CAFE W.O.W. - Unearthing uniqueness in business, music, writing & more

#7 Unearthing the Hitmaker: Rick Blaskey on Discovering Whitney Houston, Creating Global Anthems, and the Power of Music

Ever wondered what it's really like to spot a teenage Whitney Houston singing in a tiny New York supper club and help turn her into a global superstar? Or how one song can bring an entire country together — even if it took a whole lot of near-misses and pure luck to get there? Join me,John Dodds, chatting with Rick Blaskey — the music insider behind some of the biggest crossover moments of the past few decades. Rick shares how he launched artists like Russell Watson and violin sensation David Garrett, worked with legends like Barry Manilow and Andrea Bocelli, and created massive anthems that defined events and generations. He opens up about the old music business versus an algorithm-driven world, why great melodies and hooks still matter, and his deep passion for using music to heal and bring communities together. Plus, he opens up about his lifelong passion for Sheffield Wednesday and why fighting for your local club (and community) still matters. He is funny, honest, and full of real behind-the-scenes tales. If you love music stories, underdog journeys, or just a good yarn about how hits (and careers) actually get made I guarantee you will love this episode. If you've enjoyed my conversation in Café W.O.W. with Rick Blaskey, please click 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? I would love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com [johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com]. Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who is found at http://www.Jon1st.Co.uk [http://www.jon1st.co.uk/] Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing! Cafe W.O.W. Podcast [https://www.cafewowpodcast.com]

#6 Unearthing B2B Wisdom: Paul & Nick Hague's Journey from Northern Streets to a Global Research Empire.

Join me, John Dodds, in Café W.O.W. for a heartfelt chat with market research pioneers Paul and Nick Hague. From humble beginnings and poignant stories of growing up in Bradford and Manchester in the north of England, to building the world's largest B2B research agency, Paul and Nick team share real stories of hustle, family dynamics in business, and timeless lessons on customer experience. Dive into how AI is reshaping research (and why the human touch still wins), who really owns your brand, and why CEOs should rethink radical overhauls. This conversation is perfect for marketers, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in turning data into smarter decisions. Listen for the richness of their story, combined with valuable tips on starting your own business and conducting effective market research. If you've enjoyed the conversation at Café W.O.W. with Paul and Nick Hague, please click 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? I would love to hear them. Drop me a line at johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com [johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com]. Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who is found at http://www.Jon1st.Co.uk [http://www.jon1st.co.uk/] Thank you for joining us, and let's keep the conversation brewing! Paul Hague's B2B Frameworks website: https://www.b2bframeworks.com Nick Hague's World's Greatest Business Thinkers Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@WGBTPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@WGBTPodcast] https://open.spotify.com/show/01G6Y9WnHvykntGhzFxk69 [https://open.spotify.com/show/01G6Y9WnHvykntGhzFxk69] and all major podcast platforms Keywords: B2B market research, father-son business success, B2B research trends, 2026 AI in market research, B2B customer experience, synthetic data market research, human touch in CX, brand ownership, B2B marketing strategies.

#5 Unearthing the Intangible: Dr. James Gregory: Brand measurement authority, and author on Measuring Brands, Risk, and Reinvention

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 agency, a career and a lasting relationship.. James describes how CEOs begged for proof that branding actually works, including the day Jack Welch forced the industry to grow up. James maps his transformation from a life of measurement to one of fiction writing. Full of Sharp End tips on personal branding, risk-taking, storytelling, and why "do it now" might be the best business advice ever given. A great listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, writers, and anyone wondering how to turn a hunch into a legacy. Keywords: corporate branding, personal brand, brand measurement, Core Brand Index, James Gregory, branding ROI, storytelling, risk-taking, entrepreneurship, fiction writing, AI in storytelling Dr James Gregory's website - www.jamesrgregory-books.com [https://www.jamesrgregory-books.com] Original theme music created by world champion turntablist Jon Furst, who can be found at http://Www.Jon1st.Co.uk [http://www.jon1st.co.uk/] Comments and suggestions please email me: johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com [johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com]

#4 Unearthing The Art Of Performance with Jason King Jones, Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival

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 johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com. 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 [http://www.jon1st.co.uk/]

#3 Unearthing the Art of Words with John Simmons - master storyteller, and brand strategist

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 johndodds@cafewowpodcast.com. 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 [http://www.jon1st.co.uk/]