Donald Miller on the Secret to Making People Care About You

Mar 27, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, shares insights on the art of storytelling. He emphasizes storytelling's pivotal role not only in marketing but also in personal relationships and self-leadership. Donald advocates for writing a personal eulogy to clarify life goals and highlights the need for intentional community to combat loneliness. Listeners learn how to create compelling narratives that resonate with others, encouraging deeper connections and a more purposeful life.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Storytelling and the Brain

The human brain daydreams when it can't process information's survival value.
Stories prevent daydreaming by showing how information aids survival and thriving.

INSIGHT

The Power and Danger of Story

Stories hold immense power, influencing religion, politics, and even autocracies.
Recognizing story structure helps us use it for good and spot harmful manipulation.

ANECDOTE

Miller Family Mission

Donald Miller's family mission statement combats cynicism by focusing on beauty.
This narrative framework guides their actions and shapes their family culture.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Meaningful Work

Tamara Myles

Wes Adams

Building A StoryBrand

Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen

Donald Miller

In this book, Donald Miller presents the StoryBrand Framework, a proven system to help businesses effectively communicate with their customers. The framework is based on the seven universal elements of powerful stories, which include identifying the customer's desires, problems, and the role of the guide who provides a plan and calls to action. Miller emphasizes the importance of simplifying brand messages, creating clear and compelling marketing materials, and positioning the brand as a guide rather than a hero. This approach has helped numerous businesses, from small startups to large corporations, to significantly improve their customer engagement and revenue.

The Power of Myth

Joseph Campbell

This book is derived from a series of television interviews between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, aired in 1988. It delves into the universal themes and functions of myths across various cultures, highlighting their role in uniting communities, explaining social, cosmological, and spiritual realities, and guiding individuals through life's significant stages. Campbell discusses how myths help people understand common human experiences such as love, death, and the search for meaning. He also addresses the modern world's disconnection from mythological narratives and the consequences this has on individual and societal well-being. The book emphasizes the importance of myths in providing a framework for life, fostering community identity, and helping individuals navigate life's transitions and challenges[1][2][4].

Hope for Cynics

The Surprising Science of Human Goodness

Jamil Zaki

In this book, Jamil Zaki presents an antidote to the cynicism corroding our social health. Through rigorous scientific research and fascinating narratives, Zaki advocates for 'hopeful skepticism'—thinking critically about people and our problems while honoring and encouraging our strengths. The book challenges the belief that humanity is inherently selfish and provides practical tips and moving stories to help build a more trusting and cooperative society, ultimately leading to a more optimistic future.

In this episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Donald Miller, bestselling author and founder of StoryBrand, to explore the transformational power of storytelling. They discuss the release of Building a StoryBrand 2.0 and how leaders can use narrative frameworks to connect, inspire, and drive action. Donald reveals how storytelling applies not just in marketing, but in family, community, and self-leadership.

Together, they dive into Donald’s personal practices—like writing a eulogy, crafting a family mission, and fighting loneliness through intentional community. This episode goes beyond business advice—it's about reclaiming your story to live a more intentional and impactful life.

Full Shownotes here: https://passionstruck.com/donald-miller-how-making-people-care-about-you/

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Storytelling is the most powerful tool we have to hold attention and drive action.
A personal narrative gives clarity to your life’s purpose—and helps you say “no” to what doesn’t align.
Loneliness is spiritual starvation—intentional community is the cure.
Every great story includes opposition, a mission, a plan, and transformation.
Tools like storybrand.ai can help translate your passion into practical impact.
Writing your own eulogy helps keep your daily decisions aligned with your life’s end goal.
You don’t have to find a perfect community—create one that reflects your values and passions.

Connect with Donald Miller: https://www.donaldmiller.com/

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community!
Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs
With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles
Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel
For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.