The Story Engine Podcast

I just wrapped up the first-ever Story Pro Mastermind Live Retreat, and in this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes. This wasn’t just another mastermind—it was a transformational experience designed to help speakers, coaches, and experts refine their messages, connect deeply, and elevate their impact. I’ll share why I created this mastermind, what made it different from other events, and the powerful breakthroughs that happened in the room. If you’re a speaker looking for real feedback, true collaboration, and a space to grow alongside other experts, this episode is for you. 🔹 Want to take your speaking game to the next level? Applications for the next mastermind are open—email me at Kyle@thestoryengine.co to join. ⏳ [00:00] Welcome & Behind-the-Scenes Look I take you inside the Story Pro Mastermind Live Retreat and what made it such a unique experience. ⏳ [03:25] Why I Created This Mastermind Past group programs didn’t create the transformation I knew was possible—so I built something that would. ⏳ [07:45] Connection Over Content Most events overload attendees with speakers but fail to facilitate real relationships. Here’s how I structured the retreat differently. ⏳ [12:30] Gift Sharing: Setting the Stage for Value Exchange Members kicked things off by offering their unique skills, from business coaching to breathwork sessions, creating a culture of generosity from day one. ⏳ [18:20] The Referral Party Strategy I designed small group networking pods that unlocked immediate joint venture opportunities among attendees. ⏳ [24:50] Transformational Hot Seats Members brought their biggest personal and business challenges to the table—leading to some of the most powerful breakthroughs of the weekend. ⏳ [30:10] Leading from the Front Even as the mastermind host, I stepped into the hot seat to refine my own talk in real time with the group’s feedback. ⏳ [37:15] The Stage is the Ultimate Activation Point This retreat wasn’t just about learning—it was about action. Attendees will return in July to deliver their talks live, ensuring they turn insights into impact. ⏳ [42:30] Want to Join the Next One? I share details on how to apply for the next mastermind and why this could be the game-changer for your speaking career. 🎙 Listen now & be part of the journey!

Have you ever felt like you had to over-deliver to prove your worth? Whether in masterminds, on stage, or in content creation, many leaders make the mistake of trying to provide all the value themselves—only to leave their audience overwhelmed instead of transformed. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I'll share a hard-earned lesson: True leadership and influence come from creating space for others to rise. I unpack how this realization transformed my mastermind—and how the same principle can elevate your speaking, coaching, and leadership. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:04:12] – The biggest mistake I made in my mastermind—and how it applies to speaking. ⏳ [00:10:25] – Why over-delivering can hold back your audience’s transformation. ⏳ [00:18:47] – The key shift that makes speakers truly impactful on stage. ⏳ [00:26:55] – How structure, community, and deadlines drive real progress in masterminds. ⏳ [00:35:20] – Where in your own work are you trying to prove yourself instead of creating space? If you're a speaker, coach, or leader who wants to make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!

What does it take to lead at the highest levels? CEOs, founders, and executives face immense pressure, and the difference between thriving or burning out often comes down to leadership mastery. In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, Andreas Pettersson shares his journey across multiple continents and industries, revealing the key strategies elite leaders use to stay resilient, make tough decisions, and build high-performing teams. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:03:15] – Andreas’ journey: From global business leader to executive coach. ⏳ [00:09:42] – The biggest leadership challenges facing CEOs today (and how to overcome them). ⏳ [00:17:30] – Why high performers struggle with burnout—and the secret to lasting resilience. ⏳ [00:25:10] – The CEO mindset shift that separates great leaders from the rest. ⏳ [00:34:45] – How Andreas helps top executives unlock their full leadership potential. Whether you’re leading a company or striving for next-level leadership, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

What separates a podcast that fades away from one that scales, grows, and profits? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Billy Samoa Salibi to uncover the strategies behind building a highly successful podcast or YouTube channel in today’s digital world. Billy breaks down what most podcasters get wrong, how to structure a show for growth, and why now is the best time to start your own podcast. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:01:11] – Billy’s journey from Hollywood filmmaker to podcasting expert. ⏳ [00:04:34] – Kyle reflects on podcasting for 350+ episodes ⏳ [00:07:35] – The biggest shift in podcasting: Why success today is about niche, community-driven content rather than mass appeal. ⏳ [00:13:01] – The #1 mistake new podcasters make ⏳ [00:20:40] – The 3 pillars of podcast success: ⏳ [00:28:53] – Billy’s turning point ⏳ [00:34:12] – Billy’s breakthrough moment on Clubhouse ⏳ [00:43:58] – Billy’s final advice: Don’t wait—start now. Take action, build your platform, and make an impact. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your podcast to the next level, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Listen now on The Story Engine Podcast.

