The Jody Maberry Show

"You have to push through that first fear barrier because it's one of those universal themes in storytelling, the fear of failure." The spark of a great story can come from the most unexpected places. In my recent conversation with Matthew Luhn, an accomplished storyteller and former Disney/Pixar creative, we talk about the magic of universal themes in storytelling, whether for film or business. Read my blog for more about our conversation. Resources: Matthewluhnstory.com twitter.com/matthewluhn The Best Story Wins: How to Leverage Hollywood Storytelling in Business and Beyond by Matthew Luhn 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

"If you go through the process of doing the research and showing up prepared with questions, you may never get to ask any of those questions. And I say it doesn't matter. The fact that you were prepared with questions will make the conversation that much better." Preparation is key to an unforgettable conversation. This was front and center of my mind as I prepared for my interview with Bob Wise, author of "Dream Chasing" and retired president of Walt Disney Imagineering. By being well prepared I am able to genuinely listen and respond to the nuances of guest's insights rather than just ticking off a list. Read the blog to for more on my approach to preparing for a guest. 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 you open this mailbox to put a letter in, do you think it squeaks or it doesn't squeak? And I said, oh, it probably doesn't squeak. And he said, but if you were on Main Street in small town, Missouri, would it squeak? I said probably." Bob Weis, retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering and author of "Dream Chasing," returns to turn the table and ask me a few questions. Our conversation explores my time as a park ranger, the epic journeys of Lewis and Clark, and the art of storytelling. His first question is about my own journey as a park ranger. For eight years, I had the privilege to serve in the breathtaking landscapes of Washington state, from the parks near Idaho to the scenic Olympic Peninsula. It was a reminder of why storytelling is so powerful. The ability to bring history alive is what makes our experiences memorable. Our conversation took an fun turn when Bob tested my knowledge on two historic figures: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. These explorers braved countless hardships to discover new lands, and their stories remain a testament to human perseverance. Bob even threw in a trick question about William Clark's middle name (or lack thereof). It was a great reminder that there's always something new to learn. One of the highlights was revisiting an unforgettable moment when I recounted the story of Captain George Vancouver to a visitor. The joy of sharing that history on the exact spot where it happened was indescribable. There is a special kind of magic that happens when you are prepared for that one moment when a visitor's curiosity aligns with your passion. Bob emphasized that whether it's in national parks or at Disney, capturing someone's imagination can make their entire experience. This episode reminded me why I love helping others connect with the stories that shape our world. Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book - Dream Chasing 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 endeavor to make those worlds authentic by doing great research and make them kind of a pushed reality of what it might be to be there. To not have any contradictions. To make it as authentic and real as we can so that it's telling the story you want to tell." Few people have had a hand in shaping the magic of Disney parks and experiences like Bob Weis, retired President of Walt Disney Imagineering. During our conversation we talk about bringing imaginative worlds to life and his brand-new book, "Dream Chasing: My 4 Decades of Success and Failure with Walt Disney Imagineering." We explore the challenges of creating this immersive narrative, emphasizing storytelling over visuals, and how Bob exceeded his own expectations by penning over 450 pages with the help of Disney Editions. Writing a book was an endeavor Bob initially hesitated to undertake. With the guidance of Disney Editions, the project transformed into a narrative-driven masterpiece. His story reminds us that even seasoned dreamers face doubts, but persistence leads to extraordinary results. Collaboration was a central theme in our conversation. Bob shared stories of the various people he spent time working with in Shanghai and Tokyo. He emphasized how diverse talents come together to create unparalleled experiences. Bob also highlighted the parallels between Disney parks and national parks. Both provide meaningful, authentic experiences that enrich lives. He stressed the importance of trust, research, and authenticity in design. Whether designing Flight of Passage in Pandora or Star Wars Galaxy's Edge, Bob's career is a showcase of relentless creativity and excellence. His insights remind us that dream chasing requires collaboration, persistence, and authenticity. For lessons on leadership, creativity, or achieving your dreams, this conversation with Bob Weis is a must-listen. It's a treasure trove of wisdom from a true Disney legend. Connect with Bob Weis www.bobweis.com Order the book - Dream Chasing 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

"This industry doesn't work unless you have repeat visitation as a part of your of your revenue model." Connect Theron Skees CreatingMemorableWorlds.com Order the Book – Creating Memorable Worlds 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

