7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato artwork

7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

257 episodes - English - Latest episode: 1 day ago - ★★★★★ - 125 ratings

Award-winning storyteller Aaron Calafato uses 7-minute story vignettes to share his memories, explore his psyche and attempt to make sense of the world.

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Episodes

S2 E15: Heroes Get Remembered But Legends Never Die

December 16, 2021 12:00 - 9 minutes

A film festival, The Sandlot, and the weekend we hung out with Art Lafleur. *RIP Art Lafleur 1943-2021 Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Story Consultant: Jon Wagner

S2 E14: The Cult Leader

December 09, 2021 12:00 - 9 minutes

A fascination with cults and the dangerous road one must travel to become a cult leader. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead  Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E13: Thanksgiving Sides!

November 25, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes

We attempt to wrangle our kids in one room to ask them what they’re thankful for. Then, Cori and I have to decide what Thanksgiving sides will make the cut for our holiday meal.  *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Luciana! Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E12: The Time Capsule (7MS Team Pick)

November 18, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes

While cleaning my garage I discovered a box of essays that I wrote as a child. In this episode, I’ll recite a few of them for the first time in decades. *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E11: All Hornets Go to Heaven

November 11, 2021 12:00 - 10 minutes

This week: An intense rivalry with a hornet, a death chamber, and a quest for salvation. *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Orginal Music: Aaron Calafato Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E10: Door to Door Salesmen

November 04, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes

A rivalry with a door-to-door salesperson ends in an embarrassing fashion. *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E9: Do you Believe in Ghosts?

October 28, 2021 11:00 - 12 minutes

A simple question to my future wife elicits an unexpected ghost story.  Happy Halloween!  *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story produced by: Aaron Calafato Featuring: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E8: The Last Blockbuster

October 21, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes

A chance viewing of a documentary triggers a vivid memory of renting movies at Blockbuster.  *This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E7: A 7 Minute Journey with Mark Metry

October 14, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes

Mark Metry is an author, podcast host, and TEDx keynote speaker. But once upon a time, Mark suffered severely from social anxiety. In fact, he says at one point in his life he couldn't even make direct eye contact with people. In this episode, Mark talks about what Social Anxiety feels like and describes one of the breakthrough moments that changed his life for the better. Learn more about Mark at https://www.markmetry.com/ Story Production: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Music...

S2 E6: SeaWorld

October 07, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes

This week, a race against Shamu and insight into the world of a captive orca. Ironically, this episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Engineer: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Production Assistant: L...

S2 E5: Aaron's Movie Marathoners Appearance

September 30, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes

Today's episode features a 7 Minute Segment from an appearance Aaron made on the Movie Marathoners Podcast. Marathoners is a fellow member of the Evergreen Podcast Network. You can find full episodes of Movie Marathoners on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. We start this episode in the midst of Aaron and Marathoners host Matti reviewing the 90s classic Rookie of the Year, one of Aaron's favorites. Matti tells Aaron that movies like Rookie of the Year tend to be comfort films and do very little to m...

S2 E4: Semi-Soulmates

September 23, 2021 11:00 - 11 minutes

Two unsuspecting people find themselves on a cosmic collision course.  This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

S2 E3: Missing Person

September 16, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes

A search for a missing person and my love of mozzarella sticks culminates with a surprise ending.   Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch   This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/   Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Production...

S2 E2: Batman and Robin

September 09, 2021 11:00 - 9 minutes

A pair of legendary superheroes, a heroic story, and a surprise ending. Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak 

S2 E1: America

September 02, 2021 11:00 - 10 minutes

Season 2 of 7 Minute Stories starts today! This episode: I join an unlikely sports team and find America in the process... Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/merch This episode is made possible by Fishbowl. Download the free professional networking app today! https://www.fishbowlapp.com/ Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthon...

Introducing 7 Minute Stories Season 2

August 19, 2021 11:00 - 3 minutes

The second season of 7 Minute Stories is almost underway and that means more weekly adventures from Aaron Calafato and more. 7MS Season 2 officially launches on Thursday, September 2nd wherever you find podcasts! Original Song: A Heroine's Welcome Music by TJ Duke and Ben Gmetro of Nature Camp https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/

Episode 136 - 7 Minutes with Nina Turner

July 22, 2021 11:07 - 8 minutes

Nina Turner explains why rocking the boat is synonymous with positive social change. More about Nina Turner https://ninaturner.com/ Story Production: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Announcing Season 2

June 24, 2021 11:07 - 4 minutes

7 Minute Stories is going to a season-based format. Season 2 starts in September 2021!

Episode 135 - 7 Minutes with Jay Crawford

June 03, 2021 11:07 - 13 minutes

Sports journalist & anchor Jay Crawford shares a deeply personal story about his father, post-season baseball, and the virtue of optimism. Story Production: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 134 - Field of Dreams (7MS Team Pick)

May 27, 2021 11:07 - 9 minutes

The intersection of the iconic movie and a legendary baseball game with my dad. A primer for next week's episode featuring Jay Crawford. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 133 - Announcement & Mini-Story

May 20, 2021 11:07 - 8 minutes

Aaron shares a special announcement, previews the next few weeks on 7MS & tells a mini-story that reveals a special guest. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Special Logo Design: Alex Collier Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 132 - 7 Minutes with IN-Q

May 13, 2021 11:07 - 10 minutes

A unique and inspiring 7 minutes with the award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter & best-selling author.  Connect with IN-Q https://in-q.com/ IN-Q recently launched a new podcast. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts. Story Production: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Photo: Michael Wahba Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Original Guitar Composition: Aaron Calafato

Episode 131 - Remembering Olympia

May 06, 2021 11:07 - 10 minutes

Over 10 years ago I had a conversation with Olympia Dukakis. What she said changed the course of my life. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Production Assistant: Lennon Janovyak Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 130 - Lorenzo and the Apple

April 29, 2021 11:07 - 9 minutes

On the first day of 3rd grade I discovered a forbidden fruit…   Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 129 - 7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 2)

April 22, 2021 11:07 - 9 minutes

Part 2 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard. *Watch Maurice Benard's Show "State of Mind" on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg Story Production: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Photo: Jim Warren Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 128 - 7 Minutes with Maurice Benard (Part 1)

April 15, 2021 11:07 - 12 minutes

Part 1 of my conversation with actor, Emmy winner, best-selling author and mental health advocate Maurice Benard. Story produced by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran   *Watch Maurice Benard's Show State of Mind on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rEI_NNc5pLloK0YEBVUsg

Episode 127 - Sonny Corinthos OR Sonny with a chance of Aaron

April 08, 2021 11:07 - 10 minutes

The story of how a one of a kind soap opera character made an unexpected impact on my life.    Story concept & performance by: Aaron Calafato  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 126 - The Great Escape Part 2 : The Reunion

April 05, 2021 11:00 - 7 minutes

In 2001, Anthony tried to escape a final exam. Now, he comes face to face with the teacher he's been running from for over 20 years. Story by: Anthony Vorndran  Story Producer: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Music Contributor: thomas j. duke Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 125 - The Great Escape

April 01, 2021 11:07 - 11 minutes

In 2001, a young man escapes taking a final exam in high school. 20 years later, he's still on the run! Story told by: Anthony Vorndran Story Producer: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  *Short Music Segment: The Great Escape by Boys Like Girls

Episode 124 - The Secret Antenna

March 25, 2021 10:30 - 9 minutes

It all started with a painful divorce, a gift from my father and National Public Radio. Subscribe to 7MS wherever you find podcasts https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/subscribe Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  *Special thanks to National Public Radio, its affiliates, programs and listeners for all the inspiration!

Episode 123 - Captain Kirk

March 18, 2021 10:30 - 9 minutes

Our neighborhood needed a hero. On this evening, only one man could do the job. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 122 - The Bed & Breakfast Part 2

March 11, 2021 11:30 - 8 minutes

The finale of the Bed & Breakfast saga. How our stay at a potentially haunted B & B changed my relationship with ghosts. Story: Aaron Calafato  Direction: Aaron Calafato & Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Music: Nature Camp  Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 121 - The Bed & Breakfast Part 1

March 04, 2021 11:47 - 9 minutes

Cori and I thought it would be simple to book our first Bed & Breakfast experience. We were categorically wrong. Story: Aaron Calafato  Direction: Aaron Calafato & Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Music: Nature Camp  Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  If you haven't, please subscribe & 5 star rate this podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're listening to this!. Your listenership and support of our work matters.

