7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

Episode 104 - How To Get A Park Bench

My fiancé Cori and I become obsessed with dedicating a park bench to ourselves, but neither us of expected this outcome. Get your 7MS mech: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 103 - Who is James Park?

An empty park bench and a mysterious man help me uncover a secret about my humanity. Like 7MS? Show your support by getting a cool tee shirt or hoodie for yourself! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 102 - A Mental Health Conversation

In this episode I give a special thanks and some audience shout-outs. Then, I speak with Monica Mlinac. Monica serves as the Executive Director of Stark, Summit and Portage County programs for Ohio Guidestone. OG is one of the largest behavioral health agencies in the state.  In our talk we discuss: The toll the pandemic is taking on mental health The stigma of mental illness Resources for seeking mental wellness Monica's inspiration for working in social services If you someone you know...

Episode 101 - The Confession

There is something I haven’t told you about myself. In fact, I’ve been hiding it for nearly 30 years… Support this podcast by getting some 7MS gear! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 100: 7 Questions in 7 Minutes

Episode 99: A Conversation with TJ Duke

In this special episode, I talk with TJ Duke (Musician and Cloud Nothings Bassist) about his musical process, our latest 7MS collaboration and creating during COVID19. Music from TJ - https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/ 7MS Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 98 - The Legend of Ali

What do a mysterious deer, a legendary wiffle ball tournament and a Joni Mitchell song have in common? As it turns out, everything. *This story was remixed in collaboration with musicians TJ Duke & Ben Gmetro Listen to more of their sound at https://wearenaturecamp.bandcamp.com/ Get your 7MS T-Shirt Today: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 97: Sonny Corinthos

The story of how a one of a kind soap star inadvertently solidified one of the most important relationships of my life. We want to hear from you! Call or Text 216-352-4010 and tell us what you think of the podcast. Get your 7MS Merch at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 96: The Apartment

I knew something was wrong when we arrived at our new apartment, but I could never imagine what would happened next. Get your 7MS Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Summer Break

An announcement about the 7 Minute Stories schedule, plus exciting news and updates!

Episode 95 - Field of Dreams

A story about a father and son, a baseball game in Cleveland and the meaning of America’s Pastime. 7MS Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 94 - Break on Through to the Other Side

A harrowing story about how destroying my own basement plumbing brought me closer to the ghosts of our ancestors.  Support this podcast by getting your 7MS Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 93 - An Act of God, written by Meg Jakary

During a global pandemic, a trip to the store to buy toilette paper requires divine intervention. *This story was written and submitted by a listener (Meg Jakary) & recited by host Aaron Calafato* Visit https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ and pitch us your 7 Minute Story!

Episode 92- The Bronx is Burning

One of my first real acting gigs was for a 2007 ESPN Mini-Series titled, appropriately, The Bronx is Burning. Well, this story takes you behind the scenes of that very acting gig gone awry. 7MS Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 91 - The Gettysburg Address, Common People & Heart-Soul Agreement

This episode is multimedia story in three parts:   Part 1 "The Gettysburg Address" by President Abraham Lincoln, recited by Aaron Calafato   Part 2: A musical piece, “Common People” by Ken Wendt inspired from Aaron Copeland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and includes excerpts from a 1942 speech by vice president Henry Wallace. More music from Ken Wendt - http://fluentk.com/ Part 3: "Heart-Soul Agreement" A excerpt from a speech by former Senator Nina Turner at the 2017 People's Summit mixed w...

Episode 90 - 7 Minutes of Reflection

This week, I'd like to offer 7 minutes of reflection. I know I'm going to be using it. Please use it as you will. There will be an original score composed by our audio producer (Ken Wendt) that you can listen to, follow along with or get lost in. And just know. Even though I won't be talking or telling a story for the duration of this seven minutes. I'll be right here with you. Audio, Composition & Performance of Original Song “Finding Space” : Ken Wendt Episode Consultant: Anthony Vorndran

Episode 89 - The Gun (7ms Team Favorite)

When I was 13 years old I went to visit a new friend. Before going out to play in the woods he took out a gun. What happened next felt like life and death … Get your 7ms Merch! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 88 - The D-Day Prayer

On June 6, 1944 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt , led a nation caught up in the turmoil of World War II, in mass prayer. In honor of Memorial Day, and in an effort to pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, this episode I recite FDR’s D-Day Prayer.

Episode 87- Surprise Music Episode

First, audio producer Ken Wendt discusses how he's taken some of the strange noises Aaron Calalafato makes when telling stories, and turned them into music. Then, you get to listen to one of those original songs. Connect with Ken Wendt http://media216.com/ http://fluentk.com/

Episode 86 - The Potato Bar

Little did I know that a delicious potato bar would be the setting for one of the most formative experiences in my high school career. 7MS Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 85 - Stories in a Box (7MS Team Pick)

My grandfather taught me much of what I know about the art of storytelling. Years after his death, I disovered he’d kept stories of his own hidden away. In this episode, we find out why... *The 7ms team picked this story as one of their favorite past episodes.

Episode 84 - Rooster: A Guest Story by C.W. Schultz

A trip to the Philippines, 30 plus hours of insomnia and a merciless rooster. What happens next, only writer C.W. Schultz can tell you in this special guest episode of 7 Minute Stories. More about C.W. Schultz https://cwschultz.com/ 7ms Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 83 - Growing Up in the Rearview (Remastered)

This is one of the first 7 minute stories I ever told. It’s also one of the most personal... This episode explores all stages of my daughters life, as seen only through the rear-view mirror of my car. From the moment I drove her home from the hospital after she was born, to imagining what her life will look like in an uncertain future. Remember to subscribe & 5 star rate this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 82 - The Tornado

At midnight, just as I was about to fall asleep, an alarm went off on my phone. It said: A TORNADO IS IMMINENT. SEEK SHELTER NOW! Make sure to give 5 stars & review this podcast! 7ms merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 81 - Life in a House

I had 7 minutes before I needed to come inside and put my kids to bed. Just enough time to discover something incredible radiating from inside of my house. Make sure to subscribe & rate this podcast 7ms Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 80 - The Time Capsule

While cleaning my garage this past weekend, I discovered a box of essays that I wrote as a child. This episode, I’ll recite a few of them for the first time in decades. Subscribe & 5 Star this podcast! 7ms Merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 79 - Stop and Smell the Roses

A memory of the ocean, a hot cup of coffee and peculiar rodent named Jerry help me attain a brief moment of enlightenment. Remember to subscribe & 5 star this podcast! 7MS Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 78 - 7ms Classic: The Amish (COVID-19 Intro)

In this episode Cori and I address the COVID-19 Pandemic and how the 7 Minute Story team is approaching it. Then, we feature a classic episode called The Amish. Remember, take a few seconds to subscribe & rate this program on Apple Podcasts! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 77 - Pale Blue Dot (Classic Story Remix)

After receiving some unexpected inspiration from the late, great Carl Sagan, I’m compelled to share it with one of the most important people in the galaxy… 7ms Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 76 - Something's Lost but Something's Gained OR The Legend of Ali and the Wiffle Ball

A legendary wiffle ball tournament and an unexpected misfortune merge into one of the most memorable days of my life. 7MS Merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 75 - Japan: A Guest Story by Anthony Vorndran

This is the first guest 7 Minute Story performed and submitted by a listener! It just so happens that he’s also my lifelong friend. In this episode, Anthony Vorndran recalls a life-changing trip to Japan. The only things standing in his way? North Korean ballistic missiles, a WIFI outage and not speaking a word of Japanese. Get your 7MS merch https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 74 - Rage on the Turnpike

On a hot summer day in 2008, a traffic jam on the Jersey Turnpike turns into a violent encounter. Get your 7ms merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 73 - Larry King and the Pretzel Rods

An unexpected visit to my grandmother’s old house triggers a vivid memory that shaped the way I look at the world. Get your 7ms merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 72 - Special Guest: Nina Turner

Nina Turner is a former Ohio State Senator and the current Co-Chair of the 2020 Bernie Sanders Campaign. In 2016, I interviewed Nina and our conversation has stuck with me. It was emotional, authentic and refreshing. This guest episode features 7 “very real” minutes from our talk. 7ms merch: https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 71 - The Rookie of the Year

A story about my father, our broken family, America’s pastime and how an iconic 90s film and its star became a reoccurring motif in my life. Get your 7ms t-shirt https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ 

Episode 70 - The Interview

In 2009, things were at an all-time low. Then, I had an interview with the potential to change everything… 7MS Merch - https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 69 - Heard it Through the Grapevine

The possibility of rock immortality hinges on my band’s performance at a very special high school talent show. 7ms merch at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/ Story created & performed by: Aaron Calafato Story Direction: Anthony Vorndran Podcast Coordinator: Cori Birce Audio Production: Ken Wendt Original Art: Pete Whitehead

Episode 68 - The Spotlight or A Love Letter to Richard Greenberg

Jealousy and rage get the better of me when I’m not given the lead role in a College Theatre production. Luckily, the work of playwright Richard Greenberg offers me some redemption… More at https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 67 - The Last Story of the Year

In this last episode, I give a special thanks to our 7 Minute Story team and audience. Then, we round out the year with a replay of the very first story of this series called "The Cruise".  Be a part of the 7MS community https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 66 - A Christmas Story with no Author

Every Christmas Eve, I listen to a beautiful story recited and made famous by radio legend Paul Harvey. It’s called “The Man & the Birds”, and ironically, nobody has been able to find the original author. This holiday season, I’d like to read it to you… Be a part of the 7 Minute Story Community! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 65 - The Yoga Class

In 2008, I reluctantly attended my first yoga class in New York City. Ten years later, it’s an experience I can’t seem to forget. Be a part of the 7MS Community: https://7minutestoriespod.com

Episode 65 - The Yoga Class

In 2008, I reluctantly attended my first yoga class in New York City. Ten years later, it’s an experience I can’t seem to forget. Be a part of the 7MS Community:  https://7minutestoriespod.com

Episode 64 - Guest Storyteller: Mr. Klaus

To usher in the Christmas season, I wanted to share a guest story from a man who is the closest thing to the real Santa you’ll ever come across. His name is name Mark Klaus. I interviewed Mark a couple years ago, and in this 7 Minute Segment, he explains what inspired him to create the largest indoor Christmas attraction in the United States. His answer was poignant but I didn’t anticipate the unexpected twist at the end… Be a part of the 7MS Community https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 63 - A Thanksgiving to Remember

Hosting at my house for the first time triggers a poignant memory of Thanksgiving past. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 63 - A Thanksgiving to Remember

Hosting at my house for the first time triggers a poignant memory of Thanksgiving past. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 62 - (Flashback Episode) The Perfect Day

The Perfect Day was one of the earliest episodes of our podcast series (Episode 9). It’s also one of my personal favorites. Description: It’s the kind of day you live for. The kind of day millions have never had. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 61 - The Bus Ride

A deeply personal story about a challenging time in my life, taking the city bus and the life lessons I learned along the ride. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community! https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 60 - Special Guest: Matt Fish

A conversation about my love of grilled cheese sparks restaurant entrepreneur Matt Fish to talk about his inspiration for the popular MELT bar and grilled. Be a part of the 7 Minute Stories community https://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Episode 59 - Halloween Special: The House in the Woods

I was always skeptical of ghosts, but living in this house made me question everything.

Episode 58 - Me, Cameron Crowe and the Myth of Elizabethtown

In pursuit of my dream, I drove down to Louisville, KY to audition for a Cameron Crowe film. What transpired became a story of mythic proportions.