7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

What happens when you meet someone pretending to be Elvis… in a small-town restaurant? In this Season 5 Finale of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron shares a story about nachos, a tribute act, and an unexpected moment of connection. What started as a kitschy Elvis performance turns into something unforgettable—a moving reflection on art, risk, and the courage to chase your dream, even if only twelve people are watching. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Was it Shawn Michaels’ infamous superkick through the barbershop window? Or generations of Sicilian family wisdom that taught Aaron the true meaning of betrayal? In this nostalgic tale, Aaron explores childhood trust, sixth-grade backstabbing, and how wrestling lore and real life collided in a lesson he never forgot. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

As a kid, Aaron was terrified of the trembling old woman who reached for him at church every Sunday. Years later, a simple handshake revealed the heartbreaking reason why—and left him with a memory that never faded. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

On this deeply personal episode of 7 Minute Stories, Aaron reflects on the life-changing events of May 22nd—the day his daughter was born. From migraines and fear to awe and transformation, this story explores what it really means to become a parent for the first time. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠⁠7MS Presents: Live and Unscripted⁠⁠⁠. A live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and a live chat with YOU (the listener). Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

In this special Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron shares exciting updates about the future of 7 Minute Stories—including a brand-new app, a weekly live radio-style storytelling stream, and the upcoming Storytelling University series. With just a few episodes left in Season 5, Aaron reflects and invites you into the next chapter. Tune in to Aaron’s new audio-first livestream — 7MS: Storystream LIVE & UNSCRIPTED — every Monday at 8:30 PM ET. https://www.youtube.com/@aaroncalafato1

Aaron Calafato thought he’d finally cracked the code on curing his late-night insomnia—with the help of a few nostalgic commercials from the 1980s and ’90s. But what worked like melatonin for him caused chaos in his wife’s sleeping habits. In this episode, Aaron unpacks how the jingles, voices, and toy ads of his youth became a soothing balm for anxiety… and how imagination—not consumption—might be the real trick to falling asleep. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

A few days before Valentine’s Day, Aaron realizes he still hasn’t found a gift for his wife. Not for lack of effort—he’s been looking. But what she wants is oddly specific: a concrete lawn goose. What follows is a story about love, small towns, gift anxiety, and what it means to really try—even if you’re probably going to fail. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

When a fast-talking salesman on a motorized scooter invades Aaron's Saturday peace, things spiral into a hilarious—and nearly hostile—driveway showdown. In this episode, Aaron recounts the moment he transformed into the fictional version of Larry David, wrestling with his own patience, boundaries, and a stranger’s relentless sales script. It’s a story about personal space, emotional restraint, and why no really means no. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's ⁠7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted⁠. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠⁠ and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠IG Threads ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron has been preaching the same piece of advice to his kids for years: give a gift to your future self. It’s great advice—until it isn’t. In this episode, a public library talk goes sideways fast, and Aaron learns the hard way that even the best-laid plans can’t stop a surprise bloodbath. * If you like 7MS, you'll love Aaron's 7MS: Storystream — Live and Unscripted. 7MS Storystream is a live, audio-first show inspired by classic late-night radio — it features raw reflections, spontaneous storytelling, and unexpected conversations with guests and listeners. It also serves as the creative StoryLab for the award-winning 7 Minute Stories, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at how stories are tested, shaped, and brought to life in real time. Subscribe to ⁠Aaron’s YouTube channel⁠ and tune in every Monday! *Follow Aaron on... ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠IG Threads ⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron shares the story of his great-grandmother—“Little Grandma”—and the Sunday tradition she passed down that became the heartbeat of his family. This deeply personal episode explores the power of food, memory, and how culture gets preserved one simmering pot of sauce at a time. *Shout out to artist Frank Oriti for helping inspire this story! https://frankoritijr.com/ *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Follow Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

