#4: Football—Why It Became America’s Favorite Ritual
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Release Date: 01/27/2025
#15: Morning Routines—The NEW Way To Create A Morning Routine In 2025
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
If you followed every piece of advice out there about your ideal morning routine, you'd probably spend eight hours every day doing mindfulness excercises and supplements and journaling and workouts and cold plunges and more. But morning routines can be both easy AND effective if you identify the right mission for your life. In this episode, Kyle Reed and Donald Miller break down a new way to approach your morning routine—one that actually fits the demands of 2025. Whether you’re a high-performing entrepreneur, a working parent, or just trying to get your act together before 9am, this...
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#14: Simplicity—Why a “Less Is More” Approach Can Make Anything More Effective
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Most businesses, brands, and even thought leaders make the same mistake: they overcomplicate things. The more complex something is, the harder it is for people to understand—and if they don’t understand, they don’t engage. Whether you’re trying to grow a business, capture attention, or lead a movement, clarity is your greatest asset. That’s why we’re shaking things up this week with a very special recap episode! We’re revisiting some of the most valuable insights from past episodes—all centered around one powerful theme: simplicity. Don and Kyle explore how...
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#13: Marriage—The Truth About What Makes Love Work Long-Term (ft. Johnnyswim)
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Relationships can be beautiful, but they’re also complicated. From the outside, it’s easy to assume great marriages happen by luck or chemistry. But the reality? Every relationship faces storms—health challenges, career stress, personal struggles—and most couples aren’t equipped to weather them. Without the right mindset and tools, it’s easy to drift apart or fall into survival mode. So how do couples not just stay together, but grow closer—even through the hardest seasons of life? In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle sit down with musical duo Johnnyswim (Abner...
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#12: Nostalgia—The Hidden Force That Makes Brands Feel Iconic
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Nostalgia is a powerful force. You hear an old song or catch a familiar scent, and instantly, you’re transported back in time. But our brains don’t just remember the past, they rewrite it. We filter out the stress, the boredom, the everyday struggles, and what we’re left with is a version of the past that feels safer, simpler, and better than it really was. So why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? And how does it shape the way we think, feel, and buy? This week, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the psychology of nostalgia and why it’s one of the most...
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#11: Starbucks—The Brand that Changed How the World Drinks Coffee
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
If someone told you in the ’90s that people would happily pay $5 for a cup of coffee, you probably would’ve laughed. Before Starbucks, coffee was just… coffee. It wasn’t an experience, a ritual, or a “third place” between home and work. So how did one company transform a simple commodity into a global phenomenon? The rise of Starbucks wasn’t just about caffeine—it was about community, habit-building, and a relentless pursuit of consistency. In this episode, hosts Don and Kyle dive into the fascinating story of Starbucks, breaking down how a small Seattle coffee shop grew...
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#10: Reality TV—Why We're Obsessed with Chaos (And What It's Actually Doing to Our Brains!)
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually doing to our brains? In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why reality TV works—and why we can’t look away. They...
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#9: Michelin Star—How a Tire Company Created the Most Prestigious Award in Food
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
The Michelin Star is a restaurant rating system so powerful that a single star can launch careers, change cities, and even break chefs. So what makes one restaurant just “good” and another Michelin-worthy? The path to earning a Michelin Star isn’t just about making great food—it’s about precision, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But why do these stars hold so much weight? Today’s episode pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of Michelin Stars. Hosts Don and Kyle explore how a tire company unexpectedly shaped the fine dining industry, why chefs...
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#8: Amazon—The Crazy Business Strategies that Rewired Our Brains and Changed Shopping Forever
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Amazon didn’t just change how the world shops—it rewired our brains. Suddenly, driving to a store for light bulbs feels like a huge chore. Need cat food? Click. New coffee maker? Click. A hat with antlers for your Halloween costume? It’ll be at your door by 5 p.m. Love it or hate it, Amazon’s success lies in its relentless focus on the customer. It turned convenience into an art form. The real question is: how did they pull it off, and what can we learn from them? In today's episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dissect the magic (and madness) behind Amazon’s rise. From Jeff...
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#7: Comedians—The Science and Strategy Behind the Funniest People on Earth
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Making people laugh looks effortless, but behind every joke is an incredible amount of work and strategy. Great comedians deliver far more than entertainment—they offer a masterclass in human connection. They say the things we’re afraid to say, challenge cultural norms, and turn life’s absurdities into something we can laugh at. The best comedians have the power to shape culture and influence how we see the world. So, what makes them so effective? In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dive into the craft, psychology, and business behind comedy. From Jerry Seinfeld’s...
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#6: Valentine’s Day—The Surprising Economics and Evolution of Love’s Biggest Day
Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Every February 14th, millions of people rush out to buy heart-shaped chocolates, overpriced roses, and mass-produced cards, turning Valentine’s Day into a global cash grab. But how did a once obscure tradition become a billion-dollar industry? Whether you adore the holiday or roll your eyes at its commercialism, one thing is certain—it works. So, what makes this day so powerful, and why do we keep celebrating it year after year? In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed explore the unexpected history of Valentine’s Day, from its ancient pagan roots to its...
info_outlineFootball has a powerful grip on its fans, but have you ever stopped to think about why it works so well? Football has a remarkable history of uniting friends and families across generations. From the build-up to game day and the epic rivalries to the emotional highs-and-lows of every play, football delivers both the thrill of competition and the comfort of community. But what actually makes it so captivating?
In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed are joined by Will Guidara, bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality and devoted Bills fan, to unpack the mechanics of football’s success. From its masterful storytelling structure to its role as a modern-day tribal tradition, they explore why football continues to dominate in a world of endless entertainment options. Tune in for insights that’ll deepen your appreciation for the sport—even if you only watch the Super Bowl for the snacks and half-time shows.
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