
John DeDakis: The Story Behind the Storyteller
From Your Next Success by Caroline Sangal, PhD, SHRM-CP
April 28, 2026 · 1h 16m · Season 1 · Episode 66
About this episode
John DeDakis shares his life story, reflecting on his experiences in media, family, and personal challenges.
Send us Fan Mail John DeDakis told other people's stories for 45 years. In this episode, he tells his own. It begins with a curious kid in La Crosse, Wisconsin who knocks on a radio station door during a bike ride and discovers something that will shape his entire life. It winds through the Vietnam era, the White House, 25 years at CNN, a 48+ year marriage, three children, profound loss, and a creative life that kept expanding even through the hardest seasons. John is a man with integrity and...
People in this episode
Host: Caroline Sangal, PhD, SHRM-CP
Guest: John DeDakis
Topics covered
- storytelling
- personal journey
- media career
- loss and resilience
- family life
Keywords
- John DeDakis
- storytelling
- CNN
- Vietnam era
- personal journey
- media career
- loss
- resilience
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: CNN
Places: La Crosse, Wisconsin
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