Anecdotally Speaking

By Shawn Callahan & Mark Schenk

What's Anecdotally Speaking about?

Welcome to our podcast, Anecdotally Speaking. Each week we tell a business story, talk about why it works and discuss where you might tell it at work. Our aim is to help you build your story repertoire.

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Anecdotally Speaking episodes:

03.18.2024
202 – Efficiency versus cost cutting
Reducing waste increases the efficiency of raw material use. But can we all agree that scraping mould off food product prior to packaging may be a little beyond the pale? Shawn and Mark discuss the relevance of this story to: understanding...
03.11.2024
201 – Governance and accountability lose their Barings
A governance and accountability story. Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast! Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights! https://www.anecdote.com/ In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk kick off the 2024 season of the show! The episode features a...
12.21.2023
200 – Weber BBQ Australian Success
Welcome to the Anecdotally Speaking podcast! Visit our website for more captivating stories and business insights! https://www.anecdote.com/ In this episode, our hosts Shawn Callahan and Mark Schenk celebrate the 200th episode of the show! The episode features an inspiring story about Ross McDonald, a...
12.06.2023
199 – Approach to the south poles apart – Amundsen Scott
Two explorers from the northern hemisphere set out to be the first to reach the South Pole – Roald Amundsen of Norway and Robert Falconer Scott of England. Their expedition planning, team, equipment and transport selections could not have been...
11.29.2023
198 – Mayor in the monkey suit – Stuart Drummond
People from Hartlepool UK are known colloquially as ‘monkey hangers’ – a moniker that stems from the Napoleonic Wars of the 1800s. But this story is about a larrikin mascot in a monkey suit making mayor and breaking records… Shawn and...
11.23.2023
197 – Atlanta Olympic swim 1996 – Kieren Perkins
Australian champion swimmer Kieren Perkins barely qualified for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, and only just made the final for the 1500 metre event Shawn and Mark discuss how extraordinary ‘turn-arounds’, under promising and over delivering, and reduced expectations of self can...
11.15.2023
196 – Better fire story – Michigan Uni
Michigan University researchers sought to understand the ‘stickiness’ of stories – does factual or emotionally charged information provided ‘after the fact’ change how a story is told or re-told? Shawn and Mark discuss how a ‘better story’ might usurp an prevailing...
11.07.2023
195 – Bullet train kingfisher nose – Eiji Nakatsu
Bird watcher and engineer Eiji Nakatsu sped up and made Japan’s bullet trains quieter by studying the kingfisher’s beak. Shawn and Mark stick their noses into how a business might use this story to encourage innovation through biomimicry. Welcome back to a...
10.30.2023
194 – French reverse mortgage – Jeanne Calment
Jeanne Louise Calment lived to 122 years of age (a species record). Who would have thought such an age was achievable? How would you feel, betting against such a long life, and losing on the deal? Shawn and Mark discuss how...
10.05.2023
193 – Rolling Stones songwriting – Andrew Loog Oldham
Andrew Loog Oldham at 19 years of age was the Rolling Stones first manager. By suggesting that Keith Richards and Mick Jagger start writing original songs, a 50 year plus collaboration was born (affectionately now known as the ‘Strolling Bones’...
09.28.2023
192 – Americas Cup speed focus – Peter Blake
Sir Peter Blake suggested a single focus for New Zealand’s Americas Cup challenge – only do those things that make the boat go faster – leading to two trophies. Shawn and Mark discuss how a business might use this story...
09.08.2023
190 – Infancy of the newborn test – Virginia Apgar
The quality of a good question can create insight. Join Shawn and Mark as they discuss the life saving simplicity and humble beginnings of the Apgar Test. Welcome back to a new Anecdotally Speaking episode. For your story bank Tags: Good questions, Simplicity,...
07.31.2023
189 – The last raiders of the lost ark – Harrison Ford – Gary Marshall
Sometime we just have to throw plans out the window as circumstances change. Blistering temperatures in Tunisia caused the simplification of a now iconic fight scene. Join Shawn and Mark for a discussion on scimitars, cinemas and movie stars. Welcome back...
07.26.2023
188 – Sydney Opera House – Jorn Utzon – Ove Arup
Can you imagine Sydney Harbour without the Opera House? Well, without 10 years of delays and $90 million in cost overruns the bridge might have been the only feature in the skyline. Join Shawn and Mark for a discussion on...
06.26.2023
187-Privacy in the EU – Anastasia Dedyukhina – Consciously Digital
If it doesn’t feel right, maybe it’s not. Do the right thing, not the easy thing. We always have the right to choose, so ask questions and resist being made to feel ‘incompetent’. Join Shawn, Mark and Anastasia Dedyukhina from...
06.20.2023
185 – VR headsets are coming – Ursula Llabres from Meta
The launch of a new product is risky, but to see young people interact with ease can give lots of confidence. In this episode, we discuss this very point with Ursula Llabres product owner at Meta Reality Labs. Welcome back to...
