Podcasts about creator kitchen

An episode with all the right ingredients!Here's what's in store for today's episode: * In today's episode, Matt and Angela, joined by special guest Melanie Deziel, delve into the legendary Martha Stewart and the fascinating autistic-coded traits that set her apart.* After watching the recent Martha Stewart Netflix documentary, Melanie noticed countless traits in Martha that could suggest neurodivergence.* We explore the ethics of speculating whether public figures are autistic and how reluctance to do so can stem from internalized ableism—implying that reacting negatively to the idea suggests autism is something undesirable.* Being autistic is a source of pride—it's not just who we are, but a culture with its own ways of thinking, communicating, and experiencing the world. Embracing autism means recognizing its value, celebrating our strengths, and rejecting the idea that neurodivergence is something to be "fixed."* We discuss the genetics of autism, how it is inherited, and why this gives us reason to speculate that Martha Stewart may be neurodivergent. Her father's strong need for routine and order—an autistic trait—deeply shaped the way she navigates the world.* The discussion shifts to the misogynistic media coverage of Martha Stewart and the criticism she faced for selling her cookware line at Kmart, which was dismissed as “low culture” in America. This connects to justice sensitivity, as she openly stated her belief that lower-income people still deserved access to quality cookware.* From her show to her media empire and the many now-commonplace innovations she pioneered, we discuss how Martha Stewart is a media genius—and how that level of brilliance can be deeply threatening to many people.* Other autistic hallmarks of Martha Stewart include her direct, straightforward communication style and the way she speaks with precision and a matter-of-fact tone.* What's fascinating about Martha Stewart is how she's often perceived as icy or cold by outsiders, yet those who truly know her—friends and longtime employees—describe her as warm, caring, and kind. This aligns with the autistic experience, where direct communication and a focused demeanor can be misinterpreted as aloofness, while deep loyalty and genuine care shine through in trusted relationships.* Her crafting reveals specific methods and attention to detail—like always using double-sided tape to wrap presents for that perfect, crisp finish—showcasing the kind of structured, methodical approach often associated with autism.* People often saw her as a tyrant, but there was intention behind her methods—she was using her encyclopedic knowledge to help others refine their craft and achieve excellence. Her high standards and structured approach reflect a deep passion for mastery, a trait often linked to autism.* She was constantly seeking ways to improve things and generously sharing her knowledge—much like penguin pebbling, where autistic people share information as a form of care and connection.* We discuss Martha's uncanny ability to recognize potential, which likely stems from strong pattern recognition—an ability often associated with autism that allows her to see possibilities others might overlook.* We also dive into her insider trading case, how she was used as a scapegoat, and how the media skewed the narrative against her—further cementing her reputation as a "horrible rich lady," despite the nuanced reality of the situation.* Her five-month stint in prison was an eye-opening experience, leading her to actively support the prison community by teaching skills, helping fellow inmates access resources, and advocating for their rights—showcasing her deep sense of justice and desire to uplift others.* After leaving prison, Martha Stewart seemed to fully embrace her true self—allowing herself to make mistakes, show more of her personality, and lean into the authenticity that had always been there beneath her polished image.* At this point, she formed an unexpected but beloved friendship with Snoop Dogg, marking a renaissance in her public image as people got to see the true, unmasked Martha Stewart—authentic, witty, and unapologetically herself.* Another autistic trait of Martha Stewart is her deep appreciation for sensory experiences—she has a keen interest in different fabrics, textures, and foods, often focusing on the details that make something feel just right.* Martha Stewart's entire brand and media empire are built on info-dumping—sharing her vast knowledge and passion for her special interests, from cooking to crafting to home design, in a way that's both meticulous and immersive.* She also had a passion for building communities of unlikely yet talented individuals, bringing together experts in their craft—a form of hyper-connectivity often seen in autistic people who naturally create networks based on shared interests and skills.* We discuss how autistic or presumed autistic people—like Taylor Swift—are often unfairly perceived and frequently targeted with hate in the media, largely due to misinterpretations of their behaviors and a deep-seated discomfort with neurodiversity.* We explore how the media's portrayal of neurodivergent public figures often distorts their true nature, focusing on how traits like directness and emotional expression are unfairly criticized, leading to negative perceptions and widespread bias.About Today's Guest:Melanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts.She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives, and the author of both “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas” and “Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust.”“You're autistic way before you get a medical diagnosis. Your parents were autistic, your grandparents were autistic, your great-grandparents were autistic. You don't need some neurotypical with a degree to come along and pronounce you autistic. “ - Matt“That's always my favorite - the diagnostic domino effect. After my diagnosis, my mom is going through the paper and she's like, ‘that's not weird, I did that. That's not weird, I did that.' And I was like, have I got news for you, mama? Welcome.” - Angela“Her whole thing, which was setting off my justice sensitivity alarms, was that people who don't have a lot of money also deserve to live well. They also have taste. They also want their homes to be beautiful. She got a lot of flack for that decision, but she saw the gap in the marketplace. She's like, ‘just because someone doesn't have a lot of money, doesn't mean they don't like nice pots and pans or want beautiful curtains or whatever else.” - Melanie“It's only the people who have sort of passing interactions with her and take one offhanded comment and they're like, ‘she's horrible, she's a b***h, she's icy, she's cold', whatever. But the people who are around her say like, no, she's deeply caring. She loves the people around her. She just has high expectations and is very straightforward in the way she speaks. She will say to you, ‘I appreciate this thing you've given me. It's poorly constructed. Let's fix it.' She's just very straightforward, and you're like, ‘I didn't mean to offend you. I thought we were all aware of this reality right in front of us.” - Melanie In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of Martha Stewart, exploring how her traits align with autistic characteristics and the media's often skewed perception of her. From her intense need for control to the challenges she faced in a world that misunderstood her, we break down the real Martha Stewart—and the misconceptions surrounding her. Join Matt, Angela, and special guest Melanie Deziel as they discuss how her unique personality and approach to life shaped her empire, and how she became a target of unfair media scrutiny. Have you noticed these traits in Martha or other public figures? Share your thoughts with us using #AutisticCultureCatch on social media!Show Notes:Netflix Martha Stewart Netflix Documentary link - please findhttps://www.melaniedeziel.com/minishttps://www.melaniedeziel.com/advocacyRelated Shows:Trivia is AutisticTaylor Swift is AutisticLessons in Chemistry is AutisticReady for a paradigm shift that empowers Autistics? Help spread the news!Follow us on InstagramFind us on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyLearn more about Matt at Matt Lowry, LPPJoin Matt's Autistic Connections Facebook GroupLearn more about Angela at AngelaKingdon.com Angela's social media: Twitter and TikTokOur Autism-affirming merch shop This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.autisticculturepodcast.com/subscribe

In this fun and thought-provoking show, Mark Schaefer and Jay Acunzo challenge each other with the best questions they could ask each other — and then dissect the beauty of the question. Amp up you content game by listening to this extraordinary debate!   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Jay Acunzo consults experts and entrepreneurs to differentiate their messages and content. He hosts the podcast How Stories Happen, where guests dissect signature stories piece by piece, and runs the Creator Kitchen, where experts learn to become stronger storytellers. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

