In this Storytelling University conversation, Aaron sits down with songwriter Evan Bartels to explore the craft of turning life into song. From the haunting first lines of Montana to the overlooked “side characters” of history, Bartels reveals how noticing small details can unlock entire worlds of meaning. Together, they dig into the tension between art and craft, the dignity of ordinary lives, and why the most powerful stories often come from what’s left unsaid.

🎙️ Listen to Aaron tell stories and talk with special guests live during Night Stories on his ⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠⁠—these late-night sessions go live every Thursday starting @ 9:30PM EST and going into the late night hours...

And as a 7 Minute Stories listener, you get first dibs: ⁠⁠skip the ads on YouTube and unlock VIP access to Aaron’s audio-only private studio! ⁠⁠It’s like having your own radio feed in your pocket. Get year-round, commercial-free access to Night Stories—and join the amazing community we’re building—just by subscribing to the 7MS Newsletter.

*The Team Who've Help Make 7 Minute Stories a Top Storytelling Podcast:

Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato

Senior Audio Engineer:⁠⁠ Ken Wendt ⁠⁠

Additional vocals: Cori Calafato

Artist in Residence: ⁠⁠Pete Whitehead ⁠⁠

Original Theme Music: thomas j. duke

Additional Soundscape Design: Isaac Gehring

Special Thanks:

Rob Montague Jr

Kyle McCarthy

Dania Khalife