Every day, we’re surrounded by stories—on social media, in conversations, and even in our own heads. But have you ever stopped to wonder why stories are so powerful? They connect us, help us make sense of the world, and have been humanity’s most effective tool for survival. But how do they work their magic, and what happens when they’re used to manipulate rather than inspire?

In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why stories are more than just entertainment—they’re a survival mechanism hardwired into our brains. You’ll learn how storytelling influences everything from personal relationships to cult-like movements. Listen in to discover why stories are the key to living a more meaningful and intentional life.

--

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Football has a powerful grip on its fans, but have you ever stopped to think about why it works so well? Football has a remarkable history of uniting friends and families across generations. From the build-up to game day and the epic rivalries to the emotional highs-and-lows of every play, football delivers both the thrill of competition and the comfort of community. But what actually makes it so captivating?

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed are joined by Will Guidara, bestselling author of Unreasonable Hospitality and devoted Bills fan, to unpack the mechanics of football’s success. From its masterful storytelling structure to its role as a modern-day tribal tradition, they explore why football continues to dominate in a world of endless entertainment options. Tune in for insights that’ll deepen your appreciation for the sport—even if you only watch the Super Bowl for the snacks and half-time shows. 

--

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Thought leaders influence the way we see the world, solve problems, and make decisions. But what makes someone a true thought leader? Are they original thinkers with unique worldviews, or can they be curators sharing their opinions and amplifying others’ ideas? With the rise of social media, it’s harder than ever to tell the difference. So how can we separate the trailblazers from those simply echoing the ideas of others?

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed unpack the art of thought leadership. They break down what sets true thought leaders apart, why their ideas stick, and how they inspire action on a deeper, almost tribal level. You’ll also learn the 3 steps to take if you want to become a thought leader yourself! Listen in and learn what makes thought leaders so influential and why their ideas catch fire.

--

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Some movies capture lightning in a bottle, but few soar as high as Top Gun: Maverick. With $1.4 billion in global earnings and record-breaking attendance post-pandemic, this film didn’t just work—it dominated. But why? Was it the nostalgia, the perfectly executed hero’s journey, or the relentless determination of its star, Tom Cruise? At a time when theaters struggled, Maverick reminded us why blockbuster films exist. It delivered spectacle, heart, and a story that resonated across generations.

In this episode of Why That Worked, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dissect the secrets behind Top Gun: Maverick's explosive success. From Tom Cruise’s strategic career moves to the timeless storytelling formulas that shaped the film, they reveal the mechanics that made it a cultural and financial phenomenon. Tune in to learn how this movie became a masterclass in grabbing people’s attention and how its lessons apply far beyond Hollywood.

--

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. It's like having the world’s best copywriter create high-converting marketing whenever you need it. Start your free 7-day trial at StoryBrand.ai.

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is now available! Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Whether you realize it or not, frameworks structure the world around us. They help us make decisions faster, simplify complex processes, and are the reason so many bestselling books and billion-dollar businesses succeed. Without clear frameworks, progress can feel chaotic and goals seem unattainable. So, why are frameworks so effective, and how can you create one to make life and business simpler?

In this debut episode of Why That Worked, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed dive into the art and science of frameworks. They break down why frameworks are the driving force behind countless world-changing ideas and reveal how thought leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone aiming for more clarity can leverage them. Listen in and discover how to turn your ideas into actionable frameworks that inspire success.

Unlock the power of a framework that works—the StoryBrand Framework at StoryBrand.ai. Trusted by thousands of businesses to create clear, effective messaging, it’s your turn to put it to work. Go to StoryBrand.ai to have it write your marketing and messaging assets for you!

--

Building a StoryBrand 2.0 is Now Available Make your marketing and messaging work with the StoryBrand framework—and you can do that with the updated version of the book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0, now available!

In a world filled with constant, on-demand distractions, it’s harder than ever for businesses to cut through the noise and connect with their customers. Building a StoryBrand 2.0 equips you with the proven, perfected StoryBrand framework, giving you the tools to clarify your message and effectively engage your audience.

This updated edition, Donald Miller deepens the original teachings with new insights and cutting-edge tools to transform how you communicate your unique value, helping your business stand out and grow. Order Building a StoryBrand 2.0 now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Starting January 6, 2025, the Business Made Simple Podcast feed will become home to an exciting new show: Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai, hosted by Donald Miller, creator of the StoryBrand framework.

Have you ever wondered why some brands, trends, or products become massive successes while others fade into obscurity? That’s exactly what this podcast will explore. Each week, Donald Miller, creator of the StoryBrand framework, and co-host Kyle Reed uncover the strategies behind the world’s biggest wins, breaking them down into clear, actionable insights you can use to create your own success.

In this preview, you'll hear Don and Kyle dive into “Why Frameworks Work.” From the StoryBrand Framework to recipes for baking bread, frameworks are everywhere, and they’re the backbone of success. Start learning what makes them so effective and how to create and use frameworks to elevate your own business.

Don’t miss this new way to think about success—and how to achieve it. Make sure to follow this feed so you don't miss a single episode of Why That Worked  – Presented by StoryBrand.ai, starting Monday, January 6th, 2025!

Go to StoryBrand.ai and join the waitlist to get immediate access to the app when it launches January 14, 2025.

AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate—but how do you harness it effectively without getting lost in the noise? In this final episode of the Business Made Simple Podcast, Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with Geoff Woods, author of The AI-Driven Leader, to unpack the practical ways small business owners can leverage AI as a strategic thought partner.

Geoff shares the essential mindset shifts needed to embrace AI, from reframing limiting beliefs to asking the right questions that unlock its true potential. Discover how prompts like “How can AI help me solve this problem?” can help you design AI interactions that enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and uncover non-obvious solutions.

As we wrap up the Business Made Simple Podcast, we want to thank you for joining us on this incredible journey of becoming better business owners. This final episode offers actionable strategies to help you adopt AI, amplify your impact, and future-proof your business—proving it’s never the end, just the beginning of what's next.

Access more resources from Geoff at AILeadership.com.

--

BIG NEWS! After three amazing years, the Business Made Simple Podcast will be ending, and starting January 6, 2025, this feed will become home to an exciting new show:

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, hosted by Donald Miller. 

It’s been an honor providing you with the tools and frameworks to help you become a better business owner, and this new podcast will continue giving incredible value with actionable insights you can immediately apply. Stay subscribed to this feed so you don’t miss a single episode of Why That Worked starting January 6, 2025!

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Life’s curveballs can leave you feeling out of control, burned out, and off your game. And when your mornings feel chaotic, the rest of your day never seems to recover. Most people start their day hitting snooze, reacting to problems, and dragging themselves to work.  But what if you could take back your mornings and start every day with clarity, purpose, and motivation? Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you were already firing on all cylinders before 9 a.m.

In this week’s episode, Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with Hal Elrod, best-selling author of The Miracle Morning. Hal shares the powerful SAVERS framework — 6 daily habits that can revitalize your mornings and change your life. You’ll learn how to overcome adversity, build emotional resilience, and design a morning routine that supports your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Listen in to discover how a small shift in the first hours of your day can spark massive change in your life and business!

Go to MiracleMorning.com to learn how to start upgrading your morning routine.

--

BIG NEWS! After three amazing years, the Business Made Simple Podcast will be ending, and starting January 6, 2025, this feed will become home to an exciting new show:

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, hosted by Donald Miller. 

It’s been an honor providing you with the tools and frameworks to help you become a better business owner, and this new podcast will continue giving incredible value with actionable insights you can immediately apply. Stay subscribed to this feed so you don’t miss a single episode of Why That Worked starting January 6, 2025!

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Countless business owners unknowingly build a “prison” around themselves — a business that only works if they’re doing all the work. Every problem is their problem. Every fire is their fire. They’re working 60, 70, 80 hours a week — and for what? This is the hidden trap that swallows countless business owners whole. Here’s the truth: if you don’t break out of this cycle, you’ll end up resenting the very thing you created. So how can you effectively hand off critical tasks without your business falling apart? In today’s episode, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with Dan Martell, one of the most sought-after business coaches and author of "Buy Back Your Time," to discuss how to escape the owner’s trap. Dan shares his practical strategies and frameworks like the Buyback Principle, the 10-80-10 Rule, and the Camcorder Method — all designed to help you step back, scale up, and love your business again. If you’ve ever felt like your business owns you, tune in and learn how to regain control, grow sustainably, and finally build a business you don’t grow to hate. --

BIG NEWS! After three amazing years, the Business Made Simple Podcast will be ending, and starting January 6, 2025, this feed will become home to an exciting new show:

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, hosted by Donald Miller. 

It’s been an honor providing you with the tools and frameworks to help you become a better business owner, and this new podcast will continue giving incredible value with actionable insights you can immediately apply. Stay subscribed to this feed so you don’t miss a single episode of Why That Worked starting January 6, 2025!

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple

Running a business is hard enough without feeling like your own brain is working against you. If ADHD has you stuck in cycles of procrastination, perfectionism, or overwhelm, you might wonder if you’ll ever get a handle on your own productivity. Many entrepreneurs struggle to balance their creative bursts with the structure and discipline needed for success. So how do you work with your brain instead of against it? And what if the quirks of ADHD are actually your greatest asset?

In this episode, hosts Bobby Richards and James Sweeting sit down with David Kessler, co-founder of the Willow Center for Integrative Health and co-host of the Something Shiny Podcast, to unpack the connection between ADHD and entrepreneurship. You’ll learn practical strategies for creating flexible structures, breaking free from shame spirals, and leaning into your unique work style to unlock your full potential. Listen in and learn how to use ADHD as an asset, not a barrier, to thrive in both business and life.

Get free access to the Something Shiny ADHD Focus & Flow Finder at SomethingShinyPodcast.com/BMS.

--

BIG NEWS! After three amazing years, the Business Made Simple Podcast will be ending, and starting January 6, 2025, this feed will become home to an exciting new show:

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, hosted by Donald Miller. 

It’s been an honor providing you with the tools and frameworks to help you become a better business owner, and this new podcast will continue giving incredible value with actionable insights you can immediately apply. Stay subscribed to this feed so you don’t miss a single episode of Why That Worked starting January 6, 2025!

Need proven strategies and actionable tactics to drive your coaching business and make a bigger impact on more people in 2025? Don't miss our upcoming How to Land 5 High-Value Clients in the Next 30 Days, hosted by Donald Miller and Michael Hyatt, on December 12, 2024 at 10am CST. Register now at CoachBuilder.com.

FIND AND FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/BusinessMadeSimple