The Jody Maberry Show

"Sometimes the best dreams are the ones you didn't know to dream." Notable Moments 00:42 – Favorite memory as a park ranger 02:23 – Top podcast guest experiences 05:47 – Dream projects and the limits of our imagination 08:18 – The value of learning something you don't understand 09:57 – Quantum physics and expanding your thinking 10:37 – Ken's approach to researching for documentary films 12:05 – Using AI to prepare for interviews 13:42 – Where to connect with Ken Kebow Filmmaker Ken Kebow returns to turn the tables and interview Jody Maberry with three personal questions. Jody shares a favorite ranger memory, a special guest experience, and how a surprise expedition to Chile reshaped his idea of dreaming big. The conversation explores curiosity, podcasting, research, quantum physics, and the importance of staying open to the unknown. Read my blog for more from this episode. Connect with Ken http://www.kenkebow.com/ The Whimsical Imagineer - The Story Of Rolly Crump 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

"When someone is gone, their stories are gone with them. Capture them while you can." Notable Moments 01:35 — How Ken met and filmed Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump 03:50 — Editing choices when your subject has endless stories 06:20 — The lost stories we regret not recording 09:42 — Ken's new film on Universal Monsters and how he shaped its story 14:48 — The power of pre-interviews and the "pregnant pause" for better storytelling 25:53 — Emotional connection: the secret ingredient of a great story 28:11 — Monsters are back: why Ken's timing is perfect Stories connect us, spark emotion, and build memories that last. Filmmaker Ken Kebow knows a thing or two about telling unforgettable stories through film. We explore his time with Disney Imagineer Rolly Crump, his new Universal Monsters documentary, and the art of letting people talk until the real magic appears. Ken shares tips for better storytelling, including the value of silence. We also swap stories about the ones that got away. This conversation will have you reaching for your recorder to preserve the stories that matter most. Read my blog for more about this episode. Connect with Ken http://www.kenkebow.com/ The Whimsical Imagineer - The Story Of Rolly Crump 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

"It's not just about the ride. It's the story, the operations, the people in blue shirts picking up trash. That's the magic." Jason Surrell returns to flip the script and ask me three questions. Our conversation pulled back the curtain on why themed entertainment has captured my curiosity and professional heart. We also talk about my favorite attraction, Flights of Passage. The storytelling embedded in Pandora is a masterclass in immersive design. Jason also got me to talk about Magic Press, the publishing imprint I run through Morgan James. We've got exciting projects ahead, including one I've long promised: my own book. Behind every attraction or book is a story. In fact, sometimes that story is the experience itself. Read my blog for more from this episode. Notable Moments: [00:00] Jason Surrell returns for Three Questions [00:01:13] How Jody got into themed entertainment [00:02:41] Favorite attraction thanks to its immersive design [00:07:42] The vision and future of Magic Press [00:10:09] Progress (or not) on Jody's own book [00:12:40] Jason's upcoming books and collaborations Connect with Jason LinkedIn - Jason Surrell The Haunted Mansion Book 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

"You're not just putting a mark on a page; you're betting on yourself." Notable Moments 03:50 – Origin story of Epic Universe development 06:57 – Designing IP-based lands and the role of Celestial Park 09:54 – Favorite finished experiences in Epic Universe 13:01 – Creating the How to Train Your Dragon land 14:40 – How every past job informed Jason's future work 20:12 – Career growth through risk and taking a chance on yourself 26:41 – Writing The Haunted Mansion book and pitching Disney 31:43 – The backstory of Pirates of the Caribbean book Jody Maberry welcomes Jason Surrell, originating creative director for Epic Universe. They reflect on the creative journey behind Universal's newest park. Jason shares how the project began, the early brainstorming that led to immersive lands like the Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World, and how his background with Disney and Universal prepared him for this moment. He also talks about the emotional side of creative work, taking risks, and the courage it takes to leave a steady job in favor of something uncertain but potentially incredible. Plus, stories behind his beloved books on The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. Read the blog for more on this epic conversation with Jason Surrell. Connect with Jason LinkedIn - Jason Surrell The Haunted Mansion Book 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

Ever wondered what makes a great podcast guest? Discover the art of storytelling and the importance of preparation to avoid sounding like a commercial. Explore how being genuinely prepared can create authentic conversations. Plus, get insights on steering interviews effectively while navigating unexpected topics. It's all about creating memorable connections and staying curious in the podcasting scene.

