Here's how I attracted a loyal podcast audience and reached over 30 million listeners worldwide in just 5 years, all without spending a dime...

​Here's how I attracted a loyal podcast audience and reached over 30 million listeners worldwide in just 5 years, all without spending a dime...

➡ Started my storytelling journey with a karaoke machine and cassette tapes as a 5-year-old, hoping someone in the universe would listen.

➡At 20 years old, inspired by Marlon Brando, I moved to New York to train as an actor, only to discover my true calling as a storyteller.

➡Performed live, extemporaneous monologues in Chelsea cafes (NYC), and experienced the shared impact it had on myself and the small crowds that gathered.

➡Tackled the student debt crisis in America with a monologue, touring for 4 years and sparking conversations around the country.

➡Transitioned back to a suburban Midwest life, focusing on family while trying desperately to keep my storytelling passion alive.

⭕ Found my solution: Put 90% of my initial effort into the continued development of my craft and storytelling style. Started recording my stories into a borrowed microphone, putting them on the internet, and asking my dear friend to gamble on the potential reach of these stories & potential business opportunities in exchange for his production skills. (Luckily he said yes. We work together to this day). Thanks Ken Wendt

➡This resulted in my podcast 7 Minute Stories. In 7MS I tell extemporaneous, simple, but true stories about my life. Instead of trying to monetize the show, I made it free and open to the public. The hope was to connect with listeners' cherished memories and add value and perspective to their day.

➡Maintained a relentless commitment to WEEKLY storytelling ideation, performance, and distribution for over 5 years regardless of ROI or short-term growth. The "I" in this case in ROI is my time (blood, sweat, and tears).

➡Over 4 + years slowly gained a global following of podcast listeners (That's the chart in this post). Adapted these audio stories into short-form video content on YouTube reaching over 20 million viewers.

😃 Proved to myself that the art of storytelling and consistent effort can create an impact, even without a lot of financial resources.

💵 Businesses from around the globe started calling and asking me to help develop their podcasts (with an emphasis story). Started my own podcast consulting business 3 years ago.

❇ Imagine if you're a cash-strapped individual or business with an amazing story to tell. If you apply this same commitment to the quality of developing and sharing great stories, there's a repeatable formula for success here.

✳ NOW imagine you are a business and you applied this same commitment to storytelling AND you have (in a worst-case scenario) a moderate marketing budget. There's no ceiling for the impact you can make.

✴ But, no matter what, the secret sauce is the commitment to curating and sharing quality stories. Maintaining a commitment and reverence for the craft of one of our oldest traditions is the foundation that can separate you from the white noise.