Podcast appearances and mentions of jay acunzo

Most video business owners are stuck chasing reach when what actually grows a business is resonance. In this episode, storytelling and speaking strategist Jay Acunzo joins me to break down why mattering more to the right people beats marketing to everyone, and how to communicate with enough conviction that clients seek you out instead of the other way around. If you're tired of competing on price and ready to become your market's favorite, this conversation will shift how you show up. Key Takeaways Resonance beats reach. People don't take action because you reached them, they take action because they actually care. Jay's 6-part "dialogue outline" walks a client from "how does this help me?" all the way to "I'm in, how do I start?" Don't try to be different from your competitors. Aim to be refreshing to your specific market instead. Get into your client's journey early as their "running buddy" rather than waiting at the finish line to capture demand. About Jay Acunzo Jay Acunzo is a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting his advisory firm, Jay was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot. He's directed documentaries, hosted podcasts, and created award-winning content for innovative startups and Fortune 500 brands. Today, Jay teaches business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:35] Meet Jay Acunzo [12:46] Mediocre Content [21:02] What Defines A Successful Business [25:39] Stop Chasing [28:57] Winning Clients [44:03] Be Different Or Be Refreshing [45:33] Influence The Space [50:15] Communicate With Influence [53:21] Connect with Jay [53:54] Outro  Quotes "Reach is how many see it, but resonance is how much they care." —Jay Acunzo "Don't market more, matter more. If you matter more, you need to hustle for attention less." —Jay Acunzo "Don't be the best, be their favorite." —Jay Acunzo "Nobody's waking up thinking, 'I gotta call Ryan.' It is our job to tell the people." —Ryan Koral "You've been a commodity waiting around for some kind of gift." —Jay Acunzo Guest Links Follow Jay Acunzo online Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Get your Early Bird tickets for the Onward Summit Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

Here's how to turn Why They Resonate into Why YOU Resonate. Plus, a rant in two parts about the troubled relationship between thought leaders with big followings and AI. You see, they've all taken unpaid jobs working for other people. They just don't seem to notice yet. EPISODE CREDITS:Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→Music by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook).***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot.I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books.Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance.Learn more about my advisory work at jayacunzo.comBook me to speak at jayacunzo.com/keynotes***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.

In this episode of the School of Podcasting, Dave Jackson shows you how to stop being “just another podcast” and start becoming someone's favorite show (I love that line from Jay Acunzo).You'll learn how to:Clarify what your podcast is actually about in one sentenceChoose (or tweak) your name and description so they signal your unique angleDeliver on the promise of your premise so listeners trust youUse your own stories, quirks, and background as an unfair advantage no AI can copyWhether you're launching a new show or trying to revive an existing one, this episode will help you stand out in a crowded market.The Four C's of Building a Favorite Show1. You Need a Clear “What Is It?” Line (Clarity)If you can't describe your show in one sentence, your listeners definitely can't.Think of it like a movie logline:“A shark terrorizes a beach town.” → Jaws“A lawyer can't lie for 24 hours.” → Liar LiarIf your answer sounds like “me and my buddy talking about stuff and stuff,” you have a clarity problem.2. Your Name & Description Should Create ContrastIf your show is called something generic like “Thinking Outside the Box,” you're competing with dozens of identical names.Simple test: say your show's name to someone and ask, “What do you think it's about?”If their answer doesn't match your actual content, your name isn't doing its job.Your description should:Say who the show is forSay how it's differentPromise what they get every episode - and then give it to themUse your listeners' own words from reviews/emails to sharpen your description.3. Deliver on the Promise of Your Premise (Consistency)Your title, artwork, and description are a promise. Your content has to deliver.Click‑baity titles and vague descriptions might get a first click, but if the episode doesn't do what it says, you won't get a second one.Examples:Joe Rogan: long-form, open-ended conversations where people actually talk through ideas.Podnews and Podnews Weekly Review: global podcast news with strong host chemistry and a predictable format.4. Your Stories and Style Are Your Uncopyable Advantage (Character)AI can write scripts and headlines—but it doesn't have your bike ride, your great nephew, or your specific regrets and realizations.You have stories, you just need to write them down.5. Use “Homework for Life” to Capture StoriesFrom Matthew Dicks' Storyworthy: at the end of each day, ask:“What happened today that might be a story?”Write down one sentence—just enough to remind you later.Use any note tool (NoteJoy, Apple Notes, Google Keep, voice-to-text, etc.).Over time you build a story library you can draw from to explain concepts and stand out from AI‑generated, story‑less shows.Action Steps From This EpisodeBy the end of this episode, challenge yourself to:Write your one-sentence “What is it?” line.If you can't say it clearly in one breath, cut it down.Ask 2–3 non-podcaster friends:Show them your title, cover art, and description.Ask, “What do you think this show is about?”If their answer doesn't match your intention, revise your name/description.Search your show's name in Google and major podcast apps.Is the name crowded? Already used?Is there a dormant show with the name you want? Consider reaching out and asking to take over/buy the feed.List 5 story moments from the last 30 days.Use “homework for life” style notes.Circle 1–2 you can use in upcoming episodes to explain a lesson.Rewrite your podcast description to:Say who the show is forSay how it's differentPromise what they'll consistently get each time they listenResources MentionedStoryworthy by Matthew Dicks – Book on storytelling and “homework for life.”Notejoy captiring toolResearch LinksPodcasting Morning ShowSave the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever NeedHot Ones' Guests Impressed by Sean Evans' Questions | Vol. 6 - YouTubePacino Arrests Everybody (Samuel L. Jackson Cameo) | Sea of Love - YouTubeHomework for Life | Matthew DicksHow Stories Happen: Creators and Entrepreneurs Dissect Their Signature Stories — Jay Acunzo - Jay always says, "Don't just be a podcast, be someone's FAVORITE podcast."Podcast Network Insights - A show About Podcasting networks.Podcast Momentum | Build Podcast Momentum – Geared towards businessesPedal Stomper Podcast. Podcasting Lessons from a Hall of Famer: 20 Years of Wisdom with Dave Jackson - YouTubeWork With DaveIf you want help:Sharpening your “what is it?” lineChoosing or refining a podcast nameRewriting your description so it stands outAnd building a show that becomes someone's favorite…then join the School of Podcasting and get step‑by‑step guidance, resources, and a community of podcasters just like you. You can also sign up for a single podcast strategy session.Mentioned in this episode:Have You Heard About the Podpage Assistant?Here's what it can do: Identify the best search keyphrase to target — The Assistant analyzes your episode and finds the keyphrase most likely to drive organic traffic. Generate optimized SEO titles and descriptions — Get search-friendly titles and meta descriptions written for each episode automatically. Expand your show notes — Turn brief show notes into detailed, search-friendly content that helps Google understand what your episode is about. Create SEO schema — Automatically generate structured data including FAQs and key takeaways, giving search engines even more context about your content. Generate episode transcriptions — If your podcast host doesn't provide transcripts, the Assistant can create them for you. Create companion blog posts — Each episode can get a dedicated blog post that supports your episode's SEO and gives listeners another way to find you. Automatically categorize episodes — Keep your episode library organized without lifting a finger. Start your 14 day trial at www.podpage.com/preview PodpageJoin the School of PodcastingMark from Practical Prepping had been podcasting for a while, but after joining the School of Podcasting, his podcast grew at a faster rate. His Facebook group has over 30,000 members! Join the School of Podcasting and get access to: Step-by-step tutorials An amazing podcast community Unlimited One-On-One Coaching Join today worry-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee!School of PodcastingQuestion of the MonthThis might be harder question to answer because when I ask people, the sometimes freeze. The question? How do you measure success for your podcast beyond download numbers? I need your answer by June 26th, 2026. Don't forget to tell us a little bit about your show and your website address so I can link to it in the show notes.Question of the MonthCheck Out Dave's Newsletter With Behind the Scenes ContentIn each issue of Podcasting Observations, I share my thoughts on what

