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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/