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What happens when you discover possibilities you never knew existed? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Anita Brick, who shares her remarkable journey of awakening to potential that emerged from an unexpected and unwanted setback. To create value, she transformed the pain into a better life. Her story isn't just inspiring—it's a roadmap for you to step into the potential you didn’t even know you had.

The Magic of Staying Awake

"When you're awake, you will not quake, so don't make that mistake and stay awake in the network where destiny does happen."—Melissa G Wilson

This isn't just poetry—it's the heart of what we explore together. In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Anita discovered something profound: the power of staying conscious, connected, and open to the magic that surrounds us when we dare to truly see.

Your Invitation to Transformation

This conversation will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about your own limits. Anita's insights reveal how ordinary people create extraordinary change—not through force or struggle, but through alignment with something bigger than themselves.

Whether you're:

• A thought leader ready to write the book that changes everything
• Someone seeking deeper meaning in your daily life.
• A dreamer who's forgotten how to dream.
• A changemaker ready to amplify your impact by writing a book.

This episode offers the spark you've been waiting for.

Join Our Community of Awakened Creators

Awake in the Network connects visionary authors and conscious creators who understand that their stories have the power to heal, inspire, and transform our world. We're building something beautiful here—a space where your unique voice matters and your message can reach the hearts that need it most.

Ready to share your own awakening story?

We're always seeking authors who want to create books that make the world better. Your experience, your wisdom, your journey—it all matters. The world needs what you have to offer. If you are interested in a free outline coaching session, email Melissa at https://networlding.com/contact-me/

Listen now and discover what becomes possible when you choose to stay awake in the network where destiny truly happens.

Because your story isn't just yours—it's medicine for a world that desperately needs healing.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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What happens when you combine "The Voice of America," Chicago's networking maven, and a master storyteller? Pure magic.

Welcome to "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens," through honest conversations, genuine laughter, and the kind of authentic connections that change lives.

Meet Your Hosts Who Don't Take Themselves Too Seriously

Billy Dexter – The networking wizard who's built 21 successful networks across United Airlines, Monster, MTV Networks, and Heidrick & Struggles. His superpower? Finding the commonalities that turn strangers into collaborators. Whether it's bonding over cigars at the Embassy Club or connecting theater lovers at the Goodman, Billy proves that authentic networking starts with just being yourself.

Melissa G. Wilson – The connection catalyst who turns brave leaders into confident authors. She's the one steering the ship, asking the questions that matter, and somehow managing to conduct interviews while her dog Lexie provides unscripted comedy relief. Her mission? Helping people slow down to speed up in our hyper-connected world.

John St. Augustine – Dubbed "The Voice of America" by CBS legends Charlie Osgood and Bill Curtis, John brings decades of radio wisdom and the philosophy that every moment matters. Former collaborator with Dr. Oz, bestselling author, and master of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary – he's the guy who can make 5,000 NASA scientists do whatever he wants with just hand gestures.

Why This Podcast Hits Different

Real Talk, Real People, Real Impact

• No scripts, no pretense – just three friends having conversations that matter
• Dogs barking, caramel wrappers crinkling, and all the beautiful messiness of authentic dialogue
• Stories that prove we don't look like our stories, and that's exactly the point

Networking That Actually Works

• Learn the one principle that remains constant across every successful network Billy has built
• Discover how passion and affinity create connections that last
• Understand why the least effective way to describe a human is through their politics

Life Lessons From the Trenches

• John's philosophy of "living an uncommon life" by recognizing common things differently
• Billy's approach to creating "uncommon opportunities" through authentic storytelling
• Melissa's insights on why we need to be awake in the network where destiny happens

What Listeners Are Saying

"Every time I repost their content, I get more attention than my own posts. These three have something special."

"I love their bantering – there isn't enough laughter out there, and they bring exactly what we need."

"They help people tell their stories in a way that creates unbelievable connections."

Recent Highlights You Can't Miss

The NASA Story: How John got 5,000 of the world's smartest scientists to give him a standing ovation by making them play Simon Says

The Miami Miracle: Billy's last-minute decision to blast Too Short at a coaches' conference that created one of the strongest connections of his career

The Harpo Chronicles: Behind-the-scenes stories of working with Oprah's team and why authenticity trumps everything

The Dr. Oz Years: J

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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"Negotiation is our lifestyle. Every communication, every conversation, every dialogue that we have can be viewed as a negotiation." – Adam Dolejš

Are you someone who thinks negotiation is just for boardrooms and car dealerships? Think again! In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson welcome negotiation experts Gerry (founder of The Material Source) and Adam Dolejš (certified negotiator and ethical influence coach) for a masterclass on the art and science of effective negotiation.

