Marketing Made Simple

Why That Worked #17: Annoying Ads—The Dumbest Campaigns That Won Your Attention and Made Millions

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

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!

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.

In this week’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed discuss the genius behind annoying marketing campaigns like HeadOn, Chia Pet, and the George Foreman Grill. You’ll learn why these seemingly ridiculous ads worked, how they used repetition and simplicity to dominate attention, and what you can take away to sharpen your own message. Tune in to learn how to make your marketing stick no matter how simple (or obnoxious) it may seem.

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.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Why That Worked #16: Airbnb—The Brilliant Strategy Behind Their New Messaging Campaign

Wed, 23 Apr 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

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?

In this episode, Don and Kyle break down Airbnb’s latest messaging campaign and why it hits the mark so effectively. They unpack the brilliance behind how Airbnb redefined the problem it solves and how you can apply the same strategy to your own business. You’ll learn a simple way to clarify the problem your customer actually cares about and how to build an effective messaging campaign around it. Listen in for strategic tips on how to get sharper messaging and more customer engagement.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

Why That Worked #15: Morning Routines—The NEW Way To Create A Morning Routine In 2025

Wed, 16 Apr 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

If you followed every piece of advice out there about your ideal morning routine, you'd probably spend eight hours every day doing mindfulness excercises and supplements and journaling and workouts and cold plunges and more. But morning routines can be both easy AND effective if you identify the right mission for your life.

In this episode, Kyle Reed and Donald Miller break down a new way to approach your morning routine—one that actually fits the demands of 2025. Whether you’re a high-performing entrepreneur, a working parent, or just trying to get your act together before 9am, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, unexpected insights, and a fresh mindset shift. You’ll learn:

• Why most morning routines fail (and what to do instead)

• How to reverse-engineer your day for better mornings

• The role of intention, simplicity, and rhythm in a sustainable routine

• What Kyle and Don are doing differently this year—and why it’s working

If you’ve struggled with consistency, motivation, or just hate mornings altogether, this episode will help you build a routine that serves your real life—not some influencer’s highlight reel.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

If you're tired of feeling unproductive and unmotivated, get clarity on your life goals and supercharge your productivity by visiting HeroOnAMission.com for your free planner!

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

Wed, 09 Apr 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

Most businesses, brands, and even thought leaders make the same mistake: they overcomplicate things. The more complex something is, the harder it is for people to understand—and if they don’t understand, they don’t engage. Whether you’re trying to grow a business, capture attention, or lead a movement, clarity is your greatest asset.

That’s why we’re shaking things up this week with a very special recap episode! We’re revisiting some of the most valuable insights from past episodes—all centered around one powerful theme: simplicity. Don and Kyle explore how frameworks, storytelling, and clear communication can help you find clarity, make better decisions, and connect to more people. Tune in to discover why the most successful brands, leaders, and ideas all follow one golden rule: keep it simple.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!

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

Wed, 02 Apr 2025

Now, enjoy this week’s episode of Why That Worked!

Relationships can be beautiful, but they’re also complicated. From the outside, it’s easy to assume great marriages happen by luck or chemistry. But the reality? Every relationship faces storms—health challenges, career stress, personal struggles—and most couples aren’t equipped to weather them. Without the right mindset and tools, it’s easy to drift apart or fall into survival mode. So how do couples not just stay together, but grow closer—even through the hardest seasons of life?

In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle sit down with musical duo Johnnyswim (Abner Ramirez and Amanda Sudano) to unpack what makes their marriage work. From tour bus living to health challenges and creative careers, Abner and Amanda share how they’ve stayed united—and transformed—through it all. Tune in to hear their honest take on commitment, communication, and the real purpose of marriage.

Learn how to make your marketing and messaging work using a proven framework in the updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0. Order it now on Amazon or wherever you buy books!