Join us for an extraordinary end-of-year conversation that marks two remarkable years of "Awake in the Network" - where destiny truly happens. In this intimate episode, your hosts Billy Dexter and Melissa G Wilson welcome our behind-the-scenes genius, producer John St. Augustine (former Oprah Radio producer), into a candid conversation that began at Chicago's exclusive Clayton club on a freezing December evening.

What starts as a casual meetup in a hidden Chicago gem transforms into a profound discussion about life's invisible threads of connection, featuring John's incredible journey from a near-fatal electrocution that left him clinically dead for two minutes to discovering his true purpose. "My life's gone in a 190 - not even a 180," John reveals, sharing how brushes with death transformed his perspective on life's urgency and meaning.

Billy Dexter, known for his "Billy-isms" and wisdom about walking in and out of networks, shares why he orchestrated this in-person gathering: "With the invention of technology... there's nothing like sitting across the table from each other." His insight into authentic connection resonates throughout this special episode.

As we reflect on two years of powerful conversations and look toward 2025, this episode embodies everything our show stands for - the magic that happens when we're truly awake in our networks, the power of authentic connection, and the extraordinary stories that emerge when we slow down enough to listen.

From Brené Brown's wisdom on connection to life-altering moments that reshape our paths, this conversation weaves together the essence of what makes our human connections so powerful and mysterious. Whether you're a long-time listener or discovering us for the first time, this episode offers a perfect glimpse into why staying "awake in the network" can transform your life in unexpected ways.

Join us for this special end-of-year episode that proves when we're truly present in our networks, destiny indeed happens.

To share your own "Awake in the Network" story or connect with us, find us on LinkedIn because your story might be the next one we share.

Listen now where three paths converge to reveal the magic of staying awake in the network where destiny happens.

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/

Want to get a lot of content in the shortest amount of time? Join John as he shares three of the best shows of 2024. Enjoy a hot cup of cider, coffee, or tea and cozy up on a couch while you will to those who are "Awake in the Network!"

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/

James' professional journey began at age 20, when he took a cosmic leap, teaching British Literature at a private school in London. Homerically returning stateside, he decided he didn't want to grade papers, so he moved to LA and became a waiter instead. Back in his hometown of Chicago he applied for a gig at the Chicago Recording Company (having fudged just a bit on a resume--stating he 'worked for' the top three LA studios, when in fact he had never set foot in a recording studio).

He nearly got fired-repeatedly-but quickly rose through the ranks to become the top jazz recording engineer in the city for two decades (that would be 80s and 90). Village Voice named two albums he recorded in the 1980s among the Top 50 Jazz Albums of the Decade.

Concurrent with recording legendary Chicago jazz artists, Cogan was hired to teach audio at Columbia College Chicago. In three years, he became full time faculty in the Audio Arts Department.

A book on the legendary recording studios of America, Temples of Sound (Chronicle Books, 2003) followed. Boasting a forward by Quincy Jones, Temples became an instant classic. Fans include Paul McCartney, Alicia Keys, Paul Shaffer (Late Night With David Letterman) Kanye West, Faith Hill and many more.

In the early aughts, Cogan changed course. He became, almost by accident, a Yogi. Garnering certification and experience, he opened the doors to his very own yoga studio, The Yoga Shop, in 2012, despite having zero experience as a brick-and-mortar business owner. At the same time, he obtained his Masters' Degree in Health and Wellness from DePaul University.

Cogan is now poised to go further and higher, finally realizing his dharma. His first solo book, Rampant Douchebaggery, The Death of the American Gent, will be released Spring of 2024. Twenty-two essays fill out an incendiary book that teems with uncomfortable topics, like the pornification of America; "wokeness" (ugh); the 'Hunger Games with Emojis' culture of Online Dating; and the frightening rise of the Manosphere.

James is available for your next intriguing Podcast, Workshop or Speaking engagement.

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/