Every great influencer (and we believe everyone is an influencer) starts with a powerful story. This episode uncovers the essential roadmap to turning your life experiences into a compelling podcast and book. Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia share how to structure your content for maximum impact, transform challenges into credibility, and build an audience that sees you as a leader. Whether you're launching your first podcast or writing a book to expand your reach, this episode gives you the mess-to-success framework to create content that resonates.
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Episode Breakdown: Unlocking Your Story, Strategy, and Success
Your personal story is the most valuable asset in building influence.
Listeners seek transformation, not just information—learn how to structure your message for impact.
The key to being “worth listening to” is confidence in your journey—own your story!
Segment 2: Your Mess-To-Success Story and Finding The Gold In Your Hard-Earned Wisdom
Mess-to-Success storytelling is a five-step method: Snapshot of success → Downward moment → Turning point → Journey back → Current achievements.
Your challenges make you relatable and position you as a guide for your audience.
"People need your story. People need your message. This is boasting for good." – Ben Gioia
Segment 3: The Influencers Formula Made Easy: Your Podcast and Book Roadmap — No Guesswork Plus Leverage
Leverage your content: Your podcast can be turned into a book, and vice versa.
A roadmap simplifies content creation and helps you stay consistent with your message.
Bill Gates' approach to productivity: “A lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” – Use smart systems to streamline content creation.
Segment 4: Make The Roadmap Work For YOUR Audience - Choosing A Podcast Name & Season Theme So You’re Someone Worth Listening To
Your podcast name and season theme should match your brand identity.
Research your audience: Know their struggles, needs, and interests.
The best podcasts create an experience that listeners can’t stop engaging with.
Hosts
Meet your podcast coach Donna Kunde. I’m Donna Kunde, podcast host, radio personality (in 184 countries), and creator of Influence Radio™ Network. I'm the co-author of the international bestseller, THE INFLUENCERS FORMULA and have produced over 15,000 podcasts (with one million downloads), several in the top 100. Using my Business Podcasting Made Easy Method, I help people create a global radio show that easily becomes a podcast, a course and more with just the click of a button. I'm also a public speaker, one of Virginia's top 50 Women Leaders, and received the Lead and Lift Others Culture award from John Maxwell. From stages around the world, I've reached the ears of millions.
Meet your book coach Ben Gioia ("joya"). I’m Ben Gioia ("joya")—four-time, international, best-selling author, podcast, and radio host—and my teachings are used by more than 80,000 leaders & game-changers around the world. By using the Influence With A Heart®, my clients write great books in as little as 5 weeks, enjoy 5-figure speaking fees, and attract 6-figure consulting. (That’s even BEFORE publishing!) I’ve trained 100s of millionaires and helped a Fortune 100 company create a mindfulness empathy video game for 20,000 employees. I started writing when I was 12 years old, helped launch the world’s largest magazine (AARP), and won a patient services award from The ALS Association for creating their first mindfulness program.
Mentioned Resources:
Stay connected with us at InfluencersFormula.com for more insights and resources on becoming a thought leader in your field.
Ben Gioia – Learn about crafting compelling narratives that elevate your personal and professional growth.
InfluencersFormula.com – Resources for podcasting and book writing
The Podcast Profit System – Strategies for monetizing and expanding influence
Influence With A Heart – Creating books and content that inspire action
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
Your story is your power – The world needs to hear your journey to connect, transform, and inspire.
Podcasting and books are long-term assets – They help you grow an audience, build authority, and leave a legacy.
Structure your content for maximum impact – Mess-to-Success storytelling, audience research, and a clear roadmap are your best tools.
The best influencers are strategic – Don’t just create—leverage, repurpose, and optimize your content.
These show notes are crafted to provide actionable value to you, the listener, focusing on your journey to becoming a unique expert and influential voice in your field. Engage with us and take steps toward amplifying your message today!

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