Dennis Snow, a Disney alum with over 20 years of experience, has transformed his corporate background into a successful speaking career. He shares valuable insights on why professionals often undervalue their expertise, emphasizing that what feels obvious to one is pure magic to another. Dennis discusses the challenges he faced while establishing his brand, the importance of employee engagement in customer service, and how to build a lasting service culture. His journey inspires those looking to leap into entrepreneurship, combining deep experience with actionable strategies.

"There's good and bad to being a really nice guy, I guess. The good outweighs the bad, but sometimes when you're nice to everybody, some people can take advantage of it." Notable Moments 00:43 Unexpected Acts of Hospitality 03:37 The Unexpected Realities of Being a Park Ranger 07:11 Transition from Agency to Company 12:03 Escape Room Adventure Highlights Connect with Teddy Cheek TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek The Escape Game - theescapegame.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 Teddy Cheek, a marketing wizard from The Escape Game, is back to turn the tables and ask me three questions. The things he asked really got me thinking on some of the unexpected aspects of my life and career. Read the blog for more on the questions that highlight how moments of unexpected hospitality, the realities of being a park ranger, and the impacts of kindness have had on my life.

"You don't need to be the opposite of the rest of your category just for the sake of being different." Notable Moments 00:53 The Adventure Factory 05:10 Teamwork is Essential in Designing and Escaping Rooms 06:39 Accessible and Story-Driven Experiences 10:30 Revamping Escape Game Marketing 14:27 Developing Virtual Games During Pandemic 19:28 Guest Feedback to Drive Decisions 20:34 Escape Room Experience Challenges 24:27 Unique Value: Exclusive Orlando Experience Connect with Teddy Cheek TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek The Escape Game - theescapegame.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 During a visit to Nashville, I stepped into a world full of creativity and storytelling. The Adventure Factory of The Escape Game is where architects, engineers, scenic artists, and game designers turn ideas into interactive puzzle experiences. Teddy Cheek, the Senior Director of Marketing at The Escape Game, was my guide. Even though I knew it would be neat, the visit left me in awe. Teddy joins for a conversation about knowing what you really sell. For example, The Escape Game is more than challenging games. They focus on creating fun and engaging escapes accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill levels. Read my blog for more from Teddy on the way you can turn ordinary into extraordinary.

"You absolutely have to understand why we're all here, who we're serving, what's the important role that we're serving in someone else's life, and then how we're connecting, communicating with each other." Fresh off his second mastermind experience with us, David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, shares why he returned and how these events continue to deliver fresh insights and encouragement. We explore several key takeaways from the mastermind, including some of our favorite bits of wisdom shared by Lee Cockerell and guest speaker Chris Trout. From pushing company culture to the front line to embracing risk and testing authority, we dive into the strategies that can help you and your organization thrive. Read the blog for our recap of the Creating Magic Mastermind, including why everyone around the table is truly the best part of the event. Episode Resources Connect with David Hancock Morgan James Publishing Chris Trout, Donlon Consulting 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

"We would go to an event and the speakers are the heroes of the event. All the attendees are in the shadows. We wondered what would happen if we make the attendees the heroes." Notable Moments 00:37 Hallway Magic at Professional Events 05:45 The Unconference Experience 09:00 Opportunities for Feedback-Driven Improvements 11:55 Relentless Pursuit of Improvement 14:24 Selling Through Known Connections 16:49 Sustainable Success Over Quick Wins 21:59 Collaborating with Spouse on Project 25:36 Unconference Connection Successes It always seems that the best part of a conference is mingling in the hallways. Vincent Pugliese recognized the value in it so he turned the concept into a reality. The Unconference took place in Sarasota, Florida, offering an event focused on the magic of conversations without the usual distractions of keynote speakers or sponsors. Read my blog to learn more about how he created an event where relationships can be built without the rush of typical conference schedules. Connect with Vincent Website - My Membership Freedom LinkedIn - Vincent Pugliese Facebook - Vincent Pugliese 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