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The Extraordinary Baseball Story That Reveals the Hidden Power of Trust

Picture this: A man in England finds a 1970s Chicago White Sox jacket on eBay. Through careful detective work, he realizes it belonged to former player Eric Soderholm. But here's where the story gets remarkable—instead of trying to profit from his discovery, he flies from England to Chicago for one purpose: to return the jacket to its rightful owner.

No strings attached. No payment expected. Just one human being going to extraordinary lengths to do the right thing for another.

This is what trust in action looks like.

The Trust That Changes Everything

On this week's episode of "Awake in the Network," host John St. Augustine shares this incredible story—and it perfectly illustrates why trust isn't just nice to have in your network. It's everything.

As John discovered through decades in media and business, "Trust is the fundamental piece that keeps you awake in the network. Where destiny happens."

The Hidden Truth About Your Network

Most people think networking is about collecting contacts. They're wrong.

Real networking, what we call Networlding, is built on a foundation so powerful that it can collapse entire marketing cycles, create opportunities out of thin air, and connect you with people who will transform your life.

That foundation is trust.

Why Trust Matters More Than You Think

Consider this: Every time you drive, you're trusting that the person coming toward you—separated only by a thin line of paint—knows what they're doing. You do this automatically, without thinking.

Yet in business and relationships, we often forget the incredible power that trust holds to keep people together.

The Three Types of People in Your Network

Research reveals a startling truth: When surveyed on busy Chicago streets, people reported having far more "Takers" than "Givers" in their networks. But here's what's different about the most successful connectors: they've learned to become "Exchangers."

Exchangers don't just give or take. They build mutually beneficial relationships that generate transformational opportunities for all parties involved.

The Moment Everything Changed

John shares a deeply personal story about when he voluntarily ended his radio show at the height of his career to care for his daughter. In the depths of depression that followed, something remarkable happened: trusted people in his network, like Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson, and Bob Green, reached out to him.

One conversation changed everything. Cheryl Richardson told him, "The problem is you confused what you do with who you are."

The magic happens when you trust the process, even when you can't see where it's leading.

Your Network is Your Net Worth—But Not How You Think

The real value isn't in the number of connections you have; it's in the quality of those connections. It's in the quality of those connections. It's in the depth of trust you've built with people who know you, like you, and are personally invested in seeing you succeed. And when trust becomes the foundation of your network, extraordinary things become ordinary.

The question isn't whether you can afford

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From "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens" - Part 2: The Deep Psychology of Human Connection

Beyond the Basics: Why Master Networkers Are Artists, Not Algorithms

While Part 1 explored the fundamental human elements AI cannot replicate, Part 2 reveals the sophisticated psychological and emotional intelligence that separates networking novices from networking masters. These are the advanced human skills that turn connection into an art form—capabilities so nuanced and intuitive that they represent the pinnacle of human social intelligence.

The Intuitive Art of People Reading

Master networkers like Billy Dexter possess an almost supernatural ability to read people's true intentions and potential. "I'm listening for ways that I could be helpful. And I'm trying to get a sense of their spirit of wanting to be reciprocal," Billy explains. "It's sometimes really clear when people are coming at you and they're very transactional."

The Master's Touch: This goes far beyond surface-level conversation. It's the ability to:

• Detect authentic reciprocal intent versus transactional mindset
• Since someone's capacity for long-term relationship building
• Read micro-expressions and vocal tonalities that reveal true character
• Intuitively assess whether someone will "run the route" (follow through on commitments)

What AI Misses: Algorithms can analyze text patterns and keywords, but cannot sense the subtle energy shifts, the hesitation in someone's voice, or the difference between genuine enthusiasm and performative interest.

The Strategic Patience of Master Connectors

When someone approaches Billy with immediate requests, his response demonstrates masterful emotional intelligence: "I actually go into that mode and take the conversation off of what they're actually looking for and start asking questions about them... But I'm always going to come back to that, but I want to establish a rapport first."

The Master's Touch: This is psychological aikido—redirecting energy without offending. Master networkers:

• Slow down rushed conversations to build a proper foundation
• Create comfort zones that encourage authentic sharing
• Use strategic questioning to shift from transaction to relationship
• Know when to come back to the original requests after rapport is established

What AI Misses: The emotional intelligence to recognize when someone needs to be slowed down, the social grace to redirect without offending, and the intuitive timing of when to return to business matters.

The Sophisticated Art of Partnership Vetting

John's approach to vetting potential book collaborators reveals master-level discernment: "I set up hoops to jump through quite frankly because if you're not in for the long haul, then I need to know that... Do you have what it takes to run the race?"

Billy's "run the route" philosophy demonstrates similar mastery: "If a person can't run a route... by the time he turns into his break, the ball is right there. So there's ultimate trust in communication."

