#1 Unearthing Desk Job Dreams and Podcast Glory with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder of The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
Release Date: 03/14/2025
#5 Unearthing the Intangible: Dr. James Gregory: Brand measurement authority, and author on Measuring Brands, Risk, and Reinvention
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
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#4 Unearthing The Art Of Performance with Jason King Jones, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
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#3 Unearthing the Art of Words with John Simmons - master storyteller, and brand strategist
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
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#2 Unearthing White House Jazz and Haunted House Mysteries with award winning pianist and paranormal expert Eric Mintel
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
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#1 Unearthing Desk Job Dreams and Podcast Glory with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder of The Solid Verbal College Football Podcast
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
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Unearthing Craft & Wisdom at Café W.O.W. with John Dodds
CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more
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...
info_outlineJoin 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!