06.15.2023
186 – Never give up – Jack Ma
The beauty and power of persistence. This is the story of Jack Ma told by Vika Abramova, the country head of Mars Poland. It’s another business story to tell. For your story bank Tags: persistence, failure, China, Jack Ma You may not be...
05.16.2023
184 – Don’t push your bias onto others – Fiona Wood
Welcome back to another Anecdotally Speaking podcast! We’ve been doing some travel, so our episodes have been less regular than usual, but we are back this week with a story from renowned Australian surgeon Fiona Wood! Before getting into the story,...
04.17.2023
183 – Show your work as much as possible – The Caillebotte Seven
This week, Shawn shares a story from the art world featuring Gustave Caillebotte and the Impressionist artists known as the Caillebotte Seven: Monet, Degas, Pissarro, Renoir, Sisley, Manet and Cezanne. It demonstrates the mere-exposure effect and how we grow comfortable with...
04.10.2023
182 – Listen to your customer – Anita Roddick
Welcome back to another episode of Anecdotally Speaking! It’s been two weeks since our last episode, we’ve had some team members on leave, but we’re back with a story about Anita Roddick, who founded The Body Shop! The story prompts Shawn and...
03.20.2023
181 – It’s never too late – Judith Curphey
This week on Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares the story behind the Australian Girls Choir, which famously featured in QANTAS’ I Still Call Australia Home campaign: https://buff.ly/3yQd6Xr Judith Curphey founded the choir after retiring from her career as a music teacher, tiring...
03.14.2023
180 – Focus on your work – Christine Ha
This week, Mark shares a story he saw Anecdote Partner, Maria Marenco (https://buff.ly/3iCnihZ), share on LinkedIn to celebrate International Women’s Day last week. Maria was a guest on the podcast earlier this year, featuring in 173 – Knowledge can come...
03.08.2023
Replay 164 – You don’t need to be an expert – Lisa Blair
Welcome to another episode of Anecdotally Speaking! We were slow to record a new episode this week (our apologies!). Instead, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by sharing one of our favourite stories about a phenomenal woman, a record-breaking solo sailor, Lisa...
03.01.2023
179 – There is no average
This week, Mark has another aircraft story for us. But don’t hesitate over the play button. Indranil Chakraborty (IC), our Anecdote Partner based in India, recently shared this story on his website, and it was simply too good not to...
02.20.2023
178 – Don’t lose sight of the collective impact of your decisions
Having spent 20 years in the airforce, Mark is always intrigued by a story from the aviation industry. In 166 – Don’t let money be your purpose, he shared a story about how focusing on money made Boeing responsible for...
02.13.2023
177 – Create a space where ideas are shared – Ron Howard
This week on Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares a story he heard Ron Howard tell on an episode of the SmartLess podcast: https://buff.ly/3XlDJgV Similar to 173 – Knowledge can come from any source with Maria Marenco (https://buff.ly/3XCoVL8), it suggests that ideas...
02.07.2023
176 – Connect your change to something known and familiar – Run-DMC and Aerosmith
This week, it’s Shawn’s turn to tell a story! He shares one about idea adoption that he read in Billy Oppenheimer’s newsletter, SIX at 6: https://buff.ly/3HE0SFw. Shawn refers to this video of the Run-DMC and Aerosmith collaboration: https://buff.ly/2TJoDBe And he mentions...
02.01.2023
175 – Don’t miss the big picture
Welcome back to another episode of Anecdotally Speaking! This week, Mark shares a story that was told to him in a recent coaching call. It illustrates how we can miss the big picture when we focus on one detail, but you...
01.25.2023
174 – We have enough – Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller
This week, Shawn tells a 1-minute story shared by Kurt Vonnegut, the author of Slaughterhouse-Five, in a poem he wrote as a tribute to Joseph Heller, his friend and fellow author, after he passed away. The New Yorker first published the poem (https://buff.ly/3R1RDTP)...
01.16.2023
173 – Knowledge can come from any source with Maria Marenco
Welcome to Anecdotally Speaking and our first episode for 2023! We kick off the New Year with a special guest, Maria Marenco (https://buff.ly/3iCnihZ). Maria is a member of the Anecdote Partner Network and describes herself as a Spanish scientist and...
12.19.2022
172 – Feedback doesn’t work
Welcome to the last episode of Anecdotally Speaking for 2022, our holiday special! We’re taking a short, three-week break, but we will be back to add more stories to your repertoire on Tuesday, the 17th of January, 2023! This week, Mark...
12.12.2022
171 – Everybody matters
Welcome to the second last episode of Anecdotally Speaking for 2022! Keep an eye out for our holiday special next week before we take a short break! This week, Shawn shares a story he heard over Christmas drinks (thank you, Garry...
12.07.2022
170 – One person can change the world
