“Isolation is the enemy of excellence.” That single line from my conversation with Aaron Walker is another great reminder as to why mentorship is so important. Aaron is a trusted mentor and author of View from the Top. He joins a conversation to share how mentors have shaped every season of his life. From business to personal tragedy, Aaron shows how mentorship provides clarity, connection, and courage. We explore why surrounding yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go can unlock y...
Jan 23, 2019•28 min•Ep. 119
"What does this make possible?" Notable Moments 01:15 – Five quote cards posted above Jody’s desk 02:21 – Card #1: “Rest is a weapon” – a lesson from Jason Bourne 03:24 – Card #2 (retired): “I can, and I will” – from a visit to Mike Kim’s house 04:30 – Card #3: “What does this make possible?” – a mindset from Dan Miller 05:47 – Card #4: “Do the one thing” – avoiding distraction overload 07:06 – Card #5: “What’s it for?” – inspired by Seth Godin 08:49 – New Card: “Do your best and forgive yoursel...
Jan 16, 2019•17 min•Ep. 118
“You have to forgive yourself today to do your best tomorrow.” Notable Moments 00:43 –Mike Simmons, Co-host of Catalyst Sale Podcast 01:23 – Question 1: Who is your favorite Marvel character and why? 03:05 – Question 2: What themes have carried through your personal and professional journey? 06:35 – Question 3: What does “Do your best and forgive yourself” mean to you? 07:54 – Admiral Payne’s legacy and how the quote guides his mindset 08:30 – How forgiveness fuels tomorrow’s best effort Mike Si...
Jan 09, 2019•10 min•Ep. 117
“If you rely on a change of the calendar and not a change of the mind to make a difference, you’re doing it wrong.” You don’t need a new year to start, just new rules. There are six personal rules I’ve created to guide my year ahead. Since I was inspired to create my list, I wanted to share them with you in case they maybe inspire yours. Instead of relying on resolutions that often fade, I’m focusing on principles that will shape my daily life. From urgency and play to sleep and using more "four...
Jan 02, 2019•8 min•Ep. 116
On this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I examine how it only takes 5 minutes to create magic for customers. Jeff Noel has preached how you don't have to go the extra mile to Wow a customer. All you have to do is go the extra inch. Do that one little thing you don't have to do. During a visit to LensCrafters, someone went the extra inch and it absolutely delighted me. And it made me realize all it takes is five minutes to do something special for a customer. One inch in five minutes and you ca...
Dec 26, 2018•18 min•Ep. 115
On this episode of The Jody Maberry Show, we are joined by Jeff Noel. Jeff shares a story about the Magic Kingdom that illustrates what happens when you give employees the freedom to create magic.
Dec 04, 2018•11 min•Ep. 114
While on a family road trip, we listened to the book Ask an Astronaut. My kids loved the book and have been asking questions about space. It all reminds me of how curious I was about space when I was a kid. And that reminds me of a time a few years back when my son attended a space camp at the local library. On the final day, Astronaut John Fabian came to speak to the students. No way was I going to miss the opportunity to hear an astronaut speak, so I snuck into the room. On this episode of the...
Nov 27, 2018•13 min•Ep. 113
Recently, my daughter came with me on a trip to Nashville. We had a tremendous time together, but it wasn't all about having fun. Here are the lessons I learned from traveling with my daughter. R&R will help you catch your breath: When I saw R & R, I am not talking about rest and relaxation. Instead, I mean reconsider and refuse. In order to bring my daughter on a business trip with me, I needed to reconsider what work I am doing and refuse some projects. Doing so allowed me to catch my ...
Nov 20, 2018•13 min•Ep. 112
Anna Powers returns this episode to ask me three questions. What is your favorite color? There is only one color that has gotten me a hug from a stranger because I was wearing it. How can that not be my favorite color? What is my favorite country I have visited? Canada. Outside of the United States, Canada is the only country I have been to. What is next for Jody Maberry? In 2019, I have 3 projects I am looking forward to; my upcoming course about podcasting, the book I am writing, live events w...
Nov 13, 2018•9 min•Ep. 111
You can use your experience to help people achieve their dreams. Anna Powers is an example of how you can tap into your experience and knowledge to help someone else. Anna achieved her dream of becoming an attorney, but a book became a thorn in her side that led her in a new direction. Dan Miller's book, 48 Days to the Work You Love , caught her attention. Anna purchased the book so she could prove you could not find work you love in only 48 days. It took her 7 years, after all, to become an att...
