Travis Makes Friends

Donald Miller | Storytelling in the Age of AI


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Meet Donald Miller-best-selling author, entrepreneur, and the mind behind the StoryBrand framework, a system that has helped thousands of businesses clarify their message and grow. Donald’s journey from acclaimed writer to CEO of StoryBrand and Business Made Simple has made him a sought-after expert in storytelling, branding, and business communication. His latest work, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, brings fresh stories, updated frameworks, and a powerful new tool: StoryBrand AI, designed to help anyone craft compelling brand scripts, taglines, websites, and more in minutes.


Donald’s approach is simple: confusion is the enemy of good messaging. Whether he’s consulting for Fortune 500 companies, advising national security agencies, or helping entrepreneurs wireframe their first website, his focus is on making complex ideas clear and actionable. In this episode, Donald shares the behind-the-scenes process of revising his bestselling book, the surprising impact of StoryBrand across industries, and his candid thoughts on the future of storytelling in the age of AI.


From collaborating with national security to teaching business leaders and even inspiring academic dissertations, Donald’s frameworks have become essential tools for anyone who needs to communicate ideas that stick. He discusses the evolution of StoryBrand, the power of delusional optimism, lessons from sports and screenwriting, and why embracing new technology is non-negotiable for today’s professionals.


Whether you’re a writer, entrepreneur, marketer, or creative, Donald’s insights will empower you to:


– Clarify your message and eliminate confusion

– Leverage AI to accelerate your creative process

– Embrace collaboration and feedback for better results

– Use proven story structures to engage any audience

– Stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world


Join a global community of leaders, creators, and innovators who are using story to drive real results. Subscribe for actionable advice, inspiring stories, and a masterclass in messaging from one of the industry’s most influential voices.


Episode Breakdown


00:00 Intro

03:00 Revising the Book: New Stories, New Tools

06:00 StoryBrand AI: From $100K Consulting to DIY Messaging

10:00 Surprising Success Stories & Real-World Impact

14:00 Why Confusion Kills Engagement

17:00 AI, Storytelling, and the Writer’s New Role

22:00 Education, AI, and Embracing Change

26:00 Technology, Resistance, and the Event Horizon

32:00 Delusional Optimism & Lessons from Sports

40:00 Branding, Business, and the Value of Simplicity

47:00 Writing, Screenplays, and the Power of Collaboration

54:00 Story Structure in Movies, Books, and Business

01:03:00 Memoirs, Authority, and the Guide vs. Hero Dynamic

01:11:00 Why Your Message Matters (and How to Share It)

01:12:00 Where to Find Donald Miller & Final Thoughts


Follow Donald Miller:


– instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donaldmiller/?hl=en

– Try StoryBrand AI for free: storybrandai.com

– Get 'Building a StoryBrand 2.0' wherever books are sold


Follow Travis on:


– Instagram: @travischappell

– TikTok: @traviscchappell

– Facebook: /traviscchappell

– Twitter: @traviscchappell


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Travis Makes FriendsBy Travis Chappell