Welcome back to another episode of Anecdotally Speaking! Our apologies that this episode is being released later in the week than usual. In this episode, Mark shares a story that he says is close to his heart, given he spent 20...
11.28.2022
Replay 136 – Experiences change minds
Welcome to another replay episode of Anecdotally Speaking! We’ve spent the past week planning for a big 2023, so this week, we’re replaying our last episode of 2021! Shawn shares a story he heard from Mike Adams, our Head of Story-Powered Sales. And...
11.21.2022
169 – Model beneficial behaviours
Rob joins Shawn again this week and hears Shawn tell a story about Captain Cook, scurvy and sauerkraut, which Shawn found in The Status Game by Will Storr: https://buff.ly/3AylhsR The story may sound familiar to our regular listeners, as Shawn...
11.14.2022
168 – It’s not about you
This week, we welcome Rob Grundel back to Anecdotally Speaking! Rob will be joining us for two episodes while Mark is on leave. Rob gets straight into it, sharing a story from Jason Alexander, who you might know better as George...
11.08.2022
167 – Believe in your people
This week, it’s Shawn’s turn to share a story, and he’s chosen one about Michael Lewis and a baseball game that changed everything for him. Until then, Michael hadn’t thought much about what he would do in his life or...
10.31.2022
166 – Don’t let money be your purpose
This week on Anecdotally Speaking, Mark has a story from the aircraft industry, which one of our partners shared in our last monthly partner meeting. Shawn rated this story an 8/10, while Mark gave it a 9/10. We hope you...
10.24.2022
165 – Well-managed diverse teams are more productive
Rob Grundel cohosts this week’s episode of Anecdotally Speaking with Shawn and announces our upcoming webinar, ‘“Scale, Climate, Inclusion!”: How stories can tackle your organisation’s biggest challenges’! He and Shawn give listeners a taste of what they can expect from...
10.18.2022
Replay 126 – Company values give confidence
We have something special for you in the works, so this week, instead of bringing you a new episode, we’re replaying 126 – Shattering decision on pet food quality. Make sure you’re listening next week for an exciting announcement! We recently had James...
10.10.2022
164 – You don’t need to be an expert
Welcome to another episode of Anecdotally Speaking! This week, Shawn shares a story he heard on ABC Radio, which details how Lisa Blair became a record-breaking solo sailor. You can listen to the same ABC Conversations episode here: https://buff.ly/3Clcr1E The inspirational story makes a...
10.03.2022
163 – Understand the culture you’re operating in
We have something special for you this week! With Shawn on leave, Mark is joined by Mike Adams, Anecdote’s Head of Story-Powered Sales, and James Mills, Global Vice President of Sales at Mars Wrigley: https://buff.ly/3Cu32pW James shares some of his...
09.26.2022
162 – Use contrast to make an impact
This week, Shawn shares the story that you can add to your story bank and use to make a business point. It explains the thinking behind and impact of one of performer Andy Kaufman’s most famous acts. Shawn recommends the movie...
09.19.2022
161 – Plans often go astray
This week, Mark shares a story from Freakonomics based on research undertaken across a series of childcare centres in Haifa, Israel. You can find the original Freakonomics article here: https://buff.ly/3Doohdh It’s a nice, compact story that you’ll be able to tell quickly. If you share...
09.12.2022
160 – Challenge your assumptions
This week, Shawn shares a scientific story that will be useful for anyone with a mathematically oriented audience. He found it while looking for stories for our data storytelling program, Story-Powered Data: https://buff.ly/38nNgAv And you can read about it in...
09.05.2022
159 – Try and try and try again
This week on Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares a story that combines negative and positive stories he could have told independently. In doing so, he provides examples of what to do and what not to do, particularly when innovating. The story follows the attempts of...
08.23.2022
158 – Don’t argue, influence
Shawn’s been reading about Richard Branson, so this week, he shares an anecdote from the beginning of Virgin Records. Thanks for tuning in! The anecdote depicts Branson’s leadership style through his interactions with Mike Oldfield, the composer and musician behind Tubular Bells...
08.16.2022
157 – Take it one step at a time
Mark takes the lead this week and shares a story within a story. He explains how Ted Turner founded CNN, Cable News Network, after remembering the World War II story of General Erwin Rommel and his clever, unexpected strategising. Shawn and...
08.09.2022
156 – Adopt transparent systems
This week on Anecdotally Speaking, Shawn shares a story from Malcolm Gladwell’s podcast, Revisionist History. You can find the episode here: https://buff.ly/3dalCsJ The story follows the introduction of the triplicate system for prescriptions in the United States, the true impact of which wasn’t...
08.01.2022
155 – Don’t ignore the Dottie in your life
This week, it’s Mark’s turn to share a story! And he’s chosen a short but sweet one for us! Mark and Shawn list a few business points you could make with this story, including: - Our formal education doesn’t cover everything; - Make...