Nov 06, 2018•35 min•Ep. 110
Recently, Lee Cockerell and I hosted a one-day mastermind event in Orlando. Twelve people from around the country joined us to discuss opportunities and challenges they have in their business. Even though I help Lee host the event, I know I walk away learning more than anyone else. Here are six lessons I learned during the mastermind. Choose the better story: When faced with two options, choose the one that will create a better story for you or your family. T Take care of yourself: You can't tak...
Oct 30, 2018•18 min•Ep. 109
In the last episode, Jason Swenk joined the Jody Maberry Show to talk about being recommendable . Now, Jason returns to ask me three questions. What was my scariest moment as a park ranger? You will have to listen to the episode to hear this story. But I will tell you there was one night where I was concerned if I was going to make it back home to see my family. But faced with a tough situation, you have to find the courage to take the next step. What is the one thing holding me back from launch...
Oct 23, 2018•15 min•Ep. 108
Jason Swenk was recommended as a guest by Aaron Walker. I mention that because I turn down nearly all requests to be a guest on the podcast. Since most episodes are just me, there simply is not room to have many guests. Usually, if I have a guest, it is already someone I know and have a relationship with. But when Aaron Walker suggested Jason Swenk as a guest, I considered it. Once I did research on Jason, I knew he would be a great fit for the show. Even though Jason has accomplished so much, t...
Oct 16, 2018•33 min•Ep. 107
Recently, I had the pleasure of spending a couple days exploring Glacier National Park with some friends. During my time in the beautiful mountains of Montana, I noticed a few things. Of course, I am going to share what I learned with you. Here are the lessons from Glacier National Park; Every day is a gift Policies and procedures can get in the way What you put out comes back to you Time is the most valuable thing you can invest in someone Are we connected on Social Media? You can find me on In...
Oct 09, 2018•12 min•Ep. 106
Recently, I returned from the Ultimate Travel Writer's Workshop in Austin, TX, hosted by Great Escape Publishing. I team up with Great Escape Publishing to host their podcast, Great Escape Radio . While I was at the Workshop, something big happened. The 20th anniversary of the day I moved away from my hometown of Peoria, IL was while I was in Austin. On the day of the anniversary, I posted on Facebook to commemorate the special day. The post got some wonderful responses from people; "I Love This...
Oct 02, 2018•21 min•Ep. 105
During my time as a Park Ranger, I learned many lessons that still serve me today. One Ranger taught me how a smile can save your day. In this episode, I tell the story of a Park Ranger who got stuck in an outhouse. How did she get out? And how does it impact you? To get the story, you will how to listen to the episode. Below, are the 4 lessons I took from the story. Patterns are important. There are times when the right processes and procedures will get you out of trouble. Avoid Patterns. The s...
Sep 11, 2018•15 min•Ep. 104
On the last episode, John Saccheri joined the show to talk about building a brand based on your personality . Now, John returns to ask me three questions. What did you do before you do what you do now? Financial Analyst. I measured interest rate risk for a commercial bank. This job was as exciting as it sounds. But it did give me a strong background in numbers, which serves me well today. Park Ranger. Becoming a park ranger was the fulfillment of a boyhood dream. I would not be who I am today wi...
Sep 04, 2018•15 min•Ep. 103
John Saccheri has built a brand based on the power of his personality. John, also known as Big Fat Panda, has created a YouTube channel based on weaving his personality into his love for Disney. The creation of the Big Fat Panda brand is a story of love and hard work. What began as John creating videos to show his experience at Disney, has led to getting added to the Disney media list. Now, John can be found at all of the Disney events, invited by Disney because Big Fat Panda has become an influ...
Aug 21, 2018•28 min•Ep. 102
Phil Gaines, Director of South Carolina State Parks, recently retired after 27 years with the agency. On his last day as Director, Phil did one final act of leadership that has people talking. What does a true leader do on his last day? Well, if that leader is Phil Gaines, he returns to the same park where he began his career, 37 years to the day he first worked at that park. He didn't return to the park for a ceremony. Phil Gaines spent the day working. He cleaned the bathrooms. He picked up tr...
Aug 14, 2018•9 min•Ep. 101
We are celebrating on this episode of The Jody Maberry Show. This episode marks the milestone of 100 episodes. To help me celebrate three people join me. Jared Easley from Starve the Doubts podcast and the Co-Founder of Podcast Movement. From Jared we get 3 lessons: Do the hard work for a season Strategic breaks help you grow If you stick with it, opportunities will open up Mike Simmons from Catalyst Sale joins us to talk about his experience with the Catalyst Sale podcast. And Mike Kim, who was...
