The Cost of Control: Healing Communication at Home and in the Boardroom with Tressa Yonekawa
The Story Engine Podcast
What if the traits that made you successful are the same ones sabotaging your most important relationships? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, communication coach and culture consultant Tressa Yonekawa unpacks the deeper truths behind high-performing leaders who struggle with connection, both in business and at home. Tressa shares how early childhood dynamics shape our ability to relate, how high-achievers often create chaos without realizing it, and why rapid transformation doesn’t always require a 10-year process. She also reflects on her own journey—from toxic partnerships to...
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Creating Confidence From The Bedroom To The Boardroom With Sam Itshaki
The Story Engine Podcast
In this bold and eye-opening episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sam Itshaki—also known as Mr. Get Bigger Now—for a conversation that many avoid, but most need to hear. Sam opens up about his journey into the world of men’s sexual health and confidence, and how his non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical device is helping men (and women!) reclaim a deeper sense of power in and out of the bedroom. This isn’t just about performance—it’s about identity, vulnerability, and how sexual health intersects with personal leadership, relationships, and emotional well-being. If...
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How to Use the 5 Love Languages in Your Marketing With Armando Leduc
The Story Engine Podcast
In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with content creator and brand strategist Armando Leduc to uncover an unexpected twist in how he connects with audiences—through the lens of the five love languages. Originally designed for romantic relationships, Armando shares how he translates these emotional drivers into authentic and effective marketing strategies for his high-profile legal clients and beyond. We explore how personalized communication, empathy, and storytelling can create deeper, more lasting client relationships, whether through email, social media, or YouTube. If...
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The Art And Science Of Presence And Biohacking With Sandy Martin
The Story Engine Podcast
In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I sit down with Sandy Martin to explore her deeply personal story of success, burnout, and transformation. Sandy built her career in the fast-paced world of high-level events—but when a health crisis brought everything to a halt, it forced her to rethink everything she knew about success, wellness, and even herself. Sandy’s journey into the world of biohacking began as a search for physical healing, but what she discovered went far beyond supplements and sleep hacks. We dive into what it means to truly be present in your healing journey, and how...
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The Strength In Your Weakness And The Weakness In Your Strength
The Story Engine Podcast
In this solo episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I dive deep into a powerful paradox I’ve seen again and again while helping high-achieving entrepreneurs craft signature talks: the strengths that made you successful might be the very things holding you back—and your perceived weaknesses might be your greatest asset. From fictional heroes like Frodo Baggins to world-class leaders like Shamina Taylor, Michael R. Hunter, and even Brene Brown, I explore how vulnerability, emotion, and honesty—when used with intention—can elevate your message, magnetize your ideal audience, and unlock your...
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Creating Unforgettable Events With Phil Mershon
The Story Engine Podcast
What if your next event didn’t just inform—it transformed? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Mershon, the creative force behind Social Media Marketing World, one of the largest and most iconic marketing events on the planet. Phil shares his hard-earned secrets to crafting truly unforgettable experiences—ones that people not only love attending but feel deeply connected to. We explore the elements that make great events magnetic and how you can take those same ingredients and infuse them into your brand, business, or team culture. Whether you’re hosting a...
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The Delegation Trap With Atiba De Souza
The Story Engine Podcast
As business owners, many of us are stuck in a loop—solving problems, putting out fires, managing day-to-day crises. But what happens when we finally shift out of survival mode and into the visionary role we’re meant to play? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I speak with Atiba De Souza—founder of a successful marketing agency and someone who leads with heart and clarity. Atiba shares how he made the powerful shift from reactive leader to visionary guide, and how being fully present with your team can radically transform your culture, retention, and results. If you’re ready...
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Writing a Real Talk Will Transform You (If You Let It)
The Story Engine Podcast
When I first crafted a talk about my own health journey—something I thought I’d never share publicly—it didn’t just grow my business… it transformed me. In this deeply personal solo episode, I share the story of how an illness I picked up in the Amazon turned into years of health struggles, shame, and self-doubt—and how stepping onto a stage to tell that story became the start of healing. But more than that, this episode is about why crafting a signature talk is more than a business asset. It’s a crucible for clarity, courage, and deep connection—with your audience and...
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How to Get Your Message on Global Stages with Claire Angelle
The Story Engine Podcast
In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Claire Angelle, a powerhouse in the world of international PR and advocacy. Claire’s mission is simple yet bold: helping world changers get their messages onto more stages, in more countries, and into the hearts of more people. We dive into Claire’s unique journey—from her roots in international advocacy to her innovative approach to helping thought leaders and changemakers craft stories that resonate across borders. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your message worldwide, Claire’s insights will inspire and equip you to...
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When Success Became My Hiding Place
The Story Engine Podcast
In this episode, I share the story I’ve kept quiet for years. It’s about the moment I disconnected from my emotional self and how that single, unconscious choice shaped my business, my leadership, and my voice for over a decade. I talk about the pain of building something successful that feels hollow—and how reconnecting with my story and truth became the path back to fulfillment, creativity, and power. If you’ve ever felt like your success cost you a part of yourself, this one’s for you. On This Episode [00:04:42] — Two losses that cracked open my faith—and shut down my emotions...
info_outlineWhat if your next event didn’t just inform—it transformed? In this episode of The Story Engine Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Mershon, the creative force behind Social Media Marketing World, one of the largest and most iconic marketing events on the planet.
Phil shares his hard-earned secrets to crafting truly unforgettable experiences—ones that people not only love attending but feel deeply connected to. We explore the elements that make great events magnetic and how you can take those same ingredients and infuse them into your brand, business, or team culture. Whether you’re hosting a retreat, planning a team offsite, or looking to deepen community in your business, this episode will show you how to turn a gathering into a movement.
On This Episode
[00:02:18] — The origin story of Social Media Marketing World
[00:05:55] — What makes an event truly unforgettable (hint: it’s not just great speakers)
[00:10:44] — The "secret sauce" behind memorable experiences
[00:14:15] — How to make attendees feel seen, valued, and excited to return
[00:18:37] — Mistakes people make when planning high-impact events
[00:22:04] — How to design events that feel like an extension of your brand’s mission
[00:26:11] — Infusing storytelling and sensory elements into your live experiences
[00:31:30] — How leaders can bring event thinking into their everyday business culture
[00:35:20] — Why inclusion and belonging are essential to experience design
[00:39:10] — Phil’s advice for entrepreneurs planning their first in-person gathering