Best Aaron Calafato Podcasts (2025)

1
WWF and Shawn Michaels Taught Me About Trust—Then My Best Friend Betrayed Me 8:15

2h ago8:15

8:15

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 …

1
Ok, Boomer, Time's Up: Retirement Is Calling 25:56

3h ago25:56

25:56

This week, we explore the tensions around aging in the workplace: from Warren Buffett finally stepping down at 94 to younger employees frustrated by older workers who can't afford retirement. When Gary fake-retires as a prank, colleagues suddenly realize he's been playing the long game. But at what point does experience turn from wisdom into a road…

1
Why She Tried to Grab My Arm Every Sunday 9:49

7d ago9:49

9:49

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-ni…

1
Mouse Jigglers vs. Corporate Spying Tools 35:35

6d ago35:35

35:35

This week, we investigate the rise of employee monitoring software through Manny's story - a Big Four accountant whose daily productivity walks were derailed by tracking tools meant to "prevent burnout." From mouse jigglers to heart rate monitors, we explore how surveillance software doubled during the pandemic and why companies are spending resour…

1
The Day I Met My Daughter (I Love You, Brosephina) 8:33

14d ago8:33

8:33

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. …

1
Feeling Chaos Fatigue? Adam Grant Explains Why and Who’s Really to Blame for Burnout 24:16

14d ago24:16

24:16

This week, organizational psychologist and Glassdoor’s Chief Worklife Expert, Adam Grant, joins us to discuss why constant change is exhausting today's workforce. Grant offers practical resilience strategies, including mental time travel techniques and rejecting the "three Ps" of personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence. From millennials faci…

1
Big Updates, New Season, and What’s Next for 7 Minute Stories 8:41

18d ago8:41

8:41

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…

1
The Problem with Using '90s Commercials as a Sleep Aid 9:14

21d ago9:14

9:14

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 an…

1
10 Work Personalities AI Can’t Replace Soon Enough 26:34

21d ago26:34

26:34

This week we count down the 10 workplace personalities ready for AI replacement first. From the Faux CTO who draws cloud diagrams but never writes code to the Google Drive Gatekeeper who hasn't shown their face in two years, which corporate characters most deserve automation? And which one might you secretly be yourself? With AI project managers al…

1
Statue of Limitations 10:24

28d ago10:24

10:24

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, y…

1
Digital Nomad Visas Are Booming. What They're Not Telling You. 28:05

28d ago28:05

28:05

With nearly 18 million Americans now identifying as digital nomads, is working from exotic locations truly the dream job? This week we investigate what happens when Addie meets a potential romance in Iceland, only to find herself uploading massive files from a freezing rental car to meet a deadline. From loneliness topping the list of nomad complai…

1
The Scooter Man Incident (Or: How I Became Larry David) 7:50

1M ago7:50

7:50

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 st…

1
The Art of Getting Ahead Without Working 33:12

1M ago33:12

33:12

Maria shows up to work four times a year, just for the quarterly presentation, then vanishes. Yet leadership loves her. This week, we investigate why charismatic communicators advance faster than dedicated workers - and what that means in an AI-driven workplace. From walking briskly with papers to scheduling empty whiteboard sessions, we explore th…

1
How to Plan for Everything (Except a Paper Cut) 8:44

1M ago8:44

8:44

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 — …

1
Digital Hypocrisy: Why Our Kids Won't Put Down Their Phones 27:00

1M ago27:00

27:00

With 42% of kids owning smartphones by age 10, is it time to confront our digital hypocrisy as parents? Adam cut bedtime reading short to answer work messages—only to catch his daughter secretly scrolling Instagram. When we're expected to be always online yet limit our kids' screen time, who's setting the example—and who are we really protecting? H…

1
Sunday at Nonna's 8:14

2M ago8:14

8:14

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! http…

1
From Intern to CEO — Nike's Fairytale Ending 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

We kick things off with Glassdoor’s Chris Martin, who shares insights from a recent internship analysis. Then, we shift to a story that feels more relevant than ever: is the classic “mailroom to boardroom” path still alive? Zach thinks so—until he tries to follow in the footsteps of Nike’s new CEO, who rose from intern to corner office over 32 year…

1
Spring Fever (And Why I Don’t Have It) | 7MS Cinema 10:18

2M ago10:18

10:18

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 …

1
PTO for Sale: A New Workplace Trend? 23:13

2M ago23:13

23:13

This week we investigate the growing trend of PTO marketplaces, where 10% of companies now allow employees to buy, sell, and even gift vacation days. From Ben bribing his boss with three PTO days before a performance review to employees purchasing extra time to care for aging parents, we explore whether these programs offer genuine flexibility or j…

