
Stories With Traction
The Stories With Traction Podcast was created to empower leaders to elevate their businesses through the art of strategic storytelling. By engaging clients and inspiring team members, leaders can significantly impact the world around them. Each episode offers insights into storytelling, marketing, sales, company culture, and leadership, providing practical tools to drive growth and influence positive change. Tune in to transform your approach and lead with purpose.
Latest episodes

Feb 16, 2024 • 27min
#115: Beating Burnout
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Matt Zinman and Matt Zaun talk about how to retain top talent by focusing on beating burnout in an organization.MATT ZINMAN BIO: Matt is the founder and CEO of ZU Publishing, INC., author of Z-isms (Insights to Live By), and a speaker who focuses on beating burnout. For more info on Matt, check out his website HERE.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Feb 9, 2024 • 16min
#114: Executive Search
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Evan Sparks and Matt Zaun talk about CRG, executive search, and the future of work.EVAN SPARKS: Evan is the Director of National Search at CRG. For more info: Website and LinkedInMATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Feb 2, 2024 • 15min
#113: Storytelling FAQ Episode #1
SHOW NOTES: PODCAST SERIES: This is part of an FAQ series where Claire and Matt discuss strategic storytelling.Next episode in the series: Storytelling FAQ Episode #2PODCAST SUMMARY: This conversation was recorded in person in Spokane, Washington, with Claire Davis. Claire and Matt discuss concepts on how you can be a great storyteller. CLAIRE DAVIS BIO: Claire is a branding consultant who helps people write stories. The Stories With Traction podcast wouldn’t exist if it weren't for her. Claire has been one of the most influential individuals when it comes to marketing, crafting messages, and getting stories to connect with an audience. For more info, check out Claire HERE. MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry. Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact. For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Jan 26, 2024 • 26min
#112: The Story of Westcliff
Dr. Anthony Lee, President and CEO of Westcliff University, and Matt Zaun discuss the founding of Westcliff University and Dr. Lee's leadership skills. They cover topics like taking over a university, the power of perseverance, and innovative approaches to supporting international students.

Jan 19, 2024 • 27min
#111: Flip the Script
In this episode, Matt Zaun, an award-winning speaker and storyteller, is interviewed by Lyndsay Dowd on the Heartbeat For Hire podcast. They discuss Matt's journey in storytelling, the traits of successful leaders, the power of influence, inspiring others, legacy, optimism for the future, unity, understanding, and the art of storytelling.

Jan 12, 2024 • 51min
#110: Intentional Storytelling
EPISODES MENTIONED IN INTRO:Stories of LeadershipHow to Get Involved in Politics How to Build a Legacy How Hobbies Make You More Creative Strategic NetworkingSUMMARY: In this episode, Terence Farrell and Matt Zaun discuss how you can use strategic storytelling with intentionality in business to achieve your goals quickly.TERENCE FARRELL BIO: Terence served as a Chester County Commissioner for 12 years, and before that, he was the Recorder of Deeds for 8 years. Today, he is the President of For Real Solutions, a consulting firm that brings value to its clients through leveraging Terence’s knowledge, experience, network, and creativity. Two of the major focuses for his business are on reducing healthcare costs for various organizations and mitigating loss in pension funds that occur because of fraud or other illegal activities.For more info, check out Terence HERE.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Jan 5, 2024 • 39min
#109: How to be a Great Storyteller
SHOW NOTES:PODCAST SERIES: This is part of an FAQ series where Claire and Matt discuss strategic storytelling.Next episode in the series: Storytelling FAQ Episode #1PODCAST SUMMARY: This conversation was recorded in person in Spokane, Washington, with Claire Davis. Claire and Matt discuss concepts on how you can be a great storyteller. CLAIRE DAVIS BIO: Claire is a branding consultant who helps people write stories. The Stories With Traction podcast wouldn’t exist if it weren't for her. Claire has been one of the most influential individuals when it comes to marketing, crafting messages, and getting stories to connect with an audience.For more info, check out Claire HERE.MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Dec 29, 2023 • 41min
#108: Story Ideas
PODCAST EPISODE MENTIONED IN INTRO: The Storytelling SystemPODCAST SUMMARY: In this episode, Claire Davis and Matt Zaun talk about “content buckets” and ideas for story prompts.CLAIRE DAVIS BIO: Claire is a branding consultant that helps people write their stories. If it wasn’t for her, the Stories With Traction podcast wouldn’t exist. Claire has been one of the most influential individuals when it comes to marketing, crafting messages, and getting stories to connect with an audience.For more info, check out Claire here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemdavis/https://www.tractionresume.com/MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Dec 23, 2023 • 17min
#107: The World of Eldercare
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Shaun Toomey and Matt Zaun talk about eldercare and what you can do if you have aging parents that need help. SHAUN TOOMEY BIO: Shaun is the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Care Advantage.For more info:Shaun's LinkedInCare Advantage WebsiteMATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.

Dec 22, 2023 • 28min
#106: Family Business
SHOW NOTES:SUMMARY: In this episode, Dave Johnson and Matt Zaun discuss the dynamics of owning a family business and how simple truths can lead to more wisdom as a leader. DAVE JOHNSON BIO: Dave is the Managing Partner of Bentz Jaz USA, and he’s the Owner and CEO of Covenant Services.For more info, check out the website or Dave Johnson’s LinkedIn account. MATT ZAUN BIO: Matt is an award-winning speaker and storyteller who empowers organizations to attract more clients through the art of strategic storytelling. Matt’s past engagements have catalyzed radical sales increases for over 300 organizations that range from financial institutions to the health and wellness industry.Matt shares his expertise in persuasion with executives, sales professionals, and entrepreneurs, who he coaches on the art of influence and how to leverage this for profits and impact.For more info, check out Matt Zaun HERE.