
How Stories Happen with Jay Acunzo
Learn to package and communicate your expertise to resonate. Every episode, hear from exceptional entrepreneurs and marketers as they share and analyze real work, from signature stories to powerful premises—and the process they used to find, develop, and market their memorable messages. You'll walk away ready to build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing. Don't market more. Matter more. Hosted by Jay Acunzo.
Latest episodes

15 snips
May 7, 2025 • 16min
Make me care: Lessons from Roy Kent and Seth Godin
Explore the art of making people care about your message. Delve into a powerful moment with Roy Kent from 'Ted Lasso' that highlights the necessity of emotional intelligence in communication. Discover how to navigate uncomfortable questions while remaining composed, drawing from memorable interactions with a renowned author. Unpack the essential role of storytelling in effective communication, revealing that true engagement goes beyond mere words. Learn to resonate on a deeper level, turning listeners into advocates.

10 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 39min
Dorie Clark: How to turn expertise into breakthrough ideas
Dorie Clark, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and strategic consultant, shares her expertise on turning knowledge into impactful ideas. She highlights the importance of storytelling in career development, illustrating how personal narratives can engage audiences. Dorie discusses strategic thinking, advocating for the acceptance of mediocrity to excel in key areas. Additionally, she presents a three-part framework for gaining recognition in one's field, emphasizing content creation, social proof, and networking as essential components for building credibility.

21 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 46min
Justin Moore: How he altered his storytelling to resonate with more people
Justin Moore, founder of Creator Wizard and author of Sponsor Magnet, dives into the evolution of storytelling for creators. He discusses the shift from mere information-sharing to emotionally resonant narratives that captivate audiences. Justin shares valuable insights on adapting storytelling techniques and the importance of real-time feedback in honing public speaking skills. His focus on connecting with diverse creators highlights the necessity of unlearning old habits while embracing authenticity in communication.

6 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 20min
My recipe for great stories
Discover the art of authentic storytelling through personal anecdotes, including a funny mishap with a family sauce. Embrace the creative process like cooking, where experimentation leads to powerful narratives. Learn how consistent creation can foster self-discovery and trust in your own voice. With insights from experiences spanning 20 years, the host shares valuable lessons on the importance of personal expression and the wisdom passed down from family, encouraging listeners to find their unique storytelling style.

11 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 40min
Neal Foard: How to tell small stories with big meaning to persuade and inspire
Neal Foard, a keynote and TEDx speaker with decades of experience in advertising, shares his insights on persuasive storytelling. He emphasizes the power of small personal moments in crafting impactful narratives. Neal recounts his memorable encounter with a bartender in Chicago, illustrating how unexpected interactions can lead to profound life lessons. Additionally, he discusses the iterative process of storytelling and the importance of vulnerability in engaging audiences, proving that even ordinary experiences can become extraordinary with the right approach.

Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
Jay Answers Your Questions about Public Speaking as Marketing Approach, Revenue Engine, and Creative Craft
Dive into the art of public speaking as both a strategic marketing tool and a pathway for personal growth. Discover how to conquer your fears, prepare effectively, and align your message with business goals. Learn the importance of crafting compelling speeches by emphasizing strong arguments and narrative structure. Whether you're a seasoned speaker or just starting out, gain insights to refine your delivery and resonate with your audience.

18 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 48min
The elements of stronger messages & how to say what they can’t unhear, with Tamsen Webster, message designer
In this discussion, Tamsen Webster, a pioneering messaging strategist and author of 'Find Your Red Thread', shares her expertise on crafting powerful messages. She emphasizes the importance of understanding audience needs and the structural elements of storytelling to inspire action. Tamsen reveals her favorite tagline and illustrates how effective messaging is akin to baking a well-constructed house. The conversation also covers overcoming communication gaps and the significance of strong conclusions to foster trust and engagement.

19 snips
Mar 7, 2025 • 19min
A trick from John Mulaney to create better content
Discover the storytelling technique inspired by a memorable moment between John Mulaney and David Letterman. Uncover the importance of a strong premise to boost creativity and connect with your core messages. Learn how authenticity in content can lead to better engagement, moving beyond shallow promotions. Get insights that will help you craft a distinct narrative and resonate with your audience on a deeper level.

20 snips
Feb 28, 2025 • 40min
"Stories that inspire more stories: that's what I'm after" - Brad Montague, children's author and keynote speaker
In this engaging discussion, Brad Montague, a New York Times bestselling author and the creative mind behind Kid President, shares his joyful rebellion against the fear of failure. He emphasizes the importance of humor in connecting with audiences, whether they're kids or adults. Brad recounts his personal journey from YouTube sensation to celebrated author, inspiring listeners to embrace mistakes as stepping stones to creativity. His delightful storytelling reveals how authenticity and resilience can transform lives and foster genuine connections.

13 snips
Feb 21, 2025 • 16min
If growth is hard, you might need your "idea before the idea"
The discussion introduces a fascinating concept called "the idea before the idea," aimed at addressing growth challenges in business. It highlights the importance of early engagement with potential clients to build trust instead of simply chasing sales. The conversation dives into the competitive landscape entrepreneurs face, emphasizing relationship-building and the need to influence buyer decisions from the start. Insights provided can help individuals clarify their message and resonate more deeply with their audience.
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