How Stories Happen is now Why They Resonate. Here's why and what to expect next. Plus, learn the single Italian word which says so much about our creative work — and why it's the driving force behind the show's rebrand and revival. EPISODE CREDITS:Written and produced by me, Jay Acunzo. For more, subscribe to my newsletter→Music by Embleton (Instagram - Facebook).***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI'm a public speaking and storytelling advisor trusted by bestselling authors, TED speakers, seven-figure coaches, and brands like Mailchimp, Wistia, and Salesforce. Before starting my advisory firm (where I work 1:1 with clients and run group programs), I was a digital media strategist at Google and head of content for 3 organizations, including HubSpot.I've given keynotes across the US and several other countries to marketers and managers, designers and dentists, leaders and landscapers, and my journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books.Today, I teach business leaders how to communicate with greater clarity, influence, and resonance.Learn more about my work at jayacunzo.com.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for your support! Keep making what matters.

You've been told to grow your reach. But what if the real problem is resonance? Jay Acunzo spent years at Google, HubSpot, and a VC firm before building a keynote speaking career from scratch, only to lose it all in five days when the pandemic hit. What came out of that reinvention was something far more powerful: a clear mission to help experts stop being commodities and start being irreplaceable. In Episode 563 of Get Yourself Optimized, Jay pulls back the curtain on the craft of storytelling, resonance, and what it actually takes to make people care in an age defined by noise. What we got into: → Why being a great speaker is the closest thing to an "increase the odds of success" button → The "That's the thing about" device, a single phrase that turns a good story into one that inspires action → Align, Agitate, Assert, Invite, the four-part story structure that moves people from where they are to where you want them to be → Why your competitive edge will never come from a $20/month AI subscription tool → The two things every great interviewer must master to capture real, specific, powerful stories If you have something genuinely worth saying, this episode will help you say it in a way that actually lands.

Most marketers are obsessed with reach. Jay Acunzo thinks that's the wrong game entirely. In this episode of Marketing Speak, I sat down with Jay Acunzo,  keynote speaker, author of Break the Wheel, and host of How Stories Happen,  who built a thriving speaking business from scratch, lost it all in five days when the pandemic hit, and came back with a sharper mission: helping experts stop being commodities and start being irreplaceable. Jay shares: Why resonance beats reach every time, and how to build a business where clients come because they want you, not just someone who looks like you The 'That's the thing about' device, a single phrase that turns a good story into one that actually inspires action Align, Agitate, Assert, Invite,  the four-part story structure that moves your audience from where they are to where you want them to be Why your competitive edge will never come from a $20/month AI subscription, and what to do instead The two things every great interviewer must master to capture real, specific, powerful stories from guests If you have something genuinely worth saying and want to say it in a way that actually lands, this episode is your blueprint. Listen now!  

I've been through the ringer these past few years and come out the other side with something special. It's time for a transparent look inside my business.  ***To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

I can't believe people can do THAT.I can't believe people can DO that.I can't believe PEOPLE can do that.***To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in previous episodes, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

I'm sharing the full story in this episode. It's time to take stuff like this more seriously.To get regular advice, frameworks, and stories helping you communicate with greater clarity and resonance, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

When you want to make speaking a real revenue engine, the temptation is to invest in a couple of incorrect things. In this episode, I set the record straight for what actually works to drive results as a keynote speaker, so you can focus on the right things, in the right order, for the right results.This is Part 2, to be paired with my last episode, "The last great advantage."To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Thanks to the ubiquity of AI, this is the last great advantage.To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

The way we write pitches is broken compared to what actually works, all because of one nuanced but critical reality:We're good at describing our talks. We're bad at describing why they'd BOOK US TO SPEAK. But isn't that the point? In this short episode, you'll learn how to re-think your pitches and write better session descriptions to pitch event planners. It'll also be useful for pitching podcast hosts, editors, and any gatekeeper who might platform you.To get more ideas like this, subscribe to my newsletter→PS: As mentioned in the episode, please expect a name change and cover art change for the show soon. Can't wait for things to come!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***IF YOU ENJOY THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

There is a very big difference between having a good idea and actually owning it publicly. In this episode, a means to re-think your approach to crafting and publishing your content, no matter the channel or medium. The goal is to both clarify your thinking to yourself and build an audience of passionate fans along the way. Subscribe to my newsletter→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

What separates messages that get ignored from ideas that inspire movements? Jay Acunzo has built his career creating frameworks that stick, ideas so distinctive they become inseparable from his name. In this conversation, he reveals why most business communication fails to move people and shares the hidden structure behind narratives that transform understanding into action. If you've ever wondered why some leaders can rally teams and attract ideal clients effortlessly while others struggle to get buy-in, this episode exposes the systematic difference. The Fatal Flaw in Business Communication Most leaders are optimizing for the wrong metric entirely. Jay reveals why the conventional approach to reaching your audience actually weakens your influence—and introduces a counterintuitive principle that makes your message magnetic to the people who matter most. The question that changes everything: Are you broadcasting or building something deeper? How to Build Ideas That Become Competitive Advantages Jay pulls back the curtain on his process for developing intellectual property that competitors can't copy. This isn't about being first to market. It's about creating frameworks so aligned with your unique perspective that they become your signature—your professional lighthouse that ideal clients naturally navigate toward. What you'll discover: The iterative testing system Jay uses before an idea goes public Why the "messy middle" is where your most valuable thinking happens The difference between borrowed wisdom and ownable IP The insight: Your best ideas aren't found—they're systematically developed through a specific refinement process. The AI Trap Most Leaders Are Falling Into Here's what nobody's talking about with AI tools: They can make you faster while making you forgettable. Jay shares his selective framework for when AI enhances your thinking versus when it dilutes the very thing that makes your communication magnetic. The warning: There's a hidden cost to automation that shows up in your influence, not your efficiency metrics. The opportunity: A smarter integration approach that amplifies your voice instead of replacing it. The 6-Step Structure Behind Every Persuasive Narrative Want to know how master communicators move people from "I understand" to "I must act"? Jay breaks down the exact framework he uses to construct arguments that don't just inform—they transform. This is the systematic structure behind presentations that get standing ovations, pitches that close deals, and content that converts browsers into believers. What makes this different: Most people start their narrative in the wrong place. Jay reveals where persuasion actually begins and the specific progression that builds unstoppable momentum toward action. Fair warning: Once you see this structure, you'll recognize it everywhere—and you'll never communicate the same way again.

It's been a good long while since I've had a good long rant. *Cracks knuckles.* Let us begin.Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→Subscribe to my newsletter→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

When you give a presentation of any kind, you don't actually have a captive audience. YOU need to captivate. This is a story structure that can both captivate your audience AND deliver the message or lesson they most need (and you need to distribute to do your job).As mentioned, there are just a few spaces left in the next cohort of my public speaking accelerator. Grab yours here:Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Early-stage marketing is often a race for reach, but Jay Acunzo argues that resonance is the only metric that actually moves the needle in 2026.Jay is the former Head of Content at HubSpot and Google, a world-renowned keynote speaker, and an expert in storytelling. He has helped countless brands find their "Premise"—the distinct point of view that makes them irreplaceable in a sea of commodities.In this episode, Jay breaks down why "being the best" is a losing game and why "being their favorite" is the ultimate competitive advantage.Here's what you'll learn:(00:00) Intro(01:24) Why "Marketing More" is a trap in the AI era(04:16) Why 100 fans beat 100,000 followers(07:36) The Disney Strategy: Why you should stop trying to be "The Best"(09:52) Using Unsolicited Response Rate (URR) to measure resonance(13:50) How to close deals faster by making people care(16:21) Why generic content is dead (and how to find your "Premise")(24:13) Why brands need personalities to survive(28:55) 5 steps to differentiate your brand(34:38) The Wistia Example: Why your homepage copy isn't your message(41:55) Future-proofing your content for 2026(51:09) The right way to use LLMs in creative work(59:40) Why you can't automate thought leadershipWe hope you enjoyed this episode of Ahrefs Podcast!Where to find Jay:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/Website: https://jayacunzo.com/Where to find Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsoulo/X: @timsouloReferenced:HubSpot, Wistia, Google, SparkToro, TopRank Marketing, Anthony Bourdain, Andrew Davis, Melanie Deziel.

Go inside inside my public speaking accelerator, Design My Signature Talk, with this clip from our final group call.Watch the full video of this episode→Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→In this episode, hear Brian Piper deliver his brand new signature story as a reliable opener of his brand new signature talk that we developed in the cohort. He used this material to get 3 brand new client leads from his first attempt.Brian is a marketing consultant and an author who works with people in higher ed. He helps them embrace AI and become more analytical and data led. But for years, he struggled with developing a SIGNATURE speech, instead building new talks every talk. He also struggled to draw from a major source of ideas and identity and stories in his life, refusing to put that material on stage -- a problem we navigated in the cohort to finally crack the code on a stronger opening story for him.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

What good is reach if you don't have resonance? In this transformative episode of Business of Story, host Park Howell sits down with Jay Acunzo to explore why clarity isn't enough for brand stories and how to transform expertise into influential public voice through premise development. --- ABOUT JAY ACUNZO --- Jay Acunzo is an author, speaker, and public speaking coach who helps experts become stronger public voices. He's written books about creativity and storytelling, and he's traveled the world giving keynotes to marketers and managers, dentists and designers, leaders and landscapers. His clients include bestselling authors, mainstage TED speakers, startup founders, and seven-figure coaches and consultants. Brands like Salesforce, GoDaddy, Zillow, and Mailchimp have trusted Jay to support some of their most visible projects. He began his career in sales and marketing at Google and HubSpot, and his own journey as a speaker has been featured in 3 different books. Jay's philosophy challenges conventional marketing wisdom: don't market more, matter more. Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best, be their favorite. --- WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER --- ✓ What a premise really is (and why it's different from a tagline, mission, or niche) ✓ The resonance over reach philosophy and why it creates more business impact ✓ How resonance works (using physics to understand the urge to act) ✓ The narrative argument framework: six beats that move audiences from skepticism to action ✓ Laddered messaging structure: We Want → We Need → We Hope ✓ Story 2.0: Why process alone isn't enough (you need practice and posture too) ✓ The critical difference between clarity and strength in brand storytelling ✓ How to develop your premise through iteration (not instant perfection) ✓ Why focus is something you pick, but clarity is something you build ✓ Real examples: How Jay helped Anne Handley refine her premise for ASAP: As Slow As Possible ✓ Premise examples from James Clear, Simon Sinek, Michelle Warner, and more ✓ How to apply premise thinking to products and services (StoryCycle Genie case study) --- KEY FRAMEWORKS REVEALED --- NARRATIVE ARGUMENT (6 Beats): What are their goals? What's their current approach? What are the problems with that approach? What root cause do you see? What change do they need? How do they implement it? LADDERED MESSAGING (3 Phrases): • We Want: Meet people where they're at • We Need: Your premise/philosophical change • We Hope: The grand transformation STORY 2.0 (3 P's): • Process: Story structure and frameworks • Practice: Regular creation and refinement • Posture: Seeing yourself as a storyteller --- MEMORABLE QUOTES --- The goal is not to market more, it's to matter more. What good is awareness if you don't have affinity? What good is reach if you don't have resonance? Don't be the best, be their favorite. Clarity doesn't mean strength. Clarity doesn't mean efficacy. Focus is something you pick. Clarity is something you build. --- ABOUT BUSINESS OF STORY --- The Business of Story podcast helps business owners and marketers master the art of storytelling to grow their brands and create meaningful impact. Hosted by Park Howell, creator of the StoryCycle System and ABT Framework, each episode features expert guests sharing proven strategies for business growth through authentic narrative. Whether you're building a brand, leading a team, or developing your public voice, Business of Story delivers the frameworks and insights you need to make your message matter. Topics: premise development | resonance over reach | brand storytelling | thought leadership | narrative argument | public speaking | IP development | expert positioning | influential voice | business communication | content strategy | keynote speaking | Story 2.0 | clarity vs strength | laddered messaging