What You'll Learn:

• Why negotiation is part of everyday life – even newborn babies are negotiating (and they're ruthless!)
• The psychology behind win-win solutions – it's not what you think it is
• The power of silence – a tactical negotiation tool anyone can use today
• How to build trust through emotional reciprocity and active listening
• Practical strategies to overcome the three biggest obstacles to good communication

From Gerry's journey starting in Northern Ohio to becoming a negotiation expert, to Adam's remarkable story of transforming a student club with zero budget into a $150,000 company in just two years, this episode is packed with real-world insights from professionals who've mastered the art of negotiation across cultures and industries.

Whether you're negotiating a major business deal, your salary, or simply trying to decide where to have dinner tonight, the wisdom shared in this episode will transform how you approach every conversation.

Key Takeaway:

"Slow down, stop talking, start listening, And if you want great deals and great relationships, you need to make other people on the other side heroes."

Brought to you by NetWorlding Publishing, books and more that make the world better. Follow the "Awake in the Network" podcast, where destiny happens.

Connect with Gerry and Adam on LinkedIn to learn more about their upcoming book "Negotiators on Negotiating."

Reach out to Adam at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dolejsadam/
Reach out to Gerry at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerry-parran-mba-b51720176/

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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"You are who Google says you are." - Anouk Pappers

In a world where first impressions increasingly happen online, understanding how to craft your personal brand has never been more crucial. On this episode of the "Awake in the Network" podcast, we welcome brand anthropologist and online presence architect Anouk Pappers, who shared her fascinating journey and powerful insights on personal branding.

Who is Anouk Pappers?

Born and raised in Amsterdam, Anouk's innate curiosity about different cultures led her to study anthropology. Since 2002, she has combined her anthropological background with branding expertise as CEO of Signitt and founder of CoolBrands People

Her career has taken her from Amsterdam to the south of France, Dubai, Brazil, New York, and now Miami—each move orchestrated through meaningful network connections that exemplify the podcast's theme of "destiny moments" happening through network awareness.

Around the World in 80 Brands

Anouk's passion for storytelling and cultural understanding led her to create "Around the World in 80 Brands," a storytelling expedition on which she traveled globally and interviewed over 900 CEOs and CMOs. These experiences shaped her understanding of what she calls "lifestyle nations"—communities of like-minded individuals who share values regardless of geographical location.

The Power of Future-Focused Branding

What sets Anouk's approach apart is her emphasis on future-focused personal branding. Rather than dwelling on past accomplishments, she encourages executives to articulate where they want to go clearly:

"The most important thing is always to have an idea of what your next goal is. It's about being future-focused... Most people talk about where they lived, what they did, where they worked, where they studied... but I think we should talk about where we want to go."

This forward-looking approach creates opportunities for meaningful connections, as others can help you reach your goals when they understand your direction.

Building Your Online Presence

In today's digital world, Anouk emphasizes that "you are who Google says you are." She shared three revealing questions she asks audiences:

1. Did you Google yourself lately? (Only about 1/3 of people do)
2. Do you Google others? (Almost everyone does)
3. What does this disconnect mean for your personal brand?

Anouk's work helps executives bridge this gap by developing online presences that authentically represent who they are and where they're headed. This isn't just about social media—it's about creating a cohesive narrative across all digital touchpoints that supports your goals.

The Red Brand

One delightful insight into Anouk's branding strategy is her deliberate use of the color red. Years ago, she found herself in a room full of grey and blue suits, so she chose red as her signature color to stand out. Today, it's become her "smashable brand"—a visual element so distinctive that even a small piece of it is immediately recognizable as hers.

Connect with Anouk

Ready to build your own powerful personal brand? Connect with Anouk Pappers on LinkedIn or visit AnoukPappers.com to learn more about her work with Signitt Personal Branding.

Listen to the full episode of this podcast featuring Anouk Pappers

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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From the projects of Cabrini Green to becoming the first Black woman to lead the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Kim Foxx's extraordinary journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and authenticity.

