#11: Starbucks—The Brand that Changed How the World Drinks Coffee

03/17/25 • 33 min

Why That Worked – Presented by StoryBrand.ai

If someone told you in the ’90s that people would happily pay $5 for a cup of coffee, you probably would’ve laughed. Before Starbucks, coffee was just... coffee. It wasn’t an experience, a ritual, or a “third place” between home and work. So how did one company transform a simple commodity into a global phenomenon? The rise of Starbucks wasn’t just about caffeine—it was about community, habit-building, and a relentless pursuit of consistency.

In this episode, hosts Don and Kyle dive into the fascinating story of Starbucks, breaking down how a small Seattle coffee shop grew into a 35,000-location empire. They explore the visionary leadership of Howard Schultz, the brand’s impact on American culture, and how Starbucks managed to make coffee both an addiction and an experience. Plus, they debate whether Starbucks is still as great as it once was—or if its best days are behind it. Listen in for a deep dive into what made Starbucks work.

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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!

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!

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#10: Reality TV—Why We're Obsessed with Chaos (And What It's Actually Doing to Our Brains!)

Reality TV is everywhere, and whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny it’s addictive. Millions of people tune in daily to binge-watch strangers argue, compete, or fall in love on camera. But reality TV isn’t “real” at all—it’s carefully crafted chaos, designed to keep you hooked. Producers manipulate stories, stir up conflict, and edit scenes to make the drama irresistible. But beyond the entertainment, what’s it actually doing to our brains?

In this episode, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down why reality TV works—and why we can’t look away. They explore the psychology behind our obsession with drama, the tricks producers use to keep us engaged, and how reality TV has shaped everything from social media to politics. Plus, they reveal the surprising ways it’s rewiring our attention spans and expectations of real life. Tune in for a revealing look at the power (and the price) of reality TV.

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!

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#12: Nostalgia—The Hidden Force That Makes Brands Feel Iconic

Nostalgia is a powerful force. You hear an old song or catch a familiar scent, and instantly, you’re transported back in time. But our brains don’t just remember the past, they rewrite it. We filter out the stress, the boredom, the everyday struggles, and what we’re left with is a version of the past that feels safer, simpler, and better than it really was. So why does nostalgia have such a hold on us? And how does it shape the way we think, feel, and buy? This week, hosts Donald Miller and Kyle Reed break down the psychology of nostalgia and why it’s one of the most effective tools in marketing, storytelling, and even leadership. They reveal how businesses tap into nostalgia to create emotional connections with customers and how you can use it to strengthen your brand—or simply make more meaningful memories in your own life. Tune in to learn how nostalgia works, why we crave it, and how to use it to your advantage.

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 Amazonor wherever you buy books!