When you’re pitching a product, every word matters. That’s why some Shark Tank entrepreneurs walk away with millions while others walk out empty-handed. The Bombas sock pitch not only got a deal, it sparked a billion-dollar brand. But what made it work? From “cardboard feel” to “seven substantial improvements,” the Bombas team used sticky soundbites, clear contrasts, and emotional resonance to win over the Sharks and their customers. So what messaging lessons can your business learn from one of Shark Tank’s biggest success stories?

In today’s episode, Don and Kyle break down the Bombas pitch line by line, showing how the founders used story loops, vivid language, and clarity to outshine the competition. You’ll learn how to craft soundbites and emotional contrast to pitch your brand in a way that people remember. Listen in to discover why this pitch worked and how you can apply the same tactics to your next campaign.

Click HERE to find a StoryBrand marketing coach to help you grow your brand or business!

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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!

When you’re building a personal brand, the biggest mistake you can make is being too broad. The world doesn’t need another generalist. It needs someone who owns a clear, specific problem and solves it consistently. That’s the magic of niching down. A focused message not only grabs attention, it builds trust and traction faster than trying to be everything to everyone. So what does it look like to get hyper-specific, and how do you know if your niche is tight enough?

In this week's episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the personal brand of Dan Go, also known as @FitFounder. They unpack why his brand name works, how his bio instantly communicates value, and how his disciplined content strategy made him a go-to voice for entrepreneurs who want to get healthy. You’ll learn what makes a personal brand succeed, how to build authority, and why clarity beats cleverness. Tune in to get the secrets to building a personal brand that actually works.

Click HERE to check out Dan Go's Fit Founder account.

Click HERE to find a marketing coach to help you grow your brand or business.

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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!

What makes someone trust you enough to follow you, buy from you, or even just listen? In the noisy world of personal branding, it’s easy to assume you need a slick image or a viral strategy to break through. But that’s not what people are looking for. They want someone who feels real and honest. But how much is too much to share? And how do you stay grounded when your face becomes your brand? These are the questions that haunt creators, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. So how do you strike the right balance?

In this week’s episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed sit down with bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs, who’s built a deeply human, wildly successful personal brand rooted in hope and honesty. They unpack how Annie shaped her brand over the years, how she discovered her “controlling idea,” and why she’s leaned into the very things she used to avoid. You’ll learn the role of consistency, why timing matters more than transparency, and how to craft a message that’s strategic and soul-aligned. Listen in for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a personal brand that lasts.

Click HERE to check out Annie F Downs' website and HERE for here "That Sounds Fun" pocast!

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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!

Messaging can make or break a brand. Whether you're launching a campaign, building a personal brand, or responding in real time, what you say and how you say it matters. One wrong sound bite can sink your credibility, while one clear, compelling message can unlock massive opportunity. The stakes are high, and yet most people treat messaging like an afterthought. So how do you know if your message is building trust or breaking it?

In this new “Pass/Fail” segment, Don and Kyle grade recent moments in marketing and culture through the lens of what worked and what flopped. They dig into Shedeur Sanders’ controversial NFL draft comments, the bold branding of Liquid Death, and the rise of user and employee-generated content. You’ll learn why arrogance isn’t confidence, what makes provocative branding effective, and how to turn your messaging into a trust-building asset. Listen in to learn what great messaging sounds like and how to avoid a fail.

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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!

Dads often get a bad rap. In sitcoms, commercials, and even day-to-day culture, they’re typically cast as bumbling sidekicks or lovable oafs who mean well but don’t quite get it right. When that narrative takes root, it can be easy for fathers to shrug and settle for doing the bare minimum (especially when they get praise for just pushing a stroller down the street). But kids need more. And deep down, every dad knows he was made for more. So what does it look like to embrace fatherhood with purpose, presence, and even a little swagger?

In this special Father’s Day episode, Don and Kyle sit down with Dave Barnes and John McLaughlin, hosts of the hit podcast Dadville. Together, they explore the most important messages a father can send his kids. They break down why dad-messaging matters, what it looks like in the real world, and how even small changes in tone or presence can echo for generations. If you’re a dad, or want to be one, listen in for a refreshing take on what it really means to show up for your family.

Check out the Dadville Podcast HERE !

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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!

Nike's "The Verdict Is In" Post from May 18th 2025 referenced in the show.

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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!

In crowded markets, being different isn’t enough. You have to communicate how you’re different. Too many businesses blend in because they focus on what the competition is doing instead of what customers actually care about. You might offer better pricing, better service, or a better product, but if you don’t say it clearly, it won’t matter. Messaging that stands out starts with understanding what your audience hates about the current options and then owning the opposite. The brands that win don’t just have better products. They have better words. So how do you find the message that sticks?

In this episode, Donald Miller and Kyle Reed unpack the viral product launch of Slate, a new affordable and customizable electric truck. They analyze the messaging strategy behind Slate’s viral launch video, and how the brand positioned itself against high-priced vehicles with a fun, customer-focused message. Listen in and learn how to build a controlling idea that creates clarity and focuses on what customers really want.

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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!

Watch the Slate ad HERE for yourself.

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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!