The Jody Maberry Show

"There are doors that are always there to go through. And sometimes that is very scary."

Episode Chapters

[00:37] Introduction to Daniel Cohen's Remarkable Career

[02:13] The Phone Call That Opened Disney's Door

[04:07] How Speaking Up Led to a Promotion

[07:05] An Unexpected Opportunity at Disney Animation

[09:09] Turning Career Setbacks Into New Opportunities

[12:31] Four Ways to Create Your Own Luck

[15:30] Staying Relevant as Industries Change

[18:55] Building Teams That Support Each Other

[21:34] Finding New Purpose Through Writing

Some people have a way of being in the right place at the right time. Daniel Cohen has certainly had his share of lucky breaks, but there's a lot more behind his career than good timing.

Daniel joins me to share how an unexpected phone call led to working on Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and how his career eventually took him through Disney animation and into visual effects production at Netflix. Along the way, he's worked on remarkable projects.

That's not to say he hasn't also experienced unexpected setbacks. Daniel's story shows that he isn't just lucky. He's learned the importance of being willing to change as an industry evolves. There are a number of people who helped open doors for Daniel, which is why he's made it a priority to do the same for others.

If you've ever wondered how to create more opportunities in your own career, Daniel's experiences offer a great reminder of what can happen when you show up prepared, build relationships and have the courage to take the next step.

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry

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"To do something creative you have got to believe in the superior genius of a group of people. The intergroup learning will compensate for any weakness you believe you have."

Notable Moments

[00:00] Bob Weis Shares a Dream Chasing Update

[02:52] Introducing Imagineer Joe Rohde

[05:46] The Collaboration Behind Floating Mountains

[07:04] Setting Direction Without Controlling the Team

[08:12] How Collaboration Changes an Idea

[11:07] Pushing Beyond Expected Creative Boundaries

[14:39] Why Creatives Need Other People

[15:57] Joe Rohde's Perspective on AI

[28:01] Understanding the Potential Value of Creativity

Creative collaboration is more than bringing people together to execute one person's idea. According to legendary Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, the contributions of the team should help shape what the idea ultimately becomes.

Bob Weis returns to the show to share a conversation with Joe about his new book, Floating Mountains, and the philosophy behind his work. Joe explains why a director should provide direction rather than commands, how strong teams allow people to compensate for one another's weaknesses, and why truly original work rarely comes from individual genius alone.

Joe also shares his perspective on AI and where he sees its greatest potential for artists. Take a listen to hear why the unpredictable way humans make connections still matters so much to creativity and how we can learn to see possibilities in the raw materials in front of us.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

For Further Exploration

Joe Rohde's book Floating Mountains

Bob Weis's book Dream Chasing

Dream Chasing Podcast – Launching October 1, 2026

Dream Chasing Holiday Audiobook – Coming Soon!

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"There is a brand essence of Disney which is a sense of warmth, a sense of authenticity, a sense of meaningfulness."

Episode Chapters

[00:23] Jody's First Impressions of D23

[01:29] Exploring the Imagineering Exhibit

[02:26] A First Look at Piston Peak

[04:43] Why Fan Reactions Matter to Imagineers

[06:03] Experiencing D23 with Bob Weis

[08:05] Why Bob Slows Down for Fans

[12:01] Understanding the Essence of Disney

[17:47] Introducing the Dream Chasing Podcast

[19:15] Bob Reflects on How D23 Has Evolved

D23 brings Disney fans from around the world together with the people and projects shaping what comes next.

Jody Maberry experiences D23 for the first time alongside former Walt Disney Imagineering president Bob Weis. From inside the Imagineering exhibit, they discuss Piston Peak National Park and why seeing a project can change the way fans respond to something new. Bob also shares why Imagineers value direct interaction with Disney fans and what he has learned by slowing down to hear their stories.

They highlight the unique essence Disney creates through its people and attention to the guest experience. Take a listen to also hear Bob reflect on how D23 has evolved and the early fan response to the upcoming Dream Chasing podcast.

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/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"Once those parks and resorts are there, they really become owned by the audience experiencing them."

Episode Chapters

[03:26] Celebrating 10 Years of Shanghai Disneyland

[05:59] Exploring China's National Scenic Areas

[12:22] Bob's Most Memorable Experiences in China

[18:51] Traveling Through Remote Areas of China

[23:36] The Evolution of Tourism in China

[28:58] Reuniting with the Shanghai Disneyland Team

[30:24] What's Next for Shanghai Disneyland

[34:49] An Update on Dream Chasing

More than 150 people who helped bring Shanghai Disneyland to life returned to China to celebrate the park's 10th anniversary.

Bob Weis, former president of Walt Disney Imagineering and author of Dream Chasing, joins from China to share what it was like to reunite with Imagineers and other members of the original team. Bob reflects on the park's success and how it continues to grow with new attractions and hotels.

The conversation also ventures beyond Disney as Bob shares stories from his summer travels through China's national scenic areas. He and Jody compare China's developing park infrastructure with the U.S. national park system and explore the emotional connection people develop with special places. Bob also shares updates on his upcoming Marty Sklar book and the Dream Chasing project he is developing with Jody.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"Small details create world-class customer service."

Great customer service isn't usually about grand gestures. It's about paying attention to the moments others overlook. Jody Maberry is joined by Lindsay Barnes and Lindsay Carlson to reflect on the first public World-Class Customer Service Workshop built around Lee Cockerell's book The Customer Rules and the Customer Experience Cycle. They discuss the workshop experience, including what participants learned and the feedback they received. The workshop was a great example that exceptional service is often created through small moments rather than expensive initiatives.

