***

To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→

PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→

PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

In this episode, I set the record straight for what actually works to drive results as a keynote speaker, so you can focus on the right things, in the right order, for the right results.

This is Part 2, to be paired with my last episode, "The last great advantage."

To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→

PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→

PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

We're good at describing our talks. We're bad at describing why they'd BOOK US TO SPEAK.

But isn't that the point?

In this short episode, you'll learn how to re-think your pitches and write better session descriptions to pitch event planners. It'll also be useful for pitching podcast hosts, editors, and any gatekeeper who might platform you.

To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→

PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Subscribe to my newsletter→

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

*Cracks knuckles.* 

Let us begin.

Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→

Subscribe to my newsletter→

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

As mentioned, there are just a few spaces left in the next cohort of my public speaking accelerator. Grab yours here:

Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Watch the full video of this episode→

Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→

In this episode, hear Brian Piper deliver his brand new signature story as a reliable opener of his brand new signature talk that we developed in the cohort. He used this material to get 3 brand new client leads from his first attempt.

Brian is a marketing consultant and an author who works with people in higher ed. He helps them embrace AI and become more analytical and data led. But for years, he struggled with developing a SIGNATURE speech, instead building new talks every talk. He also struggled to draw from a major source of ideas and identity and stories in his life, refusing to put that material on stage -- a problem we navigated in the cohort to finally crack the code on a stronger opening story for him.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

I take a closer look at the process most speakers miss, not because they haven't had any success selling their offerings, but precisely because they have. Speaking works in the opposite way to almost everything else. It's an inverted commercial model. We need to embrace this fact and invest our time, energy, and budget accordingly, if we want to book more and better stages, charge or raise our speaker fees, and develop a sustainable pipeline of keynotes and speaking engagements.

There's a paradox at the center of what it takes to do this well. Get ready to reverse your process!

Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→

Get the full transcript and visual model from this episode→

Get my best resources for keynote speakers→

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Few speakers and storytellers have achieved that level of internalized, authentic performance like Scott Stratten (LinkedIn).

Scott is a Hall of Fame public speaker and the founder of UnMarketing. He believes we can build a better business world based on integrity, community, and authenticity. Together with his wife and business partner Alison, they’ve written 6 bestselling business books, while Scott travels the world performing from stages to thousands of people at a time. 

To hear Scott is to experience just that. A performance.

Today, we’ll hear an incredible story Scott tells in his keynotes, then we’ll talk shop about the mechanics of storytelling, the misnomers and opportunities in becoming a stronger public voice, and frankly, we have some of the most fun I’ve had on this show … ever.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

My guest in this episode is the perfect picture of this phenomenon. It's David Burkus.

David is the bestselling author of 5 books, including his latest, a national bestseller: Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams. David's TED Talks have amassed more than 4 million views, and he's given nearly 300 keynote speeches around the world.

In this episode, we hear and dissect a story about the CEO of Ford which David tells on stages. He's made it his own, finding details nobody else has and crafting a narrative nobody else can. Plus, we discuss:

• Why you shouldn't purely or even mainly tell stories from inside your own industry
• How to calibrate your voice for different audience sizes
• And the tiniest details which add up to make the biggest impact when you communicate

I've always appreciated his thoughtfulness about speaking and storytelling behind-the-scenes

This is an ADDICTING exploration of the craft of business storytelling... with the wise and wonderful David Burkus!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I help experts and entrepreneurs win more and better clients, at higher prices, with less friction. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Today's guest is David C. Baker, a 7-time author which the New York Times once called "the expert's expert." His business, Punctuation, and his seminal books like The Business of Expertise and Selling Your Professional Service Firm help business owners achieve their next milestones with clarity and confidence. 

Today, we hear from David about why the EASY part of our work as experts is the insight. The hard part is wrapping insight into something delicious others want to eat.

Plus, he shares a rare kind of story he wrote, and we break it down together, and you'll get a fascinating look inside the thought process and creative practice of one of the world's top voices in the business of expertise.

This is a great one with the great David C. Baker!

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO

I help experts and entrepreneurs win more and better clients, at higher prices, with less friction. To do that, I help transform their thinking into resonant, repeatable ideas that define categories, build movements, and make them the favorite voice in their space—not just another option. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

I’m a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Don't market more. Matter more.

Think resonance over reach.

Don't be the best. Be their favorite.

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

First, I share a primer on premise development. What's a premise, and what makes a premise effective?

Then, you'll hear the full call with me and Michelle.

Michelle is a decision engineer, which is an entire academic field of research and knowledge which frankly most of us need to understand more about!

This is a fascinating look inside my process with clients and the process of turning your expertise into repeatable, powerful IP.

Learn more about Michelle's work at poweredbydecisions.com.

***

ABOUT ME

Hello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Now here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want; a moment to align with you)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. the premise I'm asserting)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, aka our aspirational outcome)

That's called "laddering your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. 

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Meet Jordan Geary, an Emmy Award-winning producer and storytelling expert. As the Senior Creative Producer of Current Series at Sesame Workshop, he helped shape iconic live-action and animated shows, including Ghostwriter and Helpsters for Apple TV+, Sesame Street Mecha Builders and Bea’s Block for HBO Max, and over 300 Sesame Studios shorts for YouTube.

In this episode, we hear and discuss a personal story of his, and you'll also hear:

• How Sesame Workshop ensures their stories connect (it actually involves ONE specific kind of moment they intentionally include each time)
• The questions you can ask yourself to resonate more consistently
• The 1 thing Jordan previously believed about storytelling which his career experiences have forced him to rethink

Learn more about Jordan's work at jordangeary.com or follow him on Instagram.

***

ABOUT ME

Hello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

Now here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want; a moment to align with you)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. the premise I'm asserting)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, aka our aspirational outcome)

That's called "laddering your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. 

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Your IP is built on top of your premise, the core idea informing the rest, but more experts should also develop their signature frameworks, or what our guest today calls "contextual models." Your contextual models help turn complexity into simplicity, so people go, "Wow, I get it, and I see how much more there is to know. Take me through it."

Today's wonderful guest (and a master of contextual modeling) is Neen James.

She’s a leadership strategist who has worked with brands like Viacom, Comcast, and the Four Seasons, a fantastic keynote speaker, and the author of multiple books, including Folding Time, Attention Pays, and her latest: Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.

In our episode, Neen shares how she develops her frameworks, then delivers a signature story from her speeches and her new book which we dissect and celebrate piece by piece.

This is a rare and generous look at the process of one of my favorite business authors and speakers.

***

ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASES

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)

That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by becoming stronger public voices. We begin by developing a clear premise for your platform and projects, then turn your expertise into IP and deliver it to the public through stronger speeches and stories.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Often, in a speech, a book, or even just a single piece or post, they can retrace their own journey of discovery to ensure the audience cares and understands. Because you might be at letter Z of your understanding of something, but others start at A. You need to meet them in that reality, then move them to something better, beat by beat. That often starts at the start, with a story to catalyze it all.

Today, we’ll hear and analyze a great one, shared with us by the great Chris Ducker. Chris is a serial entrepreneur most known for founding the business Youpreneuer and his book, Rise of the Youpreneur, which helped people become known leaders in their industries.

Over the past two decades, Chris has started, grown, bought, and sold a number of multi-million pound businesses, and his latest book is The Long-Haul Leader: The Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success.

He’s spoken on countless stages, guested on infinite shows, and created a huge body of work online, but today, it’s a closer look at his process like never before.

***

ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASES

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)

That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by becoming stronger public voices. We begin by developing a clear premise for your platform and projects, then turn your expertise into IP and deliver it to the public through stronger speeches and stories.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.com

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

This book takes you inside the storytelling processes of the makers of This American Life, Serial, Radiolab, The Moth, Planet Money, and Snap Judgment, and the two voices taking you through the book (in cartoon narrator forms) are Jessica and ... Ira Glass!

Today, Jessica operates under the brand the Autonomous Creative, where she offers coaching and education to creative entrepreneurs who need stronger business fundamentals (but delivered in a way appealing to creative minds).

In this episode, we talk about:

• Rejecting the great lie creatives are told their whole lives, which only hurt your entrepreneurial endeavors 
• The tension between creating art, creating a revenue engine, and the relationship between them
• What Jessica really endured (and how it broke her) to create my all-time favorite book about storytelling.

Learn more about Jessica on her website or LinkedIn, and be sure to get your copy of Out on the Wire.

MY MESSAGE TO YOU:

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)

That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by first developing your premise (the big idea you own and core concept informing your platform), then turning your premise into a whole platform of impact: the stories, speeches, and signature projects and pieces you can use to turn your expertise into messaging that moves the market, everywhere you show up.

Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Happily, this is the difference between constantly pushing and hyping and, instead, actually communicating in ways that get a positive, passionate response despite the noise.

MY MESSAGE TO YOU:

• Don't market more. Matter more. (<-- what we want, i.e. our new focus)
• Think resonance over reach. (<-- what we need, i.e. my premise)
• Don't be the best. Be their favorite. (<-- what we hope, i.e. the best case outcome)

That's called "laddering down your message," and it's something I help clients do as part of my 1:1 advisory process. I help experts differentiate and resonate by first developing your premise (the big idea you own and core concept informing your platform), then turning your premise into a whole platform of impact: the stories, speeches, and signature projects and pieces you can use to turn your expertise into messaging that moves the market, everywhere you show up.

Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Our guest today is the perfect person to challenge this assumption. It's Tom Webster!

Tom is a legend in the podcast space. He’s a partner at Sounds Profitable, an organization which researches and seeks to grow the audio business. For nearly three decades, Tom’s insights and advice have helped steer this entire industry forward, and he’s led hundreds of audience research projects for organizations spanning six continents and shows ranging from Howard Stern to All Things Considered.

Tom's book is called The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast, and just before this episode, Tom and Sounds Profitable won an award for Best Data Storytelling from the Content Marketing Institute.

It's only fitting that he shares with us in this episode how to tell the stories of numbers, as well as the 3 traits to a podcast or any project capable of finding passionate fans.

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram

I help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

That kind of urgency is the role of the story we’ll hear today for my friend, Mark Schaefer. It's a story from his keynotes and his new book, AUDACIOUS: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World

Mark is a globally-touring keynote speaker and the author of more than 10 books on marketing, technology, and business growth. He’s worked with clients like Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, and Dell, and has appeared on CNN and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. In addition to his speaking and services, Mark is also faculty member of the graduate program at Rutgers University, and hosts the popular podcast The Marketing Companion—where I appear as co-host every few months!

Today we talk about how to tell stories that show others something important you already see, so they care. Plus, signs you’ve rehearsed your speech enough to nail it and communication tripwires which can cause the audience to object to your ideas (and how to avoid them).

This is a fun one, with my friend, Mark Schaefer.

Find and follow Mark at businessesgrow.com and on LinkedIn. Get a copy of AUDACIOUS at businessesgrow.com/audacious

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram

I help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Thanks for listening!

Erin Halper is the founder of the community business for independent consultants, The Upside. In our episode, we talk about vulnerability in storytelling and how to navigate it well, and we look at a signature story of hers that she uses everywhere but which she debated NOT using for a long time. You'll hear why, and you'll walk away with some ideas to apply to your own communication to have a greater impact. 

As Erin says, everyone has a version of the story she tells, even though all the details are different. And that's why it's so effective. Understanding that one concept can transform how deeply you resonate wherever you show up to write or speak.

Find and follow Erin at betheupside.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.

***

ABOUT MY WORK:

Don’t market more. Matter more.

I help experts resonate deeper. I work with you 1:1 as your peer-level advisor, coach, and strategist on your public speaking, messaging, storytelling, and thought leadership.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. 

Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea

"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speeches

Constantly chasing attention → Being highly sought

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

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1. Make a messy draft.
2. Find the 4 building blocks of the story.
3. Build up the story from the building blocks.
4. Arrive at an insight using a particular phrase.
5. Tell it again, but shorter.
6. Tell it again, but arriving at a different insight.

