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Artwork for 7 Minute Stories

7 Minute Stories w/ Aaron Calafato

Aaron Calafato
Christmas
Storytelling
Family
Nostalgia
Cleveland
Ohio
Soccer
Childhood Memories
Family Dynamics
Domestic Violence
Hallmark Movies
Community
Acting
Hope
Halloween
Medina, Ohio
Media Landscape
Friendship
Niagara Falls
Forgiveness

7 Minute Stories is the leading short-form autobiographical storytelling podcast in the world, reaching over 30 million listeners through weekly unscripted personal narratives. Each episode delivers a true story from Aaron Calafato’s extremely normal yet deeply relatable life in Ohio, told in about seven minutes with no script. This show is quick, immersive, and tinged with nostalgia. Each story f... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes395Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedyImprov

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Artwork for 7 Minute Stories

Latest Episodes

In this 7 Minute Stories episode, Aaron reflects on a season of life that felt like too many trains trying to squeeze through one tunnel, and the small decision that helped him step off the track for a moment. What he found at Roxboro Elementary Scho... more

After witnessing the devastation of a 1971 oil spill in San Francisco Bay, one person made a simple decision: he would stop riding in cars. But when people kept arguing that one person’s choice could never change the world, he made an even stranger d... more

After recording a conversation with Rainn Wilson for the 7MS bonus series: The Storytelling University, Aaron reveals the anxiety he felt before the interview: wanting to make a meaningful connection without making the moment feel transactional. That... more

In this bonus episode of 7 Minute Stories Presents: The Storytelling University, Aaron sits down with Rainn Wilson, the award-winning actor, New York Times bestselling author, and host of the Soul Boom podcast, for a conversation about storytelling, ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

Recent Guests

Rainn Wilson
Actor known for The Office; New York Times bestselling author of Soul Boom
Episode: Rainn Wilson on The Stories We Tell Ourselves | From Nicaragua to The Office to Soul Boom
Randall Kenneth Jones
Entrepreneur, writer, speaker, humorist, podcast host
On the Nose (podcast)
Episode: Randall Kenneth Jones: Pat Benatar, Storytelling as Purpose, and Why You Should “Save the Turtle”
James Martin
Jesuit priest, New York Times bestselling author, host of The Spiritual Life Podcast
Church/Academia
Episode: Rev. James Martin: Why Stories Change Everything, What Points to the Resurrection, and the Story That Blew His Mind
Cori Calafato
Cori Calafato, spouse of Aaron, appeared as a guest to corroborate the experience
Episode: Somewhere Between Here and There: Sliding Crepes
David Moulton
Senior Director of Content and Thought Leadership at Palo Alto Networks; host of Threat Vector Podcast
Palo Alto Networks
Episode: David Moulton: On Storytelling, Cybersecurity, and Why Story Moves Business Forward
Ani Zonneveld
Writer, singer-songwriter, founder of Muslims for Progressive Values
Muslims for Progressive Values
Episode: Ani Zonneveld: Storytelling, Progressive Islam, and the Power of Music to Change Hearts
Chad Baxter
Listener who submitted the story; guest on the episode
Missouri, USA
Episode: Coveralls, Coffee, and What His Dad Left Behind
Brad Roberts
Lead singer of Crash Test Dummies and songwriter
Crash Test Dummies
Episode: Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies): “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” Songwriting, Philosophy & The Stories That Saved Lives | The Storytelling University
John Telich
Veteran sports director at Fox 8 in Cleveland and vice president of the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.
Fox 8 / Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame
Episode: Sports Are Human Stories: John Telich on Storytelling, Legacy & Northeast Ohio | The Storytelling University

Hosts

Aaron Calafato
Host of the show, central storyteller with a focus on personal memory and everyday life; sometimes also serves as a performer of the memories.
Cori Calafato
Co-host/anchor and on-air contributor providing corroboration and perspective on stories, often shaping the familial or relational angles.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 185 ratings
  • Short and so sweet

    These stories are just fascinating little gifts. The time you spend listening to them is a fraction of the time you’ll spend thinking about them. Great follow.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hhhhhhyhu
    United States3 months ago
  • Timeless