If you want to book more and better speaking opportunities, this is the episode for you. I take a closer look at the process most speakers miss, not because they haven't had any success selling their offerings, but precisely because they have. Speaking works in the opposite way to almost everything else. It's an inverted commercial model. We need to embrace this fact and invest our time, energy, and budget accordingly, if we want to book more and better stages, charge or raise our speaker fees, and develop a sustainable pipeline of keynotes and speaking engagements.There's a paradox at the center of what it takes to do this well. Get ready to reverse your process!Join the next cohort of Design My Signature Talk (starts Feb. 23, 2026)→Get the full transcript and visual model from this episode→Get my best resources for keynote speakers→***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

What makes some creators cut through the noise while others just… fade into the scroll?In this week's episode, I sit down with Jay Acunzo, international speaker, storytelling coach, and the mastermind behind the “resonance over reach” philosophy. Jay has worked with brands like Google, HubSpot, and ESPN—and today, he shares what really helps coaches, creators, and business leaders connect with their audience in a meaningful, profitable way.We talk about how to uncover clarity in your message, why most “signature talks” miss the mark, and how you can structure your communication to inspire change—not just attention.If you're trying to grow your thought leadership, book speaking gigs, or create content that sticks, this conversation is a masterclass.What you'll learn:Why clarity is more important than consistencyThe 4-part storytelling framework to boost resonanceHow to refine your thought leadership on LinkedInThe right way to test, tweak, and ship your ideasWhy a "signature talk" is really an argument for changeTimestamps:00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effortless Attention00:27 Welcome to Rocky Mountain Marketing00:58 Introducing Jay Acunzo: Master of Clarity06:43 The Importance of Public Speaking14:12 Crafting Memorable Stories19:19 The Four Beats of Storytelling19:54 Align: Understanding Your Audience20:07 Agitate: Highlighting the Problems21:00 Assert: Presenting Your Solution21:32 Invite: Engaging Your Audience22:36 The Importance of Personal Branding23:14 Finding Your Unique Speaking Voice24:28 The Role of Authenticity in Speaking25:59 Developing and Refining Your Ideas28:37 Practical Tips for Nervous Speakers31:17 The Power of a Creative Practice33:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTune in now, and let's help you build a message that actually moves people.Visit Jay Acunzo online:Website: https://jayacunzo.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayacunzo/Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-stories-happen/id1736586770Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jayacunzoLearn more about Katie and Next Step Social & Podcasting:Speaking: https://katiebrinkley.com/Website: https://yournextstep.agency/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebrinkleyYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@rockymountainmarketingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkatiebrinkley/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's this THING that happens to a public speaker and storyteller that feels addicting. It happens after you've internalized your content and put in the reps. You're no longer consciously thinking about what to say next or how to say it. Instead, you can just walk up on stage, or fire up the camera, or switch on the mic, and just BE.Few speakers and storytellers have achieved that level of internalized, authentic performance like Scott Stratten (LinkedIn).Scott is a Hall of Fame public speaker and the founder of UnMarketing. He believes we can build a better business world based on integrity, community, and authenticity. Together with his wife and business partner Alison, they've written 6 bestselling business books, while Scott travels the world performing from stages to thousands of people at a time. To hear Scott is to experience just that. A performance.Today, we'll hear an incredible story Scott tells in his keynotes, then we'll talk shop about the mechanics of storytelling, the misnomers and opportunities in becoming a stronger public voice, and frankly, we have some of the most fun I've had on this show … ever.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI work with entrepreneurs, execs, and teams on the journey from competent to resonant. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Jay Acunzo and Mark Schaefer discuss their success in sustaining their personal content production for years, even decades. They discuss their mindset and strategies of incorporating a content lifestyle and beating the odds.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." 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. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

The more experienced and accomplished my guests are, the more they tend to care deeply about the little things. They're the ones who could "wing it" and actually get away with it, and yet, they don't. In their speeches, stories, messages, and everywhere they show up, they focus on the tiny details that make their words resonate.My guest in this episode is the perfect picture of this phenomenon. It's David Burkus.David is the bestselling author of 5 books, including his latest, a national bestseller: Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams. David's TED Talks have amassed more than 4 million views, and he's given nearly 300 keynote speeches around the world.In this episode, we hear and dissect a story about the CEO of Ford which David tells on stages. He's made it his own, finding details nobody else has and crafting a narrative nobody else can. Plus, we discuss:Why you shouldn't purely or even mainly tell stories from inside your own industryHow to calibrate your voice for different audience sizesAnd the tiniest details which add up to make the biggest impact when you communicateI've always appreciated his thoughtfulness about speaking and storytelling behind-the-scenesThis is an ADDICTING exploration of the craft of business storytelling... with the wise and wonderful David Burkus!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI help experts and entrepreneurs win more and better clients, at higher prices, with less friction. To do that, I help transform your thinking into clear, captivating ideas, speeches, and IP. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