Aug 07, 2018•40 min•Ep. 100
On the last episode of The Jody Maberry Show, Matt McWilliams joined us to talk about Affiliate Marketing . This week, Matt returns to ask me three questions. The questions are unfiltered, unprompted and whatever Matt wanted to ask. Here are Matt's questions; Best burger I have had? Best burger is Capone's in Coeur d'Alene, ID. Matt was asking a loaded question here because Matt and I have eaten together at Capone's, and he knew how much I enjoyed the burger. More than I enjoy eating the burger,...
Jul 31, 2018•12 min•Ep. 99
Matt McWilliams has a mission to help 100,000 people make their first dollar online. One area many people overlook to make money online is affiliate marketing. Affiliate marketing is a way to serve your audience and customers by putting products and services in front of them that you don't offer. By finding a product that works for your customer, you can make sure there is not a gap in the progress or service of your customer. By recommending a product or a service, you get a piece of the sale. ...
Jul 24, 2018•27 min•Ep. 98
Last episode we had a great conversation with Jevonnah Ellison . This episode, Jevonnah asks me three questions. Listen in to hear my answers to these questions from Lady J. What has been one of your greatest lessons learned as it relates to dealing with people and building solid relationships? In a word, curiosity. Being curious enough to ask people questions, and truly be interested in the answer, is the first step in building a solid relationship. Tell me what happened as a park ranger that l...
Jul 17, 2018•13 min•Ep. 97
You are your best marketing. If you don't already believe that, you will change your mind after you meet Jevonnah Ellison. From the first time I met Jevonnah, I wanted to know more about her. She made such a great first impression. Jevonnah has taught me how YOU, the way you present yourself to other people, is the best marketing you can do. In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, Jevonnah will share stories to help you understand how you can be more intentional and mindful about how you prese...
Jun 26, 2018•30 min•Ep. 96
"Are you almost done?" With those four simple words, a young boy nearly knocked me off my seat. There I was in front of a group of campers, standing proudly in my park ranger uniform, giving my first campfire interpretive talk. But a young boy stood up and asked me if I was almost done. In this episode of the Jody Maberry Show, I explain what happened and why it matters and what it led to today.
Jun 19, 2018•16 min•Ep. 95
Last week, Jennifer McClure joined the Jody Maberry Show to talk about developing a signature story. This week, Jennifer asks me 3 questions. The week after there is a guest on the show, they ask me three questions about anything. Business, life, parks...anything. I don't prompt them in any way. Here are the 3 questions from Jennifer McClure, with short answers. Listen to the entire episode to hear the whole story. What have I revealed about myself during my 10,000 steps per day walking streak? ...
Jun 05, 2018•12 min•Ep. 94
If you want to make a mark as a speaker, you have to develop a signature story. Jennifer McClure joins the show to discuss developing your signature story and using it to connect with people. Jennifer is a full-time speaker following a career in Human Resources. In this episode, Jennifer will explain the value of a signature story and help you realize how you can use it to connect with people in the audience. Jennifer has been a tremendous help to me in getting started in speaking. If you are in...
May 29, 2018•30 min•Ep. 93
Not long ago, I stayed at the Disneyland Hotel when I spoke the annual conference for Magical Vacation Planner . As I like to do when I visit anything related to Disney, I paid attention so I could see what I could learn. This episode is devoted to those lessons I discovered while staying at the Disneyland Hotel. Here are the six lessons: Create the environment for the feelings you want customers to feel. Make a great first impression. Magic is created by the small things. Tap into as many sense...
May 22, 2018•14 min•Ep. 92
Dan Cockerell was recently a guest on the Jody Maberry Show . As a follow up to that episode, Dan Cockerell asks me three questions. Dan recently left his role of Vice-President of the Magic Kingdom to launch his own business. His three questions are related to building a personal brand. What advice do you have for someone leaving the corporate world and starting their own business? Know what you want to be known for. Read and implement Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller . Work with the righ...
May 15, 2018•13 min•Ep. 91
After 27 years at Walt Disney World, Dan Cockerell is leaving the Magic Kingdom for a home office. Dan began his Disney career parking cars at Epcot as part of the college program. He finishes his career as the Vice President of the Magic Kingdom. During his time at Disney, Dan had 19 different jobs and learned how to manage operations and culture from the parking lot to the iconic castle. Now, Dan is launching his own business to work with organizations to improve organizational structure, buil...
May 09, 2018•25 min•Ep. 90
