"It’s not just about the ride. It’s the story, the operations, the people in blue shirts picking up trash. That’s the magic."

Jason Surrell returns to flip the script and ask me three questions. Our conversation pulled back the curtain on why themed entertainment has captured my curiosity and professional heart. We also talk about my favorite attraction, Flights of Passage. The storytelling embedded in Pandora is a masterclass in immersive design. Jason also got me to talk about Magic Press, the publishing imprint I run through Morgan James. We’ve got exciting projects ahead, including one I’ve long promised: my own book. 

Behind every attraction or book is a story. In fact, sometimes that story is the experience itself.

Read my blog for more from this episode. 

Notable Moments:

[00:00] Jason Surrell returns for Three Questions

[00:01:13] How Jody got into themed entertainment

[00:02:41] Favorite attraction thanks to its immersive design

[00:07:42] The vision and future of Magic Press

[00:10:09] Progress (or not) on Jody’s own book

[00:12:40] Jason’s upcoming books and collaborations

Connect with Jason

LinkedIn - Jason Surrell

The Haunted Mansion Book

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

 

"You’re not just putting a mark on a page; you’re betting on yourself."

Notable Moments

03:50 – Origin story of Epic Universe development

06:57 – Designing IP-based lands and the role of Celestial Park

09:54 – Favorite finished experiences in Epic Universe

13:01 – Creating the How to Train Your Dragon land

14:40 – How every past job informed Jason’s future work

20:12 – Career growth through risk and taking a chance on yourself

26:41 – Writing The Haunted Mansion book and pitching Disney

31:43 – The backstory of Pirates of the Caribbean book

Jody Maberry welcomes Jason Surrell, originating creative director for Epic Universe. They reflect on the creative journey behind Universal’s newest park. Jason shares how the project began, the early brainstorming that led to immersive lands like the Wizarding World and Super Nintendo World, and how his background with Disney and Universal prepared him for this moment. He also talks about the emotional side of creative work, taking risks, and the courage it takes to leave a steady job in favor of something uncertain but potentially incredible. Plus, stories behind his beloved books on The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Read the blog for more on this epic conversation with Jason Surrell.

Connect with Jason

LinkedIn - Jason Surrell

The Haunted Mansion Book

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

 

“You can’t script chemistry, but you can prepare for connection.” 

Notable Moments

00:00 – Intro and welcome back to Dennis Snow

01:22 – Dennis’ first question: What makes a great podcast guest?

03:30 – Why good guests understand the value of a story

06:05 – Dennis’ second question: How do you prepare for interviews?

09:15 – The problem with winging it (and sounding like a pitch)

11:45 – Dennis’ third question: What makes an episode memorable?

14:20 – Final thoughts on listening, connection, and staying curious

Want to be a podcast guest worth remembering? Former Disney leader and customer experience expert Dennis Snow returns, this time asking me the questions. He brings three thoughtful and unexpected prompts for me. Together we explore what it takes to be a great podcast guest, how I prepare for conversations, and what I’ve learned from years behind the mic.

We cover the subtle art of storytelling, how to avoid sounding like a commercial, and why being prepared actually creates more space for authenticity. If you’ve ever wanted to appear on a podcast or have thought about hosting one, this episode is packed with behind-the-scenes advice that will help you show up well.

Read my blog for more on 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/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jodymaberry

 

“Don’t discount what feels obvious to you—what’s obvious to you is magic to someone else.”

Notable Moments

01:45 Dennis shares his Disney origin story and the leap into speaking

04:30 Why so many professionals undervalue their own expertise

09:10 The biggest challenges Dennis faced going out on his own

14:20 Building a speaking brand that isn’t all about hype

20:05 How Dennis books clients and continues to grow

24:30 Advice for professionals ready to step into entrepreneurship

Can your corporate career become the launchpad for something bigger?

If you’ve spent years in the trenches of corporate leadership, you’re sitting on more value than you think. My longtime friend and Disney alum Dennis Snow is a perfect example. He transformed his corporate experience into a powerful, successful speaking and consulting business.

Dennis spent over 20 years at Walt Disney World, including years teaching at the Disney Institute. Today, he’s a sought-after speaker helping businesses deliver world-class customer experiences. His journey holds incredible lessons for anyone dreaming of making the leap from employee to entrepreneur.

Whether you're eyeing the stage, building a consultancy, or just looking for clarity on what’s next, this episode will show you what’s possible when you combine deep experience with intentional action.

Connect with Dennis

https://snowassociates.com/

Order Dennis' Books

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

 

"There's good and bad to being a really nice guy, I guess. The good outweighs the bad, but sometimes when you're nice to everybody, some people can take advantage of it."

Notable Moments

00:43 Unexpected Acts of Hospitality

03:37 The Unexpected Realities of Being a Park Ranger

07:11 Transition from Agency to Company

12:03 Escape Room Adventure Highlights

Connect with Teddy Cheek

TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com

Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek

The Escape Game - theescapegame.com/

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

Teddy Cheek, a marketing wizard from The Escape Game, is back to turn the tables and ask me three questions. The things he asked really got me thinking on some of the unexpected aspects of my life and career.

Read the blog for more on the questions that highlight how moments of unexpected hospitality, the realities of being a park ranger, and the impacts of kindness have had on my life. 

