Hosted by Donald Miller and Kyle Reed
How brands turn into global empires
The psychology of why people buy, follow, and believe
Why trends explode (and what you can learn from them)
Practical tactics that make ideas stick
Tune in to get actionable insights that you can use to create your own success.
Comment PODCAST to hear the full conversation around the genius behind annoying marketing campaigns like HeadOn, Chia Pet, and the George Foreman Grill.
Most people try to make their marketing polished, clever, or inspirational. But in the end, clarity beats creativity every time. In fact, some of the most “annoying” ads in history made hundreds of millions of dollars simply because they were impossible to ignore.
They weren’t beautiful, they weren’t clever, but they were unforgettable. So why do so many businesses avoid this approach? Because we assume our customers want sophistication, when what they really need is a message that’s crystal clear and easy to remember. If your ad gets ignored, it doesn’t matter how gorgeous it is. #WTWpod
Comment PODCAST to hear the full conversation around @Airbnb’s latest messaging campaign and Why It Worked so effectively.
If your marketing isn’t working, it’s probably because you’re not talking about the right problem.
Most businesses struggle to identify the most compelling issue their customer is trying to solve. They either talk about too many things or pick a problem that’s too vague. When that happens, customers stop listening.
But when you finally address the problem that makes your customers say “yep, that’s me!”, sales start to climb. That`s what Airbnb just nailed with their new messaging campaign.
So, how do you figure out the exact problem your business solves in a way that drives real results? #WTWpod
Comment ROUTINE to hear the full conversation around a new way to approach your morning routine—one that actually fits the demands of 2025.
Going pro in your business is easier than you think. It all depends on the rules you have created and the process you have established.
Amateur does the work when they feel like it
Pro does the work on a schedule
Being a pro has nothing to do with identity and everything to do with the rules you follow. #WTWpod
3 Steps To Become A Thought Leader!
1) Define A Villain
2) Cast a Vision that defeats the villain
3) Define The Values to make the vision happen
In the latest episode of Why That Worked, @donaldmiller and @kylereed recap some of the best moments so far in 2025.
#WTWpod
Marriage is about being completely transformed — maybe even on a molecular level. 🧬💡
And if you’re resisting that transformation? You might be missing the point.
🎙️Don`t miss the latest episode of Why That Worked with special guest @johnnyswim for a raw, unfiltered conversation about love, marriage, and partnership.
✨SPOILER ALERT: The story of how @theabnerpedro and @amandasudanoramirez met is wilder and more magical than any rom-com you’ve seen. Trust us, you don’t want to miss this one. ❤️💍
#WTWpod
Two little words that pack a BIG punch in marketing:
"REMEMBER WHEN?"
Nostalgia is a cheat code for connection. It stirs up emotions, creates instant relatability, and makes your message stick. For example...
🏃♂️👧 A kids’ activity gym could say, “Remember when we didn`t look at screens?"
💍❤️ A marriage counselor could say, “Remember when couples used to stay together no matter what?"
Hook your audience with nostalgia, then show them how you can bring that feeling back. THAT’S how you create marketing that moves people.
#MarketingGold #NostalgiaSells #StoryBrand #WTWpod
Want to learn how to use nostalgia the right way in your marketing? Comment NOSTALGIA and we’ll send you the episode! 🎧👇
Nostalgia sells — but only if your audience feels it too. If it’s just a personal throwback or brand-focused memory, it’s not gonna land.
#NostalgiaMarketing #MarketingStrategy #StorytellingInMarketing #WTWpod
Comment PODCAST to hear the latest Why That Worked episode.
Starbucks: more than just coffee? 🤔 In the latest episode of Why That Worked, Donald Miller unpacks Howard Schultz’s revolutionary vision for Starbucks – not just as a coffee shop, but as a “third place” between work and home.
More than a caffeine stop, Starbucks became a community hub, a place where people could connect, recharge, and belong. But how did Schultz turn this simple idea into a global phenomenon?
#Starbucks #BusinessStrategy #CoffeeCulture #WTWpod
“Holy cow... This pod is like the post-conference banter you overhear at the hotel bar—business-adjacent and entertaining. Thanks, Don, for making us all smarter, more engaging, and more effective storytellers.”
“A much needed look at how the world works. Thank you for producing great content that makes us think and inspires us to achieve greater things”
“Donald is inspiring! I love listening to this podcast, I learn something new each time. Thank you for your insights and wisdom.”
“The last two episodes have been life changing!!”
Donald Miller is the CEO of StoryBrand.ai and Coach Builder. He is the bestselling author of eleven books including How to Grow Your Small Business, Building a StoryBrand, and Coach Builder.
He’s helped thousands of companies clarify their messaging and grow their brands, including TOMS Shoes, TREK Bicycles, and Tempur Sealy.
Before Why That Worked, Don was the host of multiple podcasts including Business Made Simple, Marketing Made Simple, and Building a StoryBrand where he interviewed top business leaders and marketers to uncover what makes messaging and branding effective.
An expert in digital media and branding, Kyle is the VP of Marketing & Media at StoryBrand.ai.
Kyle has spent years leading digital strategy and content for brands, focusing on audience growth, storytelling, and media innovation. His knowledge of trends, consumer behavior, and what makes people take action gives him a unique edge in marketing.
Now, on the podcast, he dissects the strategies behind cultural trends, iconic brands, and viral ideas—all while keeping Donald Miller on his toes.