What's Anecdotally Speaking about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Anecdotally Speaking episodes:

202 – Efficiency versus cost cutting

201 – Governance and accountability lose their Barings

200 – Weber BBQ Australian Success

199 – Approach to the south poles apart – Amundsen Scott

198 – Mayor in the monkey suit – Stuart Drummond

197 – Atlanta Olympic swim 1996 – Kieren Perkins

196 – Better fire story – Michigan Uni

195 – Bullet train kingfisher nose – Eiji Nakatsu

194 – French reverse mortgage – Jeanne Calment

193 – Rolling Stones songwriting – Andrew Loog Oldham

192 – Americas Cup speed focus – Peter Blake

190 – Infancy of the newborn test – Virginia Apgar

189 – The last raiders of the lost ark – Harrison Ford – Gary Marshall

188 – Sydney Opera House – Jorn Utzon – Ove Arup

187-Privacy in the EU – Anastasia Dedyukhina – Consciously Digital

185 – VR headsets are coming – Ursula Llabres from Meta

186 – Never give up – Jack Ma

184 – Don’t push your bias onto others – Fiona Wood

183 – Show your work as much as possible – The Caillebotte Seven

182 – Listen to your customer – Anita Roddick

181 – It’s never too late – Judith Curphey

180 – Focus on your work – Christine Ha

Replay 164 – You don’t need to be an expert – Lisa Blair

179 – There is no average

178 – Don’t lose sight of the collective impact of your decisions

177 – Create a space where ideas are shared – Ron Howard

176 – Connect your change to something known and familiar – Run-DMC and Aerosmith

175 – Don’t miss the big picture

174 – We have enough – Kurt Vonnegut and Joseph Heller

173 – Knowledge can come from any source with Maria Marenco

172 – Feedback doesn’t work

171 – Everybody matters

170 – One person can change the world

Replay 136 – Experiences change minds

169 – Model beneficial behaviours

168 – It’s not about you

167 – Believe in your people

166 – Don’t let money be your purpose

165 – Well-managed diverse teams are more productive

Replay 126 – Company values give confidence

164 – You don’t need to be an expert

163 – Understand the culture you’re operating in

162 – Use contrast to make an impact

161 – Plans often go astray

160 – Challenge your assumptions

159 – Try and try and try again

158 – Don’t argue, influence

157 – Take it one step at a time

156 – Adopt transparent systems

155 – Don’t ignore the Dottie in your life