What makes trust work—and why is it so hard to build? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, trust expert Daryl Stickle takes us on a deep dive into the psychology of trust, sharing insights from his decades-long career. You’ll hear real-world stories, unexpected insights, and practical strategies for strengthening trust in business and life. In This Episode: [07:51]The Superpower of Vulnerability [13:43] Building Trust in Hostile Environments [21:46] The Importance of Benevolence in Trust [28:06] Overcoming Leadership Challenges [40:24] Reflections on Growth and Learning This is a powerful conversation you don’t want to miss! Listen now.  

What does it truly mean to be wealthy? Is it just about money, or something deeper? In this powerful episode of The Story Engine Podcast, we sit down with Jerremy Newsome to explore his incredible journey—building and losing millions, discovering spiritual healing, and finding a deeper purpose. Jerremy shares how a life-changing moment in a self-development course shattered his old beliefs and led him to a new definition of prosperity. He also reveals a bold vision for the future—his new podcast, Solving America’s Problems, and his ultimate goal: running for President in 2032. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:03:31] – The moment that changed everything: A question that left Jerremy speechless and redefined his approach to life. ⏳ [00:08:56] – The five levels of spirituality and how they impact wealth, success, and fulfillment. ⏳ [00:16:46] – Jerremy’s latest project: A podcast tackling America’s biggest challenges—education, politics, and unity. ⏳ [00:37:42] – The childhood vision Jerremy kept secret for decades (and why he’s finally stepping into it). ⏳ [00:44:55] – Kyle reflects Jerremy’s story back to him in an unforgettable moment of storytelling mastery. This is an episode filled with wisdom, transformation, and an inspiring call to action. Listen now on The Story Engine Podcast.

Why do so many businesses struggle to find the right marketing partners? On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, Behdad Jamshidi shares the hard truths about hiring agencies, avoiding common pitfalls, and the strategy behind connecting businesses with the right marketing experts. Behdad Jamshidi, a marketing matchmaker, dives deep into why business owners keep hitting dead ends with agencies and how his approach creates lasting partnerships that drive real results. We Disscuss ⏳ [00:02:35] – The biggest mistake businesses make when hiring agencies ⏳ [00:10:45] – How agencies oversell and overpromise—and what to do instead ⏳ [00:22:01] – Why businesses fail to give marketing strategies enough time ⏳ [00:34:47] – A powerful moment of business freedom: Scaling while traveling  

On this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I break down why relying too much on a script can actually weaken your impact and hurt your conversions. I’ll show you how to internalize your message so deeply that you can step on stage with confidence, without clinging to a script for dear life. I used to believe that the key to delivering a powerful talk was having the perfect script—every word polished, every slide dialed in. But over the years, I’ve realized that mastery doesn’t live on a page—it lives in your presence, your connection, and your ability to adapt in the moment. Episode Highlights: ⏳ [00:02:15] – Why scripts feel safe but actually create distance between you and your audience ⏳ [00:10:43] – The difference between memorizing your message and embodying it ⏳ [00:22:30] – A client’s real-life story: How he handled a complete tech failure on stage—and won over his audience ⏳ [00:35:12] – The storytelling frameworks that allow you to flow naturally in your talks

Experts often overlook the power of personal storytelling, opting for data over connection. By tapping into emotional resonance, they can inspire trust and drive action. A case study highlights how a tax professional transformed their approach through narrative, showcasing significant improvements in audience engagement. The discussion reveals that simplifying messages and understanding client pain points are key to effective communication. In a world overloaded with information, unique personal stories stand out, making them irreplaceable in captivating audiences.

On this episode of the Story Engine podcast, we discusses the 'Experts Gap'—the disconnect that occurs when experts fail to effectively communicate their knowledge to their audience. We emphasize the importance of understanding audience needs, overcoming misconceptions about structure in talks, and the anatomy of a high converting presentation. By focusing on authority stories, addressing audience beliefs, and creating urgency for action, experts can bridge the gap and enhance their impact. The episode concludes with a success story illustrating the transformative power of structured communication.   In This Episode The Experts Gap occurs when experts fail to connect with their audience. Experts often design messages that satisfy their own understanding rather than the audience's needs. Structure in communication is not inauthentic; it enhances clarity and connection. A well-structured talk allows for emotional connection and audience engagement. The anatomy of a high converting talk includes three key questions: Should I listen to this? Will this work for me? Should I act now? Authority stories help establish trust and relevance with the audience. Addressing audience beliefs is crucial for effective communication. Creating urgency for action is essential for conversions. Structure liberates creativity and amplifies authenticity in presentations. Success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of structured communication. We Discuss 02:33 The Misconceptions of Expert Communication 05:57 Anatomy of a High Converting Talk 08:47 Crafting Authority Stories 11:58 Addressing Audience Beliefs 14:54 Creating Urgency for Action 17:45 The Power of Structure in Storytelling 20:02 Real-Life Success Story: Nima Ramani 23:00 Conclusion and Call to Action