1
A Man, a Sunset, and the Cleanest Hands in Ohio 8:37

2M ago8:37

8:37

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 c…

1
I Hired a $6,000 Career Coach — And Still Got Laid Off 28:06

2M ago28:06

28:06

This week we investigate the $3 billion career coaching industry that's exploded to 70,000 coaches worldwide. From 23-year-olds giving life advice to vague promises about "audacious visions," we examine what happens when professionals like Jamie spend $6,000 on advice like "eat a healthy breakfast" only to lose their job anyway. With advertising ve…

1
Gene Hackman's Final Days: The Story We’ll Never Know 7:51

2M ago7:51

7:51

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 i…

1
Is the ‘’Act Your Wage’ Economy’ Over? 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

When promotions go to office politicians instead of high performers, more workers are choosing to do exactly what they're paid for - and nothing more. With 52% of young professionals now doing exactly what they're paid for and nothing more, we explore whether "acting your wage" is sustainable in today's challenging job market. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli …

1
The Death of Super Kmart… But What About the Seagull Zoo? (7MS Cinema) 10:06

3M ago10:06

10:06

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 p…

1
Corporate Psyops: How Companies Control Narratives 22:04

3M ago22:04

22:04

This week we explore corporate messaging tactics that walk the line between strategic communication and outright manipulation. When a seemingly doomed company announces they're "facing unexpected challenges" but miraculously recovers days later, should employees feel relieved or manipulated? From mysteriously "secured" contracts to stress balls ins…

1
Trapped in Nostalgia: When Loving the Past Goes Too Far 8:01

3M ago8:01

8:01

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 excl…

1
When Humans Start Dating the Machine 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

With searches for "AI girlfriend" up 2400% and one in five men on dating apps trying AI companions, are we witnessing the next evolution of human connection, or just a temporary stop on the journey to finding real love? When Vince loses his job after turning Slack into his personal dating playground, he finds an unexpected solution: an AI chatbot n…

1
Can You Be Ruthless? A Rent-A-Center Story by Shannon Cason 9:31

3M ago9:31

9:31

What really happens behind the scenes at a Rent-A-Center? In this 7 Minute Stories: Sunday Leftovers episode, Aaron features master storyteller Shannon Cason, host of Homemade with Shannon Cason, as part of a special story swap. Shannon shares a brutally honest and darkly funny story from his summer working at Rent-A-Center—where the true business …

1
The Face That Reminded Me to Reach Out 9:56

3M ago9:56

9:56

This episode features a 7MS Cinema collaboration with audio producer Isaac Gehring. After years of chasing a dream in New York, Aaron looks back on the unlikely connections and formative moments that shaped his journey—including a family tie to a professional character actor many of you have seen in films over the last few decades. But when a chanc…

1
The Bro Culture Reset: Why Corporate Masculinity is Back in Business 25:55

3M ago25:55

25:55

From CEOs embracing "masculine energy" to workers claiming they can't "be themselves" anymore, something's triggering a masculinity crisis at work. This week, we explore what happens when men feel their identity is challenged in the modern workplace. Hosts: Matt Sunbulli https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/ https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbulli ht…

1
How Many Trash Cans Does It Take to Save the World? 8:16

3M ago8:16

8:16

On a freezing winter morning, Aaron stepped outside to complete the simplest of tasks—bringing in his trash cans. But what started as a mundane chore quickly spiraled into an existential crisis, leading him to question generosity, obligation, and just how many trash cans one man can really take in. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered…

1
The Email That Shook Washington: Workforce Audit or Federal Worker Purge? 12:58

3M ago12:58

12:58

A weekend email from DOGE—titled What Did You Do Last Week? —hit millions of federal employees’ inboxes, sparking confusion, panic, and speculation about a mass downsizing effort. Was it a routine check-in on government efficiency or a strategic move to force resignations and trim the workforce? In this episode, we break down the chaos, agency resp…

1
Severed: When Work and Life Split Apart 21:58

3M ago21:58

21:58

When Mark chooses to "sever" his work self from his home self in Apple TV's hit show Severance, it reveals a workplace fantasy many secretly share: what if you could leave your work baggage at the office and your personal troubles at home? From compartmentalized personas to corporate cult culture, we explore how this sci-fi drama eerily mirrors tod…

1
The Fixer: From School Detention in Venezuela to Disrupting AI for Everyone (7MS Sunday Leftovers) 12:19

3M ago12:19

12:19

In Venezuela, when something breaks, you don’t just replace it—you figure out how to fix it with whatever you have. That’s the mindset Julio Viera (CEO of kluster.ai) grew up with, one that led him to discover programming in a school detention hall, code by hand in a notebook, and eventually build a company making AI more accessible to the world. A…

