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Marketing Made Simple

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Every week on Marketing Made Simple, you'll get practical tips to make your marketing easy and make it work!

Episodes

Why That Worked #14: Simplicity—Why a “Less Is More” Approach Can Make Anything More Effective

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Apr 09, 202535 min

Why That Worked #13: Marriage—The Truth About What Makes Love Work Long-Term (ft. Johnnyswim)

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Apr 02, 202525 min

Why That Worked #12: Nostalgia—The Hidden Force That Makes Brands Feel Iconic

Nostalgia is a powerful force. You hear an old song or catch a familiar scent, and instantly, you’re transported back in time. But our brains don’t just remember the past, they rewrite it. We filter out the stress, the boredom, the everyday struggles, and what we’re left with is a version of the past that feels safer, simpler, and better than it really was. So why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? And how does it shape the way we think, feel, and buy? This week, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle...

Mar 26, 202541 min

Why That Worked #11: Starbucks—The Brand that Changed How the World Drinks Coffee

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Mar 19, 202535 min

Why That Worked #10: Reality TV—Why We're Obsessed with Chaos (And What It's Actually Doing to Our Brains!)

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Mar 12, 202530 min

Why That Worked #9: Michelin Star—How a Tire Company Created the Most Prestigious Award in Food

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Mar 05, 202540 min

Why That Worked #8: Amazon—The Crazy Business Strategies that Rewired Our Brains and Changed Shopping Forever

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Feb 26, 202542 min

Why That Worked #7: Comedians—The Science and Strategy Behind the Funniest People on Earth

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Feb 19, 202539 min

Why That Worked #6: Valentine’s Day—The Surprising Economics and Evolution of Love’s Biggest Day

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Feb 12, 202535 min

Why That Worked #5: Stories—The Survival Tool Hardwired into Every Human

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Feb 05, 202540 min

Why That Worked #4: Football—Why It Became America’s Favorite Ritual

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Jan 29, 202535 min

Why That Worked #3: Thought Leaders—How Innovative Thinkers Build a Following and Shape Modern Culture

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Jan 22, 202526 min

Why That Worked #2: Top Gun Maverick—The Strategy Behind Its Billion-Dollar Success

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Jan 15, 202532 min

Why That Worked #1: Frameworks—The Invisible Structure Behind Every Great Idea

Exciting news, Hero Makers! We’re sharing a new episode of Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.AI, with Donald Miller back in the host seat. This new show uncovers why certain ideas, brands, and strategies succeed—so you can think differently and apply those insights to your business and life. We’re only sharing these episodes in the former Marketing Made Simple feed for a limited time! Catch them early every Monday by subscribing to the StoryBrand YouTube Channel or following Why That Wor...

Jan 08, 202526 min

Why That Worked PREVIEW—A New Podcast You Can’t Miss

BIG NEWS! 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 b...

Dec 30, 20246 min

#188: Our Final Episode of Marketing Made Simple—A Celebration of Gratitude and Growth

All good stories must come to an end. After 3 incredible years of helping you create clear marketing that works, this is the final episode of the Marketing Made Simple Podcast . But instead of a somber goodbye, we’re closing this chapter with full hearts and deep gratitude — for you, our Hero Makers. To help us close this last episode with wisdom and joy, we welcome back longtime friend, StoryBrand facilitator, and gratitude expert Christy Kern. Christy shares how the practice of gratitude can t...

Dec 25, 202434 min

#187: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Be the Guide Your Customers Need

Marketing that truly connects starts with understanding your customer’s journey—and knowing how to show up as their guide. As part of our replay of last year’s 5 Minute Marketing Challenge, we’re revisiting one of the most powerful concepts in the StoryBrand framework to help you bring clarity and confidence to your messaging. In this replay of episode #128, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins show you how to step into the role of guide for your customers. You’ll discover practi...

Dec 18, 202418 min

#186: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—Solve Your Customer’s Problems

As the holidays bring a whirlwind of demands, it’s easy to lose sight of what your customers really need. That’s why we’re replaying one of our most popular episodes from last year’s 5 Minute Marketing Challenge! This series is all about quick, actionable strategies to simplify your marketing and stay impactful—even when life feels chaotic. In today’s replay of episode #127, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins unpack the key to making your marketing resonate: identifying the pro...

Dec 11, 202418 min

#185: 5 Minute Marketing Challenge—What Do My Customers Want?

As the holiday season ramps up, maintaining clear and impactful marketing becomes more important than ever. That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most powerful series: the 5 Minute Marketing Challenge ! Originally released last year, this series is designed to help you cut through the noise with simple, actionable tips you can implement in just minutes. In today’s replay of episode #126, Dr. J.J. Peterson and co-host April Sunshine Hawkins guide you through the first step: crafting a clear m...

Dec 04, 202419 min

#184: Talkin’ Shop—How Clear Messaging Unlocks Growth for Complex Tech Brands

Tech companies often struggle with the same challenge—making their complex solutions simple to understand. When customers can’t grasp how a product solves their problem, even the most innovative ideas can fall flat. How do you balance clarity and sophistication to attract buyers without sacrificing the technical depth that sets you apart? In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, J.J. and April sit down with StoryBrand Certified Guide Kelly Sjol to discuss how she helps tech companies clarify their messa...

