Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai

If someone told you in the ’90s that people would happily pay $5 for a cup of coffee, you probably would’ve laughed. Before Starbucks, coffee was just… coffee. It wasn’t an experience, a ritual, or a “third place” between home and work. So how did one company transform a simple commodity into a global phenomenon? The rise of Starbucks wasn’t just about caffeine—it was about community, habit-building, and a relentless pursuit of con...

Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually do...

The Michelin Star is a restaurant rating system so powerful that a single star can launch careers, change cities, and even break chefs. So what makes one restaurant just “good” and another Michelin-worthy? The path to earning a Michelin Star isn’t just about making great food—it’s about precision, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. But why do these stars hold so much weight?

Today’s episode pulls back the curtai...

Amazon didn’t just change how the world shops—it rewired our brains. Suddenly, driving to a store for light bulbs feels like a huge chore. Need cat food? Click. New coffee maker? Click. A hat with antlers for your Halloween costume? It’ll be at your door by 5 p.m. Love it or hate it, Amazon’s success lies in its relentless focus on the customer. It turned convenience into an art form. The real question is: how did they pull it off,...

Making people laugh looks effortless, but behind every joke is an incredible amount of work and strategy. Great comedians deliver far more than entertainment—they offer a masterclass in human connection. They say the things we’re afraid to say, challenge cultural norms, and turn life’s absurdities into something we can laugh at. The best comedians have the power to shape culture and influence how we see the world. So, what makes th...

Every February 14th, millions of people rush out to buy heart-shaped chocolates, overpriced roses, and mass-produced cards, turning Valentine’s Day into a global cash grab. But how did a once obscure tradition become a billion-dollar industry? Whether you adore the holiday or roll your eyes at its commercialism, one thing is certain—it works. So, what makes this day so powerful, and why do we keep celebrating it year after year? 

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 bre...

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 episo...

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...

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 ...

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 Tha...

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 th...

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 ...

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 alread...