"The idea of the alter ego can be really powerful to help you plus up so that you can genuinely connect and help." Recently a wonderful guest and friend, Lauren Gaggioli, launched a new podcast called the Digital Entrepreneur's Toolkit Podcast. After having her on the show a couple of times, I was honored to be one of the first guests on her new show. It's not often I get the chance to dive into topics I normally don't have the time to talk about. I liked it so much I asked Lauren if I could share that interview with you as an episode of the Jody Maberry show. We have a wonderful conversation that dives into the essence of "Be You Times Two," exploring how doubling down on your authentic self can lead to remarkable transformations. Read more for the details highlighted in this conversation. Notable Moments 02:15 Recognizing the pull to shift career focus 05:34 Learning from mistakes in freelance 11:53 Storytelling provokes personal action beyond facts. 17:30 Loyalty often leads to personal mistakes. 26:05 Balance goal declaration: tell right people selectively. 28:24 Accountability from others aids in achieving goals. 37:55 Overcame insecurity, started show, sought Disney insights. 42:13 Businessman excels in podcasting without hosting titles. 48:48 Your unique voice attracts like-minded followers. 53:16 Podcasting changes when tailored for one listener. 55:46 Creating Magic Mastermind: Engaging, conversational audience relationship. 01:01:12 Finding authenticity in public performance is powerful. Connect with Lauren https://laurengaggioli.com/ The Digital Entrepreneur's 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

Eric Gray, the founder of Maverick Content Studio, returns to ask me a few unscripted, unexpected questions. His first one got right to the point: "What's a surprising thing you learned about Disney executives? There challenges many of us face in staying relevant, both in our personal and professional lives. The surprising yet relatable journey they go through in feeling relevant after leaving their high-impact roles. I shared an amusing anecdote about Dan Cockrell's encounter at Disney's stables that perfectly encapsulates this experience.\ Next, Eric switched gears and asked about the book I've gifted the most. My answer is one tht is short, impactful, and I even gave it to my park ranger team back in the day. It offers profound insights and has made a significant impact on those I've shared it with, both during my time as a park ranger and beyond. Eric's final question led me to recount one of the strangest sights I've seen in the wild: a majestic animal munching on a mop at Glacier National Park. It's a reminder of how even in the most serene natural settings, unexpected—and often humorous—moments can occur. People stories could fill a book, but the deer eating a mop takes the cake for now. Thanks to Eric for such engaging questions. Connect with Eric Maverickcontentstudio.com Eric on Instagram Eric on LinkedIn Radical Content 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

"Create interesting valuable content and invite people in to participate. That's the community side that will build an audience. And when you build an audience you can do anything because they know, like, and trust you. Leaving a "dream job" for the unknown can be daunting, but it can also be the most fulfilling decision you'll ever make. When Eric Gray left his "dream job" as the Senior Director of Content Innovation and Fan Engagement at Universal Studios to start Maverick Content Studio, it wasn't because it was easy or an obvious choice. The decision was emotionally taxing and filled with uncertainty. Read the blog for more about what steps he took to move through that decision and how it set him up for success. Connect with Eric Maverickcontentstudio.com Eric on Instagram Eric on LinkedIn Radical Content 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

"How do you untangle a really hard knot? Just a little bit at a time." Notable Moments 00:40 Liz's success on the show Survivor. 04:20 Looking to revitalize an existing email list. 08:08 Reintroduce podcast, set expectations, communicate updates. 13:01 Repurpose relevant podcast stories to content shared nationwide. 16:40 Include personal stories/photos in emails. 18:53 People love parks, talking, and engaging together. 23:12 Starting an email list as a beginner. 24:21 Mix free and paid content in newsletters. 28:17 "The Email Sound Booth" podcast and connecting with Liz If you've let your email list go cold, it's never too late to reignite it. Years ago, I was all in on an email list for my Park Leader Show podcast. It was tailored for park rangers and park professionals. But then…life happened. The list fell silent, and I felt disconnected. I have wondered if I should I scrap it. If I were to bring it back, do I apologize for my absence? Enter Liz Wilcox, the "fresh princess of email". Liz, who you might also know from her incredible run on Survivor, gave me game-changing advice. Read about her tips on how to restart your email list. Connect with Liz Podcast - The Email Sound Book Website - Liz Wilcox 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

"Spend more time asking and listening than you do talking and telling stories. There are times where stories are the right thing to do, and telling them will help you build a better relationship." 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 In 2006, I had the privilege of being a guest on Dan Miller's podcast, 48 Days To The Work You Love. Being invited was no small feat because Dan rarely had guests. What made it happen? A simple yet impactful story about my son. Read more about it here in my blog.