JOIN HOSTS BILLY DEXTER AND MELISSA G. WILSON AS THEY EXPLORE:

• How growing up in Chicago's Cabrini Green shaped Kim's identity and fueled her determination
• The profound impact of meeting her first lawyer—a moment that changed the trajectory of her life
• Her groundbreaking achievements in criminal justice reform, including over 250 overturned wrongful convictions
• The challenges of navigating high-profile cases and media scrutiny while staying true to her values
• Kim's current journey embracing what she calls "the privilege of whimsy"—discovering dreams and possibilities beyond survival

"I firmly believe now in life that everything happens for you, not to you." - Kim Foxx

This robust conversation goes far beyond headlines to reveal how authentic connections can transform lives and communities. Kim's eloquent storytelling and Billy's shared understanding of overcoming incredible odds create a compelling dialogue about representation, possibility, and the power of seeing yourself in unexpected places.

Listen now to discover how someone from the margins can rise to create meaningful change while never forgetting where they came from.

Brought to you by NetWorlding Publishing: Books and more that make the world better.

"Until next time, everybody stay awake in the network where destiny really does happen."

Share your unique Awake-in-the-Network experience—you might be our next guest!

#AwakeInTheNetwork #KimFoxx #PrivilegeOfWhimsy #WhereDestinyHappens

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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Join us as we interview Michelle Rathman. Michelle founded Impact! Communications, Inc., in 1989. For over 30 years, Impact! has provided a broad range of strategic advisory, decision support, communications, and creative solutions to healthcare organizations, including urban and rural hospitals, health clinics, and community health centers.

Michelle and her team bring experience and expertise that has helped several rural hospitals gain public support to invest millions into much-needed facility improvements while designing and implementing patient and staff recruitment and retention programs. Beyond bricks and mortar, Impact! is focused on helping rural hospitals and health organizations reverse their outmigration, increase utilization of local care, and position rural hospitals and health systems to thrive through effective community engagement and partnerships.

Michelle is also a long-standing member of the National Rural Health Association, including serving on its Policy Congress, and has worked with the National Rural Health Resource Center, National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network, and for eight years, worked with the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health to help transform National Rural Health Day from a moment to a movement.

Finally, Michelle is also a passionate podcaster, launching The Rural Impact in 2023 - where she works to connect the dots between policy and rural everything.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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Steve P. Reese is a trailblazer on a mission to transform how we approach health and success—one night’s sleep at a time.

With nearly three decades in sports technology, personal battles with sleep challenges, experiencing domestic violence as a child, and groundbreaking work with the Phoenix Suns, Steve brings a unique blend of humor, data, and heartfelt storytelling to the table.

He highlights alarming statistics on sleep deprivation—from increased cancer risks to metabolic disturbances—while championing studies that reveal how quality sleep fuels better decisions, healthier lives, and even weight loss. As he leads a cultural revolution in organizational wellness, Steve invites us to reimagine our nights as the key to unlocking our full potential.

In his own words, "Imagine a world where every night’s sleep unlocks a new level of potential—a world where champions aren’t just defined by their performance on the court but by the simple choices they make in their personal lives. While at the Phoenix Suns, I lead a revolution in organizational culture, championing health, wellness, and mental fitness. During this podcast, I would like to explore how sleep science is transforming our health and the very culture of success."

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/

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In this enlightening episode of "Awake in the Network," hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G. Wilson sit down with healthcare innovator and author Robert Slayton to explore the intersection of healthcare reform and human wellness. From his early days in rural Ohio, learning the value of community to becoming a leading voice in healthcare supply chain management, Slayton shares how he's helping companies reclaim trapped profits while creating healthier, happier workplaces for employees.

The conversation takes a powerful turn as he opens up about his journey into men's mental health advocacy, sparked by personal challenges that led to creating resources for men seeking emotional support. Slayton, author of "Next Generation Healthcare" and "33 Ways Not to Screw Up Health Insurance," offers practical insights on navigating healthcare costs, advocating for yourself at doctor's appointments, and the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. This episode masterfully weaves healthcare innovation, personal growth, and the vital importance of building supportive communities, concluding with a heartfelt call to prioritize genuine human connection over digital interactions.

Connect with Billy @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/billydexter/
Connect with Melissa @ - https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissagwilson/
Connect with John @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-st-augustine-1b3192/