Signature stories aren't just stories you tell a lot. They're stories you'd sign your name to. In this episode, author and speaker Melanie Deziel shares a story that went from nerve-wracking to heart-wrenching the more she told it, as she found ways to tell it her own way (and as new details emerged from the story).Mel is my cofounder in our Creator Kitchen membership, and this interview was part of the miniseries that helped me pilot How Stories Happen. The thing is, when you pilot something, you're often piloting THREE somethings, so we should rethink the ways we actually test, validate, and improve those somethings. That's a lot of somethings, but hey, this episode has everything. Or at least a handful of really freaking good somethings. We're putting on display the hidden details, tiny choices, and emotional moments, as we seek to go beyond telling stories to instead BECOME storytellers.RESOURCES:Learn more about Melanie at her websiteSubscribe to Jay's newsletter at jayacunzo.comJoin Jay and Mel's membership program for business storytellers and service providers, the Creator KitchenFollow Jay on LinkedIn, Instagram, or ThreadsProduced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake Ink***ABOUT JAY:ConsultingSpeakingContactBooksJay Acunzo is an author, speaker, and differentiation-and-thought leadership consultant on a mission to help you make what matters to your career, company, and community. He's an advisor to experts, execs, and entrepreneurs who want to resonate deeper with others, not just reach them. To do so, he helps you turn your expertise into IP and your IP into differentiated messaging, exceptional speeches, and celebrated creative projects, equipping you with the communication techniques and power of today's top thought leaders—because he believes in standing out through substance and stories, not hollow hype.A leading voice in B2B content marketing for many years thanks to his roles at brands like Google and HubSpot, companies like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy have turned to Jay to strengthen their storytelling, while dozens of individual authors, speakers, consultants, and service providers hire Jay as their dedicated thought partner and exec. producer to help develop their premise, IP, speaking, and shows.Jay lives in the Boston area with his family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan. In the 60 seconds per week he's not creating stuff for work or making his kids laugh, he likes to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with his wife, and daydream about telling stories like that of his storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain.

Every keynote speaker and content creator knows the value of that signature story – a tale that drives home a point with passion, insight, and a little drama. But how do you come up with these stories, and how do you craft them to serve you well in your marketing?   Mark Schaefer and Jay Acunzo explore this topic in this new episode. You'll learn how each identifies, nurtures, and delivers their best stories. And you'll get to hear two of their favorite tales.    Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Marketing Rebellion." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subscribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Jay Acunzo consults experts and entrepreneurs to differentiate their messages and content. He hosts the podcast How Stories Happen, where guests dissect signature stories piece by piece, and runs the Creator Kitchen, where experts learn to become stronger storytellers. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

Why is candor essential for a good story? How brutally honest should you actually be in sharing a story with the world? The great Chase Jarvis brings us into his story of self-discovery, with the many twists and turns his professional career has taken, as he works through how to best tell that story ahead of his next book tour. Starting in second grade when his entrepreneurial spirit was snuffed by his teacher, Chase works to find acceptance by pursuing the “best” path forward, before realizing that maybe it's not the best path for him. It's a story that's brutally honest, surprising, and carefully crafted so that listeners get an intimate look at the real Chase Jarvis and the themes of his book.Chase is an award-winning photographer, entrepreneur, and the author of “Never Play It Safe," and he's widely considered to be one of the leading voices advocating for the importance of creativity in work, life, and society today.Together, Jay and Chase extract the various blocks that create the flow of Chase's story, exploring what makes certain segments most compelling and how to best drive the story forward. They discuss how great stories are built, rather than experienced, and the importance of allegory versus illustration.Whether you're an aspiring author, artist or entrepreneur, this episode will compel you to slow down, reflect, and connect to your own unique path forward and all the stories that have shaped you and your work. RESOURCES:⚫ Learn more about Chase at his website, or listen to his podcast, The Chase Jarvis LIVE Show⚫ Follow Chase on X and Instagram⚫ Buy Chase's book, Never Play It Safe

What is a super-story? And how can you flex yours to fit different audiences, mediums, or conclusions? That's what we dive into today with powerhouse storyteller, Laura Gassner Otting.Laura takes us into a small story about her first time decorating a Christmas tree with her husband's family. Initially horrified by the chipped ornaments and tattered boxes, she grew to love these mismatched decorations. It's a story about finding meaning in often unexpected, imperfect places—and it's full of callbacks and insights helping LGO serve thousands of attendees at events across the globe where she speaks.Laura is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and executive coach. She's a regular contributor to Good Morning America, the TODAY Show, Harvard Business Review, and Oprah Daily. She also served as a Presidential Appointee in Bill Clinton's White House, founded an international search firm, and has a superpower in seeing others' greatness and reflecting it back to them. Together, Jay and Laura discuss her effective use of "the specific," finding wisdom in frameworks, and how LGO draws from her time in politics to imbue her speaking with musicality. Plus, they talk about the importance of having rounded edges to end in stories, how to immediately become relatable to your audience, and the art of using callbacks.Whether you're an aspiring author or keynote speaker, executive coach or entrepreneur who teaches through content, this episode will motivate you to resonate more deeply with your stories as you show up to any audience, in any medium. RESOURCES:⚫ Learn more about Laura at her website and watch her viral TED Talk⚫ Follow Laura on TikTok or Linkedin⚫ Buy Laura's books, Wonderhell, Limitless, and Mission Driven 

Go inside the development of a brand new TED Talk, as Jay offers notes to friend Simone Stolzoff on his v1 draft. Simone is the author of The Good Enough Job and a journalist whose writing has been featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and more. This is the first episode of a new bonus episode of How Stories Happen called "Is This Anything?" which we'll occasionally run in our off weeks. During this miniseries, you'll hear Jay and friends actively develop and work through new material for stories, speeches, and other projects. In this miniseries debut, Simone shares an 8-minute TED Talk draft as he prepares for the big day, and Jay offers some notes to strengthen the content, insert callbacks and other framing devices, and tighten the talk track. Simo responds in-kind with vulnerable sharing, piercing questions about what might make more sense, and brand new ideas brainstormed on the fly. It's all in the name of actively developing the speech from raw material into something special. Because that's how stories happen. (Whispers) hey that's the name of the show!RESOURCES:⚫ Learn more about Simone Stolzoff and join his newsletter at simonestolzoff.com⚫ Follow Simone on Instagram or LinkedIn⚫ Buy Simone's book, The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work

Telling stories about your life feels fraught. How do you weave together a story that is deeply personal to you and others, contains the right amount of tension without being too dramatic, and feels both gripping and accessible for your audience? In the case of our guest today, Nat Eliason, his story is about the moment he went from investing hundreds of dollars to having $10 million of his own money on the line, plus more than $100 million of others under his purview, when the whole system was hacked.Nat recently published his first book, “Crypto Confidential: Winning and Losing Millions in the New Frontier of Finance,” and in this episode, he dissects the choices he made writing his prologue (which he shared with more than 20 people to get right).Together, Jay and Nat dissect Nat's thrilling story, unpacking how he grounded the drama, making it feel authentic and relatable, while still embracing the primacy and recency effects in storytelling. Plus, they discuss strategies for getting more valuable feedback on your creative work, Nat's decision to focus on such a dramatic moment for his prologue, and how to effectively combine educational or technical concepts into a story in a way that doesn't lose or bore readers.Whether you are an aspiring author, give keynotes, write articles, or record multimedia content, this episode will make you look a bit closer at how your favorite stories are told—from the very first hook to a perfectly placed detail to the closing line that makes you realize that although the story was specific … it was profoundly universal.Resources:⚫ Follow Nat on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nateliason/⚫  Follow Nat on X: https://x.com/nateliason⚫ Visit Nat's website: https://www.nateliason.com/⚫ Subscribe to Nat's Substack: https://blog.nateliason.com/

