How Stories Happen

"Stories that inspire more stories: that's what I'm after" - Brad Montague, children's author and keynote speaker

Feb 28, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Brad Montague, a New York Times bestselling author and the creative mind behind Kid President, shares his joyful rebellion against the fear of failure. He emphasizes the importance of humor in connecting with audiences, whether they're kids or adults. Brad recounts his personal journey from YouTube sensation to celebrated author, inspiring listeners to embrace mistakes as stepping stones to creativity. His delightful storytelling reveals how authenticity and resilience can transform lives and foster genuine connections.

43:02

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Episode guests

Brad Montague

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Quick takeaways

Embracing failure is crucial in the creative process, as it fosters resilience and encourages relatability in storytelling through shared challenges.

Maintaining a childlike perspective enriches creativity, allowing for genuine storytelling that resonates and inspires others through honest expression.

Deep dives

The Essence of Storytelling

Effective storytelling is rooted in the ability to resonate emotionally with an audience. The podcast emphasizes that stories shape our reality and should focus on creating connections rather than merely seeking attention. For instance, the host reflects on how small gestures, like throwing a surprise parade for a local postal worker, sparked inspiration in others and led to more acts of kindness. This illustrates that meaningful narratives can create a ripple effect, encouraging others to share their own stories and experiences.

Intro

2min

The Journey of Joyful Storytelling and Resilience

3min

Embracing Failure in Creativity

7min

Connecting with Kids: Lessons in Honest Communication

4min

From Chaos to Cultivation: The Art of Storytelling

21min

Embracing Failure in Creative Expression

5min

Enrollment is now open into my Public Speaking Accelerator. Register now for $400 off and secure a 1:1 coaching call with me too: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk

ABOUT THIS EPISODE:

It's hard to show up publicly at times, sharing your work, giving of yourself to others. It can be even harder given the places we mostly show up online today. But Brad Montague is here to lead a joyful rebellion—one for creatives, artists, and humans of all kinds, both kids and (in Brad's terms) former kids. And here's here to show us that celebrating failure is part of the process of doing meaningful things.

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

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IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING:

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CONNECT:

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This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins

Cover art designed by Blake Ink

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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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