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 theater lovers, aspiring actors, and anyone curious about the transformative power of storytelling, and its impact on business performance.

If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with Jason King Jones,  please show some love by clicking the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform.

Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving. 

Do you have ideas for the show? John would to hear them. Drop him a line at [email protected].   Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!

Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk  

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 dreamer, this episode is a masterclass in finding your voice and telling stories that matter.   

If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with John Simmons and me, John Dodds, please show some love by clicking the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform.

Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving. 

Do you have thoughts on the show? I'd love to hear them. Drop me a line at [email protected].   Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!

Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk  

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 paranormal through Bucks County Paranormal Investigations.   You'll hear personal stories of UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and ghostly mists alongside Eric's reflections on jazz's healing essence and the struggles of today's musicians in a shifting industry.    For aspiring jazz artists, Eric shares three invaluable tips that stand out: First, he emphasizes the importance of mastering the history of jazz—knowing its roots and current landscape to push the genre forward. Second, he urges musicians to become so proficient on their instrument that creativity flows effortlessly, a skill honed over years of dedication. Finally, he encourages having fun with the music, keeping the joy and spontaneity alive to connect with audiences authentically.   These insights, born from decades of experience, offer a roadmap for navigating the challenges and rewards of a jazz career. Whether you're drawn to jazz's improvisational magic, intrigued by paranormal mysteries, or seeking inspiration from a life lived boldly, this episode delivers.    Find out where to watch Eric's eerie documentaries and catch his next gig!   If you've enjoyed your front-row seat at Café W.O.W. with Eric and me, John Dodds, please show some love by clicking the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform. Your support secures a prime seat for future episodes and keeps Café W.O.W. thriving. 

Do you have thoughts on the show? I'd love to hear them. Drop me a line at [email protected].   Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing!

Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk  

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 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 [email protected]. Thank you for joining us, and let’s keep the conversation brewing!

 

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 humor and a splash of inspiration—perfect for anyone craving deeper insights into the art of mastery.

 Whether you're a creative soul, a career explorer, or just love a good story, Café W.O.W. delivers a brand promise: leave every chat enlightened and energized.

 Please hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE on your favorite podcast platform, bring your own bottle (or curiosity), and join us for a journey into the unexpected. We're brewing new episodes soon!

 

 Behind the idea of Cafe W.O.W Podcast

 The concept of Café W.O.W. hinges on creating a cozy, conversational space—mirroring the timeless allure of a café—where diverse crafts and their practitioners are celebrated.

 The podcast's core idea is to "unearth" the hidden layers of various professions, from the practical to the poetic, blending professional expertise with personal storytelling.

 Promising "words of wisdom" (W.O.W.) taps into listeners' desires for actionable insights and authentic narratives. At the same time, the casual invitation to "bring your own bottle" fosters a sense of community and informality.

 This setup ensures variety—keeping episodes fresh across industries—while maintaining a consistent thread of discovery and inspiration, ideal for curious minds.