When you're an expert in something, it's tempting to assume the role of your communication is to deliver something in an academic way. Instruct, advise, and teach. Sometimes, this devolves into shoving a wall of smarts *at* the world. But you need to translate what you know into language that causes others to care. That's something today's guest embraced 10 years ago, and the combination of his ideas and his influence have put him in rare company.Today's guest is David C. Baker, a 7-time author which the New York Times once called "the expert's expert." His business, Punctuation, and his seminal books like The Business of Expertise and Selling Your Professional Service Firm help business owners achieve their next milestones with clarity and confidence. Today, we hear from David about why the EASY part of our work as experts is the insight. The hard part is wrapping insight into something delicious others want to eat.Plus, he shares a rare kind of story he wrote, and we break it down together, and you'll get a fascinating look inside the thought process and creative practice of one of the world's top voices in the business of expertise.This is a great one with the great David C. Baker!***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZOI help experts and entrepreneurs win more and better clients, at higher prices, with less friction. To do that, I help transform their thinking into resonant, repeatable ideas that define categories, build movements, and make them the favorite voice in their space—not just another option. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek. I'm a former marketing leader at Google and HubSpot and globally touring speaker and author. I've spent 20 years building the exact thought leadership I now help clients create—as a practitioner-peer, not a coach with templates.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comDon't market more. Matter more.Think resonance over reach.Don't be the best. Be their favorite.***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS!Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

You know that sinking feeling when you realize your carefully crafted content sounds exactly like everyone else's? (Yeah, me too.) Here's the uncomfortable truth: expertise has been commodified. You can share everything you know, and it still won't be enough to stand out because a hundred other voices are saying the same thing—just maybe with different GIFs. Jay Acunzo spent years building a speaking career without a book, without fame, just by owning a singular premise that made people stop and think differently. Now he works behind the scenes with executives and entrepreneurs, helping them transform generic advice into intellectual property that actually resonates. In this conversation, we dig into how you move from talking about topics to owning a perspective, why "unsolicited response rate" matters more than reach metrics, and what it really takes to become the voice people seek out instead of scroll past.  https://www.theagentsofchange.com/604 Need help with your branding, website, or digital marketing? Reach out to me (Rich Brooks!) today at https://www.takeflyte.com/contact

Very excited for this one, my friend: I'm releasing a recording of a coaching call I had with entrepreneur Michelle Florendo, who runs a business called Powered by Decisions. You'll hear us walk through frameworks you can use to turn messy or scattered thinking into a clear and differentiated premise Michelle can use to strengthen her messaging and thought leadership.First, I share a primer on premise development. What's a premise, and what makes a premise effective?Then, you'll hear the full call with me and Michelle.Michelle is a decision engineer, which is an entire academic field of research and knowledge which frankly most of us need to understand more about!This is a fascinating look inside my process with clients and the process of turning your expertise into repeatable, powerful IP.Learn more about Michelle's work at poweredbydecisions.com.***ABOUT MEHello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comNow here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!Don't market more. Matter more. (

It's one thing for a solopreneur with a microphone to tell you to trust your own lived experiences to differentiate, resonate, and tell stronger stories. But what happens when there are millions of dollars at stake and millions of viewers consuming your work? Meet Jordan Geary, an Emmy Award-winning producer and storytelling expert. As the Senior Creative Producer of Current Series at Sesame Workshop, he helped shape iconic live-action and animated shows, including Ghostwriter and Helpsters for Apple TV+, Sesame Street Mecha Builders and Bea's Block for HBO Max, and over 300 Sesame Studios shorts for YouTube.In this episode, we hear and discuss a personal story of his, and you'll also hear:How Sesame Workshop ensures their stories connect (it actually involves ONE specific kind of moment they intentionally include each time)The questions you can ask yourself to resonate more consistentlyThe 1 thing Jordan previously believed about storytelling which his career experiences have forced him to rethinkLearn more about Jordan's work at jordangeary.com or follow him on Instagram.***ABOUT MEHello! I'm Jay Acunzo. I help experts and service providers clarify their ideas and create sustainable momentum. Together, we turn your expertise into a distinct premise, clear message, owned IP, and signature speeches. Stop chasing attention. Become the one others seek.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. It's time to stop chasing attention and become the one others seek.Work with me 1:1, book me to speak, or explore free resources at jayacunzo.comNow here's a technique called "laddering down your message" which I use with clients and my own message to the world. You can understand me in three simple phrases, in order. Try crafting your own!Don't market more. Matter more. (

In this episode of Content Inc., Joe Pulizzi shares a major shift in his work and thinking. For years, Joe was known as “the content marketing guy.” More recently, he's been called the entrepreneur guy, the creator guy, even the orange guy. But after some reflection, and inspiration from friends Jay Clouse and Jay Acunzo, Joe has distilled his new premise. The only true path to meaning, freedom, and wealth is building something you control. Joe explains why this premise matters today, and why it connects so closely to the idea of a Tilt: the unique angle that makes you irreplaceable. He shares an updated definition of the Tilt, how it applies to his projects (Content Inc., This Old Marketing} and why finding your Tilt is the foundation of a business model that lasts. Joe closes with a challenge: What is your Tilt? What is the unique angle that makes you irreplaceable? If you cannot answer that clearly, you're at risk. But if you can, you hold the raw material for meaning in your work, freedom over your choices, and wealth that lasts. -------- For more inspiration and a step-by-step guide to building freedom on your own terms, grab Joe's new book Burn the Playbook (plus a 21-day challenge) at https://www.joepulizzi.com/books/burn-the-playbook/. Resources & Links: Joe's free guide: [Mastering Goal Setting] Joe's new book: [Burn the Playbook] Let's connect: [LinkedIn]  Subscribe to the Podcast [Content Inc.]  

