Your voice is the vehicle. Your story is the bridge. Your listener is the hero.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia break down how to deliver powerful, human, trust-building storytelling in just 13 minutes — without sounding like a “radio voice,” without rambling, and without losing your audience.

Episode Summary:

Most podcasters “talk at” people. That’s not what creates influence.

Donna and Ben walk you through the 13-Minute Fireside Chat — a simple structure that helps you show up as a real, trusted guide instead of just another voice with a microphone. You’ll learn how to open the episode, deliver the core message, use story to create emotional connection, invite action, and close with authority… all while honoring the listener’s time and attention.

This is also where the tone of your show really gets defined. Not just what you teach, but how you teach it. You’ll hear why being conversational, grounded, and honest beats performing a “radio voice,” and how to position yourself as a mentor without talking down to anyone.

You’ll also hear why Episode 7 (“the cornerstone”) matters so much — and how Episode 8 is the delivery layer that brings those show notes to life.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The best podcasts feel like a fireside chat — not a lecture. Your listeners don’t want to be talked at. They want to feel guided, seen, and invited forward.

🔹 You are the mentor, but they’re the hero. Even if you’re telling a story about yourself, it should point to what’s possible for them.

🔹 You don’t need a “radio voice.” You need your real voice. People connect to presence, not performance.

🔹 Story matters. Every segment needs at least one story or example that makes the teaching feel real and actionable.

🔹 Show structure saves you. Use the framework below to stay on track and avoid rambling, stalling, or overselling.

The 13-Minute Fireside Chat Framework:

This is the delivery model Donna and Ben use on-air, and the model they recommend you follow.

1. Intro (~1 minute)

• Who you are (credibility in one sentence)
• Why this episode matters to the listener
• What promise you’re making for the next 13 minutes
• Example: “By the end of this, you’ll know exactly how to structure your story so listeners stay with you and come back next week.”

2. Core Content (~7.5 minutes)

• Teach the core idea for this episode
• Use one relevant story (yours or a client’s) to make it personal and human
• Connect the dots: “Here’s why this matters for your business / brand / message.”
• Always speak in the language of the listener, not just your own expertise

3. Call to Action (~2.5 minutes)

• Invite them to take a specific next step
• That step can be a simple action (“Write your first 4 talking points”) OR it can be a relationship step (“Come work with us at influencersformula.com”)
• The goal is: movement. You are training your listener to act.

4. Outro (~2 minutes)

• Close the loop
• Remind them of the transformation you just walked them through
• Reassure: “You can do this.”
• Point forward to what’s coming next so they keep listening

This rhythm is how you become a 13-Minute Mentor — repeatable, reliable transformation in bite-sized episodes.

Why This Works:

💬 People “listen with their eyes” first. Your intro hook and promise have to earn the next 13 minutes.

💡 Your story builds trust. Your clarity builds authority. Your tone builds connection.

🧱 Repetition builds your brand. When you consistently deliver insight + next step, you become someone your audience comes back to — and recommends.

Your Next Step:

Take 13 minutes today and outline your next episode using the four-part Fireside Chat structure:

1. Intro / Promise
2. Core Teaching + Story
3. Call to Action
4. Closing / Next Step

Then, when you’re ready for expert guidance on shaping your podcast into a book, a body of work, and a platform of influence — connect with Donna and Ben at

www.influencersformula.com.