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.

    ***

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    ***


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    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.


    ***


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    ***
    Reminder to register for my upcoming bootcamp before enrollment closes next week: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
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    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
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    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
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    45 mins
  • How to find powerful stories everywhere | Jay Baer, hall-of-fame speaker & NY Times bestselling business author

    How to find powerful stories everywhere | Jay Baer, hall-of-fame speaker & NY Times bestselling business author
    Jan 31 2025

    Inspiration is everywhere -- if you're paying attention.


    Today we’re resharing a slightly modified version of an episode I used to help pilot How Stories Happen, back inside my old show called Unthinkable. (You’ll hear me reference the “miniseries,” which is what I used to craft this show and test various elements.)


    In this episode, bestselling author and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Jay Baer brings one of his oldest, most proven stories to the show -- and we learn the two psychological concepts we can embrace to craft more memorable work.


    Jay and I also discuss how to collect and develop stories regularly, anywhere you go, and hwo to design them so they arrive at the insight that most closely matches your current teachings, premise, and IP.


    Jay’s latest book is The Time to Win: How to Exceed Your Customers’ Need for Speed. He's a globally touring keynote speaker, brand advisor to some of the world’s most legendary companies, and a marketing and customer experience thought leader. Jay is among the more process-driven storytellers in the world, and he takes us inside that approach in this episode in a refreshingly transparent way.


    Connect with Jay Baer on his website, Instagram, and Linkedin


    Grab a copy of any of his bestselling books.


    ***


    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
    49 mins
  • "It's not effortless, it's intentional" | Mike Ganino, keynote director & author

    "It's not effortless, it's intentional" | Mike Ganino, keynote director & author
    Jan 24 2025

    We’re told to steal from those we admire, but so often, we mimic the wrong things. It’s not WHAT someone does but WHY they do it (and why it works for them) which we ought to model in our own creative work and storytelling. Once we find that, we can intentionally master the craft. And this work is about exactly that: intentionality. It’s practiced. Until it looks effortless (even if, for a long while, it wasn’t).


    In this episode, Mike Ganino shares a story about his childhood and falling in love with E.T., and his understanding at the young age of 10, that stories make us feel less alone.


    Mike is the author of the new book, Make a Scene. He is also a keynote director, working to help others master their stage presence and storytelling, and he draws on his roots in theater and acting to help.


    Mike and I discuss why intentionality is everything is storytelling, how storytellers are really thought custodians, and how to craft scenes that allow audiences to connect with the emotional core of any story. And be warned: this episode gets very meta. We’re two storytelling geeks talking shop about the work we love.


    Connect with Mike on his website and Linkedin.


    Grab a copy of his book,Make A Scene: Storytelling, Stage Presence, and The Art of Being Unforgettable in Every Spotlight.


    ***


    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
    44 mins
  • “Little nuggets take your story furthest” I Veronica Romney - Author, Entrepreneur, and Marketing Leader

    “Little nuggets take your story furthest” I Veronica Romney - Author, Entrepreneur, and Marketing Leader
    Jan 17 2025
    What does the psychology of family systems have to do with being a good storyteller? Well, according to Veronica Romney, a lot. Understanding identity and how people define theirs can make or break your ability to stand out, resonate, and earn passionate fans.In this episode, V shares the story about a funeral unlike any other. In fact, it’s 18 years in the making. It even made the news, and it reveals a major lesson about modern marketing. Throw in a Harley-Davison superfan riding his motorcycle to the afterlife, and you’ve got the makings of an unforgettable signature story.Veronica is the author of the book, Identity Marketing, and a frequent keynote speaker at marketing events. She’s also a veteran entrepreneur who sells high-ticket services, so public speaking and storytelling both play a major factor in building her business. High priced offerings require high amounts of trust, and showing up with greater communication power (without needing to shout) is a superpower for that type of business.Veronica and I also discuss the power of the shower thought and why our most candid, knee-jerk ideas are often the ones that resonate deepest with others. We chat about how to get buy-in too—not only from your audience, but from yourself in your strongest ideas.Connect with Veronica on her website and LinkedinGrab a copy of her book,Identity Marketing: How to Create Loyal, Lifelong Fans and a Legendary BrandSubscribe to Veronica’s newsletter, Vitamin V***IMPROVE 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 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
    46 mins
  • “Great stories are ownable” | Ron Tite, keynote speaker and agency exec

    “Great stories are ownable” | Ron Tite, keynote speaker and agency exec
    Jan 10 2025
    How do you make a story truly come alive? You pace things down and focus on the small details. Everyone else might want the big, flashy story, but your most effective (and ownable) stories are from noteworthy moments, not newsworthy events.In this episode, Ron Tite puts on display his otherworldly mastery of public speaking and performance. He takes a (relatively average) hotel and uses a series of interactions with the brand to make you laugh, feel inspired, and transform how you think about customer experience, social media, and even story structure. Of course, this story could ONLY be told by Ron Tite. It’s ownable for him. Ron spent 20 years as a comedian before shifting to the business world, where he founded the successful marketing and advertising agency Church+State. He’s written multiple books, including his latest, Think Do Say, and he tours the world as a keynote speaker, delivering gripping talks to thousands of people and generally making you laugh, think, and change your approach to marketing. Ron and I discuss what we can learn from standup comedy, the differences between a warm open and cold open (and how to craft them), his hilarious relationship with the Westin Grand in Vancouver (they’re in love!), and how to design and deliver stories that only YOU can tell—without making yourself the hero. It’s an episode you probably won’t want to end. Ron is one of the very best in the world at this, and his energy is infectious.Connect with Ron on his website and LinkedinGrab a copy of his books, Think Do Say and Everyone’s An Artist(Or At Least They Should Be)Learn about Church+State on their website***IMPROVE 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 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
    47 mins
  • Whisper

    Whisper
    Dec 27 2024

    A special bonus story and a crucial question to guide your 2025. This episode was handcrafted for you by Jason, with love.


    ***
    Reminder to register for my upcoming bootcamp before enrollment closes next week: jayacunzo.com/signaturetalk
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    23 mins