

Anecdotally Speaking
Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk
Welcome to our podcast, Anecdotally Speaking. Each week we tell a business story, talk about why it works and discuss where you might tell it at work. Our aim is to help you build your story repertoire.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 26, 2025 • 20min
251 – Starting an Airline with a Blackboard – Richard Branson
Discover how a missed flight led to the creation of one of the world’s most iconic airlines and what it teaches us about innovation and …
The post 251 – Starting an Airline with a Blackboard – Richard Branson appeared first on Anecdote.

May 19, 2025 • 14min
250 – Barbie is Born – Ruth Handler
In Episode 250 of Anecdotally Speaking, hear how Ruth Handler used a simple story to reframe scepticism and launch one of the world’s most iconic …
The post 250 – Barbie is Born – Ruth Handler appeared first on Anecdote.

May 12, 2025 • 18min
249 – Find the Torture You’re Comfortable With – Jerry Seinfeld
Discover how Jerry Seinfeld’s process in finding comfort in the mundane can guide your path to excellence in your career and life. In Episode 249 …
The post 249 – Find the Torture You’re Comfortable With – Jerry Seinfeld appeared first on Anecdote.

May 5, 2025 • 17min
248 – Tuning into New Frequencies – Hedy Lamarr
In Episode 248 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how unexpected talents and hidden connections can spark world-changing innovation. Shawn shares an unexpected story set during World …
The post 248 – Tuning into New Frequencies – Hedy Lamarr appeared first on Anecdote.

Apr 28, 2025 • 18min
247 – The Cure was Already Here – David Fajgenbaum
In Episode 247 of Anecdotally Speaking, discover how moments of desperation can spark remarkable change and what businesses can learn from one man’s race against …
The post 247 – The Cure was Already Here – David Fajgenbaum appeared first on Anecdote.

Apr 21, 2025 • 20min
246 – The Value is in the Doing: Patrick Matthew
Learn how Patrick Matthew’s overlooked insight into the theory of evolution shows why execution, not just inspiration, drives real impact. In Episode 246 of Anecdotally …
The post 246 – The Value is in the Doing: Patrick Matthew appeared first on Anecdote.

Apr 14, 2025 • 10min
245 – Doing the Human Thing: Joe Ingles
How a coach’s unexpected decision showed the power of empathy, lifted a team, and reminded us that leadership is deeply human. In Episode 245 of …
The post 245 – Doing the Human Thing: Joe Ingles appeared first on Anecdote.

Apr 7, 2025 • 17min
244 – Building Culture with Your Bare Hands: Jeff Bezos
Discover how Jeff Bezos turned a DIY desk into a powerful symbol of frugality and a cornerstone of Amazon’s culture. In Episode 244 of Anecdotally …
The post 244 – Building Culture with Your Bare Hands: Jeff Bezos appeared first on Anecdote.

Mar 31, 2025 • 20min
243 – Trust Your Spider Senses: Stan Lee
Listen to hear how Stan Lee’s bold decision-making and trust in his instincts turned Spider-Man into a global icon, and what you can learn for …
The post 243 – Trust Your Spider Senses: Stan Lee appeared first on Anecdote.

Mar 24, 2025 • 13min
242 – Who’s Going to Bell the Cat?
Listen to hear a timeless fable, useful in business situations where great ideas face real-world challenges and execution matters. In Episode 242 of Anecdotally Speaking, …
The post 242 – Who’s Going to Bell the Cat? appeared first on Anecdote.