If you're an expert in something, chances are, you share content about that something. But so does everyone around you. Merely sharing your expertise makes you a commodity. I can get it anywhere, and I guess you're anywhere. That's why I routinely say, you need to stop creating content and start creating IP. Your IP is built on top of your premise, the core idea informing the rest, but more experts should also develop their signature frameworks, or what our guest today calls "contextual models." Your contextual models help turn complexity into simplicity, so people go, "Wow, I get it, and I see how much more there is to know. Take me through it."Today's wonderful guest (and a master of contextual modeling) is Neen James. She's a leadership strategist who has worked with brands like Viacom, Comcast, and the Four Seasons, a fantastic keynote speaker, and the author of multiple books, including Folding Time, Attention Pays, and her latest: Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business.In our episode, Neen shares how she develops her frameworks, then delivers a signature story from her speeches and her new book which we dissect and celebrate piece by piece.This is a rare and generous look at the process of one of my favorite business authors and speakers.***ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASESDon't market more. Matter more. (

This week on Content Inc., Joe shares a powerful reminder for every creator: feeling “behind” or “not good enough” is not a weakness. It is often a marker of growth. Fresh off the afterglow of CEX, Joe reflects on a conversation between Jay Acunzo and Ann Handley about imposter feelings and self-doubt. Even when we are recognized and quoted, we can still feel like we are falling short. To bring it home, Joe draws inspiration from the legendary golfer Bobby Jones, who once admitted his game felt like it was in “horrible shape” during a stretch when he was dominating every major tournament. The truth? Champions do not measure themselves against others, but against their own potential. For creators and entrepreneurs, that same gap between perception and reality is where mastery lives. Feeling broken can be the best evidence you are leveling up.

One of the hallmarks of great business storytellers is something called the catalyst story. They don't just shove their expertise at you like a wall of smarts. They take you on a journey. Often, in a speech, a book, or even just a single piece or post, they can retrace their own journey of discovery to ensure the audience cares and understands. Because you might be at letter Z of your understanding of something, but others start at A. You need to meet them in that reality, then move them to something better, beat by beat. That often starts at the start, with a story to catalyze it all. Today, we'll hear and analyze a great one, shared with us by the great Chris Ducker. Chris is a serial entrepreneur most known for founding the business Youpreneuer and his book, Rise of the Youpreneur, which helped people become known leaders in their industries.Over the past two decades, Chris has started, grown, bought, and sold a number of multi-million pound businesses, and his latest book is The Long-Haul Leader: The Strategies to Work Smarter, Live Better, and Achieve Lasting Success.He's spoken on countless stages, guested on infinite shows, and created a huge body of work online, but today, it's a closer look at his process like never before.***ABOUT ME - IN 3 PHRASESDon't market more. Matter more. (

Welcome back to another episode of Creator Science. We have a different type of episode this week. I recently shared some stories on my social media about being a dad, and my good friend Jay Acunzo reached out and said we should do an episode talking about being parents and creators. I thought that was a great idea because, as I have spent the last year as a father, it's become so much more obvious to me that the voices in the space we pay attention to are not parents and do not quite have the same constraints and priorities that parents do. If you are a parent and you're doing this creator thing and you feel crazy because it seems like everyone has more time and can do a lot more than you are, you might find this to be an enjoyable, relatable listen. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Jay's Website / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube *** TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Parent-Creator Insights with Jay Acunzo 05:57 Life Sprinting: Parenting & Entrepreneurship 08:42 Distracted Parenting Moment 13:20 Transformational Life Experiences 14:46 From Creation to Management 20:12 Parenting and Career Amid Pandemic 23:58 Parenting Pioneers Among Peers 24:37 Blank Canvas vs. Paint By Numbers 28:25 Balancing Business and Relationship Priorities 32:22 Fatherhood and Social Connections 36:09 Balancing Work, Parenting, and Storytelling 37:47 Embracing Efficiency in Parenthood 43:32 Parenthood Deepens Understanding of Parents 46:31 Balancing Parenthood and Business Identity 47:47 Embracing Simplicity in Content Creation 52:18 Combining Friend Groups Dilemma 54:35 Balancing Public Persona and Family *** RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#251: Behind the Scenes: What I'm quietly working on *** ASK CREATOR SCIENCE → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your question here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ *** WHEN YOU'RE READY

There are 2 books I recommend most often to others who say they want to be a stronger storyteller: one is from a world-famous legend, and the other is from our guest today. It's Jessica Abel, author of Out on the Wire: The Storytelling Secrets of the New Masters of Radio. This exceptional book just celebrated its ten-year anniversary.This book takes you inside the storytelling processes of the makers of This American Life, Serial, Radiolab, The Moth, Planet Money, and Snap Judgment, and the two voices taking you through the book (in cartoon narrator forms) are Jessica and ... Ira Glass!Today, Jessica operates under the brand the Autonomous Creative, where she offers coaching and education to creative entrepreneurs who need stronger business fundamentals (but delivered in a way appealing to creative minds).In this episode, we talk about:Rejecting the great lie creatives are told their whole lives, which only hurt your entrepreneurial endeavors The tension between creating art, creating a revenue engine, and the relationship between themWhat Jessica really endured (and how it broke her) to create my all-time favorite book about storytelling.Learn more about Jessica on her website or LinkedIn, and be sure to get your copy of Out on the Wire.MY MESSAGE TO YOU:Don't market more. Matter more. (

Advice from experts feels like it's getting aggressive. This is why, and also what we can do to show up better.Happily, this is the difference between constantly pushing and hyping and, instead, actually communicating in ways that get a positive, passionate response despite the noise.MY MESSAGE TO YOU:Don't market more. Matter more. (

We're presented with a lot of false choices in our work: Quantity or quality? Revenue or social impact? Sweet or savory? But few false choices are more worth challenging than this: Are you more emotional storyteller or data-driven communicator?Our guest today is the perfect person to challenge this assumption. It's Tom Webster! Tom is a legend in the podcast space. He's a partner at Sounds Profitable, an organization which researches and seeks to grow the audio business. For nearly three decades, Tom's insights and advice have helped steer this entire industry forward, and he's led hundreds of audience research projects for organizations spanning six continents and shows ranging from Howard Stern to All Things Considered.Tom's book is called The Audience Is Listening: A Little Guide to Building a Big Podcast, and just before this episode, Tom and Sounds Profitable won an award for Best Data Storytelling from the Content Marketing Institute.It's only fitting that he shares with us in this episode how to tell the stories of numbers, as well as the 3 traits to a podcast or any project capable of finding passionate fans.ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, InstagramI help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify  JOIN MY PUBLIC SPEAKING ACCELERATOR:Enrollment is now open for my 8-week virtual program, with personalized 1:1 support and group coaching calls, along with video lessons, video reviews of your speech, and more. Reserve your spot. Space is limited. Visit jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk — the next cohort starts September 8.

Creating more content won't help your business, if it doesn't resonate with your target audience. In this episode, public speaking and messaging consultant Jay Acunzo, joins @dbaptiste to unpack a major challenge in the AI-driven marketing world: Shifting from chasing search clicks to becoming a brand people actively seek out and choose. Jay reveals why the “reach for reach's sake” strategy doesn't work: No amount of exposure will make your audience care. The real solution? Focus on resonance. He dives into the dangers of mistaking awareness for affinity, how generic expertise has become a commodity, and how to deliver high-conviction messaging that only your brand can own.

What ideas haunt you? What can't you stop thinking about, you care about it that much? As public voices and experts, we all have those ideas that chase us around and color how we see everything. The thing is, our audience might not "get it" the way we do, nor care. So we have to work overtime to show them why they would. This in turn creates a sense of urgency in the audience: to care, share, subscribe, buy, or take action of some kind.That kind of urgency is the role of the story we'll hear today for my friend, Mark Schaefer. It's a story from his keynotes and his new book, AUDACIOUS: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing WorldMark is a globally-touring keynote speaker and the author of more than 10 books on marketing, technology, and business growth. He's worked with clients like Adidas, Johnson & Johnson, and Dell, and has appeared on CNN and in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. In addition to his speaking and services, Mark is also faculty member of the graduate program at Rutgers University, and hosts the popular podcast The Marketing Companion—where I appear as co-host every few months!Today we talk about how to tell stories that show others something important you already see, so they care. Plus, signs you've rehearsed your speech enough to nail it and communication tripwires which can cause the audience to object to your ideas (and how to avoid them).This is a fun one, with my friend, Mark Schaefer.Find and follow Mark at businessesgrow.com and on LinkedIn. Get a copy of AUDACIOUS at businessesgrow.com/audacious***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, InstagramI help experts differentiate and resonate. Together, I work with you to develop a distinct and memorable premise driving your platform, turn that big idea into signature IP you own, and help you embody it as a speaker and storyteller. Compete on the impact of your thinking, not the volume of your marketing. This makes it easier to win more and better clients.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. Stop chasing attention and become more highly sought.***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify Thanks for listening!

Today, experts, consultants, and others who share advice content and thought leadership concepts need to embrace a tough truth. Our guest is the perfect person to help me deliver it. Erin Halper is the founder of the community business for independent consultants, The Upside. In our episode, we talk about vulnerability in storytelling and how to navigate it well, and we look at a signature story of hers that she uses everywhere but which she debated NOT using for a long time. You'll hear why, and you'll walk away with some ideas to apply to your own communication to have a greater impact. As Erin says, everyone has a version of the story she tells, even though all the details are different. And that's why it's so effective. Understanding that one concept can transform how deeply you resonate wherever you show up to write or speak.Find and follow Erin at betheupside.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.***ABOUT MY WORK:Don't market more. Matter more.I help experts resonate deeper. I work with you 1:1 as your peer-level advisor, coach, and strategist on your public speaking, messaging, storytelling, and thought leadership.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speechesConstantly chasing attention → Being highly soughtSubscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Looking back on my own career as a speaker, storyteller, and communicator across projects and mediums, I realize: every time I developed a signature story capable of resonating with others, I went through the same process. It wasn't intentional, but it worked. Today, I want to codify that process into a more conscious process you can follow. I'm calling it Six-Way Stories:1. Make a messy draft.2. Find the 4 building blocks of the story.3. Build up the story from the building blocks.4. Arrive at an insight using a particular phrase.5. Tell it again, but shorter.6. Tell it again, but arriving at a different insight.The goal isn't to "learn story." The goal is to become a storyteller. This process can help you get to work with clarity and confidence.***ABOUT MY WORK:Don't market more. Matter more.When your expertise sounds like everyone else's, you're forced to compete on price instead of value. I help established experts transform scattered thinking into a distinctive premise, signature stories, and unforgettable speeches. Stop creating "content." Create IP that makes you the obvious choice. Let's make your ideas clear, repeatable, powerful, yours.You've done lots of things. Now it's time to [be] a thing. Move from:Sharing scattered thinking → Exploring a big idea"Wall of smarts" talks → Unforgettable speechesConstantly chasing attention → Being highly sought[What you know] matters. But [what you say] + [how you say it] determine whether [they care.]Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.com/newsletterWork with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Are you creating content to build an audience, build a brand, or win the SEO sweepstakes? How does content really work in the world today? It's complicated, but Mark Schaefer and Jay Acunzo have a meeting of the minds in this fast-paced and provocative show.    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

How to resonate with better clients and buyers—people with experience and taste who hire you for everything that makes you unique. This is different than almost everything the owners of search engines, social networks, and AI tools have taught us. So we first need to unlearn a lot of what's popular on the internet today.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced ProsI help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it's easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***TO RATE AND REVIEW THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Steve Pratt has spent a lifetime earning attention, from his time working for "the MTV of Canada" (Much Music) and as the co-creator of the most popular podcast in Canada, then as the cofounder of Pacific Content, which created podcasts for DELL, Charles Schwab, Zendesk, Slack, Atlassian and more.Steve is a past client of mine, as I helped him develop his keynote speech associated with his book, Earn It: Unconventional Strategies for Brave Marketers. When he's not traveling the world speaking, Steve is consulting his clients on how to differentiate through their creative bravery.In this episode, we dissect one of his Steve's signature stories, and we actively workshop it to flow better. It's a rare look inside the craft of how a great story comes together, and all the parts and pieces that make it gripping, surprising, and relevant to a message.Follow Steve on LinkedIn and visit his website for more.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:Strategic Storytelling & Speaking Advisor to Experienced ProsI help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate as stronger stories, speeches, and messaging, so it's easier to attract more and better clients. Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

I know a ton of storytellers and creators and entrepreneurs, but I know exactly zero other people who have learned how to do what they do from both legendary news broadcasters and Kermit the Frog.Meet Andrew Davis. He is a powerhouse business speaker who's given speeches in 35 different countries, at more than 50 events every year. He speaks to audiences ranging from marketers and entrepreneurs to plumbers and physicians — and there may not be a storyteller who is this craft-driven and obsessed with telling amazing stories in the worlds of business, marketing, and customer experience.As an entrepreneur, Andrew has built and sold a marketing agency, produced docuseries for brand clients big and small, and authored multiple books about marketing and customer experience.In this episode, we dissect one of his signature stories. It's been with him for almost ten years, and he can customize it across audiences and projects to arrive at basically any insight he needs to teach. It's a rare look at how a true master of the craft executes the tiny things that create a big impact both for his audience and his business.Follow Andrew on LinkedInExplore his speaking, books, and other projects.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it's easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you'll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

