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.

A great podcast doesn’t start with a microphone — it starts with meaning.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia show you how to choose a name and season theme that build connection, transformation, and trust with every listener.

Episode Summary:

It’s not about sounding impressive — it’s about becoming someone worth listening to. Donna and Ben dive into the “unsexy” side of podcasting: the structure, planning, and clarity that help your show stand out and your message make a difference.

They walk through how to choose a timeless podcast name, define 13-week season themes, and keep your roadmap aligned with your listener’s journey. When you master the basics, everything else flows — one 13-minute episode at a time.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 “Unsexy” is the secret — the basics are where real success happens.

🔹 Your podcast name never changes; your season themes evolve.

🔹 Know who you serve, what they value, and what makes you different.

🔹 Build authority through consistency — 13 minutes at a time.

🔹 Connection creates growth; research and real conversations build it.

Quote from the Episode:

“Your listeners are trading their most valuable asset — their time. Make every minute count.” — Donna Kunde

Your Next Step:

Create your own roadmap and season plan. Visit www.influencersformula.com for resources, templates, and ways to connect with Donna and Ben.

It’s not enough to create content — you need a clear, repeatable roadmap that makes your message matter.

In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia share how to design your podcast and book strategy for maximum impact, without burnout or guesswork.

Episode Summary:

Donna and Ben reveal the heart of The Influencers Formula™ — a practical system for building a message that transforms both lives and businesses. You’ll discover how to plan, record, and repurpose content in a way that saves time, scales your impact, and builds trust with your audience.

They explain how their 13×4 framework (13 themes × 4 episodes × 13 minutes) turns one season of focus into a full year of content — all built around transformation.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The roadmap removes confusion and replaces it with clarity and flow.

🔹 The 13×4 framework = 52 episodes (a full year of consistent content).

🔹 Leverage your work — one podcast season can become a book, course, or workshop.

🔹 Transformation happens when you take listeners from “point A” to “point Z.”

🔹 Every minute of your listener’s time is valuable — make it count.

Quote from the Episode:

“When you roadmap your message, every minute you share has purpose and impact.” — Donna Kunde

Your Next Step:

Start your own roadmap today. Visit www.influencersformula.com for tools, templates, and resources — and to connect directly with Donna and Ben.

Every entrepreneur has a story. Some of it’s messy, some of it’s beautiful, and most of it’s both. In this episode, Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia talk about how to turn your mess into your message — the lessons, stumbles, and moments of clarity that become the foundation of your influence.

This is where storytelling meets service. You’ll learn the Mess-to-Success Method — a simple five-part framework for shaping your experience into a story that inspires others to take action and say “yes” to themselves.

We also talk honestly about the fears that hold people back — vulnerability, judgment, or feeling like the story isn’t “big enough.” The truth is, your story is exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

🔹 Why 87 percent of entrepreneurs never reach six figures — and what storytelling has to do with it.

🔹 How to become a unique expert by owning your story instead of comparing it.

🔹 The five steps of the Mess-to-Success Method — from snapshot to breakthrough.

🔹 Why empathy begins with listening — and how other people’s stories can amplify your own.

🔹 How to find the “gold” in your hard-earned wisdom and turn it into a living legacy.

🪶 Reflection for This Week:

Take a few minutes to write about a challenge you’ve overcome.

Ask yourself: Where’s the gold in that story?

What did you learn that could help someone else?

🧭 Your Next Step:

Visit InfluencersFormula.com to access resources, see the show notes, and connect with Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia.

You’ll find templates, tools, and encouragement to help you build your message and share it with confidence — one story at a time.

When we first sat down behind the microphones, we thought we were creating a simple roadmap to help entrepreneurs launch their podcasts — something called Business Podcasting Made Easy™. But as the conversations deepened, something else started to emerge: a bigger message about voice, purpose, and legacy.

This first episode marks the beginning of that journey — the one that evolved into The Influencers Formula™.

Join Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia as they talk about why your story matters, what it means to become someone worth listening to, and how your lived experience becomes the foundation for influence that lasts.

It’s part teaching, part reflection, and part real-time case study — a look at what happens when you follow your own process and let it grow into something much bigger than you first imagined.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

🔹 Why influence begins with honesty, not hype.

🔹 The power of sharing the story you’ve actually lived — not the one you think you “should” tell.

🔹 How to become someone worth listening to by walking your own talk.

🔹 Why the best systems evolve — just like this show did.

🔹 The difference between being “the expert” and being your kind of expert.

🪶 Reflection for This Week:

Ask yourself: Which part of my story does the world need right now?

You don’t have to tell it perfectly. Just start where you are.

🌍 Connect & Learn More:

To explore the full evolution — from this first radio season to the book, summit, and podcast system that followed — visit

👉 InfluencersFormula.com

You’ll find tools, workshops, and ways to connect with Donna Kunde and Ben Gioia, co-creators of The Influencers Formula™ — where Podcast Profit System™ and Influence With A Heart® come together to help you grow your message and your impact.