    Aaron’s stories are so personal and connect with emotions in such a deep way. Modern day Gene Shepard.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RMontagueLMF
    United States5 months ago
  • One of my favorite podcasts

    Aaron brings back the craft of storytelling in today’s world. The episodes often resonate deeply within me. At times I am smiling, laughing, crying, feeling nostalgic. I love how in 7 minutes he can take the listeners on such a journey.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lindsy R
    United States5 months ago
  • Best Storytelling

    IMO, best short form storyteller out there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SKA!!!!!
    United States7 months ago
  • Please let your guest speak

    I was so excited to listen to Noraly (Itchy Boots) and you basically took over the conversation. My first time on your podcast and definitely my last. Bummer.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    MBMG123
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

A few listeners note occasional moments where the host steers the conversation more than desired.
Many feel inspired, moved, or nostalgic after episodes.
Listeners praise the craft, warmth, and emotional resonance of stories.
Audience repeatedly cites high-quality production and intimate storytelling.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#137
United States/Comedy/Improv
Apple Podcasts
#197
Canada/Comedy/Improv
Apple Podcasts
#205
Italy/Comedy/Improv
Apple Podcasts
#145
South Africa/Comedy/Improv
Apple Podcasts
#147
Poland/Comedy/Improv
Apple Podcasts
#160
Russia/Comedy/Improv

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Receipts She Never Threw Away
Q: do you have any favorite stories you know that aren't directly pulled from your life?
The host mentions a story passed down from a family friend, indicating that even though it isn't from the speaker's life, it still resonates with the themes of memory and connection that define the show.
Brad Roberts (Crash Test Dummies): “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” Songwriting, Philosophy & The Stories That Saved Lives | The Storytelling University
Q: Did this whole thing start as a journey into philosophy, or did it start as a journey as an artist and musician?
Roberts notes that while he didn't consciously choose philosophy to enhance his songwriting, his education certainly shaped and influenced his artistry.
The GoFundMe He Never Asked For
Q: Are people geared towards being good?
The host reflects on the notion without providing a definitive answer, expressing hope and instinct around kindness.
Evan Bartels: Songs, Stories, and the Art of Noticing
Q: How necessary is it as a storyteller for you to have experiences where you weren't exactly where you wanted to be?
Such experiences help in realizing what you are and allow you to connect deeper with your art and those around you.
Evan Bartels: Songs, Stories, and the Art of Noticing
Q: Did you always write stories in that way, like sketches from the observations we've been leaning into?
Writing comes from noticing details and experiences, allowing them to reflect in the art you create.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About 7 Minute Stories

What is 7 Minute Stories about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A short-form storytelling show featuring intimate, unscripted personal narratives told in about seven minutes. The host shares memories and experiences from everyday life in the Midwest, often weaving themes of memory, family, technology, and culture into a warm, nostalgic vibe. Episodes frequently spotlight moments of connection, resilience, and human comedy, sometimes featuring corroborating guests to deepen a memory or illustrate a broader truth about storytelling as a craft. A standout trait is the extreme brevity paired with high emotional punch, plus occasional expert or cross-disciplinary guests that broaden the conversation beyond simple reminiscence.

Where can I find podcast stats for 7 Minute Stories?

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How many listeners does 7 Minute Stories get?

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What are the audience demographics for 7 Minute Stories?

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How many subscribers and views does 7 Minute Stories have?

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Which podcasts are similar to 7 Minute Stories?

These podcasts share a similar audience with 7 Minute Stories:

1. The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
2. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!
3. Revisionist History
4. The AI Daily Brief: Artificial Intelligence News and Analysis
5. Real Time with Bill Maher

How many episodes of 7 Minute Stories are there?

7 Minute Stories launched 8 years ago and published 395 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact 7 Minute Stories?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for 7 Minute Stories?

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What guests have appeared on 7 Minute Stories?

Recent guests on 7 Minute Stories include:

1. Rainn Wilson
2. Randall Kenneth Jones
3. James Martin
4. Cori Calafato
5. David Moulton
6. Ani Zonneveld
7. Chad Baxter
8. Brad Roberts

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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