Don't overcomplicate it. World-class customer service means you are creating a favorable experience that people remember long after they leave.

Episode Chapters

05:12 Customer service workshop highlights

07:10 Workshop attendee backgrounds

14:33 Understanding the customer experience cycle

17:03 Improving the workshop process

21:43 Focusing on what's important now

23:54 World Class Customer Experience Workshops

Resources

The Customer Rules by Lee Cockerell

Cockerell Academy

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sugarjmaberry/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"The people I work with who are most successful understand they're taking their experience and using it to guide someone else."

Episode Chapters

[00:00:47] What Makes Canada's National Parks Unique?

[00:05:54] What's the Best (and Worst) Business Advice You've Received?

[00:09:51] Why Should Leaders Be the Guide, Not the Hero?

[00:14:47] Jody's Favorite National Park Experience

The secret to better leadership is realizing you were never meant to be the hero. Lindsay Carlson, founder of Mighty Marketing and Communications, returns. This time, the tables are turned as she puts Jody in the hot seat with three unscripted questions. He answers questions ranging from his adventures in Canadian national parks to the best (and worst) business advice he's ever received.

This episode explores why the best guides create memorable experiences without making themselves the center of the story, and why that mindset applies just as much in business as it does in a national park.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

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/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"People are going to your website for the relationship."

[00:03:24] How websites evolved from technology to storytelling

[00:04:31] Capturing the essence of a person and a brand

[00:05:10] The role of StoryBrand in the process

[00:10:15] Identifying the ideal client and removing confusion

[00:18:17] Why authentic photos matter on a website

[00:22:05] How websites can improve the sales process

[00:25:46] Building marketing on a stronger foundation

Most business owners think they need a better website. What they often need is a clearer story.

Jody Maberry talks with Lindsay Carlson, founder of Mighty Marketing and Communications, about the process of capturing a brand's essence and translating it into messaging that builds trust. Using the Best Culture Solutions website as an example, Lindsay shares how storytelling, strategy, and deep client understanding create websites that do more than generate traffic. They create connection.

The conversation explores branding, StoryBrand, client relationships, visual storytelling, and why the most effective websites help people understand not only what you do but who you are.

Read the blog for more from this episode.

Connect with Lindsay

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayc/

https://mightystrategic.com/

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"Everybody wants to be an author, and nobody wants to be a writer."

Episode Chapters

[00:00:29] Jody shares the seven-year journey of a book idea

[00:01:27] Jeff explains why helping people take action excites him

[00:03:00] Reaching more than 62,000 words in a few months

[00:06:07] Why most people struggle to finish a book

[00:10:12] The importance of preparation before writing

[00:12:47] Why shortcuts are not always the answer

[00:16:39] How motivation follows action, not the other way around

Most people don't struggle with ideas. They struggle with action. How many great ideas are sitting in your notebooks waiting for the right time?

Jody Maberry and Jeff Barnes explore the process of turning an idea into a finished book. Jody shares how a project that sat untouched for seven years has grown into more than 60,000 words. All it took was a change in his approach and consistent action. Jeff explains why so many aspiring authors get stuck, why preparation matters more than most people realize, and how motivation often follows action rather than creating it.

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sugarjmaberry

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"Find people that you're willing to invest in, and you're going to go to some really cool places that you can't currently imagine."

Episode Chapters

[00:05:32] Launching the Wisdom of Walt podcast

[00:09:31] Why expanding beyond a personal brand is difficult

[00:10:27] Look for the qualities someone brings to the team

[00:13:05] Creating a complete Wisdom of Walt experience

[00:15:44] Why leadership is about investing in other people

[00:20:11] Walt Disney's legacy and the power of building an organization

Growth requires more than talent and hard work. It also requires the willingness to trust others with responsibility, opportunity, and ownership. Many leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators reach a point where continued growth can bottleneck the business. For Jeff Barnes, that point is when he knew it was time to expand the Wisdom of Walt brand beyond himself and invite others to help shape its future.

In this episode, Jeff, often referred to as Dr. Disneyland the author of The Wisdom of Walt, shares why he recently expanded his team, launched a podcast, and began building a larger vision for the future. He knows that when you align with people you trust, you can grow your impact by helping others grow alongside you.

TheWisdomofWalt.com

Instagram @drdisneyland

Facebook Jeff Barnes

Connect with Jody

www.jodymaberry.com

About Jody - https://jodymaberry.com/about-jody-maberry/

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

"You already know how it's going to turn out. You're going to wish you had spent more time with your kids, so do it now."

Episode Highlights

[00:00:17] How knowing the ending of something changes perspective

[00:02:59] What Lee Cockerell would have done differently as a father

[00:05:14] James Dobson's reflection on time with his children

[00:06:48] Why now is the best time to start

[00:07:39] How to change the script before it becomes a regret

Knowing the final chapter of a story completely changes how you experience the journey. Jody was reminded of this after a hilarious blunder accidentally watching the season six premiere of The Sopranos first, spoiling the entire series. He shares a powerful lesson about human timelines and the standard script of regret.

In this episode, Jody gets personal with reflections from his grandfather, retired Disney Executive Lee Cockrell, and Focus on the Family founder James Dobson. These highly successful men all looked back with the exact same wish: they wanted more time with family and less time letting careers separate them from loved ones.

Whether it is family, fitness, writing a book, or leaving a bad job, you already know how the unedited script ends. When you get older you'll wish you had done it. Take a listen to hear Jody share ways to break the cycle and change your script today.

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