How Stories Happen

By: Jay Acunzo
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  • Summary

  • What does it take to resonate? On How Stories Happen, experts, entrepreneurs, and business leaders dissect their signature stories piece by piece. We explore how they found and developed their ideas, how they might improve even still, and how they use a story to show up with greater impact and influence. Hosted by Jay Acunzo.
    Unthinkable Media
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Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales
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Episodes
  • If growth is hard, you might need your "idea before the idea"

    If growth is hard, you might need your "idea before the idea"
    Feb 21 2025

    In this solo episode, I share a storytelling concept I'm calling "the idea before the idea," which helps solve issues of growth and audience traction.

    ***

    REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:


    Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.


    Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk


    ***

    IMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING:


    Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.com


    Work with me one-on-one: jayacunzo.com/services


    Book me to speak: jayacunzo.com/keynotes


    ***


    CONNECT:


    Follow me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Bluesky


    This episode was produced by Ilana Nevins


    Cover art designed by Blake Ink


    ***


    ABOUT ME:


    I help business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.


    With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.


    After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.


    I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.


    ***


    SUPPORT THE SHOW:


    Leave a review on Apple Podcasts


    Leave a rating on Spotify


    ***
    Reminder to register for my upcoming bootcamp before enrollment closes next week: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • “Is this ANNything?” Ann Handley Returns to Work Out New Drafts

    “Is this ANNything?” Ann Handley Returns to Work Out New Drafts
    Feb 14 2025
    This week, I’m joined by my favorite recurring guest and the star of our “Is this ANNything” mini-series, the brilliant Ann Handley.Throughout this mini-series (usually called “Is This Anything?”), close friends and collaborators join me to work out new ideas and unproven drafts to see if it is, in fact, anything.Today, Ann and I start by discussing the first time we were paid to speak, then we touch on my white whale of public speaking, the big no-nos when opening speeches, and how we have evolved our on-stage voices over the years. Then, we crack open Ann’s notebook to hear musings on her favorite pencils, Blackwings, before I reciprocate with a draft of my own: a story about a hilarious business bro who didn’t realize he was the joke. It’s a refreshing look at two prolific writers and speakers (and one bestselling author!) in the middle of their process.Learn more about Ann at her website and subscribe to her newsletter Follow Ann on LinkedIn and InstagramBuy Ann’s book, Everybody Writes***REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks. Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalkIMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one: 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 business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a rating on Spotify ***Reminder to register for my upcoming bootcamp before enrollment closes next week: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • “You can’t make pottery without clay” | Elise Hu dissects her TED Talk

    “You can’t make pottery without clay” | Elise Hu dissects her TED Talk
    Feb 7 2025
    In this episode, we go inside the delivery and construction of a popular TED Talk! Elise Hu gets real with us about the preparation and challenges that go into taking complex ideas and molding them to fit a tightly delivered speech.Elise is an award-winning journalist, podcaster, and ‌author based in Los Angeles. She’s the host of TED Talks Daily, Accenture’s Built for Change, and a co-host of Forever 35. And if that’s not enough, she also co-founded the LA-based podcast production company, Reasonable Volume to work with brands and companies tell their stories better. She spent time at Vice News and NPR, serving as their first-ever Seoul bureu chief. She released her first book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital in 2023. Elise and I discuss: How to react when the audience response isn’t what you expectedWhat goes into crafting an exceptional talk, tightly toldOur shared love for Anthony Bourdain (I know, shocker)The “peak/end rule” in storytelling and journalismAnd the power of a callback. We also unpack why observation is the key to being a great storyteller, and why vulnerability and honesty are essential for any truly compelling speech.I imagine you (like me) will be endlessly enthralled by Elise’s curiosity, wisdom, and charm. Happy listening!Connect with Elise on her website and LinkedinGrab a copy of her book, Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty CapitalListen to Elise on your favorite podcasts And watch her TED Talk here***REGISTER FOR MY NEXT BOOTCAMP:Design My Signature Talk is a virtual intensive where I help you develop and nail your next talk and elevate your speaking all year long.For a limited time, registrants get my bonus masterclass, Booking Better Stages, all about marketing, selling, and booking yourself as a speaker, whether you want to get paid to speak or drive business another way through your talks. Register now at jayacunzo.com/signaturetalkIMPROVE YOUR SPEAKING + STORYTELLING: Subscribe to my newsletter and learn more about me at jayacunzo.comWork with me one-on-one: 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 business leaders become stronger speakers and storytellers. The goal isn’t to get in front of your audience. The goal is to ensure they care. While others agonize over reach, your ability to resonate helps you compete on the influence of your ideas, not the volume of your marketing.With my clients, I help clarify + differentiate their message, craft their thinking and expertise into a distinct premise and IP they own, and develop signature speeches, frameworks, and stories to influence, inspire, and drive results.After making a name for myself as an early advocate for quality and storytelling in content marketing at brands like Google and HubSpot, I’ve partnered with orgs like Mailchimp, Salesforce, Wistia, and GoDaddy and consulted dozens of authors, entrepreneurs, execs, and creators on their storytelling, messaging, and public speaking.I live in the Boston area with my family as a proud Yankees and Knicks fan (yes, I’m in enemy territory). In the 60 seconds per week I’m not creating stuff for work or making my kids laugh, I like to shoot hoops, sip nice bourbons, cook with my wife, and daydream about telling stories like my storytelling hero, Anthony Bourdain. Say hi on LinkedIn or contact me here.***SUPPORT THE SHOW:Leave a review on Apple PodcastsLeave a rating on Spotify ***Reminder to register for my upcoming bootcamp before enrollment closes next week: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
    Show more Show less
    45 mins

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