#25: Annie F. Downs—The Strategy Behind Her Breakthrough Personal Brand
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! -- 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!
--------
40:46
--------
40:46
#23: Dadville—The New Rules of Being a Great Dad
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 ! -- 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!
--------
46:01
--------
46:01
#22: Seizing the Moment—Lessons from Nike’s Viral Scheffler Ad
Attention is the name of the game in today’s market. If you want to stand out, you need to move fast, think creatively, and tap into what your audience is already talking about. Whether it’s a funny meme, a strategic shoutout, or a well-timed post, the brands that win know how to seize the moment and jump into the spotlight. So how do you identify those moments and use them without sounding corny or out of touch? In this week’s episode, Don and Kyle unpack the power of real-time marketing using Nike’s viral Scottie Scheffler post as a prime example. They contrast it with Skechers’ missed opportunity and break down how brands can mine attention, play off cultural angst, and create moments people can’t ignore. You’ll learn how to identify what your audience cares about, how to speak their language, and how to turn attention into action. Listen in to discover how to make your brand impossible to overlook. Nike's "The Verdict Is In" Post from May 18th 2025 referenced in the show. -- 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!
--------
24:31
--------
24:31
#20: Snipd—What Your Brand Name is Really Saying to Customers
Coming up with a product name or tagline seems simple. Until you have to do it. You brainstorm, you debate, and you finally land on something… only to find yourself explaining it to people over and over. That’s the real test of a name: if you have to explain it, it’s not working. The truth is, your name or tagline is doing more heavy lifting than you realize. It’s your first impression, elevator pitch, and clearest hook all rolled into a few words. So why do some names work instantly while others fall flat? And how do you make sure yours is good? In today’s episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the art and science of naming and tagline creation, using the podcast app Snipd as a case study. They explore how a name that sounds clever can still confuse your audience, and why instant clarity always beats creativity. You’ll hear a practical breakdown of how to avoid the “curse of knowledge,” how to test if your name really works, and what makes a tagline stick in someone’s brain. Listen in to discover the simple shifts that make your message irresistible. -- 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!
--------
25:26
--------
25:26
#19: Magic Spoon—How One Tagline Dethroned Sugar and Disrupted a $65B Industry
It’s not enough to have a great product. You have to position it so customers instantly understand the value. That’s what separates the brands that break through from the ones that disappear. Magic Spoon didn’t invent cereal, they just told a better story: one where protein replaces sugar, and taste isn’t sacrificed for health. And they did it with a smart tagline, a well-defined villain, and a brand voice that made people pay attention. So how can you sharpen your positioning to you stand out like they did? In this episode, Don and Kyle break down the marketing genius behind Magic Spoon’s rise in a crowded cereal market and how it became a household name. From tackling the sugar-loaded bad-guys of the breakfast aisle to delivering a tagline that opens a story loop and closes the sale, Magic Spoon gives us a playbook worth copying. Tune in to learn how to identify your brand’s real enemy and position your product so it’s instantly understood. -- 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!
About Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai
Welcome to Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai. Have you ever wondered why some brands, trends, or products become massive successes while others fade away? That’s exactly what this podcast explores. Hosted by Donald Miller, creator of the StoryBrand Framework, and co-hosted by Kyle Reed, each episode dives into the strategies behind the world’s biggest wins, breaking them down into clear, actionable insights you can use to create your own success.
Discover how to craft clear and effective messaging that works for your business at StoryBrand.ai.
South Africa