There's a big difference between people hearing your words and understanding you. There's an even bigger gap between understanding and caring. How can we communicate in ways that ensure others care about our ideas, our messages, our businesses? In this solo episode, a look at two moments involving two very different communicators: Roy Kent, the character from Ted Lasso, and author and speaker Seth Godin.We'll dissect both moments and make sense of what they do differently. It's a stark reminder that communicating in ways that resonate is available to us all, if only we'd meet those moments and make a simple switch compared to our natural tendencies.I loved putting this episode together for you! Please enjoy.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it's easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you'll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

This episode is a total blast and tour de force from one of the world's foremost business communicators, Dorie Clark! Dorie is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, a contributor to the Harvard Business Review, a communication coach and mentor for world-class leaders, and a keynote speaker who has consulted with or spoken for Google, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Yale University, and the World Bank.In this episode, you'll hear a signature story Dorie uses in support of her premise and her book, The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. Together, we dissect what makes the story work, as well as discuss:How to source and develop stories for your workThe formula thinkers like Dorie and Malcolm Gladwell use to turn expertise into powerful ideasThe 3 components of being recognized for your expertise...and more. Dorie is an exceptional communicator who has shared her ideas all over the world. You're in for a treat!Learn more about Dorie and buy her incredible books at dorieclark.com.***ABOUT ME, JAY ACUNZO:I help my clients package and communicate their expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it's easier to attract more and better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you'll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.Go from constantly chasing business to being highly sought, relying more on the influence of your ideas and less on the volume of your marketing.Subscribe to my free newsletter at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to fix your message or nail your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak to your group: jayacunzo.com/keynotesConnect with me on social: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Enrollment is now open into my Public Speaking Accelerator. Register now for $400 off and secure a 1:1 coaching call with me too: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalkABOUT THIS EPISODE:"Reworking in Realtime." That's a phrase I've been thinking about a lot lately. How often do you get to sit with a peer, a colleague, a mentor, a coach, and go through something to improve in realtime? Why don't we? Athletes do it. Comedians. Musicians. Filmmakers.We should too, and lately, on my YouTube channel, I've been building a playlist of publicly available coaching calls to put the process on display of developing stronger speeches and stories. Justin Moore was the first to kick things off about a year ago, and I invited him back on a call to check in on his progress and workshop a signature story together.Justin is the founder of Creator Wizard, which offers sponsorship education and coaching to help creators earn consistent income. He's is also one of the most trusted voices in the creator economy today.Recently, Justin published his first book, Sponsor Magnet, and he's also starting to scale his business, as he's trying to meet his existing buyer earlier in the buyer's journey and also expand his market to speak to other types of creators and media company owners who'd benefit from his teachings.All of that is pointing him towards elevating the impact of his storytelling everywhere he goes, plus pursuing main stage keynotes at events like never before.Today, we get a raw and refreshing look at the process and rework some things in realtime once again.***CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.The changes my clients experience:From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly soughtConnect with me: LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky***ENJOY THE SHOW? PLEASE SAY THANKS:Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

Enrollment is now open into my Public Speaking Accelerator. Register now for $400 off and secure a 1:1 coaching call with me too: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalkABOUT THIS EPISODE:Lessons from 20 years of storytelling through my writing, speaking, podcasting, videos, and most of all, from my Grandma.***IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comExplore my services: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***CONNECT:Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or BlueskyThis episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake Ink***ABOUT ME:I help you package and communicate your expertise to differentiate & resonate, so it's easier to attract better clients. Through stronger messaging, speaking, and storytelling, you'll build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.I help my clients turn their expertise into a clear, repeatable message and speeches & stories to inspire action.Driving real revenue and having a greater impact are NOT mutually exclusive. Instead of peddling in the grimy tactics and sensationalism found online today, I help you dig down to the root of your thinking, articulate your perspective as a Big Idea others remember, then embody your message through your public speaking and thought leadership.From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly sought[What you know] matters, but [what you say] has to make that clear.When people make choices, they play favorites. The question is, are you one of them?Think resonance over reach. Don't be the best. Be their favorite.Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a rating on Spotify  

AI and people both run on LLMs. AI has large language models. People have little life moments. But mostly, we don't draw on our LLMs confidently or consistently enough.Neal Foard does, and that's made him one of the most exceptional (and viral) storytellers in the business world.  Neal joins me today to lay it all out: we talk about constructing stories, practicing and rehearsal, and how to shape a true story into something entertaining. Together, we hear his famous story of "the best bartender in Chicago" and talk about the little moments that make it work.Neal is a keynote and TEDx speaker, a former ad agency and brand executive, and a storytelling and personal brand coach. After 25 years in advertising and marketing, working with world-class brands, Neal teaches leaders how to tell more persuasive stories.The story we dissect: the Best Bartender in Chicago.The final story you hear in the episode: the Peace Treaty.Connect with Neal on his website, Instagram, YouTube, or Linkedin.***CLARIFY YOUR MESSAGE + INCREASE YOUR IMPACT:Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one to nail your message or your next speech: jayacunzo.com/servicesBook me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes***ABOUT JAY ACUNZO:You don't need more content. You need a better premise. I help you find and own a Big Idea, then turn it into a differentiated message, stronger speeches, and powerful IP, so you can grow from yet-another expert into their favorite voice. Build your business on the impact of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.The changes my clients experience:From passive reach → to passionate fansFrom scattered thinking → to focused messageFrom “wall of smarts” talks → to exceptional speechesFrom constantly chasing business → to being highly soughtConnect with me:on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky***SHOW CREDITS:This episode was produced by Ilana NevinsCover art designed by Blake InkLeave a review on Apple Podcasts Leave a rating on Spotify 

It's harder than ever to keep up with the world and you can't do it alone. Mark Schaefer and Jay Acunzo share their favorite strategies for tapping into expert advice and staying relevant in a fast-changing world.