1
Furlough Frenzy: Inside Stop Work Orders Shaking Up Federal Agencies 21:05

4M ago21:05

21:05

When USAID issued sudden stop work orders, thousands of NGO workers were caught in the crossfire. This week, as DOGE sets its audit sights on more federal agencies, we talk to a furloughed employee about the impact of frozen federal funding. Are American taxpayers’ calls for greater accountability being answered? Is this truly about fiscal responsi…

1
Two Escapes: A Bird, A Barbecue, and a Moment That Lingers 9:10

4M ago9:10

9:10

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 ca…

1
The Cloud Factory: A Kid’s Truth, a Small Vacation, and a Frozen Realization 7:58

4M ago7:58

7:58

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 (…

1
9 to 3 is the New Work Day 28:11

4M ago28:11

28:11

Welcome to the "in-between hours”—that precious window from school drop-off to pickup where working parents attempt to pack a full day's productivity into six fleeting hours. When Matt tries to squeeze his workday between 9 and 3, he discovers the new reality of the remote working parent. From impromptu kid cameos on Zoom calls to the pressure of t…

1
Super Bowl Sunday Confession: The Cleveland Browns, the Kelce brothers, and One Act of Betrayal (7MS Sunday Leftovers) 13:31

4M ago13:31

13:31

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? …

1
The Magician: Turning Two Hours Into a Lifetime 8:23

4M ago8:23

8:23

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 bonu…

1
My Boss Is Plotting Against Me Because I'm Good at My Job! 21:22

4M ago21:22

21:22

When Brooks started outperforming everyone on his team, he thought his career was about to take off. Instead, his manager Jordan felt threatened, blocked his promotion, and even asked him to train his own replacement. Sound familiar? From blocking promotions to playing favorites, we explore why being too good at your job can backfire. How do you ha…

1
The Old Church, the Stories, and the Minister’s Prediction (7MS Cinema) 10:06

4M ago10:06

10:06

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 …

1
High School Dreams, Demo Tapes, and the Magic of Spice 8:44

4M ago8:44

8:44

In this nostalgic episode, Aaron reflects on being in a high school band in the nineties, a time when demo tapes and battle-of-the-bands showcases felt like the only shot at stardom. He shares the story of Spice, his high school’s annual talent show, and how it became a beacon of hope for a group of teenage dreamers. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-theme…

1
Millions of Federal Workers Face a “Fork in the Road” Choice 19:30

4M ago19:30

19:30

This week, millions of federal workers received an email that upended their job security overnight. With a deadline looming, they must decide: accept a new reality of stricter performance mandates, a full return to office, and reclassification to at-will status—or opt for an eight-month resignation package. What does this seismic shift mean for pub…

1
Is the Mailroom-to-CEO Story a Corporate Fairy Tale? 26:18

4M ago26:18

26:18

Nike's new CEO started as an intern in 1988 and worked his way to the top over 32 years. When Zach saw this "mailroom-to-boardroom" success story on LinkedIn, he thought he'd found his path forward—until he discovered even unpaid internships now require years of experience. From automated rejections to impossible requirements, we explore whether th…

1
The Coveralls, the Coffee, and What He Left Behind (7MS Sunday Leftovers) 9:59

4M ago9:59

9:59

On this episode of Sunday Leftovers we examine the question: What does it mean to love someone who isn’t perfect? In this deeply personal story written, recorded and submitted from 7MS listener and aspiring writer Chad Baxter, we journey through a childhood filled with tender moments and lessons passed from father to son. But as Chad grows older, h…

1
The Bread Maker, the Arctic Cold, and What We Forget About Snow Days 7:43

4M ago7:43

7:43

During 72 hours of Arctic cold, Aaron and his family hunker down, rediscovering the magic of snow days through games, creativity, and a bread-making obsession. What they find is a discovery of something many of us know but have forgotten... *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only exclusively for 7MS listeners who …

1
Could DOGE Fix Corporate America? 29:14

4M ago29:14

29:14

When the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced its mission to tackle $200 billion in federal waste, it got us thinking: what if companies had their own version of DOGE? From 17-meeting days to empty offices collecting dust, we imagine what a corporate DOGE would tackle first. Could this government initiative inspire a revolution in h…

1
The Doorman Experiment: What Opening Doors Taught Me About People 8:01

5M ago8:01

8:01

What began as a way for Aaron Calafato to pass the time outside a crowded restaurant turned into an unexpected lesson in humanity. In this episode, he reflects on the act of opening doors, the complexities of human interaction, and what it truly means to connect with others. *We’re creating bonus 7MS-themed content delivered to your inbox, but only…

1
How To Be A Likeable Badass At Work 21:03

5M ago21:03

21:03

When high-achieving Meghana discovered her stellar work at Instagram wasn't enough to impress leadership, she learned a crucial lesson: success isn't just about what you do—it's about how you tell your story. Together with psychologist and author Allison Fragale, we explore the delicate balance between being likeable and assertive at work. Are you …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Aaron Calafato Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen