard, just be open-minded and pivot, rebuild, move forward." Notable Moments [00:02:38] – Denella's career collapse during the 2020 cruise industry shutdown [00:05:34] – Launching her travel show from scratch [00:09:18] – Advice on reinventing yourself [00:11:54] – Personal branding and career resilience [00:17:09] – The importance of sales skills for entrepreneurs [00:19:28] – How "Traveling with Denella" episodes come together [00:25:06] – Launching her children's coloring book and travel journal [00:33:00] – Stories of pushing personal limits through travel [00:35:31] – How travel connects us all After the cruise industry shut down in 2020, Denella Ri'chard lost her job and faced a major life crossroads. In this episode, joins Jody Maberry to share how she used that moment to rebuild her career by reigniting her broadcast background and launching the syndicated TV show "Traveling with Denella." She talks about building a brand, finding purpose in uncertainty, and the steps to remaking yourself. Denella also shares her latest passion projects, including a children's travel-themed coloring book and a faith-based travel journal called "Traveling Grace." Her story is a reminder that with movement, belief, and connection, it's possible to rise stronger than ever. Connect with Denella travelingwithdenella.com Denella's Linktree Order Denella's Books 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

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