Join host John Dodds at Café W.O.W. for an in-depth conversation with Ty Hildenbrandt, co-founder and voice of The Solid Verbal Podcast, the nation’s top independent college football podcast.

From climbing the corporate ladder at Fortune 500 giant Air Products to boldly ditching stability for his passion, Ty’s journey is a masterclass in chasing dreams without burning out.

Discover how this Penn State grad, once a backyard sports commentator, turned a quirky hobby into a podcasting powerhouse—syndicated on SiriusXM, showcased at South by Southwest, and downloaded millions of times.

Unearth the secrets behind Solid Verbal’s rise, from its 2008 debut to navigating the chaos of COVID-19, and why Ty waited 13 years to go all-in.

Packed with actionable insights, Ty shares three game-changing tips for aspiring podcasters: ignite your passion with a topic you love, set realistic goals to fuel steady growth, and prioritize your audience to build a thriving community.

Whether you’re a college football fanatic, a podcasting newbie, or curious about balancing corporate life with creative pursuits, this episode delivers humor, wisdom, and inspiration.

Sip an Old Fashioned with us and learn how Ty’s corporate exit led to podcast triumph—plus, peek into the future of podcasting in an AI-driven world.

If you’ve enjoyed your front-row seat at Café WOW with Ty and me, John Dodds, please show some love. Click the SUPPORT and FOLLOW buttons on your favorite podcast platform. Your support secures your spot for future episodes and keeps Café WOW thriving.

Do you have thoughts on the show? I’d love to hear them. Email me at [email protected]. Thank you for joining us, and let’s keep the conversation brewing!