The goal isn't to "learn story." The goal is to become a storyteller. This process can help you get to work with clarity and confidence.

***

ABOUT MY WORK:

Don’t market more. Matter more.

When your expertise sounds like everyone else’s, you’re forced to compete on price instead of value. I help established experts transform scattered thinking into a distinctive premise, signature stories, and unforgettable speeches. Stop creating "content." Create IP that makes you the obvious choice. Let’s make your ideas clear, repeatable, powerful, yours.

You’ve done lots of things. Now it’s time to [be] a thing. Move from:

Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea

"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speeches

Constantly chasing attention → Being highly sought

[What you know] matters. But [what you say] + [how you say it] determine whether [they care.]

• Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletter
• Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services
• Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes
• Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

This is different than almost everything the owners of search engines, social networks, and AI tools have taught us. So we first need to unlearn a lot of what's popular on the internet today.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:
Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced Pros

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Steve is a past client of mine, as I helped him develop his keynote speech associated with his book, Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers. When he's not traveling the world speaking, Steve is consulting his clients on how to differentiate through their creative bravery.

In this episode, we dissect one of his Steve's signature stories, and we actively workshop it to flow better. It's a rare look inside the craft of how a great story comes together, and all the parts and pieces that make it gripping, surprising, and relevant to a message.

Follow Steve on LinkedIn and visit his website for more.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:
Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced Pros

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Meet Andrew Davis. He is a powerhouse business speaker who’s given speeches in 35 different countries, at more than 50 events every year. He speaks to audiences ranging from marketers and entrepreneurs to plumbers and physicians — and there may not be a storyteller who is this craft-driven and obsessed with telling amazing stories in the worlds of business, marketing, and customer experience.

As an entrepreneur, Andrew has built and sold a marketing agency, produced docuseries for brand clients big and small, and authored multiple books about marketing and customer experience.

In this episode, we dissect one of his signature stories. It's been with him for almost ten years, and he can customize it across audiences and projects to arrive at basically any insight he needs to teach. It’s a rare look at how a true master of the craft executes the tiny things that create a big impact both for his audience and his business.

Follow Andrew on LinkedIn

Explore his speaking, books, and other projects.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

We'll dissect both moments and make sense of what they do differently. It's a stark reminder that communicating in ways that resonate is available to us all, if only we'd meet those moments and make a simple switch compared to our natural tendencies.

I loved putting this episode together for you! Please enjoy.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

In this episode, you'll hear a signature story Dorie uses in support of her premise and her book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. Together, we dissect what makes the story work, as well as discuss:

• How to source and develop stories for your work
• The formula thinkers like Dorie and Malcolm Gladwell use to turn expertise into powerful ideas
• The 3 components of being recognized for your expertise

...and more.

Dorie is an exceptional communicator who has shared her ideas all over the world. You're in for a treat!

Learn more about Dorie and buy her incredible books at dorieclark.com.

***

ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:

I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.

Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

Connect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

We should too, and lately, on my YouTube channel, I've been building a playlist of publicly available coaching calls to put the process on display of developing stronger speeches and stories. Justin Moore was the first to kick things off about a year ago, and I invited him back on a call to check in on his progress and workshop a signature story together.

Justin is the founder of Creator Wizard, which offers sponsorship education and coaching to help creators earn consistent income. He’s is also one of the most trusted voices in the creator economy today.

Recently, Justin published his first book, Sponsor Magnet, and he’s also starting to scale his business, as he’s trying to meet his existing buyer earlier in the buyer’s journey and also expand his market to speak to other types of creators and media company owners who’d benefit from his teachings.

All of that is pointing him towards elevating the impact of his storytelling everywhere he goes, plus pursuing main stage keynotes at events like never before.

Today, we get a raw and refreshing look at the process and rework some things in realtime once again.

***

CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:

You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

The changes my clients experience:

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

Connect with me: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky

***

ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Explore my services: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help you package and communicate your expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it’s easier to attract better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you’ll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

I help my clients turn their expertise into a clear, repeatable message and speeches & stories to inspire action.

Driving real revenue and having a greater impact are NOT mutually exclusive. Instead of peddling in the grimy tactics and sensationalism found online today, I help you dig down to the root of your thinking, articulate your perspective as a Big Idea others remember, then embody your message through your public speaking and thought leadership.

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

[What you know] matters, but [what you say] has to make that clear.

When people make choices, they play favorites. The question is, are you one of them?

Think resonance over reach. Don’t be the best. Be their favorite.

Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

Neal Foard does, and that's made him one of the most exceptional (and viral) storytellers in the business world.  

Neal joins me today to lay it all out: we talk about constructing stories, practicing and rehearsal, and how to shape a true story into something entertaining. Together, we hear his famous story of "the best bartender in Chicago" and talk about the little moments that make it work.

Neal is a keynote and TEDx speaker, a former ad agency and brand executive, and a storytelling and personal brand coach. After 25 years in advertising and marketing, working with world-class brands, Neal teaches leaders how to tell more persuasive stories.

The story we dissect: the Best Bartender in Chicago.

The final story you hear in the episode: the Peace Treaty.

Connect with Neal on his website, Instagram, YouTube, or Linkedin.

***

CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:

You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

The changes my clients experience:

From passive reach → to passionate fans

From scattered thinking → to focused message

From “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speeches

From constantly chasing business → to being highly sought

Connect with me:on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

***

SHOW CREDITS:

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

Whether you've got a speaking engagement coming up, give tons of talks each year, or you're just thinking about becoming a stronger and more strategic speaker to support your business and message, this episode will help you rethink some important pieces to the puzzle.

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Explore my services: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

Tamsen in not only a leader in the field of message design, she’s also the author of two revolutionary books: Find Your Red Thread and Say What They Can’t Unhear. She’s been named to the Thinkers50 Radar, spent over 10 years as an Idea Strategist for TEDx events, and continues to be a sought-after speaker and consultant helping her clients design messages that create large-scale change.

Tamsen understands the mechanics and structure of how to motivate readers, audiences, and listeners toward action. In this episode, we get into the nitty gritty of her favorite tagline (and why), what Aristotle has to teach us about story, and why story is an argument (and how to win it). We also break down what it takes to create a powerful message by examining the beats of the argument you need to address, from the foundation to the framing to the finishing. Can you communicate to get buy-in?

Connect with Tamsen on her website, instagram, and Linkedin

Grab a copy of Tamsen’s books 

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Explore my services: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

Brad is a New York Times bestselling author of books for kids and former kids alike. He’s also a speaker and creator of the web series Kid President which took the world by storm years ago and was the first viral video I shared to all my friends instantly. His books, which he writes and illustrates with his wife Kristi, include The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination, The Circles All Around Us, Becoming Better Grownups, and his most recent, Failabration. 

In our episode, Brad shares a delightful story in verse about the "dumpster fire" we always talk about, and a little girl who is skeptical, hopeful, and brave.

Brad and I discuss why his style of communicating matters, how humor cuts through defenses, the difference between speaking to an audience of children versus adults, and how we can let our audience know, instantly, “You’re in good hands.” 

Connect with Brad on his website, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Grab a copy of Brad’s books

Watch the video I mention at the top of the episode, Kid President’s Pep Talk 

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify

***

REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:

Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.

Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

Throughout this mini-series (usually called “Is This Anything?”), close friends and collaborators join me to work out new ideas and unproven drafts to see if it is, in fact, anything.

Today, Ann and I start by discussing the first time we were paid to speak, then we touch on my white whale of public speaking, the big no-nos when opening speeches, and how we have evolved our on-stage voices over the years.  Then, we crack open Ann’s notebook to hear musings on her favorite pencils, Blackwings, before I reciprocate with a draft of my own: a story about a hilarious business bro who didn’t realize he was the joke. 

It’s a refreshing look at two prolific writers and speakers (and one bestselling author!) in the middle of their process.

Learn more about Ann at her website and subscribe to her newsletter 

Follow Ann on LinkedIn and Instagram

Buy Ann’s book, Everybody Writes

***

REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:

Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.

