The StoryBrand Podcast

Each week on the StoryBrand Podcast host Donald Miller, bestselling author of the book "Building A StoryBrand", shares strategies for creating marketing and messaging that make you stand out, connect with customers, and actually grow your business. Get the tools you need to create clear and effective messaging that grows your business at StoryBrand.com.

#47: Why Narcissists Rise to Power and What Self-Aware Leaders Do Differently 11/24/2025

#47: Why Narcissists Rise to Power and What Self-Aware Leaders Do Differently Get free marketing videos from Don every week at WeeklySoundbite.com Leadership success often hinges on a trait many people misunderstand: self-awareness. In today's fast-paced world, leaders are surrounded by noise: social media flattery, AI-generated validation, and constant feedback loops that create more confusion than clarity. And while confidence is essential, when it crosses into narcissism, the fallout can be devastating. Think Enron, Lehman Brothers, or any organization led by someone blind to their own flaws. Narcissistic leaders may get results, but the cost is often burnout, chaos, and shattered trust. So how do you know if you’re headed down that path? And what does true, effective leadership actually look like in a world addicted to ego boosting? This week, Don and Kyle sit down with leadership advisor and former White House speechwriter Les Corba to unpack the nuances between healthy confidence and dangerous self-absorption. You’ll learn how to spot narcissistic messaging, build trust, foster honest feedback, and create a culture of self-awareness, starting with yourself. Listen in to discover how to lead with the kind of self-awareness that earns real trust and has a lasting impact. Click to get in-person help creating your marketing at the next available StoryBrand Your Business LIVE event. Buy Les' book "Aware: The Power of Seeing Yourself Clearly" on Amazon . -- Click to get in-person help creating your marketing at the next available StoryBrand Your Business LIVE event! Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/39101050

#46: Amy Porterfield — How to Pivot Your Business Without Losing Your Audience 11/17/2025

#45: The 5 Soundbites that Will Grow Your Business 11/10/2025

#44: Could Niching Down Be the Fastest Way to Scale? 11/03/2025

#43: The Simple Tagline Formula That Sells More Every Time 10/27/2025

#42: How to Create Facebook Ads That Beat the Competition Without a Big Budget 10/20/2025

#42: How to Create Facebook Ads That Beat the Competition Without a Big Budget Get free marketing videos from Don every week at WeeklySoundbite.com Businesses are burning cash on Facebook ads that just don’t work, and it’s not because of the algorithm. The real problem? Most companies are leading with clever headlines and flashy visuals instead of clear, curiosity-driven messaging. When your potential customer sees your ad, they’re not thinking about your brand, they’re thinking about their own survival. If your ad doesn’t speak to that in the first two seconds, you’ve already lost them. With ad costs going up and results going down, the stakes have never been higher. So what do you actually say in your ads to make people stop scrolling, click, and buy? In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with Mehrab Reza, Facebook ads expert and longtime StoryBrand agency partner. You’ll learn the real reason most Facebook ads flop and the 3-part framework that scrappy brands are using to beat out massive companies with million-dollar budgets. Mehrab shares how to build “survival soundbites” that grab attention, use AI to scale creative output fast, and avoid the biggest trap in attribution tracking. Whether your ad budget is $1K or $1M, tune in to learn how to get better results with fewer resources. -- Download Mehrab's AI Prompts PDF or hire his company, Adlantica, to run your ads . You can also follow them on LinkedIn . Click to attend the upcoming StoryBrand Your Business LIVE event! Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/38624700

#41: Codie Sanchez—The Messaging Playbook Behind Building a Thought Leader Brand 10/13/2025

#40: The One Sentence Every Business Owner Needs (And How to Write It) 10/06/2025

#39: The 3-Phase Marketing Formula That Works Every Time 09/29/2025

#38: BIG NEWS—Introducing The StoryBrand Podcast 09/22/2025

#37: Slate—Why This $20K Truck Is Getting All the Attention (RE-RELEASE) 09/15/2025

#37: Slate—Why This $20K Truck Is Getting All the Attention (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s why (for just a couple more weeks) we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes— designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- In crowded markets, being different isn’t enough. You have to communicate how you’re different. Too many businesses blend in because they focus on what the competition is doing instead of what customers actually care about. You might offer better pricing, better service, or a better product, but if you don’t say it clearly, it won’t matter. Messaging that stands out starts with understanding what your audience hates about the current options and then owning the opposite. The brands that win don’t just have better products. They have better words. So how do you find the message that sticks? In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed unpack the viral product launch of Slate, a new affordable and customizable electric truck. They analyze the messaging strategy behind Slate’s viral launch video, and how the brand positioned itself against high-priced vehicles with a fun, customer-focused message. Listen in and learn how to build a controlling idea that creates clarity and focuses on what customers really want. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! Watch the Slate ad for yourself. /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/38060340

#36: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions (RE-RELEASE) 09/08/2025

#36: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s why (for just a couple more weeks) we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes— designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- Most people try to make their marketing polished, clever, or inspirational. But in the end, clarity beats creativity every time. In fact, some of the most “annoying” ads in history made hundreds of millions of dollars simply because they were impossible to ignore. They weren’t beautiful, they weren’t clever, but they were unforgettable. So why do so many businesses avoid this approach? Because we assume our customers want sophistication, when what they really need is a message that’s crystal clear and easy to remember. If your ad gets ignored, it doesn’t matter how gorgeous it is. In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed discuss the genius behind annoying marketing campaigns like HeadOn, Chia Pet, and the George Foreman Grill. You’ll learn why these seemingly ridiculous ads worked, how they used repetition and simplicity to dominate attention, and what you can take away to sharpen your own message. Tune in to learn how to make your marketing stick no matter how simple (or obnoxious) it may seem. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/38060180

#35: Annie F. Downs—The Strategy Behind Her Breakthrough Personal Brand (RE-RELEASE) 09/01/2025

#35: Annie F. Downs—The Strategy Behind Her Breakthrough Personal Brand (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s exactly why we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it’s easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that’s not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance? In this week’s episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who’s built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she’s leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You’ll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that’s strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts. Click to check out Annie F Downs' website and for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast! -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/37739480

#34: Magic Spoon—How One Tagline Dethroned Sugar and Disrupted a $65B Industry (RE-RELEASE) 08/25/2025

#34: Magic Spoon—How One Tagline Dethroned Sugar and Disrupted a $65B Industry (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s exactly why we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- It’s not enough to have a great product. You have to position it so customers instantly understand the value. That’s what separates the brands that break through from the ones that disappear. Magic Spoon didn’t invent cereal, they just told a better story: one where protein replaces sugar, and taste isn’t sacrificed for health. And they did it with a smart tagline, a well-defined villain, and a brand voice that made people pay attention. So how can you sharpen your positioning to you stand out like they did? In this episode, Don and Kyle break down the marketing genius behind Magic Spoon’s rise in a crowded cereal market and how it became a household name. From tackling the sugar-loaded bad-guys of the breakfast aisle to delivering a tagline that opens a story loop and closes the sale, Magic Spoon gives us a playbook worth copying. Tune in to learn how to identify your brand’s real enemy and position your product so it’s instantly understood. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/37739440

#33: Snipd—What Your Brand Name is Really Saying to Customers (RE-RELEASE) 08/18/2025

#33: Snipd—What Your Brand Name is Really Saying to Customers (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s exactly why we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- Coming up with a product name or tagline seems simple. Until you have to do it. You brainstorm, you debate, and you finally land on something… only to find yourself explaining it to people over and over. That’s the real test of a name: if you have to explain it, it’s not working. The truth is, your name or tagline is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. It’s your first impression, elevator pitch, and clearest hook all rolled into a few words. So why do some names work instantly while others fall flat? And how do you make sure yours is good? In today’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the art and science of naming and tagline creation, using the podcast app Snipd as a case study. They explore how a name that sounds clever can still confuse your audience, and why instant clarity always beats creativity. You’ll hear a practical breakdown of how to avoid the “curse of knowledge,” how to test if your name really works, and what makes a tagline stick in someone’s brain. Listen in to discover the simple shifts that make your message irresistible. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/37739085

#32: Southwest—The Genius of ‘Bags Fly Free’ and What Happened When It Changed (RE-RELEASE) 08/11/2025

#32: Southwest—The Genius of ‘Bags Fly Free’ and What Happened When It Changed (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s exactly why we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- Southwest Airlines built one of the strongest brands in the world by doing one thing better than almost anyone: clear, clever messaging that made customers feel like family. “Bags fly free” was more than a tagline. It was a promise that set them apart from every other airline. But when they recently backtracked on that core message, the backlash was instant. In a world where loyalty is fragile and expectations are sky-high, even the best brands can stumble if they don’t communicate the right way. So what happens when a company known for brilliant messaging gets it wrong? In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle unpack the marketing brilliance that made Southwest an iconic brand and why their latest messaging misstep is such a big deal. They reveal how Southwest’s playful, people-first branding created an unbeatable bond with customers, and how this new shift risks breaking that trust. You'll learn what Southwest could have done differently, why your messaging must evolve without abandoning what made you great, and how to communicate tough changes without losing customer loyalty. Tune in to find out how even a beloved brand can slip and how you can avoid making the same mistake. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/37595080

#31: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign (RE-RELEASE) 08/04/2025

#31: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign (RE-RELEASE) Hopefully you're getting a chance to recharge this summer—but that doesn’t mean you have to lose momentum. Fall is just around the corner, and before you know it we’ll be heading into the final stretch of the year. That’s exactly why we’re rereleasing several of our high-impact episodes—designed to give you clarity, sharpen your message, attract the right customers, and ultimately drive more revenue, so you’re not stuck playing catch-up when it matters most! -- If your marketing isn’t working, it’s probably because you’re not talking about the right problem. Most businesses struggle to identify the most compelling issue their customer is trying to solve. They either talk about too many things or pick a problem that’s too vague. When that happens, customers stop listening. But when you finally address the problem that makes your customers say “yep, that’s me!”, sales start to climb. That's what Airbnb just nailed with their new messaging campaign. So, how do you figure out the exact problem your business solves in a way that drives real results? In this episode, Don and Kyle break down Airbnb’s latest messaging campaign and why it hits the mark so effectively. They unpack the brilliance behind how Airbnb redefined the problem it solves and how you can apply the same strategy to your own business. You’ll learn a simple way to clarify the problem your customer actually cares about and how to build an effective messaging campaign around it. Listen in for strategic tips on how to get sharper messaging and more customer engagement. -- Click to find a StoryBrand certified marketing coach to help you grow your business! Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at . It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at . Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, . Order it now on or wherever you buy books! /episode/index/show/storybrand/id/37594995