The Master's Touch: Advanced vetting includes:

• Creating meaningful tests that reveal character under pressure
• Assessing commitment levels through behavioral observation, not just words
• Recognizing the difference between

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From "Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens" - A Masterclass in Human-Centered Connection

The Heart-Centered Advantage: What AI Will Never Understand

In a world increasingly dominated by digital connections and automated outreach, the most successful networkers understand a fundamental truth: authentic relationships are built on deeply human elements that no algorithm can replicate.

The Art of Authentic Curiosity

Real networking isn't about collecting contacts—it's about genuine human curiosity. As Billy Dexter shares, "I stumbled into this philosophy because I was really uncomfortable asking people for help... I was a lot more comfortable with helping people and listening to them and trying to see how I can be helpful."

The Human Factor: AI can generate questions, but it cannot feel genuine curiosity about another person's journey, struggles, or dreams. The subtle art of asking the right question at the right moment—and truly caring about the answer—remains uniquely human.

The Slow-Down-to-Speed-Up Philosophy

When someone approaches Billy with immediate requests, his response is telling: "I don't even know you, so why would I connect? Let's talk a little bit first." This patience, this willingness to invest time in understanding, creates the foundation for lasting partnerships.

The Human Factor: Algorithms optimize for speed and efficiency. Humans optimize for depth and meaning. The ability to recognize when to slow down, when to listen longer, and when relationships need more nurturing cannot be programmed.

Intuitive Connection-Making

Billy's friend Orlando Ashford exemplifies this perfectly: "He will just connect me with people, give very little explanation on a connection. And then he knows that I'm going to find what that connection is." This requires an intuitive understanding of people that goes beyond data points.

The Human Factor: True networking requires reading between the lines, sensing potential synergies, and making connections based on gut feelings and emotional intelligence—capabilities that remain beyond artificial intelligence.

The Nurturing Process: Relationships as Living Things

The podcast beautifully illustrates this with Billy's plant metaphor: "Just like if you bought a beautiful plant. The plant is beautiful, but you've got to water it. You've got to tend to it. You've got to pick off the dead leaves."

The Human Factor: Relationships require emotional labor, empathy, and the ability to sense when someone needs support. This includes:

• Remembering personal details that matter
• Offering help without being asked
• Celebrating others' successes genuinely
• Providing comfort during difficult times

The Power of Vulnerable Authenticity

John's reflection on his broadcasting journey reveals a profound truth: "The more I tried to steer it, and the more I tried to get in the way of it, the less happened. And the more I got out of the way..." This vulnerability and authenticity cannot be manufactured.

The Human Factor: People connect with real stories, genuine struggles, and authentic journeys. The ability to be vulnerable, to share failures alongside successes, and to connect on an emotional level remains distinctly human.

Emotional Intelli

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The Art of Connection: Key Insights from Melissa G. Wilson, along with Podcast Producer and Regular Co-Host of Awake in the Network, go "Book Riffing."

In a dynamic episode of "Awake in the Network," Melissa G. Wilson and radio veteran and podcast producer, John St. Augustine, engaged in what Melissa calls "book riffing:" the practice of bringing written insights back to life through authentic conversation. Their wide-ranging discussion revealed profound truths about connection, authenticity, and the power of voice in an increasingly disconnected world.

The Revolutionary Concept of Connection Hubs

Wilson highlighted one of co-host Billy Dexter's most innovative networking strategies: the creation of 21 structured "Connection Hubs." Unlike traditional ad hoc networking – those last-minute decisions to attend after-work events – Dexter has systematically built ongoing environments for meaningful relationship building through committees, meetup groups, and social organizations. This structured approach, Wilson noted, creates the continuity necessary for trust to develop, which is the foundation of all successful networking.

Addressing the Modern Connection Crisis

Despite being more technologically connected than any previous generation, both speakers agreed that society faces a genuine "connection crisis." Wilson shared a telling anecdote about a senior partner at an accounting firm who, after participating in one of her networking exercises, asked in amazement: "How did you really get us connecting to each other today?" This moment crystallized a troubling reality – even successful professionals at the highest levels often lack basic connection skills.

The Authenticity Imperative

John emphasized that authenticity serves as the "superpower" in all meaningful relationships, whether in networking, podcasting, or book writing. He refuses to work with authors or podcast guests who present themselves as having "all the answers," recognizing that genuine connection requires vulnerability and the admission that "everybody's got problems, everybody's had problems, everybody will have problems."

The Enduring Power of Voice

Drawing from his extensive radio background, including work with Oprah Radio and CBS, John made a compelling case for audio's unique ability to create lasting connections. He illustrated this with a simple example: people know every word to Tom Petty's "I Won't Back Down" despite never seeing him perform it on television. "The human voice is the organ of the soul," he quoted Longfellow, arguing that voice creates connections that transcend visual distractions.

Quality Over Quantity in Networking

Wilson introduced her concept of "the power of 10" – the idea that meaningful networking isn't about collecting hundreds of contacts, but about cultivating deep relationships with ten or fewer people who can genuinely help and be helped. This philosophy runs counter to the common misconception that successful networking requires vast networks.

