7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

In a pivotal moment, with agents and talent scouts watching, Aaron's mind suddenly goes blank during one of the most crucial performances of his life. Will he manage to recover? What unexpected lesson will he learn along the way? Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch

In these 7 minutes, the surreal experience of witnessing a total eclipse brings Aaron some unexpected clarity.  Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, Aaron got an interview... Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

Join Aaron as he unravels a tale where a simple piece of candy, the fate of a childhood friend, and a life-saving event take an unexpected turn.  *Today's story features guest art by Jade Kruyne & Gage Spehar Jade’s illustration is featured here and on all major podcast apps where you listen to 7MS Gage’s can be seen at 7minutestories.com   Connect w/ Jade's work on Instagram @bunny3holland Connect w/ Gage's work on Instagram @snotrocket1944 Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Original Music: thomas j. duke

This Spring, Aaron's mood is unusually low. Yet, a surprising confession reveals it's not for the reason he initially thought. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

Aaron must decide if picking up a peculiar hitchhiker is worth the risk. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter   • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

In this episode, Aaron faces a pivotal moment as he contemplates acting on a "gut feeling" that could impact the rest of his life. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We’re creating free bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter   • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our new monthly series on 7MS, where the dynamic duo of Aaron and Cori, a husband and wife team, take you on a journey through the past month's 7 Minute Stories. They'll dive into behind-the-scenes insights, laugh a lot, and explore unexpected topics. This month, join Cori as she "interrogates" Aaron about cheesy dippers, cement geese, and his past romantic escapades! • Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice • We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

A visit to Grama's house turns into an unexpected life lesson Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • Hear more of Aaron on The Lonely Office Podcast by Glassdoor https://join.glassdoor.com/thelonelyoffice • We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed podcast content delivered to your inbox exclusively for 7MS listeners who sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Join the waitlist! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/newsletter   • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

In this episode, Aaron navigates three early love tragedies and contemplates giving up on love. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

Will Aaron be a hero or a heel on Valentine's Day? His fate hinges on a very special goose. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

Long days and empty plates. Join Aaron for his 6th grade edition of hunger games.  Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.aaroncalafato.com/pod-production--consulting

This week, find out what happens when Aaron gets an MRI of his brain...   Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

Aaron embarks on a time-travel journey to revisit a cherished moment from his youth.  Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

Aaron's first puff of a cigarette has some unexpected consequences...  Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

A cryptic text from a delivery driver (The Riddler) ignites a mystery and turns Aaron & Cori’s evening upside down.  Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

In these 7 Minutes, Aaron tries to piece together memories of his late grandfather. Plus, a listener shoutout! • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

It’s Christmas Eve! Perfect timing for this special episode. In these 7 Minutes, Aaron reads an emotional adaptation of the most famous English-language editorial ever written titled: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus by Francis P. Church. Church’s editorial was first published in the New York newspaper The Sun on September 21, 1897. The 7 minutes ends with some calming holiday music.  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

Enjoy this 7MS Holiday tradition as Aaron retells a mysterious story. PLUS a listener shoutout! *The origin and author of The Man and the Birds Christmas Story is unknown. According to Radio legend Paul Harvey, who retold this parable every Christmas for decades, “The story was originally published by United Press International by Louis Cassels, a longtime friend of mine and colleague. He and I tried for many years to trace the author of these words. We never could and it occurs to me that maybe some things are supposed to be written without credit to any particular individual ...” • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact

The story behind 'A Christmas Story' and how it all connects to Aaron's very own 'Little Orphan Annie' decoder pin. Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Senior Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Additional vocals: Cori Birce  Art: Pete Whitehead  Original Music: thomas j. duke  • We want to hear from you! Drop us a line and tell us about your favorite episode or how it reminded you of a memory! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/contact • Support 7MS by treating yourself to some merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch • Book a 1 on 1 storytelling class with Aaron: https://www.aaroncalafato.com/1on1coaching • Want help developing, launching, or producing your podcast? Set up a call with Aaron and 7MS Audio Engineer Ken! https://www.valleyview.fm/contact