 

"You don't need to be the opposite of the rest of your category just for the sake of being different."

Notable Moments

00:53 The Adventure Factory

05:10 Teamwork is Essential in Designing and Escaping Rooms

06:39 Accessible and Story-Driven Experiences

10:30 Revamping Escape Game Marketing   

14:27 Developing Virtual Games During Pandemic

19:28 Guest Feedback to Drive Decisions

20:34 Escape Room Experience Challenges

24:27 Unique Value: Exclusive Orlando Experience

Connect with Teddy Cheek

TeddyCheek.com - teddycheek.com

Teddy on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/teddycheek

The Escape Game - theescapegame.com/

 

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

During a visit to Nashville, I stepped into a world full of creativity and storytelling. The Adventure Factory of The Escape Game is where architects, engineers, scenic artists, and game designers turn ideas into interactive puzzle experiences. Teddy Cheek, the Senior Director of Marketing at The Escape Game, was my guide. Even though I knew it would be neat, the visit left me in awe. 

Teddy joins for a conversation about knowing what you really sell. For example, The Escape Game is more than challenging games. They focus on creating fun and engaging escapes accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill levels.

Read my blog for more from Teddy on the way you can turn ordinary into extraordinary.

"You absolutely have to understand why we're all here, who we're serving, what's the important role that we're serving in someone else's life, and then how we're connecting, communicating with each other."

Fresh off his second mastermind experience with us, David Hancock, founder of Morgan James Publishing, shares why he returned and how these events continue to deliver fresh insights and encouragement. We explore several key takeaways from the mastermind, including some of our favorite bits of wisdom shared by Lee Cockerell and guest speaker Chris Trout. From pushing company culture to the front line to embracing risk and testing authority, we dive into the strategies that can help you and your organization thrive. 

Read the blog for our recap of the Creating Magic Mastermind, including why everyone around the table is truly the best part of the event.

Episode Resources

Connect with David Hancock

Morgan James Publishing

Chris Trout, Donlon Consulting

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 would go to an event and the speakers are the heroes of the event. All the attendees are in the shadows. We wondered what would happen if we make the attendees the heroes."

Notable Moments

00:37 Hallway Magic at Professional Events

05:45 The Unconference Experience

09:00 Opportunities for Feedback-Driven Improvements

11:55 Relentless Pursuit of Improvement

14:24 Selling Through Known Connections

16:49 Sustainable Success Over Quick Wins

21:59 Collaborating with Spouse on Project

25:36 Unconference Connection Successes

It always seems that the best part of a conference is mingling in the hallways. Vincent Pugliese recognized the value in it so he turned the concept into a reality. The Unconference took place in Sarasota, Florida, offering an event focused on the magic of conversations without the usual distractions of keynote speakers or sponsors.

Read my blog to learn more about how he created an event where relationships can be built without the rush of typical conference schedules.

Connect with Vincent

Website - My Membership Freedom 

LinkedIn - Vincent Pugliese

Facebook - Vincent Pugliese

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 take an opportunity and it doesn't work out, you can always go back and find that next window that's going to open and you do something different."

Notable Moments

01:11 Embracing Risks and Opportunity

02:24 Mentor and Role Model Growing Up

05:13 Memorable Guest Service Excellence

09:40 Purpose of Luxury Experiences

Barry Jacobson is a seasoned expert in guest experiences. He is also now a seasoned guest of the show that is making a return to ask me three questions. His experience in creating memorable customer experiences, brought a fresh set of questions that took me down memory lane. Read my blog for more on my reflections from my past. 

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

 

"Luxury means that I'm going to have this innate ability to have intuitive service radar. It's going to allow me to understand you as an individual and to be able to ensure that your needs are met no matter who you are."

When most people hear the word luxury they think about dollar signs or exclusivity. For Barry Jacobson, luxury is about creating that absence of worry and making each interaction magical. Barry's career spans three decades in the hospitality and customer experience industry, including key roles with Disney. He joins me to explore what luxury truly means and how anyone can incorporate it into their business model.

Barry started working with Disney as a lifeguard, and worked his way to leading luxurious endeavors like Club Thirty-Three and as the General Manager at Golden Oak, Disney's first luxury residential community. He recognized the importance of blending personal touch and attention to detail to elevate ordinary experiences to extraordinary. For example, at Golden Oak, crafting personalized Thanksgiving meals with family recipes exemplified this elevated service level. Even the smallest detail is crafted for comfort and delight.

Barry knows that true luxury is in the details. That may be a thoughtfully clean restroom or a warm greeting as simple as a friendly hello. These are the markers of a business that cares deeply for its customers, regardless of scale or industry. We dug into how making customers feel special doesn’t take a big budget, just a deliberate approach. Whether it’s showing empathy at an orthopedic clinic or offering a little extra for restless children in a restaurant, it’s the human connection that leaves a lasting impression.

Barry’s insights affirm that any business, no matter if it’s a corner store or a massive resort, can offer luxury. The tools? Kindness, attention to detail, and the desire to create meaningful moments. Remember, it’s not only about lavishness; it’s making people feel valued and cared for in the simplest ways.

Connect with Barry

https://www.barryjacobsonconsulting.com/

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