As the rest of the world thaws out and rushes outside to soak in the first rays of spring, Aaron heads the opposite direction—back into the basement. In this episode, he reflects on why warmer days fill him with unease, why solitude has become sacred, and how the quiet chill of winter might offer something we’re all starving for: the right to turn off and just be. A story about temperature, temperament, and tuning out. Make sure you're following the podcast—just tap the plus (+) button in the top right corner of the show page on Apple Podcasts. Soundscape Design & Direction: Isaac Gehring *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron finds himself stuck in a suburban parking lot, overwhelmed by logistics and burnout after a long weekend of supporting his daughter's performance. But as dusk falls and a chaotic van interrupts a perfect sunset, he’s reminded of perspective, connection, and the small beauty of clean hands and second chances. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

When Aaron learns of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy’s tragic deaths, he can’t stop thinking about what really happened in those final days. In this intimate reflection, Aaron explores the space between facts and truth—and the power of storytelling to fill in what logic alone never could. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

This special 7 Minute Stories Cinema collaboration takes you to a small-town Super Kmart, a once-thriving hub that slowly faded into obscurity—only to be reclaimed by an unexpected new population. In this episode, Aaron reflects on a childhood filled with late-night runs, hypnotic store music, and one final transformation that turned an abandoned parking lot into something truly unforgettable. Soundscape Design & Direction: Isaac Gehring *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to watch one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

Aaron reflects on the fine line between nostalgia and delusion, questioning whether his love for the past is keeping him grounded or pulling him into a time warp. Through a mix of humor and introspection, he explores how memories shape us—without letting them define us. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Watch Aaron’s live storytelling lectures and conversations on our new sister show! The Storytelling University *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

On a late summer night, Aaron and Cori set out for barbecue, but what should have been a simple dinner takes an unexpected turn. First, they find an unlikely hitchhiker—a panicked bird trapped in their car’s grill. Then, just as they’re leaving the restaurant, a much more unsettling scene unfolds in the parking lot—a woman struggling to escape a car, a man refusing to let her go. In this episode, Aaron recounts two escapes: one with a clear ending, the other still unresolved. *If you're experiencing abuse, you can get help with just a call at 800-799-7233 or visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s Website. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Want to join one of Aaron’s free live storytelling lectures? Sign up below to get the invite link for the next virtual session. After the lecture, you’ll be invited to a live Q&A. https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/thestorytellinguniversity *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional Vocals: Cori Calafato  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden Content Associate: Isaac Gehring

As a child, Aaron Calafato believed that clouds were made in factories—until his classmates’ laughter shattered that illusion. In this episode, he shares a written adaptation of this story that’s gained popularity on Instagram Threads, along with reader comments reflecting on their own childhood misconceptions. Plus, a guest story by Karl Gerhard (Medina, OH) about the beauty and unexpected complexity of ice sculptures—because sometimes, what seems simple is anything but.

It’s Super Bowl Sunday, but instead of just watching the game, Aaron finds himself making a confession that no true Cleveland Browns fan should ever admit. While his wife Cori is sick and asks him to tell her a story, he ends up revealing something that feels like an act of betrayal—not just to her, but to the entire Dawg Pound. What happens next? Well… some things are hard to take back. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Thanks to my amazing team who've made 7 Minute Stories a top storytelling podcast: Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: autopolitan

Aaron reflects on his childhood visitations with his father and how, in just a couple of hours each week, his dad transformed ordinary moments into unforgettable adventures. From blasting Springsteen in the car to battling "giant squids" in the car wash, this story captures the magic of a parent making the most of limited time. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Resident Artist: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke Content & Editorial Assistant: Brooks Borden

As a kid, Aaron spent his days at a church with a red door—first in preschool, then in the pews, listening to sermons that felt more like stories. Decades later, he wonders if the minister who once predicted his future might have been onto something. In this episode, Aaron revisits the church, the people who shaped him, and the stories that stayed long after he left. Special 7MS Cinema collaboration with producer/engineer Isaac Gehring *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter *Dive deeper into the 7MS Universe and connect with Aaron on... Instagram IG Threads YouTube *Book a 1 on 1 Session with Aaron Unlock the power of storytelling in just one hour with Aaron Calafato. Gain actionable insights and tools to transform how you connect and communicate—in work, life, and beyond. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke