Most podcasters think the magic happens after they hit record — but the truth is, transformation starts long before that moment.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia uncover the single biggest mistake new podcasters make and how to fix it with one simple shift: writing intentional show notes that lead to transformation.

Episode Summary:

Before the first word is spoken, the real work begins. In this conversation, Donna and Ben reveal why skipping the pre-work — specifically, crafting clear and purposeful show notes — is the number one mistake podcasters make before they ever touch the mic.

You’ll discover why show notes aren’t just a recap or transcript, but a cornerstone of transformation for your audience. Donna walks through her five-step framework — Hook, Why, What, How, and Action — while Ben breaks down the psychology and language that make each step connect on a deeper level. Together, they show how thoughtful preparation creates more clarity, more conversions, and more meaningful episodes — all in just 13 minutes at a time.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Show notes are your foundation of transformation. They’re not an afterthought — they’re where clarity begins.

🔹 Hook your listener with curiosity. They listen with their eyes before they ever hear your voice.

🔹 Always explain the “why.” Give them a reason to care and keep listening.

🔹 Provide context and story. The left brain needs data; the right brain needs emotion.

🔹 End with a clear action step. Even if it’s simple — every episode should move listeners forward.

🔹 Your subconscious does the work, too. Writing in advance lets your intuition refine your message.

🔹 Preparation = transformation. The more intention you bring before the mic, the stronger your influence becomes.

Quote from the Episode:

“The show notes are the cornerstone of transformation — the extra work that makes you someone worth listening to.” — Donna Kunde

Your Next Step:

Set aside 13 minutes today to map out your next episode using Donna’s five-step show notes framework: Hook, Why, What, How, Action.

Then visit www.influencersformula.com for templates, support, and mentorship from Donna and Ben.

Your listeners are busy — they decide whether to listen based on your title before they ever hear your voice.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia reveal how to write titles that connect instantly, using the language your audience already speaks and responds to.

Episode Summary:

If your listeners can’t feel seen in your titles, they’ll scroll right past your show. This week, Donna and Ben explore how to create podcast episode titles that not only grab attention but also spark transformation — one 13-minute episode at a time.

They unpack the psychology of “listening with their eyes,” the importance of clear and outcome-driven episode names, and how speaking directly to your audience’s pain points and dreams builds trust. You’ll also learn why “me-focused” titles fall flat, how to research the real language your audience uses, and how to craft titles that convert without being salesy.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Your audience listens with their eyes first. A title must stop the scroll.

🔹 Speak their language, not yours. Use “you” more than “I.”

🔹 Every title should promise transformation — no vague or clever wordplay.

🔹 Research before you record. Talk to your audience and borrow their exact words.

🔹 Conversion isn’t just sales. A click, a comment, or a listen is all forward movement.

🔹 Consistency builds authority. Even when they don’t listen, your brand impression lasts.

Quote from the Episode:

“Your potential listener is listening with their eyes first — so make your titles count.” — Donna Kunde

Your Next Step:

Take the next 13 minutes and write titles that speak directly to your listeners’ hearts and minds.

If you need help refining your messaging or building your roadmap, connect with Donna and Ben at www.influencersformula.com.

You don’t need hours to make an impact — you just need focus, clarity, and intention.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia share how to become a 13-Minute Mentor™ — turning small moments behind the mic into powerful transformation for your listeners.

Episode Summary:

Being someone worth listening to starts with knowing how to make every word matter. In this episode, Donna and Ben reveal how to attract and transform listeners by working smarter, not harder — through the “one in many” principle of leveraged impact.

They walk through the foundation of the 13-Minute Mentor™ method: four simple steps per episode, 13 minutes of focused delivery, and 13 weeks of content that turns into a full year of marketing assets. The result? Instant expertise, sustainable authority, and transformation — for both you and your audience.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Work smarter, not harder. Leverage your existing ideas and assets.

🔹 Transformation happens in 13 minutes at a time — consistency builds trust.

🔹 Use your 13 promises as a framework for creating weekly talking points.

🔹 Strategy + structure = sustainability. This is how your podcast fuels your business.

🔹 Connection first, content second. Speak directly to your audience’s needs.

Quote from the Episode:

“If you can’t put 13 minutes into the transformation you want, I can’t help you.” — Donna Kunde

Your Next Step:

Want to become a 13-Minute Mentor™ and start building your own 13-week season roadmap?

Visit www.influencersformula.com for templates, tools, and support.