For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks. 

Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

Leave a rating on Spotify  

Elise is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and ‌author based in Los Angeles. She’s the host of TED Talks Daily, Accenture’s Built for Change, and a co-host of Forever 35. And if that’s not enough, she also co-founded the LA-based podcast production company, Reasonable Volume to work with brands and companies tell their stories better. She spent time at Vice News and NPR, serving as their first-ever Seoul bureu chief. She released her first book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital in 2023.

Elise and I discuss: 

• How to react when the audience response isn’t what you expected
• What goes into crafting an exceptional talk, tightly told
• Our shared love for Anthony Bourdain (I know, shocker)
• The “peak/end rule” in storytelling and journalism
• And the power of a callback. 

We also unpack why observation is the key to being a great storyteller, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for any truly compelling speech.

I imagine you (like me) will be endlessly enthralled by Elise’s curiosity, wisdom, and charm. Happy listening!

Connect with Elise on her website and Linkedin

Grab a copy of her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital

Listen to Elise on your favorite podcasts 

And watch her TED Talk here

***

REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:

Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.

For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks. 

Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

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Today we’re resharing a slightly modified version of an episode I used to help pilot How Stories Happen, back inside my old show called Unthinkable. (You’ll hear me reference the “miniseries,” which is what I used to craft this show and test various elements.)

 In this episode, bestselling author and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Jay Baer brings one of his oldest, most proven stories to the show -- and we learn the two psychological concepts we can embrace to craft more memorable work. 

Jay and I also discuss how to collect and develop stories regularly, anywhere you go, and hwo to design them so they arrive at the insight that most closely matches your current teachings, premise, and IP.

Jay’s latest book is The Time to Win: How to Exceed Your Customers’ Need for Speed. He's a globally touring keynote speaker, brand advisor to some of the world’s most legendary companies, and a marketing and customer experience thought leader. Jay is among the more process-driven storytellers in the world, and he takes us inside that approach in this episode in a refreshingly transparent way.

Connect with Jay Baer on his website, Instagram, and Linkedin

Grab a copy of any of his bestselling books.

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

In this episode, Mike Ganino shares a story about his childhood and falling in love with E.T., and his understanding at the young age of 10, that stories make us feel less alone.  

Mike is the author of the new book, Make a Scene. He is also a keynote director, working to help others master their stage presence and storytelling, and he draws on his roots in theater and acting to help.

Mike and I discuss why intentionality is everything is storytelling, how storytellers are really thought custodians, and how to craft scenes that allow audiences to connect with the emotional core of any story. And be warned: this episode gets very meta. We’re two storytelling geeks talking shop about the work we love.

Connect with Mike on his website and Linkedin. 

Grab a copy of his book,Make A Scene: Storytelling, Stage Presence, and The Art of Being Unforgettable in Every Spotlight. 

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify 

In this episode, V shares the story about a funeral unlike any other. In fact, it’s 18 years in the making. It even made the news, and it reveals a major lesson about modern marketing. Throw in a Harley-Davison superfan riding his motorcycle to the afterlife, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable signature story.

Veronica is the author of the book, Identity Marketing, and a frequent keynote speaker at marketing events. She’s also a veteran entrepreneur who sells high-ticket services, so public speaking and storytelling both play a major factor in building her business. High priced offerings require high amounts of trust, and showing up with greater communication power (without needing to shout) is a superpower for that type of business.

Veronica and I also discuss the power of the shower thought and why our most candid, knee-jerk ideas are often the ones that resonate deepest with others. We chat about how to get buy-in too—not only from your audience, but from yourself in your strongest ideas.

Connect with Veronica on her website and Linkedin

Grab a copy of her book,Identity Marketing: How to Create Loyal, Lifelong Fans and a Legendary Brand

Subscribe to Veronica’s newsletter, Vitamin V

***

IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: 

Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com

Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services

Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes

***

CONNECT:

Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky

This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

***

ABOUT ME:

I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.

With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.

After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.

I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.

***

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Leave a review on Apple Podcasts 

Leave a rating on Spotify