Episode 120 - Born in the USA

February 25, 2021 11:37 - 8 minutes

What do Van Jones, Bruce Springsteen and a humanist author from the 1980s have to do with the future of America? Let's find out! Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Source Material: Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business (1985) . A book by educator Neil Postman. Published by Viking Penguin Renegades: Born in the USA - A Spotify Or...

Episode 119 - NYC

February 18, 2021 11:30 - 9 minutes

There's a reason why they call it "The Big Apple", and after years of pretending, I finally admit why it's not my favorite fruit.

Episode 118 - Lost in Translation

February 11, 2021 11:45 - 10 minutes

Flirty text messages, a Pastor and Blockbuster. If that's not a recipe for disaster, I don't know what is. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 117 - Robin Hood

February 04, 2021 11:37 - 9 minutes

The story of how Robin Hood met Wall Street. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 116 - I'm Positive. I Love You...

January 28, 2021 11:30 - 9 minutes

A couple gets an unexpected result from a positive COVID test. For info and resources on COVID19 please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

Episode 115 - The Last Episode of the Year

December 31, 2020 11:30 - 12 minutes

In this episode, we learn more about my future wife Cori Birce as we wrap 2020 and look to brighter days in 2021. Get your 7 Minute Stories Hoodie! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 114 - The Night Before Christmas

December 24, 2020 11:30 - 8 minutes

Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the year. In this episode, I share some of my favorite traditions and read a Christmas classic! Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Original Poem by: Clement Clarke Moore Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran 

Episode 113 - The Snowman

December 17, 2020 11:30 - 10 minutes

In the winter of 1990, I witnessed a famous childhood story come to life.

Episode 112 - Breakfast for Dinner

December 10, 2020 11:30 - 8 minutes

33 years ago I had a meal that I can’t stop thinking about to this day.   Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  All 7 Minute Stories are free to the public. Show your support by: Telling your friends and family to subscribe and listen Getting your 7 Minute Story merch here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 111 - The Blizzard (7MS Classic)

December 03, 2020 11:45 - 10 minutes

Sometimes snow is good. Sometimes snow is bad. The snow during this particular road trip in the early 90s was unforgettable. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  All 7 Minute Stories are free to the public. Show your support by: Telling your friends and family to subscribe and listen Getting your 7 Minute Story merch here: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 110 - The Wallet: A Thanksgiving Story

November 26, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes

A young man finds a wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Courtesy of: Alex Collier  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Support 7MS. Get a hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 110 - The Wallet

November 26, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes

A young man finds a wallet on the side of the road and discovers something money could never buy. Story performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Courtesy of: Alex Collier  Audio Production: Ken Wendt  Original Art: Pete Whitehead Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Creative Consultant: Anthony Vorndran  Support 7MS. Get a hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 109 - Taco Bell: An American Portrait

November 19, 2020 12:00 - 8 minutes

A story about Taco Bell and suburban youth. Support this podcast by purchasing some of our merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 108 - Mumford's Son (7MS Classic)

November 12, 2020 12:00 - 10 minutes

This is what happens when you combine the most important performance of my life and a chance intersection with Mumford & Sons... Get your 7MS Hoodie: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 107 - A Farewell Address

November 05, 2020 12:00 - 8 minutes

Someone has to say farewell, and then, all we’ll have left is each other.... Get your 7MS Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 106 - Scary Stories

October 29, 2020 11:00 - 9 minutes

To celebrate Halloween, I recite two of my favorite tales from the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. All story content in this episode collected and written by Alvin Schwartz. Illustration by Stephen Gammell  

Episode 105 - The Spaceflight

October 22, 2020 11:00 - 10 minutes

On May 22, 2053, two childhood friends embark on an improbable galactic journey.  -Musical contribution from Anthony Vorndran -Anthony's YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQiYI5fIIOFdnUwHfdjLlMQ -Original Song "Soul Survivor" by Angels & Airwaves *This story is dedicated to Tom DeLonge

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A Christmas Story
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