Marketing Made Simple

Discover how to craft an effective morning routine tailored for the demands of 2025. The hosts discuss why traditional routines often fail and offer a fresh approach focused on simplicity and intentionality. Gain insights on how to enhance creativity through commitment, boost productivity by reverse-engineering your day, and prioritize meaningful connections over mere tasks. Personal anecdotes and practical strategies make this conversation enlightening and relatable for anyone looking to improve their mornings.

Discover why simplicity is a game changer in business and communication. Clear frameworks reduce decision fatigue and foster growth. Tune in to learn how structured storytelling can drive success, drawing parallels from sports and films. Explore the emotional ties in football fandom and how they mirror brand loyalty. Uncover the differences between the allure of college football and the NFL, revealing the power of regional loyalty. Finally, see how simplicity enhances the consumer experience, making messaging more effective.

Marriage isn’t just luck; it requires effort and understanding. The conversation dives into the challenges faced by couples, especially while living on a tour bus, sharing humorous and pivotal moments that shape their bond. Effective communication emerges as a key to personal transformation and relationship strength. The duo discusses their journey in the music industry and how creative outlets help express their experiences. Through all struggles, love and therapy are revealed as crucial to growing closer, highlighting the depth of their connection.

Nostalgia is a powerful force. You hear an old song or catch a familiar scent, and instantly, you’re transported back in time. But our brains don’t just remember the past, they rewrite it. We filter out the stress, the boredom, the everyday struggles, and what we’re left with is a version of the past that feels safer, simpler, and better than it really was. So why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? And how does it shape the way we think, feel, and buy?     This week, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the psychology of nostalgia and why it’s one of the most effective tools in marketing, storytelling, and even leadership. They reveal how businesses tap into nostalgia to create emotional connections with customers and how you can use it to strengthen your brand—or simply make more meaningful memories in your own life. Tune in to learn how nostalgia works, why we crave it, and how to use it to your advantage.   --   Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.   Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazonor wherever you buy books!

Discover how Starbucks turned coffee drinking into a rich cultural experience. The founders discuss the emotional connections to coffee rituals and the brand's innovative strategies that shaped consumer habits. Explore the concept of the 'third place' and how Starbucks became a community hub. Learn about Howard Schultz's visionary leadership and its role in the company's dramatic rise. They even deliberate whether Starbucks still lives up to its legendary status or if its glory days are behind it.

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life.   We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Worked wherever you listen to podcasts.   Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!   --   Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually doing to our brains?   In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why reality TV works—and why we can’t look away. They explore the psychology behind our obsession with drama, the tricks producers use to keep us engaged, and how reality TV has shaped everything from social media to politics. Plus, they reveal the surprising ways it’s rewiring our attention spans and expectations of real life. Tune in for a revealing look at the power (and the price) of reality TV.   --   Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.   Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Discover how a tire company became a beacon of culinary excellence with the Michelin Star. The hosts delve into the high stakes of Michelin-starred dining, revealing the pressures chefs face and the remarkable journey of trailblazers in the industry. They contrast upscale dining experiences with beloved comfort food, share personal culinary stories, and explore the rigorous standards behind Michelin rankings. Learn how these stars can change careers and cities, all while igniting a relentless pursuit of perfection in the culinary world.

Discover how Amazon has completely transformed shopping habits and rewired our brains with its relentless focus on customer convenience. Dive into Jeff Bezos's innovative vision that evolved the company from a book seller to a retail giant. Learn about the intriguing 'two pizza teams' strategy that fosters agility and rapid execution. The discussion highlights the paradox of convenience versus ethical consumerism, revealing how Amazon's strategies not only changed how we shop but also reshaped the entire retail landscape.

Explore the intricate world of stand-up comedy where laughter meets strategy. Discover how great comedians challenge societal norms and create strong connections with their audiences. The art of live comedy shines through personal anecdotes and the unique dynamics of performances. Learn about the meticulous craft behind joke development, using Jerry Seinfeld as a prime example. Finally, delve into the emotional bonds formed between comedians and fans, and find out how comedy can transform everyday experiences.

Valentine's Day started as an obscure tradition but has exploded into a billion-dollar industry. The hosts explore its ancient origins and the psychology behind our romantic displays. From personal anecdotes to the economic impact on flowers and chocolates, the blend of commerce and love is both absurd and charming. They also discuss the rise of Galentine's Day and the role of AI in enhancing communication in relationships. Ultimately, they emphasize meaningful gestures over commercialism in expressing love.