The Author's Journey to Authentic Connection

Both speakers have increasingly focused their work on authors, recognizing that successful writers must embrace vulnerability and transparency. Wilson, who has helped over 170 thought leaders, noted that authors naturally understand the importance of connection because thei

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Picture this: You're 19, your girlfriend just transferred to Colorado, your parents just moved to a new town, and you're completely lost. Then your dad bumps into an old college buddy at a Chicago bar, and suddenly you're living in a basement on Dearborn Street, serving drinks to a crowd that's about to teach you everything college never could.

That's exactly what happened to Peter Tiernan. And 40 years later, he finally wrote it down.

Why This Episode Is Different

Billy and Melissa don't just interview Peter. They dig into the meat of what it means to turn your life into art. How do you take something deeply personal and make it universal? How do you capture the voice of who you were decades ago? And why do some stories demand to be told, even when you've been avoiding them for half your life?

The conversation bounces from Ray Bradbury to Hemingway, from the brutal reality of book marketing to the simple truth that "it's always about the people." But at its heart, this is about connections—the ones we make, the ones we lose, and the ones that change everything.

What You'll Hear

• Why Peter waited 40 years to write about the most important summer of his life
• The real story behind working at one of Chicago's most legendary bars
• How self-publishing freed him from chasing the "great American novel"
• The difference between being a writer and being an author (spoiler: it matters)
• Why networking isn't marketing, It's humanity

For Anyone Who's Ever...

• Wondered what happened to the people who shaped you
• Felt like their story was too small or too messy to matter
• Struggled with turning their experiences into words
• Missed the Chicago that used to be (or wishes they'd been there)
• Believed that the best stories come from the most unexpected places

The Bottom Line

This isn't your typical author interview. It's about four people who understand that books are more than just products. They're connections between writer and reader, between past and present, between who we were and who we have become.

Peter's book Once in Chicago is available on Amazon and at your local bookstore through Ingram Spark. But honestly? Listen to this episode first. You'll understand why some stories refuse to stay buried, and why the messiest chapters of our lives often make the best books.

Because sometimes the most important question isn't "What happened?" It's "Why did it take so long to tell?"

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Warning: May cause intense nostalgia for a Chicago you may have never even experienced.

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Meet Nichole Barnes-Marshall: The Leader Who Turned Networking Into an Art Form

What happens when a political science major becomes one of America's most respected DEI executives? You get a masterclass in authentic relationship building that spans 30 years, 20,000+ vinyl records, and countless lives transformed.

This Episode Will Change How You Think About:

🌟 Building Networks from Scratch

Watch Nichole reveal how she rebuilt her entire professional network after moving from Chicago to Columbus—and the intentional strategies that made it work.

🎯 Turning Passion Into Professional Power

Discover how Nichole's love for house music became a metaphor for inclusive leadership and authentic connection.

💼 Leveraging Your Unique Background

Learn why Nichole credits her political science degree and childhood experiences with foster siblings as the secret weapons in her corporate success.

🚀 Creating Opportunities for Others

Hear the inspiring story of how Nichole consistently filled "hard-to-fill" tech positions by building trust and sharing opportunities across diverse communities.

The Moments That Will Stay With You:

"I was raised with more than 20 different children through foster care... I have all the trappings of experiences of having siblings, but also some of the experiences of being an only child."

"You're not only dating me, you're dating house music. It's a package deal."

"The narrative has been dominated by people with opinions, not necessarily the facts or the lived experience of actually leading this work and being successful at it."

Behind the Scenes Magic:

🤝 The Network That Started It All

Hear the incredible story of how hosts Billy Dexter and Nichole's paths crossed 30 years ago in the Chicago Association of Minority Recruiters—and how Billy's leadership team included his future wife!

📚 The Book Connection

Nichole is working on "Beyond the Backlash"—a groundbreaking book about building bridges in our divided world, with each chapter tied to the history of house music.

🎵 The House Music Love Story

From 20,000+ records to a pharmaceutical executive husband who became a DJ, discover how music became the soundtrack to Nichole's approach to inclusive leadership.

Why This Episode Matters Now:

In today's polarized world, Nichole offers a masterclass in:

• Building authentic relationships across differences
• Leading with both heart and strategy
• Turning challenges into opportunities for growth
• Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive

Perfect For:

✅ Corporate Leaders navigating cultural change
✅ Career Changers building networks in new cities
✅ Anyone who believes in the power of genuine connection
✅ Music Lovers who understand community and culture

What You'll Walk Away With:

🔑 Concrete strategies for network building as an adult
🔑 Insights on leveraging your unique background
🔑 Inspiration from a leader who's created real change
🔑 Understanding of how inclusive leadership actually works
🔑 A new perspective on turning passion into professional power

"I can have a conversation with

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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.

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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

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