Nov 27, 202436 min

#183: Talkin’ Shop—The Counterintuitive Way to Thrive in Crowded Industries

In competitive industries, it’s all too easy for great businesses to fade into the background. When everyone is saying the same thing, customers have a hard time sussing out who can actually help them. That's why the real challenge isn’t just being good at what you do—it’s making sure people know you’re the best choice for solving their specific problem. Are you clearly showcasing what sets you apart? If not, your customers might never find you. In the next episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J....

Nov 20, 202434 min

#182: Talkin’ Shop—Why Your Nonprofit's Message Isn’t Connecting (And How to Fix It)

Nonprofit leaders work hard and care deeply, but sometimes their message isn’t clear enough to get people excited and involved. The stories are powerful, and the mission is strong, but the message can get lost. It’s a frustrating reality for nearly every marketer involved in the nonprofit sector. So how do you communicate your vision in a way that gets your donors, volunteers, and supporters to rally behind you and make a real impact? In the newest episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J. Peters...

Nov 13, 202445 min

#181: Talkin' Shop—The Power of Being Your Authentic Self in Coaching (And Why Buzzwords Just Get in the Way)

The coaching world is booming, but with thousands of new coaches and consultants entering the industry, it’s becoming a more crowded space. If you're looking to make an impact, the question quickly becomes: How do I get noticed? Many coaches get caught in a cycle of trying to copy what others are doing, hoping it will work for them, but it usually backfires. So how do you find your authentic voice and connect with clients who truly need you? In this week’s episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, J.J...

Nov 06, 202433 min

#180: Talkin' Shop—Simple Tricks to Own the Top Spot in Local Search Results

If customers in your town are searching online for what you offer but can’t find you, you’re missing a huge opportunity. It’s like having a storefront without a sign. Local business owners know they need to show up in search results, but SEO can sound like rocket science—complex, overwhelming, and honestly, not what you signed up for. But what if there were a way to use SEO that’s straightforward, doesn’t eat up your time, and just works? In the latest episode of our Talkin’ Shop series, hosts D...

Oct 30, 202433 min

#179: Talkin' Shop—How to Leverage Your Unique Edge Without Confusing Your Customers

Marketing doesn’t have to be complicated, but let’s be real—it’s easy to screw it up. You know your product or service is great, but your customers aren’t noticing. Why? Because you’re either blending in with everyone else or confusing your audience with messaging that’s unclear. It’s a tough balance: if you’re too creative, people don’t get it. If you’re too clear, it can seem dull. The real challenge is finding that sweet spot that balances creativity and clarity. So, how do you create a marke...

Oct 23, 202427 min

#178: How to Work with Your ADHD to Boost Focus and Productivity

Traditional productivity advice often assumes a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but for many people —especially those of us with ADHD or other neurodivergent traits—that approach can actually slow you down. You may even feel ashamed of your inability to focus or stay organized, but the real problem might be that the traditional methods weren’t designed for you. Instead of forcing yourself into methods that don’t align with your natural strengths, it's important to recognize that you may need a dif...

Oct 16, 202436 min

#177: Why “Both-And” Thinking is the Future of Leadership

Ready to take your marketing career to the next level? Apply now to become a StoryBrand Certified Guide at StoryBrand.com/Guide and get the tools, training, and community to help businesses boost sales—but hurry, the deadline for the December training is approaching fast! -- Leading a business means constantly being pulled between competing demands. Should you focus on increasing profits or making a bigger impact? Should you embrace stability or push for innovation? When grappling with these eit...

Oct 09, 202436 min

#176: Ian Cron—What Does Your Enneagram Reveal About Your Marketing Style?

What does the Enneagram have to do with marketing? A lot more than you might think! Your Enneagram type shows how you process information, make decisions, and approach creativity. From perfectionism to overthinking, these innate tendencies directly impact your marketing approach. If you’ve had trouble connecting with your audience or executing a winning strategy, your Enneagram type could be the key. So how can understanding your Enneagram type make your marketing more effective? In this week’s ...

Oct 02, 202437 min

#175: The Financial Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed

Money stresses us out. Whether you're a small business owner or just trying to manage personal finances, it can feel like you’re always juggling competing priorities. Should you be saving more? Investing in your business? Can you even afford to? Add in the weight of societal pressures, and it’s easy to see why 73% of Americans rank finances as their top stressor. But what if getting clear on your money values (not just the numbers) could help relieve the stress and guide your financial decisions...

Sep 25, 202436 min

#174: Al Andrews—What to Do When Achieving Your Big Goals Leaves You Feeling Empty

We all strive for success, but at what cost? Climbing the ladder often comes with unexpected challenges. As you work toward your goals, it’s easy to focus on the next milestone, only to realize that collecting more accolades leaves you feeling empty instead of fulfilled. Many high achievers find themselves grappling with stress, isolation, and a loss of purpose despite their accomplishments. Is it possible to chase your dreams without losing sight of what truly brings you joy and fulfillment? In...

Sep 18, 202436 min