The Story Engine Podcast

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

On this episode of the Story Engine Podcast, We are talking to David Gonzalez, a renowned connector in the digital marketing space. David shares his journey from hosting the Internet Marketing Party to creating transformative Think Tank experiences. He discusses the importance of vulnerability in mastermind settings and how he has evolved from being a connector to showcasing his own expertise through the Experts Council. The conversation highlights the significance of creating safe spaces for deep connections and personal growth, as well as David's aspirations for the future.   In This Episode David is known as the 'serial super connector' in the digital marketing space. The Think Tank experience allows for deep vulnerability and problem-solving. Creating safe spaces is essential for honest discussions among entrepreneurs. David's journey reflects a personal transformation from connector to leader. The Experts Council aims to provide tailored solutions for high-level entrepreneurs. David emphasizes the importance of meritocracy in his events. Vulnerability can lead to significant personal and professional breakthroughs. David's passion for connection stems from his childhood experiences. The Think Tank sessions have led to life-changing decisions for participants. Self-compassion and kindness are key focuses for David in 2025. We Discuss 05:26 The Power of Connection and Think Tanks 10:26 Creating Safe Spaces for Vulnerability 15:33 The Evolution of David's Passion Projects 20:27 The Birth of Experts Council 25:14 The Unique Value of Curated Experiences 30:26 Reflections on Personal Growth and Future Vision

On this episode of the Story Engine podcast, Kyle Gray interviews Hector Santiesteban from Amplify Media, discussing the evolution of podcasting and its significance for businesses. Hector shares insights on creating sustainable podcasts, the importance of understanding the audience, and overcoming imposter syndrome. He introduces the 'Three P's' framework for successful podcasting, emphasizing authenticity and emotional resonance. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by executives in the podcasting landscape and the transformative power of sharing personal stories.   In This Episode Every business could benefit from podcasting. Understanding your audience is crucial for success. Authenticity resonates more than high production value. The sales cycle can be shortened through effective podcasting. Imposter syndrome is common among executives starting podcasts. The 'Three P's' framework is essential for podcasting success. Creating a personal connection with the audience is key. Podcasts can serve as a powerful marketing tool. It's important to focus on your unique experiences. Podcasting is an infinite game, not a one-time win.   We Discuss 11:06 Understanding the Audience 18:11 The Challenges Executives Face 25:22 Burnout and the Need for Clarity 29:49 The Desire to Be Seen 35:55 The Journey of Transformation 42:27 Connecting and Closing Thoughts