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5 of 201

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 Worked wherever you listen to podcasts. Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked! -- 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!
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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 Worked wherever you listen to podcasts. Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked! -- 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!
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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 behind the world’s biggest wins, breaking them down into clear, actionable insights you can use to create your own success. Here's 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. Follow the former Business Made Simple Podcast 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.
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#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 transform your life, both personally and professionally. You’ll learn how gratitude can coexist with grief, why it’s a practice (not a personality trait), and how to make it a daily habit. J.J. and April also take time to reflect on their journey as hosts, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, favorite memories, and offering one final challenge that could change the way you approach life and business. But more than anything, this episode is a celebration of you — the Hero Maker. Thank you for every download, every review, every bit of feedback, and every moment you’ve shared with us. You made this possible. And for that, we are forever grateful! -- Starting January 6, 2025, the former Business Made Simple Podcast 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 make your marketing easy and make it work, and this new podcast will continue giving incredible value with actionable insights you can immediately apply. Make sure to follow the former Business Made Simple feed so you don’t miss a single episode of Why That Worked starting January 6, 2025! CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
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#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 practical tips for connecting with your customers' needs while positioning your expertise as the solution they can trust. Even better, you’ll learn how to keep your marketing authentic and focused, all in under 5 minutes. This is the last replay in the series before we close out the Marketing Made Simple Podcast next week with a heartfelt and special final episode. We’re so grateful to have been part of your journey, and we can’t wait to share one more conversation to inspire and equip you for what’s next. Don’t miss it! -- CLARIFY YOUR MARKETING AND CREATE YOUR FREE BRANDSCRIPT: Storybrand.com/sb7 HIRE A STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE TO HELP CREATE THE MARKETING AND MESSAGING YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW: MarketingMadeSimple.com HELP US DELIVER EVEN MORE VALUE EACH WEEK BY COMPLETING OUR HERO MAKER SURVEY: StoryBrand.com/Survey STORYBRAND INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/StoryBrand
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