

#63: Jay Acunzo – How to tell great stories with a professional speaker and veteran podcaster
Jun 29, 2021
Jay Acunzo, a seasoned author and speaker, shares his insights on the art of storytelling. He emphasizes the role of tension in crafting compelling narratives and explores various storytelling frameworks like the Hero's Journey. Acunzo reflects on his own transition from corporate life to creative endeavors, highlighting the importance of persistence and authenticity. He also discusses the impact of meaningful storytelling on audience connection and the transformative power of side projects in a creator's journey.
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From Ads to Content
- Jay Acunzo felt his work at Google, selling pre-roll ads, was intrusive and frustrating for users.
- This realization led him to content marketing, seeking to create positive experiences instead.
Sports as Storytelling Microcosm
- Jay Acunzo's appreciation for storytelling developed through sports journalism, where he enjoyed crafting narratives within a structured context.
- He admired writers like Bill Simmons who blended fan enthusiasm with emotional storytelling.
Tension is Key
- All stories are fundamentally about tension, which can be a large conflict or a small, open-ended question.
- Tension creates an open loop in the audience's mind, making them crave resolution and keeping them engaged.