Before comedians ever get a Netflix special, they have to run the gauntlet. Night after night, they're putting themselves out there in front of judgmental crowds and trying to win them over.Sometimes they bomb, sometimes they face hecklers, and what may be even worse: silence. Kathy Griffin once bombed so badly at a show in Montreal she said, “The audience was talking so much that they didn't know my set ended.” Ouch.But even after bombing the worst, comedians

What should you include or omit to ensure your stories carry your message, resonate with others, and deliver something that could only come from you? That's the challenge we encounter today. In this special episode, Jay is joined by a favorite client, Susan Boles, to work through a draft of a signature story, which emerged on the back of their months-long work together developing Susan's premise of “calm is the new KPI.” They apply Jay's Align-Agitate-Assert structure, and they find the two biggest opportunities to improve the story.Susan is the founder of Beyond Margins and host of the podcast of the same name. She teaches entrepreneur clients how to optimize their business for quality of life, not just profit margin, by making calm their focus and their literal KPI.In the episode, Jay and Susan dissect her emerging, signature story involving Rand Fishkin, founder and CEO of SparkToro and, previously, founder and CEO of Moz. When one piece of the story runs too long, Jay shares some pointers for how to shorten it without sacrificing the story's power, and the duo figure out what insights can be extracted and delivered from the story to teach and inspire Susan's audience.Whether you're crafting your next keynote or fine-tuning your leadership communication skills, this episode will have you immediately elevating your storytelling in ways that illuminate insights others remember, share, and apply to their work or lives.Resources:⚫ Follow Susan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesusanboles ⚫ Listen to Beyond Margins: https://podcast.beyondmargins.com/ ⚫ Subscribe to Beyond Margins Newsletter: https://beyondmargins.ck.page/21380f9bae 

How do we compress our lifetime into their runtime? When we're asked to explain our backgrounds and bios, we need a structure, some practice, and a few anecdotes at the ready. Because our story has to pull triple-duty: clarify who we are, build credibility, and teach whatever it is we're there to teach.In this episode, author, PR agency founder, and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson reveals the simple way she responds to that simple question: “How'd you get here?” Together, we break it apart into component pieces and re-build certain aspects, spotting ways to customize the story to the specific audiences Danielle speaks to as a speaker and service provider.You'll walk away with a new framework for crafting your own gripping answer to the personal background question (“MBAS” – Mission, Background, Anecdote, Summary), and you'll get a glimpse into the craft of two communicators reaching geeky levels of appreciation for what it takes to resonate with our words.Danielle is the author of the new book, Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships.Resources:⚫ Follow Danielle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebayardjackson/ ⚫ Follow Danielle on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefriendshipexpert  ⚫ Visit Danielle's website: https://www.daniellebayardjackson.com/ 

"Storytelling is about planting a question in someone's mind." Host: Michael Dargie, THEREBELREBELPODCAST.COM Guest: Jay Acunzo, JAYACUNZO.COM In this episode of The RebelRebel Podcast, host Michael Dargie chats with Jay Acunzo, who passionately shares how to captivate an audience by focusing on resonance over superficial metrics. Jay discusses his approach to meaningful content creation, emphasizing the importance of making genuine connections rather than chasing vanity metrics. He passionately advocates for creating content that deeply resonates, using his own experiences to illustrate how authenticity can elevate a brand beyond mere numbers. Throughout the conversation, Jay elaborates on the pitfalls of prioritizing reach over resonance, detailing how this can lead to empty engagements and a lack of fulfillment in creative work. He underscores the value of impactful storytelling that connects emotionally with audiences, offering actionable advice for creators to enhance their craft. The episode also dives into Jay's current projects, including his work with Creator Kitchen and his upcoming podcast, highlighting his commitment to supporting and inspiring a new generation of content creators. Jay's insights provide a roadmap for building more substantive and rewarding interactions in the digital space. COOL STUFF JAY SAYS "We should care more about resonance to build our causes than reach." "The internet drags us towards empty followers and vanity metrics." "Resonance over reach, that's what the work is for, not reach." "The asterisk represents a universe of possibility in storytelling." EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS Resonance vs. Reach: Jay discusses the importance of creating content that resonates deeply rather than focusing on expanding reach. Storytelling Techniques: Exploration of storytelling elements like the "open loop" and the use of tension. Creative Practices: Insights into Jay's creative processes and how he nurtures creativity through structured practices. Creator Kitchen: Discussion on Jay's initiative to help content creators enhance their craft and develop their unique voices. New Projects: Jay talks about his upcoming podcast and past experiences that shape his current endeavors. LINKS FROM EPISODE Jay Acunzo's Website (https://jayacunzo.com/) Jay Acunzo on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/in/jayacunzo) Jay Acunzo on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jacunzo/) Creator Kitchen (https://creatorkitchen.com/) How Stories Happen Podcast (https://jayacunzo.com/how-stories-happen-storytelling-podcast)

Melanie Deziel, keynote speaker, branded content creator, and autistic self-advocate shares her creative insights on how she navigated her late self-diagnosis journey as an autistic adult and what advice she has for others going through their own self-discovery. In this episode of the Happy Space Podcast, Melanie Diezel, keynote speaker and highly creative autistic self-advocate explores her journey as a late-diagnosed autistic woman. Melanie delves into the challenges and misunderstandings surrounding autism, particularly how it manifests differently in women compared to men. Melanie shares her personal experiences with self-discovery through social media, the role of self-acceptance, and how her diagnosis has transformed her understanding of herself. The discussion covers the importance of recognizing and advocating for neurodiversity, as well as the nuances of diagnosis. The episode also covers insights on the spectrum of autism, the societal perceptions that influence diagnosis, and the significance of language in discussing autism.As a keynote speaker, author, and award-winning branded content creator, Melanie has spent her career developing the skills to think differently and discover new ways to engage audiences through content.Having been the first-ever editor of branded content at The New York Times, a founding member of HuffPost's brand storytelling team, and Director of Creative Strategy for Time Inc's 35 US magazines, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how content can be used as a strategic tool, and how processes can help unlock its power.She's supported 30 of the Fortune100 companies with their content (so far!), given keynotes and workshops around the world, and has developed courses for several universities.She co-founded The Creator Kitchen with fellow marketing speaker Jay Acunzo to help experienced creators continue to pursue creative growth and mastery of craft.Since 2015, she has worked with some incredible brands and spoken on stages around the world at leading conferences, building her reputation as one of the leading voices in content marketing. Melanie Deziel is frequently named on as a top influencer, expert, and person-to-follow in marketing. You can access her book “Content Fuel Framework” and “Prove It” in paperback, e-book or audiobook form.CHAPTERS4:28 How Melanie's autism journey began 7:35 The differences between diagnosing autistic men and women11:21 How hyperfixations can be mistaken for autism14:57 Melanie's books - Content Fuel Framework and Prove It16:45 The signs that you may be autistic20:33 Who are the female autistic role models?21:36 The discussion around autism and language24:50 Introversion and extroversion25:46 Melanie's inclination to speak on stage despite being autistic28:52 Self-advocating and accommodating when you are autistic32:52 Why most women are late-diagnosed autistic37:15 Self-diagnosing vs. medical diagnosing autism41:40 Autism and creativity45:47 RAADS-R Autism Test for diagnosing autism LINKSFor active links, visit www.clarekumar.com/podcastMelanie Deziel's websiteEPIC ConferenceLate Diagnosed Diaries - SubstackWords Matter: Language preferences in a sample of autistic adults (corr. 87%)SchueberfourContent Fuel Framework by Melanie DezielProve It by Melanie DezielPhil M. JonesTemple GrandinHannah GadsbyThe Canary Code by Ludmila PraslovaHSP QuizHappy Space Inclusivitees (T-shirts)#nevermindthelabels T-shirtRAADS-R TestIMAGE CREDITS (see images on Youtube video)Phil M. Jones - LinkedInLudmila Praslova - LinkedInTemple...

Find and follow How Stories Happen in your favorite podcast player, or visit howstorieshappen.com to learn more about the show and find the appropriate link for you.Every episode of the show, we're dissecting stories and drafts with incredible storytellers to understand how they found their ideas, how they developed their work, and how they're using their stories to build their business and leave their legacy.You'll walk away ready to differentiate on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your content.It's a show for business storytellers focused on standing out easier and resonating deeper through substance and stories, not hollow stunts.***You can also subscribe to my free newsletter,

Welcome to How Stories Happen, a show for business storytellers focused on standing out easier and resonating deeper through substance and stories, not hollow stunts. Each episode, an expert, entrepreneur, or world-class communicator breaks apart a single story piece by piece, sharing how they developed it and how they're using it to grow their brand and leave their legacy. Hosted by Jay AcunzoAs Ira Glass said, “Great stories happen to those who can tell them.” He doesn't mean worthy things only appear to those who are already masters of the craft. He means, this is in fact a craft. But if that's the case, shouldn't we learn storytelling by getting closer to the actual crafting? Enough theory and technique. This show puts on display the posture, process, and practice of incredible business storytellers.Storytellers don't experience extraordinary things. They know how to imbue meaning into things that are ordinary.How do stories happen? They don't. Life happens. Then you turn that INTO stories. I guess you could say great stories happen ON PURPOSE.I'm your host, Jay Acunzo. I'm an author, speaker, and podcaster, with more than 15 years of business storytelling experience. I've held marketing and editorial roles at Google, HubSpot, and ESPN. I've consulted Fortune 500 brands and hosted documentaries and podcasts for exciting startups, and I've traveled the world imploring builders of brands and communities to bridge the gap between what best practices claim you have to do and what your intuition is urging you to try.In all of that, I've spotted a problem with the way we learn story: it's an abstraction. It's external to us. We start seeking answers “out there,” when in reality, that's not how stories happen. You don't experience the extraordinary. You see meaning in the ordinary. EVERYTHING is inspiration in the hands of an effective storyteller. To understand that is truly the difference between “learning story” and actually being a storyteller.Join me in an original series where world-class storytellers break apart their signature stories and piece by piece, share how it was made, how they used it to support their cause, and how it might still get better. Because stories aren't snapshots of life. Stories are built with intention. This show puts that intentionality on display, from inception to development, marketing and selling to growing a following or changing the world – everywhere being a storyteller empowers you to lead.You'll walk away thinking more about the power of your words and less about the volume of your content.It has never been more urgent to become an effective storyteller, so you can stand out easier and resonate deeper than all the mediocrity flooding our world.Join us as we explore How Stories Happen.***SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER:

In ep 150, we delve into the future of content marketing for businesses. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly saturated, brands face the challenge of standing out with content that is not only informative but authentically engaging. Melanie Deziel of The Creator Kitchen emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, transparency, and candor in content creation. We explore five key strategies for 2024: behind-the-scenes content, live unfiltered reactions, personal stories and testimonials, community engagement, and leveraging AI for accessibility and inclusion. These approaches aim to humanize brands, foster loyalty, and ensure inclusivity, marking the path to success in today's competitive market. Join us as we unpack these trends with insights and learn how embracing authenticity, personalization, and inclusivity can differentiate your brand and forge lasting relationships with consumers.   Check out the KeronRose.com website to learn more about building your digital presence and monetizing your platforms.  Check out the Digipreneur FM website to stay up to date on all things related to the podcast. 

Summary: Follow Christina Garnett, sole proprietor of Pocket CCO, who struggled to reconcile the contradictions between how the world really was and how it could be until a pair of benevolent teachers showed her that books weren't just sources of knowledge, but gateways to other worlds – safe havens where one could seek refuge and solace. Newsletter: Get new episodes of Marketing Under The Influence delivered to your email inbox and stick around for exclusive behind-the-scenes content by signing up for the newsletter. Subscribe today!Dedication: There is no Marketing Under The Influence without the Creator Kitchen. If you have an idea or voice inside you screaming to get let out and would benefit from the support of talented creative people across a broad spectrum of fields who'll push you creatively, I encourage you to apply to the Creator Kitchen.Citations and references:Reality Status: Escapism by Christina GarnettAlice In Wonderland by Lewis CarrollCoraline by Neil GaimanRoald DahlPocketCCO — to work with ChristinaCredits: Narration: Ronnie HigginsExecutive producer: Ronnie HigginsProduction coordinator: Alex BleekerMusic and SFX licensing from: Musicbed, Freesound.orgMusic by: Sunshine Recorder “Petite Suite II. Cortège” and Wave System “Feel You Next To Me”Edited with: Final Cut ProDistributed by: Transistor.fm

Summary: Follow Dozie Anyaegbunam, Senior Editor at The CMO, as he recalls being a young man in Nigeria with an unhealthy case of shiny object syndrome until his father offers him a valuable yet unorthodox life lesson in the title, not the story, of a book. Correction: The narration of this episode says Dozie works at CMO.com but is actually employed by The CMO. Sorry. Newsletter: Get new episodes of Marketing Under The Influence delivered to your email inbox and stick around for exclusive behind-the-scenes content by signing up for the newsletter. Subscribe today!Dedication: There is no Marketing Under The Influence without the Creator Kitchen. If you have an idea or voice inside you screaming to get let out and would benefit from the support of talented creative people across a broad spectrum of fields who'll push you creatively, I encourage you to apply to the Creator Kitchen.Citations and references:Igbo peopleSuper Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)Nintendo Game BoyStreet Fighter IIMortal KombatThe Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Credits: Narration: Ronnie HigginsExecutive producer: Ronnie HigginsProduction coordinator: Alex BleekerMusic and SFX licensing from: Musicbed, Freesound.orgMusic by: Brad Suggs “Elephant Walk” and BECCAA “Nostalgia”Edited with: Final Cut ProDistributed by: Transistor.fm

Summary: Follow Krista Doyle, Content Marketing Manager at Jasper, as she grapples with her sexuality until a friend of a friend recommends a movie that helps her defy LGBTQ+ stereotypes and declare she's a chapstick lesbian.Support the LGBTQ+ community: Please consider supporting Out Youth. For 33 years, Out Youth has been a safe place for youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities to be themselves. Donate today. Subscribe: Get new episodes of Marketing Under The Influence delivered to your email inbox and stick around for exclusive behind-the-scenes content by signing up for the newsletter. Subscribe today!Dedication: There is no Marketing Under The Influence without the Creator Kitchen. If you have an idea or voice inside you screaming to get let out and would benefit from the support of talented creative people across a broad spectrum of fields who'll push you creatively, I encourage you to apply to the Creator Kitchen.Citations and references:Imagine Me & YouFriendsWill & Grace2012 Pew Research: Growing Public Support for Same-Sex MarriageReddit: Queer rom com suggest threadCredits: Narration: Ronnie HigginsExecutive producer: Ronnie HigginsProduction coordinator: Alex BleekerMusic and SFX licensing from: Musicbed, Freesound.orgMusic by: Abigail Osborn “I Do You”Edited with: Final Cut ProDistributed by: Transistor.fm

What's the secret behind crafting unshakable confidence as a marketing leader? This week, join us for an immersive journey with Jay Acunzo as we unlock the mysteries behind building rock-solid confidence in the dynamic world of marketing.With a decade-long adventure navigating the landscapes of ESPN, Google, HubSpot, and beyond, Jay not only imparts insights but crafts a compelling narrative on transforming self-doubt into a driving force for marketing excellence. We delve into the challenges of comparison, the unrelenting pressure to be the ultimate authority, and the constant battle against creator fatigue. Jay doesn't just discuss these challenges; he provides a roadmap for cultivating confidence. Explore the nuances of intrinsic motivation, the power of embracing vulnerability, and the essence of maintaining authenticity throughout your marketing journey.Ready to elevate your confidence and redefine your approach to marketing leadership? Don't miss this opportunity to tune in, explore, and uncover the keys to transformative confidence.Learn more about Jay:Jay Acunzo is a believer in resonance in a world obsessed with reach. He's the host of the podcast Unthinkable and cofounder of the Creator Kitchen, a mastermind where content creators learn to ship more valuable, original work. He's held media and marketing roles at ESPN, Google, and HubSpot, and today, he develops original series and podcasts for bestselling authors, globally touring speakers, indie creators, and brands like Salesforce, GoDaddy, and Drift. His grandest aspiration and also delusion is to be the Anthony Bourdain of B2B creators.Jay's Links:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo Instagram: instagram.com/jacunzoConnect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Summary: Follow Annette Cardwell, the VP of Brand and Corporate Comms at Lattice, as she struggles to fit in as the only Asian kid in rural Virginia until she stumbles upon the cheat code to belonging at summer computer camp in a galaxy far, far away. Dedication: Marketing Under The Influence wouldn't be what it is today without the Creator Kitchen. If you have an idea or voice inside you screaming to get let out and would benefit from the support of talented creative people across a broad spectrum of fields who'll push you creatively, I encourage you to apply to the Creator Kitchen. Guest bio:Annette CardwellVP of Brand and CommsLatticeCitations and references:Annette CardwellLatticeEmpire Strikes BackDallasDukes of HazardMonty PythonNew wave musicThe CureAnne RiceCredits:Narration: Ronnie HigginsGuest: Annette CardwellExecutive producer: Ronnie HigginsProduction coordinator: Alex BleekerMusic licensing from: Musicbed, Freesound.orgMusic by: Guzwell “Content To Process” from “Grounded”Edited with: Final Cut ProDistributed by: Transistor.fm

Have a wonderful holiday season and a beautiful start to your 2024! Back in the new year with more...UNTHINKABLE IS TAKING A BREAK -- BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBEWe're back with more soon. In the meantime...BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to Jay Acunzo's free newsletter, Playing Favorites, and learn what it takes to stand out easier and resonate deeper by communicating with greater power, everywhere you show up. Join free at  jayacunzo.com.Join the Creator Kitchen, a mastermind of smart experts learning to become more influential voices -- NOT by relying on any cheap tricks, but by mastering their craft and creating higher-impact content. Community, masterclasses, 1:1 and 1:few coaching from Jay Acunzo, and more. Learn about membership and see what's inside the Kitchen at creatorkitchen.com.Keep making what matters!

Ready to supercharge your personal brand and command the paycheck you deserve? In today's episode, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Melanie Diesel, co-founder of Creator Kitchen and a marketing maestro. With a decade of industry mastery, Melanie guides us through the intricacies of personal branding and empowers marketing leaders to confidently assess their true value.We dive deep into pivotal topics such as pitching with assurance, implementing strategic pricing, and mastering the art of the discovery call. Melanie generously unveils her personal framework, offering practical tips to conquer imposter syndrome and pose the right questions during a discovery call – crucial for securing that dream client.If you're ready to unleash your worth and elevate your marketing prowess, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will leave you motivated and equipped with tangible strategies to navigate the competitive industry.Learn more about Melanie:Melanie Deziel is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts. As a keynote speaker, author, and award-winning branded content creator, Melanie has spent her career developing the skills to think differently and discover new ways to engage audiences through content. She is the author of “The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas” and “Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust.”In addition to giving keynotes, leading workshops, and coaching clients on organized creativity, Melanie is the co-founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives.Melanie is also the co-founder of two B2B marketplaces: The Convoy and GroupUps. Having been the first-ever editor of branded content at The New York Times, a founding member of HuffPost's brand storytelling team, and Director of Creative Strategy for Time Inc's 35 US magazines, Melanie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on how content can be used as a strategic tool, and how processes can help unlock its power. Melanie's Links:Twitter: @mdezielInstagram: Instagram.com/meldezielLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melaniedezielWebsite: melaniedeziel.comCreator Kitchen Website: creatorkitchen.com The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas Book: WebsiteProve It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust Book: WebsiteConnect with Veronica on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vromney/If you're serious about advancing your career in marketing and you're looking for some personal insights into how then I invite you to schedule a free Pathway to Promotion call with me: https://pathwaycall.com/If you found value in today's episode, I would appreciate it if you could leave a rating and review.

Signature Stories is a miniseries where world-class business storytellers take us inside one important story and dissect it with us. It's like Song Exploder meets storytelling for our work! In our sixth and final episode of the series, bestselling author and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Jay Baer brings one of his oldest, most proven stories to the show -- and we learn the two habits most driving effective storytellers like Jay. And also Jay. Both Jays. (There are two Jays on this episode, is what I'm saying...)Collecting stories regularly, in the seemingly mundane moments of lifeDesigning stories so they arrive at an insightJay Baer is the author of the book The Time To Win and six other business books. He's a globally touring keynote speaker, brand advisor, and marketing and customer experience thought leader. Jay is among the more process-driven storytellers in the world, and he takes us inside that approach in this episode in a refreshingly transparent way.UNTHINKABLE IS TAKING A BREAK -- BUT DON'T UNSUBSCRIBEWe're back with more soon. In the meantime...BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to Jay Acunzo's free newsletter, Playing Favorites, and learn what it takes to stand out easier and resonate deeper by communicating with greater power, everywhere you show up. Join free at  jayacunzo.com.Join the Creator Kitchen, a mastermind of smart experts learning to become more influential voices -- NOT by relying on any cheap tricks, but by mastering their craft and creating higher-impact content. Community, masterclasses, 1:1 and 1:few coaching from Jay Acunzo, and more. Learn about membership and see what's inside the Kitchen at creatorkitchen.com.***IN THIS EPISODE:Jay Baer: speaker site - book site - LinkedIn - Instagram***PRODUCTION CREDITS:Creator, host, writer, editor: Jay AcunzoProducer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Signature Stories is a miniseries where world-class business storytellers take us inside one important story and dissect it with us. It's like Song Exploder meets storytelling for our work! In our fifth episode of the series, a globetrotting, bestselling, keynote-giving, smart-opinion-having, big-idea-distributing author takes us inside what was ultimately a tiny moment in his life that sparked all that "big" stuff.  Simone Stolzoff is the author of The Good Enough Job: Reclaiming Life from Work. He's written for the Atlantic and Wired, worked as a design lead for the innovation firm IDEO, and even got his creative start in school delivering spoken word poetry from the stage.Together, we dissect a signature story that's become "mythology" to him from his own life, and we talk about what makes it work -- and why he approaches it with such restraint. Then, we learn why and how effective storytellers imbue stories with meaning to ensure they matter to others.BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to Jay's free newsletter, Playing Favorites, and learn what it takes to stand out easier and resonate deeper by communicating with greater power, everywhere you show up. Join free at  jayacunzo.com.Join the Creator Kitchen, a mastermind of smart experts learning to become more influential voices -- NOT by relying on any cheap tricks, but by mastering their craft and creating higher-impact content. Community, masterclasses, 1:1 and 1:few coaching from Jay, and more. Learn about membership and see what's inside the Kitchen at creatorkitchen.com.***IN THIS EPISODE:Simone Stolzoff: website and books - LinkedIn - Twitter - Threads - Instagram***PRODUCTION CREDITS:Creator, host, writer, editor: Jay AcunzoProducer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Melanie Deziel is an award-winning branded content creator and author of the books The Content Fuel Framework and Prove It. She also is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind group. We discussed all of this and more — with cooking metaphors aplenty — this week on the On Brand podcast. About Melanie Deziel Melanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts. She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives, and the author of both The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas and Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust. Links from the Show Check out The Creator Kitchen mastermind. And here are links to Melanie's two books we discussed — The Content Fuel Framework and Prove It. Looking for more smarts from Melanie? Check out her previous appearances on the On Brand podcast back in 2016 and 2020. What brand has made Melanie smile recently? “You can tell me whether or not this counts ...” Melanie began before sharing the regular smiles she gets from the Australian children's show Bluey. She's not alone. Connect with Melanie on her website.   As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I'm once again talking with the incredible Melanie Deziel. She first joined us on the podcast in Episode 137, and I'm honored to have her back.    As a leading voice in content marketing, Melanie creates and teaches systems that help individuals and teams be more creative and create more efficiently. She is the author of two books, The Content Funnel Framework and Prove It.   Melanie is also the co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of The Creator Kitchen, a flexible online membership program that helps busy, ambitious, experienced creators grow creatively and improve their existing content creation practice and projects.    She is frequently named as a top influencer, expert, and person-to-follow in marketing. And I'm super excited for you to hear from her today!   In this episode, we'll explore: The importance of psychological safety for creativity and innovative ideas Why failure can actually be a positive thing The roles of transparency, proof, and building trust in content marketing How to be consistent in your content and what this really means Melanie's current favorites: Book: Everybody Writes, Speaker: Anne Handley, Podcast: 99% Invisible More from Melanie Her first appearance on the podcast in Episode 137   Website: https://thestoryfunnel.co/ More from Tricia  Join my Free Transformational Masterclass for Speakers  Explore my content and follow me on YouTube Follow me on Instagram  Connect with me on Facebook  Connect with me on LinkedIn  Visit my website at TriciaBrouk.com

Up next in Signature Stories, we're joined by Jenny Blake, author, speaker and podcaster. She's written three books and hosts the wildly popular podcasts "Free Time" and "Pivot." Jenny sits down with Jay to share a story about a walk with her dog. Jay and Jenny unpack how we can pull out moments of meaning from a small interaction, and how to reshape a story for an audio-only medium versus video. Throughout this series, we'll learn from how inspiring creators and experts craft their most valuable, most original stories that build connection and resonate deeply. We're putting on display the hidden details, tiny choices, and emotional moments, as we seek to go beyond telling stories to instead BECOME storytellers.BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to my free newsletter. Every other week, get a new story/framework to help you stand out easier and resonate deeper with your work: jayacunzo.com/newsletterCRAFT A PODCAST YOU'RE PROUD TO CALL YOURS:Work with me one-on-one to develop or improve a show that stands out easier and resonates deeper. Using your creativity, NOT your budget, you'll walk away with an irresistible premise and format – and the on-mic skills to tell stories and conduct interviews that grip and inspire them.Book an hour now or learn more about my coaching and collaboration.JOIN THE CREATOR KITCHEN MASTERMIND:Connect with Jay and peers who care deeply about the craft: The Creator Kitchen is a mastermind of content creators learning to ship higher-impact work. We help you see the possibilities, decide the best approach, and execute with clarity + confidence on your most important projects.Learn more about membership – plus get some free samples – at creatorkitchen.com***IN THIS EPISODE:Jenny Blake: author, podcast host of Free Time and Pivot with Jenny Blake,  and international keynote speaker. "Reclining Liberty" Artist: http://www.zaqart.com***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Up next in Signature Stories, we're joined by Michael Bungay Stanier, speaker, coach and author of the wildly popular book "The Coaching Habit" and the brand new book, "How to Work with (Almost) Anyone." Michael sits down with Jay to share a story about a very bad job. Jay and MBS dive into how to use open loops, comedy in storytelling, and crafting tiny stories to create a sense of safety for your audience -- plus, they add some seasoning to the main ingredients of Michael's story to make it tastier.Throughout this series, we'll learn from how inspiring creators and experts craft their most valuable, most original stories that build connection and resonate deeply. We're putting on display the hidden details, tiny choices, and emotional moments, as we seek to go beyond telling stories to instead BECOME storytellers.BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to my free newsletter. Every other week, get a new story/framework to help you stand out easier and resonate deeper with your work: jayacunzo.com/newsletterCRAFT A PODCAST YOU'RE PROUD TO CALL YOURS:Work with me one-on-one to develop or improve a show that stands out easier and resonates deeper. Using your creativity, NOT your budget, you'll walk away with an irresistible premise and format – and the on-mic skills to tell stories and conduct interviews that grip and inspire them.Book an hour now or learn more about my coaching and collaboration.JOIN THE CREATOR KITCHEN MASTERMIND:Connect with Jay and peers who care deeply about the craft: The Creator Kitchen is a mastermind of content creators learning to ship higher-impact work. We help you see the possibilities, decide the best approach, and execute with clarity + confidence on your most important projects.Learn more about membership – plus get some free samples – at creatorkitchen.com***IN THIS EPISODE:Michael Bungay Stanier: author of "The Coach Habit", podcast host and keynote speaker  ***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Up first in this mini-series, Creator Kitchen co-founder and author Melanie Deziel sits down with Jay to share a story about her time as the first-ever editor of branded content at the New York Times. Jay and Mel dive into the messy reality of crafting resonant narratives -- and using them to serve an audience and build your business.Throughout this series, we'll learn from how inspiring creators and experts craft their most valuable, most original stories that build connection and resonate deeply. We're putting on display the hidden details, tiny choices, and emotional moments, as we seek to go beyond telling stories to instead BECOME storytellers.BECOME A STRONGER STORYTELLER:Subscribe to my free newsletter. Every other week, get a new story/framework to help you stand out easier and resonate deeper with your work: jayacunzo.com/newsletterCRAFT A PODCAST YOU'RE PROUD TO CALL YOURS:Work with me one-on-one to develop or improve a show that stands out easier and resonates deeper. Using your creativity, NOT your budget, you'll walk away with an irresistible premise and format – and the on-mic skills to tell stories and conduct interviews that grip and inspire them.Book an hour now or learn more about my coaching and collaboration.JOIN THE CREATOR KITCHEN MASTERMIND:Connect with Jay and peers who care deeply about the craft: The Creator Kitchen is a mastermind of content creators learning to ship higher-impact work. We help you see the possibilities, decide the best approach, and execute with clarity + confidence on your most important projects.Learn more about membership – plus get some free samples – at creatorkitchen.com***IN THIS EPISODE:Melanie Deziel: speaker, author, co-creator of the Creator Kitchen with Jay***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

What is taste? And once we understand it, how do we use our own taste? In this one-shot, Jay dives into they days before dating apps to find something unexpected - Bryan Cranston showing us just want the power of having taste can do. ***KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1.  Learn more about Jay's 1:1 coaching and collaboration: https://jayacunzo.com/accountability-group-for-b2b-marketers-creators2. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter3. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently.creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

One thing I love about Jay Acunzo is that his body of work is a love letter to craft and quality. We talk about mindset shifts and practices to help you focus more on resonance than reach; how to do work that matters to you so that your work can matter more; how he worked through his own existential creative crisis upon hitting the 200th episode milestone of his podcast; thinking like an explorer, not an expert; and “making the leap from what best practices say you should do to what your intuition is urging you to try.” This crossover episode originally aired on the Free Time podcast on April 18 2023. More About Jay: Jay Acunzo is one of the world's most sought-after business storytellers and brand consultants. He's worked in marketing for Google, HubSpot, and ESPN before launching his award-winning podcast, Unthinkable, and authoring multiple books on creativity. Today he helps creators learn to increase the power of their creative work, not just the volume, through his membership platform, the Creator Kitchen.

In this episode, host Erin Balsa welcomes special guest Jay Acunzo, a thought leader in the world of content creation. The conversation dives deep into the importance of personal connection and the power it wields in a content-saturated landscape. Jay emphasizes that building a strong, genuine bond with your audience surpasses the goal of being 'the best' in the field.Jay shares his unique take on how content creators should approach their work, focusing on the concept of 'favorite' instead of 'best'. He posits that it's the emotional resonance, not the objective quality, that makes a piece of content or a brand irreplaceable for an individual. This aspect of subjective preference drives loyalty and long-term engagement.The episode wraps up with Jay extending an invitation to his show 'Unthinkable' and his membership platform, Creator Kitchen, offering a glimpse into the creative mindscape of today's most innovative thinkers.

How you define quality is contextual, it's in the eyes of the beholder. In this one-shot, Jay breaks down the three questions we each need to ask to define quality - Who is it for? What is it for? How will I know if it's working? - and then shares the two habits that can help us to create quality content. ***KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1.  Learn more about Jay's 1:1 coaching and collaboration: https://jayacunzo.com/accountability-group-for-b2b-marketers-creators2. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter3. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently.creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Do you struggle to create work that truly resonates with your audience? The ability to craft stories and messages that forge meaningful connections is what separates good creators from great ones. In today's episode, host Gray MacKenzie sits down with storytelling expert Jay Acunzo.Jay Acunzo, The founder of the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping you push yourself creatively. He's also an author, speaker, and host of the award-winning podcast Unthinkable, where creative people take us inside the unconventional choices they made to break from best practices.In this episode, you'll learn: How to resonate with your audience by crafting memorable stories Learn about posture and practice and what it means as an creative. The four ways to communicate with your audience. What stories should be focused on. How to practice crafting stories and work on developing your own narrative style. What does the Creator Kitchen community look like Jay's recommended people to follow The Unthinkable Podcast Process Presenting Sponsor: ZenPilotIf you're an agency owner or leader looking to level up your operations and maximize your team's potential, then we have the perfect solution for you.ZenPilot knows that you are tired of wasting time on trial and error — that's why we provide tried-and-true solutions that will help you grow and scale quickly and sustainably.So, what are you waiting for?Go to zenpilot.com to learn more.Resources mentioned in this episode: Unthinkable Podcast Creator Kitchen's Website Jay Acunzo's Website Jay Acunzo's LinkedIn Total ANNARCHY Newsletter Playing Favorites Newsletter Gray MacKenzie's LinkedIn

Ever wondered what it takes to truly resonate with your audience through storytelling? * We had the pleasure of chatting with independent creator, author, podcaster, creative coach, and co-founder of Creator Kitchen, Jay Acunzo, who shared his insights on the power of storytelling in connecting with our audience. Inspired by the legendary Anthony Bourdain, Jay aims to bring that same level of authentic and captivating narratives into the world of marketing and content creation.(*)Jay's storytelling tips are notably relevant for entrepreneurs, marketers, and content creators, and their applicability extends to the Web3 space as well, even if our discussion isn't focused on Web3.In our conversation, we tackle the role of personal perspective in storytelling and discuss the potential drawbacks of relying too heavily on AI tools for content creation. We emphasize the need to step beyond the usual, commodified content and focus on delivering emotionally resonant stories that leave a lasting impact on our audience. Together, we explore strategies for creators to stand out in a crowded space and create content that truly matters.Lastly, we dive into the art of leveraging tension in storytelling to forge meaningful bonds with our audience. We examine the balance between building suspense and avoiding sensationalism, ensuring that our stories captivate without alienating our listeners. Don't miss this insightful episode as we uncover the secrets to elevating your content creation game and forging genuine connections with your audience.This episode was recorded through a StreamYard call on May 30, 2023. Read the blog article here: https://webdrie.net/creating-content-that-matters-lessons-from-jay-acunzo-on-storytelling/If you're interested in our W3X Mastermind, please send me a DM on LinkedIn, Twitter or Instagram. Ready to upgrade your Web3 marketing strategy? Don't miss Consensus 2024 on May 29-31 in Austin, Texas. It is the largest and longest-running event on crypto, blockchain and Web3. Use code CMOSTORIES to get 15% off your pass at www.consensus2024.coindesk.com

In this inspiring episode of the Unmiss Podcast, we chat with Melanie Deziel, author of the new book “Prove It” and founder of Creator Kitchen, a membership for creators. Melanie discusses using content as evidence to build trust with customers and how to unlock creativity as an entrepreneur or creator. Our conversation with Melanie Deziel…

Storyteller and multi-faceted content creator Jay Acunzo shares his origin story with host Jason Shupp.  Jay talks about creative fingerprints, learning to trust his own sensibilities, the understated value of risk mitigation, having clarity on purpose, and reach vs. resonance.Jay Acunzo is one of the world's most sought-after business storytellers. He's an author, speaker, and the host the podcast Unthinkable, where creators take us inside unconventional choices that led to refreshingly original work. Jay was an early voice in the rise of content marketing, holding editorial and marketing roles for tech startups as well as brands like Google and HubSpot. He's developed and hosted original podcasts and docuseries for clients like Salesforce, Wistia, Help Scout, GoDaddy, and Drift, and he's now the cofounder of the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping you push yourself creatively. Jay's grandest aspiration-slash-delusion is to be the Anthony Bourdain of workplace storytelling.To learn more, visit:linkedin.com/in/jason-Shupp-18b4619bListen to more episodes on Mission Matters:https://missionmatters.com/author/Jason-Shupp/

A list of steps isn't helpful if you're facing the wrong way. That's why in this one-shot, we try to pivot the right way... as it relates to story. Jay unpacks three common misconceptions about how we understand story and why it's actually more important to understand how to be storytellers than to understand story. ***KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1.  Learn more about Jay's 1:1 coaching and collaboration: https://jayacunzo.com/accountability-group-for-b2b-marketers-creators2. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter3. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently.creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

A very special Content Inc. episode, recorded live from Creator Economy Expo. Jay Acunzo, founder of Creator Kitchen, interviews Nathan Barry, CEO of ConvertKit. These two professional content creators take a deep dive into what it takes to be a successful content entrepreneur. Idea bombs (and secrets) explode in this very special (and candid) episode. This episode is sponsored by Lulu.com 46% of creators surveyed by The Tilt said that one of their biggest challenges was monetizing their content. I can tell you that one tried and true method is to become a published author. Turning your blog or newsletter content into a printed book with Lulu has never been easier and more profitable. Lulu's ecommerce plugins allow you to sell directly to your fans from your site, while they handle all of the printing and shipping. You keep all of your customer data and 100% of your profits. Create a free account today at Lulu.com to get started. ------- Like this episode? SUBSCRIBE on Apple, Spotify or Google. See all Content Inc episodes at the Content Inc. podcast home. Get my personal newsletter today and receive the first chapter of my new book for free.

In episode 181: Be Irreplaceable, you heard from my creative coach, Jay Acunzo about how to prioritize resonanceover reach. I've been working with Jay for about six months now, and it has transformed the way I think about creating content. One of the videos he shared with us in his new community, Creator Kitchen, is a walkthrough of his Intellectual Property (IP) Development OS: how he collects ideas, chooses which one/s to pursue, and decides which channel they belong in. I loved it so much — and I know you will too — that I asked for special permission to share it here on the pod. Learn more at creatorkitchen.com and apply promo code FRIENDOFAFRIEND for $100 off your membership for life.

In a 4-part Mini Series, we're unpacking how we create little pockets of resonance. Through conversations with sound designers, copywriters, comedians, and creatives, we are mapping out how we can create work that can make audiences feel connected, validated, and seen. First up is a conversation with brilliant copywriter Margo Aaron who walks us through some of her most powerful copywriting blogs, her opinions on watching the news (links below) and what copywriting can feel like when it's done right.  SHOW LINKSMargo's essay on watching the news: https://www.thatseemsimportant.com/media/what-happened-when-i-stopped-watching-the-news/Jay's response to Margo's essay: https://jayacunzo.com/blog/differentiation-isnt-about-topics-how-to-find-actual-whitespace-to-stand-out VOICES IN THIS EPISODE:Margo Aaron is a copywriting expert and has taught over 4,000 students in the art of copywriting through The Copy Workshop. She is the host of the popular internet talk show, “Hillary and Margo Yell at Websites” and a writer at her award-winning website, That Seems Important. KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter2. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently.creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

I asked Jay Acunzo to join me (again) on the show because he's a writer and content creator and I believe that we (startup marketers) can learn a lot from people that focus on creative work. Jay is a writer, podcast host, speaker, and lifelong storyteller on a mission to help you make what matters most. Here's what Jay is up to: Host of the podcast Unthinkable Newsletter “Playing Favorites” that's helping people push themselves creatively Co-Founder of the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping people push themselves creatively  Prior, Jay worked in marketing and media roles at Google, HubSpot, ESPN, and VC firm NextView. Also check out Ep. 99 “What Does It Really Take To Resonate With People?” where we talk about resonance as a top marketing skill, how to write stories that people connect with emotionally, why great marketing is not about who arrives but rather about who stays, how to tie storytelling concepts to the startup world and how can marketers level up (HINT: marketers create a lot of stuff but it's not gripping). In this episode we cover: What does “creativity” mean to you; Some of the unfortunate impacts of tools like ChatGPT on content creation (HINT: AI is just your intern); You should care about the results from your content but you also need a space to get better; Where do many people get stuck in the creative process and what to do about it; How can marketers bring more of themselves into the work that they're putting out; What are you reading and listening to; Jay asks me his burning question. You can find Jay on LinkedIn >> www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo Check out his website >> https://jayacunzo.com/ For more content, subscribe to Modern Startup Marketing on Apple or Spotify or wherever you like to listen, and don't forget to leave a review! And whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you: 1. Startup marketing strategy, execution and advising (25+ happy clients and mentees) >> www.furmanovmarketing.com 2. Sign up to get my monthly newsletter where I'm sharing playbooks and insights and cracking some jokes that will make you smile guaranteed >> https://share.hsforms.com/1cP1V40x7RGes5gHk1XNgNw47lba 3. Sponsor my Top 5% podcast and get startup founders, marketers and VCs hearing about your brand >> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-furmanov You can also find me hanging out on LinkedIn every single week: www.linkedin.com/in/annafurmanov --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/anna-furmanov/message

In 2016, Pharrell Williams dropped by NYU's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music to speak to a class. There, he met a young Maggie Rogers and sampled her song "Alaska." His reaction, captured on camera, went viral. This is a relatively known moment on the internet.What's not known is just how the words Pharrell shared and the element he noticed from Maggie's work can be applied to the work we do.In this shorter, monologue episode, we take a closer look.***KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter2. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently. creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

If you're going to reject conventional thinking and instead trust your intuition, you'll find yourself sharing tons of ideas with others. But this can feel scary, like our ideas are secrets we'd prefer to keep inside. And when someone shoots them down, we assume they just don't "get it."But what if the point of sharing our ideas is NOT to get the approval of others?Today, we go outside our echo chamber with Unthinkable contributor Andrew Littlefield to hear the story of an unusual art project in Brooklyn. Then, we talk to internet legend and creator of PostSecret.com, Frank Warren, to hear the story of his epic project. KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter2. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently.creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Any story you find can serve your cause -- if you know how to mold it and change it appropriately to tell it your way, for your specific goals.  Today, the four things we can change in any story we find to tell it better."Better" doesn't mean more epic or popular. It means more purposeful, more customized to your specific situation and needs — your audience, your goals, your desire to express yourself a certain way, to connect deeper with the world and others around you, and get your creative fingerprints all over the work. “Better” here means “more yours.”***PUSH YOURSELF CREATIVELY:1. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter2. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program helping you push yourself creatively.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay and others, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently. creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***INSIDE THE EPISODE:Derek DelGaudio's version of the blind men and the elephant story on YouTubeDelGaudio's full special, In and Of Itself, on Hulu***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins

Hrishikesh Hirway is a musician and creator/host of the popular podcast Song Exploder. The show has a simple but powerful premise: each episode, a musician breaks apart a single track and, piece by piece, tells the story of how it was made. He's interviewed Madonna, Billie Eilish, Rick Astley, Lorde, U2, Yo-Yo Ma, and plenty of lesser-known artists creating beautiful music. Vulture even called the show "the best use of the podcast medium ever," and in 2020, Song Exploder became a TV show on Netflix, running for two seasons.Today, we turn the tables on Hrishikesh and ask him to break apart his work -- an episode of Song Exploder featuring the band The War On Drugs.We also examine this idea that artists and successful people are rarely asked questions that stick close to their work. There's a precedent set by big-picture interview shows and mass media hosts that leads to general advice or end-to-end biographies.Hrishikesh shares why starting his show was born out of a frustration with that approach, and he reveals what you can find when talking narrowly about the work.Plus, the creative strategy behind Song Exploder and why Hrishikesh removes almost all of his voice.This is a beautiful, existential, inspiring exploration of creativity -- all emerging from the tiny parts and pieces of doing the actual work. Because there's magic in the minutiae.***KEEP MAKING WHAT MATTERS:1. Get a new story/framework from Jay every other week for making things that matter more to you and others: jayacunzo.com/newsletter2. Join the Creator Kitchen, a membership program for professional communicators to achieve their creative potential.Go inside the making of Unthinkable and all Jay's projects, immerse yourself in the work of inspiring creators, get personalized feedback from Jay, and join live sessions to do better work, more consistently and confidently. creatorkitchen.com(Use code UNTHINKABLE for $100 off membership.)***INSIDE THIS EPISODE:Hrishikesh Hirway: Website | Twitter |  Music: Spotify, Apple | "Still Dreaming" music videoSong Exploder: Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | others***PRODUCTION CREDITS:- Creator, host, writer, editor, sound design: Jay Acunzo- Producer and researcher: Ilana Nevins