Episodes

  • #17: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions

    #17: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions
    Apr 28 2025
    Most people try to make their marketing polished, clever, or inspirational. But in the end, clarity beats creativity every time. In fact, some of the most “annoying” ads in history made hundreds of millions of dollars simply because they were impossible to ignore. They weren’t beautiful, they weren’t clever, but they were unforgettable. So why do so many businesses avoid this approach? Because we assume our customers want sophistication, when what they really need is a message that’s crystal clear and easy to remember. If your ad gets ignored, it doesn’t matter how gorgeous it is.

    In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed discuss the genius behind annoying marketing campaigns like HeadOn, Chia Pet, and the George Foreman Grill. You’ll learn why these seemingly ridiculous ads worked, how they used repetition and simplicity to dominate attention, and what you can take away to sharpen your own message. Tune in to learn how to make your marketing stick no matter how simple (or obnoxious) it may seem.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
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    30 mins
  • #16: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign

    #16: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign
    Apr 21 2025
    If your marketing isn’t working, it’s probably because you’re not talking about the right problem. Most businesses struggle to identify the most compelling issue their customer is trying to solve. They either talk about too many things or pick a problem that’s too vague. When that happens, customers stop listening. But when you finally address the problem that makes your customers say “yep, that’s me!”, sales start to climb. That's what Airbnb just nailed with their new messaging campaign. So, how do you figure out the exact problem your business solves in a way that drives real results?

    In this episode, Don and Kyle break down Airbnb’s latest messaging campaign and why it hits the mark so effectively. They unpack the brilliance behind how Airbnb redefined the problem it solves and how you can apply the same strategy to your own business. You’ll learn a simple way to clarify the problem your customer actually cares about and how to build an effective messaging campaign around it. Listen in for strategic tips on how to get sharper messaging and more customer engagement.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazonor wherever you buy books!
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    40 mins
  • #15: Morning Routines—The NEW Way To Create A Morning Routine In 2025

    #15: Morning Routines—The NEW Way To Create A Morning Routine In 2025
    Apr 14 2025

    If you followed every piece of advice out there about your ideal morning routine, you'd probably spend eight hours every day doing mindfulness excercises and supplements and journaling and workouts and cold plunges and more. But morning routines can be both easy AND effective if you identify the right mission for your life.

    In this episode, Kyle Reed and Donald Miller break down a new way to approach your morning routine—one that actually fits the demands of 2025. Whether you’re a high-performing entrepreneur, a working parent, or just trying to get your act together before 9am, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, unexpected insights, and a fresh mindset shift. You’ll learn:

    • Why most morning routines fail (and what to do instead)

    • How to reverse-engineer your day for better mornings

    • The role of intention, simplicity, and rhythm in a sustainable routine

    • What Kyle and Don are doing differently this year—and why it’s working

    If you’ve struggled with consistency, motivation, or just hate mornings altogether, this episode will help you build a routine that serves your real life—not some influencer’s highlight reel.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

    If you're tired of feeling unproductive and unmotivated, get clarity on your life goals and supercharge your productivity by visiting HeroOnAMission.com for your free planner!
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    34 mins
  • #14: Simplicity—Why a “Less Is More” Approach Can Make Anything More Effective

    #14: Simplicity—Why a “Less Is More” Approach Can Make Anything More Effective
    Apr 7 2025
    Most businesses, brands, and even thought leaders make the same mistake: they overcomplicate things. The more complex something is, the harder it is for people to understand—and if they don’t understand, they don’t engage. Whether you’re trying to grow a business, capture attention, or lead a movement, clarity is your greatest asset. That’s why we’re shaking things up this week with a very special recap episode! We’re revisiting some of the most valuable insights from past episodes—all centered around one powerful theme: simplicity. Don and Kyle explore how frameworks, storytelling, and clear communication can help you find clarity, make better decisions, and connect to more people. Tune in to discover why the most successful brands, leaders, and ideas all follow one golden rule: keep it simple.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
    Show more Show less
    33 mins
  • #13: Marriage—The Truth About What Makes Love Work Long-Term (ft. Johnnyswim)

    #13: Marriage—The Truth About What Makes Love Work Long-Term (ft. Johnnyswim)
    Mar 31 2025
    Relationships can be beautiful, but they’re also complicated. From the outside, it’s easy to assume great marriages happen by luck or chemistry. But the reality? Every relationship faces storms—health challenges, career stress, personal struggles—and most couples aren’t equipped to weather them. Without the right mindset and tools, it’s easy to drift apart or fall into survival mode. So how do couples not just stay together, but grow closer—even through the hardest seasons of life? In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle sit down with musical duo Johnnyswim (Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano) to unpack what makes their marriage work. From tour bus living to health challenges and creative careers, Abner and Amanda share how they’ve stayed united—and transformed—through it all. Tune in to hear their honest take on commitment, communication, and the real purpose of marriage.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
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    23 mins
  • #12: Nostalgia—The Hidden Force That Makes Brands Feel Iconic

    #12: Nostalgia—The Hidden Force That Makes Brands Feel Iconic
    Mar 24 2025
    Nostalgia is a powerful force. You hear an old song or catch a familiar scent, and instantly, you’re transported back in time. But our brains don’t just remember the past, they rewrite it. We filter out the stress, the boredom, the everyday struggles, and what we’re left with is a version of the past that feels safer, simpler, and better than it really was. So why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? And how does it shape the way we think, feel, and buy? This week, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the psychology of nostalgia and why it’s one of the most effective tools in marketing, storytelling, and even leadership. They reveal how businesses tap into nostalgia to create emotional connections with customers and how you can use it to strengthen your brand—or simply make more meaningful memories in your own life. Tune in to learn how nostalgia works, why we crave it, and how to use it to your advantage.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazonor wherever you buy books!
    Show more Show less
    40 mins
  • #11: Starbucks—The Brand that Changed How the World Drinks Coffee

    #11: Starbucks—The Brand that Changed How the World Drinks Coffee
    Mar 17 2025

    If someone told you in the ’90s that people would happily pay $5 for a cup of coffee, you probably would’ve laughed. Before Starbucks, coffee was just… coffee. It wasn’t an experience, a ritual, or a “third place” between home and work. So how did one company transform a simple commodity into a global phenomenon? The rise of Starbucks wasn’t just about caffeine—it was about community, habit-building, and a relentless pursuit of consistency.

    In this episode, hosts Don and Kyle dive into the fascinating story of Starbucks, breaking down how a small Seattle coffee shop grew into a 35,000-location empire. They explore the visionary leadership of Howard Schultz, the brand’s impact on American culture, and how Starbucks managed to make coffee both an addiction and an experience. Plus, they debate whether Starbucks is still as great as it once was—or if its best days are behind it. Listen in for a deep dive into what made Starbucks work.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
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    34 mins
  • #10: Reality TV—Why We're Obsessed with Chaos (And What It's Actually Doing to Our Brains!)

    #10: Reality TV—Why We're Obsessed with Chaos (And What It's Actually Doing to Our Brains!)
    Mar 10 2025

    Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually doing to our brains?

    In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why reality TV works—and why we can’t look away. They explore the psychology behind our obsession with drama, the tricks producers use to keep us engaged, and how reality TV has shaped everything from social media to politics. Plus, they reveal the surprising ways it’s rewiring our attention spans and expectations of real life. Tune in for a revealing look at the power (and the price) of reality TV.

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    Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

    Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
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