7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

A few days before Valentine's Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn't found a gift for his wife. Not for lack of effort—he's been looking. But what she wants is oddly specific: a concrete lawn goose. What follows is a story about love, small towns, gift anxiety, and what it means to really try—even if you're probably going to fail.

When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown. In this episode, Aaron recounts the moment he transformed into the fictional version of Larry David, wrestling with his own patience, boundaries, and a stranger's relentless sales script. It's a story about personal space, emotional restraint, and why no really means no.

Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: give a gift to your future self. It's great advice—until it isn't. In this episode, a public library talk goes sideways fast, and Aaron learns the hard way that even the best-laid plans can't stop a surprise bloodbath.

Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down that became the heartbeat of his family. This deeply personal episode explores the power of food, memory, and how culture gets preserved one simmering pot of sauce at a time. *Shout out to artist Frank Oriti for helping inspire this story! https://frankoritijr.com/ *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Follow Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction—back into the basement. In this episode, he reflects on why warmer days fill him with unease, why solitude has become sacred, and how the quiet chill of winter might offer something we're all starving for: the right to turn off and just be. A story about temperature, temperament, and tuning out. Make sure you're following the podcast—just tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the show page on Apple Podcasts. Soundscape Design & Direction: Isaac Gehring *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he's reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Watch Aaron's live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

When Aaron learns of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy's tragic deaths, he can't stop thinking about what really happened in those final days. In this intimate reflection, Aaron explores the space between facts and truth—and the power of storytelling to fill in what logic alone never could. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Watch Aaron's live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

This special 7 Minute Stories Cinema collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity—only to be reclaimed by an unexpected new population. In this episode, Aaron reflects on a childhood filled with late-night runs, hypnotic store music, and one final transformation that turned an abandoned parking lot into something truly unforgettable. Soundscape Design & Direction: Isaac Gehring *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. Through a mix of humor and introspection, he explores how memories shape us—without letting them define us. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

What really happens behind the scenes at a Rent-A-Center? In this 7 Minute Stories: Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron features master storyteller Shannon Cason, host of Homemade with Shannon Cason, as part of a special story swap. Shannon shares a brutally honest and darkly funny story from his summer working at Rent-A-Center—where the true business wasn't furniture, but selling payments. From repo runs to ruthless managers, this story pulls back the curtain on an industry built on high-interest survival. Follow Shannon's Storytelling: https://www.shannoncason.com/ *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast: Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Calafato Original Music: autopolitan Art: Pete Whitehead 

This episode features a 7MS Cinema collaboration with audio producer Isaac Gehring. After years of chasing a dream in New York, Aaron looks back on the unlikely connections and formative moments that shaped his journey—including a family tie to a professional character actor many of you have seen in films over the last few decades. But when a chance reminder from Henry Winkler jogs a long-buried memory, he realizes there's something important he's been putting off for too long. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

On a freezing winter morning, Aaron stepped outside to complete the simplest of tasks—bringing in his trash cans. But what started as a mundane chore quickly spiraled into an existential crisis, leading him to question generosity, obligation, and just how many trash cans one man can really take in. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to join one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you'll be invited to a live Q&A. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

In Venezuela, when something breaks, you don't just replace it—you figure out how to fix it with whatever you have. That's the mindset Julio Viera (CEO of kluster.ai) grew up with, one that led him to discover programming in a school detention hall, code by hand in a notebook, and eventually build a company making AI more accessible to the world. As AI models like DeepSeek and ChatGPT dominate the conversation—sparking both excitement and skepticism—Julio offers a grounded perspective on what true accessibility in AI should look like and how his team is working to bridge the gap between cutting-edge models and real-world impact. More about kluster.ai https://www.kluster.ai *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Want to join one of Aaron's live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you'll be invited to a live Q&A.

On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn. First, they find an unlikely hitchhiker—a panicked bird trapped in their car's grill. Then, just as they're leaving the restaurant, a much more unsettling scene unfolds in the parking lot—a woman struggling to escape a car, a man refusing to let her go. In this episode, Aaron recounts two escapes: one with a clear ending, the other still unresolved. *If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline's Website. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to join one of Aaron's free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you'll be invited to a live Q&A. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates' laughter shattered that illusion. In this episode, he shares a written adaptation of this story that's gained popularity on Instagram Threads, along with reader comments reflecting on their own childhood misconceptions. Plus, a guest story by Karl Gerhard (Medina, OH) about the beauty and unexpected complexity of ice sculptures—because sometimes, what seems simple is anything but.

It's Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit. While his wife Cori is sick and asks him to tell her a story, he ends up revealing something that feels like an act of betrayal—not just to her, but to the entire Dawg Pound. What happens next? Well… some things are hard to take back. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: autopolitan

Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. From blasting Springsteen in the car to battling "giant squids" in the car wash, this story captures the magic of a parent making the most of limited time. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

As a kid, Aaron spent his days at a church with a red door—first in preschool, then in the pews, listening to sermons that felt more like stories. Decades later, he wonders if the minister who once predicted his future might have been onto something. In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left. Special 7MS Cinema collaboration with producer/engineer Isaac Gehring *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom. He shares the story of Spice, his high school's annual talent show, and how it became a beacon of hope for a group of teenage dreamers.

On this episode of Sunday Leftovers we examine the question: What does it mean to love someone who isn't perfect? In this deeply personal story written, recorded and submitted from 7MS listener and aspiring writer Chad Baxter, we journey through a childhood filled with tender moments and lessons passed from father to son. But as Chad grows older, his relationship with his dad becomes complicated by addiction, shame, and longing for what once was. It's a story of resilience, love, and the echoes of a father's influence. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke

During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down, rediscovering the magic of snow days through games, creativity, and a bread-making obsession. What they find is a discovery of something many of us know but have forgotten... *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke & autopolitan

What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. In this episode, he reflects on the act of opening doors, the complexities of human interaction, and what it truly means to connect with others. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

A lot can happen in 7 minutes… and luckily, that's how long it takes me to tell a story. I'm Aaron Calafato, and on this podcast, I'll take you on crazy roller-coaster rides through my very normal yet very complicated life using my extemporaneous storytelling style. Each episode will help you connect with your own cherished memories. And together, we'll try to make sense of the world, all in approximately 7 minutes.

Aaron reflects on a car accident that occurred during college and the surreal series of events that followed—from spaghetti dinners to unexpected twists. This 7 Minute Story explores resilience, forgiveness, and the small moments that linger long after.

Experience the wonder of Christmas Eve with Aaron Calafato as he shares a 7MS Cinema Remix of his cherished childhood memories and beloved family traditions, from magical library nights to the anticipation of Santa's arrival. Settle in as Aaron reads 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and invites you to relive the joy, hope, and magic that make this night unforgettable. Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Join Aaron Calafato as he shares the timeless Christmas story, The Man and the Birds, a tale of compassion, understanding, and the true meaning of the season. Inspired by Paul Harvey's classic retelling, this heartfelt episode will leave you reflecting on the magic of Christmas Eve and the warmth of shared traditions. *The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown. According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...” *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Do you find Christmas to be a time of joy or reflection? Inspired by a listener's heartfelt question, Aaron explores the bittersweet nature of the holiday season. Through reflections on It's a Wonderful Life and personal anecdotes, this episode uncovers how embracing challenges can lead to renewed hope. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Have you ever heard of the movie Prancer? In this special Christmas-themed episode, Aaron takes us back to a spontaneous, late-night recording on Christmas Eve, inspired by the classic film and the timeless letter to Virginia O'Hanlon. Listen as Aaron reflects on the magic of the holidays, shares heartfelt insights, and recites one of the most moving pieces ever written about Santa Claus.  *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Aaron recounts a mysterious encounter with what seemed to be the Virgin Mary and delves into the importance of proper endings in storytelling. Using the infamous Montreal Screwjob orchestrated by Vince McMahon as an example, this episode critiques unfinished narratives and celebrates the art of delivering a satisfying conclusion. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

What happens when you stay at a historic bed and breakfast rumored to be haunted? Join Aaron and Cori as they navigate a mysterious house, eerie noises, and a serene yet unsettling energy that shifts their perspective. From ghostly whispers to a breakfast like no other, this story combines humor, curiosity, and heartfelt reflections on the echoes of history that linger in unexpected places. Original Intro & Outro Music by: autopolitan We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

Aaron and Cori's honeymoon at Niagara Falls takes a surprising turn when they meet a desperate father searching for his family. From parting a line of tourists to confronting personal fears, this episode weaves two unforgettable stories of love and resilience against the backdrop of one of the world's natural wonders. Discover how a simple boat ride turned into a journey neither would ever forget. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

In this episode Aaron answers some of your questions! *If you'd like Aaron to answer your question on a future podcast, submit your questions HERE. Original Intro & Outro Music by: autopolitan We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter

At just five years old, Aaron Calafato learned an unforgettable lesson about life from a spider, his mom, and the story of Charlotte's Web. In this episode, he shares how that moment shaped his philosophy on kindness and the legacy he's trying to pass on to his kids. *We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Before you or anyone you know start a podcast, talk to Aaron! Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Aaron revisits a powerful story of resilience as Juan Caminero shares his journey from an initial misdiagnosis to facing a life-altering diagnosis. Juan's story takes us through the pain, uncertainty, and courage it took to confront his greatest fears. Join us for this compelling episode about strength and the quiet grace that emerges when life takes unexpected turns. We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

This special 7MS Cinema edition revisits Aaron's unforgettable story of Coach T, a figure from his past whose influence—part mentor, part antagonist—paralleled the iconic rivalry between Coach Bombay & Coach Riley from The Mighty Ducks. Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

In this episode, Aaron dives into the age-old debate: when is it really okay to start celebrating Christmas? For some, November 1st signals the holiday season's arrival, while others feel Thanksgiving deserves its own time to shine. Aaron shares a story that might just challenge listeners' holiday traditions—lines may be drawn, but it's all in good spirit! We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

In this special episode of 7 Minute Stories Sunday Leftovers, Thomas Ian Nicholas—star of Rookie of the Year and the American Pie movies—joins us to share his journey from iconic 90s films to a thriving music career. From memorable scenes with Mickey Rourke to his latest album and 115-show tour, Thomas dives into the highs and challenges of balancing film and music.  Special Guest: Thomas Nicholas See Thomas Nicholas Band Live 11.7.24 @ House of Blues Cleveland We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

In this episode, Aaron recalls the Halloween his fifth-grade classroom transformed into a haunted house nightmare. What began as a fun escape became a journey through fear, as he found himself trapped in darkness, facing more than just jump scares. We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

Get a taste of the stories behind the 7 Minute Stories with Sunday Leftovers—special episodes, untold tales, and the behind-the-scenes moments that bring Aaron's storytelling to life! This week: At a father-daughter dance, Aaron faces off in an unforgettable air guitar competition set to Stairway to Heaven, channeling rock legends to create a moment his daughter—and the crowd—will never forget. Sound collaboration with Isaac Gehring Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke 

In this episode, Aaron takes an unexpected turn, exploring the strange connection between Seagulls and Super Kmart parking lots. Dive into a story that blends nostalgia and the mysteries of Medina, Ohio. Follow Aaron on Threads

Aaron and his wife, Cori, stood under the midnight sky when they witnessed something unforgettable. Was it a UFO? A rogue meteor? Or something even stranger? In this episode, Aaron unravels the mystery of that night, diving into the possibility of life beyond Earth, blending cosmic curiosity with a deep pursuit of truth. We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Calafato Art: Pete Whitehead Original Music: thomas j. duke

Recorded live at Keller Cafe in Medina, Ohio, this episode of 7 Minute Stories dives into the nostalgic world of mispronunciations. Join Aaron and Cori Calafato as they share humorous stories about IKEA and Tupperware & the common (and often hilarious) ways they've both mispronounced things wrong their entire life. Original Intro & Outro Music by: autopolitan We're creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter